16 of the best safaris in Africa The Times Heather Richardson, Safari expert 16 of the best safaris in Africa There's a reason a safari is top of so many wish lists — there's nothing like it. But which place is right for you? Our expert shares her top picks, from big-name parks to wild private reserves Etosha National Park in Namibia Alamy Heather Richardson , Safari expert Monday October 19 2026, 5.00am BST , The Times Listen 0:00 / · 15:39 min Share Share this article Email Twitter Facebook Link Save A n African safari is, for most people, a holiday reserved for special occasions — the kind of trip that has often been longed for. So it's little wonder that narrowing down where to go can feel stressful. After all, Africa's an enormous continent (as the newly UN-backed world map will accurately show) and its safari spots can vary widely in terms of terrain, wildlife and price. Landscapes range from the vast plains of the Serengeti in Tanzania to the rolling hills of Zululand in South Africa. The Okavango Delta in Botswana is notoriously pricey, while Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe and Kruger in South Africa offer more options for those on a budget. I've been on safaris all over the continent, from South Africa — where I've been based since 2017 — to Rwanda and the Republic of the Congo. I've stayed in swanky luxury lodges and basic bush camps, done hand-held guided tours and taken solo self-drive trips during which I've witnessed the surprising hardiness of a Suzuki Swift. I've included some of my favourite places in this guide. On one trip to Zululand, for example, I spent the morning swimming alongside dolphins in Sodwana Bay before returning to Phinda Private Game Reserve to enjoy G&T sundowners while I watched lions prepare for a night of hunting — the kind of day you don't forget. Most commented 1 Trump claims to be 'negotiating peace' as rift with Zelensky deepens Russia-Ukraine war 104 comments 2 Third of investors ready to stop UK spending after budget Politics 58 comments 3 Douglas Dunn obituary: Scottish poet and academic Obituaries 7 comments 4 The beauty expert's all-time favourite hair products Beauty 7 comments 5 'We're 34 — we can't wait to start being landlords' Property & Home 3 comments Like many parts of the world, overtourism here can be a problem. The Masai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania are increasingly under pressure to control tourism, especially around the banks of the Mara River, where the Great Migration wildebeest herds cross. I'd advise visiting outside the peak season, which stretches from June or July until October, for the best experience — the herds are there all year. But there are also dozens of parks and private reserves across Africa that don't struggle with crowds. Countries with established safari sectors such as Zambia still remain slightly off the beaten track — and even a park as popular as Kruger has its quieter northern reaches. You'll find a mix of the big-hitters and low-key wilder spots in the list below — hopefully, there's something for everyone. Top stories 1 Caitlin Moran: People hate me, my hair, my face, my feminism Life 2 Clodagh McKenna: I always get up at 6am on holiday. I love the calm Inspiration 3 13 of the best affordable hotels in New York New York City 4 The Marylebone pop-up for Christmas-maxxers LUXX 5 The best luxury gifts for Christmas 2026 LUXX All recommendations within this article are informed by independent expert editorial opinion. This article contains affiliate links and links to our in-house travel agency, Times Holidays, all of which will earn us revenue. Editors' choice Best for first-timers Kruger National Park, South Africa Best for luxury Okavango Delta, Botswana Best for value Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe Best all-rounder Serengeti, Tanzania Best for going off the beaten track Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique Best for unique wildlife Laikipia, Kenya Best for families Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa How to book Click the “Book now” button to start organising your trip with our in-house travel agency Times Holidays or one of our affiliate partners Meet our expert Heather Richardson is a British freelance journalist who moved to Cape Town, South Africa, in 2017. She has spent the years since then travelling around the continent for work and leisure, writing about African safaris, city travel, road trips and hiking for UK and US publications. Advertisement 1. Zululand, South Africa A Cape buffalo in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park Getty Images Best for activity options Top stories 1 Caitlin Moran: People hate me, my hair, my face, my feminism Life 2 The beauty expert's all-time favourite hair products Beauty 3 Tony Hadley: Fans still threw their knickers on stage after I became a dad Parenting 4 New The ten companies fund managers think will make them billions Saving & Investing 5 New 'Mum is dating a fraudster. What can I do?' Family Finances This part of northern KwaZulu-Natal in eastern South Africa has several safari reserves of rolling hills and thick bush, home to the big five, plus cheetahs and other hard-to-spot creatures, such as pangolins (which you can easily find at &Beyond Phinda and Mayoni reserves, because they're fitted with satellite tracking devices as part of a rehabilitation project). Another part of this area's appeal is how close you are to other attractions, such as the battlefields of the Anglo-Zulu War, and Sodwana Bay, one of the country's best spots for diving. Make it happen Babanango Game Reserve has lodges to suit a range of budgets, including Zulu Rock Lodge, which has epic views from its hilltop perch. Audley Travel can arrange a tailor-made package to the family-friendly &Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge. You can expect plush interiors, exciting encounters and the chance for community experiences. 2. Kruger National Park, South Africa An African elephant in Kruger National Park Alamy Best for leopard spotting Advertisement In the far northeast of South Africa, the Kruger is the most popular safari destination of them all. In addition to superb wildlife viewing — especially for leopards, which are often hard to spot but tend to be extraordinarily nonchalant around vehicles here — it has great tourism infrastructure, including good roads for self-drive safaris. There are basic self-catering facilities or super-luxury lodges in the Kruger's private reserves — something for most budgets. It can be very busy, but travelling in the shoulder or low seasons will help, as might venturing to the less-visited north of the park, where there are great walking trails, big baobabs and fever tree forests. Make it happen Among the best luxury lodges on the continent, Malewane Lodge at Royal Malewane is for the stylish safari-goer. There are eight spacious suites in a private reserve bordering the national park. The food and wine are excellent too. Following the fascinating Panorama Route from Johannesburg, G Adventures' six-night Explore Kruger National Park tour also takes in Karongwe Private Game Reserve and includes game drives, visits to wildlife sanctuaries and a bush boma (a traditional, outdoor dinner). Best safaris in South Africa 3. Akagera National Park, Rwanda A yawning hippo in the wetlands of Akagera National Park Getty Images Best for birding Advertisement Akagera National Park, on the border of Rwanda and Tanzania, is something of a conservation success story. Since 2010 the area has been restored from its previously degraded state and it is now inhabited by thousands of animals, including reintroduced lions and black rhinos. Akagera is a patchwork of wetlands, lakes, savannahs and woodlands — a geographically beautiful park full of fascinating wildlife, including the very rare shoebill stork. Make it happen The 60-room SALT of Akagera is a five-star hotel with family rooms in the national park, overlooking Lake Ihema. Scott Dunn's Highlights of Rwanda tour includes a three-night stay in one of the plush tented suites at Wilderness Magashi camp on the banks of Lake Rwanyakazinga. You'll also visit Volcanoes National Park for the chance to spot gorillas. Travel newsletter Your weekly round-up of the best travel inspiration, guides, hotel reviews and advice from our experts. Sign up with one click You've successfully signed up to the Travel newsletter Explore our newsletters An error occurred. Please use the link below. Travel newsletter Explore our newsletters 4. Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo Explore rivers and bais in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park getty images Best for adventure travellers In the northwest of the Republic of Congo (not to be confused with its much larger neighbour, the Democratic Republic of Congo), Odzala-Kokoua National Park is a protected area of the Congo Basin. On a trip here, you can kayak down rivers, wade through bais — flooded forest clearings — and take game drives around the park, spotting forest elephants and buffalos, antelopes, chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys and nearly 450 bird species. It's also home to western lowland gorillas, which you can visit on a dedicated hike from Ngaga Lodge. Advertisement Make it happen Kamba Africa operates three camps in Odzala and runs tours between their properties, ranging from seven to 11 nights. kambaafrica.com Journeys by Design can plan a 16-night itinerary that includes five nights in Odzala before stays in Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park and Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve in the Central African Republic. journeysbydesign.com 5. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania A zebra in Ngorongoro Getty Images Best for wildlife density Advertisement This inactive, ancient caldera is — at 610m (2,000ft) deep and spanning 100 square miles — one of the world's most dramatic landscapes for viewing wildlife. There are elephants, critically endangered black rhinos, lions and flocks of flamingos. There are not only safaris in and around the crater, but also hikes and visits to nearby Masai villages. The crater does get crowded, especially at the peak of the dry season from June to September; wetter weather during the low season in Tanzania means smaller crowds and better rates, though conditions are less favourable. Make it happen Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge is a smart, comfortable hotel with 20 private log cabins, a pool and a spa — and it's minutes from the entrance gate of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Abercrombie & Kent have their own classic tented camp along the forested edge of the Ngorongoro Crater. As well as the big five, there is incredible birdlife and opportunities to visit local Masai communities. Best safari camps and lodges in Tanzania 6. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia Giraffes in South Luangwa National Park Alamy Best for walking safaris The wildlife viewing at South Luangwa is among the best in Africa , particularly for big cats and elephants. You can spot rare subspecies unique to the area, such as Thornicroft's giraffes, too. The park — and Zambia generally — is renowned for walking safaris. So if you're keen to explore the bush on foot, whether for a day or on an epic fly-camping adventure , this is the place for you. The Luangwa River attracts large numbers of animals during the dry season, the most popular time to visit. Be aware that many lodges close for the wettest months, between December and March. Make it happen A popular little spot just outside South Luangwa National Park, Flatdogs Camp used to be a backpackers' base and retains a relaxed, friendly vibe. Hayes & Jarvis has a six-night Zambia Camping Safari in South Luangwa. It kicks off with a stay at Nkwali base camp before a drive north to the game-rich Mupamadzi River, which the tour follows for five days, making use of a mobile camp and on the lookout not only for the big five but also aardvarks, servals, civets and more. 7. Nyerere National Park, Tanzania Hippos in Lake Manze, Nyerere National Park Getty Images Best for boat safaris In southern Tanzania , Nyerere is the country's largest national park — and one of its newest. It was formerly the northern section of the massive Selous Game Reserve, until 2019, when the area was designated a national park. The best wildlife viewing is around the Rufiji River — leisurely boat safaris are a highlight — and the park has populations of lions, elephants, hippos, critically endangered black rhinos and wild dogs. As an added bonus, Nyerere — and the south of Tanzania generally — receives a mere fraction of the tourist numbers at the northern parks. Make it happen Serena Mivumo River Lodge stands on the banks of the Rufiji, with 12 elevated chalets overlooking the water. Roho Ya Selous is a boutique tented camp offering walking and boat safaris, fishing trips, birdwatching and plenty of chances to spot rare wildlife. 8. Etosha National Park, Namibia A black rhino in Etosha National Park Getty Images Best for self-drive safaris While the density of its wildlife is much lower than in other parts of Africa, Namibia makes up for it with its breathtaking desert landscapes. In the north of the country, Etosha National Park is its most popular safari destination. The best time to visit is during the dry months, when animals gather at the water: there are lots of elephants, plus giraffes and lions — and it's possible to see black rhinos too. The Etosha Pan, the focal point of the park, is a huge saltpan where mammals and birds such as flamingos gather. You can drive here from the capital, Windhoek, or take a scenic light aircraft flight — either option reveals some of the country's huge, open landscapes. Make it happen On the edge of Etosha National Park, Encounter by Ongava is home to nine spacious tents with open-air showers and private decks. It's in a private rerserve where you can go on bush walks and after-dark game drives. Get the best of all worlds on a 12-night, self-drive trip across Namibia with Kuoni. Starting in Windhoek, you'll cross the Namib desert and coastal Swakopmund before spending three days in Etosha. 9. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania Blue wildebeest and zebras in the Serengeti Alamy Best for big, open plains The vast plains of the Serengeti, in northern Tanzania, feature prominently in nature documentaries for good reason. Not only is it a striking landscape, but it's home to incredible wildlife, most of which is extremely habituated to tourists. Watch cheetahs scan for prey from atop a termite mound or park up next to a leopard chowing down on its kill in a tree. The Great Migration wildebeest herds stop to graze and give birth to their young in the south of the park from around January to March; from June, you can see them crossing the river as they move between the Serengeti and the Masai Mara on their cyclical journey. Make it happen In the south of the park, Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp has glorious views across the plains. The 12 tents have private decks and side panels that can be rolled up to take in the surroundings. For a luxury experience, eight-room Singita Faru Faru Lodge (in the Grumeti Reserve, to the west of the Serengeti) is a stylish pick with Scandi-leaning design and fantastic food. 10. Laikipia, Kenya Rare black leopards live in Laikipia getty images Best for rare wildlife In central Kenya , the Laikipia plateau is a less-visited alternative to the Masai Mara, with a different appeal. The landscape is open and rolling, with views of the jagged peaks of Mount Kenya. The various reserves in this area are home to the big five — including many black rhinos and the last two northern white rhinos, which live at Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The region also has wild dogs, rare black leopards and unique subspecies such as the reticulated giraffe and Grevy's zebra. Make it happen A mid-range option in Ol Pejeta, Sweetwaters Serena Camp is a solid choice for travellers looking for comfort without blowing the bank. Get up close to white and black rhinos at family-owned Solio Lodge in the heart of Laikipia. This stylish stay is on Solio Ranch — one of the first private conservancies in Kenya — which can be explored by foot, on mountain bike or horseback or in a game vehicle. scottdunn.com The best Kenya safaris 11. Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa A lion in the Madikwe Game Reserve Getty Images Best for family adventures Close to the border with Botswana, Madikwe is a scenic reserve with rolling hills and rust-orange sand. It is home to the big five and other animals such as wild dogs. Madikwe is a great option for families, as it's malaria-free and many of the properties are geared to hosting children, with fun activities and private villas. You can also drive from Johannesburg, which cuts down on the expense of light-aircraft flights. Make it happen Madikwe Safari Lodge is a luxury option in the reserve, with 20 suites (including some family suites with bunk beds) and a three-bedroom villa. Stays at the community-owned Aha Thakadu River Camp come with two drives a day and your accommodation is in classic tented suites. 12. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe Cheetahs in Hwange National Park Getty Images Best for affordable safaris Hwange National Park is one of the best and most popular safari destinations in Zimbabwe, with a diverse range of wildlife. Animals you might spot here include lions, wild dogs, leopards and cheetahs; Hwange is also home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa. In private concessions, you can take walking safaris in addition to game drives. And the park benefits from excellent guides (there's a rigorous qualification programme in Zimbabwe). Hwange is easily combined with Victoria Falls, which is only about two to three hours away by road, and you can do budget-friendly self-drive safaris, staying in the park's rest camps. Make it happen With seven large, tented suites, Somalisa Camp is one of the best spots in Hwange. Elephants are known to enter the camp during the day and you can watch them drink from the pool or cool off at the waterhole. Bomani Tented Lodge is an authentic and affordable choice where guides specialise in walking safaris — though you'll get morning and night-time drives too. Best affordable African safari holidays 13. Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe Explore the Zambezi by canoe in Mana Pools National Park Alamy Best for a sense of remoteness On the banks of the Zambezi River, Mana Pools feels wilder and quieter than most safari destinations in southern Africa. The name means “four” in Shona, referring to the four main pools that make up the park. As well as lions and wild dogs, Mana Pools is known for elephants that have learned to stand on their hind legs to reach higher branches. Explore the river by canoe or take a bush walk during the dry season (in the wettest months, from December to March, parts of the park are inaccessible and lots of properties close). Make it happen With ten tented suites in a private reserve, Wilderness Ruckomechi gives guests a sense of exclusivity and remoteness. Don't miss the opportunity to sleep under the stars. wildernessdestinations.com Audley's epic Classic Zimbabwe Explorer tour takes you from Hwange National Park to Mana Pools National Park, where you'll stay at the remote Kanga Camp for three nights. The itinerary also includes a visit to Victoria Falls. 14. Okavango Delta, Botswana An elephant in the Okavango Delta Getty Images Best for luxe escapism The Okavango Delta is one of the most beautiful and wildlife-rich areas in Africa. In northern Botswana, it is fed by floodwaters from Angola between May and October. This is the time when visitors can explore the reed-lined waterways by mokoro (a traditional canoe), a particularly special experience. There are a number of reserves in the delta and tourism is controlled so it feels wild and remote; it's also the most expensive place to go on safari. But the wildlife viewing is exceptional: buffalo-hunting lions, wild dogs sprinting through the bush, hippos cooling off in the water, elephants browsing acacias — and it's a great birding destination. Make it happen Vumbura Plains is one of the fanciest camps in the delta and in a really good spot for wildlife sightings, particularly big cats. Intrepid's nine-night Okavango Experience includes a two-night stay in the delta region, camping in a super-remote spot for a wild safari experience. 15. Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique An African elephant in Gorongosa National Park Alamy Best for getting off the beaten track In the centre of Mozambique, Gorongosa National Park — once a safari destination favoured by the rich and famous — fell off the tourism radar during the country's civil war, which ended in 1992. A decades-long conservation and community development project has reintroduced tourism alongside a slew of other endeavours, from multiple scientific research studies to other revenue generators such as coffee farming. Visiting Gorongosa is a very cool opportunity to discover a safari destination in development (helping with habituation of wildlife, for example), see how a place can recover and explore the breadth of possibilities within and around a national park. Make it happen Muzimu Lodge is the flagship safari property, a tented camp (not suitable for under-12s) on the banks of the Mussicadzi River. gorongosasafaris.com A stay at the three-star Montebelo Gorongosa Lodge puts you in the heart of this fascinating region, as part of a Responsible Travel tailor-made holiday in Mozambique that also takes in the country's beaches and historic sites. responsibletravel.com 16. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya Masai Mara National Reserve Alamy Best for a romantic holiday The Masai Mara, in southwest Kenya, is renowned for the beauty of its rolling savannah grasslands, the density of its wildlife populations and, between July and October, the great wildebeest herds that thunder across the Mara River. Big cats — lions, cheetahs and leopards — are prolific. Wildlife is habituated and easy to find. The key to enjoying your time in the Mara is avoiding the crowds — that means finding a great guide or paying a little extra to stay in one of the private community-run conservancies around the edges of the national park. For honeymooners or couples, romantic activities abound, from flights in hot-air balloons at dawn to Out of Africa -style picnics. Make it happen The high-end Cottar's 1920s Camp is in a private conservancy — great for uncrowded wildlife sightings — and is a long-established camp in the Mara. cottars.com Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) started life in Kenya in 1962, so the firm knows a thing or two about this incredible country. Their tour of the Masai Mara and Ol Pejeta Conservancy gets you into the heart of it, and you'll be staying at A&K's refined camps along the way. When is the best time to go on safari? In most of southern and eastern Africa, the dry season runs from June to October. The advantage of the dry season is that wildlife tends to congregate around waterholes and the foliage is sparser, making animals easier to see. This is typically considered the best time to travel. But the rainy season can be better for landscape photography and birding (as migratory birds are in the south); it's also a quieter and generally cheaper time to travel. What should I bring on safari? A guided tour in Laikipia Alamy Pack comfortable clothes in relatively neutral shades (very bright colours can frighten animals) and layers — mornings and evenings can be chilly enough for a hat and gloves, but by 10am it'll be T-shirt weather. Bring sturdy, closed-toe footwear if you'll be walking, as well as a hat, sunglasses and suncream. Photographers will want their longest lenses, but plenty of people do fine with their smartphones. Binoculars are very useful, though guides often have pairs to share. Do I need a guide on a safari? A good guide will definitely enhance your safari experience — and in many places, you'll need one. Places such as Kruger are great for self-driving (even without a 4×4) and the wildlife is abundant enough to find without a professional. But for walking or night driving, you will always need a qualified guide. Read our full guide to adventure holidays Additional reporting by Qin Xie We regularly reassess and refresh this list, adding the latest advice and inspiration Have you been on a memorable safari in Africa? Please share your experience in the comments below Travel Destinations Africa South Africa Rwanda Safari holidays Share Share this article Email Twitter Facebook Link Save