African safari: 10 destinations to go to (where & when?)

Africa offers a lot of breath-taking adventure with thousands of wildlife, birds for bird lovers, lakes and rivers, mountains, valleys, beaches and many more attraction that will serve you to your satisfaction. Below we have given you various tour destinations with the activities that you can perform basing on your choice and interests while on African safari.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Overview of Serengeti- African safari

The Serengeti in Tanzania is one of the most iconic parks throughout Africa. Mostly known for its great migration that goes up to Masai mara of Kenya. It is a home to Africa’s big five which is lion, elephant leopard, rhinoceros and African buffalo.it also offer different bird species game drive and so on.

Wildlife of Serengeti- African safari

The park is home to the “Big Five” of Africa which include lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros. It is also a home to cheetahs, giraffes, and over 500 different bird species. The Great Wildebeest Migration is a highlight, with dramatic Masai river crossings that result into predator-prey interactions.

Best Time to Visit Serengeti – African safari

The best time to witness the Great Migration of wildebeest is from June to October during dry season. While the calving season between January and February will offer you a chance to witness the newborn wild animals.

Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Overview

As an extension of Serengeti, the Masai Mara offers similar wildlife experiences with its own unique charm but this time from Kenya in Masai region. Mara river cut through the reserve hence the name Masai Mara. This famous River offers a stage for another famous great migration. This is a peak of the migration where predator-prey interaction is witnessed

Wildlife of Masai Mara – African safari

 

Masai Mara, like Serengeti is also a home to the “big five” of Africa but with its unique charming. The reserve also hosts large populations of elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species.

Best Time to Visit

the peak time comes between June and October during the great migration. However, the Mara offers excellent wildlife viewing and birdwatching year-round.

Kruger National Park, South Africa – African safari

Overview

The park is one of the oldest parks in Africa with various wildlife. The park’s infrastructure has been properly developed which provides a great experience for game drive

Wildlife

It is home to the Big Five, along with cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species. The park’s diverse habitats support numerous other mammals, reptiles, and insects which will give you a great experience regardless of your choice.

Best Time to Visit

The dry winter months (May to September) are ideal for wildlife viewing, as this period brings animals closer to water sources for greater viewing. If you are a bird lover plan your travel in summer months of October to April as this period provides a greater view.

Okavango Delta, Botswana African safari

Overview

The Okavango Delta is a unique and expansive inland delta, offering a different type of safari experience from the one we have mentioned above. With its water ways, the delta is best explored using motorboats

Wildlife

The delta is teeming with wildlife, including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, lions, leopards, and a different bird species. The diverse habitats support species adapted to both water and land like crocodile.

Best Time to Visit

For wildlife lover, dry season of May to October is the best time to visit the delta as animals gather near water sources. The delta’s flood season (June to August) offers unique water-based safari experiences for those interested in water experience.

Chobe National Park, Botswana – African safari

Overview

Chobe is renowned for its massive elephant population which is one of Africa’s “Big five” and the Chobe River, which attracts large numbers of wildlife since it provides them with water. The park offers both land and water-based safari experiences. So the option is yours to choose what is for you.

Wildlife

Chobe is home to one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa. Other notable species include lions, leopards, buffaloes, hippos, and a variety of antelope species and bird species.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season is always between May and October. This is the ideal time for elephant viewing along the river. The wet season of November to April brings a chance to watch birds and lush landscapes.

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania – African safari

Overview

The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage. The Crater is located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The crater is a large volcanic caldera with over 30.000 mammals and stunning landscapes.

Wildlife

The crater floor is home to a high density of wildlife, including the Big Five, wildebeest, zebras, and hippos. The area is also known for its black rhino population and flamingos in the soda lakes.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season of June to October will offer you an excellent game viewing. However, the crater can be visited year-round, with each season providing a different perspective like during wet season bird viewing experience will be excellent.

Etosha National Park, Namibia – African safari

Overview

Etosha is known for its vast salt pan, this attracts wildlife during the rainy season. The park offers unique landscapes and bird watching.

Wildlife

Etosha hosts a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and several endangered species like the black rhino. The waterholes attract large congregations of animals and birds that will give a variety of attractions.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season of May to October is the best time for game viewing as animals gather around waterholes as they are looking for water. The rainy season of November to April will bring lush scenery and birdwatching opportunities that you will remember.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda – African safari

Overview

Bwindi is famous for its endangered mountain gorilla population and offers a unique trekking experience in dense rainforest of Bwindi. The park’s rugged terrain and rich biodiversity make it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts with a number of birds species also finds their home there.

Wildlife

Bwindi is home to approximately half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Other species include chimpanzees, forest elephants, and numerous bird species also call Bwindi home.

Best Time to Visit

Gorilla trekking is available year-round, but the dry seasons (June to August and December to February) offer the best conditions for trekking but with high permit demand

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia – African safari

Overview

South Luangwa is known for its walking safaris, which offer an intimate and immersive wildlife experience. The park’s diverse habitats support a rich array of wildlife and bird watching.

Wildlife

The park is home to large populations of elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and predators such as lions and leopards. It’s also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 400 species recorded in the park.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season (May to October) is ideal for wildlife viewing, particularly around water sources. The wet season (November to April) offers lush scenery and birdwatching opportunities.

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe – African safari

Overview

Hwange is Zimbabwe’s largest national park and offers diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. The park is known for its large elephant herds and excellent game viewing opportunities.

Wildlife

Hwange hosts the Big Five, along with cheetahs, wild dogs, and numerous other mammal and bird species. The park’s waterholes attract large numbers of animals.

Best Time to Visit – African safari

The dry season (July to October) is the best time for game viewing as animals gather around waterholes. The wet season (November to April) brings lush landscapes and birdwatching opportunities.

Conclusion – African safari

Africa’s safari destinations offer a diverse range of experiences, from the vast savannas of the Serengeti and Masai Mara to the lush wetlands of the Okavango Delta and the dense rainforests of Bwindi. Each location provides unique opportunities to witness the continent’s incredible wildlife and landscapes. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of the Great Migration, the tranquility of water-based safaris, or the adventure of trekking with gorillas, Africa has a safari experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories. When planning your safari, consider the best times to visit each destination to maximize your wildlife viewing opportunities and overall experience.