If you’re trying to figure out which part of Africa has the best safaris, you’re not alone. There are dozens of safari regions across the continent, and each one has something unique to offer. Some places are ideal for first-timers looking for an easy, comfortable experience. Others are better suited for off-the-grid wildlife lovers who want raw, remote encounters.
I’ve spent a lot of time researching safaris for my own wildlife art projects, and I’ve come across patterns that will help you narrow things down. You don’t need to visit every country in Africa to find an incredible safari. In fact, most people tend to return to the same regions again and again because of how consistently good they are.
Here’s what I’ve learned about where to go, why it matters, and how to make the most of it.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- Southern Africa offers some of the most accessible, beginner-friendly safaris thanks to well-developed infrastructure and a wide range of accommodation options.
- East Africa is ideal if you want to see the Great Migration or go all-in on classic savanna landscapes with lions, elephants, and wildebeest.
- For fewer crowds and more rugged, wild experiences, Central Africa is a growing destination with unique species and less commercial tourism.
Which Part of Africa Has the Best Safaris?
The best part of Africa for safaris depends on your goals. Southern and Eastern Africa are where most people go, and there’s a reason for that. Both regions offer reliable game viewing, professional guides, and lodges that range from affordable to ultra-luxury.
Central Africa is less developed for tourism but can be rewarding for travelers looking for something different. It’s more logistically challenging, but the remoteness can lead to rare wildlife sightings and meaningful, low-impact travel.
Southern Africa: Reliable, Comfortable, and Varied
Southern Africa includes South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This region has some of the most well-established parks and private reserves. It’s also generally safer and easier to navigate for first-time safari-goers.
- South Africa: Kruger National Park is massive, easy to reach, and has everything from budget-friendly self-drives (as low as $50/day for park entry and car rental) to luxury safari lodges ($300–$1,000+ per night). For more details, see my notes on safaris in South Africa.
- Botswana: This is a high-cost, low-impact safari destination. Expect to pay $600 to $2,000 per night for all-inclusive lodges in the Okavango Delta or Moremi. But the wildlife density and exclusivity are exceptional.
- Namibia: Great for a road trip safari. Etosha National Park has budget-friendly camps ($100–$200/night), and the scenery in places like Sossusvlei and Damaraland adds a surreal layer to wildlife watching.
- Zambia and Zimbabwe: South Luangwa and Hwange offer fantastic game viewing with a more wild, intimate vibe. Walking safaris are a highlight here. Prices range from $300–$700 per night at reputable camps.
If you’re looking for all-inclusive African safari vacations or want to understand how much safaris cost, Southern Africa often gives you more flexibility in budget and style.
East Africa: Classic Big Game and Iconic Landscapes
When most people imagine a safari, they’re picturing East Africa. This region includes Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. It’s known for its sweeping savannas, dramatic animal migrations, and strong wildlife populations.
- Kenya and Tanzania: These are bucket list countries for the Great Migration and Big Five game viewing. The Maasai Mara and Serengeti offer open landscapes and consistent sightings. Mid-range lodges range from $250–$600 per night, while luxury tented camps can exceed $1,000 per night. Park fees add another $70–$100/day.I break down the timing of that event in when is the Great Migration in Africa.
- Uganda and Rwanda: These are top spots for gorilla and chimpanzee tracking. A gorilla permit alone costs around $700 in Uganda and $1,500 in Rwanda. These treks are more physical and involve hiking in dense forest, but the experience is unforgettable.
If you’re thinking about a honeymoon safari or planning a trip with older travelers (African safaris for seniors), East Africa offers well-supported lodges with excellent staff and service.
Central Africa: Wild, Rugged, and Untouched
This region gets far less attention but is worth looking into for travelers who want something outside the norm. Countries like the Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, and parts of Cameroon offer dense forests, rare primates, and less commercialized tourism.
These safaris often focus on forest elephants, lowland gorillas, and rare birds. Lodges and eco-camps are sparse, and logistics are more challenging. Expect to spend upwards of $1,000 per day for guided trips due to limited infrastructure and high transport costs.
You can read more about safaris in the Republic of the Congo or the Democratic Republic of the Congo to get a sense of what’s possible. These aren’t easy destinations, but they offer a level of biodiversity and solitude you won’t find elsewhere.
Safari Priorities That Help You Choose
You don’t need to start with a country. It helps to first know what you want to prioritize: ease of travel, animal diversity, fewer crowds, or rare species. Once you know that, it’s easier to narrow down which part of Africa fits your trip.
If You Want the Easiest Experience
Go with South Africa or Namibia. They have strong infrastructure, paved roads, and more options for DIY or guided safaris. You can self-drive, fly between lodges, or work with operators that handle everything.
If You Want Iconic Wildlife and Landscapes
Start with Kenya or Tanzania. The density of wildlife, variety of parks, and vast savannas make it ideal for classic safari photography and storytelling.
If You Want Fewer People and More Wilderness
Consider Zambia, Botswana, or Gabon. You’ll see fewer vehicles, more wild behavior from animals, and often have sightings all to yourself. These places tend to attract more seasoned safari travelers.
Planning Tips for Your Safari
As someone who draws and researches wildlife, I always recommend a few things when planning:
- Don’t choose only based on price. While it’s possible to do a budget safari, the cheapest trips often involve crowded parks, long drive times, and limited flexibility.
- Look into ecotourism options and the ethics of safaris to support conservation and local communities.
- Some parks are better for sketching and observation than photography. Bring the right camera gear or binoculars depending on how you want to experience the animals.
- If you’re documenting your trip creatively, consider keeping a field sketchbook. You can see how I approach this in my nature journaling section and browse my wildlife drawings for examples.
You can explore a full list of safari regions at my African safari travel hub, where I’ve broken down destinations by country.
Useful Resources for Safari Research
If you’re just starting your planning, the Africa Wildlife Foundation is a great organization doing active conservation work on the ground. Their website is full of region-specific info and updates on species protection and ecotourism projects.
Other helpful starting points:
- What to wear, including hats, shoes, and packing lists.
- Safety, vaccines, and choosing the safest countries to visit.
- Trip types like African safari vacations, hotels, or outfits.
If you’re interested in how I connect travel and drawing, you can also explore my sketchbook and wildlife art pages for more ideas on documenting your journey.
