African Safari Holidays

Table of Contents

• Where can I go on Safari
• A Typical Day on Safari
• Types of Safari Holidays
• How Long are our Safari Holidays
• Safari Tips
• Safari Etiquette
• Choosing a Tour Operator

Which are the best African countries for going on safari?

Africa is synonymous with safaris, offering a myriad of wildlife experiences across a variety of countries. Amongst those available, we've hand picked our top seven below, each offering a unique wildlife experience. For a more focused and off-the-beaten-path safari holiday, you may also wish to consider our African safaris in other countries such as Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Malawi, Rwanda or Uganda.

Kenya

One of Africa's best locations for wildlife lovers, Kenya is home to around 26 national parks and 29 national reserves including the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, a breathtaking game reserve consisting of vast, rolling grasslands where you can expect to see elephant herds, black rhinos, Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelles, topi, eland, big cats and more all in plain sight. For photography enthusiasts, our 10-day Masai Mara Photo Safari tour, led by award-winning wildlife photographer Bret Charman, is the ideal way to explore and photograph the area.

The dramatic and diverse landscapes of the Great Rift Valley can also be found in Kenya, presenting further photography opportunities with volcanoes and lakes as the backdrop. Stretching from the north to the south of the country, the area is filled with exceptional wildlife including giraffe, buffalo, lion, cheetah, oryx and wildebeest which can be enjoyed on our Kenya's Rift Valley Wildlife Photography tour.

If you're torn between the two, why not try an Ultimate Kenya Safari? This tailor-made itinerary takes you from the slopes of Mount Kenya, through the Great Rift Valley, Lake Nakuru National Park and Lake Naivasha, and into the Masai Mara and Lake Victoria.

When is the best time of year to visit Kenya?

Kenya is a year-round destination, but the best time to travel is in the dry season which runs from June to October. Between July and September you may even witness the wildebeest migration from Tanzania's Serengeti National Park to Kenya's Masai Mara and see flamingos in the Rift Valley Lakes!

If you're looking to avoid peak season, visit between January to February for a lull between the short and long rains.

Visit our Kenya Trips page to discover more Kenya itineraries, find out Where to Stay or get more detailed information on When to Go.

Tanzania

Two of the most iconic game viewing destinations in the world lie in Tanzania: Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. Serengeti's vast plains are home to an estimated two million ungulates, 3,000 lions, 1,000 leopards, 550 cheetahs and 500 bird species and the area is renowned for the annual Great Migration of wildebeest. You can witness this fascinating spectacle on our Serengeti Migration Special group tour in August each year.

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa's seven natural wonders and boasts the densest population of predators in Africa as well as almost 30,000 large mammals! For art lovers, our Ndutu Wildlife Art Safari offers the opportunity to witness and sculpt these remarkable species in the company of leading wildlife sculptor Nick Mackman. 

Africa's tallest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, can also be found in Tanzania adding to the appeal of this marvellous safari destination, in addition to Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika and Tarangire National Park.

Best time to visit for a safari in Tanzania

Tanzania is best visited during the long dry season from June to October when wildebeest and zebra begin to head to the Masai Mara, or the shorter dry season from January to March when Serengeti wildebeest and zebra give birth.

Visit our Tanzania Trips page to discover more Tanzania itineraries, find out Where to Stay or get more detailed information on When to Go.

Botswana

Renowned for the Okavango Delta, another of Africa's Seven Natural Wonders, Botswana is teeming with wildlife and offers some of the planet's best game viewing. The delta is an oasis of waterways and lagoons, hemmed by parched desert which attracts 160 species of mammals including Africa's largest population of elephants as well as hippos, sitatunga antelope, red lechwe, wild dogs and lions. For birdwatchers, over 500 species of birds can be found here including Pel’s fishing owl and saddle-billed storks. You can visit the Okavango Delta on many of our Botswana trips including our ever popular Best of Botswana group trip, Heart of the Delta Photo Safari and Classic Botswana Safari.

The nearby Chobe National Park additionally offers rich ecosystems with more huge herds of elephants, wild dogs, lions, pukus, buffalos and more and is also a big part of many of our Botswana tours including our Botswana Photo Safari which visits both the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park.

Best time to visit for a safari in Botswana

Botswana's dry winter between May and October brings some fabulous wildlife opportunities, with herds of elephants and buffalo gathering on the riverfront in Chobe National Park between July and October and the best game viewing in the Okavango Delta taking place from July to August.

To witness the main herbivore breeding season, visit during Botswana's summer months where tsessebe, impala and lechwe give birth in November and migrant bird species arrive for peak breeding season between December to April. This green season brings more rainfall, so the country will be lush and green, and is perhaps best seen on our Kalahari in Bloom itinerary that visits Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Nxai Pan National Park and Makgadikgadi Pans.

Visit our Botswana Trips page to discover more Botswana itineraries, find out Where to Stay or get more detailed information on When to Go.

Namibia

With stunningly diverse landscapes, from towering sand dunes and rugged mountains to shimmering deserts and desolate coastlines, Namibia offers a truly mesmerising safari experience. Visit Etosha National Park, one of Africa's largest protected areas, to see its vast saltpan and permanent waterholes where many animals gather to drink. Among the wildlife you're likely to see here are black-faced impala, Damara dik-dik, eland, greater kudu and springbok, together with lion, leopard, black rhino and even gentle giants like elephant and giraffe.

Other wonderful wildlife hotspots in the area include the lush Caprivi Strip and Walvis Bay, both a paradise for birdwatchers, as well as Damaraland and the Skeleton Coast which are renowned for their desert-adapted elephants and rhinos.

Combining the best wildlife this spectacular country has to offer, our Wonders of Namibia: A Photographic Safari takes you through the diverse landscapes of Namibia, starting in the Okonjima Reserve to photograph mammals such as Damara dik-dik and Hartmann's mountain zebra, plus leopard, cheetah and a variety of endemic bird species, before heading to Etosha National Park, Ongava Private Reserve, Safarihoek and Swakopmund.

For non-photographers, our Namibia: A Wilderness Adventure group tour combines Etosha with the AfriCat Foundation, black rhino tracking in Palmwag and seeing desert-adapted elephants in Damaraland.

Best time to visit for a safari in Namibia

Wildlife viewing is best during Namibia's dry season between May and October, with wildlife concentrated around waterholes between May and September. You can expect clear and sunny days with cooler nights.

Visit our Namibia Trips page to discover more Namibia itineraries, find out Where to Stay or get more detailed information on When to Go.

South Africa

South Africa is blessed with iconic African wildlife, making it an ideal destination for those looking to go on their first safari or have a traditional African safari experience. The world-famous Kruger National Park is one of Africa's largest parks with a size comparable to Wales. It boasts immense biodiversity with 147 mammal, 507 bird, 114 reptile, 34 amphibian and 49 fish species recorded and among these are the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and both southern white and black rhino). Our Natural Highlights of South Africa and Zululand & Eswatini (Swaziland) Self-Drive trip ideas are just a couple of suggestions on how to include this stunning national park on your next safari.

Adjacent to Kruger National Park is Sabi Sands Game Reserve, another Big Five safari destination known for its high leopard population and a general abundance of other wildlife simply waiting to be discovered. Check out our Quintessential Kruger Safari trip idea for a suggested itinerary that visits both Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Game Reserve.

South Africa is home to rare mammals, and we have several itineraries dedicated to locating these including South Africa's Rare Mammals in Style, South Africa's Rare Mammals & Birds and Rare Mammals of the Eastern Cape.

We have two wildlife conservation holidays to South Africa, both in the Kalahari, with one in the green season and another in the dry season. If you want to combine safari and whale watching, our Wildlife of Land & Sea itinerary is ideal.

Best time to visit for a safari in South Africa

Visit South Africa between May and September when dry weather brings animals to gather near watering holes. The weather is cool and comfortable at around 25°C and if you're near the KwaZulu-Natal coast you could even see humpback whales migrating from June to October.

Visit our South Africa Trips page to discover more South Africa itineraries, find out Where to Stay or get more detailed information on When to Go.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe offers a unique and intimate safari experience with fewer crowds than its neighbouring countries, yet its rich wildlife rivals the very best on the continent! The diverse landscapes of the large Hwange National Park are teeming with wildlife including large elephant herds, buffalo, sable, roan, giraffe, wildebeest, impala and gemsbok making for a very rewarding African safari.

There's much to see throughout the rest of the country, including Mana Pools, Matobo Hills, the Zambezi River, Lake Kariba and the thundering Victoria Falls – situated on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

You can join wildlife photographer Bret Charman to photograph Victoria Falls and the wild dogs of Mana Pools National Park on our Mana Pools: Wild Dogs & Elephants Photography tour, where we may be fortunate enough to approach bull elephants on foot as they feed from ana trees.

Best time to visit for a safari in Zimbabwe

Game viewing in Zimbabwe is best as the land gets drier from June to October before the green season begins again in November.

Visit our Zimbabwe Trips page to discover more Zimbabwe itineraries, find out Where to Stay or get more detailed information on When to Go.

Zambia

The birthplace of the walking safari, Zambia is ideal for those seeking an adventurous, authentic and immersive African safari and South Luangwa National Park offers the perfect place to do this! Our Walking in the Heart of Zambia tour offers a magical experience where you can walk amongst fascinating and intriguing wildlife in both the South and North Luangwa National Parks.

Image by Dana Allen

Undoubtedly the jewel of Zambia's national parks, South Luangwa offers verdant plains, beautiful bush camps, walking trails, numerous large animals and the world's highest naturally occurring density of leopard - we've even named an itinerary after these wonderful creatures, called Leopards of Luangwa. If you’re keen on photography, our South Luangwa Photo Safari offers outstanding opportunities to photograph a variety of iconic mammals and birds.

Other Zambian wildlife hotspots include the protected Kafue National Park where you can see tree-climbing lions, the Lower Zambezi National Park with its excellent canoe safaris and the spectacular Victoria Falls. Visit both the Kafue and Lower Zambezi National Parks on our Kafue & Lower Zambezi Photo Safari group tour, or combine Kafue National Park with Victoria Falls with our Scenic Splendour & Wildlife Wonders trip idea.

When is the best time of year to visit Zambia?

May to October is the best time to visit when walking safaris begin and rain subsides. Game moves to the rivers in September and October and buffalo form big herds, however October is very hot with average temperatures of 33°C so be sure to pack your sunscreen! In November, the rains typically arrive, bringing new life to the flora and fauna, with magnificent light for photography.

Visit our Zambia Trips page to discover more Zambia itineraries, find out Where to Stay or get more detailed information on When to Go.

A typical day on safari

A day on safari typically brings a combination of early rises, thrilling wildlife viewing opportunities and some downtime to relax. You can often expect to wake up early, before the sun rises, to venture out on your first game drive while temperatures are cool and animals are at their most active. You may encounter predators hunting during this time and your guide can share insights on their behaviours.

As mid-morning rolls around and temperatures start to rise, you're likely return to your camp or lodge for a bite to eat and a chance to relax around the pool, read a book or enjoy the amenities. In some accommodation you may find birds or monkeys patrolling the area in the hope of pinching some leftovers!

As temperatures begin to cool again you'll likely head out on another game drive. Be sure to bring your camera as this is often the perfect opportunity for some sunset photography as the animals start to get more active again. As dusk approaches, you may even see big cats on the move as they hunt.

Image by Dana Allen

Once you've returned to camp, it's time to enjoy dinner and perhaps even a drink around the campfire where you can marvel at the remarkable sights you've seen earlier that day.

Types of Safari Holidays

Africa Luxury Safari

Take your safari holidays to the next level and get the ultimate immersive wildlife experience by staying in a luxury lodge overlooking private reserves. With incredible wildlife and savannah views as well as high-end amenities, it's the perfect way to relax after a day on safari. Contact our team for recommendations and to start planning your luxury safari.

Safari & Beach Holiday

If you're considering a safari holiday but think you'll miss the feeling of sand between your toes, why not consider a twin-centre safari and beach holiday? Our South Africa & Mozambique - Safari & Beach trip combines the Sabi Sands Game Reserve with the powdery white sands and calm, azure waters of Vilanculos and the Bazaruto Archipelago so you can experience the best of both worlds. Plus, if you time it right you may even be able to enjoy a spot of whale watching!

Migration Safari

Wildlife migrations are one of the Earth's most spectacular natural spectacles, and a migration safari gives you the chance to witness these fascinating seasonal movements of animals. A particular highlight for safari-goers is the Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with zebras, gazelles, antelopes, elands and impalas, move from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya. Find out more about what it's like to experience this incredible event in General Manager Dan Free's personal account of The Great Migration in Africa.

Primate safaris

Witness some of the planet's most intelligent and endangered animals in their natural habitat with a primate-focused safari and learn more about their fascinating human-like behaviours and threatened status. Our Gorillas & Chimps safari takes you trekking in Uganda and Rwanda's forests in search of mountain gorilla and chimpanzee where you can follow and observe them.

Bird watching safaris

Africa is a birdwatcher's paradise with over 2,500 different species of birds recorded on the continent! You can see an incredible diversity of birds including slaty egrets, kori bustards, giant eagle owls and rosy-throated longclaws on our Birds & Mammals of Botswana tour, a plethora of waterbirds, Somali ostrich and Arabian bustard in Ethiopia, white-necked picathartes in Ghana on our Quest for the Picathartes and a fabulous array of endemic birds on our South Africa's Rare Mammals & Birds itinerary.

For those just starting out, try our West African Birdwatch in The Gambia for an ideal introduction to African birdwatching, or see some of Zambia's 400 species of birds at a relaxed pace with our Easy Birding in South Luangwa tour. You can also join one of Kenya's finest bird guides, Wilson ole Kasaine, on a tour of his Kenyan homeland on Kenya's Birds & Wildlife.

Vehicle, river, fly-in or walking safaris

The sky's the limit when it comes to all the different ways you can see wildlife on safari, and with a Fly-in Safari you really can experience African wildlife from the sky! These unique and spectacular safari holidays enable you to visit remote and inaccessible areas and have phenomenal wildlife experiences that wouldn't otherwise be possible.

If you'd prefer to keep your feet firmly on the group, why not consider a Walking Safari to bring you closer to nature than ever before, or a Vehicle Safari for the 'classic' safari experience, giving all-round visibility and fantastic photographic opportunities?

You can even experience wildlife from the water on a River Safari, offering a peaceful way to explore from an entirely different perspective and often at a totally slower pace.

Photography safaris

Whether you're a professional wildlife photographer or simply want to make those magical moments last forever, a photography safari can provide the perfect combination of wildlife viewing, exceptional photography opportunities and expert tuition.

We have an array of wildlife photography trips across many African countries including chances to photograph the wildlife of the Okavango Delta in Botswana, Masai Mara in Kenya or famous national parks in Zambia, photograph Victoria Falls during the golden hour on our Zimbabwe Mana Pools: Wild Dogs & Elephants Photography trip, or even take photos of South African wildlife at night with our Zimanga - Wildlife & Night Sky Photography tour.

Which African country has the best photography safari?

Each African country offers unique landscapes and wildlife, so the best African country will depend entirely on what you'd like your subject to be. If you're looking to photograph iconic wildlife and the Great Migration try a photography safari in Tanzania, for biodiversity and scenic landscapes a photography safari in Kenya could be best for you.

Tailor-made & group safaris

A group tour is an excellent way to experience a safari with other like-minded travellers. You'll have a knowledgeable guide who will know where and when to find the best wildlife opportunities and can help you understand their behaviours. At Wildlife Worldwide we offer an extensive range of small group safari tours in Africa to suit all budgets. Typically we restrict our tours to just eight participants to offer you the best safari experience.

If you'd prefer more flexibility on your safari holiday, you may like to consider a tailor-made safari. These can be tailored to you to suit your preferred choice of dates, accommodation and activities. Our expert team will work with you to design the ideal tailor-made wildlife holiday for you. You can choose the species and where to visit, add some relaxation or cultural highlights and we'll help put together your perfect safari itinerary.

How long are our safari holidays?

Whether you're looking for a whistle-stop tour of some of the best wildlife Africa has to offer, or an ultimate safari spanning multiple African countries, we offer a variety of safari holidays ranging from our 6-day Big Cat Weekend all the way up to a 37-day Classic Africa Explorer combining stops in Kenya, Rwanda, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa for an unforgettable wildlife experience!

Tips

A safari holiday is an exciting adventure, but to help ensure you have a smooth trip, there are a few practical tips we'd recommend. This includes planning well in advance to give you time to research and book. Popular locations, accommodation and tours can book up fast!

Where & When to Visit

It's important to choose a destination and time of year carefully to maximise your chances of seeing what you're hoping to see on safari. Generally June to October is Southern Africa's dry season and makes wildlife easier to see as they gather around waterholes. However the green season during November to May can bring fewer crowds, lusher landscapes and a different type of wildlife experience as it's birthing season for many species. Each destination will bring different experiences at different times of year so check before you book!

Budgeting & costs

An African safari is possible on a variety of budgets depending on the destination, time of year and type of accommodation you choose, but you may need to factor in the cost of flights and transfers, accommodation, park fees, safari activities, game drives and meals. When you book African safari packages with Wildlife Worldwide, these are typically included in the price in addition to guidance from our expert sales team, making it easy to ensure you don't go over budget and saving you money compared to booking everything individually.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly holiday, consider sharing a safari with like-minded travellers on one of our group tours to significantly reduce the cost, or opt for a self-drive safari. You could also consider a camping safari, travelling off-season, or to lesser-known destinations. Zambia and Zimbabwe offer fantastic safaris at a lower cost than some of the more famous parks in Kenya or Tanzania.

For a luxury experience, consider a stay in an all-inclusive luxury lodge on an exclusive game reserve and hire a private guide for a personal, in-depth game drive. Some accommodation options also include spa treatments, gourmet dining or special safari activities to enhance your experience.

What to Pack

Clothing and accessories: We recommend packing an assortment of lightweight and comfortable clothing, and footwear, in neutral tones to stay cool and camouflaged during the hot days, as well as a light jacket or other layers for the cooler evenings. It's sensible to bring some long-sleeved tops and trousers to help protect against insect bites and sunburn, as well as some sunglasses and a hat to protect against the sun.

Toiletries and first aid: As well as your usual personal hygiene items, you should bring sunscreen (minimum SPF 30+) to protect against sunburn, mosquito repellent and malaria tablets if recommended for the region you're travelling to. If necessary you may also need to pack your vaccination certificate.

Safari extras: Consider bringing some binoculars and a camera to enhance your wildlife viewing experience both in the moment and back at home!

Safari Etiquette

To ensure your own safety as well as the safety of the wildlife, it's important to listen carefully to your safari guide and follow their instructions. We advise against ever trying to touch, feed or approach wild animals, and suggest that you speak softly and avoid sudden movements or flash photography to prevent startling the animals.

Be considerate of other guests by not blocking their view, and be mindful of locals in their community. You should always ask before photographing people as some prefer not to be photographed.

It's also important to be patient on a safari, the best wildlife experiences will happen in their own time, so sit back, relax and enjoy the journey!

Choosing a Tour Operator

Once you've decided an African safari is the right holiday for you, it's time to choose a tour operator. With these tips you can book with confidence before you embark on your wildlife adventure of a lifetime.

Expertise and knowledge: A well-established tour operator with experience in African safari holidays will mean they're more reliable and understanding. At Wildlife Worldwide, we have over 30 years of experience creating small group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and are constantly researching and travelling to the locations we offer, so you're in safe hands! We also only choose to work with expert tour leaders who have a wealth of wildlife and leadership knowledge to give you a first-class experience.

Complete financial protection: Choose an ATOL and ABTOT protected tour operator to ensure you're protected financially in case anything goes wrong. We have both, giving you that all-important financial protection.

Commitment to responsible travel: A responsible tour operator for African safari holidays will ensure their trips have a minimal impact on the environment, promote wildlife conservation and support and respect local communities. When you book a holiday with us, we'll include a donation to wildlife conservation and over the years we've supported a range of wildlife charities including Conservation South Luangwa.

Browse all our wildlife holidays to Africa or contact our team today to find out more about us or any of our holidays. Alternatively, for more inspiration, take a look at our safaris using our holiday search tool.