Best Safaris in Africa for First Timers

The best safaris in Africa are an immersive experience. Whether it’s chance encounters with the mighty Big 5 animals (lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo and rhinos), or soaking in the raw natural beauty that surrounds you, “bucket list” is the only way to describe what is waiting on our Safari Adventures.

Now the real question is, where should you go? We’re here to help you decide which of the best places in Africa for first-timers suits you the most, giving you a taste of what to expect in each of our hand-picked destinations. Let’s go into the wild.

South Africa

Iconic for a reason, South Africa offers the dream itinerary for travellers who want a taste of safari life whilst still craving variety. It’s effortless to imagine your perfect adventure ends here when each day can feel completely different to the next. Where else can you savour world-famous vineyards, sun-drenched coast and epic African wilderness all in one place?

Why Choose a Safari in South Africa?

Eastern Cape 🌊

Elephants, penguins and diverse ocean life are just the start of encounters that you can have at the Eastern Cape. And if there is one thing better than visiting, it has to be getting hands-on with our South Africa Big 5 Conservation Project. Enjoy 2 to 6 weeks of daily game drives, plus free weekends to explore as your heart desires.

Curious to know what it’s like to work alongside wildlife? Check out our A Day In The Life: Volunteering with Wildlife in South Africa, where we answer your biggest questions.

Kruger National Park 🦁

Kruger National Park offers one of the largest game drives in Africa. You’re absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to wildlife, from lions to hippo, giraffes and even the occasional rhino. This is your quintessential safari experience.

Add on Eswatini ✅

Why not combine your South Africa travels with some time in Eswatini? Welcome to Africa’s smallest country, a landlocked nation that lets you go completely off the beaten track, from bush walks to sunset game drives.

Best Time to Visit South Africa

May to October is one of the best times to visit South Africa on a safari. The dry season welcomes in cooler temperatures, and you’re more likely to find wildlife by the watering holes. For those interested in marine life, July to November is the country’s whale-watching season.

Planning a trip between November and April? This is South Africa’s most popular travel season with gorgeous summer temperatures on the horizon, perfect for enjoying a few beach days to top off your safari trip.

Tanzania

It’s almost unfair how stunning Tanzania is. Get ready to fall in love each day you spend inside this mesmerising country, from early morning game drives in the Serengeti to camping under the stars at the Ngorongoro Crater. Add in a Mount Kilimanjaro trek or Zanzibar island-hopping - you’ve got the adventure of a lifetime on your hands.

Why Choose a Safari in Tanzania?

Serengeti National Park 🦓

The Serengeti makes the top 3 for Africa’s most iconic national parks. It’s home to the Great Migration, where over 2 million wildebeest and zebras trek across the continent from Kenya to Tanzania.

Ngorongoro Crater 🌋

The inactive Ngorongoro Crater is where the best of Tanzania’s wildlife thrives. Stay on the lookout for Africa’s famous Big 5 animals inside the dramatic crater walls. Just when you think it can’t get any more magical than this, soak in the most gorgeous night skies as you go camping.

Zanzibar 🤿

Whilst not technically a safari, Zanzibar is too special to leave off our list (and too sweet for you to skip out on). Escape to sun-bleached shores and go snorkelling in shimmering turquoise waters, hosting a gorgeous variety of ocean life, on the ‘Spice Islands’. Paradise is an understatement.

Best Time to Visit Tanzania

July to October is the best time of year to experience Tanzania’s dry season and catch a glimpse of the legendary Great Migration, where epic herds trek across the continent. For shoulder season travel, November to February may appeal to those on a budget. March to May is Tanzania’s quietest time of year, welcoming in lush and secluded landscapes.

Kenya

Longing to experience the safari lifestyle in all its glory? Kenya is calling with golden savannah stretches and some of the continent’s most renowned national parks, from the backdrops of Mount Kilimanjaro to Kenya’s electric capital, Nairobi. This is East Africa like you’ve always dreamed it to be, especially when it comes to The Lion King Animals and Where To Find Them.

Why Choose a Safari in Kenya?

Maasai Mara 🐆

The Maasai Mara is a huge wildlife reserve famed for its biodiversity. Alongside the Serengeti in Tanzania, it hosts the annual Great Migration, where over 2 million animals migrate for fresh water and grazing lands.

Amboseli National Park 🦒

Although Tanzania is where you can climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the best views of Africa’s highest peak await inside Amboseli National Park. Have your cameras ready for your game drive, with elephants and giraffes being some of the most popular sightings, plus the adorable bat-eared foxes.

Nairobi 🏙️

Did you know that Nairobi is the only capital in the world with its own national park? Experience powerful contrasts here, where untouched wilderness meets a background of skyscrapers. All kinds of animals call the park home, including the rare black rhinos. 

Be sure to also book tickets in advance for the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust as part of your stay in Nairobi, where orphaned elephants and rhinos are nurtured and given a second chance at life.

Best Time to Visit Kenya

Many travellers plan their trip to Kenya around the Great Migration: a natural phenomenon where 2 million wildebeest and zebras make their annual journey from the Maasai Mara to the Serengeti. This typically falls between the months of July to November, and is extraordinary to witness.

Kenya enjoys two dry seasons, which last from June to October, and from January to February. With cooler day temperatures and wildlife more likely to be spotted at the watering holes, these are great times to visit Kenya on a safari. Late June and December are Kenya’s shoulder seasons, which may suit travellers on a budget.

Uganda

Welcome to Uganda, an awe-inspiring country ready to challenge everything you think you know about safaris. Forget traditional game drives - here you’ll have the chance to trek deep into the jungle-clad mountains to spot gorillas and chimpanzees clinging to the treetops, or glide across the waters of Lake Mburo to spot crocodiles and hippos. It’s not your average getaway, and you’re not the typical traveller.

Why Choose a Safari in Uganda?

 

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park 🦍

Trust us, you will never forget seeing a mountain gorilla out in the wild! Journey into the heart of Uganda’s lush rainforest, led by an expert ranger, to find these beautiful animals in their natural habitat.

Kalinzu Forest Reserve 🐒

Wildlife encounters don’t get better than this. Follow the unspoilt nature trails inside Kalinzu Forest Reserve, learning all about its mysterious legends from your local guide, as you set your sights on chimpanzees, our closest living relatives.

Lake Mburo 🦛

Lake Mburo is a postcard come to life, featuring sapphire waters surrounded by a ring of volcanoes and little emerald islands floating in the centre. A boat safari here is an absolute must, as you go on the lookout for crocodiles, hippos and colourful kingfisher birds.

Best Time to Visit Uganda

Uganda is a year-round destination with temperatures generally staying consistent throughout the seasons. The country enjoys two dry seasons, which are the most popular times of year for gorilla and chimpanzee treks. These fall between December to February, and from June to August.

Namibia

Namibia is a special kind of place, promising other-worldly landscapes, astonishingly clear night skies and a navigable terrain that makes it easy to explore in a few weeks. This adventurous country is full of surprises - from giant, red desert dunes to crashing ocean waves - and you can see it reflected in the impressive variety of animals that call Namibia home.

Why Choose a Safari in Namibia?

Etosha National Park 🦏

Etosha National Park is Namibia’s most famous wildlife reserve. Your next viewpoint is never far away here, from the watering holes dotted throughout to Etosha Salt Pan in the heart of it all. Lions, black rhinos and giraffes are some of the park’s most iconic residents.

Namib-Naukluft National Park 🏜️

This is the biggest national park in Africa, and despite first appearances, it hosts a surprising range of wildlife. Keep an eye out for zebras, springboks, ostriches and hyenas as you uncover this ancient desert, soaking in the views inside the Namib Desert, one of Earth’s most unique climates.

Skeleton Coast ⚓

Remember how we said that Namibia is full of surprises? The Skeleton Coast is where you can find epic shipwrecks, untamed sandy stretches, seal colonies and a wild variety of birdlife. As far as day trips go, this one is an absolute must while you stay in Swakopmund, Namibia’s charming beachfront city.

Best Time to Visit Namibia

Deciding when to visit Namibia comes down to preference. The dry season from June to October is the most popular time of year for travel, with perfect conditions for safaris and stargazing. Meanwhile, the months of April, May and November are ideal for budget travellers looking to get away in the shoulder season. December to March is when Namibia’s summer arrives, making it a great time of year for bird-watching and relaxing by the coast.

Botswana

Ask any wildlife expert; Botswana is at the top of their list. Experiencing the world’s best water safari at the Okavango Delta, a lush ecosystem filled with winding rivers, for yourself has to be the biggest draw. But it’s just the start of stories waiting to be written here, from meerkat colonies at the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans to African elephants at Chobe National Park.

Why Choose a Safari in Botswana?

Okavango Delta 🐊

The Okavango Delta is one of a kind. Glide along the swampy rivers in a traditional makoro (canoe), led by an expert local guide. Beyond the Big 5, some of the most common sightings include hippos, crocodiles and endangered wild dogs.

Chobe National Park 🐘

Botswana is home to the biggest population of elephants on the planet - and you’ll find an abundance of them here. Chobe National Park is split into 4 distinct areas: the Chobe Riverfront, Linyanti, Savute and the Ngwenzumba Pans.

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans 😍

Welcome to one of the biggest salt pan stretches in the world, where you can immerse yourself in the living history of the San Bushmen and meet adorable meerkats.

Best Time to Visit Botswana

May to October is the most popular time of year to visit Botswana. This is the country’s dry season, so you’re most likely to find wildlife at the watering holes. However, the green season (November to April) can also be favourable for budget travellers or those hoping to spot baby animals.

Zambia

Zambia may be one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is an undeniable force of nature. Beyond Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The smoke that thunders”), Zambia has extraordinary wildlife encounters on offer.

Why Choose a Safari in Zambia?

South Luangwa National Park 🐆

South Luangwa is easily one of Africa’s most underrated national parks, home to untamed wilderness and a high concentration of leopards. The one thing better than a game drive? Going out on a bush walk. 

Zambezi River 🌈

If you’re spending a few days at Victoria Falls, consider a water safari along the Zambezi River. Here, you can typically spot lions grazing the grasslands or elephants playing around.

Best Time to Visit Zambia

Zambia’s dry season (June to October) is generally considered the best time for wildlife viewing. However, the months of February to June are when you can experience Victoria Falls in all its glory. When the green season arrives from November to March, so does an impressive variety of birdlife.

Single-Country or Multi-Country Safari?

If you’re looking to travel for 1 to 2 weeks, we generally recommend choosing a single-country safari so that you can take your time exploring. South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya are the most popular choices.

Looking to travel for 3 weeks or longer? Make the most out of it with a multi-country safari, discovering the different landscapes and wildlife as you overland across Africa. Some of the most popular routes include East Africa (Zimbabwe - Zambia - Malawi - Tanzania - Kenya) and Southern Africa (South Africa - Namibia - Botswana - Zimbabwe).

Or if you’re craving the ultimate adventure that ticks 9 countries off your bucket list, our 65-day The Great African Journey is just what you need.

Our friendly travel experts are just a message or call away and can help you find that safari of a lifetime. Check out our contact us page, and you can set up a 1-to-1 travel advice session in just a few clicks.

Tips for Your First African Safari

Book with a Reputable Company ✅

Doing your research and choosing a reputable company for your safari will have the biggest impact on your trip. This includes financial security (is the travel agency ABTOT approved?) and responsible tourism initiatives that involve local communities and support wildlife conservation.

Be Respectful of the Wildlife 🦁

Seeing your first lion in Africa is a surreal moment. However, giving wildlife the space to roam in their natural habitat is essential. Always follow the guidance of your expert trip leader and the local rangers, and respect the "Leave No Trace" policy at campsites. Never leave the game vehicle unless instructed to do so.

Embrace the Little Moments 🦜

The Big 5 are iconic for a reason - but don’t rule out all the smaller animals and creatures you can spot on a safari! Who knows, by the end of your adventures, you may end up becoming an expert on birdlife. 

50 Shades of Beige 👕

The goal of any safari is to blend into the natural environment as much as possible. Stick to olive greens, beiges, and browns for your game drives - save the leopard print for your group nights out!

Ready to Go Into the Wild?

Once you’ve had a taste of the safari life, there’s no going back! Take a look at our Africa tours today for all the inspiration you need to make that bucket list adventure a reality.

Or if you’re still in the planning stage, check out our Frequently Asked Questions below. ✨

Frequently Asked Questions