Africa is a big place and, with so many countries, national parks and reserves to choose from, how should you decide on the best destination for your safari experience?

Currently, these are Africa’s Top 8 safari destinations, according to a top safari review website with 70,000+ reviews from safari-goers just like you:

Tanzania (4.8/5 stars, 1149 reviews)
Botswana (4.8/5 stars, 303 reviews)
Kenya (4.6/5 stars, 961 reviews)
Zambia (4.6/5 stars, 98 reviews)
South Africa (4.5/5 stars, 732 reviews)
Namibia (4.5/5 stars, 187 reviews)
Uganda (4.3/5 stars, 275 reviews)
Zimbabwe (4.3/5 stars, 105 reviews)

East Africa Vs. Southern Africa

When deciding between a safari in East Africa and Southern Africa, it all depends on what you want to see and do. Both offer spectacular wildlife and scenery, so there’s really no wrong answer.

The Big Five are present in both regions. The major difference is how many you’ll see. In Southern Africa, you’ll find a higher concentration of animals in smaller areas. On the other hand, if you want to witness the Great Migration, East Africa is the ticket – you’ll be able to witness this incredible phenomenon in Kenya and Tanzania.

One big difference between a safari in East and Southern Africa is how close you can get to the animals. In places like Kruger, Botswana and Zimbabwe, off-road game viewing is allowed but not in most of East Africa’s parks – although it is permitted in the private conservancies and reserves.

In Southern Africa, park infrastructure is generally better, making self-drive and camping safaris easier.

East Africa experiences two rainy seasons and two dry seasons, while the countries of Southern Africa tend to have hot summers and mild winters.

Highlights of East Africa include:

  • Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Serengeti Plains / Masai Mara Ecosystem
  • Ngorongoro Crater
  • Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • Amboseli National Park

Highlights of Southern Africa include:

  • The Okavango Delta wetland in Botswana
  • Namibia’s Namib desert and Skeleton Coast
  • The Kruger National Park
  • The Kalahari Desert
  • Victoria Falls