The best places for safari in Africa. What is worth seeing, how to prepare?

Safari is a dream for many travelers. A dose of adrenaline, a hint of risk, wild animals in their natural habitat, and breathtaking African views.

TANZANIA

The Great Migration, the aroma of exotic spices, the monumental Kilimanjaro or the multicultural Stone Town. This is Tanzania!

When to go to Tanzania?

Due to the fact that Tanzania has two dry seasons – from January to March and from June to October – the weather is good for a trip to this place almost all year round. The best time to see the migration of animals is at the beginning of the year in January and February and in the middle of it – in June and July. If you want to relax in Zanzibar at the same time, avoid the period from March to May and November.

Tanzania - safari with Zanzibar

TANZANIA AND ZANZIBAR - Arusha, Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, ZanzibarPrivate safari with predatory lionesses, migrating wildebeests, stately giraffes and friendly hippos. All this in the vastness of the Serengeti plain and the largest caldera in the world, Ngorongoro. After the hardships of the safari, you will move to Zanzibar.

The Great African Migration – when to see it?

Few people know that The Great Migration lasts practically the entire year, as we wrote in this post: The Great African Migration – when to see it? , only its individual stages change. In Tanzania, it is best to admire this phenomenon in the period from June to July or from January to February. The middle of the year is the time when the Great Migration slowly reaches Kenya, the animals unite earlier into a huge herd. However, at the beginning of the year, the migration begins again. At this time, new individuals of wildebeest are born, it is also an ideal time to admire birds. When planning a trip to Tanzania, it is worth keeping this in mind.

The most beautiful parks – Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire

The most famous park in Tanzania is undoubtedly the Serengeti. Located in the north-western part of the country, it attracts lovers of wild animals living in their natural habitat. It is undoubtedly the perfect place for a safari during holidays in Tanzania. The park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on a flat plain with a savannah. Zebras, antelopes and gazelles migrate to the park, and you can also admire giraffes, rhinos, elephants and lions.

Ngorongoro is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tanzania, named after the volcanic caldera in the area. While exploring the park, you can come across animals such as rhinos, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and Tanzanian cheetahs. Thousands of flamingos live in the area around Lake Magadi. Several dozen Masai lions also live in the crater.

Tarangire is located in northern Tanzania. And here during Tanzania tours There is an abundance of wild animals such as panther, lion, gazelle, African buffalo, zebra and impala. Tarangire is also famous for its large population of elephants that inhabit the park.

Tanzania Safari Cost

If Tanzania safari you want to combine it with relaxation on the heavenly beaches of Zanzibar, you have to spend about 13 thousand per person on the trip. Then you will visit both Serengeti and Ngorongoro, see the Great Migration of Africa and relax in a boutique hotel in Zanzibar. During the safari you will sleep in luxury tents with all the amenities.

Accommodations

You can choose between tents at a standard campsite or luxury tents, the so-called lodges. Our favorites include Kati Kati Tented Camp and Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge. For the most demanding clients, we recommend accommodation at Four Seasons Safari Lodge and Lamai Serengeti.

Safari in Tanzania. Serengeti National Park.

Lamai Serengeti – amazing views of the savannah from your tent.

KENIA

Masai culture, pristine beaches, of course the Great Migration and the Big Five of Africa, which you can admire here, and in addition - the incredible natural beauty of the famous Masai Mara Park.

When to go to Kenya?

Holidays in Kenya it is best to plan for the second half of the year, although in the north, for example, the weather is pleasant practically all year round. April and May are the months of the rainy season, which is worth remembering, and in the Nairobi area it rains even in November. You will have the best weather here from June to November (in November, excluding Nairobi).

Kenya - on the trail of the Masai

KENYA - Nairobi, Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park, Diani Beach
Come face to face with the African Big Five! See the dance of the Masai – the last authentic African tribe that still cultivates its traditions!

The Great Migration – when to see it?

The Great Migration in Kenya in the Masai Mara National Park can be admired from June to September. August is the time when the greatest concentration of animals in this area occurs. Animals of the Great Migration should be here already in July, but it all depends on the rainfall, because the abundance of green Serengeti grasses can keep the animals for longer. That is why it is a safe time to visit trip to Kenya to admire the Great Migration is August.

The most beautiful parks – Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Nakuru

Masai Mara is definitely the most famous park here, which took its name from the Masai people who live here and the local Mara River. The park borders the Tanzanian Serengeti and is inhabited by giraffes, elands, elephants, hyenas, lions, cheetahs, warthogs, crocodiles, and antelopes. In July and August, this is where the Great Migration of wildebeests and zebras takes place, arriving here from the Serengeti.

Amboseli is a park located in southern Kenya, on the border with Tanzania, covering the southwestern slopes of Kilimanjaro. It is an ideal place especially for bird lovers, because there are several hundred species living here. Among other animals inhabiting these areas, it is worth mentioning giraffes, baboons, leopards, hyenas, jackals and elephants.

Tsavo is a national park famous for its significant baobab landscape and lakes, near which you can admire crocodiles and hippos. It is also a place of extraordinary abundance of birds, because here too there are several hundred species of them, including ostriches, herons and multi-colored parrots.

Lake Nakuru National Park is located in the central part of Kenya in the Great Rift Valley. It is a place of incredible diversity in terms of the species of plants that grow there, as well as several hundred species of birds and several dozen species of mammals. On safari in this park, you can come across lions, hyenas, Grant's antelopes, gazelles, waterbucks, and even white rhinos. Among the birds, it is worth mentioning pelicans, African fish eagles, and flamingos.

Accommodations

During your Kenyan vacation, you will have a choice of amazing places to stay. Our favorites include Giraffe Manor in Nairobi – an amazing boutique safari hotel where you can have breakfast with a real giraffe and the views will take your breath away. Among the lodges and camps worth recommending are Lake Nakuru Lodge, Mara Sopa Lodge and Sentrim Mara Camp.

Masai Mara National Park.

Breakfast with giraffes? You can do it at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi.

NAMIBIA

Namibia is one of our favourite destinations in Africa with absolutely unforgettable landscapes and attractions that will surely raise the adrenaline level in your blood!

When to go to Namibia?

The best weather in Namibia will be in your favor from May to September, but the climate is good for travel all year round. During the rainy season, which lasts from January to April, it may be more difficult to admire local animals that search for watering holes in various places. The dry season begins in May and lasts until the end of October, and it is during this period that there is the greatest chance of admiring wild animals. What is characteristic are very high temperatures during the day (around 40 degrees in the Namib desert) and much lower at night - dropping even to 15 degrees.

Treasures of Namibia

NAMIBIA — Kalahari Desert, River Fish Canyon, Luderitz, Tiras Mountains, Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha National Park, Waterberg Plateau
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of civilization, want to see amazing and unforgettable views, and also get to know a culture whose rules are completely different from what Europe has accustomed us to, and are looking for a place where you can actively relax, then there is only one answer - a trip to Namibia.

The most beautiful parks – Etosha, Erindi, Namib Desert, Bwabwata

Etosha is definitely the most popular park in Namibia, but in addition to the many tourists, you can also see many animals here. It is also the largest national park in the whole of Africa, with a vast salt flat in the center, which during the rainy season turns into a lake that attracts flocks of flamingos. In the park, you can of course admire the Big Five of Africa, which include lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes and leopards.

Erindi Private Park is a reserve where you will meet much fewer tourists, but you will still be able to admire wildlife. Elephants, giraffes, leopards, cheetahs, rhinos and African wild dogs live here on a vast area. Various trips are organized around the reserve - day and night safaris, hiking, visiting caves full of Bushman paintings or trips combined with animal tracking.

The Namib Desert is an absolutely magical place and one of the largest nature reserves in the world. The park stretches along the Atlantic coast, which makes the landscapes stretching here simply unforgettable. You can admire the largest sand dunes in the world in this beautiful desert or Dead Vlei - a place full of dried-out acacia trees that create a landscape like from a surrealist painting.

Bwabwata is a national park where you can observe the migration of African elephants from Botswana to Angola. In addition, you can admire a huge number of wild animals: hippos, antelopes, crocodiles, zebras, lions, hyenas, cheetahs and leopards.

Accommodations

Namibia has developed incredibly when it comes to accommodation. Our favourite places are definitely Mowani Mountain Camp, a luxury boutique hotel nestled among the rocks and ideal as a base for safaris. It offers beautiful views, great standards and our favourite – semi-open bathrooms guaranteeing relaxation with beautiful views. We also highly recommend camping on the roof of cars, and our favourite places include camping in the Namib Desert and the Damaraland region.

Etosha National Park – the kingdom of wild animals.

Mowani Mountain Camp – our favourite place in Damaraland.

BOTSWANA

It is famous for its natural wealth and beautiful waterfalls – it is worth adding this country to your trip to Africa!

When to go to Botswana?

The time of your Botswana vacation depends on the purpose of your trip. May to October is the best time to see animals on safari, when the days are dry, the days are hot, and the nights can be cool. November to March is the time to see a variety of bird species.

The most beautiful parks – Okavango Delta, Choba National Park, The Makgadikgadi Pans Game Reserve

The Okavango Delta is the world's largest inland delta, famous for its abundance of wildlife - many species of birds and animals and lush fauna. The biggest attraction of this place is the delta cruise - an unusual form of safari possible in this place. Thanks to the richness of nature and water resources, you can admire here countless elephants, hippos, buffalo, leopards, lions and antelopes.

Chobe National Park is famous for its river safaris. In this park, it is particularly easy to spot buffaloes and African fish eagles, as well as wattled cranes. It is also here that you can admire the rock paintings of the Bushmen, who were the original inhabitants of this region. What this park is also known for is... elephants, of which there are tens of thousands.

The Makgadikgadi Pans Game Reserve is one of the largest salt flats in the world, where you can admire pelicans, zebras, wildebeests, beautiful flamingos, ostriches, and even… turtles!

Accommodations

Among the hotels, luxury tents are a hit! If you decide to go on a safari that includes Botswana, trust us on this.

The Okavango Delta – a true miracle of nature!

The mobile tents at Chobe Under Canvas camping are very comfortable!

RPA

Don't think of it as just apartheid. After all, it's the Cape of Good Hope, a safari in Kruger Park, the amazing Cape Town and the Garden Route – the most beautiful route in the world.

When to go to South Africa?

Holidays in South Africa can be spent practically all year round. The best weather is from January to May and from October to December. Our summer, and the winter here, is the best time to see wildlife, but Cape Town and the coast experience rainfall then. Summer lasts from November to March.

Safari in Kruger Park and relaxation on the beaches of Mozambique

SOUTH AFRICA, MOZAMBIQUE - Pretoria, Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon, Mozambique - Vilanculos

The most beautiful parks – Kruger, Addo, Mapungubwe National Park, Hluhluwe

Kruger National Park takes its name from its founder, South African President Paul Kruger. The park is located on the border with Zimbabwe and Mozambique and impresses with its diversity of fauna and flora. You can visit it during a day or night safari and see lions, leopards, antelopes, cheetahs, hippos, elephants and giraffes, as well as several hundred species of birds.

Addo National Park is known primarily for its elephants, which are the main reason people come to this area. In addition to elephants, you can also see lions, leopards, rhinos and buffalos.

Mapungubwe is a national park inhabited by elephants, giraffes, rhinos, lions and hyenas. Its name comes from a hill located here, on which the remains of a medieval city have been preserved, and rock paintings have also been found near the hill.

Hluhluwe is a reserve that was once a hunting ground and is now the oldest reserve in Africa where this species occurs. Big PiAfrica's babiesi. During a safari in this place, you also have the chance to meet crocodiles, cheetahs, jackals and warthogs. The reserve is also home to a population of white rhinos that was saved from extinction.

Accommodations

And here there is a huge choice of lodges and campsites. Our favourites include Hlangana Lodge, Nkambeni Camp and Shalati Safari Camp.

Kruger Park – the biggest attraction during a trip to South Africa.

Camps Bay is, in our opinion, the coolest place to stay while in Cape Town.

ESWATINI

Former Swaziland. One of the last absolute monarchies in the world, but also a country of beautiful national parks. Best combined travel to Swaziland z vacation in South Africa.

When to go to Swaziland?

You can actually travel to Swaziland all year round, but you should choose the time of your trip based on what you want to do here, because the weather determines it. The dry season lasts from May to September, and the wet season from October to April. The dry season is winter and is the best time to see wildlife. The best weather in Swaziland is from April to September.

South Africa & Kingdom of Swaziland

SWAZILAND, South Africa — Pretoria, Kruger National Park, Kingdom of Swaziland, Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Drakensberg Mountains, Durban, Garden Route, Cape Town
Travel to the tip of Africa, where cultures, races, languages, wealth and poverty mix. You will learn the true history of slavery and apartheid. You will feel the atmosphere of the Victorian era under British rule. You will come face to face with the Big Five of Africa during an exciting safari in the Kruger Park.

The most beautiful parks – Hlane, Mkhaya

Hlane Royal National Park is a must-see. It is the largest protected area in eSwatini and home to wildlife such as white rhinos, zebras, impalas, lions, giraffes.

You can explore the Mkhaya Reserve in an open-top jeep, but you can also book a walking tour. You will definitely experience the real Africa here. During the tour of the reserve, you can meet rhinos, hippos, various species of antelopes, elephants, and various species of birds.

Accommodations

The accommodation base in eSwatini is not yet very developed, but it offers simple lodges with an amazing, breathtaking view. Near Mbabane, the capital of Swaziland, we recommend the Mountain Inn hotel, picturesquely situated on a hill and perfectly equipped.

Hlane Reserve.

The Mountain Inn in Mbabane offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area!

You've already explored a whole host of possibilities when it comes to safari! Is there a particular country that you particularly like? Remember that journey to Africa you can organize it in such a way that you visit several countries and thus admire several national parks and the richness of fauna and flora. To plan a safari and not miss the Great Migration, you can also read our article on the blog or consult directly with the specialists at Planet Escape. 😉 Have a nice trip!