Overview;
Where to go for a safari in Africa? It is one of the first questions travellers ask when they begin planning an African adventure, and with good reason. Africa is an enormous continent with an extraordinary variety of wildlife habitats, national parks, landscapes and safari experiences. You can watch lions and elephants crossing the open savannah, follow chimpanzees through ancient rainforest, trek into the mountains to see endangered mountain gorillas, explore wetlands by boat, witness enormous herds of migrating animals, or combine a traditional safari with beaches, mountains, cultural experiences and historic cities.
The challenge is deciding which African safari destination is right for you.
Kenya and Tanzania are famous for their classic East African savannahs and exceptional wildlife viewing. Uganda combines traditional game drives with gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, forests, rivers and mountains. Rwanda offers the opportunity to combine gorilla trekking with a Big Five safari in Akagera National Park. Botswana is renowned for its remarkable wetlands and wilderness, while Namibia provides a striking combination of desert landscapes and wildlife. South Africa offers safari alongside cities, beaches, mountains and wine country, while Zambia and Zimbabwe provide opportunities for more remote and walking-oriented safari experiences.
At Destinations African Gorilla, we help travellers turn these possibilities into practical African safari holidays. Whether your dream is a Uganda wildlife safari, gorilla trekking safari, East Africa safari, Kenya and Tanzania safari, Rwanda gorilla safari, or a customized multi-country African adventure, the itinerary can be built around the experiences you want most.
This complete guide explores where to go for a safari in Africa, what each destination offers, when to visit, what to expect and how to choose the right safari for your trip.
What Makes an African Safari Special?
An African safari is not simply a trip to see wild animals.
It is the experience of entering landscapes where wildlife still plays out its natural existence. It might begin before sunrise, when you leave your lodge in a safari vehicle and travel quietly through the wilderness as the sky changes from darkness to gold. You may encounter elephants moving through woodland, giraffes feeding beside the road, buffalo gathering in large herds or predators becoming active in the cooler morning hours.
Later, a boat safari might take you along a river where hippos and crocodiles rest near the water while birds move through the reeds. In another destination, a forest trek could take you into dense vegetation in search of chimpanzees or mountain gorillas.
This diversity is one of Africa’s greatest strengths.
Uganda Tourism Board describes the country as the Pearl of Africa, highlighting wildlife, landscapes, cultural heritage and experiences including mountain gorilla trekking.
For travellers, that means an African safari does not have to follow one formula.
You can design a trip around:
- Big Five wildlife
- Gorilla trekking
- Chimpanzee trekking
- The Great Migration
- Wildlife photography
- Bird watching
- Walking safaris
- Boat safaris
- Luxury safari lodges
- Family safari holidays
- Honeymoon safaris
- Cultural experiences
- Adventure travel
- Conservation tourism
- Multi-country East African safaris
The most important question is therefore not simply “What is the best safari in Africa?”
It is:
“What kind of African safari do I want to experience?”
Best Places to Go for a Safari in Africa
1. Uganda – Safari, Gorillas, Chimpanzees and the Pearl of Africa
For travellers searching for a destination where they can combine classic wildlife with primates, rainforest and adventure, Uganda is one of the most diverse safari destinations in Africa.
Uganda offers a combination of savannah national parks, tropical forests, rivers, lakes and mountains. This allows travellers to experience several very different environments during one holiday.
A Uganda safari can include game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park or Murchison Falls National Park, a boat safari, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest and mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
That combination makes Uganda particularly attractive to travellers who want more than a traditional game-drive safari.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s major wildlife destinations.
The park contains savannah, woodland, wetlands and lakes, supporting a wide range of wildlife. A safari here can include game drives through areas where visitors may encounter elephants, buffalo, antelopes, warthogs, lions and many bird species.
One of the major highlights is the Kazinga Channel, where boat trips provide an opportunity to view hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds and other wildlife along the shoreline.
For travellers planning a Uganda safari, Queen Elizabeth National Park can work particularly well as part of an itinerary that continues toward Bwindi for gorilla trekking.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls National Park is another major safari destination in Uganda.
The Nile passes through the park before being forced through the narrow Murchison Falls gorge, creating one of the country’s most dramatic landscapes.
A Murchison Falls safari can combine game drives with a boat trip on the Nile.
The surrounding wilderness provides opportunities to see elephants, buffalo, giraffes, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles and numerous bird species.
The destination is therefore suitable for travellers who want a mixture of wildlife, scenery and river experiences.
Kibale Forest National Park
If primates are an important part of your African safari, Kibale Forest deserves attention.
The forest is internationally recognized for chimpanzee trekking and its rich primate diversity.
A Uganda itinerary combining Kibale with Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi can create a journey that moves from chimpanzee habitat to savannah wildlife and then into mountain gorilla country.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi is one of the most important destinations for travellers interested in mountain gorilla trekking.
Uganda Tourism Board describes mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi as a major tourism experience, while Uganda Wildlife Authority manages trekking activities within Uganda’s protected areas.
The experience is very different from a traditional game drive.
Instead of sitting in a vehicle searching across open plains, visitors hike through forest with trained guides and trackers in search of a habituated gorilla family.
For many travellers, combining Uganda safari and gorilla trekking creates a particularly varied African holiday.
Why Choose Uganda for an African Safari?
Uganda is worth considering if you want:
- Wildlife game drives
- Gorilla trekking
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Boat safaris
- Bird watching
- Mountain scenery
- Forest adventures
- Cultural experiences
- A customized East African itinerary
This makes Uganda an important destination for travellers asking where to go for a safari in Africa.
2. Kenya – A Classic African Safari Destination
Kenya is one of the countries most strongly associated with the traditional African safari.
The country’s open grasslands, wildlife reserves and famous landscapes provide the classic setting many travellers imagine when they picture an African safari.
Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara is one of Kenya’s best-known safari destinations.
Its grasslands support large populations of wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes and numerous antelope species.
The wider Mara-Serengeti ecosystem is also associated with the Great Migration, one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife movements.
A Kenya safari can therefore be designed around general wildlife viewing or around specific seasonal migration experiences.
Amboseli National Park
Amboseli offers a different visual experience, with Mount Kilimanjaro providing a dramatic backdrop on clear days.
The park is particularly well known for elephants and scenic photography.
For travellers who want iconic African landscapes as well as wildlife, Amboseli can be an excellent addition to a Kenya safari.
Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru provides another dimension to a Kenya itinerary, with lake scenery, wildlife and birdlife.
A longer Kenya safari can therefore combine several different environments rather than focusing exclusively on the Masai Mara.
3. Tanzania – Serengeti, Ngorongoro and the Great Migration
Tanzania is another major answer to the question where should I go for an African safari?
The country is home to internationally famous destinations including the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations.
Its vast plains provide habitat for large numbers of herbivores and predators.
The wider Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is central to the Great Migration, although the location of the animals changes throughout the year.
This means travellers interested in migration safaris should plan around seasonal movement rather than assuming the herds remain in one place.
Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater offers a dramatically different landscape.
Its enclosed environment supports a concentration of wildlife and provides a scenic setting for game drives.
A northern Tanzania safari can combine the Serengeti and Ngorongoro with other destinations such as Tarangire, depending on the length of the trip.
For travellers whose priority is classic East African wildlife, Tanzania provides a very different experience from Uganda’s forest-and-savannah combination.
4. Rwanda – Gorilla Trekking and Big Five Safari
Rwanda is one of the most interesting destinations for travellers who want to combine primates with traditional wildlife viewing.
The country’s relatively compact geography makes it possible to combine several major experiences within one itinerary.
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is internationally associated with mountain gorilla trekking.
Visit Rwanda explains that gorilla tracking involves guided groups entering the forest to observe habituated gorilla families in their natural habitat.
The experience can be combined with golden monkey tracking and other activities around the Virunga volcanic region.
Akagera National Park
Akagera provides the traditional savannah component of a Rwanda safari.
The official Visit Rwanda itinerary for Safari & Gorilla Tracking combines Akagera National Park with Kigali and Volcanoes National Park, demonstrating how these experiences can be incorporated into one trip.
For a traveller who wants both safari and gorillas without travelling between several countries, Rwanda can therefore be an attractive option.
5. Botswana – Okavango Delta and Wilderness Safaris
Botswana offers a safari experience shaped heavily by water and wilderness.
The Okavango Delta is one of the country’s defining attractions, with seasonal waters creating channels, islands and wetlands.
Depending on the area and conditions, visitors can explore by safari vehicle, boat or traditional mokoro canoe.
This creates a very different experience from the open savannahs of Kenya and Tanzania.
Botswana is particularly appealing to travellers who value wilderness, photography, water-based exploration and intimate safari environments.
Chobe National Park is another important wildlife destination, particularly associated with elephants.
6. South Africa – Safari Plus a Complete African Holiday
South Africa is particularly attractive for travellers who want to combine safari with other holiday experiences.
A trip can combine wildlife with Cape Town, beaches, mountains, cultural attractions and food and wine experiences.
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is South Africa’s flagship safari destination.
The park supports an enormous variety of wildlife and offers different accommodation and safari options.
Visitors can search for the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino—while also encountering numerous other mammals and bird species.
South Africa is particularly useful for travellers who do not want their entire holiday to consist of wildlife viewing.
7. Namibia – Desert Landscapes and Wildlife
Namibia provides one of Africa’s most visually distinctive safari experiences.
The country’s dramatic desert environments create an unusual contrast between extreme landscapes and wildlife.
Etosha National Park is the country’s best-known wildlife destination.
The enormous Etosha Pan dominates the park and creates a landscape very different from the green and wooded environments found elsewhere in Africa.
Namibia is particularly attractive to landscape photographers and travellers who want a safari combined with dramatic desert scenery.
A longer itinerary can combine Etosha with destinations such as Sossusvlei and the Skeleton Coast.
8. Zambia – Walking Safaris and Remote Wilderness
Zambia is a strong choice for travellers looking for a more immersive safari experience.
South Luangwa National Park is particularly associated with walking safaris.
A walking safari allows visitors to experience the bush from a completely different perspective.
Rather than simply searching for animals from a vehicle, the traveller learns how guides interpret tracks, sounds, plants and other signs of wildlife.
For experienced safari travellers who want a slower and more intimate experience, Zambia offers a distinctive alternative.
9. Zimbabwe – Wildlife and Victoria Falls
Zimbabwe combines wildlife destinations with one of Africa’s best-known natural attractions: Victoria Falls.
Hwange National Park is an important wildlife destination, while Mana Pools offers a wilderness experience around the Zambezi River.
A Zimbabwe itinerary can therefore combine safari with a visit to Victoria Falls.
This is particularly useful for travellers who want to include a major natural attraction alongside their wildlife adventure.
10. Malawi – Wildlife, Lake Malawi and a Quieter Safari
Malawi is sometimes overlooked when travellers discuss African safari destinations, but it offers an appealing combination of wildlife and scenery.
Liwonde National Park is one of the country’s key wildlife destinations.
Travellers can combine safari with time around Lake Malawi, creating a holiday that mixes wildlife with lakeside relaxation.
For travellers who prefer less conventional routes, Malawi can also be included in a broader southern or eastern African itinerary.
How to Choose Where to Go for a Safari in Africa
Choosing a safari destination becomes much easier when you begin with your priorities.
Instead of asking which country is generally “best,” ask what you want to experience.
If you want the Big Five
Consider destinations in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Botswana, Rwanda and South Africa.
If you want gorilla trekking
Uganda and Rwanda are major mountain gorilla destinations.
If you want chimpanzee trekking
Uganda is particularly well known for chimpanzee experiences, especially around Kibale Forest.
If you want the Great Migration
Look toward the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in Tanzania and Kenya.
If you want a water safari
Botswana’s Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s best-known wetland safari environments.
If you want a walking safari
Zambia and Zimbabwe offer important walking-oriented safari experiences.
If you want desert scenery
Namibia provides an entirely different safari landscape.
If you want safari plus cities and beaches
South Africa offers a broad range of experiences that can be combined with wildlife.
If you want safari plus gorillas
Uganda and Rwanda are especially suitable.
Uganda vs Rwanda for Gorilla and Safari Holidays
Uganda and Rwanda are particularly relevant to travellers searching for gorilla trekking and safari holidays.
Rwanda provides the opportunity to combine Volcanoes National Park with Akagera National Park. The official Rwanda tourism itinerary specifically combines a two-day Akagera safari with gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park.
Uganda provides a broader safari circuit that can include Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi, allowing travellers to combine conventional wildlife, chimpanzees and gorillas.
The choice depends on the type of itinerary, travel time and experiences you want.
For travellers with enough time, an East African itinerary can also combine Uganda or Rwanda with Kenya or Tanzania.
Best Time to Go on an African Safari
There is no single best time to visit every safari destination in Africa.
The continent covers enormous geographical and climatic variations, so the ideal travel period depends on your destination and objectives.
Dry periods can make wildlife easier to locate in some areas because animals may concentrate around available water sources.
However, green seasons can also provide excellent experiences.
During wetter periods, landscapes can become lush and attractive, bird activity may increase and some destinations experience fewer visitors.
If your goal is the Great Migration, timing becomes even more important because the animals move through different areas throughout the year.
If your priority is gorilla trekking, the decision should also take local forest conditions and your preferred travel dates into account.
This is why Destinations African Gorilla can help travellers plan according to their specific interests instead of simply recommending one generic “best month.”
How Many Days Do You Need for an African Safari?
The answer depends on your destination.
A short three-day safari can work for travellers with limited time.
However, longer trips provide more opportunities to explore different ecosystems and avoid spending most of the holiday travelling between destinations.
For example, a Uganda safari could be structured around:
Days 1–2: Murchison Falls National Park
Days 3–4: Kibale Forest
Days 5–6: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Days 7–9: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 10: Departure or onward travel
A Rwanda safari and gorilla itinerary could similarly combine Kigali, Akagera National Park and Volcanoes National Park.
The official Rwanda tourism site currently features a six-day Safari & Gorilla Tracking itinerary combining Kigali, Akagera and Volcanoes National Park.
African Safari and Gorilla Trekking: The Ultimate Combination
For travellers who want a safari that goes beyond traditional game drives, combining wildlife safari with gorilla trekking can create an extraordinary journey.
Imagine beginning your trip with elephants, buffalo and lions on the savannah.
You then travel into the forest and follow a guide through thick vegetation in search of a mountain gorilla family.
These are completely different wildlife experiences, and that contrast is part of what makes the itinerary memorable.
Uganda is especially suitable for this kind of trip because travellers can combine savannah parks, forests and gorilla trekking within one country.
Rwanda also offers a compact combination of Akagera safari and Volcanoes gorilla trekking.
What to Expect During Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is different from a conventional safari.
There is no guarantee that the trek will follow a particular route or last a specific amount of time because the animals move naturally through the forest.
Visit Rwanda explains that trekking groups are led by expert guides and trackers and that visitors spend a limited period observing the gorillas once they are located.
Travellers should therefore prepare for walking on uneven terrain.
Good hiking shoes, lightweight clothing, rain protection, drinking water and a small backpack are useful.
Following guide instructions is essential, particularly when observing gorillas.
Responsible gorilla tourism also matters because the experience takes place within sensitive habitats.
Visit Rwanda notes that gorilla permit revenue supports conservation and community projects and encourages visitors to respect gorilla families and their habitat.
What Should You Pack for an African Safari?
Your exact packing list depends on the destination and season, but most safari travellers benefit from packing lightly and practically.
Consider bringing:
- Lightweight trousers
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Lightweight hiking shoes for gorilla trekking
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Spare batteries
- Power bank
- Reusable water bottle
- Small daypack
- Light jacket or fleece
- Rain jacket
- Personal medication
- Passport and travel documents
If you are combining a safari with gorilla trekking, make sure your footwear is suitable for wet and uneven forest terrain.
How Much Does an African Safari Cost?
African safari prices vary considerably.
There is no universal safari price because the final cost depends on factors such as:
- Destination
- Number of days
- Accommodation
- Transport
- Number of travellers
- Park fees
- Domestic flights
- Activities
- Gorilla or chimpanzee permits
- Season
- Private or group travel
A short mid-range Uganda safari will have a very different price from a two-week luxury safari through Kenya and Tanzania.
Likewise, a gorilla trekking itinerary involves permit costs and specialized arrangements that do not apply to a conventional game-drive safari.
When comparing safari prices, travellers should therefore look beyond the headline figure and check exactly what is included.
Why Book Your African Safari With Destinations African Gorilla?
Planning an African safari independently can involve many moving parts.
You may need to coordinate:
- National park visits
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- Safari vehicles
- Guides
- Domestic transportation
- Border crossings
- Gorilla permits
- Chimpanzee permits
- Game drives
- Boat trips
- Cultural experiences
- Travel timing
A specialist tour operator can bring these components together into one itinerary.
Destinations African Gorilla focuses on African wildlife adventures, gorilla trekking and customized safari experiences.
The aim is to create an itinerary around the traveller rather than forcing every visitor into the same package.
A traveller interested in Uganda might choose a combination of Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi.
Another traveller might want a Rwanda safari and gorilla trekking holiday.
Someone else might want a broader East African safari combining Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
A photographer may want more time in particular wildlife areas.
A honeymoon couple may prefer private transportation and carefully selected accommodation.
Families may require an itinerary that is less physically demanding.
The important part of safari planning is understanding what the traveller actually wants to experience.
Responsible and Sustainable African Safaris
Responsible tourism should be part of every safari.
Wildlife destinations are not simply tourist attractions. They are protected ecosystems supporting animals, plants and communities.
Travellers can contribute by following park regulations, respecting wildlife distances, avoiding litter, using responsible operators and supporting local communities.
Gorilla tourism provides an excellent example.
Visit Rwanda explains that tourism revenue from gorilla permits supports conservation and community projects, while visitors are encouraged to respect gorilla families and their habitat.
A responsible safari therefore considers not only the traveller’s experience but also the future of the destination.
African Safari Photography
Africa is one of the world’s great wildlife photography destinations.
Different countries provide different photographic opportunities.
Kenya and Tanzania offer broad savannah landscapes and large concentrations of wildlife.
Uganda provides opportunities for wildlife, birds, primates, forests and mountain landscapes.
Rwanda offers gorilla, golden monkey and savannah photography.
Botswana provides dramatic water-based wildlife scenes.
Namibia combines wildlife with spectacular desert landscapes.
South Africa offers extensive wildlife opportunities together with varied landscapes.
If photography is your primary goal, tell Destinations African Gorilla when planning your safari.
The itinerary can then be designed with photography in mind, including the amount of time spent in particular locations and the types of activities included.
African Safari for Honeymooners
An African safari can also be an unforgettable honeymoon experience.
Instead of simply choosing a conventional beach honeymoon, couples can combine wildlife with luxury accommodation and relaxation.
For example, a couple might begin with a Uganda safari before travelling to Bwindi for gorilla trekking, followed by relaxation elsewhere in East Africa.
Another option is a Tanzania safari followed by a Zanzibar beach holiday.
South Africa can combine safari with Cape Town and coastal experiences.
The right combination depends on the couple’s interests and available time.
African Safari for Families
Family safaris require slightly different planning.
Travel distances, accommodation, meal schedules and activity lengths all need to be considered.
A good family itinerary should avoid unnecessary rushing and allow children sufficient time to rest.
Some wildlife experiences are particularly well suited to families, while physically demanding activities such as gorilla trekking require careful consideration based on age, fitness and applicable park regulations.
Destinations African Gorilla can help families build itineraries around their specific requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Go for a Safari in Africa
What is the best country for a safari in Africa?
There is no single destination that is suitable for every traveller. Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe all offer different safari experiences.
The right choice depends on your preferred wildlife, activities, budget, travel dates and itinerary length.
Where is the best place for a first safari in Africa?
First-time safari travellers often consider Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda or South Africa.
Travellers who want classic savannah wildlife may prefer an East African or southern African itinerary, while those interested in gorillas and primates may want to consider Uganda or Rwanda.
Where can I see gorillas in Africa?
Mountain gorilla trekking is available in Uganda and Rwanda, with additional mountain gorilla habitat in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Uganda Tourism Board specifically promotes gorilla trekking in Bwindi, while Rwanda promotes gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park.
Can I combine gorilla trekking with a safari?
Yes.
Uganda and Rwanda are particularly well suited to combining gorilla trekking with traditional wildlife safaris.
Rwanda’s official tourism itineraries currently include combinations of Akagera safari and Volcanoes gorilla trekking.
Where can I see the Big Five?
The Big Five lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino—can be found in several African safari destinations, including parts of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Botswana and South Africa.
What country is best for the Great Migration?
The Great Migration moves through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, making northern Tanzania and Kenya important destinations for travellers interested in following the migration.
Because the animals move seasonally, the itinerary should be planned around the period and location you want to visit.
Is Uganda good for safari?
Yes. Uganda combines traditional wildlife parks with forest and primate experiences.
The country’s tourism authority highlights wildlife, gorilla trekking and other adventure experiences as key tourism offerings.
Is Rwanda good for safari?
Rwanda offers both savannah safari and primate experiences. Akagera provides a traditional wildlife environment, while Volcanoes National Park provides mountain gorilla trekking.
How long should an African safari be?
A short safari can last three days, while more comprehensive itineraries can take one to three weeks or longer.
The ideal duration depends on the number of parks and countries you want to visit.
Should I book an African safari with a tour operator?
A specialist tour operator can simplify transportation, accommodation, activities and permits.
This can be particularly helpful when your trip involves multiple parks, gorilla trekking or several countries.
Plan Your African Safari With Destinations African Gorilla
Africa offers no shortage of places to explore.
You can travel across the savannahs of Kenya and Tanzania, follow gorillas through Uganda’s forests, explore Rwanda’s combination of Akagera and Volcanoes National Park, navigate the waterways of Botswana, discover Namibia’s desert landscapes or combine South African safari with cities, mountains and beaches.
The important thing is to choose a destination based on the experience you want.
Dream is gorilla trekking and safari, Uganda or Rwanda may be ideal.
If you want the Great Migration, look toward Kenya and Tanzania.
You want a classic Big Five safari, several destinations across East and southern Africa provide opportunities.
Want a water-based safari, Botswana offers a distinctive experience.
If you want desert landscapes and wildlife, Namibia provides something completely different.
And if you want to combine several experiences, a customized multi-country itinerary may be the right approach.
Destinations African Gorilla can help you plan a safari around your interests, available time and preferred travel style.