Home » African Safaris, African Safari Tours, Safaris in Africa – Vacation Trips
African Safaris, African Safari Tours, Safaris in Africa – Vacation Trips
With no doubt, undertaking African safaris/African safari tours is a dream for most adventure lovers in the world! The term safari is a Swahili word that means a long journey away from home.
Many travelers consider Africa as the backbone for classic wildlife safaris which mostly take place in beautiful golden national parks however, some are possible in private reserves.
The highlight of most safaris in Africa includes wildlife viewing tours as well as experiencing the great wildebeest migration in Serengeti as well as Maasai Mara National Reserve.
You’ll enjoy watching the incredible African Big Five (Lion, Cape Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard, and Rhinos). Large herds of Zebras, Antelopes, Giraffes, giant Hippos, Crocodiles, Cheetahs, and Hyenas plus many beautiful bird species will fascinate you! For classic African wildlife tours, consider visiting Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and Namibia.
To many, “an African safari is not a safari without Uganda gorilla trekking safaris or chimpanzee trekking tours”! The sensation of enjoying close encounters with these humanlike primates is unforgettable.
Other notable adventures on your African holiday safari include game walking expeditions, horseback safaris, as well as bird watching for bird lovers.
African safari vacations are ideal for every traveler! Adventurous travelers can enjoy climbing the snowcapped mountains. World-class water rafting, kayaking, and tubing on the Nile- the world’s longest river also awaits you.
To mention but a few, beach holiday tours, and amazing cultural encounters will fascinate you!
The spectacular scenery of Africa is truly worth exploring. Never leave your camera behind!
PLEASE, LET’S EXPLORE AFRICA SAFARI TOURS MORE TOGETHER!
Popular Safari Destinations for African Safaris
There are numerous popular safari destinations in Africa and each features a unique tourist attraction worth exploring.
Being with great experience in arranging African safari packages, we have brought you the best places you shouldn’t miss on your African safari tour.
Here are the Africa popular safari sites:
1. Serengeti National Park in Tanzania
Serengeti National Park is ranked as the number one African safari destination.
Regardless of the incredible wildlife in Serengeti National Park, this picturesque park of Tanzania is renowned for its great Wildebeest migration which can only be experienced in Maasai Mara National Reserve of Kenya.
During the Wildebeest migration event, you’ll enjoy watching millions of Wildebeests and thousands of Gazelles and Zebras traversing the golden plains of East Africa.
In Serengeti Park, lucky visitors can spot Wild dogs, Lions, Lions or Hyenas hunting!
On your African holiday safari, Serengeti Park is the best place to enjoy game drives, horseback rides, nature walks, as well as birding tours.
Serengeti Park is a popular site for family African safari tours.
2. Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
Kenya wildlife viewing safaris in Masai Mara National Reserve are almost comparable to those in Serengeti National Park.
The golden landscape of Maasai Mara National Reserve which is dotted with millions of wild animals holds a natural beauty that explains the real feel of an African holiday safari.
In Maasai Mara Game Reserve, you’ll enjoy watching wildebeest migration just like it’s in Serengeti.
In the beautiful rolling plains of Maasai Mara National Reserve, you can enjoy game drives, walking safari expeditions, horseback safaris, camping, birding, as well as hot air balloon rides.
Night drives can be done to spot nocturnal animals.
Expect to spot all the Big Five, cheetahs, large herds of Zebras, Antelopes, Giraffes, Hyenas as well as Wild dogs, etc.
August and October is the best time to see Wildebeest migration.
3. Kruger National Park in South Africa
Within safari countries in Southern Africa, Kruger National Park South Africa offers the best experience for African wildlife safaris.
South Africa Kruger park is one of the best places to spot the Big Five (Cape Buffalo, Elephant, Lion, Leopard, and Rhino) on the African continent. Other animals to spot in the sweeping savannah plains of South Africa Kruger National Park include large herds of Wildebeest, Zebras, Giraffes, Cheetahs, Antelopes, Hippos, and several bird species.
Game drives, bird watching tours, nature walks, and camping are possible in Kruger Park.
Normally, most visitors undertaking African holiday tours in Kruger National Park accompany it with a Cape Town tour. This city (Cape Town) gave birth to civilization on the African continent.
4. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Situated within East Africa, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a famous picturesque park famous for its Mountain gorillas. It’s the best area in Africa to encounter gorillas in their natural habitat.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest holds almost half of the endangered Mountain gorillas on Earth.
Not only is Bwindi known for Gorillas, but it’s also an ideal site for Uganda birdwatching tours.
This great biodiverse park of Uganda is also a great site for walking tours. On nature walks, expect to see peculiar plants and wild animals.
5. Kibale Forest National Park in Uganda
Dabbed as the “Primate capital of the world”, Kibale Forest National Park holds the highest diversity and concentration of primates than any other park on Earth.
Kibale Forest National Park is home to over 13 primate species including over 1500 chimpanzees.
Other popular amazing primate species in Kibale Forest include:
1. Olive baboons
2. Red-tailed monkeys
3. Black and white colobus monkeys
4. Blue Monkeys and,
5. L’Hoest’s monkeys
Most of these wonderful primates are spotted during Kanyanyu nature walks in tree canopies.
If you’re looking for the best place to have chimpanzee trekking tours on your African trip, consider visiting Kibale Forest National Park.
Apart from chimpanzee tracking tours, bird watching tours are also possible in Kibale Forest. It’s one of the best sites to spot African forest birds.
6. Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most famous national park a must-visit on your Uganda safari tours.
Known for its abundant wildlife, Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the best parks in East Africa to enjoy wildlife viewing tours.
On your Uganda Queen Elizabeth National Park safari, expect to spot large Elephant herds, Lions, Leopards, cape Buffalos, Uganda kobs, Topis, Waterbucks, Hippos giant Nile Crocodiles, etc.
The elusive tree climbing Lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park can be spotted in the Ishasha sector.
Bird lovers undertaking Uganda birding safaris, Queen Elizabeth Park is a site a must not miss!
7. Okavango Delta in Botswana
In southern Africa, the Okavango Delta is also a great site to undertake African wildlife viewing adventures. It’s prominent for its stunning views of the vast flood plain which is best explored in a hot air balloon ride.
Okavango Delta is home to all the African Big Five- (Lions, Cape Buffalos, Elephants, Leopards, and Rhinos). Other animals include Giraffes, Hippos, giant Crocodiles, Cheetahs, Wildebeests, Hyenas, and African wild dogs, among others.
Undertaking a boat ride is the best way to explore this scenic park. If interested, you can enjoy a walking safari with the help of friendly local guides.
The Okavango Delta area is also an ideal site for birding tours in Botswana.
8. Amboseli National Park in Kenya
Although it’s famous for its great Elephant population, Amboseli National Park is another great site to spot the Big Five while on your Tanzania safari vacation. Expect also to spot other African game animals while on a game drive.
In Amboseli National Park, you’ll enjoy the magnificent views of the beautiful snowcapped peaks of Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro.
For photographers, you’ll enjoy taking photos of giant Elephants against the backdrop of the snow peaks of Mountain Kilimanjaro.
Mountain Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa.
9. Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe
Even though Mana Pools is one of the remote and less developed parks in Zimbabwe, it’s an ideal African safari site to have exceptional walking expeditions as well as canoe rides.
In this stunning UNESCO World Heritage protected area, you’ll enjoy spotting large herds of Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Wild dogs, Hippos, Zebras, Cape Buffalos, etc.
Game drives are also a magnificent experience in this place.
10. Chobe National Park in Botswana
On your African vacation safari, Chobe National Park is another popular site for wildlife viewing expeditions.
Chobe National Park is one of the best safari destinations to spot Lions, as well as large herds of Cape Buffalos, Elephants, Giraffes, Zebras, and wild dogs, among others.
In this park, you can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, birding as well as boat cruise adventures.
11. Etosha National Park in Namibia
Never miss visiting Etosha National Park while on your holiday tour in Zambia.
Etosha National Park is famous for classic wildlife viewing tours in its picturesque moonlike landscape which holds saline desert, woodlands as well and dazzling sweeping savannahs.
This park of Zambia boasts the highest population of Black Rhinos in the world.
The other game animals to spot in Etosha National Park are Lions, Giraffes, Elephants, Leopards, Cheetahs, Springbok, and Hyenas, as well as 2 kinds of Zebras.
If you wish to have game walking adventures in this scenic park, there are experienced local guides to lead you!
12. South Luangwa National Park in Zambia
South Luangwa National Park of Zambia is also among the rich wildlife safari sites in Southern Africa. It’s known for its unique and amazing endemic wildlife species such as Crawshay’s Zebra and the Thornicroft’s Giraffe.
Also, while game driving you can spot Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Buffalos, Antelopes, and several amazing bird species.
Get to experience the great sight of some of the big five like the Lions, Elephants, and Leopards.
13. Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana
Usually, travelers visit Moremi Game Reserve after the Okavango Delta wildlife tour.
This park is one of the best safari destinations in South Africa to enjoy a walking safari. Expect to encounter Black Rhinos as well as other classic game animals counting Lions, Buffalos, Elephants, and Antelopes.
Bird lovers, you’ll spot numerous beautiful birds during the Mokoro canoe ride.
14. Nyerere National Park in Tanzania
Nyerere National Park is the biggest African national park. It’s one of the best parks to explore while on your Tanzania safari.
The Nyerere National Park holds rich wildlife in their natural habitat including rare African game animals such as the Wild dogs. Other include Giraffes, Lions, Buffalos, Elephants, Rhinos, Wildebeests, and many stunning bird species.
Most of the animals in Nyerere Park are spotted on a game drive.
15. Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana
Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of the largest game reserves in the world!
Although this game reserve holds several game animals, it’s famous for its Bushmen!
On your visit to Central Kalahari Game Reserve, you’ll enjoy memorable game walks with the Bushmen as they demonstrate their hunting skills.
16. Scenic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe
In Southern Africa, Victoria Falls is a must-visit beautiful safari attraction while on your safari tour in Africa.
Victoria Falls along the Zambezi River is one of the great natural wonders of the world. This world’s largest waterfall (Victoria Falls) is known for its incredible natural beauty, ideal for photo shooting.
You can explore the beautiful Victoria Falls along the Zambezi River by undertaking a helicopter ride over this wide breathtaking waterfall.
African Safari Packing List- What to Pack for Safaris in Africa?
While coming for a safari in Africa, there are some key items a must not miss on the packing list of every traveler.
We advise always our clients to try traveling light.
These are crucial as you come for your trip in Africa:
· Camera- It has to be having a good storage space to cater for many photos
· Binoculars- to view distant features.
· ·Comfortable hiking boots ideal on nature walks
· Light sandals
· Insect repellents
· Sunscreens
· Sunhat
· Sunglasses
· A light-day backpack- will keep items like insect repellants, sunscreens & travel documents safe.
· First aid kit if possible- it should hold anti Malaria medication
Africa Safari Clothing, Safari Outfits- What to Wear on an African Safari?
Here is a guide on African safari clothes as well as what to wear on most safaris in Africa:
1. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
We advise you to put on comfortable long-sleeved shirts and trousers while trekking gorillas or chimps. Such clothing safeguards your skin from cuts and bites from bugs.
Consider putting on eco-friendly colors like brown khaki, and grey. Black absorbs much heat in the dry season.
To respect African culture, knee-covering clothes are ideal on a cultural tour!
2. Sweaters or a jacket
Keeps you warm in case of cold conditions
3. A sunhat and sunglasses
These will protect you from tropical sunshine. Sunglasses protect your eyes from direct tropical sunlight
4. Rain jacket
It’s so ideal when visiting Mountain gorillas or chimps in tropical rainforests for example Kibale Forest National Park. Also, it’s ideal during mountain hiking adventures
5. Comfortable hiking shoes
Protects your feet during nature walks. Sandals are ideal on city walks as well as while game-driving.
Best Time to Go to Africa, Best Time to Travel Africa, What Time of Year is Best to Tour Africa?
Are you wondering when is the best time to go to Africa? All holiday tours in Africa are possible at any time of the year! However, the best time to visit Africa is during the dry season in June-October.
In the dry season, wildlife viewing is amazing as most game animals can easily be spotted around water holes in most parks. More still trails for game driving, mountain hiking, as well as gorilla trekking expeditions are drier and easier to hike.
Note that the dry season is the peak season in most safari countries therefore, parks are crowded and most lodges are busy.
March to May are wet months, game drive tracks and trails for gorilla tracking as well as mountaineering get muddy. Rainfall inconveniences are expected most hours of the day but, parks are crowd-free and lodges usually give out discounts.
Best Month to Visit Africa-What Is the Best Month to Go On an African Safari? | What is the best month to visit Africa?
June to October is the best time of year to go to Africa! During these months, game-viewing tours in countries such as South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania, and Kenya are at their best. It’s always easier to spot game animals as they tend to gather around water holes.
Some trails can flood and others get muddy during wet months (March-May). Budget travelers should consider undertaking a vacation in Africa during this time as most lodges give out discounts and parks are more crowd-free than it is in peak season.
African Safari Trip Cost, Africa Safari Price- How Much Does It Cost to Do a Safari in Africa? | How Much Does a Tour of Africa Cost?
How much would a tour of Africa cost? Though this is a common question we usually get from our clients intending to have holiday tours in Africa, you should note that there is no fixed cost for an African trip!
The African safari cost is mostly influenced by your travel style. For instance, it’s determined by;
1. Accommodation class you wish to use
2. Duration of your trip
3. Travel means you wish to use
4. Activities you wish to do- Some activities are relatively more expensive than others.
Your tour operator is in a position to break down for you all your daily expenses and advise where necessary. For example, he will advise you on safari lodges to use.
What Is the Average Cost of an African Safari Trip?
Whether coming for a budget, midrange, or luxury safari in Africa, expect to spend between $150 to 1500 per person each day.
The above rate applies to most safari sites in Africa such as Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, as well as Botswana.
How Much Does a 7 Day African Safari Cost?
A 7 day African tour whether in East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania) or, Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia costs between $600 to $10,000 per person each day.
Remember, this rate is influenced much by your travel style.
How Much Does a 10 Day African Safari Cost? | How Much Does a 10 Day Safari Cost?
A 10 days African safari vacation costs nearly $1,800 for budget trip per person. If it’s a luxury African safari trip, it can go over $5000 per person.
Which Country Is Cheapest for Safari Africa? | Which African Country Has the Cheapest Safari?
Kenya as well Uganda are considered the relatively cheaper safari sites to visit in East Africa. Botswana, South Africa, and Namibia are also the cheapest South African countries to enjoy your African holiday vacation.
Vaccination and Visa Requirements for African Countries
Most countries in Africa for instance, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and South Africa to mention but a few require you to be vaccinated against yellow fever. Therefore, you must present your Yellow fever vaccination card at any entry point!
If interested, you should come with anti-malaria medication some parts of countries like Kenya, Botswana, and South Africa are prone to Malaria.
Also, you must travel with a visa as well as a valid passport (having 6 6-month validity period).
Best Safari Companies in Africa Safari to Travel With
As you plan to undertake African tours, it’s better you book your vacation with a tour company. Always look for a trustworthy tour operator!
The following are some of the best tour operators in Africa to book with your trip:
1. Prime Safaris & Tours Ltd
2. Africa Safaris Tours
3. Wild Gorilla Safaris
Popular Africa Vacation Safaris, Best African Safari Tours, African Safari Packages
All our African safari packages can be tailor made to suit your travel needs and interest. A number of these trips are ideal for family safari holidays. Travel with us for a memorable safari experience!
The following are the best African safari tour packages:
· 6 days family safari tour and wildlife holiday trip in Northern Tanzania– Arusha, Tarangire National Park (dotted with Baobab trees), Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, & Materuni Waterfall.
· 10 days Tanzania and Kenya safari– Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti park, Ngorongoro Crater, Nairobi, & Maasai Mara National Reserve.
· 11 days African family safari– South Africa Kruger park, Cape Town, Victoria Falls, and Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe & Botswana.
· 12 days family safari in Africa– Serengeti park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Amboseli National Park, Arusha, Lake Nakuru, Mara reserve, & Nairobi.
· 14 days African wildlife tour- Kruger park, Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, & Botswana.
· 20 days African wildlife tour, camping, & local communities– Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Tanzania safari Serengeti, and Maasai Mara Reserve in Kenya.
Key Travel Tips When Visiting Africa- How Do You Stay Safe on an African Safari?
While coming to Africa for a vacation, there is some crucial travel information you should know for a successful trip!
On your African holiday vacation, here are some important travel tips to know:
1. It’s not wise to move in the park without an armed ranger guide. These people are trained to deal with wild animals in case of an attack
2. Always follow the park rangers’ instructions
3. Never leave the trail while on nature walks during your adventure
4. It’s wise to keep a safer distance from game animals. For instance, you must keep 7-10m from gorillas.
5. Always apply sunscreens on your skin to reduce the effect of tropical sunshine. This is a must if you have sensitive skin!
6. Travel with insect repellants- some areas are still prone to malaria in Africa
7. Try to travel light to avoid heavy weights
8. A sun hat and sunglasses are really important. The sunglasses protect your eyes from direct sun rays.
9. Book your trip with a local travel agent. These companies know better all the basic local knowledge in their country than international tour operators.
10. Avoid moving at night while on your African holiday trip. Most crimes in Africa for instance in Cape Town happen at night.
11. In case of any allergies, talk fast to your doctor
12. If possible, avoid street foods if you have a sensitive stomach!
Accommodation-Where to Stay on Your African Vacation Trip
Most places in Africa hold accommodations ranging from budget to midrange as well as luxury hotel facilities.
We shall help you as well as guide you while booking accommodation in any place you would wish to visit in Africa.
Most lodges have ample services and amenities for their guests. Their lodges have swimming pools, restaurants, bars, air conditioning, free wifi, beautiful gardens, and an eco-friendly environment.
More African Safari FAQs
1. Why Is African Safari So Expensive?
In comparison with other destinations on Earth, African holiday trips are slightly more expensive but, worth undertaking!
Here are the key reasons why African holiday tours are expensive:
· Most lodges in Africa are found in remote areas and this raises the cost of their services.
· On your holiday trip in Africa, you have to hire a private tour guide and this calls for guiding fees
· Also, most safari tours in Africa call for vehicle hire fees and this raises the cost of the trip
2. How to Do Cheap Safari in Africa?
Most travelers normally look for affordable African safaris! As experts, we have explored the various ways you can enjoy an African vacation on a budget.
Below is how you can enjoy affordable African safari tours:
· On your African trip, use more budget lodges than luxury safari lodges
· Consider traveling in the Low season- Normally, in the low season lodges give out low discounts to guests
· Go for short African trips
· Book your trip with native safari companies. Such companies sell their safari packages at affordable rates
· Opt to visit one park that has it all
· Undertake group tours- These allow cost-sharing
3. Which African Country Has the Best Safaris? | Where Is It Best to Go on a Safari in Africa? | What is the Best Country to Do African Safari?
Every country in Africa holds a unique tourist attraction worth visiting on your trip in Africa. However, to many Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, as well as Botswana are the best.
Kenya & Tanzania (in East Africa) are prominent for classic African wildlife tours the same with Botswana and South Africa.
Uganda is the prominent site for Mountain gorilla tracking tours, chimps, and wildlife expeditions.
Let’s plan together your next destination in Africa.
4. Which Is Best Safari in Africa? | What Are the Best Safaris in Africa?
Wildlife viewing expeditions are considered the best adventures in Africa. These are possible in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Botswana, among others. On this thrill, you’ll enjoy spotting game animals such as Lions, large Elephant herds, Leopards, Rhinos, giant Hippos, Giraffes, and Wildebeests in their wonderful natural habitat.
Other superb tours in Africa you shouldn’t miss include chimpanzee trekking, gorilla tracking, mountain hiking, and beach tours, to mention but a few!
The travel agent is there to guide you!
5. What Safari Is Best for Families | What Safari Is Best for Family Tours?
There are many safaris in Africa but, game viewing tours are the most ideal for families.
If interested, you can try out tracking gorillas, chimpanzees, or the beautiful Golden monkeys. More adventurous families can go mountain hiking in the snowcapped peaks of Africa for example hiking Mount Kilimanjaro or Rwenzori Mountain.
A tour company will guide you in choosing the best trip for your family.
6. Safaris in Kenya Vs Tanzania- Is Kenya or Tanzania Better for Safari
Though all these countries are fantastic for game viewing tours, many take Kenya safaris to be better than tours in Tanzania.
Several travelers say that Kenya’s infrastructures such as hotels and roads are better than those in Tanzania. More still, Kenya’s parks are more easily accessible than those of Tanzania.
Regardless of the above, the fact remains that all countries are great for memorable safaris in Africa.
7. Which African Safari Is the Safest? | Where Is the Safest Safari in Africa? | Which Is the Safest African Safari Tour?
Most African safaris are safe! Normally, 99% of African trips end without any mishap happening however, you must be vigilant as well.
While on your safari adventures for example, on Uganda gorilla trekking or game viewing tours in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Botswana, you’ll always be accompanied by armed rangers.
Note that, just like it is in your country, petty crimes such as pickpocketing on busy roads within cities have been reported in Africa. Be vigilant! Don’t move with expensive gadgets and avoid exposing money in public.
If you have not visited Africa yet, you still miss the real meaning of a safari! Within the breathtaking African golden plains, you’ll enjoy game viewing searching for the incredible game animals including the Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Cheetahs, Rhinos, Cape Buffalos, Giraffes, Wildebeests, etc.
African safaris also allow you to enjoy close encounters with amazing humanlike primates such as Gorillas and chimps.
For A Memorable Vacation, Book Your African Trip With The Best Local Tour Company. Email Us Now!