Ultimate guide to choose your perfect safari destination

Planning your dream safari but feeling overwhelmed by choices? This guide will help you choose the perfect safari destination, covering budget considerations, wildlife viewing, accommodation options, and top safari countries to fuel your wanderlust.

Factors to consider when choosing a safari destination

Before diving into specific destinations, let's look at some key factors to consider when making your decision. Think about your budget, how long you can travel, what type of animals you hope to see, and the level of comfort you'd prefer. These are important aspects of planning a safari.

Do you envision yourself roughing it in a more rustic camp, or would you prefer luxurious lodges with top-notch amenities? Being clear on your priorities will help narrow down your options.

Budget

Let’s be realistic: Your budget significantly impacts your safari destination choices. East African countries like Kenya and Tanzania offer diverse lodging options, including budget-friendly campsites. This can be great for those on a shoestring budget.

Looking for a more exclusive experience? Then Botswana’s focus on high-end, low-impact tourism might be up your alley, though be ready to splash out a little more cash for that privilege. Remember that your budget will impact many areas of your trip, from accommodation to activities, so choose wisely.

Time of year

Different times of year drastically change things in different safari destinations. This makes choosing when to go nearly as important as where you’ll be visiting.

The dry season, generally from June to October, is usually peak safari time across much of Africa. Animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. However, shoulder seasons, those periods between the dry and wet seasons, can offer good value and fewer crowds, although wildlife sightings might be a little more unpredictable.

Wildlife viewing

Many first-time safari-goers dream of witnessing the “Big Five”: lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffaloes. But each country and even specific parks, offer unique opportunities to spot certain animals.

Are you eager to see the Great Migration in action? If so, then set your sights on Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park or Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve. If getting up close with mountain gorillas is more your style, pack your bags for Rwanda or Uganda. Consider the best destinations and parks that align with your wildlife wish list.

Accommodation

Your accommodation plays a huge role in shaping your overall safari experience. Luckily for you, you've got options.

Some national parks and reserves have a variety of budget-friendly self-catering options if you are comfortable “roughing it”. Want the royal treatment? Many parks are also surrounded by privately owned reserves boasting opulent lodges and camps where every need is catered to (at a premium, of course).

Consider things like whether you're happy with bucket showers and limited electricity, or if having air conditioning and a swimming pool are essential to your comfort.

You might  also like this article: Where to go in Africa: Top 9 countries for an unforgettable experience

Top safari destinations

Here are a few fantastic safari destination countries, each with unique experiences. These will all blow you away, but finding the right fit for your budget, interests, and desired comfort level is vital.

Tanzania

Tanzania really is as epic as it looks in National Geographic documentaries. This East African country boasts a smorgasbord of iconic parks, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Mount Kilimanjaro. The sheer volume and variety of wildlife here are what makes Tanzania so special.

Tanzania consistently wows visitors with huge elephant herds, prides of lions lazing under the acacia trees, and incredible leopard sightings, and this is just scratching the surface.

Want to experience something truly extraordinary? Then witness the Great Migration, a truly awe-inspiring natural spectacle where millions of wildebeest and zebras make their way across the Serengeti plains in search of greener pastures.

Tanzania isn’t a one-trick pony either. You've also got the incredible Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera. Here, it’s common to see the “Big Five” all in one day. 

The country is often lauded for its authenticity, and if experiencing true wilderness is what you're seeking, a safari destination like this ticks all the right boxes.

Botswana

Botswana is a great safari destination for those in search of a more luxurious experience. Think small, intimate camps and lodges tucked away in exceptionally wild, private concessions. This means fewer crowds, dedicated guides, and close encounters with an array of incredible animals.

The Okavango Delta is the star of Botswana's safari show. Think a labyrinthine network of waterways, teeming with elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a dazzling diversity of birds. Here you'll discover an experience unlike any other: gliding along the Delta's channels in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) and observing wildlife as the day breaks.

Don't discount Chobe National Park either. This wildlife haven, world-renowned for having the largest elephant population on the planet, is nothing short of jaw-dropping. If you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a wildlife photographer seeking unforgettable moments, Botswana's incredible beauty and exclusive offerings might just be the answer.

South Africa

South Africa is also a top safari destination. You get the chance to experience all the beauty and excitement of the African wilderness alongside the comfort and infrastructure of a more developed country.

Kruger National Park is a favorite choice, and rightfully so. This massive park is a wildlife wonderland where all the big hitters are ready for their close-up. Yes, you're likely to encounter all of the “Big Five”, along with African wild dogs, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and so much more.

Feeling brave? Then Kruger allows you to drive yourself if you have a tighter budget, giving you freedom and flexibility to explore the park at your own pace.

For a more intimate experience, look to South Africa’s luxurious private reserves like the Sabi Sand. These offer guided walking safaris for a more immersive, up-close encounter with the wild.

But South Africa's appeal goes beyond its safaris. It offers something for everyone, even within one trip. Combine a Kruger safari with a trip to iconic Cape Town, where you can soak up stunning views from Table Mountain and indulge in award-winning cuisine.

You might also want to read: The ultimate Worldpackers South Africa travel guide

Zambia

Zambia prides itself on a more off-the-beaten-path experience. It's known for its exceptional guiding, with passionate individuals eager to share their intimate knowledge of the bush. While other destinations also have amazing guides, Zambia takes this aspect particularly seriously.

One of Zambia's claims to fame is South Luangwa National Park. Why all the hype? This stunning park is known as the birthplace of walking safaris. Picture yourself trekking through the bush on foot, your heart pounding as you follow lion tracks, and getting those incredible National Geographic-worthy wildlife photos you've been dreaming of. This style of safari allows a level of immersion not possible in a vehicle.

Beyond incredible wildlife experiences, Zambia shares the magnificent Victoria Falls with Zimbabwe. It's a natural wonder that should be on every bucket list and is easy to combine with a safari experience.

Kenya

Kenya's diverse landscapes, from the Masai Mara National Reserve to Amboseli National Park, are home to abundant wildlife areas. You'll have the chance to spot iconic species like the legendary Big Five and can also witness the Great Migration in the Masai Mara. 

For an even more unforgettable experience, you can enjoy a hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara, floating above the herds as the sun rises over the savannah.

In Amboseli National Park you can take in breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, and observe large herds of elephants against this stunning backdrop.

Namibia

Namibia, a land of stark beauty, offers a unique safari destination that is both captivating and awe-inspiring. Its diverse landscapes, from the towering dunes of Sossusvlei to Etosha National Park's vast salt pan, are a photographer's dream.

Etosha National Park is a must-see for any visitor to Namibia. The park is home to a wide variety of animals, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and rhinos, and a variety of birds. This makes for a fascinating safari experience as you witness the resilience of nature in one of the oldest deserts in the world.

Capturing the ethereal beauty of Sossusvlei is another one of the top safari experiences in Namibia. Here, ancient red sand dunes rise dramatically against the blue sky, creating a photographer's paradise.

Exploring the Skeleton Coast provides a hauntingly beautiful experience, with its coastline dotted with shipwrecks and home to colonies of Cape fur seals, as well as the unique desert-adapted elephant population.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe, a safari destination with a rich wildlife heritage, offers diverse landscapes and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Zimbabwe's commitment to conservation is evident in its well-managed national parks and reserves.

The country is home to several World Heritage Sites, including the Great Zimbabwe Ruins and the Matobo Hills. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including game viewing, bird watching, hiking, and fishing.

For a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure, consider a visit to Gonarezhou National Park. This remote park in southeastern Zimbabwe is known for its rugged beauty and its populations of elephants, lions, and wild dogs.

Exploring Hwange National Park is another great choice. This sprawling park is renowned for its impressive elephant population and harbors a healthy diversity of other wildlife, including wild dogs, which are often spotted here.

Canoeing down the Zambezi River in Mana Pools National Park offers a truly unique and intimate wildlife experience, as you glide along the waterways and observe animals coming down to drink.

Another unforgettable experience is encountering the majestic Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side, where you can witness the falls' full width and grandeur from various viewpoints.

Volunteer and stay near a safari for free

If you're passionate about wildlife and adventure, combining your safari destination experience with volunteering can be an incredibly rewarding way to travel. Worldpackers, a community that connects travelers with hosts offering volunteer opportunities worldwide, makes this possible.

You can browse a variety of projects across the globe, ranging from eco-projects and social work to hospitality and education. In exchange for your time and skills, hosts provide free accommodation and other benefits, making it an affordable and immersive way to travel. Some non-profit projects ask for a daily or weekly fee to cover your expenses and support their work, but it's still very much worth it.

One of the exciting options available through Worldpackers is volunteering in or around safari destinations. These opportunities allow you to immerse yourself in the country's culture and contribute to conservation efforts, community development, or eco-tourism initiatives, for instance.

To find volunteer opportunities in safari destinations through Worldpackers, simply create a profile on the platform, specifying your interests and skills. You can then use the filters to browse available projects, read reviews from past volunteers, and apply to the ones that match your goals. Once accepted, you’ll coordinate with the host to plan your stay and start preparing for an unforgettable adventure.

Check out a few opportunities that might spark your interest:

Join PFC in rural Tanzania for ecotourism and wildlife safari

This initiative focuses on ecotourism and livelihood support activities, contributing directly or indirectly to the conservation of species and habitats. It includes engaging with the local community to value and protect their wildlife heritage areas.

This host offers a one-day wildlife safari at Serengeti National Park after volunteering for 1 month. The volunteer will contribute 100 USD for fuel and be responsible for their park fees.

Click here for more information.

Enjoy safari and teach children in Uganda

In this opportunity you can engage with a local school (nursery and primary school). You can teach English, sports or healthy habits, or help cook meals that are provided to vulnerable children, paint school classrooms and chairs, among other tasks. On your free time you can go on safari trips, wildlife tours, hiking, canoeing and more.

Click here for more information on this position.

Help youth and learn about Maasai culture in Kenya

The volunteers at this project can teach arrange of subjects including English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Religious education, Science and more. Volunteers are also free to coordinate sports and learn about Maasai culture and arts at the end of the day. The organization builds a rescue center for the girls who are facing Female Genital Mutilation and early marriages and some of the volunteers can also work there.

Find out more about this opportunity here.

Be a conservation volunteer in the Greater Kruger area, South Africa

This host engages with local communities through an Eco Village model with a variety of initiatives that fall under beneficiation, education, enterprise and tourism. You will spend your days working with the team, learning from them and having an amazing cultural experience. 

They work with environmental education, agroecology training, early childhood development, recycling and social enterprises. On your free time, you can explore the surrounding area.

Click here to learn more about this volunteer program.

Volunteer with social media content creation in Tanzania

WEEDO – Women Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Development Organization is an NGO based in Kigamboni, Dar-es-Salaam, which supports girls and young women on their way to a self-reliant future. You can help them by producing social media content to promote their work. Before or after your volunteering period, you can do amazing safaris in Tanzania. 

Click here to find out more about this experience.

You can also volunteer in many other organizations in Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, Tanzania, Namibia, and dozens of other countries around the world.

How to have the best safari experience

Besides choosing the right safari destination, planning a good time for your visit, choosing the best safari type for you and picking a good accommodation, here are some other tips to help you have a great safari experience.

Pack appropriately

Packing the right gear is essential. Light, breathable clothing in neutral colors will help you blend into the environment. Don’t forget sturdy footwear, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses for sun protection.

Binoculars, a good camera, and extra batteries are helpful for capturing those unforgettable moments. Additionally, a field guide to local wildlife can enrich your understanding and appreciation of the animals you encounter.

Follow the rules and respect wildlife

Respecting wildlife and following the guidelines set by your guides and park regulations is paramount. Keep a safe distance from animals, avoid making loud noises, and never feed the wildlife. Your respect for the animals and their habitat ensures their safety and your own.

Engage with knowledgeable guides

A knowledgeable guide can make a significant difference in your safari experience. Guides can provide insights into animal behavior, ecosystems, and conservation efforts. Their expertise helps you spot elusive animals and understand the broader context of what you’re witnessing.

Embrace the unexpected

Safaris are unpredictable, and that’s part of their charm. While you may have a checklist of animals you hope to see, embrace the unexpected moments that nature presents. Sometimes, the most memorable experiences come from unplanned encounters and surprises.

FAQs about safari destinations

What is a safari destination?

A safari destination is typically a region known for its abundant wildlife and natural landscapes that support game viewing experiences. Safaris commonly involve guided game drives in open-sided vehicles, although other activities like walking safaris, boat cruises, and cultural interactions are often part of the experience.

Where is the best place to see mammal species?

While every safari destination is uniquely incredible, this ultimately boils down to your priorities. Do you crave unparalleled game viewing? Then places like the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya should be high on your list. If experiencing luxury and breathtaking scenery are your must-haves, look no further than the Okavango Delta in Botswana.

Where do most safaris take place?

The majority of safaris occur in East and Southern African countries renowned for their well-established tourism infrastructures and thriving wildlife populations. Some of the most popular picks include South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box, though. Countries like Namibia and Rwanda, for instance, offer extraordinary experiences for the slightly more adventurous explorer.

Which country is best for a safari?

Just like there's no one "best" pizza topping (although, it's definitely pepperoni), there is no single "best" country for a safari. It hinges entirely on what you're looking for in your experience.

South Africa offers incredible value, family-friendly options, and opportunities to experience different regions and landscapes on top of game drives, from mountains to vineyards. If watching the Great Migration is your dream, you’ll likely be choosing between Tanzania and Kenya.

Tanzania offers classic East African scenery and wildlife viewing, and Kenya tends to have slightly better pricing but can have a larger tourist presence in the popular parks. Botswana, while amazing, is known to be expensive, and Zambia has incredible guiding but may be a better choice for travelers with some safari experience under their belt.

If self-driving your way around an incredible country is appealing, Namibia, with its striking landscapes and the chance to explore at your own pace, is worth considering. Ultimately, “best” is subjective and depends on what speaks to your wanderlust.

As you’ve seen, planning and picking the right safari destination takes careful consideration of your priorities and goals. By researching well, reflecting on your personal needs and bucket list dreams, and, yes, daydreaming a little, you’re one step closer to choosing a safari destination that will leave a lasting imprint on your soul.

Considering volunteering before or after your safari experience, to immerse yourself deeper into the culture of the country (or countries) you choose to visit? Then create a free profile on Worldpackers right now and start saving your favorite opportunities to your wish list!