Recently updated on July 8th, 2025 at 01:03 pm
A safari is one of the most exhilarating bucket list experiences in the world, getting you up close to some of the world’s most remarkable wildlife and landscapes. From the iconic plains of the Serengeti to the lush wetlands of Okavango and the desert wildlife of Etosha, here are 12 of the best safari destinations in the world to inspire your safari adventure.
1. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Serengeti National Park is an icon of Africa and one of the best safari destinations in the world for spotting the Big 5 and so much more. Located in northern Tanzania, this UNESCO-listed national park is one of the oldest ecosystems on earth. It’s filled with plants and animals that have barely changed over the past million years.
The park is an epic expanse of plains and grassland, dotted with all of the Big 5 and other safari favourites like giraffes, zebra, hyenas, cheetah and the rare African wild dog.
The Serengeti is also famed as the home of ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’ – the Great Migration. Over two million wildebeest, zebra, impala and gazelle cross the Mara River in a thundering mass each year in search of greener pastures. The migration sets off annually around July towards the Masai Mara in Kenya. The herd then makes the 1,000km journey back to Tanzania around October or November when the rains set in.
The wildebeest must dodge stalking predators like lions and leopards on their journey, while huge clouds of migrating birds fly overhead. As the largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, it’s an astonishing sight to behold.
2. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Venture over the border of the Serengeti into the Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya, the other half of the mighty Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. As one of the best safari destinations in the world, the Maasai Mara dishes up extraordinary wildlife viewing, including all the Big 5.
You’ll also likely spot giraffes, hippos and crocodiles lurking in the rivers, along with more than two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle that arrive in a thundering mass during the Great Migration.
Besides the incredible wildlife, the Maasai Mara is renowned for its rich culture. You can visit a traditional Maasai village where you’ll meet the Maasai people and witness their colourful traditions.
3. Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park is the oldest and most iconic national park in South Africa. It’s also one of the top bucket list experiences on the whole continent. Covering a staggering two million hectares (the size of Israel or Slovenia), you’ll have a good chance of spotting the famous Big 5, the unique Little 5, and everything in between.
There’s also reliable sightings and a high density of animals in the private reserves around the Kruger National Park. One of our favourite areas is the Karongwe Private Game Reserve. Here you can spot all the Big 5 and learn about the traditions and local deliacies of the Shangaan people at a local village.
Is Kruger or Serengeti better?
One of the most common questions we get from our guests is whether to visit Kruger or Serengeti. They’re two of the most iconic safari destinations in the world, and most people usually only have time to visit one of them on a safari trip, due to the large distance between them.
While you can’t go wrong with either Kruger or Serengeti, the best choice for you will depend on what you want to get from your safari. With Kruger, you can spot a wild range of wildife including the Big Five, and it’s more easily accessible, with a range of accommodation options. It’s ideal for those seeking convenience and flexibility, however it can also be more crowded for this reason. On the other hand, the Serengeti is more remote and typically more expensive as travel logistics are more complex. The pay off is that you can see an abundance of wildlife including the Big Five, and the breathtaking Great Migration. The park offers a more pristine wilderness experience and has unique activities like hot-air balloon rides. Ultimately, your choice should be based on the types of wildlife and activities you’re interested in, your budget, and the amount of time you have.
4. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
As one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the continent’s best safari hotspots. Located in the Crater Highlands of northern Tanzania, Ngorongoro is an ancient volcanic crater spanning 260 square kilometres. The crater is surrounded by a 600-metre high wall, and it’s the largest intact and unfilled caldera in the world.
It’s home to over 25,000 large game animals, including all the Big 5. The conservation area protects Tanzania’s last remaining population of the endangered black rhino. You can also spot cheetah, zebra, wildebeest, gazelle, spotted hyenas and the critically endangered African wild dog. The crater is also dotted with sparkling soda lakes where you can see hippos and massive pink flocks of flamingo.
Ngorongoro has also been home to humans for around three million years and occupied by pastoralist tribes, like the Maasai, for the past 2,000 years. You can visit a Maasai village and even see casts of the fossilised footprints found at Olduvai Gorge. These famous footprints prove humans were walking on two legs at least 3.7 million years ago.
5. Etosha National Park, Namibia
Etosha is the greatest national park in Namibia, famed for its striking desert landscapes and abundant wildlife. You’ll have the chance to spot four of the Big 5 as there are no buffalo in Etosha, however you can spot them in the nearby Waterberg Plateau and Caprivi Strip. Meanwhile, the huge populations of lions and elephants make up for it.
Etosha is also one of the best places in Africa to see the white rhino and critically endangered black rhino. These precious creatures have been poached to near extinction on the continent, but you can still find them around the waterholes of Etosha.
The waterholes are also a great place to spot lurking lions, leopards, cheetah and hyena. You can also spot herds of elephants coming to get a drink and bathe in the water. With its unique desert-adapted animals, Etosha is undoubtedly one of the best safari destinations in the world.
6. Chobe National Park, Botswana
It’s all about elephants in Chobe, and this national park is one of the best safari destinations in the world to see these majestic creatures. There are around 120,000 elephants in the park and we love spotting them on a Chobe River cruise.
You’ll have the chance to see elephants, buffalo, lions and leopards come to the river bank to drink, while birds like the kingfisher hover over the water. The best time to spot the huge elephant herds is the dry season from May to October. Wildlife viewing is at its absolute best from August to October.
Unfortunately, rhinos are extremely rare to spot in Chobe after having their population decimated over the years. The good news is they are slowly being reintroduced to private areas of the park.
7. Samburu National Reserve, Kenya
Take a journey into the wild bushland of the Samburu National Reserve on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Here you’ll have the chance to spot a unique kind of Big 5 – the ‘Samburu Special 5’. These five rare animals can only be found in the Samburu ecosystem and include the Reticulated giraffe, the Grevy’s Zebra, the Beisa oryx, the Somali ostrich and the gerenuk.
You might even get to spot some of these animals on a special guided nature walk. You’ll be accompanied by an expert naturalist, who will share their wealth of wisdom on the plants and animals found in the area.
Along with the Samburu Special 5, you’ll also have the chance to see more famous animals including elephants and lions just like Elsa, the lion cub made famous in the award-winning book and movie ‘Born Free’. Samburu National Reserve was one of two areas where conservationists George and Joy Adamson raised the lion cub.
You can get to know more about the region’s conservation and anti-poaching efforts in the nearby Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa.
8. Okavango Delta, Botswana
The Okavango Delta in Botswana is a unique mosaic of islands, waterways, and lagoons, creating a rich environment for an abundance of wildlife. Known for its remarkable seasonal flooding, which contrasts against the dry Kalahari desert, the delta becomes a lush animal habitat. Travelers can explore this biodiverse world by mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe), with close-up encounters of animals like hippos, elephants, leopards and an incredible variety of birds.
9. Solio Game Reserve, Kenya
Located between the foothills of the Aberdares and the slopes of Mount Kenya, this privately-owned conservancy is one of the most successful rhino breeding reserve in the world. Founded in the 1970s, Solio Game Reserve provides a safe haven for both black and white rhinos, housing the largest population of white rhinos on earth. It’s a relatively hidden gem on the safari circuit, offering guests the rare chance to see not only large numbers of rhinos but also buffalos, zebras, giraffes, leopards, and lions among the grassland and acacia forests.
10. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
South Luangwa National Park may be off the beaten track but it’s undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries. It’s home to endemic animals like Thornicroft’s giraffe, Cookson’s wildebeest and Crawshay’s zebra, found nowhere else on earth. You’ll also find the world’s highest naturally occurring population of leopards. As the ‘birthplace of the walking safari’ visitors can also embrace the unique experience of tracking and spotting animals on foot.
11. Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
With its unusual landscapes dotted with giant baobabs, flat-topped acacias and termite mounds, Tarangire National Park is unlike anything you’ll see in Tanzania. The wildlife is just as captivating as the landscapes, as the park is renowned as one of the best places to view elephants. You can also see adorable tree hyraxes and over 300 recorded species of birds. The park is particularly spectacular during the dry season when animal concentrations are among the highest in Tanzania, driven to the Tarangire River.
12. Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
Located in northern Zimbabwe along the lower Zambezi River, Mana Pools National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its wildlife and natural beauty. The name “Mana” means “four” in the Shona language, referring to the four large pools formed by the Zambezi River. The pools attract a high concentration of wildlife, making it a spectacular spot for game viewing. The park also offers some exciting experiences such as walking safaris and canoe safaris, so you can watch the wildlife from every angle, including elephants, hippos, lions and over 350 bird species.
The best safaris for every kind of traveller:
There are few travel experiences as extraordinary as the African safari. From the thrill of a game drive to spot incredible animals to the stunning landscapes, a safari travel experience is truly special. The best part is that there are dozens of unique safari destinations across Africa, with something to suit almost everyone from first-timers to experienced safari-goers and budget travellers to luxury seekers. In celebration of World Elephant Day and World Lion Day in August, we’ve put together your complete guide to the best safaris for every kind of traveller.
Luxury safaris:
Looking for a slice of safari luxury? There are plenty of options at all the best safari destinations in Africa from the Masai Mara, Kruger and the Serengeti, to some of the lesser-known gems like Samburu. Get inspired by some of our favourite luxury safari accommodations below, or speak to our friendly team to discover our full range of luxury safari accommodations.
Aberdare National Park, Kenya
When you go on safari in Kenya with Trafalgar, we’ll spend the night in The Ark Lodge, one of our most incredible ‘Stays With Stories’. This wildlife sanctuary is filled with all kinds of animals like zebras, impala and warthog and you’ll see them grazing nearby from your luxury room. There’s also plenty of activities here, so whether you want to relax in the pool or go on a thrilling night game drive through the park, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience at The Ark.
Karongwe Private Reserve, South Africa
While we love our luxury resorts in the Kruger National Park – like the stunning Sabi River Sun Resort – you also can’t miss spending the night in the private game reserves near Kruger. We’ll take you to one of our favourite ‘Stays With Stories’, Becks Safari Lodge in the Karongwe Private Reserve. It’s the perfect place to kick back and relax in the gorgeous wilderness by the pool. Or get in on the action with game drives and evening sundowner drinks where you can spot wildlife emerging.
Samburu National Reserve, Kenya
Dreaming of a lavish camping experience on safari? You’ll find it at Ashnil Samburu, a luxury tented camp in the Samburu National Reserve of Kenya. Set on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, you’ll be surrounded by pristine wilderness. You’ll have the chance to spot the ‘Samburu Special 5’ on a game drive or go on a guided nature walk with an expert naturalist. Whether you want to enjoy a luxury sundowner experience or dig into a private barbecue in the bushveld, Ashnil Samburu is one of the best luxury safari destinations.
Best safaris for first timers:
Wondering where to go on a safari in Africa for your first time? There are dozens of fantastic safari travel experiences to choose from! Here are some of the best destinations you can’t miss, complete with game drives, scenic lodges and the chance to spot the Big Five.
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
As one of the most iconic safari destinations, the Maasai Mara is a highlight on any safari adventure. When you travel to the Maasai Mara with Trafalgar, we’ll spend our days exploring the stunning wilderness in search of the Big Five, or relaxing at our lodge’s watering hole where hippos roam. You’ll also get to visit a local Maasai village and learn about their daily life and traditions.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The UNESCO-listed Serengeti offers up some of the best safaris in the world. Home to all of the Big Five and more, not to mention the greatest show on Earth – The Great Migration – the Serengeti is truly extraordinary. We’ll take you on a 4×4 safari game drive through the vast plains dotted with Acacia trees. If you travel at the right time, you might even get to watch some of the millions of wildebeest thundering across the Mara River in their annual migration.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
Neighbouring the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is another UNESCO-listed safari wonder in Tanzania. We’ll take you down hundreds of metres to the floor of the massive Ngorongoro Crater, where you’ll explore its grassy plains, soda lakes and lush forests, filled with all kinds of animals including lions, elephants, zebras, wildebeest, pink flamingoes and more. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the crater, then relax in your nearby accommodation with spectacular views of the greenery.
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Exploring Etosha is like stepping into another planet, and you’re sure to experience one of your very best safaris here. We’ll climb aboard a safari vehicle as we go in search of the park’s abundant wildlife around the watering holes. See large herds of elephants and big cats like lions and leopards lounging in the shade. Etosha is also one of the best places to catch a glimpse of the endangered black rhino. After all that wildlife spotting, it’s time to relax at your lodge and watch the beautiful sunset as you toast to an unforgettable day.
Best safaris for experienced safari-goers
So you’ve seen the most iconic safari destinations… where next? Here are some of our favourite places where you can get off the beaten track on safari in Africa:
Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania
From massive elephant herds and rare tree-climbing lions to pink flamingoes and more than 400 bird species lining the lake shores, Lake Manyara is a real hidden gem of Tanzania. Located nearby well-known icons like the Serengeti, it’s definitely worth making a detour to Lake Manyara for some otherworldly scenery.
Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
Tarangire serves ups landscapes unlike anything you’ve seen in Tanzania. Imagine flat-topped acacias, giant baobabs, and lush rivers and forests. The animals are also incredible and it’s one of the best places to spot elephants, along with giraffes, zebras, warthogs, gazelles and over 550 bird species. You can even meet the curious tree hyraxes that climb around when you go on safari with Trafalgar.
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, South Africa
Set in the KwaZulu Natal Regine of South Africa, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park is the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa. This legendary park is home to an abundance of wildlife including all of the Big Five, giraffes, zebra, cheetah, African wild dogs, hyenas, wildebeest, jackals, hippopotamus, Nile crocodile, warthog, mongoose and more. The park is also world-renowned for its conversation efforts in bringing the white rhino back from the brink of extinction. We’ll take you on a 4×4 game drive through the beautiful landscape, where you’ll spot the incredible animals and learn all about animal movements and habitats from expert guides.
Best safaris for senior travellers:
Most safaris can be customised to meet your preferred activity level. You might like to head out on a game drive in the morning and enjoy a siesta in the afternoon… Or you can enjoy a sleep in and go on a thrilling evening game drive. There are also low impact options like boat cruise safaris. Here are some of our best safaris experiences for senior travellers:
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park is one of the very best national parks in South Africa. It’s home to all of the Big Five plus many more unique animals and bird species. You won’t have to go far to spot some incredible animals with our Local Specialists Plus with 22,000 square kilometres of space in the park, you’ll have enough room to have a private wilderness experience.
Chobe National Park, Botswana
If a river cruise is more your speed, there’s no better place to do it than Chobe National Park in Botswana. This is where some of the world’s largest herds of elephants are found, and you’ll have the chance to see them gathering at the river bank on your Chobe River cruise. From buffalo to kingfishers, you’ll spot all kinds of fascinating creatures, before enjoying lunch at the Chobe Safari Lodge.
Best water safaris:
Think the best safaris happen on the water? Here are some of our best picks…
Okavango Delta, Botswana
This watery wonderland is best seen by boat – specifically, a makoro (a traditional dugout canoe). You’ll glide through the delta with a guide, spotting all kinds of birds and wildlife just inches from the water. The Okavango is also one of the few places left in the world where traditional makoros are still used, making this an extra special place for a water safari.
Swakopmund, Namibia
So you’ve heard of the Big Five and even the Samburu Special Five… What about the marine Big Five? You’ll have the chance to spot all of the marine Big Five – whales, dolphins, seals, mola molas, and leatherback turtles – in Walvis Bay when we take you on a catamaran cruise with local experts. You’ll see some 60,000 resident Cape Fur Seals around Pelican Point and if you travel between July and November, you’ll have the chance to spot many different species of whales and dolphins, along with leatherback turtles and mola molas.
Lake Saint Lucia, South Africa
You’ll have the chance to board a cruise on Lake St. Lucia in South Africa, where you’ll come face to face with hippos, crocodiles and all kinds of birdlife. If you’re lucky, you might even hear the cry of the fish eagle or watch one catch a fish.
Best bird-watching safaris:
Everyone loves spotting the Big Five mammals… But what about the bird enthusiasts? Here are some of our favourite destinations for the best bird-watching safaris.
Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya
If you’re an avid twitcher, you can’t miss visiting Lake Nakuru. It’s a true bird watcher’s paradise, with more than 400 species recorded here. Not only will you spot hundreds of bird species lining the lakeshore, you’ll also have the chance to spot lions and leopards on your game drive. When you travel with Trafalgar, you’ll also spend the night in the park and enjoy an early morning bird-watching session. You’ll meet your guide at sunrise on the lakeshore to spot flamingos, pelicans and more. You can even spot zebra, buffalo and rhino grazing nearby. With the call of the birds and the damp scents of the bush filling the air, this is a truly magical safari experience.
Lake Naivasha, Kenya
We’ll also take you to Lake Navaisha, another bird watcher’s utopia in Kenya. You’ll board a boat to cruise across the lake and keep your eyes peeled to spot hippos. There’s also more than 400 bird species such as the African Fish Eagle and the Greater Swamp Warbler, along with flamingoes, pelicans, storks, bee-eaters and more. After getting your fill of birds, you’ll stop at Crescent Island and join a local specialist to walk among wildlife like giraffes, zebra and impala.
Best responsible safaris:
At Trafalgar, we only participate in ethical wildlife experiences that show respect for the wellbeing of all animals. Here are some of our best safaris showcasing conservation and responsible safari travel in Africa:
Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya
We’ll take you to Ol Pejeta, a not-for-profit wildlife conservancy in Kenya, as part of our Make Travel Matter experience. It’s the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, and you’ll learn about their efforts to stop poaching and save the rhinos. During your visit, you’ll have the chance to take a horseback ride through the 600-acre Endangered Species Enclosure, dedicated to the recovery of the northern white rhinos species. You’ll even get to spot the last two that remain in the world, along with other animals like the endangered Grevy’s zebra, Jackons’ hartebeest, gazelle and antelope.
You can also join an expert game ranger for a fascinating guided bush walk. Your guide will share their intimate knowledge of the land and animal habitats, including how to identify animals tracks. For something extra thrilling, you can also join the Ol Pejeta team on a lion tracking experience, as they undertake their regular monitoring of the lions in the conservancy.
Solio Game Reserve, Kenya
This privately-owned wildlife conservancy is internationally renowned for its successful rhino breeding program. Founded in the 1970s to protect the black and white rhino, the reserve is home to the world’s largest population of white rhino. Although Solio is a well-kept secret on the safari circuit, we’ll take you on a game drive here for a special safari experience. You’ll have the chance to spot large numbers of rhino, giraffe, zebra, leopard, lion and buffalo with few other safari vehicles in sight. You can even opt to go for a nature walk within the sanctuary or snap some gorgeous photos with Mount Kenya as the backdrop.
Have you visited any of the best safari destinations in the world? Let us know in the comments below!