There is nothing out there that can substitute the raw thrill of an encounter with a signature species in its own backyard, be that jungle, plain or waterways.
Whether that’s catching sight of the elusive Black rhino crossing the undulated terrain in the Masai Mara on our Kenya Safari Holidays, a Mountain Gorilla cradling it’s young in the misty peaks of Bwindi on our Uganda Safari Holidays or see tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth’s National Park during our Rwanda Safari Holidays, our safari trips allow you to admire these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
Take a look at our top five recommended African Safari Holidays to ignite your spirit of adventure.
1. Kenya & Tanzania Safari
On this Kenya safari tour, you can enjoy exhilarating game drives across Lake Nakuru National Park and visits to the world’s largest unbroken caldera – the Ngorongoro Crater, where you can see Flamingos, leopards and lions coming to quench their thirst. After all the excitement, end your Kenya & Tanzania Adventure unwinding on the white sands of Zanzibar or take a snorkelling excursion to see bottlenose dolphins and green turtles if you’re lucky!
2. The Zambezi Valley
Sometimes the best way to get up close and personal to wildlife on a safari trip, is to take to the water on a dug-out canoe and this is exactly what we do on our Zambezi Valley trip. On this Zambian adventure, we venture out on a three-day exploration of the Zambezi River, where we may encounter crocodiles basking on the riverbanks, elephants feeding in the afternoon and pods of hippos in deeper water.
3. Botswana & Zimbabwe Lodge Safari
Crossing from the thundering Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe to Botswana, this action-packed itinerary takes you on a spectacular game drive in Chobe National Park – a park best known for its large populations of elephant herds and African buffalo among other interesting species. After we visit the beautiful Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, we head to the Okavango Delta. Home to a vast array of wildlife, it’s not uncommon to come across white rhinos, giraffes and the vibrant saddle-billed stork on the riverbanks.
4. Tanzania Wildlife Safari
Aside from embarking on daily safaris in Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park, this African safari trip also shows what the nocturnal species are up to with exhilarating night drives in Tanzania. This trip allows you to enjoy a classic, yet intimate safari experience through the use of a mobile campsite so you can get a front row seat to the Great Migration of wildebeests in season.
5. Namibia 4WD Desert Safari
Once you’ve witnessed the towering pink sand dunes and petrified forests, it’s the desert adapted wildlife tracking in Namibia that will leave an indelible imprint on your memory. With two days spent in the private Palmwag Concession searching for desert elephants and Black rhinos alongside wild camping near the San Bushman engravings, we also go on an exhilarating 4WD Desert Safari into the Onguma Game Reserve and Etosha National Park a place that’s famous for its watering holes that are known to attract the Big Five.
We have a fabulous choice of African safari holidays that take you through the most incredible landscapes and national parks. Witness one of the world’s greatest spectacles with the Great Migration at Kenya’s Masai Mara or go on a thrilling game drive in Zambia where you’ll come face to face with the world’s most magnificent beasts. Our expert leaders not only take you on exciting game drives, but they also share their wealth of invaluable knowledge, teaching you about the animals and their natural habitats. What’s more, you’ll stay in excellent accommodations in the heart of the African wilderness.
Between June and October is usually a good time to go on African safari holidays as this is the dry season, the temperatures tend to be slightly cooler, and the animals gather around the water holes. The Masai Mara migration also takes place between July and August and is considered the best safari in Africa by many wildlife enthusiasts. Alternatively, explore Botswana in July when the floods arrive at Okavango Delta and the riverbanks are teeming with wildlife such as elephants, hippos and warthogs. Although the temperatures are high in January, this is a good month to go in search of Africa’s Big Five.
Just like life for many of the incredible animals you’ll come across, it’s better to be a part of the pack. Each one of our sensational safaris take place in a guided group, which is an ideal way to navigate vast natural landscapes and meet like-minded travellers along the way. Your dedicated tour leaders will not only know each area better than anyone else, but the animals too, and will be able to offer you priceless insights into their every movement and behaviour.
If you’d prefer to go it alone or in your own group, we also offer private safari experiences. Speak to our experienced private adventures team about setting up your dream wildlife adventure.
So many African countries are teeming with wildlife, that it’s difficult to choose the best. However, Botswana is definitely a front runner though as it’s home to some of the continent’s most revered species. Chobe National Park is famous for its huge elephant herds and buffalo, while white rhinos, hippos and crocodiles frequent the swampy waters of the Okavango Delta. The Big Five, comprising the lion, leopard, African buffalo, black rhinoceros and the African bush elephant, can be found at Moremi Nature Reserve. Kenya is another country that’s hard to beat when it comes to African safari holidays. With a staggering 25 national parks to its name, it plays host to 390 species of mammals, such as wildebeest, zebra, cheetahs, lions and leopards. Other countries that are best for safaris include Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda, which is home to the mountain gorilla.
While it is possible to book safari holidays close to the departure date of our tours, we strongly recommend that you plan well in advance. Firstly, check that your passport will be valid as some countries do require that it is valid for 6 months beyond the duration of your stay. You will also need plenty of time to apply for your visa, and while it is possible to apply for this online, it can take up to 3 weeks to arrive. Many African countries recommend that you are vaccinated prior to entry, however, we advise you to consult your medical professional up to 8 weeks before your trip. For each of our African safari holidays, we offer practical information about the destination, which we recommend reading before booking.
Africa is beyond doubt one of the best continents for safari holidays. Wildlife lovers will be in their element as they embark on game drives through vast national parks. Some of the most iconic countries such as Kenya, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe lay claim to offering the best safari in Africa. Each country has its unique charms and plays host to some of the most remarkable animals in the world. From a cruise along the Nile to a game drive through the Serengeti National Park, there are so many places to choose from.
