Globe with Africa prominently displayed, highlighting the continent’s geography and safari destinations

Choosing where to go is one of the most important steps in planning a safari. Each country offers something distinct: different landscapes, wildlife densities, lodge styles and levels of remoteness. This guide gives you a clear sense of what each region is known for, with links to detailed country pages.

East Africa

  • Big landscapes, famous migrations and classic, cinematic safari scenes

Kenya

  • Known for: Masai Mara, big cats, private conservancies

  • Best for: Migration (July to October), families, photographers

  • Highlights: Open plains, strong guide culture, excellent lodge variety

Tanzania

  • Known for: Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater

  • Best for: Calving season (January to March), Migration, classic lodge circuits

  • Highlights: Predictable wildlife, ballooning, iconic landscapes

Uganda

  • Known for: Mountain gorillas, chimpanzees

  • Best for: Primates, rainforests, pairing with Kenya or Tanzania

  • Highlights: Bwindi, Kibale Forest, remote, unspoilt regions

Where to go

Hot air balloon drifting over Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, offering panoramic views of wildlife and savannah

Southern Africa

Private reserves, fewer vehicles, varied ecosystems and high levels of exclusivity.

Botswana

  • Known for: Okavango Delta, Chobe elephants, private concessions

  • Best for: Water and land activities, high-end fly-in safaris

  • Highlights: Remote camps, exceptional guiding, low visitor density

Namibia

  • Known for: Deserts, dunes, Skeleton Coast

  • Best for: Photography, self-drive, dramatic scenery

  • Highlights: Sossusvlei, desert elephants, wide horizons

Zambia

  • Known for: Walking safaris, authentic camps

  • Best for: Active travellers, river-based safaris

  • Highlights: South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, superb leopard sightings

Zimbabwe

  • Known for: Victoria Falls, Mana Pools

  • Best for: Canoe and walking safaris

  • Highlights: Excellent guiding, classic bush camps

South Africa

  • Known for: Kruger private reserves, malaria-free options

  • Best for: First-timers, families, safari + city combinations

  • Highlights: Close wildlife encounters, Cape Town, Winelands

Malawi

  • Known for: Lake Malawi, small parks and relaxed pace

  • Best for: Gentle safari + beach trips

  • Highlights: Liwonde, Majete, lake lodges

Group of elephants wading through river waters during safari in Botswana’s Okavango Delta

Indian Ocean Extensions

Perfect for combining safari with beach time.

Mozambique

  • Known for: Island archipelagos, snorkelling, diving

  • Best for: Post-safari relaxation

  • Highlights: Bazaruto, Quirimbas, clear warm water

Zanzibar

  • Known for: White beaches, culture, spice farms

  • Best for: Easy access from East Africa

  • Highlights: Stone Town, reef diving, relaxed resorts

    Contact us to design your tailor-made safari

Traditional wooden dhow sailing off the coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania, across turquoise Indian Ocean waters