Home » African Safari Tours – Explore the Best Safari Trips, Travel Guide & Destinations
African Safari Tours – Explore the Best Safari Trips, Travel Guide & Destinations
Go on an Africa Safaris adventure, and you'll leave with great amusement. African safari holidays, including the big 5 Africa safari holidays, come with immense joy and are available at highly discounted tour prices and costs – a fact that is evident from the never-ending positive reviews. Africa is a uniquely exceptional continent on Earth, blessed with indescribable natural gifts and destinations. Most African travel guides testify to this.
When it comes to wondrous wildlife-watching opportunities, bird-watching, culinary delights, nightlife, primate trekking, and cultural encounters, among other holiday experiences, Africa safaris will leave you with a smile. Traveling around panoramic circuits that connect several safari countries, where you can find everything in different convenient places, makes for a truly exceptional expedition. For instance, connecting to Tanzania and Kenya within the same African destination holiday package adds the perfect spice to it. See some of our African safaris and tours below.
Top African Safaris & Tours - Compare Vacation Packages
Africa safaris offer endless vacation opportunities for honeymooners, solo travelers, family tourists, students on educational tours, researchers, explorers, and mass tourists, among others.
The available packages cater to all travelers’ needs, ensuring that no one is left unsatisfied.
African safari lodges and accommodation facilities are not only nestled in the wilderness but are also of high quality and well worth a stay.
When planning an adventure to Africa, make sure to obtain a yellow fever vaccination, administered 10 days before departure, and carry its certificate.
You should also take a course of malaria prophylaxis or anti-malaria medication, especially when visiting most Sub-Saharan African countries.
Obtain the required visas, and of course, bring enough pocket money for your expenses.
Remember to pack comfortable and appropriate clothing suitable for Africa’s climate.
It’s advisable to bring both warm and lightweight clothes, as the weather can be unpredictable and varies between different destinations and national parks.
In East Africa, every adventurer finds meaning, as there are numerous destinations with perfect offerings.
These include Kenya, Rwanda (the land of a thousand hills), Tanzania, Uganda (the pearl of Africa), and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Interestingly, these nations offer a wide range of experiences for all visitors, from encountering mammals to aquatic animals in the wilderness of various national parks, such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Masai Mara National Park, among others.
Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Masai Mara National Park in Kenya are the focal points, especially during June to September when tourists witness wildebeests and zebras migrating from Tanzania to Kenya in search of green pastures.
This is a spectacular sight, as everyone crosses the Mara River, which is infested with crocodiles. The crocodiles are busy saving and harvesting food, while lions and other predators await their share of the meal.
You can also find tree-climbing lions and vast herds of elephants in Tarangire National Park, wildebeests migrating across the Maasai Mara Triangle in search of fresh grass, cheetahs, and many more.
This experience is undoubtedly one of the most memorable.
Apart from wildebeest migration, you can also engage in birding expeditions, nature walks, hiking, and canopy walks in Rwanda.
Feast your eyes on the amazing sights of the Virunga Ranges, which sprawl through three countries.
Don’t miss the opportunities for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in destinations like Virunga National Park, Bwindi National Park, Kahuzi-Biega National Park, and Volcanoes National Park.
Be the next to step foot on the blessed land of Africa, which has plenty to offer tourists in all aspects.
Traveling to Africa has become easier with direct flights to Rwanda or Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Kenya, so there’s no hassle.
Africa is very safe, with the most hospitable people on Earth offering top-notch services.
Why Visit Africa?
Think Africa, think wildlife safari. That is the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of visiting the 2nd largest continent on earth.
Wildlife aside, Africa is blessed with breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures with friendly people, world geographical nature wonders, amazing history, thunderous mighty waterfalls and vast deserts.
Below are some of the reasons to visit Africa:
1. Amazing Wildlife
Africa is renowned worldwide for its rich and diverse wildlife famously the African Big 5, that is the Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and the Rhino which are the most sought-after animals.
These can be seen on wildlife safaris in Africa’s national parks or game reserves like the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the famous Kruger National Park of South Africa.
2. A rich and diverse cultural heritage
Each region / county in Africa has its own cultural practices and traditions, languages, art, dance and music.
With over 3,000 different tribes, going on a cultural tour to one of your African safaris can be amazing.
Some of the notable tribes include the Maasai tribe of Kenya and Tanzania, the San of the Kalahari and the Zulu of South Africa among others.
3. Hospitality
Those who have been to Africa can testify to this.
Africans are very warm and hospitable people, they are welcoming and always willing to share about their local traditions, practices and culture through storytelling, dance, folk songs and crafts.
4. Beautiful Scenery
Are you interested in mountains, lowlands, savannah grasslands, deserts or tropical coastal regions, well, Africa is the place to be.
From the vast Sahara Desert in North Africa, the endless Serengeti Plains of Tanzania, Victoria Falls of Zimbabwe / Zambia, the unbroken Ngorongoro Crater of Tanzania, the Table Mountains among others.
5. Conservation Efforts
Some countries in Africa are homes to some endangered species that can only be found in the wild in those countries, a good example are the endangered mountain gorillas that can only be found in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
On a safari to Africa, you can learn about efforts to protect the different endangered species in Africa and their natural habitats.
Other endangered species in Africa include the Rhinos and the Chimpanzees among others.
6. Home of the world’s bigs
Africa is home to outstanding nature wonders and physical features which include;
The world’s longest river, Rive Nile
Victoria falls, the world’s most powerful waterfall
Ngorongoro crater, the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera
The world’s biggest desert, Sahara Desert
The world’s largest inland delta, Okavango delta
Namib desert, the world’s oldest desert
The world’s biggest land mammal, the African savannah Elephant
The Great wildlife migration of Serengeti, the world’s largest land animal migration among others.
7. Stunning Tropical Beaches
With an extensive coastline, Africa boosts of beautiful white sand beaches that you can visit for that perfect relaxing beach holiday after the wildlife safari.
These include the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, Seychelles, the beaches of the Cape in South Africa and the stunning beaches of Cape Verde
8. Mount Kilimanjaro
This is the highest mountain on the African continent and it is among the Seven summits of the world.
It is located in North Tanzania.
It is the easiest to summit among the Seven summits in the world.
Mount Kenya just in the neighboring country is Africa’s 2nd highest peak and also worth the climb.
In Uganda, you will find the highest block mountain in Africa, Rwenzori Mountain.
9. Explore the Historical Sites
These represent Africa’s rich past and they include ancient rock art, ancient civilization sites like Egypt’s pyramids and Great Zimbabwe ruins, and remnants of colonial history, a good place to visit for this is the Stone Town in Zanzibar.
Wilderness camping, tropical spices and culinary delights, vibrant cities, and so many other adventure opportunities are more reasons as to why you should visit Africa.
The African continent is an all-year-round destination because there is a lot to do and see in each and every season.
African Safari Types
Below, you can see some of the African holiday types and choose a trip based on your favorite experiences.
There is a lot that contributes to the uniqueness of this vast continent, Africa. From its incredibly rich culture, mosaic of landscapes, history, diversity in flora and fauna to its incredibly beautiful geography.
10 fascinating facts about Africa:
Covering about 30.2 million square kilometers of earth, Africa is the 2nd largest continent after Asia and also the 2nd most populous with over 1.3 billion people inhabiting the continent.
Africa has 54 countries namely (alphabetically) Algeria (largest country in Africa), Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria (most populated country in Africa), Republic of the Congo, Reunion, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Sao Tome & Principe, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Western Sahara, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Africa is home to the longest River in the world, River Nile which flows through several African countries including Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan and Egypt emptying its water into the Mediterranean Sea, North of Egypt.
With over 2,000 different tribes and dialects, Africa has an incredibly diverse and vibrant culture. Each region (East, West, Central, North and South) and very ethnic group has its own unique cultural practices, customs, traditions, dance, music, art and beliefs.
Africa is home to the largest land mammal, the African Savannah Elephants which can be found in its numerous Savannah national parks and game reserves. Over the years, the elephants have suffered at the hands of poachers for their long tusks that are made of ivory. Conservation organizations around Africa have tried to minimize the effects of poaching on these land giants reviving their numbers across the continent an elephant at a time.
The largest and hottest desert in the world is found in Africa, that is the Sahara Desert in North Africa, which is also supposedly bigger than the United States of America.
Uhuru peak (5,895 meters above sea level) of Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest point of Africa. It is located in North Tanzania in East Africa.
Africa is home to the world’s longest fresh water lake, Lake Tanganyika located in Eastern Africa with the biggest part in Tanzania, followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and then the smallest part in Zambia.
The earliest homo-sapiens are believed to have first inhabited the African continent millions of years ago as evidenced by the fossils of early man found in different archeological sites in Africa like the Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania among other sites.
Arabic is the most widely spoken language on the African continent followed by English and Kiswahili.
The above-mentioned facts are just a simple scratch on the surface of the surface of what the African continent is made of. Go on ahead visit Africa and get a chance to explore and discover more about the 2nd largest continent.
African Travel Tips
Traveling in Africa can be an exciting and enriching experience, as the continent offers diverse cultures, landscapes, and wildlife.
Whether you’re planning a safari, exploring historical sites, or immersing yourself in an entertaining cultural experience by visiting local communities,
The Top African travel tips to enhance your travel experience include:
Research and Plan Ahead
Research the specific countries you plan to visit, including the visa requirements, health precautions, and local customs before you set off for your safari in Africa.
Plan your itinerary in advance to prepare yourself well and not leave anything of necessity behind but also be flexible as circumstances may change while on ground.
Health Precautions
Check with your healthcare provider about vaccinations and medications needed for the African regions you’ll be visiting so that you can be sure you are update with the required vaccinations.
Carry a portable personal first aid kit, any medications you might need, water purification tablets, hand sanitizer and a mosquito or insect repellent.
Travel Insurance
Once you have set your Africa travel dates, purchase a comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuations and or emergencies, trip cancellations and lost belongings.
Keep your travel insurance policy details and emergency contacts with you.
Currency and Payments
The US dollars are widely acceptable in Africa especially in the tourist destinations.
Nonetheless, do familiarize yourself with the local currency of the country you are visiting and exchange rates.
Carry some cash with you when walking about as not all places accept the use of credit cards.
Personal safety precautions
Stay informed about the safety situation in the African countries you plan to visit. Your personal safety and security should be your own top priority.
Be cautious with your valuables like jewelry, phones, and cameras when out in public and make use of your hotel / lodge safes to store important documents like passports and other travel documents.
Avoid carrying around a big sum of money with you.
Local Customs and Etiquette
Learn about the local customs and traditions to show respect for the local culture.
While in Africa, always dress modestly in more conservative areas and follow any specific cultural norms.
Do not take pictures of any locals if you do not have their consent.
Pack Appropriately
Pack neutral colored clothing for wildlife safaris, breathable lightweight clothing, layered clothing suitable for the climate and weather of the African region you’re visiting.
Don’t forget essentials like a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.
Communication
English is widely spoken in many African countries, but local phrases can be appreciated by the locals, therefore do learn a few basic phrases in the local language like how to greet and say thank.
WIFI connections are not readily available while on the move around African countries especially in the remote safari locations like the national parks, so do get yourself a local SIM card for your phone to connect to the internet.
Safety during Wildlife Safaris
If going on a safari, follow the guidance of experienced guides and adhere to park rules and regulations.
Keep a safe distance from wildlife, always keep in your safari cars during game drives and don’t feed the animals.
Responsible Tourism
Respect the environment and local communities. Minimize your ecological footprint and support responsible tourism initiatives in the different conservation areas that you will visit.
All said and done, prepare to have the best time in Africa.
Top African Safari Destinations
There are a number of attractions across the African continent from the prominent physical features, landscapes, diverse cultures, natural wonders, lush forests, vibrant tropical beaches to wildlife filled national parks and game reserves, and the best attractions to visit depend on your interests and preferences.
Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania:
This is Africa’s highest mountain with its highest point, Uhuru peak standing at 5,895 meters above sea level. The mountain is also the world’s highest free-standing mountain and a member of the Seven summits. Kilimanjaro mountain attracts mountain climbers and trekkers from around the world. This mighty mountain is an adventurous challenge that can be taken on by anyone in good physical and mental health no matter your mountain climbing experiences as it doesn’t require use of any technical mountain climbing techniques. The journey to the Uhuru summit provides stunning views and a sense of great accomplishment. Shorter treks are also available on Kilimanjaro Mountain through the rainforests to beautiful waterfalls and more.
Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia:
Victoria Falls at the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia on the mighty Zambezi River is a breathtaking natural wonder, a world-famous waterfall that is worth a visit. The falls are a great spectacle and can be visited any time of the year. During the wet season when the waters of the Zambezi River are so full, the falls are so thunderous as they plunge down more than 300 feet creating a think smoke-like mist. Be prepared to get wet when you visit the falls during the wet season. For a full view of the falls, visit them on the Zimbabwe side and on the Zambian side, the strong hearted and very courageous persons can swim in the Devil’s pool at the top of the falls.
Pyramids of Giza in Egypt:
Pyramids are an iconic symbol of Egypt’s ancient civilization and are the last remaining Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Close to the Pyramids is Egypt’s capital city, Cairo located on the banks of Africa’s longest River, River Nile. Take a detour from the pyramids to the city for a rewarding Cairo city tour, during the day and at night.
Serengeti National Park in North Tanzania and Maasai Mara National Reserve in South Kenya:
Heard of the annual great wildebeest / wildlife migration? Of course, you have. Well Serengeti national park and Masai Mara national reserve are among the best attractions in East Africa and Africa at large because they host this annual great nature phenomenal. To witness the great migration where millions of wildebeests and thousands of zebras, gazelles and other antelopes trek the vast plains of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, the best time will be in June to September when the migration is crossing the Mara River, nonetheless, the migration can be witnessed anytime of the year through the season like the calving season, breeding season and during the Grumeti River crossing in the Western corridor.
Cape Town in South Africa:
A beautiful coastal city at the South most corner of South Africa offering a mix of outdoor activities (hiking, beach activities), culture, history and culture to its visitors. Cape town is the capital city of South Africa. There is a lot to see and explore in Cape town from the famous Table Mountains, the Twelve Apostle rock formations, the Lion’s head, white sand beaches, museums, galleries, a visit to Robben Island to visit Nelson Mandera’s jail among others.
Kruger National Park in South Africa:
For a chance to witness the African Big 5 while in South Africa, visit South Africa’s most visited national park, Kruger national park. Best time to visit the park is during the months of May to October which is also the peak season, so expect high tourist traffic in the park during these months. The early bird catches the worm, so book your trip and accommodation in advance.
Table Mountain in South Africa:
Once in Cape Town, you can’t miss the stunning view of the Table Mountains. To reach the top, you can either hike or take a cable car. Enjoy the scenic panoramic views of the coastline and Cape town.
Marrakech in Morocco:
Marrakech is a city in Morocco that will captivate your senses as it buzzes with life, night and day. The city is known for its vibrant markets of aromatic species, the historic medina where you can watch performers in Jemma El Fna, an exciting town square and many beautiful palaces.
Zanzibar in Tanzania:
Zanzibar is an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania in East Africa known for its pristine tropical beaches, turquoise blue clear waters of the Indian ocean, the famous historic Stone Town, colonial sites and spice farms. Zanzibar has something for everyone from a relaxing beach holiday diving and snorkeling and taking on sunset dhow cruises to walking the historical-colonial streets of Stone town.
Mountain gorillas of East and Central Africa:
The only place where you can see the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild is in Africa in East and Central Africa. Visit Bwindi Impenetrable national park and Mgahinga Gorilla national park in South West Uganda, home to more than half of the entire remaining world population of mountain gorillas, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda and Virunga national park in Democratic Republic of Congo for a chance to come face to face with the mighty mountain gorillas on an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.
While in East Africa, you can also visit human’s closest cousins, the endangered chimpanzees in Kibale Forest national park (Uganda), Nyungwe Forest national park (Rwanda) and Mahale Mountains and Gombe Streams national parks (Tanzania).
The list is inexhaustible, more attractions not to miss out while in Africa include; Sahara Dunes (Morocco), Draa Valley (Morocco), Namib Desert (Namibia), Makgadikgadi pans (Botswana), Okavango Delta (Botswana), Gorongosa National Park (Mozambique), Fish River Canyon (Namibia), Cape Verde Archipelago, Lalibela (Ethiopia), Seychelles, Madagascar, Mauritius among others.
When to go on African Safari Holidays
The best time to visit Africa depends on your preferences, the activities you want to engage in, the African region you want to visit and the kind of experience you are looking forward to having during your time in Africa.
Africa is a vast continent therefore each region experiences different climatic weather conditions making it possible for you to visit Africa anytime of the year to experience its diverse fauna, flora, physical features and landscapes.
Visiting East Africa (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda)
The best time to visit East Africa is during the months of June to October, that is the dry season. It is good for wildlife safaris as it provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The vegetation in East Africa during this time is thin and sparse enabling good visibility of animals while on safari game drives. The annual wildebeest migration of Serengeti in Tanzania and Maasai Mara in Kenya is at its peak during this season.
Planning of trekking the endangered mountain gorillas of Bwindi in Uganda and Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, then the dry season is the best time to do that as the treks are much drier and easy to navigate and the primates linger around the lower slopes or edges of the forest.
Note that this is also the peak tourist season, therefore, you are advised to make your bookings for accommodations and other activities in advance like hot air balloon safaris, gorilla trekking permits, chimpanzee trekking permits among others.
East African’s wet season is characterized by the short rains of November to December and long rains of March to May. For the best experience in East Africa, try to avoid visiting during the months of April and May as they experience heavy long rains which always disrupt your day’s activities and your travel schedules. For avid bird watchers, the wet season is a good time to be in East Africa as migratory birds flock into the region joining thousands of different bird species creating a birding paradise in East Africa.
Visiting Southern Africa (South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique)
The best time to visit Southern Africa is during the months of May to September which is the dry winter season. Expect excellent wildlife viewing during your safari in Southern Africa with clear skies and cooler temperatures. Go trekking in the Kalahari desert during the early months of the dry winter season as it is more bearable.
The months of April, October, and November are considered the shoulder season in Southern Africa with exceptional wildlife viewing during safari game drives and are less crowded compared to the dry season months. It can really get hot in October, so if you cannot handle the heat, stay away from Southern Africa in October. For a wonderful coastal experience viewing marine life, visit during the months of May to July when the spill of Sardines attracts seabirds, sharks and dolphins to the East coast.
The rainy months from November usher in new-born wildlife bringing in fresh life and lush vegetation in Southern Africa and it is also an excellent time to go on a birdwatching safari.
In the months of March, April and May, visit Zambia and Zimbabwe to see the Victoria falls at full volume. Best time to visit the world’s largest inland delta, Okavango Delta in Botswana is during the months of July to October when the wildlife concertation around the delta is high. Not that the best times to visit Southern Africa are also the peak seasons hence high season rates apply.
For the months of December to March, its best to avoid Malawi, the country is best visited from late May through to November, Zambia too.
Visiting North Africa (Egypt, Algeria, Morocco)
The best time to visit North Africa is in the months of February to April (spring) and September to November when the temperatures are cooler and ideal for desert safaris, exploring cities, cycling holidays (Morocco) and visiting historical sites like the pyramids of Egypt. Peak season high rates apply during this period especially on accommodation.
In the summer (June to August) in North Africa, avoid the deserts and hit the coastal regions for they will have pleasant and favorable temperatures.
Visiting West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Benin, Togo)
The best time to visit West Africa is during the dry season in the months of November to March characterized by comfortable temperatures and dry weather. Best time for a wildlife safari. West Africa had a number of festivals, timed well, you could have yourself a raw cultural experience on your visit to Africa. You just need to know the when and where?
West Africa’s wet season occurs in the months of June through to October characterized by high humidity. The heavy rains occur in August, September up to October.
Listed above are general guidelines on when to visit the African continent. Pack your bags for an adventure of a lifetime on the world’s 2nd largest continent.
