Top East African Safari Destinations

Most people’s ideal vacation would include a safari in Africa, but with so many amazing places to see wildlife, how do you pick the perfect safari?

Your choice should be based on your preferences and needs, such as the number of animals you hope to see in their natural habitat, whether you’re interested in walking safaris, game drives, camping, or a more luxurious experience, and the number of people you’re traveling with, including children or those with mobility impairments.

Here we’ve compiled a list of the top safari destinations in Africa, organized by country. For each, we’ve included brief descriptions of the holiday you can anticipate, highlights of the top attractions, recommendations for national parks and game reserves, and details about the wildlife viewing opportunities available.

Top East African Safari Destinations

Selecting an appropriate East African safari destination requires much deliberation. South Africa is an excellent option for anyone hoping to see the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. The country offers a wide range of prices, has a well-developed tourism infrastructure, and has family-friendly hotels in malaria-free locations. Zambian or southern Tanzanian walking safaris could appeal to you if you’re an experienced traveler or simply want to avoid the crowds. Time is also a consideration; while the months of June through September tend to be the driest in most safari regions, the rainiest months provide better prices, more verdant scenery, and better birdwatching opportunities. Having said that, keep reading for details on the top safaris in Africa.

Selecting an appropriate safari destination requires much deliberation. South Africa is an excellent option for anyone hoping to see the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. The country offers a wide range of prices, has a well-developed tourism infrastructure, and has family-friendly hotels in malaria-free locations. Zambian or southern Tanzanian walking safaris could appeal to you if you’re an experienced traveler or simply want to avoid the crowds. Time is also a consideration; while the months of June through September tend to be the driest in most safari regions, the rainiest months provide better prices, more verdant scenery, and better birdwatching opportunities. Having said that, keep reading for details on the top safaris in Africa.

gorilla trekking in Bwindi

Uganda Safaris

Discover the perfect Uganda safari trip to suit your needs. From one day long to twenty-two days long, you have your pick different excursions. February is the busiest departure month, therefore that’s when most people go to Uganda.

15 Days Kenya and Uganda safari

Rwanda Safaris

The Virunga Mountains in Rwanda are well-known as a great place to go gorilla trekking. Here, in the 1960s, mountain gorilla researcher Dian Fossey habituated the animals. The nation offers much more than just the once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience.

7 day safari Kenya

Kenya Safaris

In the vast savannah grasslands of Kenya, the East African safari has its roots. Here you can see a wide variety of captivating megafauna, such as large cats, the large Five (elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, and rhino), and many more.

Tanzania Safaris

Tanzania Safaris

For those seeking an African safari, Tanzania is a must-visit. Big cats are incredibly visible among the incredible variety of fauna. You can find all five of Africa’s most iconic animals—the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—in a number of protected areas around Tanzania.

Zanzibar vacations

Zanzibar Safaris

Zanzibar is a beautiful tropical island that goes wonderfully with a Tanzanian safari. Zanzibar is home to some of the best swimming beaches in Africa, as well as world-class scuba-diving spots, opulent beachside resorts, spices, and water sports.

South Africa Safaris

South African Safaris

Among the most diverse vacation spots on Earth, South Africa is a must-visit. From the snow-covered Drakensberg to the dry red dunescapes of the Kalahari, and from the classic safari country of Kruger National Park to the stately’mother city’ of Cape Town.