Find your perfect African safari

Searching for the perfect African safari? Then you’ve come to the right place as we feature nine of the finest destinations for exceptional wildlife encounters. 

Thoughts of Africa usually conjure images of the wild open savannah speckled by fascinating wildlife or Masai warriors dressed in vibrant dress. But there’s so much more to this captivating continent. Imagine cosmopolitan cities, breathtaking waterfalls, undiscovered island hideaways and magnificent mountains. Africa boasts a wealth of unforgettable, magical experiences – from the first moment you spot one of the Big Five on safari to sipping on a world-class Sauvignon Blanc at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town.  

Why you will love Kenya

• Offers the world-famous Masai Mara
• Perfect for your first time safari
• Perfect for beach holidays with the beautiful shores of Diani Beach

Kenya is an ideal introduction to Africa. The iconic Masai Mara offers almost guaranteed sightings of the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo, while other national parks and reserves provide spectacular game viewing and a range of accommodation. The Mombasa coast is perfect for some R&R after an exhilarating safari, with hotels scattered along the stunning white sand coastline. 

Why you will love Tanzania

• The unspoiled and diverse Selous Game Reserve
• It offers the world famous Serengeti National Park
• Luxury hotels on Zanzibar and Pemba Island

Home to the largest mountain in Africa, Tanzania is perfect for those looking for a challenge, and we’re not just talking about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro! The enormous game reserve of Selous is waiting to be explored – by 4WD, boat or even on foot. A walking safari takes you off the beaten track as you follow your guide along the river searching for lions, leopards, wild dogs and more. Finish your safari with a stay in paradise, Zanzibar or Pemba Island to be precise, for secluded, barefoot luxury.  

Why you will love South Africa

• The world famous and cosmopolitan Cape Town
• South Africa offers malaria free safari zones
• Wine tasting in Cape Winelands

South Africa really does have something for everyone. Voted the best city in the world by Telegraph Travel readers, Cape Town has culture, glamour and jaw-dropping scenery by the bucket load. Visit the former home of Nelson Mandela on a bike tour of Soweto, feast on a mouth-watering steak at the V&A Waterfront and hike Table Mountain for panoramic views. Wine lovers can tour the Cape Winelands to discover top wine estates and local vineyards for a taste of the region’s world-famous red, Pinotage, while the Eastern Cape offers malaria free safaris – ideal for families. Hire a car and cruise along the Garden Route, stopping at Oustshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world, Hermanus for top-class whale spotting and Knysna. 

Why you will love Mozambique

• The sweeping and beautiful unspoiled beaches
• World-class scuba diving and marine life
• Bazaruto Archipelago dune islands

Explore incredible, untouched beaches on coastlines you never knew existed in the relatively undiscovered luxury destination of Mozambique. Uncover deep rooted traditions and cultures whilst finding a multitude of opportunities to explore. Visit the Bazaruto Archipelago of islands renowned for their stunning beaches, miles of reefs and endless locations for deep sea fishing, diving and snorkelling. The coral here is pristine and the marine life fascinating to watch. 

Why you will love Namibia

• The extremely photogenic sand dune landscape
• The ghost towns of the Skeleton Coast
• Picture perfect wildlife photo opportunities

Namibia makes for a perfect self-drive adventure to really cover all of the stunning scenery. Known as the beauty queen of Africa with a striking mix of savannah plains and sweeping sand dunes, Namibia’s towns are an eclectic mix of Bavaraian architecture and African markets. Take in the massive sand monoliths, outstanding rock formations, endless savannahs topped with grazing giraffes and rolling sand dunes lapped by waves. Head to Fish River Canyon, a gigantic ravine measuring 100 miles long and almost 180 feet deep, for fantastic views and challenging yet rewarding hiking. 

Why you will love Botswana

• Spectacular scrub-covered savannah
• Breath-taking canoe safaris on the Okavango Delta
• Close encounters with hippos and crocodiles

The best time to visit Botswana is during the change in seasons, April to May and August to September, the abundance of life around is awe-inspiring. There are multiple ways to see Botswana on safari, from the traditional jeep game drive to canoes on the Okavango Delta and even walking safaris. Setting out on foot with a professional guide awakens every sense; feeling the parched, sun-baked Kalahari sand beneath your feet, hearing distant animal calls and smelling the aromas of the flora (as well as the fauna!) around you really brings the experience to life. 

Why you will love Zimbabwe

• Peering over the impressive Victoria Falls
• The large elephant herds of Hwange National Park
• White water rafting on the Zambezi River

Zimbabwe is one of the top safari destinations in Africa and is famous for its amazing guides who know everything there is to know about the national parks. With such a high density of wildlife in the parks Zimbabwe is the Big Five spotters dream. As well we being home to the lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhino of the Big Five one of the world’s most impressive waterfalls, the Victoria Falls, is found here. Walk along the knife-edge bridge for the best vantage point, or follow the trail at the edge of the forest to feel the tremendous spray. If you’re an adrenaline junkie try the bungee jump over the falls for a real rush. 

Why you will love Zambia

• The panoramic views of Victoria Falls
• Helicopter tours across mind-blowing landscapes
• Walking safaris amid untouched game reserves

Explore Zambia’s untouched wildlife in game reserves offering pristine sanctuary to a wide variety of wildlife and boasting some of the best game viewing in the world. Witness the Big Five in their natural habitat on a walking safari, of which Zambia is most known for, or for a completely different perspective embark on a river cruise down the Zambezi River. This river system is the fourth largest in the world and its sheer power carved the spectacular Victoria Falls. Not only does the river offer fantastic game viewing but is also used for white water rafting, kayaking, river boarding and jet boating. 

Why you will love Rwanda

• The priviliged opportunity to spot mountain gorillas
• The lush green mountain scenery
• The stunning vistas of Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda is authentically African, but in its own special way. Rainforests and hills here are different to the open plains in much of Africa, but Rwanda is alive with wildlife. In particular mountain gorillas inhabit the vegetation and trekking to see them is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Waiting for that heart-stopping moment when these magnificent primates emerge from the lush vegetation with their babies clinging on is undeniably life affirming.