For many people, taking a trip on an African safari is a lifelong fantasy. The beautiful open fields, hearing lions roar at night, and witnessing thousands of wildebeests crossing a river is an experience you’ll never forget! If you’re thinking of planning your adventurous trip in 2026, ensure that you have correctly chosen the locations.
Choosing the best safari destination in Africa can be very difficult due to the continent’s size, each with their own unique experience to offer! To simplify your search, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to experience Africa this year.
Xperienz Holidays creates the ultimate holiday plans which will ensure that your travels go smoothly and are also unforgettable! Below are our 5 favourite places you should visit while travelling through Africa!
Table of Contents
- Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
- Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
- Kruger National Park, South Africa
- Okavango Delta, Botswana
- Chobe National Park, Botswana
- Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
- Amboseli National Park, Kenya
- Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa
- South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
- Etosha National Park, Namibia
- How to Choose Your Safari
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
People think of the Serengeti as a sacred place. It is home to the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests and zebras move across the plains in search of fresh grass. When you book Serengeti safari packages, you will experience the intense beauty of an unbroken landscape stretching forever in every direction. The Serengeti is also one of the best places in the world to see lions, leopards, and cheetahs because they are so much more easily seen due to the open plains and flat terrain. By going on a wildlife safari in Tanzania, you will have an incredible view of some of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth.
- Best time to visit: January to March (for calving season) or June to October (for river crossings).
- Key animals: Lions, leopards, cheetahs, wildebeests, and zebras.
2. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
The Masai Mara is located just to the north of the Serengeti and is also known for its abundance of big cats. If you want to see a lion or leopard, you should definitely consider taking safari tours with Masai Mara National Park in mind.
While you are there, make sure to take in one of the most thrilling experiences of a lifetime.The River Mara crossing has thousands of animals that must cross the river, which is filled with crocodiles. The experience is something that is impossible to describe but unforgettable once you have seen it. In addition to viewing the amazing wildlife in the Masai Mara, you will also have the opportunity to visit the Maasai people in their villages to learn about their traditional culture while enjoying the wildlife experience.
- Best time to visit: July to October.
- Key animals: The Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino).
3. Kruger National Park, South Africa
For a simple and convenient vehicle experience, Kruger National Park is the ultimate destination. Due to its enormous area, well-maintained roads and quality accommodation are available throughout the park. The Kruger region is similar to the size of a small nation, and it has one of the most diverse collections of wildlife on Earth.
South Africa safari vacations are among the best options for families or those taking their first vacation. Because you can arrive at a nearby airport and be ready for your game drive on the same day. The Kruger Park has all sorts of options from cheap camping to very upscale luxury lodge-style accommodations. Also, if you want to see all Five Big Animals in one afternoon, Kruger Park is an excellent option.
- Best time to visit: May to September (the dry winter months).
- Key animals: Rhinos, elephants, wild dogs, and hippos.
4. Okavango Delta, Botswana
The Okavango Delta is one of a kind. Unlike most safaris found on dry, dusty plains, this safari happens in a giant inland water oasis that fills up with water once a year and creates a huge maze of lagoons and waterways as it begins to drown the surrounding desert.
Most people do not use the standard 4X4 vehicle on Botswana safari tours; they are mostly using the traditional mokoro (a dugout canoe) that a guide pushes through the shallow waters with a long pole. This is a fantastic, quiet way to get up close to elephants, birds, and reed frogs without disturbing them by making lots of noise with an engine.
- Best time to visit: June to August (when floodwaters are highest).
- Key animals: Elephants, sitatunga antelopes, hippos, and painted wolves.
5. Chobe National Park, Botswana
One of the best places on the planet to see elephants is Chobe National Park. The park contains one of Africa’s largest concentrations of elephants and many thousands will pass by the Chobe River to drink and bathe during the dry season.
As well as offering boat safaris whereby you can float alongside herds of elephants swimming across the river, it is an incredible destination for bird watching, with many hundreds of different varieties of bird nesting along the riverbank.
- Best time to visit: May to October.
- Key animals: Massive elephant herds, buffalos, and fish eagles.
6. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Visualize a huge volcano-shaped basin full of untamed animals. This has been created by an enormous volcano erupting that has left some of its exterior walls intact that serve as a protection for the animals living there. The animals who live in this natural enclosure stay there all year long which makes it easy and very rewarding to see them while in the enclosure. You will encounter the black rhinoceros, the enormous bull elephant and the numerous lion prides that inhabit this area on the crater floor. The crater not only offers visitors a chance to view these animals but it also provides visitors with an opportunity to participate in a Tanzania wildlife safari when combined with the Serengeti National Park.
- Best time to visit: Year-round, though June to September is ideal.
- Key animals: Endangered black rhinos, lions, and flamingos in the soda lakes.
7. Amboseli National Park, Kenya
Amboseli National Park is known for its large elephant population and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Although Kilimanjaro is actually located in Tanzania, Amboseli provides you with an unobstructed view of this magnificent, snow-covered peak.
The park itself is relatively small, so you can comfortably explore it over just a few days. The melted ice from Kilimanjaro creates underground springs that feed into the wetlands located in the heart of the park. These wetland areas are often frequented by elephants as they will wallow in the mud and become very photogenic with Kilimanjaro in the background.
- Best time to visit: June to October and January to February.
- Key animals: Large-tusked elephants, pelicans, and cheetahs.
8. Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa
Sabi Sands is a private game reserve located adjacent to Kruger National Park. It has an open border with Kruger National Park, so animals can move freely between both parks. However, because Sabi Sands is a private park, the experience you have is much more exclusive.
With that in mind, vehicles in Sabi Sands are allowed to leave the road to track animals while they are in the bush! Sabi Sands has a world-renowned reputation for sighting leopards, so you will have the opportunity to view these elusive animals hunting or taking care of their young from a reasonable distance.
- Best time to visit: Dry winter months (May to September).
- Key animals: Leopards, lions, and rhinos.
9. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
South Luangwa National Park is the ideal safe haven to take a walk away from a vehicle and explore the wilderness on foot. It is considered to be the origin of the walking safari. With an armed scout and knowledgeable guide leading you through the elements, you will be able to observe the smaller things that make up the wild, such as the tracks of animals or the various types of plants. You can expect to see the Luangwa River teeming with crocodiles and hippos, which provides beautiful scenery whilst on an afternoon excursion.
- Best time to visit: July to October.
- Key animals: Hippos, leopards, and Thornicroft’s giraffes.
10. Etosha National Park, Namibia
Etosha is famous for its massive salt pan, which is so large it can be seen from space. The surrounding landscape is dry and white, creating a stark contrast against the wild animals.
During the dry season, the animals have to visit specific waterholes to survive. Instead of driving around searching for wildlife, you can simply park your vehicle near a waterhole and wait. It is common to see lions, girachios, elephants, and rhinos all drinking from the same spot at the same time.
- Best time to visit: July to October.
- Key animals: Black rhinos, lions, Oryx, and springboks.
How to Choose Your Safari
Choosing where to go depends on what you want from your trip. East Africa (Kenya and Tanzania) is ideal if you want to see huge migrations and vast open spaces. Southern Africa (South Africa and Botswana) is fantastic if you want a mix of water landscapes, private luxury, or family-friendly options.
Planning these trips requires careful thought about seasons, logistics, and permits. At Xperienz Holidays, we handle all the details for you. We match you with the right Africa safari tour packages so you can focus on enjoying the journey.
Comparing the Top Regions
Destination | Country | Best Known For | Transport Style |
Serengeti | Tanzania | Great Migration, lions | 4×4 Closed Vehicles |
Masai Mara | Kenya | Big cats, river crossings | 4×4 Open/Closed Jeeps |
Kruger | South Africa | Big Five, easy roads | 4×4 Open Vehicles |
Okavango Delta | Botswana | Waterways, quiet nature | Dugout Canoes (Mokoro) & Boats |
Etosha | Namibia | Waterhole viewing, salt pan | 4×4 Self-drive or guided |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What constitutes as the Big 5?
The Big 5 is the name hunters gave to the 5 most dangerous animals to hunt on foot when originally coined. Today the Big 5 refers to the 5 most sought after animals on an African safari – Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and African buffalo.
Are safaris in Africa safe to travel on?
Yes, if you follow the rules, safari’s are very safe. Guided safari’s have professional trackers and professional drivers who are versed on the behaviour of the animals. You must always remain within your vehicle unless advised by your guide that it is safe to exit.
What do you need to take on safari?
Be mindful to pack clothes in light shades of colour (e.g. khaki, green, brown); be cautious about wearing bright colours and black or dark blue colours, as brightly coloured clothing can attract insects. You may want to take along a warm jacket for early morning drives, a hat, sunscreen and a good set of binoculars.
Before departing, should i get immunizations first?
Yes, this mostly depends on the destination that you are going to travel to. There are certain vaccinations that many nations require from travelers such as Yellow Fever immunisations; additionally some travelers must consider malaria medications. Prior to travelling, it would be prudent to check with your physician or professionally trained travel healthcare provider in order to determine what, if any, immunizations and medications you might need to travel to your desired destination.
How far in advance would I like to make reservations for accommodations?
Most major tourist attractions, e.g. Serengeti National Park, the Okavango Delta, will usually require reservations for lodging between 9 and 12 months prior to visiting. Lodging in these areas is typically small, consisting of 4 to 10 rooms; demand can be quite high during the peak dry seasons therefore making advance reservations is highly recommended.
Are you ready to create a once-in-a-lifetime trip for 2026? Contact the team at Xperienz Holidays today and let us know how we can provide you with the best itinerary for both your travel preference and budget.
