Best African Safari Destinations
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Each year between June and July, millions of wildlife enthusiasts flock to Serengeti National Park to experience the region’s famous wildebeest migration. But the countless wildebeests and zebras draw more than just tourists—they also make Serengeti an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts who have their hearts set on seeing lions, hyenas, golden jackals and black-blacked jackals. On a good day, visitors may even have the good fortune to spot one of the region’s cheetahs.
If the mention of an African safari has you dreaming of sprawling grasslands dappled with acacia trees and antelope herds, Serengeti National Park might be your spot. The best part? Serengeti’s endless horizon and dramatic panorama views aren’t just breathtaking landscapes; they also make it easy for visitors to witness the park’s wildlife populations. One of the best African safari destinations out there.
Chobe National Park, Botswana
If you’re an elephant enthusiast looking to see the majestic animals in their natural habitat, Chobe National Park in Botswana is the place to be. Dubbed the “Land of the Giants,” this park is home to an estimated 120,000 elephants, which takes the cake as the largest elephant population in the world.
The park’s river also lends the park an unmatched range of biodiversity. To see Chobe National Park in all its glory, you’ll want to skip the 4×4 vehicle and opt for a boat trip instead. Outside of the region’s many elephants, the park is also teeming with hippos, crocodiles, lions, leopards, buffaloes and countless other species.
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Centered around a salt pan so massive in size that it’s visible from space, Etosha National Park is a popular safari spot for wildlife enthusiasts looking to spot elephants, lions, hyenas and cheetahs.
While the park’s arid climate makes it an inhospitable site for buffalo and hippos, it’s one of the only places on Earth where wildlife enthusiasts still have a shot at seeing the critically endangered black rhino, of which there are only 5,500 alive today.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
No safari list would be complete without mention of iconic Kruger National Park. At nearly 2 million hectares, it ranks as one of Africa’s largest game reserves. But don’t let its vastness overwhelm you! Despite its sprawling size, Kruger is the ideal destination for first-timers seeking entry-level safari spots with plenty of accommodation options, well-maintained trails and an established road system.
While there are plenty of guided options available, this park is also one of the best destinations for adventurous nature enthusiasts looking to embark on their own self-drive safari. While there, visitors are likely to see the continent’s so-called “Big Five,” which includes lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and African buffalos.
