Are you ready to embark on the most exciting safari adventure? African safaris are regarded as the best safaris for connoisseurs. Every love story must have begun somewhere! Safari goers’ immense passion and love for exploring Africa starts before they arrive here. Then, from that very moment you set your foot on African soil and plunge yourself in your first-time safari, you will be hooked! Therefore, you have already started your planning for the next escapade.
However, why will safari in the African grasslands be on your bucket list when there is a world full of outstanding countries, national parks, and conservancies? Why choose among concealed waterways of Botswana’s Okavango or the infinite plains of Tanzania’s Serengeti? Do you want to sit back and adore the enticing view of wildebeest herds sweeping throughout open Savannah?
Too many confusions, isn’t it? This list of top 10 destinations for an African Safari will get you right into Africa’s renowned wildlife. Let’s get started!
Kruger National Park, South Africa
When to visit: Year-round safari, main rains November-March
Cost: Various options are available at different price levels
Kruger National Park is the most unrivaled destination for first-time African safari-goers. Purists keep arguing over its crowded yet manageable surroundings.
Undoubtedly, its large camps and tar roads may not be tempting; rather, its 22,000 sq. km mean rooms are sufficient to cater to all the safari adventurers due to having bush camps and backroads. All these can easily satiate one safari-goer’s mind having maximized wilderness cravings.
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
When to visit: June-October perfect timing for game viewing; avoid November-March for heavy rain and flood
Budget: Moderate to high
Are you a solo traveller? South Luangwa national park will be going to a challenging destination for you due to its high-end lodge territory! Besides, you will acquire a fantastic all-around safari within your budget with the top-wildlife.
Being the best-in-class destination for first-time safari-goers, you will expect an unprecedented view of an entire wildlife spectrum, starting from the hippopotamus, and rhino to cheetah.
The Serengeti, Tanzania
When to visit: Late June to October is the excellent timing, which offers spectacular wildlife viewing
Budget: Pretty high
This exemplary Serengeti national park lies throughout the Masai Mara border, and it creates the Serengeti-Mara biosphere. The superior migration of over 2 million wildebeest, zebra, and distinct alligators pass across the Serengeti from the Mara.
This is how the endless cycle goes on! Serengeti is the top-notch African safari destination due to its attractive wildlife viewing, dirt roads, infinite plains, and genuine African wilderness with passable parks.
Masai Mara, Kenya
When to visit: Cooler weather and more accessible in the dry season, May to October
Budget: Various options are there
Masai Mara is the northern extension of Tanzania’s Serengeti, offering jaw-dropping views of vast herds of wildebeest and other wild creatures. They all arrive from July to October, subjugate the parks’ ecosystem. Masai Mara is also a great place to achieving a closure view of lion and cheetah.
Akagera National Park, Rwanda
When to visit: Throughout the year; although the dry season is June to September
Budget: Moderate to High
Akagera National Park in Rwanda is an extraordinary conservation success story. It is worthy for first-time safari-goers who love to view primates as a part of this adventurous journey. Moreover, it is recommendable for the first-timers due to the diversity.
The terrain spreads across savannah, woodlands, grassland plains, riverine forests, and the animal diversity can be easily observed in just one place.
Chobe National Park & Moremi Game Reserve Botswana
When to visit: June to October is an excellent time to visit; avoid May to August due to the peak Okavango floods
Budget: All distinct price ranges
The first-time safari-goers shouldn’t miss Chobe National Park in Botswana due to the vantage view of the wild lives. During dry seasons, wild creature throngs the riverfront, where boat cruises will give you the picturesque view of buffalos and elephants.
Moreover, you will enjoy boating while observing hyenas and lions roam the loop roads. If you are a bit enthusiastic about visiting a nearby fall, Victoria Falls will be just a day trip away.
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
When to visit: June to October, the dry season
Budget: All distinct price ranges
Hwange National Park is the one-stop destination for first-time safari-goers from June to October. During this peak season, various waterholes become congregation areas for the animals. Moreover, it’s too easier to identify them due to the thinning vegetation. This home of 45000 elephants is that extensive place for the world’s largest land mammal. So, it should be on your bucket list!
Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
When to visit: July to October; although October is full of sultriness
Budget: Moderate price ranges
The first-time safari-goers will never be disappointed if they opt for Lower Zambezi National Park. You will get to see the scintillating blue water of Zambezi, the purple-hued ledge, and the pastel-coloured forest. The rivers are infested with crocodiles, and hippos are roaming around, which can spark your wildlife watching.
Etosha National Park, Namibia
When to visit: Peak season is June to November; avoid visiting from January to March
Budget: Various options are available
Etosha is the most budget-friendly safari destination, where you can self-drive on smooth roads. You can enjoy watching animals arriving in the park’s spring-fed waterholes. Moreover, for a better safari experience, you may opt for some private concessions in the park’s western and southern reaches for more upmarket protected safaris.
The Sabi Sands, South Africa
When to visit: May to September
Budget: Pricey safari options
It is another classy terminus for first-time safari-goers, a luxurious safari to South Africa, renowned for its 65000-hectare area and the best place to observe the Big 5 in a day. Sabi Sands is a conservation success, and it’s the preserver of its flora and fauna.
So, choose any package, which seems okay for your budget and hit the enduring roads of African jungles. What are you waiting for? Experience your first-ever safari in the land of Africa.
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