Best Places to Go on Safari: Top Destinations Planning a safari can be one of the most rewarding travel experiences. With breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique ecosystems, Africa offers some of the best places to go on safari. Whether you want to witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti or explore the waterways of the Okavango Delta, this guide will help you choose the ideal destinations for your 2025-2026 safari adventure. Here, we explore the top safari locations, highlighting what makes each unique and why they should be on your travel list.
Best Places to Go on Safari: Top Destinations
1. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The Serengeti National Park is perhaps the most famous safari destination in the world. Known for its vast open plains and abundant wildlife, the Serengeti is the best place to witness the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras move across the landscape in search of fresh grazing.
Best Places to Go on Safari: Top Destinations / Why the Serengeti is a Must-Visit:
- Great Migration: Witness one of the world’s most awe-inspiring wildlife events.
- Big Five sightings: See lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos.
- Year-round safari: The Serengeti offers excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year.
Read more about the Great Migration in the Serengeti.
2. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
The Maasai Mara is the northern extension of the Serengeti and is famous for its rich wildlife, including large lion prides and cheetahs. During the Great Migration, the Mara River crossings are an iconic sight as wildebeest brave the crocodile-infested waters.
Highlights of the Maasai Mara:
- River crossings: Witness dramatic scenes as wildebeest cross the Mara River.
- Big cat sightings: Ideal for spotting lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
- Cultural experiences: Visit Maasai villages to learn about their way of life.
Learn more about planning a safari in the Maasai Mara.
3. Okavango Delta, Botswana
For those seeking a water-based safari experience, the Okavango Delta in Botswana is a prime destination. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a unique way to see wildlife through mokoro (dugout canoe) trips and boat safaris, allowing visitors to glide silently through channels and lagoons.
Best Places to Go on Safari: Top Destinations / Why Choose the Okavango Delta:
- Water-based safaris: Explore the Delta by boat for a different perspective.
- Diverse ecosystems: Home to elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
- Private reserves: Enjoy more exclusive and intimate wildlife encounters.
Discover more about the Okavango Delta’s unique safari experience.
4. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
The Ngorongoro Crater is a geological marvel and a must-visit for any safari enthusiast. This ancient caldera shelters a dense population of wildlife, making it one of the best places to see the Big Five in a single day. The lush crater floor is home to lions, elephants, rhinos, and large herds of wildebeest and zebras.
Highlights of Ngorongoro Crater:
- Big Five in one day: A high concentration of wildlife in a compact area.
- Scenic beauty: Stunning views from the crater rim.
- Cultural visits: Meet the Maasai people who live in the surrounding areas.
Learn more about visiting Ngorongoro Crater.
5. Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest and most popular game reserves. Known for its well-maintained infrastructure, it is perfect for those looking to do a self-drive safari. With a variety of lodges and camps, Kruger offers a range of options for every budget.
Why Kruger National Park Stands Out:
- Self-drive safaris: Freedom to explore at your own pace.
- High wildlife density: Spotting the Big Five is common here.
- Diverse habitats: From dense bush to open savannas, offering varied experiences.
Explore more about self-drive safaris in Kruger National Park.
6. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
For those seeking a more remote and less crowded safari experience, South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is an excellent choice. This park is known as the birthplace of the walking safari, allowing visitors to get up close to the bush and its inhabitants.
Highlights of South Luangwa:
- Walking safaris: Experience the thrill of exploring the bush on foot.
- Night game drives: Spot nocturnal animals like leopards and hyenas.
- Rich biodiversity: Home to hippos, crocodiles, and diverse bird species.
Learn more about the walking safaris in South Luangwa.
7. Chobe National Park, Botswana
Chobe National Park is known as the Land of Giants due to its large population of elephants. Located near the Okavango Delta, Chobe is also famous for boat safaris along the Chobe River, where elephants, hippos, and crocodiles are often seen.
What Makes Chobe Special:
- Largest elephant population: See massive herds of elephants by the river.
- Water and land safaris: Combine boat trips with traditional game drives.
- Proximity to Victoria Falls: Combine your safari with a visit to the famous falls.
Read more about the best time to visit Chobe National Park.
8. Etosha National Park, Namibia
For a more arid and unique safari experience, Etosha National Park in Namibia is a top choice. The park’s large salt pan is a stark but beautiful backdrop for wildlife viewing, where you can see elephants, rhinos, lions, and the unique gemsbok.
Why Visit Etosha:
- Dramatic landscapes: The salt pan creates a stunning setting for photography.
- Waterhole game viewing: Animals gather around waterholes, providing excellent viewing opportunities.
- Self-drive options: Ideal for independent travelers seeking adventure.
Discover more about Etosha National Park.
9. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
While not a typical safari destination, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest offers an extraordinary experience—gorilla trekking. Trek through dense forest to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for wildlife lovers.
Why Visit Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking:
- Unique experience: Get up close to one of the world’s most endangered primates.
- Diverse flora: Explore ancient rainforests with rich plant life.
- Cultural encounters: Meet local communities and learn about their conservation efforts.
Learn more about planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda.
10. Plan Your Safari with Local Experts
Planning a safari requires careful consideration of timing, destinations, and budget. Working with experienced guides ensures you get the most out of your safari. Eddy Tours & Safaris offers customized safari packages that cover Tanzania’s top destinations, including the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. For those interested in combining a Mount Kilimanjaro trek with their safari, Kilimanjaro Climb Specialist offers expertly guided packages that include both mountain trekking and wildlife adventures.
Start planning your African safari today with local experts.
Best Places to Go on Safari: Top Destinations Conclusion
Best Places to Go on Safari: Top Destinations. From the classic savannas of the Serengeti to the waterways of the Okavango Delta, Africa offers some of the best places to go on safari. With a variety of ecosystems and unique wildlife experiences, there’s a perfect destination for every type of traveler. Whether you’re interested in self-drive adventures in Kruger or the exclusive water safaris of Botswana, now is the time to start planning your safari for 2025-2026.
For expert-guided safari packages and tailored itineraries, visit Eddy Tours & Safaris. If you’re combining a Kilimanjaro climb with your safari, explore Kilimanjaro Climb Specialist for customized trekking and wildlife experiences.