Safari Destinations Overview

Fortunately there are quite a number of excellent countries to safari in, and an incredible safari can be put together in any of them. The key is to find the right location at the right times for what you most want to experience. Typically your budget and preferred time of travel will help narrow down to the best destination areas. Our summary is to give you some ideas on the typical styles and safari character of each destination country, however, keep in mind that a general style does not mean all operations in a country are that way and we love finding the exceptions. See Safari Planning for more explanations on style factors. This is meant to be a brief introduction to each country and far from comprehensive. Stimulating some picture of the countries we can then fully delve into the best choices in our discussion of your safari.

Southern African Safari Destinations
East Africa Safari Destinations
West African Safari Destinations

Southern African Safari Destinations

Game drives in Southern Africa are usually conducted in open sided vehicles allowing you an intimate connection with the animals. Tourist densities are much lower than in East Africa meaning you see far less other vehicles and have a more exclusive experience. Along with that lodging and food tend to be at a more luxurious standard as well. Travel to reach camps/lodges is usually done by flying so vehicle travel time for transfers between camps and parks is limited, which is excellent since so much time is already spent in vehicles for game drives. There is also a full range of activities as well as lots of options beyond safari such as winelands, beaches, shark & whale viewing, golf, urban exploration in the world class city of Cape Town, and much more.

For More Information, select a southern African safari destination below:

Botswana Safaris
Mozambique Safaris
Namibia Safaris
South Africa
Zambia Safaris
Zimbabwe Safaris

East Africa Safari Destinations

East Africa is the location of the safari experience that most people have in their minds, big open plains with thousands of individual animals. This is the place for such concentrations. Vehicles usually have pop top viewing roofs and sliding windows. Because of the focus on the migrating animals seasonal tented camps that are very comfortable and meet all your needs are commonly used. Often they use long drop or chemical toilets and have bucket showers so it is like upscale camping but with real beds, attentive staffs, and cooks providing good food. There are many permanent camps, some very upscale but planning for the right time to be in a permanent location is critical. There are also some large lodges that are very hotel like. Driving can be considerable as you drive between locations as well as for game drives. It is possible to fly camp to camp but adds considerable cost. One huge positive of east Africa is the ability to see great apes with chimpanzee and gorilla treks in the region.

For More Information, select an East Africa safari destination below:

Kenya Safaris
Rwanda Safaris
Tanzania Safaris
Uganda Safaris

West Africa Safari Destinations

Typically West Africa is thought of as an area for great cultural experiences but not a safari destination. That has recently changed with the emergence of Gabon as one of the most intriguing wildlife areas on the globe. I am looking at developing other destinations in this region, in particular Central Africa Republic, Congo, and Cameroon for opportunities to view lowland gorillas. I am also investigating Senegal which is a stop over between New York and Johannesburg and thus could be a convenient location to explore in combination with a Southern Africa safari. In particular Senegal is the site of fascinating chimpanzee research. At this point Gabon is far and away the best safari destination in the region so that is our lone focus for now.

For More Information, select a west Africa safari destination below:

Gabon Safaris