7 Best Safari Destinations in Africa (From My Travels)

Laura S.
Sep 16
3 min read

Masai giraffe grazing on acacia tree in Masai Mara, Kenya” — Giraffe in the morning light in Masai Mara

Planning a safari can feel overwhelming — Africa is vast, and each park has something unique to offer. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to explore some of the most iconic safari destinations on the continent: the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Masai Mara, Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe National Park, and Volcanoes National Park.

Here’s my honest take on each, what makes them special, and why you might want to add them to your own safari itinerary.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania – Endless Plains and the Great Migration

Endless savannah plains of Serengeti National Park, Tanzania — View of the savanna plains in Serengeti

The Serengeti is everything you imagine when you think of Africa: golden savannah stretching endlessly, dotted with acacia trees and roaming herds of wildebeest, zebra, and giraffe. I visited during the Great Migration, and it was jaw-dropping to watch thousands of animals moving across the plains. Lions were never far behind, and cheetahs often prowled the open grasslands.

Why go? For the sheer scale of wildlife and landscapes. The Serengeti feels limitless — it’s a classic safari in every sense.

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania – A Wildlife Haven in a Natural Bowl

Male lion resting inside Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania — A gorgeous male lion in Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater is unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been. Driving down into the caldera felt like stepping into a wildlife sanctuary surrounded by towering crater walls. Within just a few hours, I saw elephants, lions, hippos, and even a rare black rhino.

Why go? If you’re short on time, this is one of the best places to see a high concentration of wildlife in one small area.

Masai Mara, Kenya – Big Cats and Rolling Grasslands

Wildebeest river crossing during Great Migration in Masai Mara” — A river crossing in the Masai Mara

The Masai Mara is the Serengeti’s northern sister, and it’s just as magical. It’s one of the best places in Africa to see big cats — lions, leopards, and cheetahs thrive here. I’ll never forget watching the "Fab Five" cheetah brothers on the open plains, or spotting a pride of lions lounging in the shade.

Why go? For predator action and classic “Out of Africa” landscapes. If you go during the Great Migration (July–October), you might even witness the famous river crossings.

Okavango Delta, Botswana – A Water Wonderland

Aerial view of Okavango Delta waterways from bush plane — View of the Okavango Delta from our bush plane

The Okavango Delta is a completely different safari experience. Instead of dusty plains, the Delta is a lush wetland with winding channels, lagoons, and islands. I loved exploring by mokoro (traditional canoe), drifting silently through reeds as birds called and hippos surfaced nearby. Game drives here also bring plenty of elephant and predator sightings.

Why go? For a more intimate safari experience, where water and wildlife mix in stunning ways.

Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana – Wilderness and Luxury Combined

Pod of hippos in lagoon at Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana — Hippos in Moremi Reserve

Part of the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve is where I stayed in some of my favorite tented camps. Waking up to birdsong and falling asleep under canvas, I truly felt immersed in the wild. The game drives here were excellent — lions, elephants, giraffes, and even wild dogs.

Why go? For an authentic yet comfortable safari with diverse habitats and excellent game viewing.

Chobe National Park, Botswana – Elephants Everywhere

Herd of elephants along the Chobe River in Botswana — Elephants drinking at the Chobe River

If you love elephants, Chobe is unbeatable. On one boat safari along the Chobe River, I watched dozens of elephants swim across the water, trunks raised like snorkels. The park is home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, but you’ll also see buffalo, hippos, and plenty of birdlife.

Why go? For elephants in every possible setting — on land, in water, and right by your lodge.

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda – Gorilla Trekking in the Mist

Mountain gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda — Mountain Gorillas grooming one another

While not a traditional “safari,” trekking with mountain gorillas in Rwanda is one of the most moving wildlife encounters I’ve ever had. Hiking through misty forests to spend an hour with these gentle giants was unforgettable. Watching a silverback interact with his family at such close range gave me a whole new appreciation for conservation.

Why go? For a once-in-a-lifetime experience connecting with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Final Thoughts: How to Choose the Best Safari Destination in Africa

Golden sunset over the Masai Mara savannah in Kenya — Golden sunset over the Masai Mara

Each of these destinations offers something unique:

For big cats and open plains: Serengeti or Masai Mara
For a compact, high-density wildlife experience: Ngorongoro Crater
For water-based safaris: Okavango Delta
For elephants in abundance: Chobe National Park
For luxury in the wilderness: Moremi Game Reserve
For primates and a different kind of adventure: Volcanoes National Park

If you can, combine a few! On my own trips, I’ve mixed Tanzania and Kenya, and Botswana’s Delta with Chobe for variety. No matter which you choose, an African safari is unforgettable.