African Safari Tours

The best time to go on safari in Africa is from May to September during the southern hemisphere’s dry winter season and early spring. In the dry season, it is easier to spot wildlife as they search for water and clear skies improve visibility.

Africa’s dry season weather is generally cooler than in the Southern Hemisphere’s summer from December to February. While temperatures can vary across countries from East to Southern Africa, the averages fall around 64°F. Most days boast clear skies with plenty of sunlight, perfect for game drives, bush walks, and more African safari experiences.

Outside of the dry season months May to September, the months of October through April offer their own advantages. Part of the Great Migration takes place in October and November, and migratory birds take to the skies from December to March. Even in the wet season, rain showers rarely interfere with your wildlife viewing.

To find the season or right month for your trip, explore more in our guide on the best time to go on an African safari.

Whether you want to visit exclusive reserves in Southern Africa or explore the jungles and coastlines of East Africa, we recommend spending at least 12 days on your safari tour in Africa.

With 12 days, you can explore two or more safari destinations within one country or multiple countries, as well as enjoy various safari activities, from thrilling game drives to adventurous bush walks, serene boat trips to scenic aerial safari flights. You can track the elusive wild dogs in Kruger National Park, witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti and Masai Mara, or combine a safari and beach vacation for the ultimate relaxation in paradise.

Fewer days are possible for your safari but the longer you stay, the more chances you have to spot the incredible birdlife and the famous Big Five. The choice is yours, and we are here to help you plan your dream safari trip.

Whether new to wilderness adventures or a seasoned safari-goer, Africa’s best places for safaris reveal the continent’s wild beauty and refined elegance found at top luxury lodges. Here are some of our favorite destinations to consider for your safari tour in Africa:

• Serengeti National Park: Incredible grasslands, an impressive selection of migratory and endemic birds, and a combination of the Big Five in view of luxury accommodations add to the alluring reputation of the Serengeti, Tanzania.
• Masai Mara National Park: As the most famous national park in Kenya that stretches into Tanzania the safari experience includes vast savannas and ravines but also stretches into the forests and along the riverbanks.
• Kruger National Park: As one of the largest protected safari areas in Africa, South Africa’s Kruger National Park is a fantastic place to view the Big Five, search for quieter wildlife experiences, and find connections to impressive luxury accommodations.
• Okavango Delta: From glassy waters to the sprawling desert border, active elephant herds, and charming lodges with impressive views, the Okavango Delta is not just one of Botswana’s top safari spots, it’s one of the most celebrated safari destinations in the world.

Safari is not just about morning and afternoon game drives. Whether cycling through open plains or following rangers through the bush, here are some unforgettable African safari experiences:

• Enjoy a classic Big Five game drive on a 4x4 vehicle with a trained safari guide as you look for lions, leopards, elephants, cape buffalo, rhinoceros, and more.
• Experience the thrill of a guided water safari in the Okavango Delta as you look for signs of local wildlife, large and small, while floating on the branches of the iconic waterway
• Travel into the forestlands for an up-close-and-personal gorilla-trekking experience, spending time with a gorilla troop playing in the canopy or watching chimpanzees snack in the trees.

Over and above your usual clothing and travel essentials, be sure to create a packing list for your African safari that caters to the unique needs of a wilderness adventure. Here are some additional things to consider bringing on your African safari tour:

• Clothing that blends in with the natural surroundings
• Water-resistant raincoat
• Shoes or boots that are comfortable and suitable for hiking
• Backpack to carry your essentials
• Camera with a zoom lens, extra batteries, and memory cards
• Binoculars
• Insect repellant
• Items to protect yourself from the sun, such as sunscreen, hats, lip balm, and sunglasses

Lodges and safari sites are very safe, with rangers, scouts, and guides trained to protect visitors and the wildlife. To further ensure your safety, listen to your guide’s advice, pay attention to the rules, and understand any present restrictions were put in place to safeguard you and the animals you want to see.

Explore more information in our frequently asked questions about planning an African safari and inspiration in our African safari travel guide.