Choosing the Perfect Safari Adventure: A Guide for First-Timers
- CH Travel
- Jul 3
- 4 min read
Always wanted to go on safari but no idea which one to choose?
Here we unveil some of Africa's top safaris, offering unforgettable experiences for every budget and type of traveller.
Africa is a continent full of life, featuring diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. Each safari presents a unique adventure, whether you're a nature enthusiast, an adrenaline junkie, or someone in search of luxury. This guide introduces you to 15 of the most remarkable safaris across Africa, ensuring that every type of traveller—from families to honeymooners—finds a perfect match.
1. Maasai Mara, Kenya
The Maasai Mara is famous for the Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebra travel between Kenya and Tanzania every year. The sight is nothing short of breathtaking.
Best Time to Visit: July to October for the best wildlife viewings.
Suitable for: Families, couples, and budget travellers.
Accommodation: Mara Explorer Camp offers luxury tented camping from £350 per night per person.
2. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The Serengeti is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with over 500 species of birds and large populations of lions and elephants.
Best Time to Visit: June to August for the migration, January to March for calving season.
Suitable for: Luxury seekers, honeymooners.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Safari Lodge offers luxurious stays from £600 per night per person.
3. Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park is perfect for self-drive safaris, with 147 mammal species and a variety of accommodations to suit any budget.
Best Time to Visit: May to September during the dry season.
Suitable for: Budget travellers, families.
Accommodation: Skukuza Rest Camp offers family-friendly options starting from £50 per night per person.
4. Chobe National Park, Botswana
Chobe is renowned for its astonishing elephant population, estimated at around 120,000. Choose between land or river safaris for a memorable experience.
Best Time to Visit: May to October for wildlife sightings.
Suitable for: Families, honeymooners.
Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge offers comforts starting from £200 per night per person.
5. Etosha National Park, Namibia
Etosha features vast salt pans and a wildlife density that makes it a favorite. Almost 114 mammal species call this park home.
Best Time to Visit: May to October for optimal wildlife sightings.
Suitable for: Budget travellers, families.
Accommodation: Okaukuejo Camp begins at £40 per night per person.
6. Amboseli National Park, Kenya
Amboseli is known for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, and is ideal for photographers looking to capture elephants and zebras with this magnificent backdrop.
Best Time to Visit: January to March and June to October.
Suitable for: Families.
Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge starts from £250 per night per person.
7. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Known for walking safaris, South Luangwa boasts a rich diversity of wildlife, including over 60 mammal species.
Best Time to Visit: May to October.
Suitable for: Adventurers, couples.
Accommodation: Flatdogs Camp offers rustic charm from £150 per night per person.
8. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a year-round wildlife hotspot, home to around 30,000 animals, including lions and elephants.
Best Time to Visit: June to September for clear visibility.
Suitable for: Luxury seekers, families.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge starts from £600 per night per person.
9. Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa
Adjacent to Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands is known for its luxury lodges and incredible wildlife viewing, including the famous Big Five.
Best Time to Visit: May to September.
Suitable for: Luxury seekers, couples.
Accommodation: Dulini River Lodge starts from £700 per night per person.
10. Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa
Addo is unique in its offering of the Big 7, allowing visitors to see elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, rhinos, whale, and great white shark.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round.
Suitable for: Families.
Accommodation: Addo Rest Camp starts from £60 per night per person.
11. Tsavo National Parks, Kenya
Divided into East and West, Tsavo is less crowded than other parks but rich in wildlife diversity, including large tuskers.
Best Time to Visit: June to October.
Suitable for: Budget travellers, families.
Accommodation: Tsavo Safari Camp starts from £150 per night per person.
12. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Hwange is famous for its impressive elephant herds, and estimates suggest over 40,000 elephants roam its plains.
Best Time to Visit: June to October.
Suitable for: Budget and families.
Accommodation: Hwange Safari Lodge starts from £100 per night per person.
13. Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
Rugged escarpments. Majestic, rocky kopjes. Savannahs stretching endlessly to the horizon. Tanzania’s second-largest protected wildlife area is also one of East Africa’s most biodiverse and remote, offering a rare level of exclusivity and solitude. Home to just a few lodges hosting a limited number of intrepid travellers, wildlife spectacles are likely to be experienced by your vehicle alone. Expert guides will lead you on thrilling walking safaris, game drives and night drives, showcasing the park’s sublime ecosystem and soaring topography.
Best Time to Visit: June to October.
Suitable for: Couples, adventurers.
Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge costs from £250 per night per person.
14. Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania
As one of the largest reserves in Africa, Selous offers exceptional wildlife diversity and an incredible safari experience away from the crowds.
Best Time to Visit: June to October.
Suitable for: Budget travellers, families.
Accommodation: Selous River Camp starts from £120 per night per person.
15. Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
For travellers seeking a beach getaway along with a safari, Bazaruto combines wildlife with stunning tropical beauty.
Best Time to Visit: April to November.
Suitable for: Honeymooners.
Accommodation: Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort offers luxury from £450 per night per person.
Your Next Adventure Awaits
Africa has something extraordinary for everyone. Whether you seek family adventures, romantic escapes, or budget-friendly journeys, the options for unforgettable safari experiences are endless. Immerse yourself in the continent’s breathtaking landscapes and encounter its remarkable wildlife. Pack your bags and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
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