Best Safari Itineraries in Africa

When it comes to picking where to go for an amazing safari experience, most travelers set their sights on either Southern Africa or East Africa. Although distances are vast in this part of the world, it's easy to string together some of Africa's top experiences by combining neighboring countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana in a single trip. While the Big 5 (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses, and Cape buffalo) can be found in most destinations between Kenya and South Africa, if you're looking to spot specific animals there may be some destinations that will give you better odds than others. Your local specialist can help you identify the best options based on your interests. Beyond the national parks, these itineraries also showcase some of Africa's diverse cultures and stunning landscapes.

#1 Southern Africa Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, & More - 10 Days

This itinerary is great for spotting: elephants, leopards, and Cape buffalo

Take ten days to travel through some of the wildest parts of Southern Africa with this trip plan. You'll start in Cape Town to experience urban life, touring the surrounding natural attractions and the city's wine scene, before you start your safari time in Sabi Sands, adjacent to Kruger National Park. From there, fly to Victoria Falls to take in the famous waterfalls, then continue on some slower waters with a houseboat trip down the Zambezi. Read more

#2 Namibia & Botswana Safari Road Trip - 14 Days

This itinerary is great for spotting: rhinos, giraffe, Cape buffalo, hippos, and elephants

Take two weeks to check out Namibia and Botswana's varied landscapes and the many creatures they contain on this itinerary. You'll travel up sand dunes, down into caves, out into the salt pans, and more as you watch for the region's many wildlife residents. Read more

#3 South Africa and Zimbabwe Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park, & More - 14 Days

This itinerary is great for spotting: leopards, elephants, and wild dogs

The African continent has more than 3,000 protected areas of land, and while you won't be able to cover all of them on this trip, you can get a good look. From the treetops of the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Cape Town and vineyards of the Winelands, you'll continue to the Sabi Sands game reserve and two different national parks in Zimbabwe to take in all the scenery and safari time the southern region of the continent has to offer. Read more

#4 Parks & Beaches of Tanzania: Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Zanzibar - 13 Days

This itinerary is great for spotting: lions, cheetah, and hippos

The first part of this Tanzania adventure will take you on safari at Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Here, you'll do game drives, learn about the ecology of the parks, and see the African Big Five. Then, you'll fly over to the gorgeous Zanzibar archipelago, where you'll spend several days swimming in crystal-clear waters and diving around corals. Read more

#5 Kenya National Park & Wildlife Safari - 7 Days

This itinerary is great for spotting: cheetah

This one-week adventure combines Kenya's culture, dramatic landscapes, and fascinating wildlife. After a night in the bustling capital, a private driver will take you to some of the country's best reserves, including Lake Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara Park, and Hell's Gate National Park. In addition to seeing the Big Five, flocks of flamingos, wildebeest, and much more—you will get the chance to visit the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha, and a local village. Read more

#6 Uganda National Parks: Kibale, Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi - 8 days

This itinerary is great for spotting: gorillas

On this 8-day tour, you will be visiting some of Uganda's incredible national parks. Begin at Kibale Forest National Park, where you will track chimpanzees and go bird-watching at a wetland preserve. Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for land and water safaris. You'll see elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, buffalos, crocodiles, and more! End with the experience of a lifetime: seeing wild mountain gorillas up-close at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Read more