Comparison guide: best luxury safari destinations in Africa
We answer the most common safari questions: the when, where, and cost of safaris, across Africa’s most spectacular destinations.
Trust us to find you the rarest animals, the most spectacular wildlife events, the remotest landscapes and deeply meaningful cultural encounters!
Africa is a cornucopia of magnificent safari destinations; some spectacularly different from each other, and others similar but packed with nuanced variations. But whether you’re soaking in the golden dawn from a safari 4x4 or wiping the sweat from your brow after hiking to see the gorillas, we know you’re in for a memorable holiday.
We know, from the thousands of successful safaris we’ve organised since 1991, that where to start is half the battle! We also have some valuable advice on Eastern vs Southern Africa safaris. Here, we give you a play-by-play of some of the best countries for safaris in these regions, for a more nuanced take on where to travel. Psst… If this is overwhelming, remember our consultants are always available to help and would love to help you plan your dream holiday.
Handcrafting your safari
Your luxury safari experience is tailor-made by our consultants who are more than travel agents: they're passionate conservationists and storytellers who create magical moments you'll treasure forever.
Countries perfect for first-time safari luxury travellers
1. South Africa 🦁
A safari in South Africa offers the world in one country – from the Big 5 icons and luxury lodges of Greater Kruger to the fine dining and cosmopolitan pizazz of Cape Town – the Mother City.
Why it's perfect for first-timers:
World-class infrastructure ensures seamless luxury travel
Reliable Big 5 sightings guarantee satisfaction
Diverse experiences – combine your safari with Cape Town city and scenery, and its winelands and African penguins
Easy accessibility with direct international flights
Excellent value for luxury experiences
2. Kenya 🐆
A Kenya safari embodies the essence of traditional safari – with 'Out of Africa' nostalgia – offering iconic destinations such as the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu and Lamu. And, of course, the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Why it delivers the dream:
Iconic Great Migration provides the quintessential safari spectacle
Authentic cultural experiences with Maasai communities
World-class conservancies offer exclusive, crowd-free viewing
Dramatic landscapes create perfect "Out of Africa" moments
Established luxury infrastructure with renowned camps and lodges
Consistent wildlife viewing year-round, with seasonal peaks during the Migration
Bush-to-beach options with coastal extensions
3. Tanzania 🦒
Tanzania offers unparalleled safari experiences, including the Great Serengeti Migration, chimps in Mahale, the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the magic of Zanzibar.
Why it's the ultimate wildlife theatre:
Serengeti ecosystem offers unparalleled wildlife concentrations
Ngorongoro Crater offers excellent chances to see the Big 5 in a natural amphitheatre
UNESCO World Heritage sites add educational and conservation value
Calving season spectacle (January-March) shows nature's most dramatic moments
Established luxury camps ensure comfort in remote wilderness
A visit to Zanzibar provides a perfect bush-to-beach safari conclusion
4. Rwanda 🦍
Rwanda – the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ – is one of Africa's tourism success stories. This tiny country is well-run, and a Rwanda safari offers easy access to three of its national parks, each with its own special attraction: gorillas, chimpanzees and the Big 5.
Why it's transformational:
Mountain gorilla encounters create once-in-a-lifetime, life-changing experiences
Exceptional infrastructure rivals European standards for luxury travel
Conservation success story inspires and educates visitors
Luxury eco-lodges offer premium comfort with environmental consciousness
Cultural rebirth narrative provides a meaningful travel context
Easy accessibility with excellent international connections
Professional guides ensure safe, well-managed and educational primate encounters
5. Botswana 🐘
Botswana plays host to the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Savute, Makgadikgadi and others – a veritable who's who of Africa's top safari destinations. Botswana is a classic safari destination and perfect for a luxury safari.
Why it's worth the premium:
Ultra-exclusive experiences in pristine Okavango Delta
Small camp sizes ensure personalised luxury service
Iconic water-based safaris in various protected areas
Guaranteed seclusion in untouched wilderness
Exceptional guide standards and wildlife expertise
Once-in-a-lifetime mokoro experiences through crystal channels
Our top-rated luxury African safaris
Our safari experts have chosen these as their favourites based on extensive travels all over Africa for many years. Many of our guests use these as inspiration when curating and tailor-making their holiday with one of our safari experts.
East and Central
Africa safari destinations
Eastern and Central Africa is where the safari was born – a region where vast savannahs meet mist-shrouded mountains and ancient rainforests harbour our closest living relatives. This is the Africa of the Great Migration, mountain gorillas emerging from bamboo thickets, and the Big 5 roaming freely across legendary landscapes. From Kenya's Maasai Mara to Tanzania's Serengeti, from Uganda's impenetrable forests to Rwanda's remarkable conservation triumphs and Ethiopia's endemic highlands, these destinations deliver unparalleled variety. Whether you're witnessing wildebeest thunder across the Mara River, sitting with gorilla families beneath volcanic peaks, or tracking rare species found nowhere else on Earth, this is where Africa's most transformative wildlife encounters unfold.
Country | Cost (per person per day) | Highlights | Experiences | Bucket list moments | Wildlife highlights | AG expert advice |
$800 - $2,500+ | Great Migration, Maasai Mara | Big 5, cultural immersion, bush and beach | Wildebeest crossing at Mara River | Lions, large-tusked elephants, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes | Try travelling in the green season for a quieter safari | |
$1,000 - $3,000+ | Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, UNESCO sites, Zanzibar | Big 5, cultural immersion, bush-to-beach | Serengeti calving season spectacle | Massive herds, predator action, tree-climbing lions | Combine Zanzibar with the Serengeti | |
$700 - $2,000+ | Mountain gorillas, "Pearl of Africa" | Gorilla trekking, chimp trekking | Mountain gorilla encounter in Bwindi | Mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, shoebills, 1,000+ bird species including Albertine Rift endemics | DIY is tricky with the treacherous roads and long distances between destinations – get a safari expert to help! | |
$1,200 - $3,000+ | Mountain gorillas, conservation success | Gorilla trekking, Big 5 (Akagera), cultural immersion | Volcanoes National Park gorilla families | Mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and reintroduced lions, Albertine Rift birding | Visit Nyungwe to see its mega-troop of Rwenzori pied colobus monkeys | |
$500 - $1,500+ | Endemic wildlife, ancient cultures | Cultural immersion | Simien Mountain trekking, Lalibela's rock-hewn churches, other-worldly wildlife | Gelada monkeys, Ethiopian wolves, and endemic birds | A completely unique bucket-list country | |
$1,200 - $3,500+ | Lowland gorillas, pristine rainforest, endemic birds | Gorilla trekking, chimp trekking | Lowland gorillas in Odzala-Kokoua NP | Lowland gorillas, forest elephants, and bongos | Congo-Brazzaville is safe and offers some incredible great ape viewing |
Start planning your African safari
Our travel experts will craft a no-obligation itinerary just for you. We have crafted over 5,000 safaris since 1991. Your personal details are protected; we only use this information to contact you.
Southern Africa safari destinations
Southern Africa offers safaris at their most refined – a region where world-class wildlife meets exceptional infrastructure and dramatic landscapes ranging from flooded deltas to ancient deserts. This is where walking safaris were pioneered, where the mighty Okavango spreads across the Kalahari, and where desert-adapted elephants traverse rust-red dunes. From South Africa's malaria-free reserves and coastal wonders to Botswana's pristine wilderness, and from Namibia's surreal desert vistas to the thundering spectacle of Victoria Falls, these destinations blend adventure with accessibility. Whether you're gliding through the Okavango in a mokoro, experiencing Madagascar's otherworldly biodiversity, tracking leopards on foot in Zambia's bushveld, watching massive elephant herds gather at Hwange, or pairing a Big 5 safari with Indian Ocean coastlines, Southern Africa delivers diverse, immersive encounters across some of the continent's most breathtaking terrain.
Country | Cost (per person per day) | Highlights | Experiences | Bucket list moments | Animal highlights | AG expert advice |
$600 - $2,500+ | Diverse experiences, excellent infrastructure | Big 5, malaria-free, bush-to-beach, winelands | Kruger + Cape Town combination | Big 5, wild dogs, whale watching, African penguins | Award-winning wine farms make it well worth adding a Cape leg to your trip | |
$1,000 - $4,000+ | Okavango Delta, pristine wilderness | Big 5, large private reserves, bird watching | Mokoro ride in the Okavango Delta | Elephants, wild dogs, water-adapted antelope | Mobile camps offer an immersive experience that leaves minimal ecological footprints | |
$800 - $2,800+ | Desert landscapes, conservation success | Desert-adapted wildlife, towering sand dunes, stargazing | Sossusvlei dunes, Skeleton Coast, Etosha's wildlife | Desert-adapted elephants & lions, black rhinos, gemsbok | Desert-adapted species and dunes make this a unique safari experience | |
$800 - $2,500+ | Victoria Falls, walking safaris | Big 5, walking safaris, bird watching | Walking safari in South Luangwa, Kasanka Bat Migration, Victoria Falls | Leopards, hippos, crocodiles, diverse birdlife | Zambia is the birthplace of walking safaris, offering some of Africa’s most authentic and off-the-beaten-track experiences | |
$600 - $2,200+ | Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park | Big 5, walking safaris, and photographic safaris | Elephants at Hwange, Victoria Falls | Large elephant herds, painted dogs, big cats | A combination of the Zimbabwe Ruins, the Victoria Falls and diverse wildlife makes this an incredible destination | |
$400 - $1,200+ | Lake Malawi, compact wildlife areas | Bush-to-beach (lake), cultural | Lake Malawi snorkelling, Liwonde elephants | Lake wildlife, elephants, hippos, and diverse birdlife | This country is perfect for travellers seeking a relaxed and intimate safari experience | |
$800 - $2,500 | Pristine coastline, emerging safari scene | Bush-to-beach | Bazaruto Archipelago, dhow sailing | Marine life, dugongs, turtles, elephants, lions | Portuguese-inspired cuisine adds a delicious culinary twist to your trip | |
$600 - $2,000+ | 90% endemic species, unique landscapes | Cultural immersion | Ring-tailed lemurs, baobab trees | Lemurs, fossas, chameleons, and other unique reptiles | You can pair a seaside resort with unique viewings deep in the forest |
Our commitments to you
Tailormade experiential safaris: trust us to find you the rarest animals, the most spectacular wildlife events, the remotest landscapes and deeply meaningful cultural encounters!
The best safari experts: our travel designers come from a diverse background of private safari guides, lodge managers and conservationists. They either live in Africa or have lived there for many years. All have many years of travelling and hand-crafting safaris for discerning guests who want the best experiences
The best lodges: we carefully select lodges, guides and transport providers for your African holiday based on quality, service and ethics
24/7 concierge service: our team are on call at all times while you are travelling, to help iron out those little wrinkles that can occur
Your safari with us makes a difference: we donate a portion of every safari sold to selected conservation efforts at ground level. Your safari also supports our conservation publishing division, which educates the world about African conservation realities.
Financial security: Your payments to us are safe because they remain in a trust account until you travel
Trusted by thousands of satisfied travellers
✔️ 4.9 Star Trustpilot Rating ✔️ 5,000+ Safari Trips Completed
✔️ 34+ Years of Experience ✔️ 2025 Conde Nast Travel Specialist Award Winner
“I have been travelling with Africa Geographic for more than a decade... Amateur photography is my hobby, and each trip has been unique, well-planned, and fulfilled my purposes whether it was a tent camp in Zambia to see the bat migration, to visit Ethiopia, or, as on this trip, with my family of 11 including five children (7-18 yrs) to introduce them to the gorillas and chimpanzees of Uganda, the golden monkeys in the Volcano NP in Rwanda, or the migration in the Serengeti, the details of the trip, met our needs and desires ... Trust and enjoy.”
“Our second trip using Africa Geographic. This was a 12-day itinerary including Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Walvis Bay, Brandberg, Etosha, and Okonjima. Excellent planning, communication, information package, and advice. Accommodation absolutely as we expected. The private guide was superb, and the vehicle was excellent. Fabulous experience. Highly recommended.”
“Benjamin knocked it out of the park! We are the DIY type and have never used a travel agent before, so we were kind of sceptical. Ben took the time to ask all the right questions and tweaked the plan based on our feedback until it was perfect (we didn't make it easy on him!). The trip was all we dreamed of and more! I can't recommend this company enough for a once-in-a-lifetime trip."
Frequently Asked Questions about luxury African safaris
The wide variety of luxury safari options can be a bit intimidating, so the best way to narrow things down is to have a look at the safari ideas on this page and decide how you would prefer to adapt those to create your perfect safari. Then fill in the enquiry form on that safari idea page, and one of our safari experts will contact you to begin planning. Or, if you have something else in mind, fill in the enquiry form at the end of this page and stand by for one of our experts to contact you.
Still not sure where you want to go on safari? Check out the various highlights of East and Southern Africa safaris here.
We don’t believe in cookie-cutter holidays. Every itinerary is tailor-made around your dreams, interests, and timing. Whether you want to track gorillas in misty forests, witness the thundering Great Migration, or share stories with Maasai elders, our specialists design your safari to capture those life-changing moments. The result is a one-of-a-kind journey that feels personal, immersive, and unforgettable.
Every safari booked through us contributes directly to protecting Africa’s wildlife and supporting local communities. We donate a portion of each trip to conservation initiatives on the ground – from saving Tsavo’s great tuskers to safeguarding pangolins and birds of prey. Our publishing arm also amplifies conservation realities globally, meaning your safari funds awareness and change well beyond your own journey.
From the moment you enquire until long after your return, you are supported by our 24/7 concierge team. We handle every logistical detail – flights, transfers, lodge changes, and special requests – so you can focus on the experience. Your payments are kept safe in a trust account, protected by SATSA membership, ensuring complete financial security. Thousands of travellers have trusted us with their dream safaris, reflected in our perfect Trustpilot rating and recognition of our consultants as Condé Nast Travel Specialists.
For us, true luxury is not just about thread counts and Champagne vintages (though you’ll find both if you wish). It’s about front-row seats to Africa’s greatest spectacles: a leopard emerging from dawn mist, the pounding hooves of a million wildebeest, or the warm wisdom of a tribal elder. These breathless moments – paired with seamless comfort, privacy, and expert guiding – are the hallmarks of an Africa Geographic safari.
The art of safari packing lies in thoughtful curation rather than excess, and comfortable, casual clothes are best. Additionally, many lodges and safari accommodations have daily laundry services.
Check out our comprehensive guide on what to wear on safari here.
Muted colours and neutral tones such as beige, khaki and green are recommended for game viewing.
Game drives are conducted in the early morning and late afternoon, which can be very cold – especially in winter – so pack clothes you can peel off as the day warms up.
What should I wear on safari?
Shirts with long sleeves (even in summer for protection from the sun and insects)
T-shirts and cotton blouses
Long socks as bug protection
Light scarf or buff to guard against dust and sun protection
Hat, cap or beanie to protect against both the sun and wind chill
Shorts or a light skirt (short skirts aren’t practical)
Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
Jackets, sweaters, a scarf and gloves are recommended for early morning and evening game drives during winter
Lightweight water-proof jacket
Swim – and beach-wear
Underwear – roads can be bumpy so suitable women’s attire is suggested
Formal attire if you are staying at a prestigious hotel/luxury train
Comfortable walking shoes and sandals (heels aren’t recommended)
Avoid: Bright colours like red, yellow, purple and white, synthetic fabrics that don't breathe, and anything that feels uncomfortable.
Wellness & comfort:
Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and after-sun care
If you wear contact lenses, we recommend you bring a pair of glasses along should your eyes get irritated by dust
Insect repellent with natural ingredients
Personal medical kit with anti-malarial prophylactics
Hydrating skincare for dry climates
Quality lip balm with SPF
Nice to have: Electrolyte supplements for active days
Practical luxuries:
Insulated water bottle (stainless steel or premium materials)
Quality headlamp
Portable phone charger or a power bank
Waterproof document pouch filled with copies of your passport, visas and other key documents
Cash in small denominations for meaningful tips (and envelopes for distribution)
Notebook and pencil
Relevant bird book or app – ask us for recommendations
Favourite entertainment to relax – sketch book, colouring-in books, Kindle, books or magazines
Lightweight backpack to carry essentials on walking safaris
Tote bag / waist bag
Sweat/gym towel
Tissues / hand wipes / sanitiser. Pack a spare toilet roll, just in case
Padlocks / cable ties to lock your luggage
Ziplock bags of various sizes
Ear plugs
Travel pillow
Country-specific plugs and adaptors
Photography & observation:
Professional or high-end mirrorless camera with versatile zoom lens (24-200mm minimum)
Quality binoculars (8x42 or 10x42
Nice to have: Stabilising bean bag or lightweight tripod
Weather-sealed camera bag
Extra batteries and high-capacity memory cards
Each safari day follows the rhythms of the bush: early rise, to watch the animals as they move around in the crisp morning air.
Dawn awakening (5:30-6:00 AM): Soft wake-up calls with steaming coffee or tea delivered to your private deck. The African dawn is a sacred time – when the golden light begins to paint the landscape and nocturnal creatures make way for the day shift.
Morning game drive (6:00-10:00 AM): The prime wildlife hours when predators are active and the light is photographer's gold. Your expert guide will navigate you through landscapes where every turn might reveal leopards draped in fever trees or elephants emerging from morning mist.
Midday sanctuary (10:00 AM-4:00 PM): Return to your lodge for an elaborate breakfast on your private deck. The midday hours are for restoration – perhaps a massage, a swim, or simply absorbing the sounds of the bush from your shaded veranda. Some camps offer cultural visits to local communities or guided walks.
Afternoon departure (4:00-4:30 PM): Tea and homemade treats before your evening game drive. This is when the African light begins its legendary transformation toward the golden hour.
Evening game drive & sundowners (4:30-7:30 PM): As shadows lengthen, the bush awakens. Your drive may extend into darkness with spotlights revealing the nocturnal world—a privilege available only in private reserves.
Night's embrace (7:30 PM onward): Multi-course dinners under star-scattered skies, often around the campfire where stories are shared and the sounds of the African night provide an ever-changing soundtrack.
True luxury in the African context isn't about ostentatious displays – it's about experiencing the continent's raw beauty without compromising comfort, privacy, or authenticity. The finest safari accommodations understand that luxury lies in the seamless integration of sophisticated comfort with profound wilderness connection.
Private safari villas: Exclusive sanctuaries for 6-8 guests with dedicated staff including private guides, chefs, and hosts. These offer complete flexibility in timing, routing, and experiences – the epitome of bespoke safari travel.
Luxury safari camps: Thoughtfully designed camps that disappear into the landscape, offering canvas pavilions with hardwood floors, en-suite bathrooms, and private decks overlooking untouched wilderness. Each accommodation tells a story of place.
Mobile luxury camps: For the ultimate in exclusivity, these camps move with wildlife migrations or position themselves in areas inaccessible to permanent structures, offering front-row seats to nature's greatest spectacles.
Conservation-first lodges: Properties where your stay directly contributes to wildlife protection and community development, offering the satisfaction of meaningful travel alongside exceptional comfort.
Read more about the types of accommodation offered on African safaris here.
The timing of your African journey depends on your expectations. Each season offers distinct advantages for the discerning traveller seeking unique experiences.
Dry season drama (May to mid-November): The classic safari season when wildlife congregates around permanent water sources and predators are in action. Vegetation is sparse, making game viewing exceptional, and the weather is most comfortable for extended outdoor activities. The later in the dry season, the better the wildlife encounters will be, but be aware that temperatures can be very high in October and November.
Migration magic (specific timing varies by region): The great wildebeest migrations in East Africa and Zambia's Liuwa Plain offer once-in-a-lifetime spectacles, as do the zebra migrations in Botswana and bat migration in Zambia's Kasanka, but timing is crucial and advance booking is essential for prime locations.
Green season tranquillity (November to April): Often overlooked by conventional tourism, this period offers dramatic skies, newborn animals, resident predators, spectacular bird life, and fewer crowds. The landscape transforms into an emerald paradise.
Photographic considerations: Each season offers unique lighting and compositional opportunities. Dry season dust and smoke, and wet season clear skies transform your photo into works of art.
Find our month-by-month guide to safaris in Africa here.
We maintain impeccable safety standards while preserving the authentic wild experience that makes Africa extraordinary. Your safety is paramount, managed through experience, preparation, and respect for the natural world.
Wildlife encounters: Professional guides with years of experience read animal behaviour like a familiar book. Following their guidance ensures both your safety and the well-being of the wildlife you've come to observe.
Remote location protocols: Luxury camps maintain comprehensive communication systems, emergency medical facilities, and evacuation procedures. Many employ resident medical staff or have partnerships with medical evacuation services.
Personal security: The remote locations where you'll spend your time are remarkably safe, far removed from urban concerns. Your primary considerations are following camp protocols and guide instructions. When in cities, adopt the usual safety procedures to avoid crime that you would anywhere in the world.
Transportation safety: We use premium operators who maintain their vehicles to exacting standards and employ only highly experienced drivers who understand both the terrain and wildlife behaviour.
An authentic luxury safari represents a significant investment in transformative travel. Budget approximately $1,000-$3,000 per person per day for truly exclusive experiences, with private villas and mobile camps commanding premium rates.
Included in premium experiences:
Domestic flights to camps (often in private aircraft)
All meals and premium beverages
Private guide and vehicle
All game activities and cultural experiences
Laundry service
Emergency medical evacuation insurance
Conservation fees and community contributions
Additional considerations (which we can arrange for you):
International flights to gateway cities
Visa fees and travel documentation
Gratuities for exceptional service
Personal shopping and spa treatments
Read more about the costs associated with an African safari here
Recognition of exceptional service is deeply appreciated in African hospitality culture. Guidelines suggest $50-75 per day for your private guide, with similar amounts for camp staff (distributed among the team).
The finest safari experiences balance connectivity with digital detox.
Wifi: Most luxury camps offer WiFi, usually in common areas, while encouraging guests to disconnect from digital distractions and reconnect with the natural world.
Photography & charging: Camps provide 220V power with multiple outlet types, often solar-powered for environmental responsibility. Camera charging stations are standard, with some camps offering equipment cleaning services.
Communication: Satellite communication ensures emergency connectivity, though mobile coverage varies greatly. Some camps maintain no-device policies during game drives to preserve the immersive experience.
Africa Geographic has been handcrafting experiential safaris since 1991. Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?
Booking through a respected tour operator with many years of experience means that all you need to focus on is helping us design your safari and then having a superb vacation. The rest - all the nitty-gritty detail and admin is done while you relax. Our 24/7 concierges take care of problems such as flight changes and missed flights, last-minute road transfer and lodge changes due to unexpected events, and itinerary changes requested by you.
Remember that you will not save money by attempting to book and manage your own safari, but you will inherit mistakes and problems that arise.
Yes, your money is safe. Your payments go into a third-party TRUST ACCOUNT - protecting them in the unlikely event of a financial setback on our part. Also, we are members of SATSA who attest to our integrity, legal compliance and financial stability. See what travellers say about us.
By booking your safari with Africa Geographic, you make a significant difference because:
We donate a portion of every safari sold to selected conservation efforts at ground level
Your safari supports our conservation publishing efforts, which educate the world about Africa's incredible biodiversity and the local people who protect it
Our chosen lodges support local community initiatives, ensuring that tourism benefits the nearby villages directly. They also adhere to strict environmental practices, such as limited vehicle numbers and sustainable camp operations, which help protect the ecosystem
YOUR safari choice does make a difference - thank you!
Click here to schedule a no-obligation call with one of our Safari Experts or fill in our 2-minute form with your questions. Our team of experts are here to help! Whether you’re curious about the best time to travel, want to hear first-hand about an experience or need help planning you safari.
Why choose us to craft your safari?
Handcrafted experiential safaris since 1991.
Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?
Trust & Safety
Guest payments go into a third-party TRUST ACCOUNT - protecting them in the unlikely event of a financial setback on our part. Also, we are members of SATSA who attest to our integrity, legal compliance and financial stability.
Make a difference
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
YOUR safari choice does make a difference - thank you!