Best Times of the Year to Take an African Safari

African safaris are possible any time of the year, but to see the maximum amount of wildlife, the best time to take an African safari is during the dry season which tends to be from May to October when animals congregate around waterways. In southern Africa, this is also the winter and the coolest season, making it the most pleasant weather of the year as well. 

But, depending on where you are going on safari and what you want to see, there may be specific times of the year that feature migrations, birthing season, and other natural phenomena such as the Great Migration of eastern Africa which is at its pinnacle in Tanzania in June and July but moves to other regions other times of the year.

Please see this table that details the best and worst times to visit many of Africa's biggest destinations.

Africa's Top Safari Regions & National Parks: Top Safari Expeditions Destinations
Once you get away from the buzzing, modern cities in Africa, you will be immersed in a wild world ruled by the games of predator and prey, which you will get a unique chance to witness on your safari expedition. No matter which country you are planning to visit, there are excellent safari destinations that await, but these are some of the top national parks and game reserves where you can experience a comprehensive safari expedition.

• Tanzania's Serengeti National Park - The most famous of Africa's safari destinations, the Serengeti is complemented by Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire game areas where you have the prospect of seeing "Africa’s Big 5": Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Cape Buffalo, and Rhinoceros.
• South Africa's Kruger National Park - View lions, zebra, and impala as you explore the park by vehicle, on foot, or even by hot air balloon by day, and by night, relax in a comfortable Safari Lodge by night.
• Botswana's Chobe National Park & the Okavango Delta - Surrounding game reserves & concessions are home to luxurious safari camps & lodges where you'll search for elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, zebra, impala, and white rhino on a cruise or traditional driving safari.
• Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park - Experience game drives with giant elephant herds, local village visits, hikes, and a comfortable place to sleep every night at exceptional safari lodges and camps
• Zambia's Kafue National Park  - Africa's second largest national park and home to a variety of wildlife, particularly antelope, red lechwe, and puku, Kafue is known for its bush camps and safari lodges in addition to the Busanga Plains, a seasonal floodplain and well-known watering site for wildlife.
• Madagascar's Isalo National Park - Natural lakes and Jurassic landscapes are abundant in this area because of its many gorges, steep bluffs, and protruding rock formations. Many rare and endangered animals call Isalo National Park home, including the endemic Madagascar fossa.

 

Wildlife of Africa
Wildlife is at the core of any safari expedition through Africa. There are two types of animals that you will see during your time in Africa: Predators & Prey. As you enjoy hours-long game drives across the savanna and through the mountains, you will likely come across:

• Lions
• Cheetahs
• Rhinoceros
• Buffalo
• Leopards
• Elephants
• Giraffes
• Gorillas
• Hyenas
• Antelope
• Kudu
• Tsessebe
• Wildebeest
• Zebra

Often, you will simply see these animals grazing in the majesty of the African plains, but occasionally, you might witness the desperate struggle for life between predator and prey.
 

Top Safari Lodges, Camps, & Hotels in Africa
All of the African safari lodges, tent camps, and hotels that we feature offer explorers a comfortable home base for their safari expeditions, so feel free to explore all of the many options we have hand selected. Here is a list of the top safari lodges, camps, and hotels in each country in Africa.

South Africa: Cape Cadogan Hotel, Cape Grace, Rhino Post Safari Lodge, Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge 

Tanzania: Lake Naltron Halisi Camp, Migunga Forest Camp, Pakulala Safari Camp, Serengeti Halisi Camp, Tarangire Safari Lodge

Rwanda: Virunga Lodge

Botswana: Gomoti Tented Camp, Jacana Camp, Linyanti Discoverers Camp, Toka Leya

Uganda: Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge

Ethiopia: Tukul Village, Consolar Hotel, Jupiter International Hotel 

Namibia: Anderson's Camp, Camp Kipwe, Desert Rhino Camp, Okonjima Bush Camp, Sossus Dune Lodge  
 

How much does an African safari cost?

On average, a comfortable mid-range safari costs about $400-$600 per night while luxury safaris can easily go up to $1050-1,400 per night or more. A safari in Africa is one of the most thrilling experiences you can have, but it can get expensive. The cost of your African safari will depend on where you go and what kind of accommodation you choose.

While most safaris take you deep into Africa's wildest regions, Adventure life camps and lodges include plenty of creature comforts, such as power, running water, and ceiling fans. The food is exceptional, showcasing regional specialties and cooking techniques you've never experienced before in a setting as unhurried as a picnic in the woods. All of the lodges and luxury African safari vacation packages that we feature take pride in their service and attention to your needs.

• Tanzania safari cost. A 7-day small-group classic Tanzania safari ranges from $2,856 for a mid-range trip to $7,348 for a luxury tour. Visit Lake Manyara, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire to see the Big 5. This journey covers the Northern Circuit's highlights and maximizes adventure and wildlife watching. Every night, return to your luxury safari resort, such as Arusha Coffee Lodge, Escarpment Lodge, Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp, or Lemala Ngorongoro Camp.
• Kenya safari cost ranges in price from $3,998 for an 11-day tour of the country's attractions to $10,820 for a 10-day luxury trip. Visit Amboseli national park, Samburu national reserve, Lake Nakuru national park, and iconic Maasai Mara to search for wildlife. 
• South Africa safari costs range from $3,481 for a 9-day mid-range tour to $10,591 for a luxury tour that includes both the vibrant metropolitan Cape Town and game drives in Kruger National Park.
• Botswana safari cost. A family safari in Botswana ranges in price from $4,752 for a seven-day excursion to $16,574 for a twelve-day luxury tour that visits the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, and Chobe National Park while staying in the finest lodgings in Botswana. Optional safari activities include private C208 aircraft adventures, 4x4 drives, and treks.

Top Africa River Cruises
Adventure Life's African cruise experts pick their two favorite adventure cruises on the African continent.

African Safari Cruise on the Chobe River
Go beyond a normal safari with a safari cruise. Visit the Kapama Game Reserve in South Africa before boarding your luxury small boat on the Chobe river in Botswana for the ultimate safari experience. Here is home to 45,000 roaming elephants plus lions, leopards, giraffes, and cheetahs. Finish your adventure at glorious Victoria Falls. 

Nile River cruises
There's no better way to see the Pyramids and ancient cities of Egypt than on a luxury small ship cruise from Luxor to Aswan on a 4 or 5-day voyage through time. See our list of the best Nile river cruises 2024.


 

Taking an African cruise
Most of our African tours are land-based excursions and safaris, but the rivers that wind through Africa provide a unique way to explore this largely untamed continent aboard one of the many luxurious river boats that we feature. You can choose to explore just about anywhere by boat, so here's a list of our most popular African cruise destinations:

Egypt: Cruise the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, and see the Great Pyramids that have endured centuries while you learn how this culture has been evolving for over five thousand years. See our list of the best Nile cruises 2024.

Botswana: The Okavango Delta & Chobe River will acquaint you with wild Botswana, where elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and rhinos come to drink from these pure waters.

Tanzania: Some of the most popular African destinations are right here in Tanzania, including the mighty Serengeti, towering Mt. Kilimanjaro, and the unique Maasai culture.

South Africa: From the bustling ports of Cape Town and Johannesburg to the safaris where the Big 5 are sure to be spotted, the southernmost African nation awaits!

Zimbabwe: With a variety of expansive national parks like Hwange and Zambezi to the world-renowned Victoria Falls, a river cruise in Zimbabwe won't disappoint!

Canary Islands & Morroco: Geared more towards relaxation than adventure, these cruises in Spain's faraway island territory off the coast of Africa offer engaging ways to escape the buzz of society and enjoy the sun-warmed waters of the Atlantic, including several cruises that even cross to the Caribbean. See our list of the top Canary Islands cruises 2024.

 

What to expect on an African safari
If you’re a first-timer to African safaris, then you probably have a lot of questions and a fair mix of both excitement and anxiety. Here’s what you can expect on a traditional African safari:

• Expect the unexpected! No two safaris are the same, and that’s part of the adventure. Your guides are experts at tracking the animals in every area, but which animals you see, when, and what they’re up to is as wild as the savanna itself. You might come across lions enjoying a zebra carcass or antelope galloping across the plains. It’s even possible that your best shot at seeing these animals is right around your camp or lodge. 
   
• What’s a game drive? A safari game drive is when you go out in a vehicle in search of the animals in their most natural habitat. The vehicles are often 4x4 drive open-air vehicles and get as close as safely possible to the animals so that you can see them in all their wild majesty.
   
• Game drives are not off-roading adventures – In order to preserve the habitats, the game drives stick to the established trails and routes rather than just crossing the plains at random, but these trails were established by the experts to maximize the opportunities to see wildlife on your game drive. These drives tend to be leisurely, allowing the best chance to take in the surrounding environment and hopefully spot some amazing wildlife.
   
• Game drives generally take place in the cool morning or late afternoon – remember, the best way to see the animals of the safari in action is to follow their behavior, and they tend to be most active when the sun isn’t as high in the sky. 
   
• The length of a game drive is generally around 3 or 4 hours, but this varies based on what your guide feels is the best way to track the animals.
   
• Alternatives to game drives on a safari vacation might include an aerial tour in a hot air balloon, mountain biking and horseback riding, hikes, a river cruise to see the animals via the water, or a nighttime game drive that shows off the nocturnal wildlife of Africa. 
   
• The atmosphere of a safari vacation is relaxed but immersive. Imagine being literally inside your favorite Animal Planet documentary. Your itinerary won’t be jam-packed with things to do, but the marvels of simply looking out your window to a giraffe grazing in a nearby tree or seeing an elephant passing casually by the lodge is an unforgettable experience. 
   
• The safari experience changes based on the season – in each region, the dry and wet seasons bring with them different wildlife behaviors and habits and even migrations, so if there is an animal you know you want to see, let us know so we can recommend the best time to travel.
   
• Safari vacations usually combine multiple wildlife reserves, from national parks to private game concessions. Getting from one camp to the next might include a long drive through the plains or a scenic flight on an 8-passenger propeller plane. 

You won’t have to sacrifice comfort to enjoy a safari adventure in Africa, either!

While most safaris take you deep into the heart of the most untamed corners of Africa, the camps and lodges themselves are quite comfortable, with electricity, bathrooms with running water, and fans to keep you cool.

Of course, there is always an emphasis on keeping a low ecological impact too, so electricity use might be from solar power and therefore limited, and the bathroom facilities (while definitely comfortable) might include a drop toilet with a ceramic bowl rather than a traditional flushing toilet that consumes a lot of water.

You’ll find that these minor differences help make it a more authentic experience as you enjoy life out in the African bush.

These African safari lodges offer a quiet retreat from the business of daily life – built miles from the closest civilization, you will feel immersed in the plains of Africa. Verandas, pools, and other social areas are built seamlessly into the natural environment.

Since many lodges are built by natural wildlife hotspots, like watering holes, the animals around the lodge are often used to its presence and know that it is not a threat, meaning that they will mosey right through or around camp, some on such a ritual basis that your camp staff can tell you when and where to expect them.

Meals are second-to-none, highlighting local flavors and cooking styles you have probably never tried in nature’s most relaxed dining environment. Service and attention to your comfort are points of pride at all of the African lodges, safari camps, and luxury African safari vacation packages that we feature. 

 

Is it safe to go on an African safari?

An African safari is not a trip to the zoo – that’s part of the magic, but also part of the risk. That’s why following the safety guidelines set by your guides and hosts is paramount.

The safari guides are experts at identifying risky behavior – whether it’s animals in heat or a stalking predator near camp – and keeping you safe.

There’s no reason to be afraid on your safari as long as you listen to your guide and follow their instructions!
 

Seychelles Islands Cruise to the Garden of Eden
Far off the coast of East Africa is a tropical paradise unbeknownst to most except for savvy scuba divers and snorkelers who come to explore some of the most crystalline wildlife-rich waters on the planet. Island hopping reveals quaint villages where oxcarts and bicycles far outnumber cars.   

Visa Laws

If you are traveling from the United States, Europe, or Canada, your passport is an essential travel document.

The following African countries require a passport but not a visa: Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, and Lesotho.

The following African countries require you to obtain your visa in advance: Kenya ($51) & Mozambique ($160).

The following African countries require you to either obtain an e-visa before travel or a visa upon arrival at an international airport: 
Ethiopia ($52), Malawi ($50), Rwanda ($50), Tanzania, ($50) Uganda ($50), Zambia ($50), Zimbabwe ($30), Madagascar ($30)

Authorities strongly advise getting a visa ahead of time to avoid long lines at the airport or border control.


 

How to pay
Cash and credit cards are the most common ways to pay throughout Africa:

• While you are in major cities, you will likely have access to ATMs that work with most major international credit cards (local bank cards will probably not work). You should expect a marginal international transaction fee.
   
• Cash can be used for anything you’ll need while on the safari itself, especially in the bush.
   
• You can exchange your money most easily at the international airports upon arrival or at a bank with presentation of your passport if necessary.

• Avoid paying with travelers checks. These are not accepted in most places, so it’s safer to just stick with your card.

 
 

Vaccinations
Talk to your travel physician about the Yellow Fever vaccination and have proof of this for the countries that require it. 

Depending on where you are visiting, your physician may request you get vaccinated for:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Tetanus
• Typhoid
• Diphtheria.

Defer to your doctor and the CDC for country-specific information.

Ebola, HIV, and other diseases
Many people don’t realize the immense size of Africa, so when a disease is reported on the news, it might scare off potential visitors; but the reality is that the spread of infectious diseases has largely been controlled (especially recently) throughout most of Africa, and the areas that are popular travel destinations are very safe. You should still exercise caution and only drink bottled or purified water, never eat anything from a source that you don’t trust (like a street vendor), and get all of your vaccinations.

It also might be helpful to bring some medications from home. Most pharmacies in Africa will have whatever medicine you need, but finding out what brand they use or even getting to a pharmacy while you’re on safari can be difficult. It’s always safe to pack your own medication.
Note that Ebola has not been found in any safari areas.

Malaria
Though Malaria is less common throughout Africa every year, traveling through tropical areas with stagnant water (especially during the rainy season) can expose you to the risk of contracting this mosquito-borne disease. There are several anti-malaria medications that your doctor can prescribe prior to your departure that is recommended for anyone traveling to an area that might be home to malaria-bearing mosquitos.

Top Africa Cruise Lines for 2024-2025

• Scenic USA. A constant recipient of national and worldwide recognition from industry partners for its outstanding product and operations. Sanctuary Sun Boat III represents the ultimate luxury and relaxation on the Nile, modeled after the opulent era of the 20s and 30s.
• Variety Cruises allows one to explore the true identity of a destination while enjoying the comforts and excellent benefits of its state-of-the-art SOLAS-certified yachts. The twin-hulled Pegasos can moor at small, picturesque islands that are not accessible by land, ideal for Seychelles sailings.
• Ponant. Embodies the French way of life through exceptional service, a multilingual team, and expertise. Le Bougainville represents the new generation of ships designed to combine discovery and exploration with luxury, even in the planet's most remote and isolated regions like Seychelles. 
• Emerald Waterways an award-winning travel operator specializing in deluxe river cruises and luxury yacht cruising. Each of their custom-built starships has a range of stylish innovations. The newly built vessel, Emerald Azzurra, a modern superyacht, can access ports of call not typically visited by cruise ships in the Adriatic, along the coast of Northern Africa, the Red Sea, and around the islands of Greece.
• AMA Waterways has constantly been redefining the river cruise experience by building one-of-a-kind ships with added comforts and conveniences. Its price range is considered "mid-tier" among river cruises. The beautiful Zambezi Queen was specifically designed for safari river cruising on the Chobe River and offers a sophisticated design to maximize animal sightings.
• CroisiEurope has developed an affordable cruising concept offering the best value in river cruises at great prices and appealing to every traveler. Designed to explore Southern Africa, the African Dream provides an intimate look at nature and animals along the most beautiful bends of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers.