There are so many safari destinations to choose from for a holiday in Africa, especially East Africa. The decisions usually fall into the bucket list and the most desired experiences. If the Big 5 are at the top of your list, South Africa is the perfect choice; however, if you want a more authentic experience, Tanzania, Kenya, and Zambia may offer a better experience. From there, it’s about activities; from walking safaris and game drives to hot air ballooning and boat-based safaris.
The best time for a safari in Africa is a difficult topic since it usually depends on the time of year. Africa’s Green season offers sensational birding, newborn wildlife, and is not usually busy. However, the lush landscape makes it hard to spot wildlife and game. From May to November, the weather is hot and dry, which makes it the best season for sightings.
To help you narrow down the best African safari destination, I have come up with the perfect list of destinations. Have a look at our top recommendations for safaris in 2026.
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1. Kenya
The Origin of Safari
Kenya is most likely to deliver some of the best African safaris in 2026. From family safaris with child-friendly activities to exclusive hideaways for couples and honeymooners, there’s not much that beats a Kenya safari. The standards of service are high, and Kenya is a top destination to offer a luxury experience.
Our Picks:
Masai Mara
The Masai Mara’s rolling plains provide a sanctuary for an abundance of animals, including elephants, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, hyena, and the famous big cats: lion, leopard, and cheetah. The reserve’s high wildlife coverage offers a spectacular safari experience no matter what time of year you visit, and the wide-open plains and mild climate mean that the vegetation is never too dense to see animals. We recommend staying in private conservancies that are contiguous with the national reserve. These exclusive conservation areas offer uncrowded game viewing, walking safaris, and night game drives while staying at some of the best luxury safari lodges in Kenya.
Laikipia
The high plains in Laikipia lie to the northeast of the Great Rift Valley and are increasingly recognised as one of Kenya’s best-kept secrets. Almost the size of Wales, Laikipia is home to Kenya’s most encouraging conservation stories, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a sanctuary for black and white rhinos as well as zebra. This hidden gem has a low number of visitors and offers excellent family-friendly safari lodges and camps. Enjoy a peaceful retreat with your friends and family in 2026 at Laikipia
2. South Africa
A World in One Country
When it comes to complete holiday destinations in Africa, South Africa is tough to beat. The country offers its visitors a unique experience and arguably the best tourism infrastructure on the whole continent. The daily commercial flights are linked to all major cities, while chartered planes can get you to safari lodges and the world’s best land-based whale watching, to gastronomic delights amid magnificent rolling vineyards. South Africa has it all and then some. Plus, you can crown your South Africa safari with some well-deserved R&R along the country’s coastline.
Our Picks:
Cape Town
Bathed in over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. South Africa’s oldest city offers visitors several activities, while being immersed in its surrounding wine valleys provides an elegant, Mediterranean twsit to a South Africa safari, while culinary excellence can be relished at Cape Town’s five-star restaurants. If visiting between July and September, add a sojourn in Germanus to experience the world’s best land-based whale watching. And if you’re in the mood for a family road trip, you can enjoy driving through the beautiful Garden Route: one of Africa’s magnificent stretches of coastline.
Kruger National Park
South Africa’s most popular wildlife destination and one of the best places in Africa to see the Big 5. Home to the most diverse array of wildlife in South Africa, luxury camps & lodges, and some of Africa’s best guides, Kruger is well-equipped to offer an exceptional experience. Not only is the park home to several wildlife species, but it also offers a variety of other activities, ensuring an amazing experience for even first-time travellers. The park is also lauded as one of the top family-friendly safari destinations thanks to excellent infrastructure, superlative service, and exclusive-use accommodation and safari vehicles.
3. Tanzania
The Ultimate Bush-to-Beach destination
Safari happens almost everywhere you look in Tanzania. It’s been their way of life there for decades. from the never-ending Savannah of the Serengeti to the beaches and coral reefs of Zanzibar, a Tanzania safari delivers one fascinating experience after another
Our Picks:
Ruaha National Park
It’s Tanzania’s biggest national park. Despite its hosting many lodges and camps. This has helped Ruaha be known as the country’s best-kept secret, especially when it comes to game viewing; the park’s diversity of animals is matched by colossal numbers. It’s home to the largest elephant herd in East Africa and offers excellent sightings of predators like lion, leopard, cheetah, and also the highly endangered wild dog. Ruaha will offer some of the best African safaris in 2026 for intrepid travellers in search of beautifully wild and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Nyerere National Park(Selous)
Along with Ruaha, the Nyerere National Park forms part of the lesser-known Southern Tanzania safari region. Remote, enormous, and filled with wildlife, Nyerere is unlike any iconic safari destination found in Tanzania. It remains relatively unknown to most travellers and offers a diverse safari experience that on other locations offers an incredibly diverse African safari experience in one location.
The defining feature of Nyerere is the great Rufiji River. Forming a series of interconnected lakes and palm-fringed channels, the Rufiji harbours huge numbers of hippo and Jurassic-size crocs, and nourishes mega herds of elephant and an impressive array of birds. Nyerere offers unique safari activities like boat cruises, and because it’s not subject to restrictions that govern Tanzania’s national parks, you can also enjoy a guided walking safari and fly-in camping excursions.
Rubondo Island
It’s the largest island national park in Africa, covering a total of 237 square kilometres (92 square miles). Comprising 11 small islets, it offers diverse landscapes and ecosystems that support a host of wildlife from elephants and giraffes to antelopes and chimpanzees.
The island not only offers a perfect off-the-beaten-track destination but total exclusivity, with just one accommodation option on the entire island. Embark on an exciting guided trek through tropical rainforests, discover wonderful wildlife on game drives, and enjoy boating or canoe safaris. The section of Lake Victoria offers around 300 different species of birds, including marabou storks, pied kingfisher, and fish eagles. Villagers who live around the lake also offer perfect fishing areas for travellers who are interested in catch-and-release fishing for Nile perch. Between exploring the rainforest and watching wildlife, you can also enjoy the beachside bliss and the tropical climate.
4. Uganda
More than just Gorillas
There are only over 900 mountain gorillas left on earth, and when you make it deep into the wilderness, you will see the endangered species lurking since they can’t make it in captivity. No other wildlife encounter can compare to observing the fascinating family dynamics of our ancient relatives. The Uganda forest is a great excursion for gorilla trekking. You can visit Kibale Forest National Park or Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Our Picks:
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Bwindi is a World Heritage Site of both montane and lowland forest: a verdant habitat for about 350 bird species, 220 butterfly species, 120 species of mammals, plus many reptiles and amphibians. Thanks to the income generated from tourism, the park’s endangered mountain gorilla numbers have increased to about half of the world’s population. There are fantastic accommodation options in and next to the forest to make it an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
It’s Uganda’s premier game viewing destination and the most accessible savannah reserve. The park is home to big game like elephant, buffalo, leopard, and the famous tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha Plains. It’s one of the most biologically diverse parks in the world because of the mind-boggling list of 610 bird species- more than the entire British Isles! Don’t miss a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel to spot hippos, crocodiles, and many other creatures.
5. Zambia
Birthplace of the Walking Safari.
Zambia is a country with hidden gems, and most locations are among Africa’s top underrated spots. The country offers some of Africa’s wildest and most remote corners where you can enjoy sensational big game viewing accompanied by some of the best safari guides in the business, while staying at a luxury African safari lodge or camp.
Our Picks:
South Luangwa National Park
Very few parks have the phenomenal density of game that South Luangwa has to offer around its lakes and rivers. Massive numbers of elephants, buffalo, and giraffes come to thirst under the watchful eye of the Nile crocodiles and also lion prides. It’s also famous for its guided walking safaris that can range from a gentle morning stroll to hiking between camps over several days.
Lower Zambezi National Park
Unlike most national parks in Africa, this is protected for private use only, so it’s rare to find tour buses and driver’s guides in these areas. Only licensed operators may conduct safaris in these parks, and only a few lodges are also situated in the area. The Lower Zambezi is an area for visitors who are fine with seeing very little touring adventure and want to enjoy human activity. Providing one of Africa’s finest wilderness experiences.
6. Indian Ocean Islands
The Best Combination Destinations
After enjoying one of the best places to go on safari and discovering some of Africa’s best national parks, spend some time relaxing on the beautiful beaches surrounding the Indian Ocean islands. Seychelles and Madagascar are the perfect combination destinations due to their proximity to the southern parts of Africa.
