BEST AFRICAN SAFARI TOURS

For family safaris and first-timers, consider Kruger National Park's Sabi Sands area, known for exceptional Big 5 sightings, being great value-for-money trips and malaria free. South African safaris offer adventure, family-friendly lodges, wildlife conservation, and top-notch service. Opt for private game reserves like Sabi Sands and Timbavati for an authentic and luxurious experience with limited vehicles, ensuring uninterrupted wildlife encounters. You can easily combine your South African safari with a city break or beach stay, either within the country or on a neighboring Indian Ocean island paradise.

Recommended for: Family safari, first-time safari , Big 5 sightings, value-for-money trips and malaria free trips

Where to stay: Timbavati, Shimungwe Lodge

With endless savannahs teeming with game, fascinating Maasai culture, the great migration, flamingo-filled lakes and pristine beaches, Kenya is the ultimate 'Out of Africa' experience. Often regarded as the birthplace of safari, there are some long-standing, established lodges within Kenya that offer authentic and truly unique tours with relaxation and luxurious down time in between game drives.

Recommended for: Family safaris, honeymoon safaris, Maasai Mara and wildebeest migration

Where to stay: Ol Donyo Lodge, Reteti House

Botswana is the home of exclusive safaris that don't compromise on luxury. The properties here pride themselves on world class service, luxury accommodation and premium safari experiences. Botswana is also famous for the highest concentration of game in Africa and safari guides who will get you as close as possible to the animals on walking safaris, boat safaris and game drives.

Recommended for: Honeymoon safaris, water safaris, wildlife photography, walking safaris, boat safaris and game drives

Where to stay: Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp, Sitatunga Private Island Camp

Best known for its majestic Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe has so much more to offer as a prime safari destination. It is an authentic, rugged destination delivering superb game viewing in the care of some of the most respected guides in the business. Notable locations include Hwange National Park and Mana Pools National Park which are both popular for walking safaris, family safaris and honeymoons.

Recommended for: Walking safaris, family safaris and honeymoon safaris

Where to stay: Somalisa Acacia, Chikwenya

Tanzania is a classic safari destination and home to some of Africa's best known parks, including the famous Serengeti, home of The Great Migration and Africa's largest game reserve in the Nyerere National Park. Think open, wide plains, herds of animals, balloon safaris and diversity. Whether you choose a Serengeti tour in the Northern Circuit or a private boat safari on the Southern Circuit, Tanzania will not disappoint.

Recommended for: The Great Migration. Big 5 safaris, family holidays, honeymoon safaris

Where to stay: Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Lemala Nanyukie

Zambia is affectionately known as the 'real Africa'. Its remote and intimate safari camps dot the huge national parks and private game reserves, which are brimming with various wildlife species. Zambia is famous for the walking safari, allowing visitors to experience the wild like never before. Stepping into the shoes of Stanley and Livingstone, exploring Africa on foot, meters away from elephant, lion and the largest concentration of hippos in the world. A trip to Zambia is recommended for walking safaris, honeymoons, family safaris with notable mentions for Livingstone Island and South Luangwa National Park.

Recommended for: Walking safaris, boat safaris, honeymoon safaris, family safaris, Victoria Falls

Where to stay: Kafunta River Lodge

Namibia is all about its other-worldly landscape, which our Travel Experts say is almost like another planet. Vast, remote and 360° endless horizons. If you are a keen photographer, Namibia is sure to be your new obsession, with the Skeleton Coast being one of the top photographed areas in Africa. When it comes to safari, game drives through the Etosha National Park show off one of the finest reserves on the continent. Be prepared for blistering desert heat during the day and cool evenings underneath a galaxy of stars.

Recommended for: Self-drive safari adventures, fly-in safaris, honeymoon safaris and family safaris

Where to stay: Hoanib Valley Camp, Serra Cafema

Rwanda is a must for primate lovers. There are 13 primate species that occur in Nyungwe Forest National Park alone, which represents 20-25% of the total number of primates in Africa. Chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, owl faced monkeys and of course the majestic, endangered mountain gorilla are some of the animals which our travel experts are eager to see when visiting Rwanda.

Recommended for: Luxury gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, bridge walking and safari in the Nyungwe Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park

Where to stay: Bisate Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Uganda offers two distinct safari landscapes - lush mountainous rainforests and savannah grasslands. Trekking through the dense mountain forests is a unique experience as you walk with local guides to reach your goal - observing gorillas in their natural habitat. After visiting the rainforests and our primate cousins, we recommend a classic safari experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Based in a hand-picked Mahlatini camp, a safari through this 2000sq km savannah can provide sightings of some of the most-coveted safari wildlife like leopard, hippo and tree climbing lions. A true 'adventure of a life-time' awaits you in Uganda.

Recommended for: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park Safaris and trekking the chimpanzees in Kibale Forest

Where to stay: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Mihingo Lodge

It may be one of Africa's smallest countries, but Malawi doesn't lack when it comes to adventure and exploration. Not the first destination that springs to mind when people think of an African safari, but it's for this reason that we would recommend it to those who have ticked off the Big 5 and are looking for a different nature experience. Malawi offers something unique and its hospitable people will make you see why it is called the 'Warm heart of Africa'. For those wishing to see the elusive black rhino, look no further than Liwonde National Park and for those who would like to enjoy some water-based activities at Lake Malawi has it all.

Recommended for: Seasoned safari goers, honeymoon safaris, family safaris, black rhino sightings

Where to stay: Kuthengo Camp, Mumbo Island Camp