Loading...
  1. Home
  2. Safari Types
  3. African Safari

African Safari - Expert Travel Guide To Africa

Considering a safari in Africa? With amazing wildlife and birds, beautiful landscapes, unique cultures and vibrant cities, the third largest continent put safari experiences on the map. But wildlife and bush walks are not the only great things about Africa. You could also visit its spectacular beaches, climb the tallest peak (Kilimanjaro) or visit the Cape Winelands to indulge your senses with great wine, beautiful sights and amazing food.

  • Countries

    Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, Uganda, Zimbabwe

  • Average Safari Cost

    $400-$1,000 pp/day

  • Highlights

    Big Seven, Gorilla Trekking, Horseback safaris, Great Wildebeest Migration, Whale-watching and more!

Interesting Facts

The world’s longest river (Nile) and the world’s largest desert (Sahara) are both in Africa.

One of the world’s natural wonders, Victoria Falls, is also found in Africa.

The deadliest animal in Africa is the hippo, which has killed more people than crocodiles and lions combined.

The world’s fastest land animal (cheetah), largest land animal (elephant) and tallest land animal (giraffe), are all from Africa.

The mountain gorillas can only be found in Africa’s Virunga Mountain Range, which stretches across the borders of Rwanda and Uganda (some in the Democratic Republic of Congo).

Gorilla nose-prints are like human fingerprints: no two are the same. Instead of drinking water, gorillas obtain all their moisture from the large volumes of vegetation that they eat.

Geography

The varied African geography includes plateau regions, savannahs, mountains, rivers, lakes, islands and more.

Roads

Much of Africa is considered to contain the deadliest roads in the world – especially countries such as Kenya, Tanzania and Malawi. This is why safari tour operators take customers on well-driven and known roads to avoid any issues.

Namibia and southern Africa are generally considered to have good.

History and Mindset

Africa’s history is complex. The continent has been shaped by war, slavery, colonization, revolutions and finally, liberation (mostly anyway).

From the time of pharaohs and sultans, to modern presidents and Zulu kings, Africa’s culture is as diverse as its history. The largest religious group in Africa is Islam, with Christianity coming in second, which makes Arabic the most widely spoken language on the continent. Don’t be surprised if you find that one section of Africa has a completely different culture from another, with different values, customs, languages - sublanguages - and norms.

The vastly dynamic history of Africa may not fit into your typical safari, but it may be a good idea to study up on the norms of the region you are choosing to visit.

Best Time To Go - by Climate Zone

In this section we break African continent into climate zones and natural habitats to give you a better idea about which countries have vast rolling plains of savannah, which are drowning in a dense and lush rainforest, which enjoy a magnificent beauty of the desert and which have tamed powerful oceans.

Countries: Zambia, Rwanda, Tanzania

  • These habitats are found in the heart of the country, over the equator.
  • There is no real dry season, as it rains almost constantly for most of the year.
  • There are brief periods in which the rainfall is less (July – August), and you should visit during these months to ensure a more pleasant experience.

Countries: South Africa

  • This is found in South Africa’s Garden Route (the Tsitsikamma National Park).
  • These biomes experience mild temperatures throughout the year to the ocean on one side and the mountain ranges on the other.
  • Winters (April – October) are long and wet, while the summers (November to March) are warm and dry.
  • The temperatures are neither too hot nor too cold in either season.

Countries: South Africa and Northern African countries (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia)

  • Situated along the Mediterranean coat in the northwest and southeast.
  • This is characterised by a warm, dry summer (October – April) and wet but mild winter (May – September).
  • June and July are the rainiest months.

Countries: Botswana, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa

  • These have distinct wet and dry seasons.
  • Dry season: June – October. This is winter and, while the nights are cooler, daytime temperatures are still pleasant.
  • Wet Season: November – May. This is summer with mild temperatures.
  • Spring (March – May) experiences the most rainfall.

Countries: Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana

  • Found north and south of savannah, these are semi-arid climates which only receive enough rainfall to support short-grass growths.
  • African steppe can be visited all-year.

Countries: North Africa, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa

  • There is little rainfall in the desert. Day and nighttime temperatures differ dramatically, with hot days and cooler or cold nights.
  • Dry season: May – October. This is the winter months, characterised by being the coolest months of the year. This is usually the drought season, with lots of sun and no rainfall.
  • Wet season: November – April. This is summer. And while it is the wet season, it has occasional showers. It is characterised by sunny weather and warmer conditions.

Countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar

  • Largely found in the east, below the Horn of Africa, peninsula in Northeast Africa.
  • This climate is wet and cool, with a higher than average rainfall.
  • The rainfall is from August to November.
  • Experiences cold winters 48°F - 53°F (9°C – 12°C).

Countries: South Africa, Tanzania, Namibia, Mozambique, Kenya

  • Located mostly in Southern Africa.
  • Usually warm throughout the year.
  • Slightly more rain in autumn (March – May) and spring (September – November).

Start your African Adventure
Let’s Go!

Great Wildebeest Migration

The Great Wildebeest Migration is the movement of over 1.5 million Serengeti wildebeests, hundreds of thousands of zebras, and various antelope species, as they seek fresh grazing areas and water. Large predators – lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas – are known to follow the herds, picking off the weaker members with relative ease. They migrate throughout the year, and while their annual movements are relatively predictable, it relies entirely on the rainfall pattern of each year.

Quick Facts

  • Countries: Kenya and Tanzania
  • Best areas: Tanzania: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Loliondo Game Controlled Area, and Grumeti Reserve Kenya: Maasai Mara Game Reserve.
  • Best time to go: Late November – mid-March (in Serengeti), and September (at the Mara River).
  • Highlights: One of the largest land migration spectacles on the planet. Calves are born between January and March. See the oldest eco-system on Earth and largest diversity of animals and plants in the world.
  • Time required: The Great Wildebeest Migration is an all-year spectacle and you can spend hours following the herds on a game drive, or on horseback safari.

Wildlife to See
  • Lion
  • Cheetah
  • Leopard
  • Hyena
  • Wildebeest
  • Zebra
  • Crocodile
Wildebeest, zebra, antelope, lion, leopard, hyena, cheetah, crocodile

Gorilla Trekking

In the rainforest of the Virunga Mountain Range conservation area (stretching across the borders of Rwanda and Uganda), is the world’s last mountain gorilla population.

Hiking through the rainforest can be challenging and you’ll need a good fitness level to attempt it, but spending time with these wonderful primates is well worth the effort!

The gorilla trekking in all 3 of these countries is strictly run – a conservation project developed solely for the safety and protection of these endangered primates.

Quick Facts

  • Countries: Uganda and Rwanda
  • Best areas: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla, Volcanoes and Virunga National Park.
  • Best time to go: July – August (dry season)
  • Highlights: Once in a lifetime opportunity to see critically endangered mountain gorillas, beautiful rainforests, golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park and butterflies in Bwindi. Volcanoes in Virunga National Park and Volcanoes National Park. You can see a large variety of bird species in each of the parks – many Albertine Rift endemics can be seen in Bwindi.

Safety

  • For your safety and health, it is best to only track gorillas if you are in good physical condition, as the mountainous rainforest terrain is challenging and it can take up to 9 hours to find these gentle creatures.
  • Trekking through the rainforest is relatively safe. However, your guides will be armed in case an animal decides to attack. It is not very likely, but still possible.
  • Do not wonder from the group.Do not run if a predator confronts you; maintain eye contact and back away slowly.
  • Try not to panic; your guide will know how to help you if this situation ever arises.

For more information about safety on your trek see our Gorilla Trekking Guide.

Pro Tips

  • The briefing you are given before you set out is important: pay attention! The guides will tell you what to expect and how to behave around the gorillas. They will also give you rules and precautions for travelling through the rainforest. It is in everyone’s best interest to follow these guidelines.
  • Whichever country you decide to visit, be sure to pack wet-weather gear – waterproof backpack, waterproof trousers and jacket and waterproof boots – even in the drier months. Weather in the rainforests tend to be temperamental and a little unpredictable.
  • Unfortunately, mosquitoes (and malaria) can be a problem in these areas of Africa. It is best to speak to your healthcare provider about anti-malaria medication, before travelling. Buy plenty of insect repellent (30% DEET or more) and keep your arms and legs covered as much as possible.

Climbing Kilimanjaro

The highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro offers an incredible adventure for anyone brave enough to reach the Uhuru Peak. With breathtaking vistas, captivating ecological zones and amazing wildlife, this is sure to be the best experience of your life!

Quick Facts

  • Countries: Tanzania
  • Climate Zones: Rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine, desert and icefields
  • Elevation: 19,341ft / 5,895m
  • Routes: Marangu Route, Machame Route, Umbwe Route, Lemosho Route, Rongai Route and the Northern Circuit
  • Best Time to Go: January – March and June – October
  • Highlihgts: Bucket list achievement, sunsets at Shira, Lava Tower, striking views of Mount Meru, great Barranco Wall
  • Difficulty and Fitness Level: You need to be physically fit in order to make the climb. Know your own limitations. While some routes are easier than others, they are all meant for fit bodies that can withstand the varying elevation levels and habitats – particularly the cold. Acute Mountain Sickness can affect anyone, but you are more likely to be affected by it if you are unfit or overweight. While it could still affect a very fit person, it is likely to be less severe for them than for someone who is unfit or overweight.

When To Go

Best climbing season – January to March and June to October.

Raining season – April and May (the worst and most dangerous time to climb)

Average temperatures – On the lower slopes, daytime temperature average around 86°F (30°C), while at an altitude of around 3000m the daytime temperatures average between 41°F (5°C) and 59°F (15°C). Even at your first campsite, the night time temperatures can be below freezing.

Routes
To learn more about which route to choose see our Climbing Kilimanjaro Guide.

Horseback Safari

While a typical safari consists of game drives in open vehicles, a horseback riding safari presents you with a more personalized African safari experience. You will be cantering alongside the wildlife and following along game trails (that are much too narrow for vehicles). While the loud game vehicles might scare the wildlife away, many of the animals tend to take the horses in stride, and will ride alongside you for miles, particularly herd animals. This is a unique experience – are you willing to try it?

Quick Facts

  • Countries: Kenya, Botswana, Namibia

  • Best areas:

    Kenya: Maasai Mara

    Botswana: Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

    Namibia: Namib Desert and Damaraland

  • Best time to go:

    Kenya: January – February and June – October

    Botswana: All year destination.

    - Dry season: June – December

    - Wet season: January – May

    Namibia: May – September

  • Highlights: Wildebeest migration in Kenya in October, riding alongside lechwe and giraffes in Okavango Delta, the breathtakingly beautiful and diverse landscapes of Namibia and the family friendly Kaapsehoop Horse Trails, with its variety of scenery and habitats.

Maasai Mara National Park, Kenya

  • Best time to go: June – October
  • Time required: 7-14 days
  • Highlights: Great Wildebeest Migration.
  • Level of experience: All levels of experience permitted
  • Wildlife to see: Wildebeest, zebra, varies antelope species, predators – lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyena.

What to expect

Maasai Mara offers by far one of the most amazing horse riding experiences in Africa. Not only is the scenery beautiful, but the open plains ensures great wildlife viewing. The Great Migration is here in from September to October, and you will have the opportunity to ride alongside the herds, watch them cross the Mara River, and experience predation up-close.

The guides are great, the horses well trained and their packages suitable for every budget.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

  • Best time to go: Dry season: June – December; Wet season: January – May
  • Time required: 3-7 days
  • Highlights: Riding through the water alongside lechwe antelope and along game trails will giraffes.
  • Level of experience: Moderate to experienced.
  • Wildlife to see: Lechwe antelope, giraffes, many other wildlife.

What to expect

During the wet months, this beautiful section of Botswana becomes much too flooded to navigate by car – but it makes for excellent horseback riding. Racing through the water alongside the lechwe herds are sure to get your heart pumping in excitement. Okavango is rich in wildlife, and you will be able see much more game from horseback, as you can now navigate along the game trails, and even ride beside giraffes for miles. This is a truly great experience.

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

  • Best time to go: Dry season: June – December; Wet season: January – May This is an all-year destination.
  • Time required: 5-7 days
  • Highlights: The opportunity to see black maned lions, interact with meerkats, beautiful, large baobab trees and walks with bushmen.
  • Level of experience: You need to be physically fit.
  • Wildlife to see: Meerkats, zebra, wildebeest, hartebeest, ostrich, springbok, gemsbok and predators – lions, hyenas. nocturnal desert animals: bat eared foxes, aardvark, honey badgers, aardwolves, porcupine and black maned Kalahari Lion.

What to expect

Situated southeast of Okavanga, you will find the unusual Makgadigadi Salt Pans. Racing across the dry salt pans, with the sun on your face and the steady thump of hooves on the dry earth, will give you a thrill of pleasure, and a sense of wild abandon. This wild land may seem barren, but you may be surprised at the amount of wildlife that are present. Spending time with the resident meerkat family is particularly popular, and ostriches are common.

During the wet months, the salt pan floods, making it impassable for game drives – but not for horseback riding. The once barren land has transformed into an emerald jewel with its abundance of grass. Burchell’s zebra and blue wildebeest come to graze here in huge herds, and large flocks of flamingos and pelicans settle in the now flooded pans. Seeing this beautiful land and wildlife from horseback is the ultimate safari experience.

Namib Desert, Namibia

  • Best time to go: May – September This is an all-year destination.
  • Time required: 10-14 days
  • Highlights: The opportunity to see black maned lions, interact with meerkats, beautiful, large baobab trees and walks with bushmen.
  • Level of experience: You need to be physically fit.
  • Wildlife to see: Oryx, springbok, klipspringer, steenbok, baboons.

What to expect

Your adventure will begin on the edge of the great Namib dune sea. On this journey, you will ride from grassy plains and foothills, through canyons small and large, and race across the Namib plains, to the Swakop River – where you will spend your final night under the stars. From Swakop River, you will continue to your final destination: the beach lodge at Swakopmund.

This horseback riding journey is perfect for adventure lovers, and those who crave the magnificent and vastly uninhabited perfection of the Namib Desert. This safari is suited for those who are in good physical condition.

Damaraland, Namibia

  • Best time to go: May – September This is an all-year destination.
  • Time required: 7-12 days
  • Highlights: Elephants, spectacular views.
  • Level of experience: You need to be physically fit.
  • Wildlife to see: Elephants, Black rhino, gemsbok, greater kudu, eland, springbok, lion, leopard and cheetah.

What to expect

Cantering along the Aba Huab River, up to the top of the mountains will provide you with the most impressive sight that you will ever see: an aerial view of the breathtaking geology of Damaraland. You will then travel down to ride along the Ugab River, following its course at a leisured pace to Hug Coastal Plains. The Messum Crater is your next landmark, before, finally, heading to the Atlantic Ocean and your well-deserved overnight stay at a luxury beach house.

You will be spending 11 days on horseback – being physically fit and accustomed to horseback riding is essential. For those outdoor enthusiast, viewing the dramatic Damaraland from horseback is the perfect back-to-nature experience.

Safari Photography

Africa has some of the world’s most beautiful scenic landscapes – not to mention the seascapes. The distant, lush mountains, incredible canyon vistas and the starkly compulsive desert wilderness are only a few examples of the beauty that is Africa. Add in the primal rainforests and savannahs teaming with predators, the incredibly large populations of the mammals big and small, and the gentle mountain gorillas - and you have the formula for the perfect photographic montage for your portfolio.

Quick Facts

  • Countries: Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Kenya and Rwanda

  • Best spots for Landscape Photography: Namibia, Botswana and South Africa

  • Best spots for Wildlife Photography: Maasai Mara, Kenya; The Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana; Etosha National Park, Namibia and Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

  • Best time to go:

    South Africa: April – October

    Namibia: May – September

    Botswana: Dry season: June – December; Wet season: January – May

    Kenya: July – October

    Rwanda: mid-December – early February and June – September

Landscape Photography in Namibia

  • Best time to go: May - September
  • Highlights: Vastly uninhabited makes for perfect photography, uniquely haunting landscapes, extremely diverse terrains – from salt plains, to desert coastlines and much more.

What to expect

Namibia is a land of diverse landscapes that makes an incredible kaleidoscope, which is sometimes haunting, but always stunning. The terrains range from the white salt pan of Etosha, to the haunting mist-shrouded desert coastline of Skeleton Coast and the sea of red dunes of the Namib. The Naukluft Mountains are the perfect backdrop for the Namib, and the almost entirely exposed landscape, and the lack of light pollution makes Namibia the perfect setting for photographing the night sky. The country has a low human population, which means that much of the land is uninhabited, making landscape photography easier.

Did we mention the sunrises and sunsets? The uninterrupted landscape ensures spectacular visions of the sun at dusk or dawn.

Landscape Photography in Botswana

  • Best time to go: Dry season: June – December or Wet season: January – May
  • Highlights: Kalahari Desert, Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi. Stunning sunsets.

What to expect

This landscape is as unique and varied as Namibia – but in a different way. From the Kalahari Desert, to the floodplains of Okavango Delta, this flat landscape is beautifully diverse.

This is a vibrant land goes through extreme changes from one season to the next. During the dry season, Okavango Delta and the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are arid, dusty and seem mostly barren. When the rains come though, both these sections become flooded, and overflow with vegetation, turning into stunning jewels. Even more mesmerizing are the sunsets that reflect off the water.

Landscape Photography in South Africa

  • Best time to go: April – October
  • Highlights: Gorgeous coastlines, Kruger, Table Mountain, Robben Island, Blyde River Canyon, Bloukrans River Valley, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Tsitsikamma National Park, Cape Winelands

What to expect

South Africa is well-known for having the most beautiful coastlines in the world. Coupled with the iconic Table Mountain and Robben Island, and Cape Town is on many people’s to-do lists.

South Africa provides the perfect atmosphere for both landscape and seascape photography. From the rugged coastline of Morgan’s Bay in the Eastern Cape, to the Western Cape’s perfect sandy beaches, the only problem you’ll have is choosing which of the many beautiful spots to capture. As for landscapes, what better view is there than Mpumalanga’s Panorama Route? The famous route of Blyde River Canyon (situated along the Panorama Route) is absolutely breathtaking with its emerald canyon, glistening lake and the ocean that can be seen in the distance – and don’t forget to visit the waterfalls!

Still not convinced? Visit Tsitsikamma National Park for a hike through an ocean-edged forest and walk along the working suspension bridge – or take a trip to Bloukrans in the Western Cape, where the continent’s highest bridge offers not only spectacular views of the Bloukrans River Valley, but bungee jumping too!

Wildlife Photography in Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

  • Best time to go: July – October
  • Highlights: The Great Wildebeest Migration and a big population of large predators
  • Wildlife: Millions of wildebeest, thousands of zebra and antelope species, as well as large populations lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyena

What to expect

By September, the Great Wildebeest Migration has reached the south side of the Mara River, and their crossing provides amazing photographic opportunities. Being able to capture their frantic movement across the rushing river is a great opportunity, throw in large crocodiles feasting on the herd and you have a perfect wildlife montage.

Once the herds have crossed into Maasai Mara National Park, you will be able to witness predation up-close. There is a large population of predators (lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas) that benefit from this annual movement, and capturing that moment when a cheetah coalition works together to take down a wildebeest is priceless.

Wildlife Photography in The Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana

  • Best time to go: December – January and April – October
  • Highlights: Central Kalahari Game Reserve
  • Wildlife: Giraffes, elephants, buffalo, white rhinos, hyenas, honey badgers, meerkats, lion, cheetah and leopard

What to expect

Situated in the heart of the Kalahari, Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a flat, open and dry land. The blazing sunsets reflecting off the golden sand is enthralling, and turn the distant wondering springbok into mirage-like creatures worthy of memorializing.

While the arid habitat of the Kalahari does not support a large variety of wildlife as opposed to other safari locations, it does have the safari favorite: The Big Five. Capturing these mammals with their arid habitat as a backdrop is sure to be worth the visit – especially the stunning Kalahari black-maned lions. You will also be delighted in the fact that this open terrain ensures sightings cheetah and leopard, and you may be lucky enough to photograph them stalking or taking down prey.

Wildlife Photography in Etosha National Park, Namibia

  • Best time to go: July – October
  • Highlights: Most easily accessible wildlife sanctuary, over 114 mammal species and 340 bird species available.
  • Wildlife: Zebra, black rhino, white rhino, elephant, antelope, lion, wildebeest, leopard, cheetah, impala, giraffe, gemsbok, hyena

What to expect

This beautiful park is home to a large population and variety of animals. They are exceptionally easy to spot from July to October, when the gather around the permanent waterholes. These waterholes also offer floodlit night time viewings.

The park is home to both the black and the white rhino, and these shy creatures are best seen in the early morning light of dawn, or the fading light of dusk.

Unfortunately, the park becomes quite crowded from July to October, and you may want to visit during the wetter months to have uninterrupted views of the animals. They will be widely dispersed during the wet months and vegetation will be more dense, but doesn’t this make for the perfect pictures? The lush vegetation will provide a beautiful atmosphere, and if you have the patience, you will be able to capture amazing photos of newborn animals as this is the calving season as well.

Wildlife Photography in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

  • Best time to go: mid-December – early February and June – September
  • Highlights: mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, 180 birds (including 13 species and 16 subspecies endemic to the Virunga and Ruwenzori Mountains)
  • Wildlife: Mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, elephant (rare), black-fronted duiker, spotted hyena, buffalo, bushbuck, as well as several other primate species.

What to expect

Volcanoes National Park forms the Rwanda section of the stunning Virunga Volcano Mountains Range. There are 8 volcanoes in this range, and Volcanoes National Park hold 5 of them! The sloping hills and Ngezi Crater Lake offers gorgeous views. But the beautiful landscape is not the only thing this park has to offer.

This park is home to 300 mountain gorillas, and tracking them through the mountainous terrain is every safari-goers dream experience. The lush vegetation and foliage offers a range of wonderful different vantages and angles for photographing these gentle primates.

Another special reason to visit the Volcanoes National Park are the Golden monkeys, which a rare species of primate. They are habituated and protected in this park as well, and you will able to create a beautiful collage of mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, from the shots that you take on your trip to this section of the Virunga Mountain Range.

And while you’re there, don’t forget to take a volcano trek or two – the views from the top of Karisimbi volcano or Bisoke volcano are definitely worth the hike!

African Safari Honeymoon

Everyone knows that the honeymoon is almost as important as the wedding itself. What better place to romance your significant other than in private and remote wilderness locations, or sipping wine at a cozy beachside café. The following is our top 4 favorite African honeymoon safari destinations – with some ocean vistas thrown in for your pleasure.

Quick Facts

  • Countries: South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya and Botswana

  • Best activities:

    South Africa: Cape Winelands, Garden Route, Bungee jumping, Kruger National Park

    Tanzania: Great Wildebeest Migration, Zanzibar, beaches, Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro

    Kenya: Interacting with the Maasai people, Hot-air balloon ride

  • Best time to go:

    South Africa: November – March (for the Western Cape and the Garden Route); April – October (for the rest of the country)

    Tanzania: November – March

    Kenya: July – October

  • Highlights: The world’s best coastlines, the Congo Caves, breathtaking sunsets, remote, primate lodges, the Big Five, the Great Migration, perfect view of Mt. Kilimanjaro, a birds-eye view from a hot-air balloon. The ultimate romantic safari-beach destinations.

Honeymoon in South Africa

  • Best time to go: November – March (for the Western Cape and the Garden Route), April – October (for the rest of the country)
  • Highlights: Amazing food and wine, beautiful beaches, incredibly affordable, bungee jumping, the Big Five, Table Mountain, Robben Island, romantic and remote lodges, exciting and vibrant city life, amazing hiking spots.
  • Best activities: Relax on any of the beautiful beaches across the country, Cape Winelands, Garden Route, Bungee jumping, Helicopter and boat rides to Robben Island, Kruger National Park, Kayaking, Sandboarding, Hiking

What to expect

South Africa is the preferred honeymoon destination due to its stunning beaches and the Kruger National Park.

Cape Town is particularly popular because of the iconic Table Mountain, Robben Island and the Cape Winelands. Don’t forget the stunning Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and the cafés situated in perfect proximity to the numerous beaches – sometimes even on the beach itself.

For the more adventurous couples, a trip up the Garden Route is just what you’re looking for. Kayaking, bungee jumping, sandboarding, hiking and a forest-edged ocean in Tsitsikamma National Park, makes the Garden Route well-rounded safari-beach destination. You could even visit Bloukrans River Valley in the Western Cape and the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga if you’re looking for breathtaking vistas.

Honeymoon in Tanzania

  • Best time to go: November – March
  • Highlights: The Great Migration, predation up-close, stunning view of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding scenery, sun-soaked beaches in Zanzibar.
  • Best activities: Great Wildebeest Migration, Zanzibar beaches, Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, Horseback riding beside the Great Migration

What to expect

Tanzania has excellent wildlife viewing safaris, and couple that with the amazing Indian Ocean beaches and you have the perfect honeymoon.

If you want to experience the Great Migration first-hand, you’ll have to time your visit between November and March, when the herds will be in Serengeti and Ngorongoro. There will also be predators aplenty in this part of Tanzania.

For the more adventurous travelers, what about a trek up to the top of the famous Mount Kilimanjaro? There are routes available to suit almost anyone – although a good level physically fitness is highly recommended.

Not your style? That’s okay too. After spending some time in a romantic and remote lodge, take a quick flight to Zanzibar to complete your safari-beach honeymoon.

Honeymoon in Kenya

  • Best time to go: July – October
  • Highlights: Large wildlife population, including predators (lions, leopards and cheetah), perfectly intimate and romantic camping spots, spectacular views from the sky in hot-air balloons, perfect beaches.
  • Best activities: Interacting with the Maasai people, Balloon safari, Explore the vast savannah plains, Lounge on the pristine beaches for a more relaxing honeymoon

What to expect

The trick with having the best honeymoon in Kenya, is finding a tour operator who focuses specifically on honeymoons. These operators will give you the best of Kenya – without the crowds. They will set you up in intimate camps, book private safari trips, and ensure that your overall experience is purely romantic.

A balloon safari offers you breathtaking views of the vast savannah plains and its abundance of wildlife, and interacting with the Maasia people will give you a unique worldview. Once you’ve had enough adventure, you can indulge yourself and your partner with a few lazy days lounging on the beach.

Whatever you decide you want your honeymoon to be – a full-packed adventure, or relaxing romantic getaway – Kenya can provide it all.

Honeymoon in Botswana

  • Best time to go: Botswana is an all-year destination. Dry season: June – December; Wet season: January – May
  • Highlights: The best remote romantic getaway destination, excellent honeymoon accommodation, private and intimate, great wildlife population.
  • Best activities: Lodging at the private Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta, Horseback riding through the floodplains, Boat cruises and canoeing

What to expect

Very few people would consider one Africa’s wildest country’s as a honeymoon destination, but Botswana offers the quintessential romantic setting.

With excellent honeymoon accommodations in stunningly remote locations, languid boat cruises, private game drives and horseback riding through the floodplains alongside lechwe antelope, this country is the perfect place to get away from the hustle of city life.

This purely primal and vibrantly dynamic land is sure to bring out the wildness in your soul. Cantering on horseback beside giraffes, or a game drive in the drier months offers excellent wildlife viewing, and canoeing affords you a unique view of this serene beauty.

Walking Safari

What better way is there to experience Africa than on foot? Walking safaris are excellent for those who want a more personalized, up-close safari experience. Here is our list of favorite walking safaris in Africa.

Quick facts

  • Countries: South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Tanzania

  • Highlights: Beautiful scenery of multiple ecosystems, Big Five in large numbers, absolute best way to explore Africa.

Safety

Walking safari can generally be considered safe, as you will be accompanied by armed, experienced guides. Logical wilderness guidelines should be followed (don’t wonder from your guide, or go off into the bush along, always watch where you step, don’t run from a predator or block a hippo’s path to the water, etc.). Your guide will likely brief you before setting out on your walking safari, apprising you of all the necessary safety guidelines and precautions.

Walking Safari in Kruger National Park, South Africa
  • Lion
  • Elephant
  • Cheetah
  • Leopard
  • Hippo
  • Buffalo
  • Hyena
  • Giraffe
  • Black Rhino
  • White Rhino
  • Kudu
  • Spingbok
  • Warthog
  • Wildebeest
  • Wild Dog
  • Zebra
  • Baboon

  • Best time to go: May – September (wildlife); November – April (birdwatching)
  • Highlights: Seriously good game viewing, amazing scenery, Big Five, great guides.
  • Time required: 7 trails are available; 3 days for each trail
  • Wildlife: Big Five, with great White and Black rhino population, zebra, giraffe, hippo, cheetah, hyena, buffalo, wildebeest, wild dog, multiple antelope species

What to expect

The Kruger National Park contains over 14 different ecosystems. From grassland and woodland to deep ravines and granite outcrops, the park has a walking safari to suit everyone’s tastes.

There are 7 different walking trails to choose from, and each one lasts up to 3 days. Most trails have beautiful scenery, and you’ll have a tough time of picking and choosing between them – so why not choose more than one?

There are trails that are classic safari-type trails, which offer plenty of game viewing such as the Sweni trail. While other trails, such as Nyalaland, offers incredibly beautiful scenery but are not big on game.

The walks are all led by park guides, and it is advised that you be in good physical condition before attempting any of the walking trails.

Walking Safari in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
  • Lion
  • Elephant
  • Leopard
  • Buffalo
  • Hyena
  • Giraffe
  • Wildebeest
  • Wild Dog
  • Zebra

  • Best time to go: May – November (dry season); December – April (wet season)
  • Highlights: Over 400 bird species, large concentrations of game around the river, stunning valley scenery, lion tracking
  • Time required: 4-7 days
  • Wildlife: Lions, buffalo, elephants, hippo, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, leopard, hyena, wild dogs

What to expect

This beautiful valley is an extension of Great Rift Valley, and you will be happy to know that it is filled with large herds of game, particularly elephants and buffalo. The flat-bottomed valley floor is filled with floodplains that are enveloped by mopane woodlands and swathed in open grasslands.

The walking trails can last from 4 – 7 days, depending on the trail and which guide you’ve chosen. From birdwatching to lion tracking, the trails are amazing and filled with adventure and beauty.

Walking Safari in Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
  • Lion
  • Elephant
  • Leopard
  • Hippo
  • Buffalo
  • Hyena
  • Zebra
  • Crocodile

  • Best time to go: April – November
  • Highlights: Zambezi River, large populations of four of the Big Five (rhino is absent), beautiful landscape and scenery
  • Time required: 4-7 days
  • Wildlife: Elephant, buffalo, hippo, zebra, hyena, lion, leopard and crocodiles

What to expect

The unique ecosystem of Mana Pools National Park contains 8,000 buffalo and over 12,000 elephants. Flanked by the Zambezi River on one side, and the Zambezi escarpment on the other, the scenery is breathtaking.

With the mixed woodlands of acacia and giant mahogany, to the grasslands and open flood plains, the park offers excellent scenery for walking safaris. The walking safaris generally operate for a minimum of 5 days from the mobile camps on the banks of the river. Is there anything more wonderful than having breakfast on the side of a river?

Mana Pools National Park is only open during the dry season, from April to November.

Walking Safari in Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe
  • Lion
  • Elephant
  • Leopard
  • Hippo
  • Buffalo
  • Hyena
  • Black Rhino
  • Kudu
  • Crocodile

  • Best time to go: April – November
  • Highlights: Second largest lion population in Africa (which you can choose to track) the Big Five, sightings of the elusive clawless otter in the rivers
  • Time required: 4-10 days
  • Wildlife: Elephant, Black rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, hippo, crocodile, kudu, impala, waterbuck, spotted hyena, clawless otter, roan antelope, sable antelope

What to expect

Situated along the southern shore of Lake Karibo, Matusandona National Park offers exciting, but challenging walks – you will need a good fitness level for this walking safari.

The game viewing is excellent, and you can even track Africa’s second largest lion population. It is possible to see prides of up to 30 lions (or more!), as they laze in the sun or stalk their preferred prey (buffalo and impala) through the grasslands beside the river.

The walking trails can last from 4 – 10 days, depending on your preferences, and you’ll be able to spot the Big Five, and perhaps even a rare sighting of the clawless otter swimming in the river.

Walking Safari in Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania
  • Lion
  • Elephant
  • Cheetah
  • Buffalo
  • Hyena
  • Giraffe
  • Black Rhino
  • Wildebeest
  • Wild Dog
  • Zebra

  • Best time to go: June – October
  • Highlights: 30,000 elephants, 200,000 buffalo and large numbers of almost every African mammal species, Big Five
  • Time required: 5 days (you can request longer walks, e.g. 2-3 weeks)
  • Wildlife: Giraffe, buffalo, elephant, waterbuck, impala, zebra, wild dog, Black rhino, lion, wildebeest, cheetah and hyena

What to expect

As Africa’s largest game reserve, the walking safaris in Selous are amazing. The reserve is made up of wooded hills, grasslands, acacia thickets, lakes, marshes and even palm groves – guaranteeing a great walking experience.

Wildlife along Rufiji River is excellent, and be prepared to witness lions stalking and taking down prey. While leopard and cheetah are also present in the reserve, you not very likely to see any on you’re the walking trails.

Walking safaris are only available from June to October, and there are 2 scheduled departures during each month. The trips are ported and generally last for 5 nights, although you can request a longer trip and they will be happy to accommodate you.

Getting There and Safety

Flights

For the flights to Africa, it is advised to check Skyscanner (for multiple destination flights), to see which airlines can take you to Namibia and their various ticket prices.

If you are based in the UK and Europe, check out these flights to all African destinations.

If you are based in the USA and Canada, check out these flights to all African destinations.

Visas

For more information on visas see our country travel guides below:

Safety

For more information on safety in each country, please refer to our travel guides:

Travel Insurance

Going on a safari in Africa comes with obvious risks. We recommend you get travel insurance for all safaris in Namibia. Make sure your insurance has full medical coverage, emergency air evacuation, repatriation and the standard travel insurance for cancellations, delays and luggage cover.

Check World Nomads’ travel insurance calculator to see the cost of your safari trip cover.

Vaccinations

Check your local travel health authority for more information:

What To Pack
Apart from your preferred gear, please also check our Safari Packing List.
Drinking Water

Camps, lodges, and hotels will make it clear to their guests whether they should or should not drink the tap water and, in most cases, will provide bottled water free of charge if tap water is not safe.

For more information on drinking wanter in each country, please refer to our travel guides: