What’s the best country for safari?

A Guide to Africa’s Top Destinations

Africa’s vast and diverse landscapes are home to some of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences. From the iconic savannahs of East Africa to the untamed wilderness of Southern Africa, choosing the best country for safari can feel like an impossible task. Each destination offers unique highlights, blending luxury with the thrill of encountering wildlife in their natural habitats. 

So, what African country is truly the best country for safari? To answer this, let’s explore five remarkable destinations—Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—and uncover what makes each special.

Kenya: The Birthplace of the Safari

Kenya is synonymous with the word “safari,” offering quintessential experiences that have captivated travellers for decades. The country’s vast savannahs, rich Maasai culture, and dramatic landscapes make it a top contender for the best country for safari.

Kenya’s most iconic safari experience is the Great Migration. Millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem yearly, braving predators and treacherous river crossings. The spectacle is best witnessed in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, where luxurious tented camps such as Governor’s Camp or Mahali Mzuri offer front-row seats to this awe-inspiring event.

Beyond the Maasai Mara, Kenya’s diversity shines in places like Samburu National Reserve, with its rare species like Grevy’s zebras and gerenuks, or Amboseli National Park, famous for its views of Mount Kilimanjaro and large elephant herds. Kenya’s blend of incredible wildlife diversity, cultural immersion, and iconic landscapes secures its place as a strong contender for the best country for safari.

Tanzania: A Safari of Epic Proportions

Tanzania’s vast wilderness and dramatic landscapes make it another favourite in the search for the best country for safari. Home to the Serengeti National Park, this country offers some of the most iconic wildlife experiences on the continent.

The Serengeti’s Great Migration is one of nature’s most extraordinary events, and Tanzania’s luxury lodges like Singita Serengeti and &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge place guests right at the heart of this spectacle. Nearby, the Ngorongoro Crater provides a unique safari setting, with its natural amphitheatre teeming with wildlife, from lions to rare black rhinos.

For those seeking quieter adventures, Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) deliver off-the-beaten-path safaris in stunning, remote locations. Tanzania’s combination of breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and exclusive lodges cements its position as a top contender for the best country for safari.

Uganda: The Pearl of Africa and a Primate Paradise

Uganda offers a safari experience unlike any other, making it a standout option in the quest for the best country for safari. Known for its mountain gorillas and rich biodiversity, Uganda blends luxury with thrilling encounters in the wild.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a highlight, offering life-changing gorilla trekking experiences. Staying at lodges like Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge enhances this adventure, combining elegant accommodations with close proximity to the trekking trails. Uganda’s Kibale Forest National Park adds another dimension, with chimpanzee trekking that’s equally exhilarating.

Beyond primates, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers classic game drives and sightings of tree-climbing lions, while Murchison Falls National Park adds the drama of a roaring waterfall. For travellers seeking a safari that blends adventure, exclusivity, and wildlife diversity, Uganda earns its place among the best countries for safari.

Zambia: The Home of Walking Safaris and Untamed Wilderness

For those who seek authenticity and adventure, Zambia stands out as a top contender for the best country for safari. This is the birthplace of the walking safari, offering travellers the chance to experience the African wilderness in a deeply immersive way.

South Luangwa National Park is Zambia’s crown jewel, known for its incredible wildlife and the unique thrill of walking safaris. Staying at camps like Time + Tide Chinzombo combines active exploration with luxurious comfort. The Lower Zambezi National Park offers water-based safaris, such as canoeing along the Zambezi River, where encounters with elephants and hippos are common.

Zambia’s Kafue National Park, one of the largest in Africa, provides a remote and unspoiled safari experience. Its hidden camps and untouched landscapes make it a destination for those seeking solitude and exclusivity. With its focus on immersive and authentic safaris, Zambia is a strong contender for the best country for safari.

Zimbabwe: The Unsung Hero of African Safaris

While Zimbabwe is sometimes overlooked, it emerges as the best country for safari thanks to its diverse landscapes, exceptional guiding, and unparalleled wildlife experiences. This is a country where adventure meets luxury, offering both iconic destinations and lesser-known gems.

Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife sanctuary and is home to some of Africa’s most impressive elephant herds. Private concessions and luxury lodges like Somalisa Camp provide intimate wildlife experiences, where guests can enjoy guided game drives and close encounters with iconic species.

Mana Pools National Park adds to Zimbabwe’s appeal with its UNESCO World Heritage status and unique opportunities for walking safaris and canoeing along the Zambezi River. Camps like Nyamatusi and Ruckomechi deliver luxury and eco-conscious comfort in this pristine wilderness.

The country’s guiding standards are unmatched, with highly trained guides ensuring every safari is both educational and thrilling. Combined with the breathtaking Victoria Falls and luxurious stays at lodges like Victoria Falls River Lodge, Zimbabwe offers a complete and unforgettable safari experience.

Zimbabwe takes the crown as the best country for safari for its perfect blend of wildlife diversity, immersive activities, and world-class hospitality. For travellers seeking a safari that combines authenticity, adventure, and luxury, Zimbabwe delivers on every front.



Deciding on the best country for safari is no easy task, as each destination offers something truly unique. From Kenya’s classic savannahs and dramatic Great Migration to the vast wilderness of Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, the diversity of experiences is awe-inspiring. Uganda stands out with its rare gorilla and chimpanzee encounters, while Zambia’s immersive walking safaris offer a raw, adventurous connection to the wild. However, it is Zimbabwe that ultimately rises to the top.

Zimbabwe combines all the elements that make a safari unforgettable: exceptional guiding, exclusive wilderness areas, and the perfect mix of adventure and comfort. Whether you’re marvelling at the vast elephant herds of Hwange, canoeing through the Zambezi at Mana Pools, or soaking in the splendour of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe offers unmatched variety and depth. The country’s dedication to high-quality safari experiences, coupled with its breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality, ensures it delivers on every level.

So, is Zimbabwe the best country for safari? We think so. But no matter which destination calls to you, each offers its own incredible adventure.

Ready to start planning your dream African safari?