Africa's Best Safari Destinations for 2027

Africa's Best Safari Destinations for 2027

Choosing the right country is the first decision of any safari, and it shapes everything that follows: the wildlife you see, the landscapes you wake up to, the style of camp you stay in and how much you spend. For 2027, it also needs to happen early. The best lodges are small, with a handful of tents, and peak dates from July to October sell out many months ahead. Gorilla permits are limited, and anyone planning around the Great Migration has to match the right camp to the right month.

This guide compares 10 of Africa's best safari destinations side by side. For each one you will find what makes it special, who it suits, when to go, where to stay and a tip from our specialists. Not sure where to start? Read how to choose your ideal safari destination, then your first safari in Africa. For a wider view of what a safari can include, see our best safari experiences in Africa.

What are the best safari destinations in Africa for 2027?

The four headline picks are Tanzania for the Serengeti and the Great Migration, Kenya for the Masai Mara and a classic first safari, Botswana for exclusive, low-density wilderness in the Okavango Delta, and South Africa for the Big Five, easy logistics and malaria-free options. Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Uganda and Malawi add walking safaris, desert landscapes, gorillas and lakeside escapes.

Key Takeaways

• Book early. For 2027, the best camps sell out many months ahead for July to October, and gorilla permits are limited.
• Choose the country by month. Each destination peaks at a different time, so your travel dates should narrow the list before anything else does.
• Combine two countries. Pairings such as Botswana and the Victoria Falls or Kenya and Tanzania often deliver more than one country alone.
• Choose the camp before the country. The right lodge, guide and location shape a safari as much as the destination.
• Use a specialist. Conditions, availability and camp quality change every season, and first-hand knowledge makes a real difference.

At a Glance: 10 Safari Destinations Compared

How to Choose Your 2027 Safari Destination

The right destination comes from answering four questions honestly. Most disappointing safaris are not due to a bad country or camp, but rather a mismatch between the trip and the traveller. Work through these four criteria and the shortlist usually narrows quickly.

1. Time: when can you travel?

Your dates are the strongest filter. The dry season, from June to October across southern and eastern Africa, concentrates wildlife around water and is the classic safari window. The Green Season brings newborn animals, birds and lower rates but denser vegetation and some wet-weather disruption. Check each destination against your month with our guide to the best time to go on an African safari.

2. Budget: what does "good value" mean for you?

Destinations sit at very different points on the spectrum. Botswana and Zambia's best camps are exclusive and priced accordingly, Kenya and Tanzania offer a wide range from classic lodges to high-end camps, and South Africa and Namibia offer some of the best value, particularly for self-drive. Remember that internal flights, park fees and conservation levies can make up a significant part of the cost.

3. Travel style: what kind of safari do you want?

Do you want a large, wildlife-packed park with reliably spectacular sightings, or a quiet private concession where you can walk, canoe and drive off-road? Do you want a self-drive adventure or a fully guided trip with fly-in camps? Our guide on national parks vs game reserves explains the differences, and South Africa vs Botswana shows how two popular choices compare.

4. Who is travelling?

First-timers, families, couples and photographers all have different needs, from minimum age policies to guide quality and vehicle set-up. Read our first-time safari advice if this is your first trip.

Expert insight: The camp matters as much as the country. A superb guide in a small camp in the right location will give you a better safari than an average lodge in a "perfect" destination. Start with where you want to stay, then build the country around it. See how to choose the best safari lodge for your trip.

The 10 Best Safari Destinations in Africa for 2027

Tanzania

Tanzania is the home of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, and for many people it is the safari of their imagination: endless plains, vast herds and big skies. It offers both famous northern parks and quieter southern wilderness.

Why go: the Serengeti ecosystem hosts the Great Migration, with over a million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra following the rains in a continuous cycle. The Ngorongoro Crater, a collapsed volcanic caldera, offers dense wildlife viewing on its floor, including rhino. The south adds a different, quieter experience.

Best for: the Great Migration, big-game viewing, first-time and repeat visitors, honeymooners and photographers.

Where and when: explore the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and the southern parks of Selous and Ruaha. The dry season (June to October) is best for general game viewing and the Mara River crossings in the north, while January to March brings the calving season in the southern Serengeti. See the best time to visit Tanzania.

Where to stay: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Lamai Serengeti, Singita Sasakwa and Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge. Read the top 5 Serengeti safari lodges and camps and our broader Tanzania safari guide. For a ready-made route, see Classic Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Specialist tip: the migration is always on the move, so choose a camp location based on your month rather than simply booking the most famous name. Mobile or seasonal camps can put you closer to the herds.

Kenya

Kenya is the original safari destination, with a long tradition of guiding, conservation and hospitality. It remains one of the best choices for a first trip, and its private conservancies have raised the bar for exclusivity.

Why go: the Masai Mara is a wildlife powerhouse, with excellent predator viewing and, from around July to October, the Mara River crossings. Beyond the Mara, Laikipia offers walking safaris and rhino conservation, Samburu has rare northern species, and Amboseli is known for elephants against Mount Kilimanjaro.

Best for: first-time safaris, families, photographers, and combining safari with a beach on the coast.

Where and when: the Masai Mara, Laikipia, Samburu and Meru, and Amboseli and Tsavo. July to October is the migration peak in the Mara, while January and February are quieter and still rewarding. See the best time to visit Kenya.

Where to stay: Angama Mara, Mara Plains Camp, Governors' Camp and Lewa Wilderness. Read Kenya's best safari parks and reserves and our Kenya safari overview. See Classic Kenya for a safari and beach itinerary.

Specialist tip: consider a private conservancy bordering the Mara. Fewer vehicles, off-road driving and night drives make a big difference during the busy months. Our guide to the Masai Mara private conservancies explains how.

South Africa

South Africa is the most versatile safari country: the Big Five, excellent infrastructure, a range of Private Reserves and the option to add Cape Town, the Winelands and the coast. It is also home to some of Africa's most luxurious lodges.

Why go: the choice is exceptional, from Kruger and the Private Reserves that border it, to malaria-free reserves in the Eastern Cape, to the Kalahari. Private Reserves allow off-road driving and night drives, which means close, exclusive sightings of leopard and other predators.

Best for: families, first-timers, malaria-free safaris, luxury travellers and anyone combining safari with a city, wine or beach holiday.

Where and when: the Kruger and Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape are the main safari regions. The dry winter (May to September) is best for game viewing, as vegetation thins and animals gather at water. See the best time to visit South Africa.

Where to stay: Londolozi Founders Camp, Singita Boulders, Royal Malewane and Tswalu Kalahari. Read the best South Africa safaris, South Africa's most luxurious safari lodges and our South Africa safari page. See Classic South Africa, a self-drive route linking the Cape, the Garden Route and KwaZulu-Natal.

Specialist tip: if you need a malaria-free safari, the Eastern Cape and the Kalahari are strong options. Read our pick of Eastern Cape safaris.

Botswana

Botswana is Africa's premier destination for exclusive, low-density wilderness. Its high-value approach to tourism keeps camps small and visitor numbers low, and the experience feels remote and unspoiled.

Why go: the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a vast inland wetland of channels and islands with spectacular wildlife. Add Chobe's elephants, Linyanti's predators and the vast landscapes of Makgadikgadi, and Botswana offers a rare variety of habitats.

Best for: exclusive safaris, honeymooners, photographers, repeat visitors and travellers who prioritise privacy and water-based activities.

Where and when: the Delta, Chobe, Linyanti and Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan. The dry season from June to October gives the best wildlife viewing, with the Delta's annual flood arriving around mid-year. The Green Season (from December to March) brings the zebra migration in the Makgadikgadi region. See the best time to visit Botswana.

Where to stay: Mombo Camp, Jao Camp, Vumbura Plains Camp, Duba Plains Camp and Xigera Safari Lodge. Read our top 5 safari camps in Botswana and our Botswana safari guide. See Classic Botswana.

Specialist tip: split your stay between a water camp and a land camp. The contrast between a mokoro or boat day and a game-drive day is what makes Botswana special.

Zambia

Zambia is the home of the walking safari and a favourite of safari purists. Its camps are small and personal, its guides are highly regarded, and its wilderness feels authentic.

Why go: South Luangwa is known for its leopards and for walking safaris led by expert guides. The Lower Zambezi offers canoeing and boat safaris with elephants along the riverbank, and Livingstone gives access to the Victoria Falls.

Best for: walking safaris, leopard sightings, safari enthusiasts, and pairing a safari with the Victoria Falls.

Where and when: South Luangwa, the Lower Zambezi and Livingstone and Victoria Falls. The dry months from May to October are best for wildlife, while the green season offers birdlife and lower rates in selected camps.

Where to stay: Chinzombo, Mchenja Camp in South Luangwa, Royal Zambezi Lodge and Chongwe River House in the Lower Zambezi. Read the top 10 Zambian lodges and camps, our Zambia safari holidays guide and the Zambia safari page. See Classic Zambia.

Specialist tip: a multi-day walking safari between bush camps is one of Africa's most memorable experiences, but it requires a reasonable level of fitness and the right months.

Namibia

Namibia is a safari with a difference: dramatic desert landscapes, towering dunes, vast open skies and wildlife adapted to arid conditions. It is a favourite for self-drive travellers and photographers.

Why go: Etosha's floodlit waterholes, the Sossusvlei dunes, Damaraland's desert-adapted wildlife and the Skeleton Coast offer a completely different version of Africa. Distances are large and the population is small, so landscapes feel empty and awe-inspiring.

Best for: photographers, self-drive adventurers, landscape lovers and those seeking something different from a classic bush safari.

Where and when: Etosha, Sossusvlei and NamibRand, Damaraland and the Skeleton Coast. The dry months (from May to October) are best for wildlife at waterholes, while the temperatures are cooler.

Where to stay: Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, Damaraland Camp, Wolwedans and &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. Read Namibia: all you need to know before you go and see The Best of Namibia. Our Namibia safari overview covers the regions.

Specialist tip: mix self-drive with a few fly-in or guided stays in remote areas, so you cover long distances efficiently without losing the freedom of the road.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a wilderness destination with outstanding guides, deep traditions of walking safaris and some of Africa's most atmospheric camps. It has become a favourite among experienced safari-goers.

Why go: Hwange National Park is home to one of Africa's largest elephant populations, Mana Pools is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for walking among wildlife and canoe safaris on the Zambezi, and Victoria Falls is on its doorstep.

Best for: walking and canoe safaris, elephants, experienced safari-goers and travellers combining a safari with the Victoria Falls.

Where and when: Hwange, Victoria Falls, and Mana Pools and Lake Kariba. The dry season, June to October, is best, particularly for elephants at Hwange's waterholes.

Where to stay: Ruckomechi Camp, Little Makalolo Camp, Somalisa Camp and The Hide Safari Camp. Read the top 5 luxury lodges in Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe's great guides and see Classic Zimbabwe.

Specialist tip: at Zimbabwe's camps, the guide is key. Ask us about specific guides and camps rather than choosing on the facilities alone.

Rwanda

Rwanda is a compact, beautiful and highly organised destination, and one of the most reliable places in the world to see mountain gorillas.

Why go: trekking to spend time with a gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park is a life-changing experience. The country is safe, scenic and easy to navigate, and you can add golden monkeys, chimpanzee trekking and a Big Five safari in Akagera.

Best for: gorilla trekking, short trips, first-time visitors to East Africa and travellers who want a meaningful wildlife encounter.

Where and when: Rwanda trekking takes place year-round, but the drier months, roughly June to September and December to February, make for easier hiking. Read Volcanoes National Park: the guide. Permits are limited and must be arranged well ahead.

Where to stay: Bisate Lodge and Magashi Camp in Akagera. Read gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Rwanda for first-time visitors. See Rwanda Discovery.

Specialist tip: add a few days in Akagera or Nyungwe to turn a short gorilla trip into a fuller safari. Our guide to beyond gorillas: the ultimate Rwanda safari combo shows how.

Uganda

Uganda is the "Pearl of Africa", with some of the continent's best primate experiences, dense forests, lakes and classic savannah wildlife in a single country.

Why go: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to roughly half of the world's mountain gorillas, Kibale offers chimpanzee trekking, and Queen Elizabeth National Park adds savannah game, boat trips and the chance of tree-climbing lions.

Best for: gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, adventurous travellers, and combining primates with a classic safari.

Where and when: Uganda is best in the drier months, from June to September and December to February, when forest trails are easier. Permits need to be booked early. See gorilla trekking: the short dry season advantage.

Where to stay: Bwindi Lodge and Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp. Read gorilla trekking in Uganda, the best lodges in Uganda, where to see gorillas and five reasons to visit Uganda. See Best of Uganda and Great Apes Safari.

Specialist tip: gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, so tell us your fitness level and we can request a trekking group and location that matches it.

Malawi

Malawi is Africa's quiet, friendly alternative, pairing a growing safari scene with the beautiful shores of Lake Malawi. It is a good choice for travellers who want wildlife without crowds, and a relaxing lake finish.

Why go: conservation-led reserves such as Majete and Liwonde offer walking, boat and game-drive safaris, while Lake Malawi provides snorkelling, kayaking and beach time. The people are famously warm.

Best for: quiet safaris, safari-and-lake combinations, repeat visitors and travellers who value hospitality.

Where and when: the dry season, from May to October, is best. See the best time to visit Malawi.

Where to stay: Mkulumadzi in Majete, Mvuu Lodge in Liwonde and Kaya Mawa on Likoma Island. Read our favourite lodges in Malawi, five reasons to visit Malawi and see Highlights of Malawi.

Specialist tip: pair one reserve with one lake lodge, rather than trying to see everything. It is a small country, but internal travel takes time.

Beach and island extensions

Many safaris end by the sea. Browse our safari and beach holidays and beach holidays, or explore the coast in Tanzania's scintillating beaches, Mozambique and the Seychelles. For Zanzibar, see Kenya and Zanzibar.

Which Destination Suits You?

When to Go: A 2027 Planning Calendar

The calendar below gives a quick view of when each destination shines. Treat it as a guide, because rainfall and conditions vary from year to year, and individual camps can differ within a country. For month-by-month detail, read the best time to visit Africa month by month and the best time to go on an African safari.

Thinking of travelling in the Green Season? Our green season safari guide explains the trade-offs.

Combining Destinations

Two countries often beat one. Combining destinations lets you add contrast, such as bush and water or bush and beach, and make better use of flights and time. These are the pairings we recommend most.

Botswana + Victoria Falls

Pair the Okavango Delta and Chobe with the thundering Falls for a classic luxury combination. See Ultimate Botswana and Victoria Falls and Victoria Falls and Botswana Sanctuaries.

Kenya + Tanzania

The Masai Mara and the Serengeti are one ecosystem, so combining them lets you follow the migration across the border. Read the best time for safari in Kenya and Tanzania.

South Africa + beach

Pair a safari with the Cape, a self-drive, or an island finish. See South Africa and Mauritius and safari and beach combinations in South Africa.

Zambia + Zimbabwe

Combine Zambia's walking safaris with Zimbabwe's Hwange or Mana Pools, finishing at Victoria Falls. See Zimbabwe and Botswana Adventure and Zambia and Malawi.

For more ideas, read our favourite combinations of African countries. If you prefer a guided group experience, browse our escorted tours.

How to Book and Plan for 2027

A well-planned safari starts earlier than most people expect. This checklist covers the key points.

• Availability: the best camps are small, and peak dates (from July to October) can sell out many months in advance. Start planning as early as you can.
• Lead times: gorilla permits in Rwanda and Uganda are limited, so confirm dates before booking flights and lodges.
• Flights: safaris often involve long-haul flights, internal light-aircraft transfers and strict baggage limits. We coordinate all of this.
• Health: many safari areas are in malaria zones. Consult a travel clinic well before departure, and see our list of malaria-free safari destinations.
• Budget: decide what matters most, such as the camp, the number of countries or the length of stay, and plan around it.
• Packing: soft bags, neutral clothing and layers. Read what to pack for your African safari holiday.
• Insurance: we recommend travel insurance that includes medical evacuation.
• Inspiration: browse the top ten safari lodges in Africa.

Sample 2027 Itineraries

These itineraries show how the destinations above translate into real trips. All of them can be tailored to your dates and interests.

• Classic Kenya (11 nights): a safari and beach combination, taking in Laikipia before the coast.
• Ultimate Tanzania (9 nights): a luxury flying safari through Tanzania's northern highlights.
• Classic South Africa (15 nights): a self-drive journey combining the Cape, the Garden Route and KwaZulu-Natal.
• Classic Botswana (10 nights): Chobe, Savute, Moremi and the Delta in one journey.
• Ultimate Zambia (11 nights): a style-focused safari across Zambia's best regions, including South Luangwa.
• Great Apes Safari (7 nights): Uganda's primates, from chimpanzees in Kibale to mountain gorillas.

Why Book with Africa Travel

Planning a safari means choosing between hundreds of camps, dozens of routes and a calendar that changes everything. That is where a genuine specialist adds value.

• Over 30 years of experience: Africa Travel is a boutique, owner-run company with decades of knowledge of the continent.
• Offices in the UK and South Africa: our teams work in both locations, giving you support before, during & after your trip.
• First-hand lodge knowledge: our recommendations are based on personal experience and regular site inspections.
• Financial protection: flights and flight-inclusive holidays are protected by the ATOL scheme (ATOL number 3384).
• Industry recognition: Africa Travel has been recognised by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the World's Top Travel Specialists.

Meet our experts, read more about us, contact us or browse all African safari holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best safari destination in Africa?

There is no single best, because it depends on your priorities. Tanzania and Kenya are best for the Great Migration, Botswana for exclusive wilderness, South Africa for easy, varied safaris, and Zambia for walking. Our guide on how to choose your ideal safari destination can help.

2. Which country is best for a first safari?

Kenya and South Africa are the most popular choices for first-timers, thanks to reliable wildlife, strong infrastructure and a wide range of camps. See our first-time safari advice.

3. What is the best safari destination for the Great Migration?

Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara, which form one ecosystem. The Mara River crossings are typically seen from July to October, and calving happens in the southern Serengeti from January to March. Read five ways to see the Great Migration.

4. Where is the best place to see gorillas?

Rwanda and Uganda are the best-known places to see mountain gorillas, with a limited number of permits. Read gorilla trekking in Rwanda and gorilla trekking in Uganda.

5. Which African safari destinations are malaria-free?

Some areas of South Africa, including reserves in the Eastern Cape and the Kalahari, are malaria-free. Check our guide to malaria-free safari destinations and speak to a travel clinic.

6. Which is better for a safari, Kenya or Tanzania?

Both are superb. Kenya offers strong guiding, conservancies and an easy beach extension, while Tanzania offers vast landscapes and the southern Serengeti calving season. Many travellers combine them. See the best time for safari in Kenya and Tanzania.

7. Can I combine two countries in one trip?

Yes, and it often makes for a better journey. Popular pairings include Botswana and the Victoria Falls, Kenya and Tanzania, and South Africa with a beach. Read our favourite combinations of African countries.

8. When should I book a safari for 2027?

As early as possible. The best camps are small, and peak months fill up well in advance, while gorilla permits are limited. Contact our team through the contact page to check availability for your dates.