Best African Safari Tours: Our Top 10 Picks

East Africa Safaris

1. East Africa’s Migration, Safari & Highlands Safari

Duration: 13 Days | Destinations: 4 | Price: from USD 12,010 pps

Tanzania and Kenya are top of most people's list when planning an African safari, and this 13-day trip combines both destinations into one exhilarating itinerary. Your adventure kicks off in Kenya's capital city, Nairobi, where you'll whet your appetite for game viewing in Nairobi National Park before moving onto East Africa's safari heavy hitters. Next on the list is the famed Masai Mara, a wildlife-rich national reserve best known for its incredible big game sightings, rolling savannahs and Great Wildebeest Migration.

Go from one safari giant to another when you touchdown in the Serengeti. Being Tanzania's premier wildlife destination, visitors are treated to excellent year-round game viewing of elephant, hippo, zebra, giraffe and predators, like lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena. And, of course, we can't forget to mention the fantastic view you'll have of the Great Migration's river crossings, calving or rutting stages (depending on the time of year). The last stop on your trip is the impressive Ngorongoro Crater – a game-dense region offering reliable Big 5 (rhino, lion, elephant, leopard and buffalo) sightings.

Tour Highlights:

• Visit popular wildlife destinations in Kenya & Tanzania
• See the Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti & Masai Mara
• See the Big 5 in Ngorongoro Crater
• Authentic safari experience in tented under-canvas accommodation
• Personalised service & modern comforts at intimate lodges

Best Suited For: Travellers seeking a traditional safari experience

Accommodation Level: Comfortable

Budget Level: Mid-range

2. A Grand African Safari In Tanzania & Kenya

Duration: 14 Days | Destinations: 4 | Price: from USD 25,870 pps

Spend 14 days exploring East Africa's top safari destinations from the lap of luxury. Start in Arusha, where you're eased into your trip with the most charming experience on a working coffee plantation before heading into the famous national parks of Tanzania – starting with the Ngorongoro Crater. Explore the world's largest volcanic caldera from Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, a luxurious and exclusive lodge perched on the edge of the crater – offering the most spectacular views.

From here, it's on to the Serengeti, where two of the country's most luxurious lodges, Mwiba Lodge and Singita Faru Faru River Lodge, immerse you in an opulent and intimate African wilderness experience. Then it's just a quick trip over the border into Kenya to enjoy all that the Masai Mara has to offer. Your last few nights on the continent are spent at Angama Mara, a lodge known for its stunning location overlooking the rolling plains of the Masai.

Tour Highlights:

• Stay in 5-star luxury accommodation throughout
• Excellent year-round game viewing in each location
• See the Big 5 in Ngorongoro Crater
• View the Great Wildebeest Migration (in season)
• Visit the world's largest volcanic caldera
• Game drives, walking safaris, horseback rides & hot-air balloon safaris

Best Suited For: First-time safari-goers

Accommodation Level: Ultra-luxury

Budget Level: High-end

3. Wildebeest Migration Safari & Gorilla Trekking In East Africa

Duration: 14 Days | Destinations: 6 | Price: from USD 18,775 pps

This 14-day safari in Africa covers some of the most sought-after wildlife encounters on the continent, from seeing mega-herds of wildebeest and zebra migrating across the plains to hiking through rainforests in search of gorillas. Start in Uganda, where you spend a night in Entebbe before moving onto Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp in Bwindi National Park. Spend two of your three days here trekking through the jungle-like brush and thicket to be rewarded with the soul-stirring experience of seeing gorillas in their natural habitat.

The Masai Mara is next on the list, where a luxury tented camp, Sanctuary Olonana, is your home away from home for three nights. Plan your stay here between July and October to catch the Mara River crossings – one of the Great Migration's most dramatic scenes. Hop over the border into the Serengeti, where Sanctuary Kichakani, a Migration-specialist camp, continues your viewing of the mega-herds. A short flight then sees you touching down in the Ngorongoro Crater at Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp for incredible game viewing, including the Big 5, on the floor of the world's largest volcanic crater.

Before bidding your African safari farewell, you'll spend a night at Arusha Coffee Lodge, unwinding with a steaming mug of coffee from a working plantation while taking in the views of Mount Meru.

Tour Highlights:

• Stay in luxury camps offering an intimate experience
• Visit East Africa's top wildlife destinations
• See the Wildebeest Migration (in season)
• View the Big 5 in the Ngorongoro Crater
• Cultural encounters with the Batwa people
• Gorilla trekking in Uganda's rainforests
• Guided nature walks, night drives, game drives & hot-air balloon safaris

Best Suited For: Discerning travellers & honeymooners

Accommodation Level: Luxury

Budget Level: High-end

4. Tanzania’s Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Serengeti North

Duration: 9 Days | Destinations: 4 | Price: from USD 8,175 pps

Tanzania is one of the continent's best-known safari destinations, and this action-packed 9-day trip takes you through all the highlights, including the famed Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Start your adventure off on a working coffee plantation at Arusha Coffee Lodge, savouring farm-fresh beverages and taking in the incredible views of Mount Meru.

After your overnight in Arusha, head to Oliver's Camp in Tarangire National Park and explore the extensive surrounding wetland on walking safaris, night drives and fly-camping – where you'll spend the night in secluded locations far from the lodge for an immersive experience in nature. The Ngorongoro Crater is next on the itinerary, with the charming Gibb's Farm being your home for the next two nights. End your African safari off with bang in the Serengeti at Sayari Camp, where authentic yet luxury tented suites, incredible service and exceptional game viewing await you. Time your visit just right to catch all the predator action at the Mara River as the Great Migration passes through this region.

Tour Highlights:

• Stay in modern, comfortable lodges & camps throughout
• Visit Tanzania's top destinations for safaris in Africa
• Enjoy walking safaris, night drives & fly-camping in Tarangire
• See the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti (in season)
• Spot the Big 5 in Ngorongoro Crater

Best Suited For: Nature lovers

Accommodation Level: Comfortable

Budget Level: Budget-friendly

Southern Africa Safaris

5. Romantic Voyage Through South Africa & Zambia

Duration: 10 Days | Destinations: 3 | Price: from USD 15,485 pps

Romance is sure to be alive and well on this 10-day adventure through some of Southern Africa's highlights. Start off with an ‘urban safari' in trendy Cape Town, a city brimming with countless experiences and attractions, including award-winning wine farms, Table Mountain, world-class restaurants and Blue Flag beaches. A short flight takes you from metropolitan life to the wildlife-rich bushland of Kruger. Search for the Big 5 around Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve on game drives and nature walks before indulging in all the modern comforts at Singita Ebony Lodge.

Depart South Africa to continue your holiday in Zambia on the banks of the Zambezi River. Tongabezi Lodge not only offers luxury accommodation, fantastic service and breath-taking views, but its enviable location sets it within arm's reach of a World Heritage Site: Victoria Falls.

Tour Highlights:

• Visit Cape Town, Kruger & Victoria Falls
• Stay in luxury lodges throughout
• Excellent Big 5 game viewing in Kruger
• Adventure activities in Victoria Falls

Best Suited For: Couples & honeymooners

Accommodation Level: Luxury

Budget Level: High-end

‘We know because we go’ is something we pride ourselves on at Go2Africa. I love being able to share personal stories with guests when recommending destinations and properties, so they can trust it’s the best fit for them. – Ashley Gerrand, Africa Safari Expert

6. Explore Botswana’s Khwai River & Linyanti Channel

Duration: 7 Days | Destinations: 2 | Price: from USD 4,835 pps

Botswana is one of the best destinations for understated luxury safaris in Africa, promising an excellent value-for-money experience in a picturesque, wildlife-rich region. And this 7-day itinerary delivers on that promise and more.

Your safari begins at Khwai Leadwood, a luxury tented camp set on the banks of a lagoon in the Okavango Delta's Moremi Game Reserve. While here, enjoy crowd-free game viewing on a private concession with game drives, off-road driving, night drives, guided walks, and mokoro (traditional canoe) safaris. From there, make your way to Linyanti Bush Camp, an intimate, comfortable tented camp that serves as the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding wetlands. Bordering the legendary Chobe National Park, this area is known for its abundant populations of wildlife, especially elephant and buffalo as well as big cats.

Tour Highlights:

• Stay in comfortable tented accommodation throughout
• Reliable sightings of elephant & other big game in Linyanti
• Explore the floodplains of the Okavango Delta on mokoro safaris
• Game drives, off-roading, night drives & guided nature walks
• Optional 30-minute helicopter flip over the Delta

Best Suited For: Adventurous travellers & couples

Accommodation Level: Luxury

Budget Level: Budget-friendly

7. Honeymoon Celebrations In South Africa & Mozambique

Duration: 14 Days | Destinations: 4 | Price: from USD 13,215 pps

There are few other honeymoon ideas that top a safari in Africa, particularly when the itinerary is as diverse as this 14-day trip. Start off with the glitz and glamour of Cape Town before enjoying fantastic game viewing in Kruger, ending it all off with a beachside getaway on a tropical island off the coast of Mozambique.

Explore Cape Town's Blue Flag beaches, wide array of restaurants and popular attractions from the lap of luxury at More Quarters Neighbourhood Hotel. Kruger is next on the list, where you'll enjoy game drives and guided nature walks in Ngala Private Game Reserve. The final stretch of your holiday sees you recouping at a quaint boutique lodge along the idyllic Panorama Route. From here, you'll depart the country for a slice of paradise. The last five nights are spent in a luxury villa at Benguerra Island Lodge. While away the days with all that the island has to offer, including diving, snorkelling, kayaking and horse riding on the beach.

Tour Highlights:

• Stay in 5-star luxury apartments & lodges throughout
• Enjoy all of Cape Town's top attractions
• Game drives, night drives & walking safaris in Kruger
• Barefoot luxury & water-based activities in Bazaruto Archipelago

Best Suited For: Honeymooners

Accommodation Level: Luxury

Budget Level: Mid-range

8. Newlywed Getaway In South Africa & Seychelles

Duration: 14 Days | Destinations: 4 | Price: from USD 18,115 pps

Celebrate your nuptials in style with a 14-day escape to Africa, experiencing a varied itinerary that takes you from fashionable city living to game drives in the bush to barefoot luxury on a tropical island.

Start your journey in Cape Town, a hit with every visitor to the continent, and spend three days exploring all that the city has to offer – from its pristine beaches and leafy vineyards to the iconic Table Mountain. Hop on a flight to the Kruger, where the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserves promises incredible Big 5 game viewing in a wildlife-rich region. After your luxury safari in the bush, head off to a private island resort in the Seychelles, where white-sand beaches, balmy weather and calm turquoise water is par for the course.

Tour Highlights:

• Diverse itinerary that covers a variety of experiences
• Stay in luxury accommodation throughout
• Explore all the top attractions in Cape Town
• Spot the Big 5 on game drives & nature walks in Kruger
• Barefoot luxury in a private villa on an island in the Seychelles
• Various water-based activities, like snorkelling and diving

Best Suited For: Honeymooners

Accommodation Level: Luxury

Budget Level: High-end

Best Of Both Worlds

9. Safari Sojourn In Masai Mara, Kruger & Cape Town

Duration: 11 Days | Destinations: 4 | Price: from USD 12,090 pps

This incredible 11-day itinerary ensures you experience two of the continent's premier wildlife destinations before enjoying some rest and relaxation in one of the world's most beautiful cities. Your safari in Africa starts at Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, an authentic under-canvas accommodation located in the world-famous Masai Mara. Here, you're treated to incredible views of the seemingly endless Mara plains and Sabaringo River, as well as excellent game viewing opportunities, including the spectacular Wildebeest Migration.

Leave Kenya behind in favour of another popular safari destination. Touchdown in South Africa, where you'll overnight at The Peech Hotel in Johannesburg before transferring to Dulini River Lodge. Located on a private reserve bordering the Kruger National Park, Dulini offers an authentic Big 5 safari experience. Finish off your trip with three nights in Cape Town, where you'll stay at the Cape Grace – a hotel based in the V&A Waterfront from which you can easily reach all of the city's top attractions.

Tour Highlights:

• Incredible year-round game viewing in the Masai Mara & Kruger
• See the Great Migration river crossings (August to November)
• Game drives, guided bush walks & hot-air balloon safaris
• Stay in exclusive wildlife reserves
• Experience all that Cape Town has to offer
• Stay in the V&A Waterfront & enjoy a guided Winelands tour

Best Suited For: Couples & small groups

Accommodation Level: Comfortable

Budget Level: Mid-range

10. Cape Town To Tanzania By Rail + Zanzibar

Duration: 22 Days | Destinations: 5 | Price: from USD 18,065 pps

Be transported back to the elegance and splendour of yesteryear with this 8-day journey from Southern to East Africa via uber-luxury train. Start your journey in Cape Town's affluent Bantry Bay neighbourhood at Ellerman House. Spend three nights in this vibrant city, sampling life as a Cape Town resident, from the pristine beaches and lush Winelands to top attractions like hiking Lion's Head and visiting the penguins at Boulders Beach.

After your ‘urban safari', it's time to board the Rovos Rail, a famous train that's more akin to a luxury hotel on railway tracks. For the next 15 days, you'll spend your time gazing at breath-taking landscapes as you wind your way through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania. Scheduled tours and excursions are planned along the way, including a Big 5 safari in Madikwe Game Reserve, history lectures, museum visits and a tour of the famous Victoria Falls. Once you arrive in your final destination, Dar es Salaam, it's time recuperate with some barefoot luxury at Fanjove Private Island in Zanzibar, where soft, white sand and turquoise sea welcome you with open arms.

Tour Highlights:

• Travel on one of the world's most luxurious trains
• Explore vibrant Cape Town & all its attractions
• Enjoy a Big 5 safari in malaria-free Madikwe
• See the mighty Victoria Falls up-close
• Barefoot luxury on an island paradise, Zanzibar
• Water-based activities, like snorkelling and scuba diving

Best Suited For: Couples & older travellers

Accommodation Level: Luxury

Budget Level: High-end

Ready To Start Planning Your African Safari Adventure?

If the above trips whet your appetite to start planning a safari in Africa, get in touch with one of our Africa Safari Experts to start crafting a tailor-made itinerary that ticks all your boxes. Each trip is completely customisable to suit all your wants and needs. Start planning your greatest adventure: