Lion snuggling on his brother in Sabi Sand

7 Top Safari Destinations: Insider’s Pros and Cons Guide

by Nichole | Last updated Mar 10, 2026 | South Africa

My husband and I have done safaris in South Africa, Tanzania, and Botswana, and that first game drive is something you’ll never forget. It’s one of those travel moments that stays with you long after the trip ends.

The hardest part is choosing where to go because each place has its own feel. That’s why I put together a guide breaking down the pros and cons of the 7 top safari spots.

Whether you’re drawn to the endless plains of the Serengeti or the watery wilderness of the Okavango Delta, there’s a destination that will fit the experience you’re after.

* Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All recommendations are from first-hand experience that I feel will deliver value to you! Thank you for your continued support.

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Table of Contents

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Map of Top Safari Spots

Map of top safari destinations in Africa

01- Botswana: Elephants!

Elephants seen on a safari drive at Chobe National Park in Botswana

Low-density tourism
High-quality sightings
Chobe National Park is home to the highest concentration of elephants in the world
Boating/canoeing, walking, and night safaris offered
Most camps are “upscale luxury”
Banned commercial hunting in 2014
One of Africa’s safest and wealthiest African countries

* I would love to explore Botswana more. We had the opportunity to do a day trip to Chobe National Park while staying at this beautiful lodge in Zimbabwe!

Most expensive safari destination

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02- Kenya: Great Migration!

Wildebeests running into the Mara River during the Great Migration at Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya

Home to the Great Migration where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and antelope make the circuit across Tanzania and Kenya
Known for its big cat sightings
Cultural experiences offered (Maasai tribe village visit)
Huge densities of game
Good infrastructure

Terrorist attacks have occurred in Kenya but never in any of the safari areas

03- Tanzania: Lions!

Lion cub trying to get mom's attention at Namiri Plains in the Serengeti

Lioness giving a cute lion cub a bath in the eastern Serengeti

Considered to be the ultimate safari country
Also home to the Great Migration
Highlights include the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater (world’s largest volcanic caldera), Zanzibar Island, and Mount Kilimanjaro
3 circuits: northern circuit has the highest concentration of cats including tree-climbing lions (Tanzania is known for having the most lions in the world)
Endless plains and huge game densities

* We did an incredible 8-day Tanzania safari, staying at Craters Edge (Ngorongoro Crater), Namiri Plains (Eastern Serengeti), and Dunia Camp (Central Serengeti).

Limited walking and boating safaris

04- South Africa: Big 5!

Gorgeous leopard in Sabi Sand South Africa

Gorgeous leopard at Lion Sands River Lodge in South Africa

Option of combining a wide variety of experiences (mountains, city, wine country) with a safari
Almost guaranteed to see the Big Five on a typical safari day
Chance to see even wild dogs and cheetahs
Premier area to see leopards
Good infrastructure and highly developed
More upscale lodging with internet, gyms, and spas

Over-tourism/some say it lacks the “wilderness element”

05- Zambia/Zimbabwe: Great Guides!

Baby baboon at Stanley and Livingstone Boutique Hotel in Zimbabwe

Exceptional guides
Considered “the adventurous choice” and for “safari connoisseurs”
Many bushcamps are small, intimate, and full of rustic charm
Birthplace of the walking safari
Home to Victoria Falls and many adventure adventures like canoeing, rafting, bungee jumping, and swimming in Devil’s Pool on top of the world’s largest waterfall (which we did! and lived to tell about it)
Affordable price points

Zimbabwe has experienced political instability over the years

06- Namibia: Road Safari!

Namibia desert landscape

Most dramatic scenery (think red dunes, shimmering saltpans, acacia and quiver trees, and dry desert)
Remote wilderness
Known for its desert-adapted elephants, black rhino, and a big colony of flamingos
Largest population of wild cheetahs in the world

Large distances between the highlights, so expect long times in the car if you want to see a lot of different places

07- Rwanda: Gorillas!

Baby gorilla hanging out in the forest

One word … gorillas! This is why you go to Rwanda
Also home to chimpanzees and colobus monkeys
Diverse landscape (jungles, lakes, volcanos, forests, etc.)
Known for amazing coffee full of dark and fruity flavors
Not considered a “classic” safari destination but you can see the Big 5 at Akagera National Park

Expensive! The gorilla trekking permit alone costs $1500 USD per person (their goal is to target high-end tourism)

Final Thoughts

Africa is home to so many incredible safari destinations, and each one offers something truly special.

When I was planning my own safaris, I found it all came down to what animals I wanted to see, my budget, and the type of experience I was dreaming of.

All seven destinations shine in their own way, and I hope this guide helped you find the perfect fit.

If South Africa is your choice, don’t miss my 12 essential safari planning tips and advice on how to choose a safari lodge . I learned a lot from my own experience, and I’m excited to share it with you!

I’m Nichole, the author of all the blog posts on Enriching Pursuits. Think of me as your geeky discerning travel friend who dives deep (Google Page 20, forums, travel groups deep!) to uncover the best ways to enjoy exceptional outdoor adventures and foodie experiences.

My husband and I are experienced snorkelers, day hikers, and casual cyclists who also love delicious street food, an incredible glass of wine, and the occasional Michelin-starred meal.

Balancing full-time careers, we cherish every second of our vacation days and love sharing tips to help you do the same. If this sounds like your kind of travel, subscribe below or drop me a note with any questions. I’d love to hear from you!