Many people dream about going on a safari. It’s a true bucket list experience: a chance to witness some of the world’s most impressive wildlife and nature like you’ve never seen it before.
Africa is famed for its safari holidays. Many countries have sprawling national parks, game reserves, and the legendary ‘big five’ animals. Each safari destination has its own personality, providing plenty of choice when it comes to planning your perfect trip.
For good reason, Safari holidays are famed as special experiences, and backpackers or budget travellers might worry that these trips are out of their reach and price range. But many popular places for a safari can be surprisingly affordable if you’re happy to join a group tour and camp in accommodation that wouldn’t necessarily be described as luxurious.
Ready to get inspired? Here are five destinations representing the best of what safari travel can offer.
Most Popular Safari Destinations
Here are 5 most popular safari destinations which make your journey more enjoyable:
Tanzania – Serengeti National Park
Top of the list of the most popular places in the world for a safari is Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. This incredible protected space has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to the collection of creatures that live here and the location where the Great Migration takes place.
This annual national phenomenon involves over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles following ancient routes in search of fresh grazing. The river crossings that take place during the Great Migration are so dramatic that they’ve become legendary and are highly recommended as part of your Tanzania safari tour.
You can also spot lions, leopards, elephants, and over 500 bird species in the Serengeti, so it’s somewhere that exceptional wildlife viewing is guaranteed at all times of the year. Camping in the park allows you to experience a safari on a budget, and there’s nothing like falling asleep to the sounds of animals in the distance all around you.
Botswana – Okavango Delta
Botswana is another safari destination that is at the top of many people’s lists. One of the best places to see the wildlife that lives in this country is the beautiful Okavango Delta, where water transforms the Kalahari Desert sands into a maze of channels, lagoons, and islands.
Going on safari on the Okavango Delta is great if you’re looking for something a little different, as you’ll combine classic game drive experiences with water-based adventures. As the largest inland delta in Africa, this is one of the country’s most unique ecosystems where elephants wade belly-deep in the water and kingfishers flash along the papyrus-lined channels.
Whether you opt for an organised safari tour around the delta or stay in one of the area’s campsites, advance booking is essential for your trip because of Botswana’s popularity and limited low-cost accommodation options.
Kenya – Masai Mara National Reserve
We couldn’t share a list of safari destinations without talking about Kenya. Regarding the quintessential safari experience, the Masai Mara invented the game drives that travellers know and love today.
The Masai Mara is Kenya’s most famous nature reserve, particularly for the large numbers of big cats that prowl the area. Witness high-stakes wildlife drama across the rolling savannas and see all kinds of creatures coexisting, offering the ultimate wildlife viewing experience.
Another advantage of the Masai Mara is that it connects to Tanzania’s Serengeti, meaning that some of the famous Great Migration occurs here when it reaches its climax between July and October. If you’re planning a visit, you can choose from numerous safari camp options inside the reserve and nearby conservancies, combining classic safari tours with cultural visits to traditional Maasai villages.
Namibia – Etosha National Park
If you’re looking for an unusual African safari experience, you’ll certainly find unique scenery in Namibia. The Etosha National Park revolves around a massive salt pan that stretches to the horizon like a mystical landscape, dotted with waterholes that create truly incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing.
All you need to do on safari in Etosha is position yourself at strategic waterholes and watch parade after parade of wildlife come to drink throughout the day. It’s one of Africa’s most distinctive safari environments, making it ideal for travellers who have already done the classic experience and are looking for something different.
Self-driving safaris are particularly popular in Etosha. They allow you to explore at your own pace while staying in well-maintained camps. Look for elephants, giraffes, zebras, various antelope species, and the elusive black rhino.
South Africa – Kruger National Park
We couldn’t discuss the best places to go on safari without mentioning South Africa’s Kruger National Park. Here, you can enjoy brilliant wildlife viewing with fantastically developed infrastructure, making it easy to plan your trip no matter what kind of experience you’re after and how much time you have available.
Big Five encounters are common in Kruger, but 500 bird species and 147 mammal species live across diverse habitats, including riverine forests and open grasslands. The South African park’s network of paved roads and well-marked trails means even first-time safari visitors can navigate confidently, and its proximity to Johannesburg and excellent road connections make it easily accessible for backpackers.
Once you’ve enjoyed a safari in South Africa, you’re ideally positioned to enjoy the rest of the country’s attractions. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a few days of wildlife spotting as part of a longer trip.
Start Your Safari Adventure
It might surprise you to realise that incredible safari experiences don’t always require unlimited budgets and luxury accommodations. As long as you’re good at planning and willing to embrace adventure, plenty of nature reserves and parks will welcome you with open arms.
Each destination we’ve explored here offers its own approach to wildlife viewing and budget accommodation, from Botswana’s unique water-based experiences to Namibia’s self-drive opportunities and Tanzania’s legendary migration spectacles.
Whether you choose one destination for an extended visit or combine multiple parks into an epic overland adventure, these places are perfect for every kind of safari adventure.
