Safaris come in many shapes and sizes. These travel guides, written by our specialists based on their own experiences, are designed to help you make informed choices when it comes to planning your safari. You can find out what to expect from a safari, where and when to go, and the main highlights of each destination.
You can also read about the different types of safaris available, from those that focus on walking and photography to mobile camping safaris and trips that go in search of the Big Five. Explore ideas for a family safari, explore our more luxurious options, or see how you can combine a safari with time on the beach or a city break.
Many of these travel guides detail specific activities and accommodation, any of which we can tailor into your trip.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our safari specialists
Our safari specialists regularly travel to discover new experiences and explore untried areas. They love nothing more than sharing their ideas and experiences to help you plan your ideal safari vacation. We've written these travel guides based on our own first-hand safari experiences to help inform and inspire your next trip.
Combining Kenya & Tanzania: 4 multi-destination trip
Explore the Masai Mara and the Serengeti in a single trip. Pair Kenya’s wildlife with a Tanzania island retreat. Or take an extended trip to see more of East Africa’s animals. Specialist Arista shares her top trip ideas for a combining Kenya and Tanzania.
Top 10 safari animals in Africa & where to find them
From lions to leopards and giraffes to gorillas, here are the top ten safari animals according to Google search data. We’ve also gathered insights from our specialists to reveal the best destinations for seeing your favorite African animals in the wild.
Safaris for less: 3 great-value safari ideas
A safari may seem unaffordable for many, but there are ways to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of Africa’s prime wildlife areas for less. Here, our Africa safari specialists share three ideas for exploring the bush on a budget in South Africa, Tanzania, and Botswana.
Honeymoons in Tanzania
Tanzania offers a variety of private, secluded experiences, which make it a stand-out honeymoon destination. Country specialist, Georgia, explains how you can combine time on safari with relaxation on a palm fringed beach in Zanzibar.
Zebra migration
Each year, up to 25,000 zebra migrate through Botswana's national parks in one of the animal kingdom's most spectacular sights. Our specialists can recommend the places where you're mostly likely to witness the action and the best camps to stay in.
Photographic safaris
With its dramatic landscapes, exciting wildlife and beautiful sunrises and sunsets, Africa is a photographer’s dream. Find out more about photographic safaris in Africa.
The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Unforgettable Safari Adventure
Lots of factors come into play when choosing an African safari destination. Your trip might be influenced by the wildlife you want to see, the activities on offer or the choice available for families. Our Africa specialists outline five countries’ safari experiences to help you decide.
Africa’s best safari areas
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to picking an Africa safari destination, but where do you begin? Our safari specialists round up their best six wildlife areas on the continent to help you decide where to plan your next safari.
Mobile camping safaris
Ideal for the adventurous, mobile camping safaris are a back-to-basics way of experiencing a traditional safari in Africa.
Hot air balloon flights in Africa
A balloon flight in Africa is one of the best ways to enjoy a safari. Watch out for the giraffe hiding in the trees, antelope and elephant on the plains and birds flying below you.
Our safari calendar
With so many destinations and wildlife highlights to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to go on safari and when. Here, our safari specialists share their safari highlights for each month of the year, from heart-wrenching river crossings to spotting big cats.
Family vacations in Namibia
A family vacation in Namibia can include kayaking with seals, stargazing in the desert, tracking cheetah and heading out on safari to see desert-adapted elephant. Africa specialist Iain discusses his ideas for a trip that appeals to all ages.
Walking safaris
A walking safari takes you away from the roads on the trail of big game like elephant and buffalo, safely under the watchful eye of an experienced guide. You get a completely different perspective on foot and catch glimpses of the smaller things you'd easily miss from a vehicle.
What to do in South Africa: our highlights
From the vibrant capital city, Cape Town, to the world-famous Kruger National Park, home of the Big Five, South Africa is a land of exciting contrasts. Our specialists can help plan your ideal first visit to this African giant.
Walking safaris in Zambia
A walking safari in Zambia allows you the opportunity to tread the same dusty plains as the animals Africa is so well-known for. Here, you can observe game from a different perspective under the watchful eye of first-class guides, in a variety of different national parks.
Honeymoons in Zambia
Zambia is home to a wonderful selection of lodges that offer fantastic game viewing and relaxation in equal measure. If you would like to plan your honeymoon in Zambia, our specialists can tailor a trip to your preferences and help you build the honeymoon of a lifetime.
Honeymoons in Botswana
A safari is perhaps the ultimate honeymoon experience and Botswana is one of the top destinations in Africa. Stay in a luxury lodge in the big game rich Okavango Delta, take a boat trip on the Chobe River, or visit the San people of the Kalahari. Complete your trip with a few days on a beach in the Seychelles or Mauritius.
Luxury vacations in Namibia
Flying over the Skeleton Coast, tracking rare leopard in the highlands, or sleeping under the stars at an opulent tented camp. Namibia specialist Laura outlines the best camps and experiences for a luxury safari.
Family vacations & safaris in South Africa
From sunny beaches to remarkable whale watching and child-friendly safaris, South Africa offers a huge variety of experiences for families of all ages. Our South Africa specialist Toby explains how to get the most of your time in the country.
Grand tour of South Africa
South Africa has so many highlights that many people choose to revisit. However, if you would like to experience all of the main attractions in one trip, you can do so as part of a grand tour. Our specialists will help you make the most of your time in South Africa.
Family vacations in Mozambique
If your family enjoys water-based activities, you'll be spoiled for choice in Mozambique. With a wide variety of family-friendly properties right on the beach you can spend your days splashing around in a desert island setting, before heading inland for more family-friendly fun.
Zimbabwe safaris
With exceptional guides, several national parks and a variety of wildlife, including the Big Five, Zimbabwe offers an authentic safari experience that can easily be coupled with a trip to Victoria Falls. Africa specialist Amelia outlines what makes a Zimbabwe safari special.
Honeymoons in Mozambique
A tailor-made honeymoon in Mozambique not only allows you the chance to relax on white-sand beaches, it also offers you the opportunity to snorkel and dive among kaleidoscopic fish, visit timeless fishing villages, and toast the sunset aboard a traditional dhow.
Best safari destinations in Botswana
Rainbow-plumed bee-eaters, black-maned Kalahari lions, and elusive brown hyenas… Botswana plays host to a huge diversity of wildlife, in part due to its vastly different landscapes. Africa specialist Harriet shares her favorite safari destinations you could visit on your next trip.
Tanzania safaris: north vs south
From the drama of the Great Migration in the north to the hushed wildlife experiences of the south, Audley specialist Dickie uncovers the best safari destinations across Tanzania. Discover what you might see in each region and where’s best to stay.
Luxury safaris in Botswana
If you're planning a luxury vacation to Botswana we've a huge choice of exclusive places to stay, from luxurious vacation camps and lodges to luxury hotels. Touches of comfort like king-sized beds and plunge pools give you extravagance in the heart of the wildlife.
Kenya safaris: the Masai Mara and beyond
The thunder of wildebeests in the Masai Mara, the peaceful silence of the bush in Samburu National Reserve, and wildlife drives in the shadow of Kilimanjaro in Amboseli National Park... Kenya boasts some of the world’s best safari experiences.
Honeymoons in Namibia
Namibia often flies under the radar for honeymooners, but it’s the ideal destination for secluded desert safaris, romantic starry-night sleepouts, and a generous dose of adventure. Africa specialist Robin shares his top recommendations for honeymoons in Namibia.
Green Season in Zambia
The Green Season in Zambia takes place in the Luangwa Valley between November and May. A more cost-effective time to travel, it's during this period you'll see newborn animals in abundance and a landscape awash with color thanks to the heavy rains that descend.
Luxury vacations in Tanzania
Tanzania is home to some of the most luxurious safari lodges in Africa. It is also home of the world-famous Great Migration, so if you are looking to view this spectacle in style, our country specialists can help you plan your perfect trip to Tanzania.
Family safaris in Botswana: our 8 best camps & lodges
Botswana is known for its intimate, luxurious camps and lodges amid pristine wilderness, but that’s not to say they’re just for adults. We’ve rounded up eight of our best to help you decide where to base yourself if you’re exploring as a family.
Wildlife vacations in Malawi
A captivating country still off the radar for many tourists, Malawi offers you the opportunity to view Africa's big game away from the crowds. Traditional vehicle as well as walking safaris can be included in your itinerary by our country specialists.
South Africa safaris: our guide to the parks & reserves
Home to a star-studded cast of wildlife and some of the best parks and reserves across the continent, South Africa is the ideal destination for first-time and more experienced safari-goers alike. Specialist Chris reveals what you can do and see there.
Luxury safaris in Zambia
Zambia's spectacular national parks, abundant wildlife and luxury lodges offer both first time and return visitors an unrivaled safari experience. Audley's Southern Africa safari specialist Russell explains how to make the most of your time.
Safaris in South Africa’s Greater Kruger Area
Whether you’re on a self-drive safari in Kruger National Park or enjoying guided activities in a private reserve, South Africa’s Greater Kruger offers some of the densest wildlife populations on the continent. Safari specialist Andrew outlines your options for a Kruger safari.
What to do in Namibia: our highlights guide
Home to the world’s tallest sand dunes, a wild Atlantic coastline and colonial cities, Namibia is delightfully different to other African countries. Namibia specialist, Steve, details some of the key things to see and do during your time in the country.
Okavango Delta safaris
The Okavango Delta is safari by water, where you glide in canoes through waterways and twinkling lagoons in search of hippo, elephant, giraffe and iridescent birdlife. Discover the best time to visit this wonderful water world and how we can help you plan your safari there.
Madikwe and the North
The swath of country stretching from the Kruger Park in the east to the Botswana border in the west is known as Madikwe & The North. It is home to some of South Africa's most dramatic scenery, Johannesburg and Pretoria and the remote Madikwe Game Reserve.
Activity vacations in Namibia
A land of vast landscapes and wild seas there are plenty of activities for you to build into your tailor-made trip to Namibia. Quad-biking, hiking and kayaking are all popular activities, and with its exceptional wildlife, game-drives and balloon trips are equally rewarding.
Kenya honeymoons
The adventure and romance of a Kenya safari, coupled with the outstanding camps and lodges on offer, appeals to many honeymooners. Africa specialist Mark outlines the best honeymoon experiences in the country, from sunrise hot air balloon rides to secluded beach relaxation.
Family safaris in Tanzania
Whether you’re looking for The Lion King experience on the Serengeti or a truly wild adventure in the south, Tanzania is a great place for a family safari. Specialist Philippa suggests some child-friendly camps and lodges and offers insider tips on planning.
Self-driving in South Africa
With well-maintained roads and little traffic, a self-drive trip is a flexible way to explore South Africa's southern coast. Country specialist, Toby, selects his favorite drive, taking in the Garden Route, South Africa’s Winelands and finishing with time on safari.
Family safaris in Zambia
If you are considering taking your family on safari, Zambia has a lot to offer every member of your tribe. Many camps have private houses with space for little legs to tire themselves out, flexible dining options and child-minding facilities.
Self-driving in Namibia
With very little traffic on well-maintained roads that wind through spectacular scenery, as well as plenty of big-game wildlife to see, Namibia is an ideal destination for a self-drive safari.
The Big Five in Kenya
Home of the Masai Mara and Lewa Wilderness Conservancy, you'll have countless opportunities to spot the Big Five in Kenya. With a range of first-class lodges, you can embark on traditional game drives and walking safaris in search of these magnificent animals.
Honeymoons in South Africa
For intrepid couples with a sense of adventure, South Africa can be an ideal fit for a honeymoon. South Africa specialist, Toby, discusses the country’s best experiences for honeymooners, from Big Five safaris to wine tasting and scaling Table Mountain.
Luxury safaris in Zimbabwe
With the most highly trained guides in Africa, camps and lodges that balance comfort and rusticity, and wildlife areas renowned for big cats and wild dog, Zimbabwe offers safaris of the highest level. Safari specialist Tony shares his ideas for a luxurious stay.
Family safaris in Kenya
On a tailor-made family safari in Kenya, your children can learn about Maasai culture, the 'Little Five' and how to track animals. The country is home to some wonderful family-friendly camps and lodges which our country specialists can include in your family itinerary.
Mobile camping safaris in Botswana
The sights and sounds of safari are just the other side of the canvas on one of our tailor-made mobile camping safaris. Get back to basics and immerse yourself in the true spirit of Africa, staying in private campsites where comfort isn't scrimped on.
Namibia safaris
Namibia may not immediately spring to mind when you think of a safari, but with four of the Big Five roaming Etosha National Park and the chance to see desert-adapted elephant in Damaraland, it makes a rewarding safari destination, as Africa specialist Alex explains.
Luxury vacations in South Africa
South Africa can pull out all the stops for a luxury trip, and a safari’s just the start. Here, country specialist Tom shares ways to elevate your trip to the rainbow nation, from Cape Town comforts to wine tasting.
Kenya luxury vacations
If you're planning a luxury vacation in Kenya we have a wide range of accommodations available, from sumptuous safari camps to exquisite beach retreats. Our Country Specialists have experienced these properties first-hand and are on hand to help you pick.
Walking safaris in Botswana
Get away from the road and closer to the wildlife on one of our tailor-made walking safaris in Botswana, with a great chance of spotting the Big Five. Our specialists will design your safari on foot around your preferences, anything from a morning walk to a three-day hike.
Typical day on safari
A typical day on safari essentially revolves around the need to see the wildlife at its most active. It usually follows a similar routine with slight variations between destinations and seasons.
What to do in Tanzania: our highlights guide
The Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra through the Serengeti is not the only highlight of Tanzania. We have come up with five of our favorites, from climbing Kilimanjaro to relaxing on the beautiful island of Zanzibar.
