Where and When to Go on Safari?

East Africa

This is THE premier region for safaris, offering superb opportunities to explore the many parks and reserves in the area.

Kenya and Tanzania

• Safaris in Kenya

• Safaris in Tanzania

For these two countries, wildlife tourism is a major financial resource. With dozens of parks and reserves of all kinds, you’ll be spoiled for choice, with the chance to see all of Africa’s wildlife in its full splendor. In fact, among all African countries, Kenya and Tanzania are the best for safaris, though Tanzania now has an edge due to better safety.

For the best time to visit, avoid the two rainy seasons—March to June and part of November to December—to explore the reserves in optimal conditions.

• Main parks in Kenya: Amboseli, Buffalo Spring, Masai Mara, Meru, Samburu, Shaba, Tsavo. For birdwatching, the lakes Naivasha, Nakuru, Bogoria, and Baringo.

• Main parks in Tanzania: Arusha NP, Gombe, Katavi, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Rubondo, Ruaha, Selous, Serengeti, Tarangire.

Other East African Countries

Southern Africa

The other major African region for safaris. However, services here are generally more upscale and thus slightly more expensive than in East Africa.

South Africa

After Kenya and Tanzania, South Africa is perhaps the most renowned country for safaris. Its wildlife is rich and diverse, and a park like Kruger, with its 20,000 km², has become a must-visit for nature lovers. However, while South Africa has vast open parks, there are also many (small) private enclosed reserves where owners have invested in animals at their own expense. As a result, these animals are "confined" within the reserve’s boundaries, which can feel a bit frustrating compared to the vast open spaces Africa offers elsewhere.

• Main parks in South Africa: Addo Elephant Park, Baviaanskloof, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi, iSimangaliso, Kgalagadi Transfrontier, Kruger, Madikwe, Pilanesberg, Rietvlei, Sabi Sand.

Botswana

Namibia

Other Southern African Countries

Elsewhere in Africa

On Other Continents

"Safari Parks"

This concept emerged about fifty years ago in Europe and North America. The idea was to showcase animals (primarily African) in semi-freedom within a setting meant to resemble Africa’s great reserves. It’s nothing like a zoo, as visitors observe wildlife from inside their own cars. While it doesn’t replicate the atmosphere of an African safari and the experience lasts only a few hours, it can still offer a taste of what’s to come.

Among these parks, in France, the most well-known are Sigean and Thoiry.