A Guide to Our Safari Destinations

When to avoid: December to March, unless visiting for birdlife or the annual zebra migration 

Known as one of – if not ‘the’ – premier safari destination, Botswana is known for luxurious lodges, remote and pristine wilderness and outstanding wildlife. The Okavango Delta is at the heart of the majority of visits to Botswana, offering an array of birdlife and wildlife that are drawn to the water channels that meander through the delta; some permanent and some refilled during the yearly floods. Visitors can expect to see big cats like lions and leopards, alongside huge herds of elephants and the remainder of the Big 5. 

Botswana has one of the highest amounts of protected natural landscapes in the world, with everything from the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and Kalahari Desert to Linyanti Wetlands and Chobe River frontage, offering diverse wildlife experiences.

When to avoid: Rainy season from November to April.

While it may be lesser known than some of its neighbours, Malawi still offers an unforgettable safari with very few other visitors to be seen along the way. Considerable conservation efforts in the country’s reserves and parks mean you can now find the Big 5, and the ability to enjoy walking safaris and boat safaris alongside game drives leads to a varied experience. 

Malawi is suited to adventurous travellers looking to explore beyond the beaten track, and those who have experienced a safari before (although there are always exceptions to that!). Lodges and camps tend to be intimate and remote, ensuring you rarely see other vehicles at wildlife sightings. With its warm hospitality and diverse wildlife encounters, Malawi is an emerging safari destination that delivers adventure without the crowds. 

When to avoid: The rainy season from March – May.

Gorilla trekking is a bucket list experience for many – and with good reason. Seeing the majestic, endangered mountain gorillas in person, and watching the family dynamics with each group, is an unforgettable experience and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is one of the few places you can find mountain gorillas. The thick rainforest is also home to golden monkeys and an array of birdlife.

While gorillas are the main attraction for wildlife enthusiasts, Akagera National Park is also home to the Big 5 and Nyungwe Forest National Park also offers visitors the chance to trek with chimpanzees. There are a selection of outstanding, luxurious lodges throughout the country, each offering welcoming, exemplary service.

When to avoid: April – May due to heavy rainfall.

As the home of the Great Migration, Tanzania is one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. The vast Serengeti National Park ranges from extensive plains in the southern Serengeti to woodlands and hills in the north. Throughout the year millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move in search of fresh grazing, followed closely by lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles waiting at the river crossings.

Tanzania’s southern circuit and more remote national parks offer even more unforgettable wildlife experiences. The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides one of the best chances to see rhinos. Tarangire National Park is known for its massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, while Ruaha and Nyerere (Selous) National Parks offer a more remote and wild safari experience with walking safaris, boat safaris, and fewer crowds.

When to avoid: December – April, during rainy season.

Like neighbouring Zambia, Zimbabwe’s most famous attraction is Victoria Falls but there are endless other destinations within the country that should be visited. Hwange National Park, the country’s largest national park, is renowned for its massive elephant herds, high number of predators, and expert guiding. The park benefits from consistently pumped waterholes, which attract wildlife year-round, making for fantastic game viewing. 

Beyond Hwange, Zimbabwe’s other wilderness areas provide some unforgettable experiences. In particular, Mana Pools National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its gentle canoe safaris along the Zambezi River and its thriving wild dog population. Zimbabwe is ideal for those looking for a mix of walking safaris, game drives, and water-based activities. Zimbabwe’s guides are also some of the best guides in Africa, with each guide required to obtain a detailed four-year certification that includes a theory exam, a minimum of two years apprenticeship and a challenging practical exam.