Does Your Dream Safari Await You in Southern Africa or East Africa?
Africa is a massive continent, home to an astonishingly diverse array of landscapes, cultures, climates, ecosystems, and, of course, world-class experiential travel opportunities. Southern Africa and East Africa are both stand-out regions for travelers looking to enjoy first-rate safaris, luxury accommodations, and a host of experiences and activities beyond the game drive vehicle. But these two regions are absolutely unique, and choosing the right one for your next travel adventure can be quite the task!
Here, we offer you a breakdown of what makes each region unique, what you can expect to see and do, and why you might consider Southern Africa over East Africa (or vice-versa).
Southern Africa
When many travelers think of Southern Africa, they think of South Africa. And while there are plenty of reasons to rave about South Africa, there are so many more places to explore in the region! Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique are all fascinating destinations in their own right, each offering a unique impression of Africa for the curious experiential traveler.
Here are a few highlights from our favorite Southern African countries.
Botswana
Botswana is home to the Okavango Delta, one of the very unique and incomparable destinations on the African continent
Botswana is home to the incomparable Okavango Delta. That alone is worth a visit. This vast inland delta is an absolute mecca for wildlife, and safaris here do not disappoint. You can explore the region on foot, in a game drive vehicle, or on the water, especially during the Green Season (January and February).
The lush, verdant ecosystem of the Okavango stands in stark contrast to one of Botswana’s other gems: the arid, otherworldly Makgadikgadi Pan, one of the largest salt flats in the world. For a unique cultural education, consider touring the Makgadikgadi with expert San bushmen guides. They’ll share a fascinating glimpse of their traditional and rapidly-changing indigenous culture.
While on safari in Botswana, keep an eye out for leopards, lions, rhinos, cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, aardvarks, jackals, impala, wildebeest, elephants, countless bird species, and more!
Namibia
Prepare to have Namibia shatter all your preconceived notions about what Africa should be. This awe-inspiring country is home to a portion of the eerie Skeleton Coast, as well as the Namib, the oldest desert in the world. Not to be missed are the giant red sand dunes of Sossusvlei.
An oryx in the mesmerizing Namibian landscape
Namibia is also an ideal destination for hot air balloon rides, hiking, and star-gazing (in 2021, NamibRand nature reserve was named Africa's first International Dark Sky reserve).
While exploring Namibia, you may encounter desert elephants, zebras, black rhino, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, and more.
For a delightful city experience, consider a trip to Windhoek, Namibia’s capital city. It’s a mix of traditional German houses, neo-Baroque cathedrals, skyscrapers, and pastel-hued architecture. You’ll love Windwoek’s bevvy of craft shops and artisan wares, delicious restaurants, and decidedly small-town vibe.
Does the thought of traveling to the desert intrigue you? Read more on Namibia and other spectacular destinations in the desert in our article “These Are 5 of the World’s Most Spectacular Desert Destinations.”
Zambia
For first-time safari-goers and veterans alike, Zambia delivers when it comes to experiential travel. It’s home to all the remote wilderness you could ever dream of, and getting away from cities and crowds is one of the biggest draws for travel to Zambia.
Breathtaking Victoria Falls, shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe
In fact, one of the most appealing aspects of Zambia is all the walking safaris on offer. If you’re keen to get out of the game drive vehicle, a walking safari gives you a ground-level view and sensory experience unlike any other. The wildlife here is particularly exhilarating on foot, and we highly recommend you incorporate a walking safari into your time in Zambia.
If you don’t mind rubbing elbows with a few other travelers, a jaunt to Livingstone, home of the 355-foot high UNESCO World Heritage Victoria Falls is absolutely worth the effort.
If water activities like canoeing, boating, and fishing appeal to you, time spent in the Lower Zambezi is a fantastic complement to traditional game drives and bush walks. There’s nothing quite like ending your day with a sundowner cruise on the tranquil Zambezi River!
Zimbabwe
Looking for a first-class safari experience? Zimbabwe is known to have the most rigorous safari guide training program in all of Africa. Zimbabwe caters especially to active and adventurous travelers, so if you want to get your blood pumping a bit, this is the place for you!
While on safari, be on the lookout for the Big 5 (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and Cape buffalo), as well as cheetahs, wild dogs, the endangered black eagle, brown hyenas, and more.
In addition to world-class game-viewing, Zimbabwe offers a host of delights for travelers interested in Zimbabwe’s culture, history, and archaeology. The Great Zimbabwe ruins date back to the 11th century, and they’re the largest ancient city ruins in Southern Africa.
An elephant at Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe
Matobo National Park is home to the Matobo Hills, an imposing area of wooded valleys and granite kopjes. The hills were formed over 2 billion years ago and cover an expanse of about 1,200 square miles. About 2,000 years ago, the San lived in the hills where they left a rich visual history through rock paintings. In fact, the Matobo Hills have one of the highest concentrations of rock art in Southern Africa. The paintings date back at least 13,000 years and demonstrate evolving artistic styles as well as the social customs and religious beliefs of the indigenous people who have called this place home over the span of thousands of years.
South Africa
South Africa epitomizes the African safari experience, while also offering plenty of other exhilarating experiences. From city explorations through Cape Town and Johannesburg to whale watching and touring South Africa’s famous Cape Winelands, there is no shortage of adventures here.
Lions are one of the “Big Five” in Africa, pictured here in South Africa. The other members include the leopard, rhino, elephant, and African buffalo.
Kruger National Park is wonderful (and famous), but we recommend travelers consider a safari in private game reserves for a more exclusive, luxurious, relaxed experience of an African safari.
Travelers with children will be happy to know that some of the best options for a malaria-free safari happen to be in South Africa. So if this is important to you, South Africa may be the perfect destination!
While on safari, you might see the Big 5, impala, hippos, wildebeest, baboons, antelopes, cheetahs, giraffes, and more!
When you’re ready to stretch your legs, skip the Table Mountain cable car (plus the crowds and the long lines), and opt to hike with a private guide to the top instead. You’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Cape Town, the coast, and the surrounding region.
If South Africa is the destination for you, consider spending a few days in the Cape Winelands or along the Whale Coast, iconic destinations that provide a wonderful contrast to a safari experience without the hustle and bustle of the city (though at least one day in Cape Town is a must!).
East Africa
There’s more to East Africa than the Serengeti plains of Tanzania. The iconic savannah is certainly worth visiting, but it’s not the only reason to consider a journey to East Africa. Explore the remote reaches of Northern Kenya on a helicopter safari. Put an old-world spin on your next game “drive” with a biplane adventure.
Kenya
Kenya offers a truly classic safari experience, from expertly-guided tours of the Maasai Mara by a Maasai guide to adventures in Samburu Game Reserve.
Classic safari views; a giraffe family at the Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya
Kenya is a fantastic destination for travelers of all kinds, including couples, honeymooners, families, solo adventurers, and small groups. There are countless excellent properties to suit your style, from charming family-run lodges to classic tented camps, A-list luxury suites, and even wildlife tracking camps that can give you a more hands-on safari experience.
For a truly unique adventure in Kenya’s bush, consider including fly camping in your itinerary. Fly camping is the epitome of “barefoot luxury.” It’s a sleep-out under the stars or in a simple tent of mostly mesh, offered by some of Africa’s most luxurious properties. Fly camping combines undeniable adventure with absolute comfort (you can even count on sleeping on a real mattress with plush linens!), and the night sky views are absolutely unparalleled.
Tanzania
The Serengeti might be the most iconic image of Tanzania. It’s absolutely worth spending time here, especially if you can time your visit with the Great Wildebeest Migration. (This astonishing spectacle spans Tanzania’s Serengeti as well as Kenya’s Maasai Mara and we can help guide you on when and where to plan your safari if witnessing this spectacle firsthand is high on your list.)
Serengeti National Park is magnificent, but there are also several other game reserves in the region that offer the exclusive, luxurious African adventure you’ve been dreaming of.
Tanzania offers quintessential safari and African experiences, from views of zebras at Ngorongoro Crater (pictured here) to the Serengeti to a chance to witness the Great Migration or climb Mount Kilimanjaro
For an even more peaceful, uncrowded spin on your safari experience, consider Tanzania’s Southern Circuit. This region is home to the Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park, true hidden gems. Far fewer tourists travel here than to the Serengeti, so you’re almost guaranteed the solitude and quiet you crave. And the landscapes are incredible: lush acacia forests, dry river beds, sprawling savannah, and iconic baobab trees.
Like Kenya, Tanzania also offers fantastic fly camping opportunities, and a night or two in the remote bush can be the perfect addition to a more traditional safari experience at a safari lodge or luxury tented camp.
Particularly active, intrepid travelers may consider hiking the majestic 19,341-foot Mount Kilimanjaro. You’ll get your lungs pumping, the views are incredible, and Amboseli National Park is home to around 370 bird species, not to mention a host of “traditional” safari wildlife like lions, giraffes, warthogs, and zebras. It’s the perfect mix of active adventure and game viewing!
Rwanda
Cosmopolitan Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city, is renowned for being one of the most up-and-coming cities in Africa. It’s safe, vibrant, and absolutely worth a day or two’s visit.
Dating back to the 11th century, the city is a real treat for history buffs. Engaging with the locals is often one of the most rewarding aspects of a visit to Rwanda, and we highly recommend it, in Kigali and beyond!
While in Kigali, we also highly recommend visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center. It’s a sobering, moving, hopeful experience that gives context to some of Rwanda’s complex history as well as its amazing progress and resilience in the face of utter tragedy.
Bonus: Kigali is only 2.5 hours to Volcanoes National Park, home to 40% of the world’s mountain gorillas, so you can enjoy a mix of city sights and jungle adventures all in one country!
Rwanda is a true hiker’s paradise. Unlike the classic East African safaris you’re probably familiar with, safaris in Rwanda often involve more on-foot excursions like gorilla or chimpanzee trekking. This often involves between 1 and 5 hours of hiking through often steep terrain, so you’ll definitely earn your dinner!
A gorilla in the rainforest at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Gorilla trekking is also renowned in Rwanda.
Historically, Rwanda has not been known as a Big 5 safari destination, but thanks to the conservation efforts of Akagera National Park, certain wildlife has been reintroduced to Rwanda, including black rhino and lions! But if you’re looking for a Big 5 experience on a larger scale, it’s incredibly easy to combine something like gorilla trekking in Rwanda with a classic safari itinerary in nearby Kenya or Tanzania.
In Rwanda, you might see golden monkeys, forest elephants, buffalo, colobus monkeys, and abundant bird life.
Uganda
Uganda is an absolutely world-class destination for travelers interested in primates. Many track the popular mountain gorillas, but you can also spend time tracking chimpanzees and golden monkeys. (One major bonus of choosing Uganda is that gorilla trekking permits are less than half the cost of permits in Rwanda.)
If time allows, consider hiking through Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, staying at lodges on either end. It makes for a fantastic, comprehensive experience of the forest.
While many safari seekers look for the Big Five, wild cats, primates, and other species, Africa is incredibly rich in the bird life found on the continent; here pictured are photogenic grey-crowned cranes, pictured here in Uganda
Uganda is a stand-alone safari destination where you’ll have access to game drives and boat safaris (as well as gorilla and chimp trekking), so the sheer scope of what you can see within this country alone is nothing short of impressive.
Accommodations in Uganda may not be as super-luxe as some locations in Botswana or South Africa, but you can be sure to stay in absolute comfort regardless. Most properties here are privately owned and operated, making for a warm, homey experience while you’re on safari.
While in Uganda, you can spot four of the Big 5 (a major conservation effort is underway to reintroduce rhinos to Murchison Falls National Park). You might also get a look at zebras, giraffes, forest elephants, giant forest hogs, Nubian giraffes, and prolific bird life, among other amazing species.
Choosing the Perfect Destination for You
As you can see, both Southern Africa and East Africa offer an abundance of incredible experiences for both safari adventures, city tours, and everything in between.
Here are a few points to summarize that may help you decide:
Botswana
Safaris unlike anywhere else in Africa in the vast Okavango Delta (explore by game drive vehicle, on foot, or by boat)
Starkly contrasting experiences in the salt flats of the Makgadikgadi Pan
Namibia
Unparalleled dark sky experiences for stargazing devotees
Wild, otherworldly views on the Skeleton Coast and Sossusvlei’s sand dunes
A leopard in South Africa
Zambia
Walking safaris for a thrilling ground-level experience of Zambia’s wildlife and landscapes
Stunning and iconic Victoria Falls
Water-based safaris on the beautiful Zambezi River
Zimbabwe
Some of the best safari guides on the continent
Fascinating historical and cultural experiences at the Great Zimbabwe Ruins and the Matobo Hills
South Africa
Ideal for wine aficionados and whale-watching enthusiasts
A great malaria-free choice for families
Kenya
Perfect for that quintessential classic safari experience
Fly camping for a “barefoot luxury” experience like no other
Rich cultural exchange and expertly-guided safaris with Maasai warriors
Tanzania
Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration
Hike Mount Kilimanjaro
Escape to the solitude of the Southern Circuit
Rwanda
Explore one chapter of Rwanda’s history at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center
Trek deep into the forest to encounter the famous mountain gorillas
Uganda
Enjoy world-class gorilla trekking and chimp trekking
Combine the primate experiences with a traditional safari without leaving the country
Start Dreaming Today
Now is the perfect time to begin dreaming about your next adventure, whether to Southern Africa, East Africa, or beyond! Even if you think you want to travel in 2022, it’s not too early to start planning. Let’s make your travel dreams a reality!
If you’re interested in learning more about travel to Africa, reach out to schedule your complimentary consultation here, and give yourself a truly spectacular adventure to look forward to.
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Start dreaming today. Your next adventure awaits!