Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia… or Something Unexpected?
Some say Tanzania is hands-down the best safari country in Africa. Others claim Namibia is the most breathtaking. And then there are those who swear by Botswana as the most authentic destination for an African road trip.
But really… what’s the most beautiful colour? What’s the best dish you’ve ever had? There are no universal answers to those questions — and the same goes for safari destinations in Africa.
That’s why we (Africa Wildlife Safaris) have put together this honest, detailed and objective comparison to help you choose the African country that best matches your travel style, expectations and dreams.
Need help deciding?
Fill in our free Safari Compass – a quick tool that helps you discover the best safari destination for your personal wishes and budget. Based on your answers, we’ll tell you:
- which country suits you best
- when to go
- and give you a matching sample itinerary
The Hard Data: Rankings by Experts & Travellers
There’s a well-known international safari platform that collects ratings from both travellers and experts (guides, authors, conservationists) on safari parks and destinations. The data is based on:
- ~2,500 reviews (1,400 tourists + 1,100 experts)
- 157 parks in 11 African countries
- A minimum of 10 reviews per park
- Maximum score: 5
- Country score = average of all reviewed parks within that country
- Focus is wildlife, not just scenery
Top-Ranked Countries for African Safaris
| Country | Avg. Score | Parks in Top 50 |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | 4.8 | 10 |
| Botswana | 4.8 | 6 |
| Zambia | 4.6 | 3 |
| South Africa | 4.6 | 14 |
| Kenya | 4.6 | 11 |
| Namibia | 4.5 | 1 |
| Rwanda | 4.4 | 0 |
| Madagascar | 4.4 | 0 |
| Uganda | 4.3 | 3 |
| Zimbabwe | 4.3 | 2 |
| Ethiopia | 4.3 | 0 |
Countries scoring below 4.1 had no parks in the top 50.
Conclusion: Based on sheer wildlife quality and park rankings, the top 5 safari countries in Africa are:
Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia, South Africa, and Kenya.
But that doesn’t mean the others aren’t worth considering. For example:
- Uganda & Rwanda are unbeatable for gorilla trekking.
- Namibia offers red dunes, vast deserts, and stunning photo opportunities.
Which Safari Country Fits You Best?
Below is a quick breakdown of each country, its characteristics, and what kind of traveller it’s ideal for.
🇹🇿 Tanzania Safari
Size: 950,000 km²
Best time: June – October
Okay time: Jan, Feb, May
Least ideal: March, April, Nov, Dec
Wildlife Highlights:
- Huge numbers of animals and large herds
- Big cats: lions, cheetahs, leopards
- Rhinos are rare
- Great Migration: millions of wildebeests & zebras
Pros:
- Compact Northern circuit (5 parks in top 20, incl. Serengeti & Ngorongoro)
- Authentic African feel
- Safe and accessible
- Chimp trekking in Mahale & Gombe
- Easy to add a beach holiday (e.g. Zanzibar)
Cons:
- Busy in high season
- Relatively expensive
🇧🇼 Botswana Safari
Size: 580,000 km²
Best time: May – Sept
Okay time: April, Oct – Dec
Least ideal: Jan – March
Wildlife Highlights:
- Fantastic birdlife (especially around water)
- Rare species: wild dogs, brown hyenas, bat-eared foxes
- Okavango Delta: sitatunga, red lechwe, puku
- Rhinos are hard to find
Pros:
- Low tourist numbers (except Chobe)
- 3 parks in top 20, incl. ranks 4 & 6
- Small-scale, exclusive camps
- Unique activities: canoe safaris, mokoro rides, walking safaris, sleep-outs
- Pure bush experience
Cons:
- Often remote, requires internal flights or long drives
- Pricey unless camping
🇿🇲 Zambia Safari
Size: 750,000 km²
Best time: May – Sept
Okay time: April, Oct, Nov
Least ideal: Dec – March
Wildlife Highlights:
- South Luangwa: lots of leopards
- More nocturnal sightings thanks to night drives
- Rare sightings: porcupines, servals, genets
- Great birding near rivers
Pros:
- Low visitor numbers—sometimes you’ll be alone
- 2 parks in top 20, incl. ranks 5 & 7
- Best walking safaris in Africa
- Multi-day canoe trips
- Night game drives allowed
Cons:
- Limited infrastructure in some parks
- Flights to parks or long drives required
- Relatively expensive
🇿🇦 South Africa Safari
Size: 1,220,000 km²
Kruger best time: May – Sept
Cape Town best time: Nov – Dec
Wildlife Highlights:
- All Big Five + marine life (sharks, whales, penguins)
- Easy to see rhinos
- Fewer large herds
Pros:
- Great infrastructure and roads
- Affordable
- Excellent for rhinos (esp. in Kruger)
- Good food, wine, views
- Private reserves with added experiences
Cons:
- High-season crowds
- Less “bush vibe” in some areas
- More crime than other countries
- Some parks and camps are fenced
🇰🇪 Kenya Safari
Size: 580,000 km²
Best time: Jan – March & July – Sept
Wildlife Highlights:
- Top wildlife destination overall
- Good rhino sightings (Lake Nakuru, Meru)
- Great Migration visible in Masai Mara (best: Aug–Sept)
- 1,100+ bird species
Pros:
- Affordable compared to other top safari destinations
- Classic Africa feel
- Flamingo lakes and wetlands
- Optional beach add-ons (e.g. Diani Beach)
- Night drives allowed in some areas
Cons:
- Some unsafe areas (not safari zones)
- Only 1 park in top 20 (Masai Mara #10)
- Busy in peak season
🇳🇦 Namibia Safari
Size: 820,000 km²
Best time: May – Sept
Wildlife Highlights:
- Less wildlife than other countries
- Waterhole-based sightings in Etosha
- High cheetah density
- Unique species: desert rhino, brown hyena, seals
Pros:
- Otherworldly landscapes (Sossusvlei, Skeleton Coast)
- Great self-drive infrastructure
- Very photogenic
- Affordable
Cons:
- 0 parks in the top 20 (Etosha ranks #22)
- Fewer animals overall
🇷🇼 Rwanda Safari
Size: 26,000 km²
Best time: Jan, Feb, June, July
Wildlife Highlights:
- Not a traditional safari destination
- Known for gorillas, chimps, golden monkeys
- 700+ bird species incl. shoebill stork
Pros:
- Gorilla trekking is a life-changing experience
- Peaceful and scenic
- Low tourist numbers
Cons:
- Very expensive gorilla permits (€1500 pp)
- Only 1 park has safari-style wildlife
- Young tourism infrastructure
🇺🇬 Uganda Safari
Size: 240,000 km²
Best time: Jan, Feb, June, July
Wildlife Highlights:
- Slightly less wildlife than other countries
- Best place to see tree-climbing lions
- Gorillas, chimps, and many monkey species
- Rhinos only in sanctuary (100% sighting guaranteed)
- Over 1,000 bird species
Pros:
- Gorilla & chimp trekking
- Great mix of game drives, walking safaris, boat trips
- Cultural depth: palaces, cathedrals, temples
- Few tourists = peaceful
- Affordable
Cons:
- Long drive times due to poor roads
- Wildlife numbers reduced due to past poaching
Cost of an African Safari (per person per day, mid-range)
| Country / Region | Cost (pp/day) |
|---|---|
| Botswana | €550 – €850 |
| Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe | €425 – €650 |
| Uganda, Kenya | €375 – €450 |
| Malawi | €300 – €400 |
| South Africa, Namibia | €200 – €350 |
Note: These prices include lodging and private game drives near or inside the park. In cities or during non-safari days, prices may be lower. Luxurious safaris can go up to €1,500 per person per night.
Our Top 3 Safari Picks (Based on Experience + Reviews)
We’ve travelled in every country listed above and each one brought something special. There’s no such thing as a bad safari country — but here’s how we’d rank our personal favorites, aligned with the review data:
- Tanzania – Huge wildlife numbers, compact routes, and if you time it right: the Great Migration as the ultimate reward.
- Botswana – Whether camping under the stars or going full luxury, the encounters here are magical. The Okavango Delta is the crown jewel.
- Zambia – Raw, wild and intimate. This is old-school safari in a modern shell. Bonus? South Luangwa = leopard paradise.
Still not sure which safari destination is right for you?
Use our free Safari Compass tool to get a personalised recommendation based on your wishes, travel style, and wildlife goals.
Or contact us directly — we’re happy to help!
📞 Want to speak to someone directly? Call Frank at +31 6 3653 6229
