Blyde River Canyon at sunset, with the river curving between steep sandstone cliffs and wooded slopes

Twelve destinations

Luxury Safari Destinations in East and Southern Africa

From well-known parks such as the Serengeti and the Okavango Delta to quieter, remote regions, every journey planned around you.

Planned around you

The right safari depends on what you want to see, when you can travel and how you like to spend your days. Below are the twelve destinations we plan journeys to, with a simple guide to the best months and to which trips suit which travellers.

Your route, your pace

Your dates, budget and wildlife wish list shape the itinerary, not a fixed package.

With you throughout

Support from your first enquiry until you are home again.

Private if you prefer

Private guides, vehicles, hosts and charter flights can be arranged on request.

Destinations

Where Would You Like to Go?

Twelve destinations across East Africa, Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean. Choose one to start planning, or combine two or three in one journey.

Elephant throwing dust over its back in front of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli

Big cats, migration, wild north

Kenya

Cheetah sitting upright on a termite mound above golden grassland under a pale sky

Migration, wild south, remote west

Tanzania

Mountain gorilla resting among green leaves and looking towards the camera

Gorillas, chimps and savannah

Rwanda

Chimpanzee sitting on a mossy branch in the forest and reaching up to a tree trunk

Gorillas, chimps and the Nile

Uganda

Blyde River Canyon at sunset, with the river winding between sandstone cliffs and a rocky ledge in the foreground

Big Five, malaria-free reserves

South Africa

Table Mountain seen across the bay from a rocky shoreline with waves breaking

Winelands, mountain and coast

Cape Town

Elephant wading through shallow water at sunset under an orange sky

Delta waters, private concessions

Botswana

Aerial view of Victoria Falls, with spray rising from the gorge between green riverbanks

Victoria Falls, walking safaris

Zimbabwe

Elephant raising its trunk among dry bush with mountains behind

Walking safaris, wild rivers

Zambia

Dead camel thorn tree on the white clay pan of Deadvlei, with orange dunes and a deep blue sky behind

Dunes, desert wildlife, big skies

Namibia

Split view of palm trees under a blue sky above the waterline and dolphins swimming below the surface

Beaches, history, island life

Zanzibar

Avenue of tall baobab trees beside a red dirt road under a cloudy sky

Lemurs, baobabs, endemic wildlife

Madagascar

When to go

Best Time to Visit

A general guide. Weather and wildlife movements vary from year to year, so we always check the timing for your dates.

DestinationBest time to go
KenyaJuly to October, and January to February
The Great Migration is usually in the Maasai Mara from July to October. Northern regions such as Laikipia and Samburu are good for much of the year. Long rains around April and May.
TanzaniaJune to October, and January to February
Serengeti river crossings usually July to October, calving in the south of the Serengeti around January to March. Southern and western parks such as Ruaha and Nyerere (formerly Selous) are best June to October; some camps close in the long rains.
RwandaJune to September, and December to February
Gorilla trekking runs all year. Forest trails are easier in the drier months.
UgandaJune to September, and December to February
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking run all year. Trails are muddier in the wet months.
South AfricaMay to October
Dry winter months, with thinner bush and animals gathering at water. Good game viewing all year.
Cape TownNovember to March
Warm, dry summer. June to August is cooler and wetter.
BotswanaJune to October
Okavango floodwaters are usually highest in the dry winter months. November to March is the green season, a good time for the Kalahari.
ZimbabweJune to October
Best for game viewing. Victoria Falls is fullest around March to May, when spray can hide parts of the view.
ZambiaJune to October
Dry season in parks such as South Luangwa, the Lower Zambezi and Kafue. Some bush camps close in the rains.
NamibiaMay to October
Cooler and dry, with wildlife gathering at waterholes in parks such as Etosha. The desert can be visited all year.
ZanzibarJune to October, and December to February
The drier months. Long rains usually around April and May.
MadagascarApril to November
The drier months. January to March is the wettest period, with a risk of cyclones.

Find your fit

Which Safari Suits You?

A quick starting point. Tap a destination to jump to it.

01

Your First Safari

Open plains, plenty of wildlife and comfortable lodges, with straightforward logistics.

02

Honeymoons

Quiet time in the bush, then a few slow days by the sea or in the Winelands.

03

Gorillas and Chimpanzees

Guided treks to see great apes in the forest. Permits are limited, so plan early.

04

Family Safaris

Family rooms, shorter transfers and, in South Africa, malaria-free reserve options.

05

Safari and Beach

Finish your safari with a few days on the coast or an island.

06

Remote Wilderness

Big landscapes, fewer vehicles and, in places, walking safaris.

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Which destination is best for a first safari?

It depends on when you can travel and what you most want to see. Kenya and Tanzania offer wide open plains and, in season, the Great Migration. South Africa is easy to combine with Cape Town and has malaria-free reserve options. We will suggest the best fit on a short call. You can also read our guide, Which safari destinations are best and why.

When is the best time to go on safari?

For most of East and Southern Africa, the dry season (roughly June to October) is the easiest time to see wildlife, as animals gather near water and the bush is thinner. The green season brings fewer visitors and newborn animals. The table above gives a guide for each destination.

Can I combine a safari with a beach holiday?

Yes. Zanzibar pairs naturally with Kenya or Tanzania, and Cape Town works well after a safari in South Africa, Botswana or Zimbabwe. Madagascar is an option for travellers who want something different.

How many days do I need?

A safari in one country works well in about a week. Two countries, or a safari followed by time at the beach, is more comfortable over 10 to 14 nights. We will shape the route around the time you have.

Can you arrange Halal meals and private travel?

Yes. Halal meals can be arranged when requested, and we can add private guides, vehicles, hosts or charter flights, depending on the destination and your budget.

Is it safe to travel to Africa on safari?

We plan every journey with established lodges, experienced guides and arranged transfers, and we stay in touch from your first enquiry until you are home. Read more in our article Is it safe to travel to Africa on safari?

Start planning

Ready to Plan Your Safari?

Tell us where you would like to go, when you can travel and what you hope to see, and we will design a route around you.