Our 10 Best African Safari Trips

Why we recommend this sample itinerary

This itinerary is a fantastic introduction to the world of African travel, blending a vibrant city, magnificent wine country, and a classic Big Five safari. It is perfectly paced for first-time visitors or those with limited time, offering a taste of South Africa’s incredible diversity without compromising on a truly incredible adventure. From the cosmopolitan energy of Cape Town to the gourmet delights of Franschhoek and the thrilling wildlife of Sabi Sands, this is the ideal introductory journey.

• Iconic City: Discover the spectacular beauty and vibrant culture of Cape Town, set beneath the majestic Table Mountain.
• Gourmet Escape: Indulge in world-class food and wine pairings in the charming, vine-covered valleys of Franschhoek.
• Premier Safari: Track the Big Five, including the elusive leopard, on exclusive game drives in the world-renowned Sabi Sands.
• First-Timer’s Dream: Experience a perfect and seamless blend of city, country, and bush tailored for a first African adventure.
• Compact Luxury: Enjoy a taste of South Africa’s best in a well-paced trip that maximizes every moment.

Length: 10 Days

Places Visited

• Cape Town
• Franschhoek
• Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve

Experience the perfect introduction to Africa on the 10-Day Classic South Africa Safari for First-Timers.

Learn more: South Africa Safaris • South Africa Safari Guide

Why we recommend this sample itinerary

This tour truly lives up to its name, offering a classic and comfortable private safari through Tanzania’s most outstanding game parks. Your luxury journey takes you from the bustling town of Arusha into three distinct wilderness areas, each with a unique character. From the elephant-rich landscapes of Tarangire and the wildlife-filled Ngorongoro Crater to the endless plains of the Northern Serengeti, you will experience the very best of this iconic East African destination.

• Elephant Paradise: Witness enormous herds of elephants and ancient baobab trees in Tarangire National Park.
• Wildlife Caldera: Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a self-contained Eden teeming with Africa’s most famous animals.
• The Great Migration: Explore the vast savannas of the Northern Serengeti, a prime location for witnessing the Great Migration.
• Exclusive Lodges: Stay in luxurious and beautifully situated lodges that offer comfort and style in the heart of the wilderness.
• Classic Safari Circuit: Experience the quintessential Tanzanian safari by visiting the three most famous parks of the Northern Circuit.

Length: 9 Days

Places Visited

• Arusha
• Tarangire National Park
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Northern Serengeti

Embark on a journey of a lifetime with the Ultimate Tanzania Luxury Safari.

Learn more: Tanzania Safaris • Tanzania Safari Guide

Why we recommend this sample itinerary

This luxury Botswana safari spoils you with three diverse locations that showcase the country's unique and pristine wilderness. The adventure is as varied as the landscapes, with wildlife viewed from river cruises in Chobe, guided walks in the Selinda Reserve, and traditional canoe excursions in the Duba Plains. The journey is elevated by a thrilling helicopter ride over the Okavango Delta, offering a breathtaking perspective of this maze of waterways and wildlife.

• River Safari: Witness the world’s largest concentration of elephants on a spectacular river safari in Chobe.
• Okavango by Mokoro: Glide silently through the pristine channels of the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro dugout canoe.
• Exclusive Concessions: Explore the private and remote Duba Plains and Selinda Reserve, ensuring an uncrowded experience.
• Aerial Views: Enjoy a VIP helicopter ride for a stunning bird's-eye view of the wondrous Okavango Delta.
• Diverse Activities: Enjoy a mix of classic game drives, walking safaris, and unique water-based activities.

Length: 10 Days

Places Visited

• Chobe
• Selinda Reserve
• Duba Plains Private Concession (Okavango Delta)

Discover the waterways and wonder of Botswana on the Luxury Botswana Classic: Waterways and Landscapes.

Learn more: Botswana Safaris • Botswana Safari Guide

Why we recommend this sample itinerary

This itinerary offers an exciting combination of Kenya’s essential safari parks while also revealing the treasures of a lesser-known region. After experiencing Nairobi’s vibrant culture, your adventure takes you to Amboseli for its iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. You will then explore the exclusive and wild beauty of Laikipia before culminating in the world-famous Maasai Mara, offering a comprehensive and diverse exploration of this classic East African country.

• Kilimanjaro Views: Photograph massive elephant herds against the breathtaking backdrop of a snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli.
• Exclusive Laikipia: Discover the wild, remote landscapes and successful conservation stories of the Laikipia Plateau.
• Classic Maasai Mara: Explore the legendary plains of the Maasai Mara, renowned for its abundant predators and the Great Migration.
• Nairobi Culture: Spend time in Nairobi visiting remarkable local museums and getting up close with giraffes at the Giraffe Centre.
• Maasai Encounters: Engage with the Maasai people and learn about their ancient culture and deep connection to the land.

Length: 12 Days

Places Visited

• Nairobi
• Amboseli National Park
• Laikipia
• Masai Mara

Explore Kenya’s famous and secret treasures on the 12-Day Best of Kenya Safari.

Learn more: Kenya Safaris • Kenya Safari Guide

Why we recommend this sample itinerary

Discover the magic of the people, places, and passions that make up South Africa on this comprehensive adventure. The journey begins with the cosmopolitan charm of Cape Town and the gourmet delights of the Winelands before moving into a thrilling six-night safari across two premier, malaria-free private reserves. This itinerary allows you enough time to savor each distinct region, from quality predator encounters in Madikwe to the fine wines of Franschhoek.

• Chic Cape Town: Explore the wild side of the picturesque “Mother City,” from Table Mountain to the Cape Peninsula.
• Wine Country Charm: Savor delicious wines and appreciate the French Huguenot influence in the beautiful town of Franschhoek.
• Malaria-Free Safari: Enjoy epic Big Five game viewing in two premier malaria-free reserves, Madikwe and Kapama.
• Dual-Reserve Experience: Discover the unique character of two different safari locations, from Madikwe’s rugged hills to Kapama’s classic savanna.
• Cultural Diversity: Experience the vibrant mix of cultures that defines South Africa’s “Rainbow Nation.”

Length: 12 Days

Places Visited

• Cape Town
• Franschhoek
• Kapama Private Game Reserve
• Madikwe Game Reserve

Experience the diversity of the Rainbow Nation on this 12-Day South Africa: Rainbow Nation Adventure.

Learn more: South Africa Tours • Cape Town Vacations

Why we recommend this sample itinerary

This itinerary offers the ideal combination of thrilling adventure in the African wild followed by tranquil downtime on a white-sand beach. Luxurious from start to finish, the journey begins with four nights of premier Big Five game viewing in South Africa’s Sabi Sands. You will then fly to a paradise island in Mozambique for six nights of pure relaxation, enjoying the refreshing Indian Ocean and warm African sun.

• Premier Leopard Sightings: Experience some of the world’s best leopard viewing in the exclusive Sabi Sands Game Reserve.
• Island Paradise: Escape to the idyllic, turquoise waters and white sands of Benguerra Island in Mozambique.
• Barefoot Luxury: Indulge in a seamless journey that combines the rustic elegance of a safari lodge with a chic beach resort.
• Marine Adventures: Enjoy opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and sunset dhow cruises in a pristine marine national park.
• Perfect Pacing: Enjoy the classic “bush and beach” rhythm, with exhilarating safari action followed by ultimate relaxation.

Length: 10 Days

Places Visited

• Sabi Sands Game Reserve
• Benguerra Island

Enjoy the perfect pairing of adventure and relaxation on the Bush and Beach: South Africa and Mozambique in 10 Days.

Learn more: African Safari & Beach Vacations • Southern Africa Travel Guide

Why we recommend this sample itinerary

This two-week itinerary gives you an incredible glimpse into the rich cultures and spectacular wildlife of three distinct East African nations. The journey begins on the majestic plains of Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti before shifting focus to Uganda’s unique primate adventures. Here, you will have the chance to track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and experience the life-changing honor of observing mountain gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

• Maasai Mara Marvels: Witness the incredible density of wildlife on the vast plains of Kenya’s flagship game reserve.
• Serengeti Plains: Marvel at the teeming savannas and endless horizons of Tanzania’s iconic Serengeti National Park.
• Gorilla Trekking: Experience the profound, once-in-a-lifetime thrill of tracking mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
• Chimpanzee Tracking: Watch chimpanzees at play in their natural habitat in the lush rainforest of Kibale Forest.
• Kazinga Channel Cruise: Enjoy a water safari down the Kazinga Channel, home to hippos, crocodiles, and elephants.

Length: 13 Days

Places Visited

• Nairobi
• Maasai Mara
• Serengeti National Park
• Entebbe
• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Kibale Forest National Park

Embark on a grand tour with the 13-Day East Africa Safari: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Learn more: East Africa Safaris • East Africa Travel Guide

Why we recommend this sample itinerary

This journey takes you around Tanzania’s famous Northern Circuit, known for its diverse wildlife havens, before culminating in a blissful beach escape on idyllic Zanzibar. From unique and luxurious accommodations to exceptional animal sightings, this itinerary has it all. You will experience game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater and near Lake Manyara’s flamingo-hued shores before staring out at the vast Serengeti plains. There is no better way to wrap up this adventure than by relaxing on one of Zanzibar’s sought-after beaches.

• Wildlife Caldera: Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a unique, self-contained Eden teeming with Africa’s iconic wildlife.
• Flamingo Spectacle: Marvel at the pink hue of thousands of flamingos wading in the shallow waters of Lake Manyara.
• Serengeti Safari: Search for the Big Five and witness the Great Migration on the legendary plains of the Serengeti.
• Historic Stone Town: Explore the ancient, spice-scented alleyways of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Island Relaxation: Unwind completely on the idyllic shores of Paje Beach, letting the turquoise ocean melt your cares away.

Length: 13 Days

Places Visited

• Zanzibar
• Arusha
• Lake Manyara National Park
• Tarangire National Park
• Olduvai Gorge
• Ngorongoro Crater
• Serengeti
• Bwejuu-Paje Beach

Experience the quintessential East African adventure on the Best of Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Beach.

Learn more: Amazing African Safari and Beach Vacations • Zanzibar Vacations

Why we recommend this sample itinerary

This is the ultimate passionate getaway, combining three of Africa’s most magical destinations for an unforgettable romantic journey. Bask in the beauty of the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe before immersing yourselves in the cosmopolitan charm of Cape Town. A thrilling Big Five safari in a luxury private reserve follows, before the journey culminates on the white-sand beaches of the Seychelles, creating an incredible journey of romance and discovery.

• Mighty Falls: Feel the awe-inspiring spray of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
• Chic Cape Town: Enjoy the vibrant culture, fine dining, and stunning scenery of one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
• Luxury Safari: Experience intimate and exclusive Big Five game viewing at the luxurious Lion Sands Game Reserve.
• Island Paradise: Escape to the pristine, granite-boulder-strewn beaches of Mahe in the Seychelles.
• Ultimate Romance: Enjoy a journey perfectly paced for couples, blending natural wonders, thrilling adventure, and serene relaxation.

Length: 14 Days

Places Visited

• Victoria Falls
• Cape Town
• Lion Sands Game Reserve
• Mahe

Create memories to last a lifetime on the Enchanting Couples Escape: South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Seychelles.

Learn more: South Africa Safaris with Seychelles

Why we recommend this sample itinerary

This glorious two-week safari is an opportunity to experience three iconic wildlife destinations bursting with adventure and culture. After classic Big Five game viewing in Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara, the journey culminates in the opportunity of a lifetime: a trek into the lush highlands of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park to see majestic mountain gorillas. A discovery of Kigali’s history and culture provides a poignant and insightful conclusion to this epic adventure.

• Serengeti Safari: Explore the golden savannas of the Serengeti and the glistening, pink-hued waters of Lake Manyara.
• Maasai Mara Plains: Witness the spectacular wildlife of Kenya’s Maasai Mara and gain insight into local culture at a Maasai village.
• Gorilla Encounter: Experience the unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime thrill of trekking to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda.
• Cultural Immersion: Discover Kigali’s poignant history and vibrant culture, and explore the bustling markets of Arusha.
• East Africa’s Icons: Combine three of Africa’s most sought-after experiences—the Serengeti, the Mara, and gorilla trekking—in one grand tour.

Length: 14 Days

• Places Visited
• Arusha
• Lake Manyara National Park
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Serengeti National Park
• Maasai Mara
• Kigali
• Volcanoes National Park

Embark on a grand adventure with the Glorious Two-Week Safari: Tanzania, Kenya, and Rwanda.

Learn more: Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Safaris

There are many options to consider when it comes to creating your ideal adventure, whether it be a single safari destination or a combination of city, beach, and bush. Multi-country highlights can piece together a variety of experiences that culminate in one incredible journey, while a single country can demonstrate the grandeur of the local wildlife, wilderness, and culture.

Speak to a Zicasso safari travel expert today to start the planning process after discovering our top African safaris and vacations. Find more information on how you can experience your preferred safari with our African safari travel guide.