African safari tours are becoming more popular and, with so many destinations, it can be hard to choose the perfect one. Many want to see the Big 5 species, which include the leopard, both species of the rhino, Cape buffalo, lion, and elephant. While the Big 5 are some of the most popular and often hardest to see, there are plenty of other species to encounter. Kenya and Tanzania are some of the more popular options for travelers, but now more areas are emerging as new destinations, as more national parks are being designated and tourism is welcomed. Safari options aren’t just by truck anymore either. Instead, you can choose private helicopters, sailboats, and nighttime game drives to ensure that you see the animals you want. These tour areas offer you opportunities to see a plethora of animals. The top three African safari tours include the East African Mara, Crater & Serengeti Migration, the Southern African Magic Accommodated, and the Zimbabwe & Botswana Game Tracker. Read on to find out what you need to know about these three Africa safari tours.
Best Africa Safari Tours
- East African Mara, Crater & Serengeti Migration
- Southern African Magic Accommodated
- Zimbabwe & Botswana Game Tracker
East African Mara, Crater & Serengeti Migration
This nine-day tour with Go2Africa will start in Kenya’s Masai Mara and then head south into Tanzania for the Serengeti, Lake Manya and the Ngorongoro Crater. Depending on the timing, this tour is the best for witnessing the wildebeest migration. This tour is great for many traveler types, including couples, families, and groups. Both first timers and seasoned travelers will enjoy this tour and the wildlife, combined with some gourmet adventure, makes it a great combination of both. Some argue that Serengeti National Park is the most magnificent park in Africa. There are prolific amounts of game to see and there is a sheer vastness of the park that makes for great tours. There are approximately 1.5 million wildebeest that come through the park, along with 250,000 zebra that migrate. Prices start at $8,480 a person and include selected park fees, transfers, and accommodations.
Highlights
- Unmatched Viewing of the Big 5
- Has Some of the Best Lodges
- Night and Day Game Drives
Southern African Magic Accommodated
For those who want to explore all that South Africa has to offer, this is the perfect tour. It starts in Johannesburg, and this 14-day tour takes you through 15 other destinations in Africa. Visits include Kruger National Park, one of the most popular parks to visit. Matabo National Park, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, Kharma Rhino Sanctuary are also on the itinerary. At Kruger National Park, spend the whole day game driving and take a look at 147 mammals, 114 reptiles, 507 birds, and 34 amphibians along the way. With the right conditions at Matabo National Park, you can explore on foot and track some of the wild animals in the park. At Victoria Falls, tour members will get to wander around the rainforest and explore the small town and local markets. When driving to Chobe National Park, there are no game fences in the area, so it’s easier to spot big game. The tour is offered by Acacia Adventure Holidays. Prices start at $2,095 per person and include accommodations, guides, meals, and transportation.
Highlights
- A Wide Variety of Destinations
- Perfect for Anyone
- Ability to See Lots of Game
Zimbabwe & Botswana Game Tracker
This tour starts and ends in Johannesburg and the 16 days take you through Johannesburg and nine other destinations in Africa. Explore Kruger National Park, where you may spot elephants, lions and wild dog through the Pafuri region. You will also visit the Limpopo Valley, where you will find that the vegetation changes to forest and there are plenty of birds to see. The tour takes you to the Great Zimbabwe Monuments, where the ruins are some of the oldest and largest stone structures in South Africa. Hwange National Park is the largest park in Zimbabwe and is known for its large elephant population. Explore with a local guide and a full day game drive. This tour, from Sunway Safaris, starts at $2,745 per person and includes accommodations, guides, meals, and transportation.
Highlights
- Small Group Tour
- Many Destinations
- Visits to Monuments
Conclusion
No matter where you choose to go for an African safari, it’s a once in a lifetime experience that is sure to delight. Whether you want a budget safari or want to enjoy luxurious experiences, you will find something that is perfect.