Destinations
Planning to go on a luxury safaris in Africa here are some of the interesting destinations to visit and these include Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa. Each destination mentioned has got the unique tourist attractions and activities to explore in safari parks, game reserves and sanctuaries.
Best Places to Visit on Luxury Safari
Your choice depends on what you’re looking for: a particular from species you want to see in the wild, the type of safari holiday you’re interested in (walking, game drives, camping, and luxury) and who you’re traveling with, especially if you’re planning on doing a safari with kids or require an accessible safari holiday. Among East, Southern and Central Africa below are some of the best places to go on a luxury safari in Africa.
Kenya – “where Safari begins from”
Kenya is one of Africa’s best safari destinations and one of the most well-known, famous for its colorful tribes, the Great wildebeest Migration crossing River Mara, Africa’s “Big Five” and stretches of Savannah lit up in golden sunset colors. When you think of African wildlife safari, you’re thinking of Kenya.
However, Kenya’s landscape has more to offer beyond the acacia trees. There are snow-capped mountains, vast deserts, thick jungle and gorgeous coastlines and beaches – the perfect relaxing end to any safari holiday.
Kenya is a Big Five safari destination, with plenty of opportunities to see lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes and the endangered black rhino. Kenya’s Masai Mara is also the home of the Great Migration, where millions of zebras and wildebeest move in an annual cycle around Tanzania’s Serengeti and the Masai Mara.
Other species to look out for include elephants, buffaloes and giraffes, with the latter being a special point of interest at the Giraffe Manor Lodge one of the best luxury safari lodges in Kenya. Therefore, to have an overnight at this unique and eco-friendly safari lodge you have to book in advance!
Go for a fly-in Kenya’s Masai Mara safari, sleeping out under the wide, starry sky and hear a lion’s roar in the distance. Walking between the multiple fly camps really takes safari to another level and chatting to the local Masai guide is a real insight into local life.
Rwanda – “The Land of Thousand Hills”
Rwanda is a much smaller country in comparison to other big African safari destinations, however it makes up for size with astounding natural beauty: mountain ranges, shimmering lakes and lush tropical rain forest.
Outside the jungle, Lake Kivu offers swimming, kayaking and even scuba diving; whilst capital Kigali is one of Africa’s safest and cleanest cities. Though Rwanda’s horrific past has not been forgotten, the country is looking to the future and has become a leader in conservation and responsible tourism.
Therefore, with such great reputation the country has rebranded as a new luxury destination in the region. The gorilla permits have been increased from $ 750 to $ 1500 USD and new luxury gorilla safari offers have introduced and these include the personalized experience and the behind the scene experience which cost $ 15000 to 30,000 and behind the scene is based on 03 pax trekking 3 times in 3 days but visiting different gorilla families.
Rwanda has so far attracted the some of the international chain of hotels and lodges in the cities and safari parks and you see this from Kigali where the Haven Retreat, Marriott, Radisson Blu among others developed in the capital city of Rwanda. Then in the national parks of Rwanda 5 stars lodges like Singita Kwitonda, Kataza House, One & Only Resorts (Gorilla’s Nest & Nyungwe House), Bisate and Magashi Camp have been developed in Volcanoes, Nyungwe and Akagera Parks.
Rwanda is a primate haven. Trekking through the country’s thick rain forests, you will meet native golden monkeys, colobus monkeys, chimpanzees and some the world’s last remaining troops of mountain gorillas, including powerful silver backs.
A gorilla trek here is so easier compared that even old people can take, as the Volcanoes National Park has typically light and low steps in the forest and the families can be found on time and it only in Rwanda where we offer 01 day gorilla trek excursions to travelers with limited time and low budget. Consider the Nyungwe Forest National Park for bird spotting and chimps trekking and after or before do not miss the luxury beach holiday on the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu. Rwanda is more off the beaten track, so now is the time to go and see this fantastic region. If you are not interested in the stay at lodges here we have got the luxury Kivu Queen UBuranga a sailing solar power luxury boat and offering tourist accommodation.
Uganda – “The Pearl of Africa”
Uganda it is green vegetation, mountains, gorgeous lakes and streams, and the source of the Nile, the world’s longest River. This lush landscape creates a multitude of different habitats for wildlife, making Uganda easily one of the best safari destinations in Africa.
Take a Nile cruise with the crocodiles, visit local tea and coffee plantations, chase waterfalls, go white water rafting, take a game drive to tick off your Big Five and then meet a mountain gorilla in their natural habitat.
You will see Africa’s Big Five here, as well as tree-climbing lions, Nile crocodiles, hippos and endemic birds’ species such as shoe bill, green-breasted pitta and gray crowned crane (Uganda’s national bird) – Uganda is one of the world’s best birding destinations.
However, one of the main draws is the wide range of primates that call Uganda’s jungles home, particularly the endangered mountain gorilla. Trek to see families of gorillas in Bwindi or participate in the Gorilla Habituation Experience.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is such an awesome experience; it’s not only a physical challenge to get to the families of gorillas, but just so special when you reach them. It is so exhilarating! Their likeness to human behavior is just extraordinary.
Tanzania – “A Home to Mount Kilimanjaro & Zanzibar Holidays”
Tanzania’s geography covers the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro, the natural phenomenon of the Ngorongoro Crater and a coastline of surprisingly quiet beaches (or if you prefer, a hop over to semi-autonomous Zanzibar).
Within those environments, you will find millions of mammals on the Great Migration across the Serengeti, the largest herds of elephants in East Africa and an abundance of diverse wildlife living on the microcosmic crater floor. Tanzania is deservedly one of the best safari destinations in the world.
Tanzania is another Big Five safari destination, but you’re really spoiled for choice when it comes to national parks and wildlife. Observe tree-climbing lions, pods of bathing hippos, migratory birds including flocks of pink flamingos, hyenas, cheetahs, giraffes, elephants, jackals, the critically endangered African wild dog (also known as painted wolf), as well as masses of zebra, wildebeest and gazelle on their annual trip around the Serengeti into Kenya’s Masai Mara.
Tanzania is truly extraordinary for its unique topography, bountiful wildlife and warm, welcoming culture. From a safari perspective, the infamous Great Migration in the Serengeti ecosystem draws safari enthusiasts from around the world. Couple this with the Ngorongoro Crater and it’s easy to see why northern Tanzania is as popular as a safari destination. The lesser-known safari parks, in the south and to the west, are what we believe safari purists should focus on Selous – now known as “Nyerere”, Ruaha, Katavi and Mahale Mountains are all must-haves on any safari wish list.
- Botswana
- South Africa
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Namibia
- Democratic Republic of Congo