Which African safari is right for me? How to choose based on your travel preferences

If you’re looking for the best safari for first-timers, head to Kenya to see wildebeests and zebras thunder across endless plains in national reserves like the Maasai Mara. Or, choose our Tanzania Wildlife Safari tour to search for lions and leopards as they hunt for prey in Serengeti National Park. “The game drives and cultural experiences far exceeded any expectations I could have had,” said traveler Scott after joining our Kenya Wildlife Safari: Mount Kenya, Maasai Mara & Amboseli tour. “Seeing the wildlife up close and observing their behaviors in person with a guide who is passionate about his country was truly a dream come true.”

An African photo safari is all about patience, perspective, and being in the right place at the right time. Luckily, our expert guides and Tour Directors know exactly where to take you to snap the rarest sightings in the most perfect light. When you’re in Serengeti National Park on our Tanzania Wildlife Safari tour, you’ll witness some pretty dramatic moments, from the Great Migration of the wildebeest to heart-pounding sightings of big cats on the prowl. If you’re on our Botswana & Zimbabwe Wildlife Safari tour, we’ll fly you to the famous Okavango Delta, where you’ll float the delta’s tranquil channels in your mokoro, a traditional canoe. Keep your cameras ready for giraffes, lions, leopards, jackals, impalas, red lechwes, and other denizens of the delta.

If you’re someone who prefers to lace up your boots and dive in, and you’re wondering, “Which African safari is right for me?” consider a Safari Tour that takes you beyond being a Jeep passenger. Choose our Botswana & Zimbabwe Wildlife Safari tour for boat rides along the Chobe River in Chobe National Park (look for elephants, crocodiles, and hippos!) and walking adventures that get you closer to the wildlife than you ever thought possible. “River cruises, canoe rides, morning and evening safaris—what more can you ask for?” said traveler Charlotte after joining the tour. If you’d rather stay on land, try tracking endangered gorillas on foot in Volcanoes National Park on our Rwanda: Cultural Kigali, Mountain Gorillas & Wildlife Safaris tour. You’ll learn that “active” isn’t just about getting your blood pumping—it’s about supporting the organizations and people working to protect these endangered creatures and their fragile habitats.

Many of Africa’s most soul-stirring landscapes lie outside the spotlight. If you’re a traveler who craves solitude as much as spectacle, you’ll love hidden-gem safaris like our Namibia Wildlife Safari: Desert Landscapes & National Parks tour. You’ll witness towering crimson and golden dunes rolling under desert skies and explore the surreal landscapes of the Sossusvlei salt pan in the world’s oldest desert. Or, join our Rwanda: Cultural Kigali, Mountain Gorillas & Wildlife Safaris tour and visit Gorilla Guardians, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the local population of mountain gorillas and improving the daily lives of reformed poachers. As you meet the villagers, you’ll be introduced to their lifestyle by way of their customs, dances, and crafts—and have the chance to participate yourself.

There’s never a bad time to visit Africa. Still, due to wildlife patterns shifting with seasons and the sheer expanse of the continent, it’s imperative to take into account both seasonal events and the average weather in your destination when booking your safari tour. South Africa, for example, experiences its dry season (with little rain and cooler temperatures) between May and August, while East Africa experiences two dry seasons yearly. The green season also varies depending on where you are, but you can expect warm days with brief bursts of nurturing rainstorms that feed the lush greenery of the landscapes. Here are some of the most awe-inspiring seasonal events and the best times of year to visit Africa to see them.

• The Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania peaks from July through October. The event is driven by weather and instinct, ushering over a million zebras, wildebeests, and more from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania into Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve.
• Gorilla trekking is best in Rwanda’s drier months between June and September. During this season, the gorillas venture down closer to sea level for easier access to their food. Additionally, you’ll find the trails dried out from the green season and easier to navigate.
• The wildebeest calving season occurs between January and March in the southern Serengeti, which makes it an ideal time to try to spot baby wildebeests as they begin to make their way in the world.
• Whale watching in South Africa is ideal from June to October when the humpback whales migrate along the coast. In fact, the town of Hermanus is famous for its whale viewing—even from the land—so grab your binoculars and do your best to see the gentle giants breeching.

Some of our safari tours involve long drives across the savanna, while others use light aircrafts to leap between regions. Think about whether you prefer slow, scenic drives or quicker flights, keeping in mind that small aircrafts have baggage weight limits to consider and that soft bags are easier to pack in the uniquely shaped aircraft cabins. For more specific questions regarding your tour, consult the FAQs on the tour page.

Our safari tours are made for groups of around six to 22 travelers, and on game drives, you’ll be split into groups of no more than six per vehicle. These small groups mean more intimate game drives, better views, and a chance to ask guides all the questions that come to mind.

Our expert local guides and Tour Directors are the heart of every trip. They’ll spot wildlife you’d never notice on your own and share knowledge and stories behind every sighting. “[Our Tour Director], Adam, always knew exactly where to stop so that we had the best view of the wildlife in front of us,” said traveler Scott after enjoying our Kenya Wildlife Safari: Mount Kenya, Maasai Mara & Amboseli tour. “I could not have asked for a better driver or guide!”

Our Safari & Wildlife Tours don’t just take you wildlife spotting. They connect you with the people and culture of Africa, from the expert tour guides to your Tour Director taking you to tea farms, local markets, and vineyards. Each stop and person deepens your sense of place, because it’s as much the people as it is the natural landscape and wildlife that make Africa so iconic.

We’ll plan every game drive, transfer, lodge, and excursion for you, so all you have to do is soak it in, stay present, and keep a watchful eye out for wildlife. “I just returned from an amazing trip … and I’m honestly still in awe,” said traveler Karen after our Kenya Culture & Wildlife Safari: Samburu to Maasai Mara tour. “From start to finish, every detail was meticulously planned and perfectly packaged. It was so easy to relax and fully immerse myself in the experience, knowing everything was taken care of. I’m so glad I said ‘yes’ when a friend invited me to join. If you’re on the fence about signing up, just do it—you won’t regret it! This was a life-changing adventure that I’ll cherish for years to come. Highly recommend EF Tours to anyone looking for a seamless and unforgettable travel experience!”