5 Top-Rated African Safaris That Blow Your Mind

There are so many impressive creatures that roam freely in Africa, and going on an African safari is the coolest way to see them firsthand. Sure, zoos are great. But finding a black rhino in the wild or seeing the way giraffes interact in their natural habitat is an indescribable experience. Plus, just think of the amazing photos you can take if you see a real-life buffalo, cheetah, or chimpanzee up close!

If you’re planning a trip to Africa, which is no small undertaking, then you want to maximize your time there, which means a safari should be at the top of your to-do list. Although no tour can guarantee animal sightings, these highly rated tours, staffed by locals who are intimately familiar with the landscape, are your best chance of finding great spots to snap photos or simply soak in the moment. It’s truly a bucket list experience, and with one of these amazing options booked, you’ll be all set. Get ready for an adventure in Africa that you’ll never forget.

African Wildlife Safaris: Ultimate South Africa

When you think of African safaris, you’re probably picturing South Africa, home to one of the most iconic wildlife safari destinations: Kruger National Park. On the Ultimate South Africa trip, you will see the “Big 5” animals (lions, leopards, cape buffalo, elephants, and black rhinos, which are the most sought-after animals on the continent) at the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, bordering Kruger National Park. You’ll go out on game drives, then relax in luxurious guest suites.

Later, take a flight to Pretoria, where you can go on a stunning train ride to Cape Town. You’ll also see the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve by horseback or check out the “Marine Big 5,” consisting of the great white shark, southern right whale, bottlenose dolphin, the Cape fur seal, and the African penguin. Incredible is an understatement.

Prices vary and are available upon request. Learn more at AfricanWildlifeSafaris.com.

Natural Habitat Adventures: Secluded Botswana Safari

Get fully immersed in the wildlife in Botswana on this Natural Habitat Adventures’ 12-day trip. Over nearly two weeks, you’ll see elephant herds, hippos and crocodiles, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, lions, leopards, and more wildlife in their natural habitats. It’s the safari of your dreams!

Fly just over the border in Zambia to begin your trip, where you will search for white rhinos in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Cross the border and visit Chobe National Park in Botswana to see its famous elephant herds. You’ll also get to see big game in Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, stay in the organization’s exclusive safari camp inside Okavango Delta to spot wild birds, and fly to Nat Hab’s Gomoti Camp-Okavango South to see a diverse medley of creatures.

Prices start at $17,795. Learn more at NatHab.com.

Ashanti African Tours: Ghana, Togo, and Benin Wildlife Tours

Visit West Africa to go on a safari tour in Ghana, where you can see black-bellied and white-bellied pangolin, forest elephants, bongos, chimpanzees, and other creatures in the local rainforests or the African elephant, leopard, lion, hyenas, and more in the savanna habitat of central Ghana.

Ashanti African Tours offers a special three-country experience in their Ghana, Togo, and Benin Wildlife Tours, where you can see the Upper Guinea rainforests in Ghana and the wildlife park Pendjari in Benin, as well as dancing horses in northern Togo. If you’re looking for an African safari that is a little different, this one is perfect.

Prices vary and are available upon request. Learn more at AshantiAfricanTours.com.

National Geographic Journeys: Kenya & Tanzania Safari

All the animals you might expect to see in an African safari — like zebras, lions, and elephants — and more await you on the National Geographic Journeys tour through Kenya and Tanzania. Lucky explorers might even spot the rare black rhino in the wild! This trip includes a visit to six different national parks, from Kenya’s Masai Mara to the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.

You’ll start in Nairobi, where you’ll see the pink flamingos and other birds at Lake Nakuru. Later, you’ll unpack your bags at the safari lodge inside Lake Nakuru National Park and go on a drive to spot rhinos. When you wake up, you’ll get another tour of this stunning area, where you can look for buffalo, impalas, lions, and other animals out in the wild.

Other highlights in the trip include seeing hippos in Lake Naivasha; wildebeest, zebras, and giraffes on Crescent Island; lions and elephants on the Masai Mara National Reserve; leopards in the Serengeti National Park; and so much more. Overall, this trip will take you through six wildlife refuges, where you will stay in a variety of hotels and campgrounds. It’s truly an immersive experience.

Prices begin at $9,549 for 14 days. Learn more at NationalGeographic.com.

Jenman African Safari: Madagascar Diving & Wildlife Adventure

Visit Madagascar for a different type of safari — one that’ll take you under the sea! Jenman African Safari offers many different Madagascar tours, including this one that shows you both land animals like Indri Indri, the largest lemur species, and sea creatures.

Start in Nosy Sakatia, a little island in Madagascar reachable by a boat ride from Nosy Be Island. Here, you’ll stay in Sakatia Beachfront Villas. (Can you say paradise?) For the next few days, you’ll get to scuba dive in the clear blue waters and see the coral reefs, spinner dolphins, migrating humpback whales, sea turtles, and other species. From there, you’ll fly to Ivato Airport and make your way to Andasibe National Park, where you’ll see the beautiful rainforest. Guests will also visit Lemur Island to see these cuddly creatures up close.

It may not be your typical African safari, but it’ll be a wonderful adventure, nonetheless.

Prices start at $2,210. Learn more at JenmanSafaris.com.