Africa’s best Safari destinations for 2024
The term "Safari," originating from the Arabic word "Safar" meaning "to journey," evokes the spirit of adventure and images of expansive landscapes filled with wildlife.
This overland journey to observe Africa’s "Big Five" game animals; lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo especially in Southeast Africa, attracts thousands of enthusiasts from around the world.
Each year, SafariBookings, one of the largest online marketplaces for African safari tours, conducts a study to determine the best safari country in Africa. This year’s rankings were based on nearly 3,600 reviews from safari-goers and experts.
Here are Africa’s top ten best safari countries for 2024:
1. Botswana: Home to over 130,000 elephants, Botswana boasts the world’s largest concentration of these majestic creatures. The nation also retained its top position from 2023.
2. Tanzania: Renowned for its top wildlife destinations and landmarks such as Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.
3. Namibia: Famous for its vast desert landscape and sightings of wildebeest, zebra, lion, and cheetah, including the Etosha Pan, the largest salt pan in Africa.
4. Zambia: Known for Victoria Falls, walking and canoe safaris, and sightings of the Big Five (though rhinos are scarce) and African wild dogs.
5. Kenya: A rewarding safari destination with animals like buffalos, giraffes, crocodiles, and big cats.
6. Uganda: Famous for gorilla and chimp trekking, the presence of the Big Five, and thrilling boat safaris. The East African nation, known for hosting more than 1,000 bird species, was voted number one in the birding category.
7. South Africa: Known for self-drive safaris and luxury private reserves with the presence of the Big Five.
8. Zimbabwe: Renowned for being a good Big Five territory and top-rated walking safaris.
9. Rwanda: Notable for gorillas, chimps, other forest primates, birds, and the presence of the Big Five.
10. Malawi: Known for the enormous Lake Malawi, its beaches, water-based activities, and the presence of the Big Five at the Majete Wildlife Reserve.
