Best Safari Holiday Destinations and Where to Stay

 

The Endless Expedition: Safari Destinations That Will Blow Your Mind

Safari holidays are the ultimate way to combine adventure, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. From the dramatic savannas of Africa to the lush rainforests of South America and beyond, there’s a world of incredible destinations waiting for you. Whether you’re chasing the Big Five, tracking tigers, or marveling at jaguars, we’ve got the inside scoop on where to go and where to stay to make your safari dreams come true.

 

Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

The Maasai Mara is nothing short of legendary. Famed for the Great Migration, this is where millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles brave the crocodile-filled Mara River every year. Beyond the migration spectacle, the Maasai Mara is a haven for the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—and is deeply enriched by the culture of the Maasai people. Staying in the Mara is all about matching the area’s vibrancy with the right accommodations.

The Mara Triangle is ideal for spotting predators while avoiding large crowds. Luxurious lodges like Angama Mara, Sanctuary Olonana, and Mara Serena Safari Lodge offer comfort and breathtaking views of the savanna. Meanwhile, the eastern side of the reserve combines cultural immersion with excellent game viewing. Camps like Basecamp Explorer and Kicheche Mara Camp provide a more intimate experience with a touch of authenticity.

The best time to visit the Maasai Mara is between July and October, when the Great Migration is in full swing, offering one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles on Earth.

 

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

The Serengeti, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the embodiment of the phrase "endless plains." It’s a place where wildlife thrives and time seems to stand still. It’s also the stage for the Great Migration, one of the natural world’s most extraordinary events.

For travelers seeking adventure, the Seronera Valley is a central hub where predator activity is at its peak. Lodges like Serengeti Serena Lodge and Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge provide prime locations for experiencing the action. The western corridor of the Serengeti is perfect for those wanting to witness the drama of the Grumeti River crossings, with accommodations such as Singita Grumeti and Mbalageti Serengeti Lodge offering a front-row seat. For an exclusive viewing of the Mara River crossings, the Northern Serengeti is unmatched. Sayari Camp and Serengeti Bushtops provide the luxury needed to unwind after a day filled with thrilling wildlife encounters.

Visit from June to September to catch the migration in motion or from January to February for the calving season when predators are particularly active.

 

Okavango Delta, Botswana

A lush oasis in the heart of Botswana, the Okavango Delta is unlike any other safari destination. Picture yourself floating through serene waterways in a mokoro canoe, surrounded by hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife, all while big cats prowl the nearby savanna.

The Moremi Game Reserve is at the heart of the delta, where Camp Moremi and Xakanaxa Camp promise unparalleled wildlife encounters. For a more secluded and luxurious experience, private concessions like Jao and Vumbura offer exclusivity at stunning lodges such as Jao Camp and Vumbura Plains Camp. Birdwatchers and fishing enthusiasts will love the Panhandle area, where lodges like Shakawe River Lodge and Nxamaseri Island Lodge are a perfect retreat.

May to September is the best time to visit when the dry season concentrates wildlife along the water.

 

Kruger National Park, South Africa

If you’re looking for a safari destination that blends accessibility with breathtaking wildlife experiences, Kruger National Park is the place to be. This iconic park is home to an astonishing variety of animals, with options for both self-drive and guided safaris.

The southern part of Kruger is the most popular area, offering dense wildlife populations and great road networks. Accommodations like Skukuza Rest Camp and Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge provide comfort with easy access to the park. Adjacent to Kruger, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve offers exclusive Big Five sightings in a private setting, with luxurious lodges like Lion Sands Ivory Lodge and Ulusaba Safari Lodge delivering world-class experiences. The northern section of the park, quieter and more remote, offers dramatic landscapes and the chance to spot rare species like the nyala, with lodges such as Pafuri Camp and The Outpost Lodge.

Plan your trip between May and September, when the weather is cooler and animals gather around waterholes, making them easier to spot.

 

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Hidden within the lush rainforests of Uganda, Bwindi is home to one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences: trekking to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

This dense jungle offers various sectors to explore, each with unique lodges. First-time trekkers will appreciate the gentler trails of the Buhoma Sector, where Bwindi Lodge and Mahogany Springs Safari Lodge provide cozy accommodations. For those seeking a challenge, the Nkuringo Sector rewards hikers with stunning views and stays at Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge or Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge. Birdwatchers will find their paradise in the Ruhija Sector, with options like Bakiga Lodge and Agandi Uganda Eco-Lodge. Meanwhile, the Rushaga Sector offers access to multiple gorilla families, with Rushaga Gorilla Camp and Four Gorillas Lodge being top choices.

The best time to visit is during the dry seasons from June to August and December to February.

 

The world’s best safari destinations are waiting for you. From the sprawling savannas of Africa to the enchanting rainforests of South America, there’s an adventure for every kind of traveler. So, pack your binoculars, grab your camera, and get ready to embark on the endless expedition of a lifetime!