Southern Africa Safaris & Tours

From the lush floodplains of the Okavango to the vast bushveld of the Kruger National Park, Southern Africa promises spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife. Whether you are looking for the Big 5 or prolific birdlife, these are the countries in Southern Africa you can visit on our safaris:

• South Africa
• Botswana
• Namibia
• Zimbabwe
• Zambia
• Mozambique

The peak safari season in Southern Africa runs from April through October, when the region experiences cool, dry weather. During these months, wildlife is more concentrated around scarce water sources, making for excellent game viewing.

Botswana's Okavango Delta offers a unique water-based safari as its channels flood from April to August. This inundation attracts wildlife like elephants, buffalo, and hippos. The dry season from September to October also brings large herds to the Delta. South Africa's Kruger National Park also offers excellent game viewing during these times of the year as vegetation is sparse, increasing visibility.

With strategic planning, a Southern African safari delivers an unforgettable experience year-round, whether you visit in the dry or wet season. The right time for your safari depends on your travel preferences, and we can help you find the best time in your preferred destination.

Southern Africa is home to some of the world's top safari destinations. When planning your luxury safari adventure, be sure to consider these renowned safari spots and more remarkable places to visit in southern Africa:

• Okavango Delta, Botswana: Okavango Delta is a must-visit safari destination thanks to its serene beauty, abundance of wildlife, and exotic mokoro canoe excursions that provide an intimate vantage point in the lush wetlands.
• Kruger National Park, South Africa: As South Africa's largest game reserve, Kruger National Park offers exceptional Big 5 and wildlife sightings across its vast landscape of diverse habitats, making it one of Africa's iconic safari destinations.
• Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe: With its pristine wilderness setting along the Zambezi River and abundant wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and hundreds of species of birds, Mana Pools offers a spectacular and remote safari experience.
• South Luangwa National Park, Zambia: South Luangwa is renowned for its high concentration of wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and birdlife, and its walking safaris allow visitors to intimately encounter the park's diverse ecosystems and wildlife.

When visiting Southern Africa, there are so many incredible things to do to make the most of your safari experience. Here are some of the best safari activities and experiences this region has to offer:

• Explore the bush on game drives in search of the Big 5 and other wildlife
• Walk with experienced guides to get closer to the sights and sounds of the bush
• Embark on an aerial safari by helicopter for a thrilling new safari perspective
• Float gently over the plains and treetops for unique views by hot-air balloon
• Glide silently through the deltas of Botswana on a traditional mokoro canoe

The abundance and diversity of wildlife in Southern Africa is simply astonishing. Each national park and private game reserve promises its own unique adventures and concentrations of iconic animals, including but not limited to these top animals to see:

• Lion
• Leopard
• Elephant
• Rhino
• Buffalo
• Giraffe
• Cheetah
• African wild dog
• Hyena
• Zebra
• Impala
• Kudu

A Southern African safari promises grand adventures and amazing encounters with iconic wildlife. Be sure to come prepared with the proper safari attire, gear, and essentials to make your experience comfortable, safe and memorable. In addition to your personal items, we recommend packing:

• Neutral, light-colored clothing
• Lightweight, waterproof rain jacket
• Long pants for bush walks
• Hiking boots or walking shoes
• Daypack
• Camera with a zoom lens and extra memory cards
• Binoculars
• Insect repellent
• UV protection, including but not limited to sunscreen, hats, lip balm, and sunglasses

Southern Africa is home to the vast Kalahari Desert and Namibia's Namib Desert, offering a completely different desert safari experience.

Covering much of Botswana, as well as parts of Namibia and South Africa, the Kalahari is a fossil desert featuring iconic red sand dunes alongside stretches of lush, green grasslands when rains permit. Stretching nearly 1000 miles along Namibia's Atlantic coast, the Namib is the oldest desert on Earth, with towering red sand dunes, rocky plains, and ethereal fog that rolls in from the ocean.

Each of these iconic desert landscapes offers travelers a chance to experience unique safari adventures away from the crowds at other popular parks and reserves.

Safaris throughout Southern Africa are safe.

Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa all have superb reputations as premier safari destinations. By heeding the instructions of your highly-trained safari guide and rangers, you can safely observe incredible creatures like lions, elephants, and rhinos in their natural habitats. Lodges and camps also take extensive security measures to keep guests safe and secure within park boundaries.

Outside of reserves, petty crimes like pickpocketing and theft can occur in some urban areas, but are uncommon on a Southern African safari within the tourism infrastructure. Practicing basic vigilance in securing valuables and passports and working closely with your guides greatly minimizes any security issues.

Whether you seek classic big game sightings or prefer going off the beaten path for more intimate encounters, we can help tailor the perfect experience just for you. Here are some of our most popular Southern African safari itineraries to spark your imagination:

• For an in-depth luxury safari experience showcasing the iconic highlights of the region, our Best of Southern Africa in 12 Days safari provides an outstanding adventure
• Combining South Africa's premier private game reserve with Botswana's wildlife-rich Okavango Delta, our Exceptional South Africa and Botswana: Sabi Sands to Okavango Delta safari delivers the best of these two remarkable destinations
• From the lush Okavango Delta in Botswana to the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, our African Grandeur: Botswana and Zimbabwe safari encompasses breathtaking natural highlights for an unforgettable adventure
• What else should I know about how to plan a safari in Southern Africa?

Explore more information and inspiration in our Southern Africa travel guide.