The 15 Best African Safaris to Add to Your Bucket List

All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

Few travel experiences rival the magic of an African safari. To embark on one is to surrender to the rhythm of the wild: rising before dawn for a game drive as the bush awakens, and closing the day with a sundowner as the horizon merges into the breathtaking hues of the continent’s sunsets.

Unbeknownst to many travelers, safaris come in various forms: from open-air game drives across sprawling plains, intimate walking safaris with expert trackers, scenic canoe trips along river channels, to ocean safaris unveiling a hidden world beneath the waves. What distinguishes today’s safaris is not solely the wildlife but also the people enriching the experience. A decade ago, only a few lodges emphasized this connection; now, many lodges are community-owned or community-led, allowing travelers to learn from those with generational knowledge while supporting local livelihoods that help preserve these precious landscapes.

From gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda to visiting meerkats and watching elephants wade through Botswana’s vibrant waterways, here are 15 exceptional African safaris to add to your travel itinerary.

1. Wilderness DumaTau, Botswana

Witnessing elephants cross channels filled with glittering reeds while their calves play in the shallows is a sight like no other at Wilderness DumaTau in northern Botswana’s Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, one of Africa’s most critical elephant corridors. This property grants access to the Linyanti River floodplain and Savuti Channel, paired with luxurious accommodations, including eight spacious tented suites featuring river views and private plunge pools. What sets this safari apart is the opportunity to engage with local guides and researchers, integrating conservation into each moment. Beyond game drives tracking the elusive wild dogs, enjoy serene boat rides past hippos, crocodiles, and elephants enjoying waterlilies.

2. King Lewanika Lodge, Zambia

Located in the Liuwa Plain of Zambia’s far west, King Lewanika Lodge offers refined luxury amidst its natural surroundings. With exclusive access as the only permanent camp in the area, guests can witness the second-largest wildebeest migration and observe hyenas as apex predators. Managed by African Parks, this eco-friendly lodge plays a vital role in benefiting local communities while providing an unparalleled wildlife viewing experience.

3. Bwindi Lodge, Uganda

Nestled on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Bwindi Lodge offers cozy thatched-roof suites or bandas overlooking a vibrant valley. Home to some of the world’s last mountain gorillas, guests can embark on treks through dense foliage to connect with these magnificent creatures. The lodge also supports community initiatives, reinforcing that conservation benefits local families through various programs.

4. Limalimo Lodge, Ethiopia

Set atop a sharp escarpment in the Simien Mountains National Park, Limalimo Lodge reveals breathtaking views and a sustainable vision for tourism. Local guides lead visitors on treks across cliffs where wildlife flourishes, including grazing gelada monkeys and the rare Walia ibex, making every visit a fascinating and immersive experience.

5. Miavana by Time + Tide, Madagascar

Reaching Miavana involves an adventurous helicopter trip over baobab forests and turquoise waters of Madagascar. Located on a pristine island, this resort offers a unique blend of luxury and laid-back charm. Explore marine life while snorkeling, dive alongside manta rays, or simply unwind on your private beach as you track the island’s emblematic crowned lemurs!

6. Time + Tide Chinzombo, Zambia

Located along the South Luangwa River in Zambia, Time + Tide Chinzombo is situated in one of Africa’s premier wildlife parks, where walking safaris originated. With luxurious villas offering stunning river views, guests can partake in morning game drives and walking safaris overseen by expert guides.

7. Singita Lebombo, South Africa

Located in Kruger National Park, Singita Lebombo is a modern lodge offering breathtaking views over the N’wanetsi River. Experience the majesty of African wildlife through guided game drives to witness lions, leopards, and elephants while indulging in luxury accommodation that complements the natural beauty.

8. Mpala Jena, Zambia

Set along the Zambezi River in Zambezi National Park, Mpala Jena provides an immersive safari experience with elegant canvas tented lodges alongside stunning riverbanks. From here, explore the surrounding wildlife with boat safaris and game drives all while supporting local conservation and community initiatives.

9. Angama Mara, Kenya

Overlooking the Maasai Mara, Angama Mara combines luxury and location, offering views from its glass-fronted suites and opportunities to experience the Great Migration. With knowledgeable Maasai guides, deepen your connection to the land through cultural interactions and sustainable tourism initiatives.

10. Singita Sasakwa, Tanzania

Set within the Singita Grumeti Reserve, Singita Sasakwa emphasizes exclusivity alongside modern comforts in the heart of the Serengeti. This majestic lodge features fantastic amenities and is perfectly positioned for witnessing the breathtaking annual migration while offering intimate wildlife encounters.

11. Kaya Mawa Island Lodge, Malawi

For those seeking relaxation amidst stunning vistas, Kaya Mawa on Lake Malawi combines comfort and adventure. Engage in water activities such as snorkeling to observe vibrant cichlid fish, stroll along pristine beaches, and indulge in romantic dinners under the stars.

12. Wilderness Bisate, Rwanda

Wilderness Bisate offers luxurious accommodation with a focus on sustainability. Situated near Volcanoes National Park, guests start their day with exhilarating gorilla treks before returning to indulge in the lodge’s amenities, including its own wellness sanctuary, ensuring a transformative experience in the heart of nature.

13. Hoanib Valley Camp, Namibia

Located in Namibia’s remote Kaokoveld, the stunning Hoanib Valley Camp provides a unique safari experience while prioritizing community partnerships. Guests can explore the arid landscape inhabited by unique wildlife such as desert-adapted elephants and giraffes, all while supporting the preservation of local cultures.

14. &Beyond Benguerra Island, Mozambique

&Beyond Benguerra Island offers a luxurious escape in Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago, where guests can dive into vibrant coral reefs, ride horseback into the ocean, or enjoy tranquil beachside afternoons. This sanctuary provides a unique perspective on marine conservation, highlighting the beauty of Mozambique’s coastal ecosystems.

Conclusion

African safaris encompass a variety of experiences, each showcasing the continent’s rich landscapes and wildlife. Beyond unforgettable adventures, they forge vital connections—between travelers, local communities, and nature. Whether you seek the thrill of tracking the Big Five, immersing yourself in a vibrant culture, or basking in the serenity of nature, these 15 safari experiences promise to satisfy your wanderlust and create lifelong memories.