25 Best Safaris for 2025 and Why Booking in Advance is Essential

Are you thinking about choosing an African safari for your next vacation? Here are the best safaris to consider.

1. Best of Africa Safari

The Best of Africa Safari features a 16-day itinerary spanning five countries including Botswana, Kenya, and Tanzania. This safari in Africa ends with an unforgettable gorilla encounter in Rwanda.

You’ll enjoy game viewing in customised safari vehicles, glide on the water on board a mokoro, and walk through the forest in search of primates.

Why book early: This itinerary sees a combination of five countries and requires a good deal of preparation and planning.

2. Luxury Train Journey to Victoria Falls and Okavango Delta safari

This 10-day trip, reminiscent of the golden age of travel, starts on board the luxury Rovos Rail. From Pretoria, South Africa, you travel to one of Africa’s most incredible natural wonders, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

You’ll stay at the charming Victoria Falls Hotel before exploring the serene Okavango Delta and enjoy a relaxing stay at the Ker & Downey Shinde camp.

This safari promises incredible wildlife encounters and unforgettable memories in the heart of Africa.

Why book early: Your timeless journey on board the Rovos luxury train will need to be tailored to its set departures that are booked up a long time in advance.

3. Classic Botswana Family Safari

The Classic Botswana Family Safari is perfect for families of three or more. Over nine days, enjoy private game viewing in Makgadikgadi Pans, water activities in the Okavango Delta, big game viewing in Moremi, and witness the large herds of elephants in Chobe National Park.

Why book early: Family safaris require travel booked in advance to ensure private vehicles, guides, and family accommodation, which is often limited to one or two family options per camp.

4. Vic Falls, Chobe and Delta Luxury Fly in Safari

Spend seven days exploring Zimbabwe and Botswana. This luxury fly-in safari lets you marvel at Victoria Falls, see Chobe’s massive elephant herds, and explore the marvellous waterways of the Okavango Delta.

You’ll have the perfect blend of land-based and water adventures. This Africa safari tour is also a dream for photographers.

End your trip with an unforgettable stay at Botswana’s renowned Chief’s Camp.

Why book early: Chief’s is a top-rated camp that gets booked out and needs advanced preparation.

5. South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi Safari

Experience Zambia’s untamed beauty with a seven-day safari in South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi.

Encounter large herds of elephants, elusive leopards, and a variety of wildlife while enjoying walking and boating safaris away from the crowds.

This safari adventure offers luxurious remote camps, exceptional guides, and breathtaking river cruises.

Why book early: Zambia is best visited during the dry season from June to October, when wildlife viewing is at its peak. Advance booking is essential due to the limited availability during these prime months.

6. Game Drives and Bush Walks in South Luangwa

Known as the Valley of the Leopard, South Luangwa is where Norman Carr pioneered walking safaris and conservation-based tourism in Africa.

This five-day safari offers an immersive experience in one of the world’s most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries, just an hour’s flight from Lusaka.

Stay in the exquisite Time + Tide Nsolo and Kakuli camps, enjoying day and night game drives, bush walks between camps, and cultural visits to local communities for a truly unique and enriching adventure.

Why book early: You’ll be staying at one of the most historical camps in Zambia, Time + Tide Nsolo. This barefoot luxury experience often requires booking a year in advance.

7. Sabi Sands and Timbavati Safari

This luxurious five-day South African safari package includes two nights in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve followed by two nights in the Sabi Sands Reserve.

The intimate lodges offer spacious luxury with exceptional game-viewing experiences and the potential to spot the rare white lion!

Why book early: This itinerary combines two very popular destinations, which often means booking in advance as space is limited, especially during peak season.

8. Luxury Safari in South Africa

This luxury safari takes you to Madikwe Game Reserve and Marakele National Park. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes and iconic wildlife with seamless fly-in transfers between lodges.

With top-notch guides and gourmet dining, it’s perfect for both romantic getaways and family holidays.

Why book early: These lodges offer free transfer flights included in your safari tour, with a limited validity period in 2025.

9. Vic Falls and Zimbabwe Safari

Discover Zimbabwe beyond Victoria Falls on this 10-day safari. Begin with a stay near the iconic Falls, then fly to Hwange National Park for incredible wildlife experiences, and end at Lake Kariba in Matusadona National Park.

Enjoy a variety of activities, excellent food, and top-notch service, with options for fishing.

Why book early: Zimbabwe is a popular destination, so book in advance to ensure you’re able to secure your spot.

10. Kenya and Tanzania Highlights Luxury Safari

Experience the ultimate luxury safari through Kenya and Tanzania on this 17-day journey.

Visit Nairobi, Amboseli, Masai Mara, Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti.

Experience a more immersive safari with leisurely three-night stays that let you truly savour each location. Enjoy reading on your private terrace, stargazing, and poolside naps with elephants on the horizon.

This journey is a treat for all the senses.

Why book early: Longer luxury trips like this require detailed planning and early booking to ensure a seamless experience. By reserving early, you can enjoy bucket list destinations and their superb camps without rushing.

11. Giraffe Manor and Luxury Mara Wildlife Discovery

This eight-day ultra-luxury safari pairs a stay at the renowned Giraffe Manor with six nights at two exclusive Relais & Chateaux camps: Mara Plains Camp in the private northern Masai Mara conservancy and Mara Nyika Camp in Naboisho Conservancy.

Have breakfast with giraffes and enjoy exceptional game viewing year-round.

With no fixed schedule or set mealtimes, your safari will be tailored to your preferences, ensuring a truly personal and intimate safari experience.

Why book early: With its resident giraffes, Giraffe Manor is one of the most sought-after stays in the world. It requires booking at least one year in advance due to its high demand and exclusive nature.

12. Unplugged Safari in the Mara

Disconnect from technology during this seven-day safari in the Mara North Conservancy, Kenya.

Enjoy exclusive use of a safari vehicle for game drives. This is about more than just spotting big animals – it’s about falling under the spell of the enchanting environment and connecting deeply with the wild.

Why book early: Book early for these remote camps, as they fill up quickly. In popular regions, choosing these special, secluded camps ensures a tranquil safari experience with stunning wildlife and no other vehicles in sight.

13. Oltyiani Trail – Camping with the Maasai

This seven-day safari offers guests the opportunity to form a deep connection with nature and the Maasai culture.

Explore the lush “Forest of the Lost Child” guided by local Loita Maasai who share their traditions and the sacred forest’s lore.

Then, enjoy exceptional game viewing from a private vehicle at an authentic tented camp on the edge of the Masai Mara.

Why book early: With unique features like guided tours by the Loita Maasai, early reservations ensure you can fully immerse yourself in this exceptional adventure and secure all necessary details.

14. Kilimanjaro Climb with the Machame Route

Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak at 5,895 metres (19,340 feet), offers a trek through five climatic zones, from tropical rainforest to arctic glaciers in Tanzania.

This seven-day safari across the Machame Route with a local operator is available as a private option for two people or as part of a set-date group.

Why book early: Booking is done in advance with eco-sensitive partners, so it’s an exclusive offering. Supporting these responsible operators means you contribute towards local communities and environmental preservation.

15. Calving Season Safari with HerdTracker

This nine-day safari happens during calving season and combines the beauty of Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and the Ngorongoro Crater with the chance to witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti.

Ideal from January to March, with the babies typically being born during February.

Why book early: Calving season takes place at the start of the year, and you need to secure small, luxury properties that offer high-end, immersive experiences. Early planning helps guarantee availability at these exclusive retreats.

16. Ruaha Expedition

This is a six-day safari to Ruaha National Park in Tanzania is renowned for its stunning scenery, walking safaris, and opportunity to engage with the Douglas Bell Eco Research Station’s conservation efforts in the Usangu Wetland.

Interact with researchers, track lions, and contribute to global studies, all while enjoying game drives, boat trips, and walks.

Finish your adventure with two nights of luxury at Jabali Ridge, perched above the Mwagusi River and Ikuka escarpment.

Why book early: Booking in advance allows you to secure your place in exclusive, less-visited areas, with unique opportunities to engage with local conservation efforts. This safari is a purposeful experience beyond traditional game viewing.

17. Tanzania Small Group Set Departure Safari

This nine-day scheduled safari tour is perfect for small groups, with set departures for a comprehensive safari experience.

Travel from Arusha to Lake Manyara, explore the Ngorongoro Crater, and enjoy an extended stay in the Serengeti to witness the Great Migration.

Departures are available in March and December, when the migration is in the South, and in July and August, when the herd moves to the North, showcasing dramatic river crossings.

Why book early: Whether you’re travelling solo or prefer joining a set tour, booking well in advance is crucial due to the limited departures.

18. Trek with Gorillas, Meet the Chimpanzees and Cruise on Lake Kivu

This exclusive nine-day Rwanda safari blends adventure, luxury, and wildlife encounters.

Start with a night in Kigali, then explore the majestic Virunga Mountains with two nights at Virunga Lodge, featuring an unforgettable gorilla trek.

Continue with a serene two-night cruise on Lake Kivu aboard the Mantis Kivu Queen, and finish with two nights at Mantis Kivu Marina Bay for chimpanzee viewing in Nyungwe Forest.

Optionally, extend your trip with a safari in Akagera National Park.

Why book early: Rwanda is earning a reputation beyond its spectacular gorilla trekking. Book in advance to fully immerse yourself in Rwanda’s rich experiences rather than just passing through.

19. Fly In Namibia Journey from Sossusvlei to Etosha

Explore Namibia’s stunning dunes in Sossusvlei, encounter desert-adapted elephants in Damaraland, and enjoy game viewing near Etosha National Park with this fly-in seven-day safari.

This journey blends untamed wilderness, breathtaking landscapes, ancient rock art, and exciting wildlife encounters.

Why book early: Namibia’s high season can see bookings made up to a year in advance, so booking early increases your chances of securing your preferred dates and accommodations.

20. Serengeti Safari and Chimpanzees Encounter

A seven-day safari adventure starting with Rubondo Island in Tanzania’s Lake Victoria. Explore this pristine sub-tropical ecosystem, and encounter wild elephants and chimpanzees.

Combine this exclusive experience with a Serengeti safari and optionally extend your trip to Ngorongoro Crater or Rwanda for gorilla trekking.

Why book early: This remote location has limited availability, so booking early will ensure you are among the fortunate few to experience this distinctive safari encounter.

21. Southern Tanzania Wildlife and Chimpanzees

This 11-day safari explores vast, remote landscapes, far removed from the crowds.

Enjoy the stunning scenery and diverse wildlife of southern Tanzania, including the chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains National Park.

Rich local culture, delicious food, and breathtaking night skies all add to the experience in areas with limited Wi-Fi for a complete disconnection from daily life.

Why book early: These small, family-owned camps are often highly sought-after and tend to book up well in advance.

22. Luxury Okavango Delta and Mozambique Honeymoon

This 10-day romantic safari in Botswana’s Okavango Delta sees you encountering wildlife like red lechwe and sitatunga antelope.

You’ll indulge in a luxurious five-night stay off the coast of Mozambique along Benguerra Island, with its indigenous forests, pristine coral reefs, and idyllic beaches.

Why book early: A honeymoon safari and beach combo is a highly sought-after trip that often requires early booking.

23. Safari & Women Empowerment

This 10-day Impact Safari by African Bush Camps is a private group tour for six people, either family or friends travelling together.

It takes you through Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe and offers excellent game viewing and vibrant activities in support of women empowerment projects.

Booking this safari contributes $5,000 to the ABC Foundation to fund the training and licensing of one female guide.

Why book early: Special interest and impact safaris require customised arrangement and are best booked in advance.

24. Samburu, Rhinos and Mara Safari

This eight-day safari will take you to remote locations in Kenya away from mass tourism crowds.

Explore the Samburu region with its large elephant herds, visit a rhino sanctuary, and end with wildlife-rich game viewing in the Masai Mara.

The Mara Serengeti ecosystem has the highest density of predators and plains game of any wilderness in the world!

Why book early: Specialised, in-depth travel within a single country requires time to customise, so booking early ensures you get the best experience.

25. Exclusive Safari and Once-in-a-Lifetime Antarctic Experience

This once-in-a-lifetime trip combines premier safari experiences at Tswalu in the Kalahari, a luxury city stay at Cape Town’s award-winning Silo Hotel, and an extraordinary Antarctic adventure.

Enjoy exclusive game viewing in South Africa’s largest private reserve, marvel at the Silo’s stunning design and panoramic views, and experience the awe of reaching the South Pole and encountering emperor penguins.

Why book early: With limited departures, booking in advance is essential for securing this once-in-a-lifetime experience accessible to very few.

Africa is home to some of the most incredible ecosystems and wildlife in the world. Going on an African safari affords you the opportunity to have an incredible adventure and learn about environments, animals, and cultures while enjoying luxurious amenities.