Safari in East Africa vs Safari in Southern Africa

Welcome to Africa, the birthplace of the safari and home to over 50 countries. When it comes to wildlife, two regions stand head and shoulders above the rest: East Africa and southern Africa.

Down south, the Big Five dominate legendary protected areas like Kruger National Park, the Okavango Delta, and Etosha National Park. In the east, you can witness natural spectacles like the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti and Maasai Mara or trek through ancient jungles to find critically endangered primates like mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.

It’s no surprise that these are Africa’s wildlife hotspots, and if you want to know which is better, there simply isn’t a definitive answer. But how do they differ? After all, this might be a crucial question for anyone dreaming of going on a genuine African safari. We’ve built thousands of bespoke itineraries for travellers over the years, and this is where it all starts.

From food and culture to types of experiences and biodiversity, there’s much that separates southern and East Africa. Let’s take a closer look and get you ready to choose your next safari destination.

Quick Comparison: East Africa vs Southern Africa

Climate

East Africa generally enjoys a more stable equatorial climate, with warm temperatures year-round. However, the climate is predictable, so there are set peak seasons for travellers. The region experiences two distinct rainy seasons: the long rains from March to May and the short rains in November. However, the best time for a safari, particularly to witness the Great Migration, is during the dry season from June to October.

Southern Africa, on the other hand, has a more varied climate, ranging from semi-arid in Namibia to subtropical in parts of South Africa. The region’s peak safari season, especially in the north, is during the dry winter months, from May to September, when temperatures are cooler, and wildlife congregates around water sources. However, countries like Botswana and Zambia also offer unique experiences during the wet season when landscapes are lush and birdlife is abundant. Likewise, Cape Town is best enjoyed during the hot, dry summer.

Want to Beat the Heat?

Believe it or not, it does snow in Africa, but for the most part, it’s a hot, sunny place. If you’d prefer to go on safari without lathering on copious amounts of sunscreen, consider visiting South Africa in winter (May-September). 

Kruger National Park and the surrounding private game reserves receive little rain during this period, but daytime temperatures typically won’t exceed 25°C. However, keep in mind that temperatures can drop to 0°C or below at night, so you’ll need to pack some warm clothing, too. 

This is also the best time of year to go on safari in southern Africa. The lack of rain causes vegetation to dry out, making it far easier to spot wildlife through the bush. It’s the same story in the Okavango Delta, but here, a subterranean river turns the delta into a lush wetland – even in the middle of the dry season.

Prefer the African Sun?

If you’re chasing the sun instead of cooler climates, you’ll love Africa. East Africa, in particular, 

Wildlife

East Africa is famous for its large concentrations of wildlife, particularly in Kenya and Tanzania. Perhaps most notably, the Great Migration takes place in the Serengeti and Maasai Mara each year, seeing millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores move through the ecosystems in search of fresh grass. East Africa also offers opportunities to see rare species such as mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in Uganda and Rwanda.

Like its climate, southern Africa’s wildlife is incredibly diverse. South Africa’s Kruger National Park is one of the continent’s largest and most well-known reserves, offering the chance to see the Big Five in an area larger than some countries. Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park are exceptional for seeing large herds of elephants and other game, especially during the dry season, when the delta floods. In stark contrast, Namibia is home to unique desert-adapted species in the stark landscapes of Etosha and the Namib Desert.

Best Safari Destinations

If You Want to See the Big Five

There’s no clear winner between East and southern Africa here. Both regions are home to multiple Big Five reserves, so think about some of the other kinds of animals you’d like to see.

If You Want to See Lots of Elephants

Chobe National Park in Botswana is considered one of the best places in Africa to see large herds of elephants. Some sources estimate that there are well over 50,000 elephants in the park – so many, in fact, that this is one of the only places where lions actively hunt these mighty herbivores.

If You Want to See Big Cats

You’re in luck! Most of Africa’s lions live in East and southern Africa. Specifically, Tanzania in East Africa is home to more wild lions than anywhere else on the continent. There are also cheetahs in the Serengeti and leopards throughout the country, making it the best safari destination for big cat lovers.

If You Want to See Primates

There’s no debate here – if you want to see gorillas and chimpanzees in the wild, you have to visit East Africa. There are only three countries in Africa where you can see mountain gorillas, and two of them are East Africa’s Rwanda and Uganda. Here, you can go on guided treks into dense jungle to see gorilla families in their natural habitat.

Chimpanzees live in Uganda, Burundi, and Tanzania, and although you can find them in Zambia, too, East Africa is definitely the continent’s primate hotspot.

If You Want to See Birds

Both southern Africa and East Africa have incredible avian biodiversity, but the wetlands of East Africa’s Albertine Rift showcase bird life on a truly remarkable level. This region spans parts of Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania, including five great African lakes: Lake Albert, Lake Edward, Lake Kivu, and Lake Tanganyika. 

To the east, Lake Victoria extends into Kenya, and to the south, Lake Malawi joins East and southern Africa. These massive bodies of water support iconic bird species like the shoebill, grey crowned crane, flamingo, and the African fish eagle. 

If You Want to See Marine Life

Again, there’s a clear winner here: southern Africa. Mozambique is one of the last places in Africa where you can see the enigmatic dugong – alongside other incredible marine species like whale sharks, dolphins, whales, and sea turtles.

Meanwhile, South Africa is one of the world’s premier whale watching destinations. Each year, countless southern right whales and humpback whales migrate along the southern coast, making their way northward to their breeding grounds. If you’re brave enough, you can also go shark cage diving with great white sharks in the Western Cape, or go scuba diving with tiger sharks and hammerhead sharks in iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

Activities

Going on safari is all about wildlife, but you can combine your game viewing with plenty of other exciting activities. In some cases, you can even enjoy a safari from above.

What are the Pros and Cons of Each Region?

As mentioned, it’s tough to choose a clear winner between southern Africa and East Africa – neither can truly be crowned the “best” safari region in Africa. Having said that, there are distinct pros and cons to each that might affect your decision. 

Safety

Cuisine

Ready to Make Your Decision?

Both East Africa and southern Africa offer exceptional safari experiences, but ultimately, the choice depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re after the dramatic spectacle of the Great Migration and opportunities to see primates, East Africa is the place to be. However, if you prefer a more varied landscape with opportunities for self-drive safaris, beach holidays, desert activities, and city stopovers, southern Africa might be more suitable​. 

Either way, we guarantee that you’ll come to learn exactly why East and southern Africa are the best safari destinations on the continent. When you’re ready to turn your dream safari into a reality, speak to one of our expert Safari Travel Planners and we’ll start building the perfect itinerary for your African adventure.