The Top African Safari Parks for 2024: Serengeti Takes the Crown Again

What’s the absolute best safari destination in Africa? Well, according to over 2,300 reviews by safari-goers and experts, you can’t beat Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. For the fifth consecutive year, it’s officially the top-ranked African safari park, scoring 4.85 out of 5 in the latest SafariBookings.com rankings.

South Africa’s Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve follows closely in second place, while Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park rounds out the top three. In total, 10 South African parks and 12 Kenyan parks made the Top 50 list, reflecting the sheer number of world-class protected areas in these countries.

SafariBookings.com took data from 1,239 reviews from safari travellers from 74 different countries, as well as 1,145 park reviews from renowned industry experts, including guidebook authors working with Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Frommer’s, Bradt Travel Guides, and Footprint. Read on to find out which parks made the grade.

Africa’s Top 10 Safari Destinations of 2024

Here are the official rankings for the Top 10 Safari Destinations of 2024:

1. Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) – 4.85/5
2. Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve (South Africa) – 4.71/5
3. South Luangwa National Park (Zambia) – 4.71/5
4. Ruaha National Park (Tanzania) – 4.70/5
5. Okavango Delta (Botswana) – 4.70/5
6. Chobe National Park (Botswana) – 4.63/5
7. Moremi Game Reserve (Botswana) – 4.62/5
8. Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya) – 4.61/5
9. Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania) – 4.59/5
10. Katavi National Park (Tanzania) – 4.50/5

Tanzania dominates the Top 10 with four destinations, while Botswana has three. Each region represents the very best of African safari experiences – and you can see them all with Discover Africa.

Why Serengeti Remains a Favourite

Serengeti National Park’s dominance in the rankings is no surprise. As the home of the Great Migration, where two million wildebeest journey across the plains in an annual spectacle, this park offers an experience like no other. The sheer variety of wildlife, from lions to elephants, combined with its vast savannahs and scenic landscapes, keeps safari-goers coming back year after year. It’s also a Big Five destination and promises epic predator-prey sightings.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Great Migration, use our HerdTracker AI-powered tool to follow the herds throughout the year. This way, you can plan the best time to visit Africa’s favourite safari destination.

Top Contenders: Sabi Sand and South Luangwa

South Africa’s Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve ranks second for its excellent Big Five sightings. We frequently recommend it as a luxury option in the Kruger National Park region thanks to its superb lodges, up-close wildlife sightings, and its proximity to some of the most beautiful natural areas in South Africa.

Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, known for walking safaris and its concentration of giraffes and leopards, took third place. Here, you’re considered seriously unlucky if you don’t see plenty of carnivores. In fact, it’s one of the best places in Africa to see leopards.

The Top 50 Safari Destinations in Africa

To see the full list, take a look at the SafariBookings.com report here.

As mentioned, Kenya has 12 different parks on the list, including iconic destinations like Samburu National Reserve (14) and Tsavo West National Park (19). Meanwhile, South Africa boasts 10 parks on the list, including Kruger National Park (12) and Timbavati Private Nature Reserve (23).

How the Top 50 Was Chosen

The rankings are based on 2,384 reviews submitted by both safari experts and travellers. The reviews span 196 parks across 15 countries, ensuring a diverse representation of Africa’s best wildlife destinations.

“In total 196 parks from 15 countries, consisting of Botswana, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, were included in the study,” says SafariBookings.com. “Only parks recognised for classic wildlife-viewing safaris were considered. Parks mostly known for scenery or gorilla/chimp tracking (and not other wildlife) were not included.”

Parks with fewer than nine reviews each were also excluded from the Top 50. The bulk of reviews came from people who had embarked on their first-ever safari, but 13.1% came from travellers who have been on five or more safaris.

This comprehensive list is the perfect starting point for your next luxury safari adventure. Now, you can pick and choose which destinations to visit – and we’ll do the rest! Speak to one of our Safari Experts today to book a bespoke luxury safari experience in southern and East Africa. In the meantime, you can learn all about what to expect in these destinations and the best times to visit with our comprehensive web guide.