Safari Holidays

An African safari holiday is something that transforms the way you think about the world. Once you've experienced it, you feel like you have a special bond with Africa’s untamed, wide-open spaces. You also have your work cut out for you when it comes to picking a destination, as there are so many excellent safari options scattered across the continent. 

East Africa destinations like Kenya and Tanzania invite you for an iconic safari. It's the postcard depiction of Africa, with its signature glowing red sunsets and flat-topped acacia trees. It's also wildly famous for being host to the Great Migration. Southern Africa promises luxury Big 5 safaris in reserves in South Africa and Zimbabwe, and they're very easy to combine with other popular African countries. 

At Rhino Africa, we don't copy and paste itineraries. We tailor-make each one according to your specific wish list, who you're travelling with, and the occasion. Whether you're a seasoned safari-goer or have never experienced the majestic presence of a lion swaggering past your game vehicle, we can make your dream safari a reality. And as the World's Best Safari Company, we've mastered the art of the tailored safari. Let's start planning!

Why go on an African safari?

• Africa is home to many unique animals that you won't find anywhere else on earth. Think lions, giraffes and more!

• The sunsets are unbelievable, and each one will leave you breathless 

• The landscapes are so varied that you get to see something new at every turn

• There are private concessions and private game reserves you can stay at for a more up-close and exclusive safari experience

• Africa might be wild, but you don't have to rough it as Africa has some of the most luxurious lodges to choose from

• The lodges have highly skilled guides and rangers with plenty of interesting stories to share, making your safari that much more special 

What are the best destinations in Africa for safari holidays?

When it comes to choosing the best destination in Africa for your safari, it can be overwhelming. They all have so much to offer, so how can you possibly choose? Well, don't you worry about that! Here's what you can look forward to at some of the top African safari holiday destinations. 

Tanzania Safari Holidays  

Tanzania safari holidays offer adventurous activities like hot air balloon safaris over the vast savannah. Located in East Africa, Tanzania is probably best known for its Great Migration safaris. This is an annual animal migration when over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle traverse the plains in the ultimate survival game, encountering many obstacles and hungry predators along the way.

The country has some of the most impressive national parks on the continent. However, there's much more to it! It's home to the tallest mountain in Africa, some of the biggest lakes globally, and other truly unique sights like the Ngorongoro Crater. What was once a volcano is now the only intact volcanic caldera in the world. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's also teeming with wildlife, offering fantastic sightings. 

It has many island treasures along the coast for you to combine bush and beach. These Afro-Arab islands like Zanzibar Archipelago and Pemba Island are cultural hubs with azure waves lapping pristine white beaches.

Kenya Safari Holidays  

Kenya safari holidays are similar to Tanzania but also very different! Yes, they are both located in East Africa. But we also recommend you see both as they're home to their own unique attractions. Kenya is also the setting for part of the Great Migration and has plenty of exciting game reserves.

The culture in Kenya is also fascinating, with the local Maasai known for their unique culture and vibrant tribal clothing. From Mount Kenya's snow-capped peaks to the coastal beaches and flamingo-crowded Lake Nakuru, the landscapes vary.

This country is a photographer's paradise, with many species you can only find in Africa. If you're a birder, you'll also keep yourself busy trying to spot as many of the 1150 species as possible! Of course, Kenya's landscapes are also best seen from the sky, and you can go on a sunrise hot air balloon safari to see the African wild bathed in golden sunlight. 

It's also easy to combine Kenya safari holidays with a beach holiday, thanks to the nearby islands of Zanzibar Archipelago, Lamu and Seychelles. 

South Africa Safari Holidays  

When it comes to South Africa safari holidays, the Kruger National Park is probably the most widely known. And, yes, it's well-known for a reason! Packing a punch with a high density and wide variety of wildlife, it's one of our go-to safari destinations. 

It also has many private concessions like Sabi Sand, offering a more luxurious and exclusive experience. When staying at these private game reserves, you get to go off-road for uninterrupted, up-close sightings, can go on night safaris, walking safaris, and much more. It's really the best place for a luxury Big 5 safari!

However, South Africa has many other safari destinations that should not be overlooked. If you're looking for a malaria-free, family-friendly safari, look no further than the Eastern Cape province, where you have many to choose from. South Africa is also one of the easiest destinations to combine with other incredible African experiences, from exploring mountains, city, beaches and culture in Cape Town to wine tasting in the Cape Winelands. 

Zimbabwe Safari Holidays  

Zimbabwe is probably best known for Victoria Falls, the largest sheet of falling water in the world. However, as a Big 5 safari destination, it also has so much else to offer! Home to a high density of elephants, big cats, and endangered animals like the African wild dog, there's so much to see! And because Zimbabwe safari holidays combine water- and land-based adventure, there's also plenty to do. From boat and canoe safaris to photo safaris, walking safaris, game drives, white-water rafting, bungee jumping, helicopter flights, and many more! 

It's home to not one, not two, but a whopping five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely Mana Pools National Park, Victoria Falls, Khami Ruins, Great Zimbabwe, and Matobo National Park.  

Mana Pools is another popular safari choice, particularly for wildlife photography enthusiasts. Here, four massive oxbow pools come together, luring plenty of wildlife. The setting is spectacular, with prismatic lighting and gravity-defying elephants getting on their hind legs to reach foliage high up in the trees during the dry seasons.  

Another must is Hwange National Park, one of Africa's biggest conservation areas filled to the brim with wildlife. The warm hospitality and diverse culture also make it a favourite among our guests.

When is the best time to go on an African safari holiday?

The best time for safari holidays really depends on what you'd like to see and do. A safari is really a good idea at any time of year! But don't worry, our Travel Experts have travelled all over the world at different times of the year so they can recommend the best places and best time for safari holidays. Here's a rough calendar to give you an idea of what to expect.

January - Cape Town, South Africa

January is the perfect time to visit because it's summer in Cape Town! It's the oldest city in South Africa and continually voted the best city in the world. There are also malaria-free safari destinations nearby. 

February - Rwanda, East Africa 

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda in East Africa is something everyone should experience at least once in their life. February is great as it's the dry season, making trekking through the thick rainforests much easier. 

March - Zimbabwe 

Zimbabwe is great year-round, but in March, it's the high water season, so the Victoria Falls and Zambezi River are in full flow. 

April - Sossusvlei, Namibia 

The oldest desert in the world, Sossusvlei in Namibia, is great in April because it's the dry season which is also the cooler season. 

May - Nosy Be, Madagascar 

If you want to explore this island that's like a continent on its own and home to the adorable lemur, May is ideal to visit Nosy Be in Madagascar as it's the dry season with fewer rainstorms, so you can spend more time exploring the outdoors. 

June - Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger National Park in South Africa is also great year-round. However, June to September is prime time for game viewing. This is because it's the dry winter season, so the bush is sparse, making it easier to see them. 

July - Okavango Delta, Botswana 

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is best when it's flooded, which also happens to be when the weather is milder. So, plan your trip around July to September for the best experience. 

August - Serengeti National Park, Tanzania 

June to October is the dry season in Tanzania and the perfect time to visit the Serengeti National Park. There's lower rainfall at this time of year, and vegetation is also more sparse, making safari sightings easier. This is also when the Great Migration is in town.

September - Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya 

The Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is at its best between July and October, as this is when the Great Migration passes through the area. To be more specific, this is when they have to go through the Mara River, filled with crocodiles making for dramatic sightings! 

October - Chobe National Park, Botswana 

The peak time to visit Chobe National Park in Botswana is in the dry season, between September to October. The Chobe River is also full during this time, luring animals like this area's famed elephants, the biggest population in the world. 

November - Seychelles, Indian Ocean Islands   

Seychelles is the perfect add-on beach adventure to your African safari holiday. Although it's great year-round, it's best to go between October to November for calmer weather. 

December - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda  

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is known for being home to the endangered mountain gorilla and other primates like chimpanzees and monkeys. The best time for gorilla trekking in this park is from December to February, as it's the drier season, making the terrain less slippery. 

How much does an African safari holiday cost?

How much an African safari holiday costs depends on many factors, including but not limited to which destinations, accommodation options, transport, activities and inclusions you opt for. There are also add-ons like a private guide and charter flights to make your African safari holiday that much more luxurious. As a rough estimate, prices generally range between $250 and $2500 per person per night.

Let's book your dream safari holidays in Africa

Your African safari holiday awaits! It's time to stop dreaming and start doing. Our Travel Experts would love to get to know you, what makes you tick, what's on your bucket list, and who you'll be travelling with. 

As the World's Best Safari Company, we're fluent in all things Africa. We have also welcomed over 180,000 ecstatic guests to our beautiful continent. Now we'd love to tailor-make your African safari holiday! Contact our Travel Experts today so that they can start planning!