Deciding on the best place to go on safari can be a difficult decision. I remember when we first landed in Africa and we just simply went to what we thought was the closest national park to Johannesburg.
That happened to be Kruger National Park, and self-driving it ended up being one of the greatest decisions we made in Africa. We saw a plethora of wildlife on a self-drive safari and we had no idea what we were doing.
Now, we've been to every major park in Southern Africa and have countless stories of spotting African wildlife in their natural home. So where is the best place to go on a safari in Southern Africa?
The Best Place To Go On Safari in Southern Africa
If we're talking about the best place to go on safari in Southern Africa we have to start off with the beast, Kruger National Park. This park is the Disney World of national parks in Africa. It's the size of Israel and so famous for safari it's only referred to as "The Kruger," not Kruger National Park. It is unparalleled to any other National Park in the world and is known for its mind blowing game density. With well-managed rest camps offering guests everything they could need, and a vast network of well-maintained roads the park is readily accessible. If you're looking for a safari you can plan and drive yourself look no further than Kruger National Park. Located in South Africa there is plenty more to see outside of the National Parks.
The only downside is the sheer draw of tourists The Kruger brings in as things can get a bit crowded at times. However, the surrounding private game reserves are home to some decadent lodges with all the game and none of the crowds.
Read More: {A Guide to Kruger National Park from Hoedspruit}
Our backyard at our lodge
Etosha National Park, NamibiaEtosha National Park without a doubt is the best value safari on this list. The park offers some of the best game viewing in Southern Africa. However, it does come at a price as Etosha is the least attractive of all the National Parks on this list and is dominated by a barren salt pan.
The lack of water in the area is also it's saving grace as animals are concentrated at watering holes making them easier to spot. The quality of roads, lack of huge crowds, and general ease of a Namibian road trip are also big pluses and why adding it to the list of best places to safari in Southern Africa is an easy decision.
National parks in Namibia are regulated by NWR at the time of publishing, entry to the park costs only N$80 ($6). There aren't a plethora of lodges for Etosha so that means the park never gets super crowded. Even with our best animal sighting we only saw three other cars, and that was a lion kill with hyenas, jackals, and vultures circling around waiting to get some dinner. If you saw the same thing in Kruger there would be about 50 cars. It's little wonder why we consider this one of the best places to go on safari in Southern Africa.
Read More: {A Self Drive Guide Through the Northern Namibia}
Lion hiding from the Namibian heat in Etosha National Park
Hwange National Park, ZimbabweZimbabwe at one point was THE destination to go on safari. While that may no longer be the case due to recent political struggles that does not mean the land or wildlife have gone anywhere. Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe's largest park and roughly half the size of Belgium.
After decades and decades of management, Hwange is still one of the best places to go on safari. It's seen its ups and downs, but the game density is still one of the highest in Southern Africa.
The park itself faces a water scarcity issue, but due to the constant work of conservation 60 watering holes throughout the park provide the animals year round water. Hwange is also home to one of Africa's largest elephant populations. They're also known for a healthy lion population, that was once home to Cecil the lion.
Read More: {A Christmas Safari at Musango Safari Camp in Zimbabwe}
Hear the calls of fish eagles every morning and watch massive crocodiles slip away into the depth of the Chobe River. The Chobe is famous for its massive elephant population, that is by some accounts the largest in Africa. The park occupies a large swath of Northern Botswana ending at the Chobe River. We experienced the park in two unique ways, a houseboat that floats along the river and a luxury lodge with stilted villas.
There are a plethora of lodges along the river offering safari goers a chance to take safaris from the river. Visitors are given a chance to see Africa's most elusive predator the wild dog and a host of other predators. There are only so many places left in Africa where the wild still reigns supreme.
Read More: {Things to know before you visit Botswana}
A herd of 200 buffalo on the Chobe River floodplain
Okavango Delta, BotswanaYou'll have a hard time comparing anything to what may be the top destination for a safari in all of Africa. The Okavango Delta stretches across Northwestern Botswana in a mix of land, marsh, water, and sand. Landscapes in the delta change in feet, not hundreds of miles.
The Okavango Delta is likely one of the most inaccessible places in Southern Africa, and arguably the most expensive. Botswana has opted for the high-cost low impact model of tourism and it has created an environment of five-star lodges with very few visitors. Which, creates for once in a lifetime safaris for those lucky enough to afford a safari in the delta.
Read More: {An Okavango Delta Safari Experience}
A rare treat, a herony home to hundreds of birds
South Luangwa National Park, ZambiaSouth Luangwa is famous for bush walks and leopards which are an enticing combo for those looking to get up close and personal with some of Africa's most dangerous game. Tracking African buffalo, lions, or elephants is an exciting experience that connects you to the bush.
The park is home to all manner of landscapes allowing for a large variety of game to call South Luangwa home. There is also a healthy dose of lodges that are accessible on the southern border of the park along the Luangwa River. There is something here for every budget. Due to a routing error on our part, we missed our safari experience in South Luangwa, but we'll be back!
Read More: {How Not to Overland Africa: The Day We Drove the Wrong Way}
Bush Flights In Zimbabwe
Central Kalahari, BotswanaThe red sands of the Kalahari make for a visual spectacle. The monstrous swath of earth that is the Kalahari swallows you whole. Sunsets here take on a whole new perception as the whole sky lights on fire. Rust-colored sand stains the earth and green vegetation dots the horizon.
However, come midday temperatures reach up to 50C and the harsh sun scorches the sand. The red sandstorms that originate in the Kalahari reach up into the earth's atmosphere and can affect global weather patterns.
Despite all of this, many desert-adapted animals flourish in the Kalahari. You can spot lions, ostriches, meerkats, cheetahs, oryx, zebra, and even desert adapted giraffe. It a safari experience that is unlike any other in Africa. We were lucky enough to take in the Kalahari from both Namibia and Botswana.
Read More: {A Field Guide To Self Driving Southern Namibia}
*Disclaimer: These videos were not shot in the actual National Parks. They were shot on private concessions, wilderness areas, and public land. We do not advise flying drones in national parks, as it is illegal.
Plan Your Trip to AfricaWe rely on a few trusted websites that help save us money and time when booking hotels, flights, and car rentals. Check out some of our preferred partners below:
Look the part: Here is our guide to choosing the best safari clothes for your adventure.
Flights to Africa: Compare airlines, dates and prices all in one place with Skyscanner
Car Rental in Africa: We suggest renting a car with Auto Europe we find South Africa has some of the lowest rental car rates in the world.
Travel Insurance: We never travel without travel insurance with World Nomads. We ALWAYS travel with travel insurance. Natasha is a bit of a worry wart and would rather stay safe than sorry. World Nomads offers incredible flexible and great plans!
Water: Much of the water in Africa is questionable at best. We always use our Lifestraw Go Waterbottle to ensure safe drinking water.
Guide Book: Sometimes it's nice just to have a real book in your hands when traveling. We recommend picking up a Lonely Planet to get you through the wireless nights.
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Source: Best Place To Go On Safari In Southern Africa
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