If 2026 is the year you finally go on an African safari, you probably have a lot of questions. You might wonder which country is the easiest to visit, where you can get closest to the animals, and how much the whole trip will cost.
Many people also want to know if they can see the "Big Five"—lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes all in one place.
Africa is a huge continent with many different types of parks. To help you choose, we have broken down the best destinations for first-timers. This guide covers everything from the water safaris of Botswana to the famous plains of Kenya and the modern roads of South Africa.
Kenya: The Classic Home of the Safari
Kenya is where the word "safari" was first used. It is a very popular choice for families and people on a budget. The most famous place here is the Masai Mara. Every year, millions of wildebeest and zebras move from Tanzania into Kenya. This is called the Great Migration, and it is a fantastic thing to see.
If you visit Kenya, you can also see Amboseli National Park. This park is famous because you can see huge elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. If you have more time, you can visit Lake Nakuru or the Tsavo parks. Kenya is great because the guides are very experienced and the travel rules are easy to follow.
For a quick trip, you can even visit Nairobi National Park. It is right next to the city. You can see rhinos and lions while looking at the city buildings. The best time to visit Kenya is from July to October to see the migration, or from January to February when the weather is very clear. Expect to pay between $150 and $1,000 per night depending on how much luxury you want.
Namibia: Desert Views and Driving Yourself
Namibia is the best country for people who want to drive themselves. The roads are good, and the desert scenery is beautiful. The most famous spots are Sossusvlei, which has giant red sand dunes, and Etosha National Park.
In Etosha, you can drive your own rental car on the park roads. The park has many water holes. During the dry season from June to October, you don't even have to drive around looking for animals. You can just park your car near a water hole and wait for the elephants, rhinos, and giraffes to come to you.
Namibia is very affordable compared to other countries. You can rent a 4x4 camper van for about $800 a week. This is much cheaper than staying in luxury lodges. There are many well-kept campsites where you can sleep for about $20 to $50 per night. It is a very safe country for a road trip adventure.
Botswana: Water Safaris and Big Elephants
Many people choose Botswana for their first safari because it feels very private. It is famous for water-based tours where you can sit in a boat instead of a jeep. The main areas to visit are the Chobe River and the Okavango Delta.
Chobe National Park is the easiest choice for beginners. It has the largest number of elephants in the world. You can also see lions, buffaloes, and zebras very easily. The best way to see these animals is to get on a boat and cruise along the river.
After Chobe, you can go to the Okavango Delta. This is a large wetland where you can ride in a "mokoro," which is a traditional dugout canoe.
The main thing to know about Botswana is that it can be expensive. Most of the camps are luxury lodges in remote areas. To get to these camps, you often have to fly in small planes. If you are on a budget, you can join a "mobile safari." This is a group trip where you travel with other people and sleep in tents. The best time to visit is from June to October when the weather is dry and the animals gather near the water.
South Africa: Modern Comfort and the Big Five
South Africa is perfect for people who want a safari but also want to enjoy modern cities and good wine. Kruger National Park is the most famous destination. It has paved roads, which makes it very easy to drive yourself. You can see all the Big Five animals here quite easily.
If you want a more private experience, you can stay in a "private reserve" like Sabi Sands. Here, professional guides take you out in open jeeps. They are allowed to drive off the road to get you very close to the lions and leopards. This is more expensive but gives you a better chance of seeing rare animals in a short time.
South Africa also has malaria-free parks like Madikwe, which is great for families with young children. You can finish your safari and then fly to Cape Town to see the penguins at the beach or visit the mountains. The best time to go is from May to August when it is cool and dry. Prices for government-run camps start around $100 per night.
Tanzania: Endless Plains and Zanzibar
Tanzania is a great choice if you want to see huge numbers of animals and then relax on a beach. The Serengeti is nearly ten times bigger than the Masai Mara in Kenya. It has endless views and millions of animals. It is the best place to see big cats like lions and cheetahs hunting.
Another top spot is the Ngorongoro Crater. This is a giant sunken volcano. Thousands of animals live inside the crater walls, so it is very easy to find them. It is like a natural zoo, but the animals are completely wild. Because it is so popular, it can get crowded with other jeeps, especially in the afternoon.
After your safari, many people take a short flight to the island of Zanzibar. You can swim in the Indian Ocean and visit the historic Stone Town. The best time to see the migration in Tanzania is from January to March (when the babies are born) or in July and August (for the river crossings). Entry fees for the big parks are usually around $70 per day.
Zambia: Walking Safaris and Victoria Falls
Zambia is famous for being the place where "walking safaris" started. Instead of sitting in a jeep, you walk through the bush with an armed ranger. It is a very exciting way to see nature up close. South Luangwa National Park is the best place for this type of trip.
Zambia is also home to Victoria Falls, which locals call "The Smoke that Thunders." You can visit the town of Livingstone to see the falls. If you are brave, you can go white-water rafting on the Zambezi River or jump from the bungee bridge. Between March and May, the water in the falls is at its highest and looks incredible.
For a first-timer, Zambia offers a mix of adventure and comfort. There are small, rustic camps that feel very authentic. You can expect to pay between $250 and $700 per night for lodging. It is a great country for people who want to feel like they are truly in the wild.
Zimbabwe: Excellent Guides and Great Views
Zimbabwe is known for having some of the best-trained safari guides in Africa. The most popular place to start is Victoria Falls town. The Zimbabwe side of the falls has the best views because the walking path takes you past many different viewpoints.
After seeing the falls, you can go to Hwange National Park. It is only a two-hour drive or a short flight away. Hwange has many elephants and buffaloes. You can also see hippos and crocodiles on a boat cruise on the river. In the evenings, you can go on a night drive to see animals that only come out in the dark.
Zimbabwe is a very friendly country for tourists. You can enjoy a fancy afternoon tea at the historic Victoria Falls Hotel or watch the sunset with a drink at a local cafe. If you want to visit Botswana as well, you can get a "KAZA UniVisa" for $50. This lets you move between Zimbabwe and Zambia as many times as you want for 30 days.
Summary of Costs and Planning
When you plan your first safari in 2026, remember that the price usually includes your room, your meals, and your daily game drives.
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Budget: Look at Namibia or South Africa for self-driving and camping.
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Classic: Choose Kenya or Tanzania for the famous migration and big cats.
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Adventure: Go to Zambia or Zimbabwe for walking tours and waterfalls.
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Luxury: Botswana is the best for high-end, private camps.
No matter which country you choose, your first safari will be an experience you never forget. Just remember to pack light, bring a good pair of binoculars, and listen to your guide. Africa is waiting for you!
