Southern vs. East Africa – Where to go on Safari
Written by
Ker & Downey® Africa
Where to go on safari in Africa?
This is undoubtedly one of the most frequently asked questions we hear from travelers. And it’s not surprising. Africa is the planet’s second-largest continent with each of the 54 countries offering up something completely unique in terms of culture and experiences.
While the concept of a safari was born in East Africa (specifically Kenya), an authentic African safari experience can also be had in Southern Africa where discerning travelers will find some of the world’s most elegant luxury lodges and camps.
Truth is, it’s not a black and white answer. Everything depends on what you would like to experience on your African expedition. And fortunately, our expert team has traveled the length and breadth of Africa, curating adventures that showcase the very best of the continent. We’ve put together some key differences to help you better understand the offerings of these two regions and decide where to go on safari in Africa.
Safari countries
Southern Africa is located in the southernmost region of Africa. The predominant countries for an African safari include Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
East Africa is the land of the safari heavyweights like Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. It is located in the eastern region of Africa.
Top Safari Parks or Reserves
| Okavango Delta, Botswana | Chobe National Park, Botswana | Kruger National Park, South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa | Etosha National Park, Namibia | Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe |
| Mana Pools, Zimbabwe | South Luangwa, Zambia | Kafue, Zambia |
East Africa
| Serengeti National Park, Tanzania | Tarangire National Park, Tanzania | Ngorongoro, Tanzania |
|---|---|---|
| Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya | Amboseli National Park, Kenya | Samburu National Reserve, Kenya |
| Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda | Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda |
Tarangire National Park in Tanzania
Climate and when to visit for a safari
Southern Africa
Southern Africa is a land of incredible diverse terrain and landscapes, all due to its location and unique climatic conditions. While most of the region enjoys great weather all year round, it can range from Mediterranean in the southwestern corner of the continent to temperate, subtropical and even desert-like further north.
For a safari in Southern Africa, the best time to visit would be during the dry season from May to October. This is when the vegetation is scarce and the animals are most likely to be gathered around water sources.
A rare wild dog hanging around a waterhole in the Greater Kruger National Park
East Africa
East Africa is a region of breathtaking scenery and extraordinary geographic landmarks shaped by tectonic forces. Mountains, craters, rifts and lakes attract massive concentrations of wild animals. While the climate is atypical of equatorial regions, it is surprisingly cool and dry for its latitude.
While East Africa is regarded as an excellent all year-round safari destination, most travelers tend to visit for a safari during the drier months from January to March and June to October.
The magnificent Ngorongoro Crater in the Serengeti in Tanzania | Photo credit: Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp
Wildlife
Southern Africa
Because of the diversity of landscapes in Southern Africa, the types of safaris are varied and no two national parks or game reserves are the same. Animals tend to be spotted in smaller herds and there is a lot of variety. The region is very popular for Big Five game viewing and you are almost guaranteed daily sightings, especially in the private reserves around the Kruger National park.
Safaris generally take place in safari vehicles which, in Southern Africa, are open-sided 4x4s with tiered seating. Mokoro (dug-out canoe) and boat safaris are commonplace in regions like Botswana, and South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is considered the birthplace of walking safaris.
Safari highlights: Big Five; mokoro and boat safaris; walking safaris.
A close up with a leopard on safari in the Kruger in South Africa
East Africa
East Africa is renowned for the high density of animals you can spot on the wide-open plains. While the region is most famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration, huge herds and concentrations of animals can be seen throughout the year. The jungles of Rwanda and Uganda are home to the endangered and endemic mountain gorillas – a huge drawcard to the region and a truly extraordinary experience.
Safaris in East Africa are in closed 4x4s with three rows of seating and a pop-top roof hatch. Hot air balloon safaris are very popular in this region due to the wide-open spaces and extraordinary beauty.
Safari highlights: Great Wildebeest Migration; gorilla trekking; year-round game viewing; hot air balloon safaris.
A hot air balloon in East Africa is a great way to experience the wide-open plains and large herds of animals from above
Culture
Southern Africa
While not quite as dense as its Eastern counterpart in terms of cultural experiences, Southern Africa has some fascinating tribal customs that you can witness on your safari. The San or Khoisan are the oldest inhabitants of Southern Africa.
On a safari to Southern Africa, you may have the opportunity to learn about their nomadic lifestyle, deep connection to nature, the language of clicking sounds, and their extraordinary rock art.
A group of Maasai warriors doing a traditional jumping dance at Entumano Private
East Africa
East Africa has a wealth of cultural experiences to offer. The most popular of them all is an encounter with the red-clad Maasai who are the renowned warriors and pastoralists of Kenya and Tanzania. As in Southern Africa, many lodges and camps invite travelers on safari to visit neighbouring villages and communities for an authentic local experience.
A group of Maasai warriors doing a traditional jumping dance at Entumano Private
Add-ons
Southern Africa
After a high-paced Big Five safari in Southern Africa, there is nothing better than kicking up your feet and escaping to a white-sand beach to enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Mozambique’s palm-lined beaches, remote islands, and untamed national parks offer the perfect combination for an add-on to a Southern Africa safari.
Days can be spent diving with whale sharks and humpback whales or sailing around the remote archipelagos on a private dhow safari. Mauritius is also a very popular add-on destination for travelers to Southern Africa with direct flights from most major hubs.
Palm trees and white-sand beaches add to the allure of Mozambique’s island charm in Southern Africa
East Africa
A perfect end to an East African safari is a tropical island holiday enjoying the pristine palm-fringed beaches, vibrant spice markets, and cobbled streets of the island of Zanzibar. Located approximately 25 miles off the east coast of Tanzania, it is easily accessible and breathtakingly beautiful.
The Seychelles is another popular add-on and offers a generous dose of idyllic beaches, granite boulder shorelines, dense island rainforests and vibrant coral reefs.
A traditional dhow boat in Zanzibar in East Africa.
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