Ker & Downey Africa > Journal > Where to go on your first safari: A definitive guide
Choosing where to go on your first safari can be tricky; with so many wonderful countries to choose from, there are an overwhelming number of options. However, for first-time safari goers, some countries stand out, offering an easy introduction to safari experiences in Africa combined with fabulous wildlife viewing opportunities. Whether you want to see the Big 5, interact with rare animal species, experience superb bird watching, immerse yourself in the local culture, or enjoy thrilling adventures, our definitive first safari guide is designed to help you decide where to go on your first safari experience.
As a leading luxury travel company, we excel at creating personalized African safari adventures. Our in-depth knowledge of the continent and our market intelligence helps us ensure first-time safari goers experience a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.
From our headquarters in Cape Town, South Africa, we ensure that first-time safari travelers not only enjoy a thrilling first safari, but that they also leave a positive legacy by partnering with sustainable lodges and safari operators. Read our guide below and decide where to go on your first safari holiday. Your first trip to Africa starts here.
The best African country to visit for a first safari depends on your desired experience, however, a number of countries stand out for their diverse wildlife, well-developed safari infrastructure, and safety. Top countries for a first safari include Botswana, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
“Choosing your first safari destination can be daunting, but with so many incredible options, it’s about finding the right fit for your adventure. Whether you’re looking to see the Big Five, explore diverse wildlife, or immerse yourself in local culture, Africa has something for everyone. At Ker & Downey Africa, we specialize in crafting personalized safari experiences, ensuring your first trip is unforgettable and leaves a positive impact on the communities and ecosystems you visit.”
– Sarah Morris, Head of Private Clients, Ker & Downey® Africa.
| Country | Best For | Highlights |
| South Africa | Families, first-timers | Big Five, malaria-free safaris |
| Kenya | Classic safari experience | Great Migration, Maasai culture |
| Tanzania | Great Migration | Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater |
| Botswana | Luxury & exclusivity | Okavango Delta, Chobe |
| Namibia | Unique landscapes | Desert-adapted wildlife |
Botswana has lasting appeal as a luxury safari destination, especially for those on a first safari experience. The country’s high-quality camps and lodges, spectacular parks and private reserves, abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, and good infrastructure all contribute to an excellent safari experience. The extraordinary landscapes of the Okavango Delta and the salt pans of the Makgadikgadi are unmatched, ensuring a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Top national parks in Botswana include the Okavango Delta, the Chobe National Park, the Moremi Game Reserve, and the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.
The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest inland delta. It offers unique water-based safari experiences, including traditional Mokoros (dugout canoes), along with a superb selection of wildlife, and is home to more than 400 bird species.
Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve is another superb destination for a first time safari, especially for those wishing to see the Big 5. The reserve’s mix of waterways, forests, and grasslands also makes it one of the most diverse game reserves in Africa.
The Chobe National Park is arguably Botswana’s most famous park, boasting one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa. The Chobe River cuts through the park, offering wonderful opportunities for river cruises and luxury boat safaris, enabling safari-goers to watch wildlife along the river banks.
Finally the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park offers surreal, otherworldly landscapes that are simply breathtaking. A highlight of the park is the chance to see meerkats, along with a vast selection of majestic animals including wildebeest and zebras.
Some of the top luxury lodges in Botswana include:
Atzaro Okavango – an exclusive, luxury safari lodge in the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, offering a sophisticated, sustainable safari experience coupled with impeccable service.
Sable Alley – a refined lodge set in the heart of the game-rich flooplains of the Khwai Private Reserve. With sustainability at its heart, proceeds from staying at Sable Alley are used to support Khwai Village community projects ensuring visitors leave a positive lasting legacy in Africa.
Duke’s East – a luxury hideaway in the Okavango Delta, offering an intimate experience amidst the unfiltered African wilderness. Duke’s East can be booked as an exclusive-use camp for family and friends seeking elevated levels of privacy.
To book any of these luxury lodges in Botswana, contact us today.
South Africa is an ideal destination for first time safari goers as well as families. A key attraction of South Africa lies in the country’s diversity, with many opting to combine a luxury safari experience in one of South Africa’s world-class parks with a few nights exploring Cape Town and the Winelands. The vibrant city of Cape Town offers a superb selection of up-scale experiences with thrilling wildlife encounters like shark cage diving. For oenophiles, the Cape Winelands of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl boast some of the finest wine estates in the world.
Top national parks in South Africa including Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Game Reserve.
Kruger National Park is without a doubt a jewel in South Africa’s crown, the largest and most famous wildlife reserve, famed for its Big Five sightings. The park spans nearly 20,000 square kilometres and boasts diverse eco-systems and a variety of safari experiences, making it a bucket list destination for many travelers, including those on a first time safari.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve is adjacent to Kruger National Park and is one of South Africa’s premier private game reserves, famed for its luxury lodges and exclusive safari experiences. Sabi Sands is an ideal choice for first time safari goers seeking a more intimate safari experience amidst one of the most breathtaking destinations on earth.
Some of the top luxury lodges in South Africa include:
Kwandwe – Set in the private Kwandwe Game Reserve, this luxury lodge is ideal for those wishing to enjoy a malaria-free experience.
Kamara House – This luxury accommodation is set in the picturesque Thornybush Nature Reserve and is ideal for families seeking an immersive safari experience in Africa.
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge – Located on the slopes of the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, this award-winning lodge offers the epitome of elegance and is considered one of the most environmentally sensitive lodges in Africa.
Contact us to learn more about booking a stay in any of the above luxury lodges in South Africa.
Kenya’s fascinating Masai Mara culture and abundant wildlife makes it an ideal destination for a first safari experience. A key attraction of Kenya is the Great Wildebeest Migration, which takes place from July to October as millions of wildebeest make their way through the vast Masai Mara, including the epic Mara River crossing, one of the world’s most dramatic and action-packed wildlife events. There’s plenty of excellent accommodation to choose from, including luxury lodges and tented camps offering a selection of traditional safari experiences, including game drives and bush walks.
Top national parks in Kenya include the Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, and Lake Nakuru National Park.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is famous for the Great Migration and Big Five sightings, offering world-class wildlife experiences and iconic savannah landscapes. The park is home to large lion prides, cheetahs, and countless other species.
Amboseli National Park is renowned for its breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and its large elephant herds, while Lake Nakuru is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to vibrant pink hued flamingos, rare white rhinos, and Rothschild giraffes.
Some of the top luxury lodges in Kenya include:
Mara Toto Tree Camp – Set in the iconic Masai Mara National Reserve along the banks of the meandering Ntiakitiak River, Mara Toto Tree Camp is the last word in luxury safari accommodation.
Sasaab Samburu – A spectacular luxury tented camp situated just outside Samburu National Reserve, Kenya. Enjoy private plunge pools and breathtaking views across the Laikipia Plateau.
Loirien Mara – This luxury safari accommodation offers an unparalleled experience, with each villa boasting sweeping views of the Mara Triangle.
To book any of the above luxury accommodations in Kenya, contact us today.
Namibia’s unique desert landscapes and rare desert-adapted wildlife makes for an excellent safari experience, especially for those in search of an adventurous destination.
Etosha National Park, Skeleton Coast National Park, and Namib-Naukluft National Park are among Namibia’s top national parks.
Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s best-known game reserves, famous for its striking salt pans and abundant wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and black rhinos. The park’s waterholes provide excellent wildlife viewing year-round, making it ideal for this on a first safari.
Namibi-Naukluft National Park is home to the iconic Sossusvlei dunes, the world’s highest sand dunes, providing visitors with dramatic desert landscapes and opportunities to spot desert-adapted wildlife, such as springbok and oryx.
Finally, the striking Skeleton Coast National Park is known for its desolate beauty, famous for its dunes, rocky outcrops, saltpans, and unique desert-adapted wildlife like brown hyenas and desert lions.
Some of the top luxury lodges in Namibia include:
Zannier Omaanda – set amidst the wild beauty of the Zannier Reserve, this luxury lodge consists of 15 individual Owanba-style thatch and clay huts offering a selection of unforgettable and immersive safari experiences.
Hoanib Valley Camp – located in one of the most starkly beautiful parts of Namibia, set amidst rolling desert dunes and dramatic jagged mountains, Hoanib Valley Camp is an intimate camp that offers a curated selection of refined safari experiences.
Desert Rhino Camp – this luxury desert sanctuary offers the utmost comfort and exclusivity in one of the last untouched places on Earth. The camp is deeply committed to local conservation efforts.
Contact us to learn more about any of the above luxury lodges in Namibia.
Home of the spectacular Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania is a delightful safari destination that offers epic landscapes and majestic wildlife in equal measure. Tanzania’s proximity to Zanzibar makes it a popular safari destination for those wishing to combine a bush and beach experience. There’s a superb selection of luxury accommodations including eco-friendly lodges and tented camps on offer in Tanzania along with a spectacular selection of safari experiences.
The Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater are amongst Tanzania’s top national parks.
The Serengeti is one of the world’s most famous safari destinations, renowned for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse its plains. This UNESCO World Heritage site spans over 14,000 square kilometers, offering diverse ecosystems, from grassy plains to woodlands. The park is home to the Big Five, as well as cheetahs, hyenas, and over 500 bird species. The Serengeti’s vast landscape provides unrivaled opportunities for game drives, hot air balloon rides, and witnessing natural wildlife drama unfold, making it a must-visit for any safari enthusiast.
The Ngorongoro Crater is a natural wonder and UNESCO World Heritage site, often referred to as the “Garden of Eden”. Formed by a collapsed volcano, it hosts an abundance of wildlife in a caldera that’s about 20 kilometers wide. Despite its small size, the crater harbors the Big Five, including rhinos, along with large populations of elephants, lions, and buffaloes. With its fertile soil and diverse habitats, Ngorongoro is a unique ecosystem for spectacular game viewing year-round.
Some of the top luxury lodges in Tanzania include:
Laba Laba Art Lodge (Serengeti);
Lemala Osonjoi – Consisting of 10 spacious camps, Lemala Osonjoi is set in an intimate acacia forest in the Ngorongoro Reserve, providing a quick and easy drive to the crater floor for exceptional safari experiences.
andBeyond Grumeti – Located amidst the great wilderness of the Serengeti and set along the picturesque banks of the Grumeti River, andBeyond Grumeti offers the ultimate in safari exclusivity.
To book any of the above luxury lodges in Tanzania, contact us today.
Zimbabwe’s calling card is Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The mighty falls offer a thrilling experience combined with fantastic wildlife and natural beauty. Beyond Victoria Falls lie some superb national parks and a rich cultural heritage. Zimbabwe tends to be a little less crowded than other major safari destinations ensuring a more serene and exclusive experience in spectacular unspoiled wilderness.
Top national parks in Zimbabwe include Hwange National Park and Mana Pool National Park.
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest national park, renowned for its massive elephant herds and abundant wildlife. It’s a prime safari destination, offering excellent Big Five sightings and diverse ecosystems, from savannas to woodlands.
Mana Pools National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a unique walking safari experience along the mighty Zambezi River. Known for its wild dog packs, lion sightings, and breathtaking landscapes, it’s perfect for an off-the-beaten-path safari.
Some of the top luxury lodges in Zimbabwe include:
Molori Mashuma – This ultra-exclusive tented camp is situated in the untouched wilderness of Mana Pools National Park. Located on a waterhole, guests will delight in enjoying close-up wildlife encounters.
Deteema Springs Camp – Positioned in Hwange National Park, Deteema Springs Camp is a classic safari camp that offers magnificent views and an elevated experience.
Malachite Luxury Tented Suites – Situated along the serene banks of the mighty Zambezi River, Malachite Luxury Tented Suites offers the perfect setting for relaxation following a day of thrilling safari experiences.
To book any of the above luxury lodges and tented camps in Zimbabwe, contact us.
Booking a first safari is an exciting time. Enjoy peace of mind and book with a leading luxury travel company like us. As a premier African safari company headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, we boast intimate knowledge of the African continent, including the best safari destinations and luxury lodges for those on a first safari experience. We also work to ensure every visitor to Africa leaves a positive legacy by working with reputable lodges and safari operators that have Africa’s wildlife and people’s best interests at heart. When you book with us, our team will work to deliver a bespoke safari holiday that immerses you in the beauty of Africa. If you are wondering where to go on your first safari let us help guide you. Contact our luxury safari specialists today and visit Africa with us.
Africa offers a wonderful selection of safari experiences, ensuring something for everyone. Some of the top safari experiences, especially for travelers on a first safari, include The Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania, a Big Five safari experience in South Africa, the Okavango Delta, Botswana, gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda, and a desert safari in Etosha National Park, Namibia. No matter what safari experience you opt for, our luxury safari travel consultants are ready to help you. Contact us today for a bespoke safari experience that precisely meets your needs.
Yes, safari holidays are generally very safe, especially when booked with a reputable travel company like us. Africa’s major safari destinations, such as South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, and Rwanda, have well-established tourism industries with a strong focus on safety and conservation. However, as with any adventure travel, it’s essential to follow safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. To book your first safari in Africa, contact our experts today.
Yes! A safari holiday can be an incredible adventure for children, offering them an unforgettable experience of wildlife and nature. Many safari destinations and lodges cater specifically to families with kids, offering child-friendly activities, guides, and accommodations. However, some safaris may not be suitable for very young children, so it’s important to choose the right destination and lodge for your family. As a leading safari travel company with in-depth knowledge of Africa, we can advise on the best safari destinations and experiences for those with children. We have also personally vetted all our accommodation, meaning we can truly make suggestions on the most suitable luxury lodges and tented camps. Contact our first time safari consultants today.
There’s no typical day on a safari experience as every safari is unique. When you book with us, here’s what a day could look like:
Following a pre-dawn wake-up enjoy a light breakfast featuring local produce expertly prepared by your luxury lodge’s culinary team. You then head out for a private, guided morning game drive around sunrise when animals are most active. After 2-3 hours, you return to your luxury lodge for a hearty brunch and a midday rest. In the afternoon, there’s time for relaxation, often by your private pool, before the evening game drive begins, typically around 4 PM. The evening drive ends with a sundowner followed by a delicious dinner and time for stargazing before bed, ready for another adventure.
You should pack light, neutral-colored clothing, comfortable hiking shoes, and a wide-brimmed hat. Don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera, binoculars, insect repellent, a light jacket for cooler evenings, and personal items like toiletries and a power bank.
When you book your first safari with us you will enjoy staying in Africa’s best luxury lodges, tented camps, hotels, and private estates. We have personally handpicked and vetted all of our accommodation, ensuring it matches our exacting standards. Furthermore, we only work with accommodations that work to leave a positive legacy in Africa, including working to lower their carbon footprint.
A safari adventure offers the chance to see some of the world’s most iconic and fascinating wildlife in their natural habitat. The specific animals you’ll encounter depend on the location, season, and type of safari you choose, however, common wildlife encounters include lions, leopards, elephants, rhino, buffalo, cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, zebra, antelope, giraffe, mountain gorillas, and a large variety of bird species. Let our safaris experts know what animals you would like to see and they will craft a bespoke safari itinerary to give you the best chance of ticking every box on your animal wildlife wishlist.
Yes, all our safari experiences are led by highly knowledgeable safari guides with in-depth understanding of local wildlife, plants, and ecosystems, ensuring a safe, informative experience. Furthermore, our luxury travel specialists are available 24/7, 365 days a year, ensuring every detail is expertly managed for a seamless safari experience.
The best time to go on a safari depends on your chosen destination, but in general, the dry season is ideal for wildlife viewing. During the dry months, animals gather around waterholes and rivers, making it easier to spot them. Each region in Africa has different weather patterns, so it’s important to plan based on your safari location.
The immunisations and medicines you need to take will depend on your destination. For an African safari, it’s recommended to get vaccinations for yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus, and polio. Malaria prevention is crucial, especially in tropical areas—anti-malarial medications like Malarone or Doxycycline may be prescribed. However, we can arrange a safari itinerary in malaria-free destinations. You may also need rabies and cholera vaccines depending on your destination. Our safari experts will advise on the immunisations and medicines you may need depending on our safari itinerary.
Visa requirements for an African safari depend on the country you’re visiting. Most African countries require a valid passport with at least six months validity beyond your travel dates. Some countries, like Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa, offer visa-on-arrival or e-visa options for tourists from many countries, while others, like Botswana, may require you to apply in advance. When you book a safari with us our team will advise on visa requirements.
Yes, you can! We specialise in creating bespoke safari experiences. Contact us today if you would like to combine a beach holiday with a safari experience in Africa.
Yes, when you book with us you can tailor every aspect of your luxury safari experience, from your itinerary to choice of accommodation and desired safari experiences. Contact us today to learn more about creating a bespoke safari.
The best way to book a safari adventure is to contact a reputable travel company, like us. From our base in Cape Town, South Africa, we specialize in curating once-in-a-lifetime safari experiences. We have decades of experience in arranging first time safaris, providing our expert advice and guidance. We are passionate about creating African experiences for people from around the globe. If you are unsure about where to go on your first safari, we can help. Contact our team today.
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Ker & Downey® Africa is compliant with COVID-19 Industry Protocols.
