Currency

  • USD $
  • GBP £
  • EUR €
Trustpilot Rating : Five Stars

Reviews 132 • Excellent

What To Do

Luxury Africa Safari

Where anything is possible and the sky is literally the limit!

What encompasses a “luxury” African safari in contrast to a “classic” African safari? The main difference is, of course, the cost. Many of the countries and areas in Africa have opted to follow the path laid out in the 70s by the Botswana safari community where a low number of people can get a much more secluded and remote experience with the animals and the wilderness by paying a bit more for the privilege. Today the sky is the limit with helicopter flights, private planes, safari houses and many other options to choose from.

What to look for in your luxury safari.

If you are looking for a safari to Africa that really stands out then the best starting point is to really nail down what it is what you are hoping to achieve, is it the best game viewing, is it the best guiding, are you wanting to cover a lot of ground with multiple different experiences or are you simply wanting to watch animals from the comfort of the most exclusive properties?

In this section we have tried to run through a few of these areas to give you a feel for where it is possible to upspend a bit (or, sometimes, a lot) to get a safari that is a little more out of the ordinary. 

What are the best parks & regions for Luxury Safaris in africa

If you were to ask most of the people who work in this specialist field of the industry where would the areas that offer the most luxurious safaris be, you would probably get answers along the lines of Botswana and South Africa but we would argue that this is to miss the point.

What we are constantly looking for from the very best properties in Africa is for something a little different to the rest…that extra consideration from staff that make your stay all that more memorable or that animal interaction that is unique to an area.

To start things off we have listed a few of our favourite countries in Africa for a luxury safari below.

The safari camps that are leading the way...

As is mentioned above, the way that we try and put together a luxury safari in Africa is to aim for properties that offer a unique and different offering to the many expensive properties that now exist in Africa.

Below are a few of our favourite properties across the continent:

Tanzania: Beho Beho, Sand Rivers Selous, Kichaka, Greystoke Mahale, Nomad Lamai, Singita Sasakwa, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Botswana: Mombo Camp, Jack’s Camp, Zarafa, King’s Pool

Kenya: Angama Mara, Naboisho, Borana, Ol Donyo, Segera

Rwanda: Bisate, Sabyinyo 

Get help planning your ultimate Luxury Africa Safari in africa

As much as AI has changed the way we all approach our lives, there is still no substitute for picking up the phone and having a chat through the options with one of us on +44 1525 840 149

This allows us to completely tailor the property choices, costs and itinerary length to your needs…but we also understand that this is not always possible with the busy lives we all lead.

With this in mind, we have also put together a safari finder tool that should help you to narrow down the initial stages at which point we can jump in to “round off the edges” as it were.

Alternatively please feel free to send us an email with your timings, group size and rough likes and dislikes and we can get the ball rolling.

Where to go in africa
For Luxury Safari

Luxury Africa Safari

The Africa Specialists™ Safari Map 2026

More travel guides for Africa Luxury Safari trips in 2026/27

Take a look at a few of our more detailed country selections for 2026/27 Luxury Safaris across Africa.

Luxury Africa Safari

africa

From hidden per person per night
See the Guide
Luxury Africa Safari

Luxury Tanzania Safari

tanzania

From hidden per person per night
See the Guide
Luxury Tanzania Safari

Luxury Kenya Safari

kenya

From hidden per person per night
See the Guide
Naboisho camp masai mara kenya pool

Please visit our What to Do in Africa page to see the full range of safari and holiday options available.

What are the best parks & regions for a Luxury Africa Safari in 2026/27?

The following are The Africa Specialists’ recommended best parks and regions for Luxury Africa Safari for 2026/27 but don’t forget that we’re here to help if you need a hand with anything.

Serengeti National Park

tanzania

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Serengeti National Park

The Masai Mara

kenya

From $420 per person per night
Explore Now
The Masai Mara

The Okavango Delta

botswana

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
The Okavango Delta

South Luangwa National Park

zambia

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
South Luangwa National Park

Volcanoes National Park

rwanda

From $598 per person per night
Explore Now
Volcanoes National Park

Murchison Falls National Park

uganda

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Murchison Falls National Park

Nyerere National Park

tanzania

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Nyerere National Park

Amboseli National Park

kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Amboseli National Park

Victoria Falls

zambia

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Victoria Falls

Kibale Forest National Park

uganda

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Kibale Forest National Park

Ngorongoro Crater

tanzania

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Ngorongoro Crater

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

uganda

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Nyungwe National Park

rwanda

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Nyungwe National Park

The Okavango Concessions

botswana

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
The Okavango Delta

Lower Zambezi National Park

zambia

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Lower Zambezi National Park

Ruaha National Park

tanzania

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Ruaha National Park

Mahale Mountains National Park

tanzania

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Mahale Mountains National Park

Akagera National Park

rwanda

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Akagera National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park

uganda

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kafue National Park

zambia

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Kafue National Park

Chobe National Park

botswana

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Chobe National Park

The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

botswana

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

North Luangwa National Park

zambia

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
North Luangwa National Park

Southern Beaches

kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Elwena Afrochic, Southern Beaches, Kenya

Kidepo Valley National Park

uganda

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Kidepo Valley National Park

Stone Town

zanzibar

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Stone Town

Kampala

uganda

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Kampala

Liuwa Plain National Park

zambia

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Liuwa plains wildebeest zambia africa specialists

Kwando, Linyanti and Selinda

botswana

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Elephant in Kwando, Linyanti and Selinda

The Laikipia Plateau

kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
The Laikipia Plateau

Tarangire National Park

tanzania

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Tarangire National Park

Mount Kilimanjaro

tanzania

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Mount Kilimanjaro

Jinja

uganda

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Jinja

Lewa Downs

kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Lewa Downs

Katavi National Park

tanzania

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Katavi National Park

Samburu National Reserve

kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Samburu National Reserve

Lake Naivasha and Nakuru

Kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Lake Naivasha and Nakuru

Lake Manyara National Park

tanzania

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Lake Manyara National Park

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

botswana

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Entebbe

uganda

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Entebbe

Mikumi National Park

tanzania

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Mikumi National Park

Arusha

tanzania

From $198 per person per night
Explore Now
Arusha

Lusaka

zambia

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Lusaka

Bagamoyo

tanzania

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Bagamoyo

Lake Kivu

rwanda

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Lake Kivu

Kigali

Rwanda

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Kigali

Dar es Salaam

tanzania

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Pemba Island

zanzibar

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Pemba Island

Saadani National Park

tanzania

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Saadani National Park

Lamu Island

kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Lamu Island

Tsavo East and West

kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Tsavo East and West

Nairobi

kenya

From $398 per person per night
Explore Now
Nairobi, Kenya

Don’t miss our new Africa Safari Finder to find safari ideas by destination, region and type...

What are the best hotels & lodges for a Luxury Africa Safari for 2026/27?

We highly recommend the following hotels & lodges for Luxury Africa Safari for 2026/27. These are all tried and tested by The Africa Specialists™ so don’t hesitate to call us with any questions you may have.

NB. All prices for properties exclude applicable park fees and are guide prices.

$150$4,325

Price pp pn (USD)

Stars3Stars5

Our Rating

Bisate Lodge

rwanda

From $3,700 per person per night
See the lodge now
Bisate Lodge

Qambani

zanzibar

From $412 per person per night
See the retreat now
Qambani

Bwindi Lodge

uganda

From $1,370 per person per night
See the lodge now
Volcanoes bwindi lodge bwindi impenetrable forest uganda bwindi impenetrable forest

Siwandu Camp

tanzania

From $995 per person per night
See the camp now
Laba Siwandu, Double banda, Nyerere National Park, Tanzania

Kwetsani Camp

botswana

From $2,230 per person per night
See the camp now
Kwetsani Camp, The Okavango Concessions, Botswana

Constance Aiyana

zanzibar

From $441 per person per night
See the resort now
Constance Aiyana

Faru Faru Lodge

tanzania

From $3,220 per person per night
See the lodge now
Faru Faru Lodge, The Serengeti, Tanzania

Jabali Ridge

tanzania

From $1,600 per person per night
See the hotel now
Jabali Ridge, Ruaha National Par, Tanzania

King’s Pool

botswana

From $3,100 per person per night
See the camp now
Kings Pool, Linyanti River, Botswana

Oliver’s Tented Camp

tanzania

From $1,265 per person per night
See the lodge now
Oliver's Camp, Elephant in a storm, Tarangire National park, Tanzania

The Residence

zanzibar

From $514 per person per night
See the hotel now
The Residence

Hotel des Mille Collines

rwanda

From $150 per person per night
See the hotel now
Hotel des Mille Collines, Outdoor bar, Kigali, Rwanda

Fundu Lagoon

zanzibar

From $450 per person per night
See the hotel now
Fundu Lagoon

Angama Mara

kenya

From $2,750 per person per night
See the camp now
Angama Mara

White Sands Villas

zanzibar

From $1,505 per person per night
See the resort now
White Sand Villas, One bed villa aerial, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Swala Safari Camp

tanzania

From $1,662 per person per night
See the camp now
Swala Camp, Canoeing, Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

Sayari Camp

tanzania

From $2,125 per person per night
See the camp now
Sayari Camp

Namiri Plains

tanzania

From $2,125 per person per night
See the hotel now
Namiri Plains

Fanjove Private Island

tanzania

From $1,606 per person per night
See the island now
LABA Fanjove, Aerial view of the beach, Fanjove island, Tanzania

Serengeti Migration Camp

tanzania

From $1,081 per person per night
See the lodge now
Serengeti Migration Camp, The Serengeti, Tanzania

Bateleur Camp

kenya

From $2,595 per person per night
See the camp now
Bateleur Camp

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

uganda

From $1,620 per person per night
See the lodge now
Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Sanctuary Kichakani Camp

tanzania

From $1,360 per person per night
See the camp now
Sanctuary Kichakani Camp in The Serengeti, Tanzania

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

rwanda

From $450 per person per night
See the hotel now
Five Volcanoes, Swimming pool, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

The Palms

zanzibar

From $732 per person per night
See the hotel now
The Palms

Ol Donyo Lodge

kenya

From $2,555 per person per night
See the hotel now
Ol Donyo, Room view, Chyulu Hills, Kenya

Kichaka Camp

tanzania

From $1,024 per person per night
See the camp now
Kichaka Lodge, Zumbua suite view, Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

Alex Walker’s Serian Camp

tanzania

From $1,745 per person per night
See the camp now
Alex Walkers Serian, the Serengeti, Tanzania

Chinzombo

zambia

From $1,840 per person per night
See the camp now
Chinzombo

Virunga Lodge

rwanda

From $2,200 per person per night
See the hotel now
Virunga Lodge

Chongwe River House

zambia

From $1,270 per person per night
See the camp now
Chongwe River House

One & Only Nyungwe House

rwanda

From $1,735 per person per night
See the lodge now
One & Only Nyungwe House

Pole Pole

zanzibar

From $406 per person per night
See the hotel now
Pole Pole

Lake Manyara Tree Lodge

tanzania

From $1,500 per person per night
See the lodge now
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania

Chiawa Camp

zambia

From $1,995 per person per night
See the camp now
Chiawa Camp

Nimali Serengeti Camp

tanzania

From $1,250 per person per night
See the camp now
Nimali Serengeti Camp, Swimming pool, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Sausage Tree Camp

zambia

From $1,820 per person per night
See the camp now
Sausage Tree Camp

Chem Chem Safari Lodge

tanzania

From $1,740 per person per night
See the lodge now
Chem Chem Safari Lodge

Singita Sasakwa Lodge

tanzania

From $3,564 per person per night
See the lodge now
Singita Sasakwa Lodge

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

rwanda

From $250 per person per night
See the hotel now
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Old Mondoro Camp

zambia

From $1,995 per person per night
See the camp now
Old Mondoro Camp

Entamanu Ngorongoro

tanzania

From $2,200 per person per night
See the camp now
Entamanu Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Jao Camp

botswana

From $3,830 per person per night
See the camp now
Jao Camp, The Okavango Concessions, Botswana

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

rwanda

From $2,625 per person per night
See the lodge now
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Giraffe Manor

kenya

From $1,415 per person per night
See the camp now
Giraffe Manor, Nairobi, Kenya

Naboisho Camp

kenya

From $2,250 per person per night
See the lodge now
Naboisho Camp, The Masai Mara, Kenya

Beho Beho

tanzania

From $1,381 per person per night
See the camp now
Beho Beho, Nyerere National Park, Tanzania

Kilindi Beach Resort

zanzibar

From $825 per person per night
See the resort now
Kilindi Beach Resort

Cottar’s 1920s Camp

kenya

From $2,000 per person per night
See the camp now
Cottar's 1920s Camp

Savuti Camp

botswana

From $2,040 per person per night
See the camp now
Savuti Camp, Savuti Channel, Botswana

Gorilla Mountain View Lodge

rwanda

From $250 per person per night
See the hotel now
Gorilla Mountain View Lodge

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

uganda

From $1,300 per person per night
See the camp now
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Afrochic

kenya

From $300 per person per night
See the hotel now
Afrochic

Abu Camp

botswana

From $3,815 per person per night
See the camp now
Abu Camp

Manta Resort

zanzibar

From $955 per person per night
See the resort now
Manta Resort

Zawadi

zanzibar

From $951 per person per night
See the resort now
Zawadi Hotel, The beach, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Greystoke Mahale

tanzania

From $2,365 per person per night
See the camp now
Greystoke Mahale, Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania

Tarangire Treetops

tanzania

From $1,050 per person per night
See the hotel now
Tarangire treetops

Xanadu Villas and Retreat

zanzibar

From $400 per person per night
See the retreat now
Xanadu Villas, Beachfront, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Lemala Kuria Hills

tanzania

From $1,496 per person per night
See the lodge now
Lemala Kuria Hills, The Serengeti, Tanzania

Nomad Lamai Camp

tanzania

From $2,315 per person per night
See the camp now
Nomad Lamai Camp

Satao Camp

kenya

From $435 per person per night
See the camp now
Satao Camp

Roho ya Selous

tanzania

From $1,210 per person per night
See the hotel now
Roho ya Selous, Nyerere National Park, Tanzania

Tubu and Little Tubu Tree Camps

botswana

From $2,940 per person per night
See the camp now
Tubu and Little Tubu Tree Camps, The Okavango Concessions, Botswana

Highlands Camp

tanzania

From $1,265 per person per night
See the camp now
Highlands Camp, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Alfajiri Villas

kenya

From $290 per person per night
See the hotel now
Cliff Villa pool, Alfajiri Villas, Southern Beaches, Kenya

The Arusha Coffee Lodge

tanzania

From $394 per person per night
See the hotel now
The Arusha Coffee Lodge

Kyambura Gorge Lodge

uganda

From $1,570 per person per night
See the lodge now
Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Potato Bush Camp

zambia

From $1,430 per person per night
See the camp now
Potato Bush Camp

Baraza Resort & Spa

zanzibar

From $901 per person per night
See the resort now
Baraza Resort & Spa, Zanzibar Beaches, Tanzania

Mara Plains

kenya

From $3,405 per person per night
See the hotel now
Mara Plains Camp. The Masai Mara, Kenya

Toka Leya Camp

zambia

From $1,145 per person per night
See the camp now
Toka Leya Camp

DumaTau Camp

botswana

From $4,325 per person per night
See the camp now
DumaTau Camp, Linyanti River, Botswana

Jongomero Camp

tanzania

From $997 per person per night
See the camp now
Jongomero Camp, Bedroom, Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

Mnemba Lodge

zanzibar

From $3,010 per person per night
See the lodge now
Mnemba Lodge

Sand Rivers Selous

tanzania

From $1,235 per person per night
See the camp now
Sand Rivers Selous, Nyerere National Park, Tanzania

Anabezi Camp

zambia

From $1,854 per person per night
See the camp now
Anabezi Camp

Governors’ Il Moran Camp

kenya

From $1,595 per person per night
See the camp now
Governors' Il Moran Camp

Kinondo Kwetu

kenya

From $540 per person per night
See the hotel now
Kinondo Kwetu, Southern Beaches, Kenya

Konokono Beach Resort

zanzibar

From $300 per person per night
See the resort now
Kono Kono - overwater villas

Hemingways

kenya

From $530 per person per night
See the hotel now
Hemingways, Nairobi, Kenya

Amanzi Camp

zambia

From $1,650 per person per night
See the camp now
Amanzi Camp

And don't miss our Africa Wildlife page for a full guide to the amazing wildlife available...

A few of our favourite itineraries for a Luxury Africa Safari in 2026/27

Below we have outlined a few of our more popular Luxury Africa Safari for 2026/27. As we only tailormake our trips to your exact requirements these are just to give you a feel for what is possible.

Days4Days15

Duration

$3,500$8,500

Price Brackets (USD)

8 Nights

Serengeti and mountain gorillas

Kigali, Serengeti National Park, Volcanoes National Park

From $6,000 per person
See the Trip
Serengeti and mountain gorillas

5 Nights

Virunga Mountains & Gorilla Highlights

Kigali, Volcanoes National Park

From $5,500 per person
See the Trip
Gorilla in Volcanoes National Park, Sabyinyo Lodge

4 Nights

Trek with Giants

Kigali, Volcanoes National Park

From $3,500 per person
See the Trip
Gorillas at the Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, Bisate Lodge

13 Nights

Go On, It Will Be Worth It!

Nairobi, Samburu National Reserve, Southern Beaches, The Laikipia Plateau

From $7,500 per person
See the Trip
Samburu National Reserve

4 Nights

An Extraordinary Gorilla Experience

Kigali, Volcanoes National Park

From $8,500 per person
See the Trip
Wilderness sabyinyo volcanoes national park 1 3 volcanoes rwanda

8 Nights

The Magic of Kafue

Kafue National Park, Lusaka

From $6,000 per person
See the Trip
hippos in Zambia national park

4 Nights

Safari In Kidepo

Kidepo Valley National Park

From $4,000 per person
See the Trip
Apoka Safari Lodge, Lion brothers, Kidepo Valley, Uganda

12 Nights

Adventure and adrenaline

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Entebbe, Jinja, Kibale Forest National Park, Murchison Falls National Park

From $7,500 per person
See the Trip
Kyambura gorge lodge queen elizabeth national park uganda

10 Nights

Rhinos, birds and monkeys

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Entebbe, Kibale Forest National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park

From $7,000 per person
See the Trip
Baker's Lodge, Boat safari, Murchison Falls, Uganda

8 Nights

Rwanda in 8 days

Akagera National Park, Kigali, Nyungwe National Park, Volcanoes National Park

From $7,000 per person
See the Trip
Nyungwe Forest National Park, One and Only

7 Nights

Highlights of Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Entebbe, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park

From $6,000 per person
See the Trip
Chimpanzees in the Queen Elizabeth National Park

5 Nights

A Primate Adventure

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale Forest National Park

From $4,000 per person
See the Trip
A Primate Adventure

4 Nights

Uganda Gorilla Trek

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

From $3,500 per person
See the Trip
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

8 Nights

A Mobile Camp Exploration

Kwando Linyanti and Selinda, The Okavango Delta

From $6,000 per person
See the Trip
Okavango Delta

11 Nights

Desert and Delta

Chobe National Park, The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, The Okavango Delta

From $6,500 per person
See the Trip
Chobe National Park

14 Nights

Zambia and Zanzibar

Lower Zambezi National Park, South Luangwa National Park, Tanzania, Zanzibar and islands, Zanzibar beaches

From $7,000 per person
See the Trip
Pongwe Beach Hotel

10 Nights

Only Have A Week?

Nyerere National Park, Zanzibar and islands, Zanzibar beaches

From $5,500 per person
See the Trip
Nyerere National Park, tanzania

7 Nights

Crocodiles and Leopards

Lower Zambezi National Park, Lusaka, South Luangwa National Park

From $6,000 per person
See the Trip
Leopard at the Old Mondoro Camp, Zambia

8 Nights

World Class Waterfall and Safari

Lusaka, South Luangwa National Park, Victoria Falls

From $7,000 per person
See the Trip
Victoria Falls, Zambia, Royal Livingstone Hotel

9 Nights

The Best of Zambia

Lower Zambezi National Park, Lusaka, South Luangwa National Park, Victoria Falls

From $7,500 per person
See the Trip
Waterberry lodge victoria falls zambia waterberry sunset cruise victoria falls zambia

14 Nights

Selous & Northern Mozambique

Mainland Coast, Nyerere National Park, South of Dar

From $7,000 per person
See the Trip
Stone Town Beach pier

15 Nights

The Ultimate South

Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park, South of Dar, Southern Tanzania, Zanzibar beaches

From $7,000 per person
See the Trip
Ruaha National Park, Tanzania, Mwagusi Camp
Don't miss our Tailormade Safari Holidays & Trips to select from our bespoke safari trips.

When is the best time to go on a Luxury Safari trip to africa in 2026/27?

Whereas it’s feasible to go on a africa Luxury Safari trip in 2026/27 almost any time of the year — depending on preferences and wildlife/safari viewing plans — but if you want to avoid peak season or aim to get the timing “just right” then use the following guide to the whole of africa or call us any time to check feasibility, costs or best options for the perfect africa Luxury Safari  trip…

Januarymixed

Visiting Africa in January 2026/27

January is a bit of a mixed bag in Africa with the southern countries of Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe in their “green” seasons, expect heavy rains and limited access. East Africa, by contrast, is in a short dry period so offers the wildebeest migration herds in the southern Serengeti, gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda and a low cost safari to Kenya.

Which Countries to Visit

Head to the Serengeti in Tanzania for the wildebeest herds, Rwanda and Uganda for gorillas and birding and Kenya for some value safari and beach. 

Cheat Sheet

  • + Dry in East Africa
  • + A low season to travel so offers great deals
  • + The Great Migration in the southern Serengeti and calving
  •   Humidity starts to pick up

Top Tips for January 2026/27

  • + Keep an eye out for low season offers

Februarymixed

Visiting Africa in February 2026/27

As with January, most of the southern African countries are experiencing hot, humid and rainy conditions in their “green” seasons. East Africa continues to be a great option with relatively dry conditions and the great migration herds still in the southern Serengeti.

Which Countries to Visit

Tanzania and the Serengeti is still the prime destination for the big game while Rwanda and Uganda are still excellent for gorillas and birders alike.

Cheat Sheet

  • + East Africa is dry with temperatures around 30 degrees
  • + Superb birding including European migratories
  •   Wildebeest herds are easy to access in the Southern Serengeti
  •   Limited options for safari

Top Tips for February 2026/27

  • + Kenya can be great value

March mixed

Visiting Africa  in March 2026/27

The southern African countries of Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe are starting to come out of their rainy period with temperatures dropping back down to around the 30 degree mark but still strong rains. East Africa is starting to become more humid as the main rains arrive at the end of the month.

Which Countries to Visit 

Tanzania and the Serengeti is still a great option for the big game experience. Herds are starting to scent the new rains and so begin to move north at the end of the month.

Cheat Sheet

  • + East Africa still still dry and warm
  • + Very few tourists travelling
  • + The Great Migration looks to move from the southern Serengeti
  •   Humidity starts to build towards the end of the month

Top Tips for March 2026/27

  • + Aim for the Western corridor in the Serengeti for the front of the herds

April mixed

Visiting Africa in April 2026/27

As Southern Africa opens once more for business with the early waters arriving into the Okavango in Botswana and Zambia and Zimbabwe starting to greet clients again, East Africa moves into the main rains.

Which Countries to Visit

The early part of the month is very changeable throughout but later in the month is starting to get better in Botswana and Zambia.

Cheat Sheet

  • + A shoulder season for Botswana
  • + Great value options in southern Africa
  •   Temperatures start to cool
  •   East Africa is in its main rains

Top Tips for April 2026/27

  • + Great value okavango delta options

May mixed

Visiting Africa in May 2026/27

Another “mixed” month with Botswana coming into its main season as the floods make their way through the top of the Okavango but East Africa still sits in its main rains. Zambia is also a great option for early season.

Which Countries to Visit

Botswana is now in full swing in the northern part of the Okavango Delta and Zambia is now starting to dry out.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Head to the Okavango for the early flood waters
  • + Great prices for Zambia properties
  • + Still a quieter time for tourism
  •   East Africa is still in its main rains

Top Tips for May 2026/27

  • + Zambia is excellent value at the end of the month

June great

Visiting Africa in June 2026/27

Coming out of the main rains, East Africa, Tanzania and Kenya, open up for tourists once more. Botswana is now in full flow and Zambia and Zimbabwe are hitting their prime months. Plenty of options!

Which Countries to Visit

Head to the north of the Serengeti for the wildebeest herds, to Botswana for the flood waters through the northern parts of the delta and Zambia for some walking!

Cheat Sheet

  • + All of “safari” Africa is open for business
  • + Fantastic wildlife viewing/numbers
  • + Great prices in southern Tanzania
  •   Wildebeest herds can be tricky to predict

Top Tips for June 2026/27

  • + Choose a mobile tented camp in the Serengeti

July best

Visiting Africa in July 2026/27

All the main safari destinations in the continent are in their full season with some of the best game viewing to be had throughout. The wildebeest herds hit the northern grasslands of the Serengeti and spill over into the Masai Mara. The Okavango Delta is as full and as beautiful as can be! 

Which Countries to Visit

Put a pin in a map…Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda or Uganda!

Cheat Sheet

  • + Outstanding game viewing across the continent
  • + Migration herds in both the Serengeti and the Masai Mara
  • + Dry and clear days with cool evenings
  •   It’s as busy as it gets out there!

Top Tips for July 2026/27

  • + Book early for July and August!

August amazing

Visiting Africa in August 2026/27

As with July, August is the peak season across the continent with all of the “big name” destinations such as the Serengeti, the Masai Mara, Volcanoes National Park, The Okavango Delta and South Luangwa in full swing.

Which Countries to Visit

All of them are great!

Cheat Sheet

  • + Heart of the dry season across the continent
  • + Reliable and excellent game viewing
  •   Evenings in the Okavango can be cooler
  •   In locations like the Masai Mara there is an abundance of tourists!

Top Tips for August 2026/27

  • + Choose locations wisely for the best experience

September great

Visiting Africa in September 2026/27

Probably our pick of the times to travel througout the year, you still have the options of all the main destinations for safari with the slightly lower prices after the July/August peak season. Weather is still dry and warm.

Which Countries to Visit

The Masai Mara or the Serengeti for the great Migration herds, the Okavango Delta for waters and isolation, Zambia for walking and Uganda/Rwanda for gorillas and chimps.

Cheat Sheet

  • + A stunning month for game throughout
  • + A drop in the peak season rates and visitor numbers
  • + The Great Migration mills around the Mara and the Serengeti
  •   Still quite busy for tourists

Top Tips for September 2026/27

  • + Travel after the 10th to avoid the school crowds

October still good

Visiting Africa in October 2026/27

October heralds a change in the weather in southern Africa as temperatures start to rise and the arrival of the short rains in East Africa. Early in the month Botswana still has the flood waters in the southern delta and the migration herds are still on the grasslands of the north.

Which Countries to Visit

Head to the southern areas of the Okavango, the walking in South Luangwa early in the month and for the herds in the Masai Mara and the Serengeti.

Cheat Sheet

  • + Mostly clear, dry weather
  • + Game viewing is still good
  •   Tempertures start to increase at the end of the month in Zambia and Botswana
  •   Rainfall arrives at after the middle of the month

Top Tips for October 2026/27

  • + Try to travel early in the month

November fair

Visiting Africa in November 2026/27

With the arrival of the short rains in East Africa, the wildebeest herds start their migration back to the southern Serengeti. In Botswana and Zambia the temperatures really start to ramp up with 40 degrees not being unheard of in the South Luangwa.

Which Countries to Visit

As indicated above, it is a bit of a changeable time with the Serengeti still being good, Zambia is only for those who are ready for the heat!

Cheat Sheet

  • + The migration herds are on the move in the Serengeti
  • + Low season rates offer value for money
  • + A drop in visitor numbers
  •   Gorilla trekking can get muddy

Top Tips for November 2026/27

  • + Look to travel in the first couple of weeks for good game and low prices

December fair

Visiting Africa in December 2026/27

Many discount December in Botswana as the floods have now moved through the delta and the temperatures are up in the high 30s but it is still a great time for game and low visitor numbers. The Serengeti sees the migration herds start to arrive around the southern lakes.

Which Countries to Visit

The southern plains of the Serengeti are starting to see the migration herds arriving at the end of the month. Head to the Kenyan coast for some winter sunshine!

Cheat Sheet

  • + Mostly clear, dry weather
  • + Fantastic wildlife viewing/numbers
  •   Can be colder this time of year
  •   It’s peak season so some parks can get busy

Top Tips for December 2026/27

  • + Book early with us to get the best camps & lodges

Please visit our Best Time to Visit africa page for full information about africa

Why travel with The Africa Specialists™?

1

100% tailormade

We help plan your trip from start to finish
We make sure to include all your interests
We offer a range of accommodation types
It is your trip, made to suit you

2

Expert knowledge

We have over 40 years of destination know how
We all spend time in our destinations annually
Local contacts give us unique insight
We are true specialists

3

We have you covered!

We have full ATOL bonding for your financial peace of mind
We provide 24/7 emergency backup as you travel
We make sure that the properties and guides are the best!

4

A trusted service

Established in 2010, you can totally rely on us.
The Africa Specialists trust logos

Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.

What to do next...

Begin Your Journey (French's Safari Map)
Begin Your Journey

Step with us into a world where every detail is curated, every moment considered, and every horizon feels like it was reserved exclusively for you.

Craft Your Bespoke Safari (icon)
Craft Your Bespoke Safari

Tell us what inspires you — and we’ll shape an African journey like no other — right down to the smallest detail.

Your adventure tailormade (icon)
Your Adventure, Tailored to Perfection

From private conservancies to remote luxury lodges, let us help you design your perfect safari adventure.

Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.