The Ultimate Guide to Luxury African Safaris
Experience the magic of Africa like never before. Vast, diverse, and filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters, Africa offers countless ways to explore, but planning the perfect luxury safari takes expert insight.
At New African Safaris, we specialise in tailor-made African safari itineraries that combine luxury, authenticity, and adventure. Thanks to our long-standing partnerships with leading lodges, private reserves, and expert local guides, you’ll enjoy exclusive access, seamless logistics, and experiences you won’t find in standard safari tours.
Whether you dream of tracking the Big Five in South Africa, gliding through Botswana’s Okavango Delta, or witnessing the Great Migration in Kenya or Tanzania, this comprehensive guide will help you choose the best destinations, travel seasons, and experiences for your journey.
Ready to plan your dream safari? Download our Luxury Safari Guide for expert tips, destination highlights, and inspiration from eight unforgettable African safari destinations.
Why Choose a Tailor-Made African Safari
Planning an African safari holiday can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many incredible destinations, private reserves, and luxury lodges to choose from, deciding where to go, when to travel, and what experiences to include can feel daunting. Each region offers something unique – from the open savannas of the Serengeti or Masai Mara to the waterways of the Okavango Delta – so timing and planning your journey carefully can make all the difference.
That’s where we come in. At New African Safaris, we believe no two journeys should ever be the same. Each tailor-made safari is crafted entirely around your preferences, interests, and travel style. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone occasion, travelling with family, enjoying a romantic escape, or seeking peaceful solitude in the wild, your itinerary is designed with you at its heart.
A tailored safari means you decide how you want to experience Africa. Prefer a private game drive with an expert ranger? We’ll arrange it. Dreaming of a sunset bush dinner under a canopy of stars or a hot-air balloon flight over the Serengeti? We’ll make it happen. From hand-picked luxury lodges and exclusive camps to seamless transfers and insider access, every detail is thoughtfully planned to ensure your safari unfolds effortlessly.
Our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Africa allow us to offer experiences rarely found in standard safari packages – from behind-the-scenes conservation encounters and private photographic safaris to guided walks with top naturalists. We handle every detail, from logistics and travel timings to special requests, so you can simply relax and enjoy the journey.
We believe that your safari should be as unique as you are. With our expert guidance, personal service, and first-hand destination knowledge, it becomes far more than just a holiday. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime African adventure, designed exclusively for you.
Safari Destinations by Country
Discover Africa’s top safari destinations, each offering its own blend of wildlife, landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. From the open plains of Kenya and Tanzania to the private reserves of South Africa, the waterways of Botswana, and the untouched wilderness of Zambia and Zimbabwe, every country reveals a different side of Africa’s natural beauty.
Use this guide and click below to explore hand-picked safari destinations, complete with expert insights on the best times to visit, the wildlife you can expect to encounter, and the most exclusive lodges and experiences in each region.
Whether you’re drawn to the drama of the Great Migration, the serenity of the Okavango Delta, or the rugged beauty of Namibia’s deserts, this guide will help you choose the perfect country for your luxury African safari.
South Africa: The World in One Country
Best for: First-time visitors, diverse experiences, malaria-free safaris
South Africa combines thrilling Big Five safaris with cosmopolitan cities, fine wines, and dramatic coastlines. From the iconic Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands to Madikwe’s malaria-free reserves, it’s perfect for both first-time and returning travellers. Add on the Cape Winelands, Table Mountain, or the Garden Route for the ultimate blend of wilderness, culture, and sophistication.
Namibia: Desert, Dunes and Untamed Wilderness
Best for: Desert landscapes, photography, solitude
Namibia’s vast deserts, shipwreck-strewn coastline, and star-filled skies offer a safari experience unlike any other. Discover Sossusvlei’s red dunes, the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park, and the haunting beauty of the Skeleton Coast. Stay in glass-fronted desert lodges where the Milky Way shines brighter than anywhere else on Earth.
Botswana: The Jewel of the Okavango
Best for: Exclusive safaris, eco-luxury, pristine wilderness
With vast wilderness areas and a strong focus on conservation, Botswana is the definition of untamed luxury. Glide silently through the Okavango Delta by mokoro canoe, watch enormous herds in Chobe National Park, and explore the remote Makgadikgadi Pans. Private concessions guarantee exclusivity, while lodges set new standards for eco-luxury safaris.
Zambia: Where the Walking Safari Was Born
Best for: Walking safaris, adventure, authenticity
Raw, authentic, and full of adventure, Zambia is one of Africa’s true hidden gems. Experience the thrill of a walking safari in the South Luangwa, canoe along the Zambezi River, and feel the spray of Victoria Falls on your skin. Lodges blend rustic charm with understated elegance, creating a safari that feels deeply personal, wild, and real.
Zimbabwe: Untamed Beauty and Extraordinary Guides
Best for: Expert guiding, conservation, classic safaris
Zimbabwe offers breathtaking wilderness and some of the best guides in Africa. Explore Hwange National Park, Mana Pools, and Victoria Falls, where you’ll find intimate lodges, fewer crowds, and a deep connection to nature. Perfect for safari purists who value authenticity, expertise, and conservation.
Malawi: The Warm Heart of Africa
Best for: Off-the-beaten-path safaris, lake adventures, culture
Small in size but big in spirit, Malawi offers soulful, off-the-beaten-track experiences. Its rejuvenated parks, including Majete and Liwonde, now provide Big Five encounters, while Lake Malawi adds turquoise waters and white sandy beaches to your safari journey. Ideal for travellers seeking connection, culture, and quiet beauty.
Kenya: The Land of the Great Migration
Best for: Classic safaris, culture, photography
Kenya is where the safari dream was born. Witness the Great Migration in the Masai Mara, see the elephants of Amboseli at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, and explore the private Laikipia conservancies for a more exclusive experience. A land of dramatic landscapes, rich traditions, and exceptional wildlife viewing.
Tanzania: Epic Landscapes and the Great Migration
Best for: Grand-scale safaris, migration experiences, remote parks
Tanzania delivers safari on a truly epic scale. The endless plains of the Serengeti, the lush Ngorongoro Crater, and remote parks such as Ruaha and Katavi offer some of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife encounters. Follow the path of the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebra move across the plains in one of nature’s greatest shows.
Safari Experiences to Consider
Every safari tells its own story. Africa’s magic lies in its rich variety of landscapes, wildlife, and experiences – from thrilling game drives to unforgettable nights under the stars. Crafting the perfect blend ensures your adventure is truly one of a kind.
Classic Game Drives
The quintessential African safari experience, game drives take place in open 4×4 vehicles guided by expert trackers and naturalists. Depart at sunrise or late afternoon to witness lions on the hunt, elephants at waterholes, and vast herds grazing the plains. Every drive reveals new moments of drama and wonder in the wild.
Walking Safaris
Step quietly into the wilderness on a guided walking safari and experience Africa at its most intimate. Learn to read animal tracks, identify plants, and sense the rhythm of the bush. Originating in Zambia, walking safaris offer a thrilling, ground-level connection to nature that few other experiences can match.
Water-Based Safaris
A water safari reveals a gentler rhythm of life. Glide silently through the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro canoe or drift along the Zambezi River at sunset as hippos, crocodiles, and colourful birdlife surround you. These tranquil moments on the water offer peace, reflection, and unforgettable photographic opportunities.
Hot-Air Balloon Safaris
Float above the Serengeti or Masai Mara at sunrise and watch the plains awaken from the sky. Balloon safaris reveal a breathtaking new perspective – elephants moving like shadows below, herds stretching to the horizon, and golden light spilling across the landscape.
Horseback & Specialist Safaris
For the adventurous traveller, horseback safaris, specialist photographic tours, and conservation-focused itineraries provide unique and immersive ways to experience Africa. Ride alongside wildlife in private reserves, capture extraordinary images, or contribute to hands-on conservation projects.
Bush Dining & Sleep-Outs
As the sun sets, savour sundowners overlooking the savannah, a bush dinner beneath a canopy of stars, or a sleep-out on a raised deck, while listening to the night sounds of Africa. These moments of quiet connection transform a luxury safari into something deeply personal and unforgettable.
Every safari can weave these experiences to reflect your style and interests. With expert planning, your journey becomes more than a holiday – it becomes a story of adventure, discovery, and connection to Africa’s wild heart.
Insider Tips for a Seamless Safari
A safari is unlike any other holiday, and a little expert insight can make all the difference. From choosing the best time to travel to packing wisely, these insider safari tips will help you plan a seamless, memorable, and truly personalised African adventure.
Book Early for the Best Lodges
Africa’s most sought-after luxury safari lodges and camps are often fully booked 12 to 18 months in advance, especially during peak wildlife seasons such as the Great Migration or South Africa’s dry winter months. Securing your booking early guarantees access to the most exclusive properties, private guides, and seamless itineraries.
Time Your Safari with the Seasons
Wildlife viewing in South Africa and East Africa changes beautifully throughout the year.
South Africa:
- Dry Season (May–October): Animals gather around rivers and waterholes, making for exceptional game viewing and clear skies.
- Green Season (November–March): The bush transforms into lush landscapes teeming with newborn animals, migratory birds, and with fewer crowds – perfect for photography and great value.
East Africa:
- Dry Season (June–October and again Mid-December to Mid-March): Wildlife gathers around water sources, offering prime game viewing with clear skies and sparse vegetation – peak time for safaris and the Great Migration.
- Green Season (short rains early November – mid December and long rains from mid-March to end May): Landscapes turn lush and vibrant, with dramatic skies and abundant wildlife. Enjoy fewer crowds, lower rates and great photography opportunities.
Selecting the right season to suit your interests ensures the most rewarding safari experience.
Pack Light but Smart
Most safari flights use small aircraft with strict luggage limits, so soft-sided bags are essential. Pack neutral-coloured clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, binoculars, sunscreen, and a good camera. Light layers work best, as mornings and evenings can be cool even in warmer months.
Combine Destinations for Contrast
For a truly enriched experience, consider combining different regions or countries in a single itinerary. Pair Botswana’s Okavango Delta with Namibia’s desert dunes, or include Cape Town and the Winelands alongside your South African safari. These contrasts create a harmonious balance, from wilderness adventure to coastal relaxation and cultural discovery.
Trust Your Guide
Your safari guide is your most invaluable companion. Their expertise, intuition, and passion for the bush bring Africa’s wildlife and ecosystems vividly to life. From tracking lions to sharing stories around the campfire, the right guide transforms a great safari into an unforgettable experience.
Something to Remember
Every safari is a journey unlike any other. With careful planning and expert guidance, you’ll experience not only the thrill of wildlife encounters but also a seamless, life-enriching adventure that unfolds effortlessly from beginning to end.
Why Plan Your Safari with New African Safaris
At New African Safaris, we don’t believe in off-the-shelf itineraries. Every luxury African safari we design is handcrafted around your interests, pace, and travel style – creating journeys as unique as the travellers themselves.
With 25 years of hands-on experience and trusted partnerships with premier lodges, guides, and conservation organisations across Southern and East Africa, we offer more than just seamless travel logistics. Our guests benefit from insider access, preferred accommodations, and exclusive experiences unavailable through standard packages.
Our dedicated team takes care of every detail, from regional flights and private transfers to special experiences that elevate your journey. Whether it’s a private wine tasting in the Cape Winelands, an intimate camp in the Okavango Delta, or a walking safari in Zambia, we ensure everything flows effortlessly from start to finish.
Choosing New African Safaris means travelling with confidence and intention. You’re not just visiting Africa – you’re experiencing it authentically, guided by experts who live and breathe the continent. Every itinerary we craft blends luxury, adventure, and connection, ensuring your safari is seamless, exclusive, and deeply personal.
african safaris
Every African safari begins with a spark of inspiration and culminates in memories that last a lifetime. This guide is designed to help you explore Africa’s most iconic safari destinations, understand what makes each truly unique, and envision the journey that resonates most with you.
When you’re ready to transform inspiration into reality, our expert team at New African Safaris will craft a tailor-made itinerary shaped entirely around your interests, pace, and travel aspirations. From luxury lodges and private reserves to seamless logistics and authentic local experiences, we ensure every moment of your safari unfolds effortlessly.
Ready to Begin Your Safari Journey?
Your dream African safari is just one conversation away. Whether you’re drawn to the plains of the Serengeti, the waterways of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, or the desert dunes of Namibia, we’ll design a journey that’s personal, luxurious, and unforgettable.
