Name: Best African Safaris
Brand: Follow Alice
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Safari destinations

There truly is no place like Africa. From sprawling grassland plains, vibrant sunsets the colour of magic to the wildest of environments. Africa is home to the most abundant of wildlife communities. In particular, the East of Africa offers some of the best African safaris and has a little something special for everyone.

If you’re anything like us at Follow Alice, you’re always searching for your next adventure trip. Well, look no further. Africa is calling your name! If it isn’t already, bump an African safari right up to the top of your bucket list. So where is the best place for a safari holiday in Africa? We’ve had a look at some of the most exquisite locations for this and we’ll let you decide on the best African safari!

“There is nothing quite like an African safari. A real once in a lifetime experience” Ben

Serengeti National Park

There are few places with as many tricks up its’ sleeve as the beautiful Tanzania. In addition to the famous Mount Kilimanjaro and Ngorongoro Crater, the long list of attractions would be incomplete without the world renowned Serengeti National Park. A stretch of land that spans over 30,000 square meters with the highest concentration of wildlife in Africa. The Serengeti is without a doubt the most famous wildlife sanctuary in the world and should be at the very top of your list of best African safaris. The rich ecosystem that thrives in the Serengeti is one of the oldest in the world. Interestingly, over the past hundreds of thousands of years, the very essence of this abundant natural wonder has remained relatively unchanged.

Serengeti wildlife

The Serengeti National Park is home to an unbelievable amount of animals. We’re talking about wildebeest measured by the million, and an estimated 250,000 zebra and 300,000 gazelle. Among these animals, you can also expect regular sightings of elephant, hartebeest, giraffe, warthogs and hippos, which also make up tens of thousands of the animals that reside here. Predators such as the lion, cheetah and hyena are never too far off and can be seen quite regularly. Leopard, black rhino and many species of antelope such as the kudu and dik dik make up some of the lesser seen animals that can be seen while on safari in this magical location. Ultimately, in the way of wildlife viewing, there is always something spectacular to be seen. This is why the Serengeti is at the top of the list of best African safaris.

The rich ecosystem that thrives in the Serengeti is one of the oldest in the world

A pride of lion on a rock in the Serengeti — Prides of lion are never too far off and can be seen quite regularly.

Best time to visit Serengeti

The Serengeti is considered one of the best African safari’s for many reasons, but the fact that the wildlife viewing is amazing all year around, really is a bonus. In general, if you are hoping to see predator action, you should consider planning your safari between June and October. If you are interested in the wildebeest calving season then you’ll want to visit in February. If you are most interested in increasing your chances of seeing the migration then it is good to know that you can see this at any time of the year, depending on where in the Serengeti you venture to. That being said, you should keep in mind that there are 3 main regions of the park, and the migration – which is always on the move – will cross through each region during specific months.

1. Seronera Valley region

Also known as Central Serengeti
Most popular section in the park
Vegetation consists of savanna plains, decorated with widely spread Baobab and Acacia trees
Highest concentrate of wildlife in the park
Suitable to visit all year round.
The migration can be seen in this region between April and November

2. The Western Corridor region

It is more remote than Seronera Valley
Best known for the Grumeti River
Home to a healthy population of hippopotamus and crocodiles
Landscape of dark clay soil and a higher density in forests and bush vegetation
The great migration passes through the Grumeti River in a dramatic setting for the millions of animals embarking on their annual relocation. This happens between May and July

3. Northern Serengeti region

This area of the park is considered the most remote in location
Quieter of the Serengeti regions. Great for avoiding crowds
Vegetation consist of sprawling plains and woodlands
The only consideration to this region of the park is that it requires long distance travelling
Between July and September, visitors can witness the wildebeest migration embarking on one of the most dangerous challenges of their journey – crossing over the Mara River where hungry crocs await!

Buffalo migrating through the serengeti — The Serengeti is the perfect location to see the great wildebeest migration

Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania – home to the Ngorongoro Crater, is one of the best African safaris you can embark on. It is also a World Heritage site and is considered one of Africa’s 7 natural wonders. What else makes the Ngorongoro Crater so spectacular? It is one of the world’s largest calderas that isn’t a lake.

A caldera is a crater that has been formed by the eruption and collapse of the mouth of a volcano, and this one in particular was formed between 2 and 3 millions years ago. It has also been said that had the volcano not collapsed, it would have towered higher than Mount Kilimanjaro. If you have embarked on a Kilimanjaro climb, you’ll know just exactly how crazy that really is! The crater itself spans over 260 square meters and is 610 meters deep, resulting in one of the most breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, stretching out as far as the eye can see. The ideal backdrop for one of the best African safaris.

Ngorongoro Crater wildlife

From lush green vegetation and the remains of a dense green forest to an array of desert plants, the fertile soil of the conservation area provides rich lowland grazing and decent coverage for the 25,000 wild animals that call it home. We repeat – 25,000 wild animals! This massive number of animals is made up of a wide variety of species. If you have decided to embark on a trip to Ngorongoro, you can expect to see wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, elephants, gazelles and eland which can be seen in abundance throughout the area. Depending on what time of year you decide to go, you can witness the Great Migration.

Ngorongoro is also home to the critically endangered black rhino, which allows you to witness these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. Spotted hyenas, wild dogs and big cats such as lion, leopard and cheetah also reside here which makes for an interesting melting pot of wildlife.

Elephant eating in Serengeti — African elephants are a popular sighting in Ngorongoro Crater

Best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater

One of the many fantastic things about Ngorongoro Crater that makes it one of the best African safaris is that it is a great location to visit all year around – which is ideal if you only have a specific window of opportunity in your calendar. There are however certain months that have their pros and cons.

June to October

Considered the ultimate time to go
Weather is great.
Little to no rain
The grass is dry and short and makes wildlife viewing much easier.
Can get a bit crowded.

July to March

Peak season
The number of visitors is very high during these months
Parks can get busy with long waits at the gates

November to May

The wet season falls between
The scenery is lush and the landscapes are beautifully green and viewing is great regardless of the rain
Season of the bird migration
The low season also falls in the wet season
Overcrowding is little to none
Temperatures can however be particulalry cold in the mornings and the evenings, and there will of course be rain

Ultimately, deciding when to go will depend on your preference and what you are hoping to experience

View of Ngorongoro crater — A beautiful opening overlooking the Ngorongoro Crater

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

When you think of an African safari, be sure to expand your options to the lush forests of Uganda for something slightly different! Not all safaris are grassy plains, wild with lions and the big 5 that can be seen from a safari car. Some can be reached on foot, situated deep within lush green forests. This brings us to The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda. This national park is an ancient forest, spanning over 300 square kilometers and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its thriving wildlife and diverse ecosystem. This flourishing forest provide habitat to one of the most incredible animals in the world. The mountain gorilla.

The Majestic Mountain Gorilla

Although massive in size, with what can be quite an intimidating demeanour, the mountain gorillas of Uganda can be considered gentle giants. These mysterious creatures are shy and won’t feel the need to defend themselves if you are peacefully observing their territory. These animals are however unbelievably strong and can become quote aggressive if they feel threatened. This is why respecting their space while on a gorilla trekking safari is so important. Baring in mind that mountain gorillas share 98% of their DNA with that of a humans, the presence of these endangered primates can be a truly fascinating and humbling experience.

A gorilla trek is an experience unlike any other safari. For one, you won’t have the convenience of a vehicle to get you around inside the park. The entire trek will be done on foot. You will be bundu bashing through the thick of the forest. You may encounter rain, which can lead to trekking through thick mud. This can make the trek a bit challenging. A good level of fitness can definitely make these obstacles easier. Mud and all, sitting on the floor of a towering forest, observing these gorillas in their natural setting, makes every challenge 100% worth it.

Gorillas share 98% of their DNA with humans and the presence of these endangered primates can be a truly fascinating experience

What animals will you see in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest?

Well, other than these majestic primates, the Bwindi impenetrable forest is home to very few other mammals. There have been sightings of elephants and chimpanzees, but this is very rare. There are however an abundance of birdlife. This forest is any bird lovers idea of heaven and with the opportunity to see over 100 species of birds in one day, it is no wonder! Expect to see birds such as the Dusky Crimson, the Yellow-eyed black Fly-catcher and the bar-tailed Trogon. The sound that an ecosystem of some 350 different bird species echoes through the treetops of the forest makes for a feast for the senses.

When is the best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest?

The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is nice to visit all year around, which gives gorilla trekking yet another reason to be at the top of your list of best African safaris. Having said that though, there are certain seasons which make for ideal trekking weather more than others. Overall, there are 2 main seasons that occur in the forest. The rainy season and the dry season.

Rainy season

March to May and September to November
This season is very wet and misty
Physical trek be a muddy escapade
Mist also makes it difficult to spot the gorillas
Although there is no guarantee that you will see gorillas at any time of the year, it is best to avoid going in the wet season if you want to increase your chances of seeing and spending time with gorillas.

Dry season

June to August and December to February
Considered the best time to go
As mentioned previously, the forest can become very muddy during the wetter periods, which makes for challenging conditions. It is however good to know that during the drier season, it tends to get quite cold in the thick of the forest, so be sure to pack some warm layers with you.

Keep in mind..

One very important aspect of planning a gorilla safari is that you will need to plan way in advance. Trekking with gorillas truly is a once in a life time experience and getting to spend time in their presence comes at a cost. Each person will need to pay a $600 permit fee. This may seem hefty, but it is this implementation that has increased the success of the conservation efforts and has grown the mountain gorilla population. The growing success in conservation, will hopefully see them out of the list of endangered species in the future. The national park also only issues a very limited number permits a day – which is where effective planning in advance really comes in to play. Be sure to keep this in mind when planning the best African safari holiday.

Only a very limited number of trekking permits are issued a day. Plan in advance!

Gorilla in Uganda forest — Mountain gorilla in his natural habitat

Masai Mara National Reserve

Occupying over 1500 square meters in a panoramic spectacle – The Masai Mara National Park is found in the southwest of Kenya along the Tanzanian border. This national reserve is considerably one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. The relationship formed between the Masai Mara and the Serengeti have made East Africa a hub for thriving biodiversity. The Masai Mara is also on the list of destinations that are lucky enough to witness the great wildebeest migration.

The vegetation of the Masai Mara consists of what may seem like infinite grasslands, interrupted by rivers and the occasional gathering of Acacia trees. The River Mara is the main river that runs through the reserve. This makes for swampy marsh-like ground throughout the reserve. Although safari’s are predominantly by car in this reserve – you can also go on guided safari walks – this allows you to see every detail that may be missed while on a game drive.

The relationship formed between the Masai Mara and the Serengeti have made East Africa a hub for thriving biodiversity

Buffalo crossing a river in Masai Mara — Masai Mara consist of what may seem like infinite grasslands, interrupted by rivers

What animals will you see in the Masai Mara?

Like most of the major wildlife reserves in East Africa, the Masai Mara will see millions of wildebeest, but unlike the other reserves, this one bares witness to perhaps the most remarkable point in the migration. Crossing over the Mara River. Although the exact arrival time of the migration is unknown, there are certain months that increase your chance in seeing it.

The migration is not the only wildlife sighting to get excited about here. It is good to know that spotting 3 of the big 5 is very likely. The leopard and the black rhino are quite shy and are among the less commonly seen animals in the Masai Mara. Bat eared foxes, black jackals and a wide variety of buck can be seen here.