Top 10 Best African Safari Parks & Destinations of 2025

Jump to:

• Top 10 Best Safari Parks & Destinations in Africa
• Serengeti Rated Africa’s Best Safari Park
• Lower Zambezi Named Second Best Safari Destination in Africa
• Okavango Is Among Africa’s Top 3 Safari Destinations
• South Africa Is Home to 12 of Africa’s Top 50 Safari Parks
• Top 11 to 50 African Safari Parks & Destinations
• How We Created This List
• Demographics of the Reviewers (All Parks)

• 

  #1 Serengeti National Park   
  Tanzania

  4.86/5
  Classic safaris, Big Five (rhino very rare), big cats, wildebeest migration
  Ranks #1 in Africa’s Top 50 Safari Parks

  3,730 Serengeti Tours
• 

  #2 Lower Zambezi National Park   
  Zambia

  4.73/5
  Canoe, boat, walking and classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino), no giraffe
  Ranks #2 in Africa’s Top 50 Safari Parks

  61 Lower Zambezi Tours
• 

  #3 Okavango Delta   
  Botswana

  4.71/5
  Classic and canoe safaris, exclusive camps, wetlands, Big Five (rhino in Moremi GR)
  Ranks #3 in Africa’s Top 50 Safari Parks

  161 Okavango Tours
• 

  #4 Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve   
  South Africa

  4.71/5
  Classic safaris, luxury lodges, exclusive reserves, top Big Five sightings year-round
  Ranks #4 in Africa’s Top 50 Safari Parks

  96 Sabi Sands Tours
• 

  #5 Ruaha National Park   
  Tanzania

  4.70/5
  Classic and walking safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino), cheetah and wild dog
  Ranks #5 in Africa’s Top 50 Safari Parks

  99 Ruaha Tours
• 

  #6 Moremi Game Reserve   
  Botswana

  4.64/5
  Classic and canoe safaris, stunning scenery, Big Five present (rhino very rare)
  Ranks #6 in Africa’s Top 50 Safari Parks

  109 Moremi Tours
• 

  #7 Chobe National Park   
  Botswana

  4.62/5
  Boat and classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino), abundant elephant
  Ranks #7 in Africa’s Top 50 Safari Parks

  282 Chobe Tours
• 

  #8 Ngorongoro Crater   
  Tanzania

  4.61/5
  Classic safaris, abundant wildlife including the Big Five
  Ranks #8 in Africa’s Top 50 Safari Parks

  6,098 Ngorongoro Tours
• 

  #9 Masai Mara National Reserve   
  Kenya

  4.61/5
  Classic safaris, Big Five present (rhino rare), many big cats, wildebeest migration
  Ranks #9 in Africa’s Top 50 Safari Parks

  1,706 Masai Mara Tours
• 

  #10 Kidepo Valley National Park   
  Uganda

  4.58/5
  Remote wilderness safaris, rich wildlife, four of the Big Five (no rhino), rare species
  Ranks #10 in Africa’s Top 50 Safari Parks

  91 Kidepo Valley Tours

Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park has been voted Africa’s best safari park for 2025. Its score of 4.86 out of 5 is one of our highest ever. One of three Tanzanian parks in the Top 10, Serengeti was the clear winner, beating competition from more than 200 other parks on the continent.

Every year we survey safari travelers and experts from across the planet to find the best safari destinations, and this year we considered nearly 2,700 of their reviews.

Why the Serengeti? For a start, this is where the annual 2.5-million-strong wildebeest migration spends a significant part of the year. Whenever the migration passes through, it truly is one of the greatest natural spectacles on the planet. But at any time of year, the dance for survival between predator and prey takes place against the backdrop of classic safari landscapes. Elephants, big cats and vast herds of other wildlife interact on East Africa’s most extensive savannah grasslands, alongside great piles of boulders known as koppies, and within sight of perfectly formed umbrella acacia thorn trees silhouetted against the rising and setting sun. No wonder everyone loves this place.

• 

  Mary Fitzpatrick US - Mary has authored the Lonely Planet guide to Tanzania.

  Rating:

  5/5 stars

  “Serengeti is Tanzania’s most visited park, and with good reason. Almost from the moment you enter the gates, wildlife surrounds you in astounding numbers and variety, together with an incomparable sense of space. The headline event is the annual wildebeest migration...” Full review
• 

  Philip Briggs ZA - Philip has authored the Bradt guide to Tanzania.

  Rating:

  5/5 stars

  “This world-famous reserve is probably my favourite safari destination anywhere in Africa. Although it is not scenic in the conventional manner of, say, the nearby Ngorongoro Crater, the flat grassy plains of the Serengeti – studded with isolated granite inselbergs – possess an uplifting sense of vastness and space. The game viewing is reliably superb...” Full review

Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park unfurls along the northern bank of the mighty Zambezi River, and it was one of the big movers in this year’s survey. Ranked 15th last year, it rose to second overall, with a rating of 4.73 out of 5. Although it is not one of southern Africa’s most famous parks, that is one of its big advantages, and safari travelers clearly love its canoe safaris, superb scenery and excellent wildlife viewing. Here you can see four of the Big Five and other possible great sightings against a backdrop of river and mountains.

• 

  Philip Briggs ZA - Philip has authored the Bradt guide to Tanzania.

  Rating:

  5/5 stars

  “Zambia is known for its adventurous approach to safaris, and no reserve epitomises this so clearly as Lower Zambezi, which is best explored by canoe, following the wide main river or one of the narrower and more dangerous channels that flank it. Most of the time, canoeing in Lower Zambezi is serenity personified...” Full review
• 

  Ariadne van Zandbergen ZA - Ariadne is a renowned African wildlife photographer.

  Rating:

  5/5 stars

  “Lower Zambezi is my favorite Zambian park. The wildlife viewing is fantastic, and the dramatic setting makes any animal encounters even more special. The mighty Zambezi, one of Africa’s most impressive rivers, is the main feature of the park...” Full review

Botswana’s Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, and it is fast becoming one of the continent’s most popular. After coming in an impressive fifth place last year, the Okavango Delta came in third with a stellar rating of 4.71 out of 5 this year. This glorious southern African wilderness is home to a remarkable collection of wildlife and unique landscapes, with the Big Five and a full cast of predator and prey present. Best of all, a journey here is an adventure, from high-end, fly-in-fly-out luxury camps to self-drive safaris. The Delta is also among Africa’s most sustainable safari destinations. With so much going for it, will the Okavango Delta continue to rise and challenge Serengeti National Park in 2026?

• 

  Anthony Ham AU - Author of Lonely Planet’s 'Botswana & Namibia'.

  Rating:

  5/5 stars

  “There is a reason why so many of the best wildlife documentaries are filmed in the Okavango. One of the world’s largest inland deltas, the Okavango boasts the Big Five, all of them in abundance except the rhino. The lions and leopards of the Okavango have been...” Full review
• 

  Heather Richardson ZA - Heather is a travel writer based in South Africa.

  Rating:

  4/5 stars

  “The Okavango Delta is probably the best safari destination in Africa – for the sense of wilderness that’s increasingly hard to come by, its stunning waterway-laced landscape, and its incredible wildlife. Predators and prey gather around...” Full review

South Africa wins the prize for having the highest number of safari parks – 12 – within Africa’s Top 50. This means that nearly one-quarter of Africa’s most popular safari parks are found in just one beautiful country. Last year, South Africa trailed behind Kenya, but this year it was Kenya that came in a close second with 11 safari parks in the Top 50. South Africa’s high ranking is a reward for having first-rate parks all across the country, taking in an astonishing and varied portfolio of wildlife and wild landscapes. The results also reflect the fact that South African safaris are in very capable hands, with an experienced safari industry overseeing a good mix of national parks and private reserves.

South Africa’s top-ranked safari parks show this perfectly. For those who have been lucky enough to visit, it will come as no surprise that exclusive Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve was the fourth most popular safari park in Africa; apart from having ultraluxurious accommodations, Sabi Sands is renowned as being one of the best places to see big cats in Africa. Kruger National Park appeared just outside the Top 10: safari-goers and experts alike love how this vast park is a symbol of what South Africa has to offer, with lots of big cats, the Big Five, and almost-guaranteed sightings of elephants and rhinos. Best of all, like so many South African parks, Kruger is extremely accessible, whether you’re on a self-drive or guided safari. Sabi Sands and Kruger are radically different experiences except in the following important ways: the wildlife watching and overall safari experience are outstanding in both.

• 

  James Bainbridge UK - James has authored Lonely Planet’s ‘South Africa’ guide.

  Rating:

  4/5 stars

  “South Africa's main drawcard is the accessibility and convenience of its wildlife-watching opportunities. Not only are the Big Five here, in environments from Kruger's bushveld to Pilanesberg's extinct volcano crater, but you can see them from a hire car on tarred roads...” Full review
• 

  Ariadne van Zandbergen ZA - Ariadne is a renowned African wildlife photographer.

  Rating:

  4/5 stars

  “South Africa is my home and I love it. I’ve been traveling the highways and byways of this diverse country for almost 30 years, and I never tire of it. As a tourist destination, I can’t think of a more diverse country. From white sandy beaches, rugged mountains, stark deserts and fairy forests to vibrant cities and, most excitingly, wildlife-rich parks – South Africa has it all...” Full review

• 

  #11 Hwange National Park  
   Zimbabwe  

  4.54/5
  Classic safaris, abundance of all major safari animals including the Big Five
• 

  #12 Katavi National Park  
   Tanzania  

  4.50/5
  Classic and walking safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino), many hippo in the Dry season
• 

  #13 Central Kalahari Game Reserve  
   Botswana  

  4.50/5
  Stirring desert scenery, excellent dry-country safaris, all big cats present
• 

  #14 Kapama Private Game Reserve  
   South Africa  

  4.50/5
  Private Big Five reserve, luxury lodges, bush walks, star sleepouts, great photography
• 

  #15 Kruger National Park  
   South Africa  

  4.49/5
  Classic safaris, great abundance of all major safari animals including the Big Five
• 

  #16 Samburu National Reserve  
   Kenya  

  4.48/5
  Classic dry-country safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino), adjoins Buffalo Springs
• 

  #17 Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park  
   Zambia  

  4.45/5
  Victoria Falls and small wildlife park, white rhino, elephant and giraffe, no big cats
• 

  #18 Queen Elizabeth National Park  
   Uganda  

  4.44/5
  Boat and classic safaris, abundant wildlife, four of the Big Five (no rhino), no giraffe
• 

  #19 Timbavati Private Nature Reserve  
   South Africa  

  4.36/5
  Classic safaris, private reserve, Big Five present
• 

  #20 Madikwe Game Reserve  
   South Africa  

  4.35/5
  Classic safaris, Big Five present
• 

  #21 Murchison Falls National Park  
   Uganda  

  4.35/5
  Boat and classic safaris, waterfall, abundant wildlife, four of the Big Five (no rhino)
• 

  #22 Balule Private Nature Reserve  
   South Africa  

  4.33/5
  Classic safaris, private reserve, Big Five present
• 

  #23 Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve  
   South Africa  

  4.33/5
  Exclusive Big Five reserve with superb big cat sightings, luxury lodges, top service
• 

  #24 Nyerere National Park  
   Tanzania  

  4.33/5
  Classic, walking and boat safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino), wild dog
• 

  #25 Amboseli National Park  
   Kenya  

  4.29/5
  Classic safaris, great elephant viewing, famous for its Mt Kilimanjaro views
• 

  #26 Ol Pejeta Conservancy  
   Kenya  

  4.27/5
  Classic safaris, private reserve, Big Five present, chimpanzee sanctuary
• 

  #27 Etosha National Park  
   Namibia  

  4.22/5
  Classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no buffalo), abundant wildlife in the Dry season
• 

  #28 Addo Elephant National Park  
   South Africa  

  4.21/5
  Classic safaris, Big Five present but only elephant are regularly seen
• 

  #29 Kafue National Park  
   Zambia  

  4.19/5
  Walking, boat and classic safaris, cheetah, four of the Big Five (no rhino), no giraffe
• 

  #30 Tarangire National Park  
   Tanzania  

  4.18/5
  Classic and walking safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino), lots of elephants
• 

  #31 Tsavo West National Park  
   Kenya  

  4.16/5
  Classic safaris, adjoins Tsavo East National Park, Big Five present, low wildlife densities
• 

  #32 Waterberg Plateau Park  
   Namibia  

  4.14/5
  Scenic plateau park with guided drives, hikes, and rare wildlife like rhino and roan
• 

  #33 Tsavo East National Park  
   Kenya  

  4.13/5
  Classic safaris, adjoins Tsavo West National Park, good for elephants and big cats
• 

  #34 Manyeleti Game Reserve  
   South Africa  

  4.13/5
  Community-owned reserve in Greater Kruger with rich wildlife and Big Five sightings
• 

  #35 Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve  
   South Africa  

  4.12/5
  Classic safaris, Big Five present, famous for its rhino population
• 

  #36 Lake Nakuru National Park  
   Kenya  

  4.08/5
  Classic safaris, black and white rhino, lion and leopard, no elephant, family-friendly
• 

  #37 Zambezi National Park  
   Zimbabwe  

  4.06/5
  Walking, boat and classic safaris, near Victoria Falls, four of the Big Five (no rhino)
• 

  #38 Shimba Hills National Reserve  
   Kenya  

  4.00/5
  Classic safaris, abundant elephant
• 

  #39 Aberdare National Park  
   Kenya  

  4.00/5
  Walking safaris, forest elephants and tree hotels
• 

  #40 Arusha National Park  
   Tanzania  

  3.98/5
  Classic safaris, hiking, mainly antelope species, buffalo, giraffe and Kilimanjaro colobus
• 

  #41 Nairobi National Park  
   Kenya  

  3.93/5
  Classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no elephant), city skyscrapers as backdrop
• 

  #42 Nxai Pan National Park  
   Botswana  

  3.88/5
  Dry-country safaris, salt-pan and baobab scenery, all big cats present
• 

  #43 Lake Mburo National Park  
   Uganda  

  3.84/5
  Boat, walking and classic safaris, mainly antelope species, regular leopard sightings
• 

  #44 Makgadikgadi Pans National Park  
   Botswana  

  3.82/5
  Guided and self-drive safaris, varied river and salt-pan scenery, zebra migration
• 

  #45 Liwonde National Park  
   Malawi  

  3.75/5
  Big Five park on the Shire River with boat safaris, elephants, hippos, and crocs
• 

  #46 Mikumi National Park  
   Tanzania  

  3.73/5
  Walking and classic safaris, four of the Big Five (no rhino)
• 

  #47 Hell’s Gate National Park  
   Kenya  

  3.73/5
  Cycling, walking and climbing, with mainly buffalo and antelope species
• 

  #48 Pilanesberg Game Reserve  
   South Africa  

  3.73/5
  Classic safaris, Big Five present
• 

  #49 Karoo National Park  
   South Africa  

  3.70/5
  Semi-desert park protecting unique Karoo wildlife and rugged mountain landscapes
• 

  #50 Lake Manyara National Park  
   Tanzania  

  3.62/5
  Classic, walking and canoe safaris, treetop walkway, four of the Big Five (no rhino)

We analyzed 2,665 park reviews on the SafariBookings.com website, which included 1,492 contributions by safari travelers from 74 countries, as well as 1,173 reviews written by our international team of safari experts.

In total 204 parks from 15 countries, consisting of Botswana, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe, were included in the study.

Only parks recognized for classic wildlife-viewing safaris were considered. Parks mostly known for scenery or gorilla/chimp tracking (and not other wildlife) were not included.

Parks with less than nine reviews were excluded from the Top 50.