Which is better, an East African or Southern African Safari?
Written by Courtney Drysdale
Setting off on a safari promises an extraordinary adventure, seamlessly weaving together the unspoiled splendour of nature, a rich diversity of wildlife, captivating vistas, and immersive experiences. When it comes to planning a safari, East Africa and Southern Africa stand out as 2 prominent regions, each offering a unique blend of attractions and experiences. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the comparisons to help you decide which safari destination suits your preferences, from the differences between these destinations, how much these African safaris can cost, what the best safari activities are and much more.
Table of Contents
Summary
East Africa boasts iconic safari destinations, including Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. These parks are celebrated for their dramatic landscapes, exceptional wildlife sightings, and the annual Great Migration. The Masai Mara's vast open plains are home to an abundance of wildlife, including the Big 5, while the montane forests of Rwanda hold magnificent gorillas. In contrast, the Serengeti's sweeping savannahs provide the stage for one of nature's most awe-inspiring events — the migration of millions of wildebeest and zebras. Against the backdrop dotted with umbrella thorn acacias, Ngorongoro Crater and the Great Rift Valley offer unique and unforgettable safari experiences.
In Southern Africa, South Africa's Kruger National Park, Namibia’s Etosha National Park, Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools, and Botswana's Chobe region and Okavango Delta take centre stage. Kruger National Park is one of Africa's oldest and most renowned reserves, offering an unrivalled diversity of wildlife, including the Big 5. Namibia’s distinct draw lies in its unique desert-adapted lions, elephants and black rhinos. Chobe National Park, situated along the Chobe River, is famous for its large elephant herds, mega prides of lions and boat safaris that provide unique perspectives of wildlife congregating at the water's edge. The Okavango Delta offers unparalleled wildlife density including the Big 5, wild dogs and many more.
The cost of an East African or Southern African safari varies depending on various factors, such as the duration of your trip, park fees, accommodation choices, and activities included.
East African safaris offer iconic safari experiences, thanks to a longer-established safari tradition. Prices in Kenya and Tanzania can increase during the Great Migration, however, there are plenty of budget-friendly options to choose from as well. Certain activities can fetch a hefty price tag, one such being gorilla trekking in Rwanda and other expensive considerations include more expensive park fees than in Southern Africa. However, with all experiences unique and integral to protecting an endangered species, these prices are well justified. To find out more about gorilla trekking, check out our Rwanda Pocket Guide. It is also more common in East Africa to have entire packages organised and thus, more difficult to separate the costs of accommodation, transport and activities. This adds to the fact that organising the logistics of travel in East Africa can be more expensive and complex than in Southern Africa, where there is more direct flight and road access.
Southern African safaris offer a range of options to suit different budgets, especially in South Africa, with parks that are easy to access and often have lower entry fees in comparison to East Africa. Luxury lodges and high-end tented camps cater to those seeking a lavish experience. Botswana is particularly known for this and is designed for a more ‘quality over quantity’ safari experience that certainly pays off. Read our blog about why Botswana is generally more expensive. However, there are also mid-range lodges and guesthouses available, providing comfortable accommodations at a more affordable price.
Self-drive options and self-catering accommodations in both regions offer budget-conscious travellers a chance to explore the region without breaking the bank.
Here is a breakdown of costs for each location, per person per night, including activities:
Although the prices of a safari in Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia are roughly similar to those in East Africa, there are some important considerations to make:
You will find more mid-price range options in Tanzania and Kenya and these locations have a longer established safari industry. This means that you can get more activities included for your price, such as a guide to take you on the entirety of your safari and this is a popular choice for visitors. However, other costs such as higher fees for park entries and logistics may even these costs out.
In Botswana, there is the option to self-drive, although we only recommend this if you have some decent off-roading experience. Generally, Botswana offers more luxury adventures.
In Rwanda, not all experiences will include top activities like seeing the gorillas, and you can at times expect a really rustic experience with entry-level prices, such as a lack of hot water.
Understanding the seasonal variations in East Africa and Southern Africa is crucial for planning your safari adventure.
East Africa offers travellers a year-round adventure destination, during both wet and dry seasons. The dry season, from about June to October, is a popular time for safaris as wildlife congregates around water sources, providing excellent game-viewing opportunities. The plains of the Masai Mara and Serengeti are dotted with large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and antelope, along with accompanying predators. The wet season, from around November to May, brings refreshing rains that transform the landscapes into lush greenery. It is during this time that the wildebeest and other herbivores give birth to their young, attracting predators in search of easy prey.
Southern Africa also has a wet and dry season, although the variations are less pronounced compared to East Africa. The dry winter months, from roughly May to October, are considered the best for game viewing due to the sparse vegetation, making it easier to spot animals. The cooler temperatures during this period also mean that wildlife is more active throughout the day. The wet summer months, which are generally from November to April, bring occasional showers that rejuvenate the landscapes and provide breeding opportunities for many species. This time of year showcases the beauty of Southern Africa's lush vegetation, and birdlife flourishes as migratory species arrive.
In East Africa, some places might be harder to reach due to long distances between airports or parks. For shorter time frames, consider focusing on specific highlights or fewer destinations for a better trip. Road transfers are common, particularly between major cities and national parks. The road network is well-developed, and private transfers or guided tours can be arranged to reach the desired destinations. Domestic flights are also available, connecting major cities and airstrips near the national parks. Flying between destinations saves time and allows you to maximise your safari experience.
Southern Africa provides reliable road transfers, with well-maintained highways in South Africa and Namibia connecting major cities to safari destinations. Self-drive options are also popular in these countries as well as Botswana and Zimbabwe, allowing travellers to explore at their own pace. Additionally, domestic flights or air charters are available, linking major cities and airstrips near national parks and reserves. Air transfers offer the advantage of reducing travel time, especially when visiting remote or hard-to-reach areas such as the Okavango Delta.
Both East Africa and Southern Africa offer options for transfers, ensuring convenient access to their safari destinations.
East Africa and Southern Africa offer a range of accommodation options to suit every traveller's preferences and budget.
In East Africa, you can choose from luxury lodges, tented camps, and mobile camps. Luxury lodges provide a high level of comfort and amenities, often situated in private reserves or exclusive locations within the national parks. Tented camps offer a unique safari experience, combining the thrill of being close to nature with the comfort of en-suite facilities. Mobile camps follow the Great Migration, allowing you to stay close to the action.
Some of our favourite East African stays include: Esirai Migration Camp in the Serengeti, Matemwe Lodge on Zanzibar Island, Kataza House in Rwanda and Rekero Camp in the Masai Mara.
Southern Africa offers a similar range of accommodation options. Luxury lodges and tented camps provide opulent surroundings amidst the wilderness, with world-class service and amenities. Some lodges even offer private plunge pools and most, panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Additionally, for the adventurous, there are rustic bush camps and self-catering chalets, providing a more immersive and authentic safari experience.
Some of our favourite Southern African stays include: Jao Camp in Botswana, Toka Leya near Mosi-ao-Tunya, Kosi Forest Lodge in KZN and Singita Boulders Lodge in the Kruger.
East Africa offers an array of unforgettable safari activities and experiences.
Witnessing the Great Migration in the Masai Mara and Serengeti is a highlight of East African safaris. The sight of thousands of wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and other grazers, crossing treacherous rivers in search of fresh grazing grounds is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Hot air balloon safaris are another popular activity, providing a unique perspective as you float silently above the vast savannah dotted by trees, observing wildlife from the skies.
Guided walking tours, accompanied by knowledgeable Maasai guides, offer a chance to explore the intricacies of the bush up close and learn about the local culture.
Cultural visits to Maasai villages provide insights into traditional customs, dance, and handicrafts.
East Africa is also home to exceptional hiking experiences – Rwanda has a plethora of trails to follow and one can trek the Ngorongoro Crater and witness breathtaking views.
Southern Africa showcases a range of safari activities that cater to every adventurer's desires.
Game drives are the quintessential safari experience, allowing you to traverse the rugged landscapes in search of Africa's incredible wildlife.
Walking safaris provide a more intimate encounter with nature, as you follow expert guides and discover the smaller wonders of the bush, such as tracking footprints and learning about local flora and fauna.
River cruises, particularly along the Chobe River, offer a unique vantage point to observe animals coming to drink and play in the water. Another unique safari experience is offered in the Okavango Delta where one can explore waterways by mokoro (traditional dugout canoes) or kayak.
For an immersive cultural experience, spending time with the San People provides insight into their traditional hunting and survival techniques, storytelling, and ancient traditions.
Locations like Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya also offer a range of exciting activities. This UNESCO World Heritage Site presents an awe-inspiring display of cascading waterfalls amidst lush surroundings. The area offers a range of adrenaline-pumping activities, including bungee jumping, microlight flights, and white water rafting.
Both East Africa and Southern Africa offer exceptional game-viewing opportunities, ensuring unparalleled encounters and tremendous biodiversity.
East Africa's Masai Mara and Serengeti are renowned for their extraordinary wildlife sightings and wide open plains. The Masai Mara's vast plains teeming with a diverse range of species, from the majestic African elephant to the stealthy predators like cheetahs and lions. The Big 5, consisting of the lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard, can be regularly spotted in these parks, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Rwanda is also home to another exceptional, gentle giant, the mountain gorilla and treks into Volcanoes National Park offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see these rare and precious creatures. The Tanzanian Coast and Zanzibar Island boast a pristine coastline that gives way to a vast underwater world full of marine life.
Southern Africa's Kruger National Park and Okavango Delta are equally impressive in terms of game viewing, offering the chance to spot a high concentration of wildlife in a smaller area, including a higher population of rhinos (we suggest Eswatini and KZN) than in East Africa. Kruger National Park's and the Greater Kruger’s private reserves boast diverse ecosystems and an extensive road network provides ample opportunities to spot a wide variety of animals, including excellent opportunities to see the Big 5. The Okavango Delta offers the chance to spot a tremendous variety of wildlife, ranging from wild dogs to elephants, lions that swim across channels and rare sitatunga antelope. Zambia is home to the largest mammal migration of around 8 million bats that flurry down from the Congo. As you traverse the eastern coast of South Africa you will encounter whales and dolphins along the Garden Route, into sub-tropical KwaZulu-Natal and iSimangaliso Wetland Park where one can see baby turtles hatch.
East Africa and Southern Africa captivate visitors with their breathtaking landscapes, each with its distinct beauty.
In East Africa, the various Mara’s, which translate to ‘spotted land’, feature open savannahs dotted with trees and shrubs that create a quintessential iconic African backdrop. The Serengeti's vast plains stretch to the horizon, providing uninterrupted views of the Great Migration and showcasing stunning sunsets. The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tanzania, offers a breathtaking natural amphitheatre where a wide variety of animals coexist within the world's largest volcanic caldera. The equally dramatic Great Rift Valley stretches across landscapes, carving out dramatic gorges, rivers, saline lakes, forests, and Africa’s Great Lakes. Zanzibar Island and its coastline boast serene sandy white beaches, sunshine and excellent snorkelling and scuba diving.
Southern Africa presents a diverse tapestry of landscapes. South Africa's Kruger National Park encompasses a range of habitats, from dense bushveld to open plains. The Okavango Delta in Botswana is a mesmerising oasis, with its lush wetlands and intricate network of water channels, attracting a rich diversity of wildlife. The towering sand dunes of Namibia's Sossusvlei and the rugged beauty of Zambia's South Luangwa National Park further add to the region's scenic wonders.
East African safaris often include fly camping and a chance to learn from the Maasai people who have lived as pastoralists for centuries. The equally fascinating Hadzabe tribe have thrived on the shores of Lake Eyasi and maintained a distinct hunter-gatherer culture for hundreds of years. Destinations like Nairobi offer a cosmopolitan blend of East African vibrancy and European aristocracy that alludes to a classical safari adventure reminiscent of Out of Africa.
Southern Africa provides opportunities for cultural experiences, such as interacting with the San Peoples in the Kalahari Desert and Makgadikgadi Salt Pans or immersing yourself in the vibrant local culture of Cape Town, which is considered by many as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. With such a variety of cultures and landscapes, Southern Africa offers a blend of true pristine wilderness and all of its wonder, along with bustling urban hubs.
Both East Africa and Southern Africa cater to a wide range of travellers, each offering unique experiences suitable for various occasions.
East Africa's safaris offer a wealth of options for couples and honeymooners, as well as seasoned adventurers. The region's diverse wildlife and cultural encounters provide enriching experiences for children and adults alike.
Couples looking for a romantic getaway can also find secluded lodges and camps that offer privacy and exclusive experiences amidst stunning landscapes.
East Africa's safaris are also well-suited for photographers, birdwatchers, and wildlife enthusiasts who are eager to witness the awe-inspiring Great Wildebeest Migration.
Southern Africa's safaris truly offer something for everyone. From malaria-free family adventures, to honeymooners searching out exclusivity, adventure seekers and first-time safari travellers – the possibilities are what you decide. The region's breathtaking landscapes, luxury lodges, and intimate safari experiences create a perfect setting for romantic getaways.
Families can enjoy the wildlife-rich reserves, kid-friendly lodges, and educational activities designed to engage young explorers.
Adventurous travellers and nature lovers will find Southern Africa's diverse ecosystems and unique activities, such as walking safaris and river cruises, truly captivating.
Sossusvlei or the Serengeti? Lake Eyasi or the Makgadikgadi? The Kruger or Masai Mara? Africa awaits, which safari will you choose?
In conclusion, choosing between an East African safari and a Southern African safari ultimately depends on your preferences and the type of experience you seek. East Africa offers iconic destinations, the Great Wildebeest Migration, and rich cultural encounters. Southern Africa showcases exceptional game viewing, diverse landscapes, and the opportunity to explore unique attractions like Victoria Falls. Whether you choose the rolling plains of the Masai Mara or the vast wilderness of Kruger National Park, both regions promise an adventure of a lifetime, immersing you in the wonders of the African continent.
To find out more about how we carefully curate and create life-changing and immersive safari experiences in both East Africa and Southern Africa explore our trips or sign up to our newsletter to get insider tips, vouchers and much more.