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THE MILESOPEDIA COLLECTION

Best Safaris in the World

8 destinations in 8 countries. Find your dream safari.
Find your next experience

LET THE CALENDAR INSPIRE YOU

When will you go?

A month. A season. Somewhere new.

8 safari destinations

Region
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The experiences

  • Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Price range
$200-1,500/night
Best months
Jan · Feb · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep
Dry Season Months
Jan · Feb · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep
  • Mountain gorilla trekking
  • Only ~1,000 left in the wild
  • Dense tropical forest
  • Namibia

Etosha

Price range
$100-800/night
Best months
May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
Dry Season Months
May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct · Nov
  • Salt pan landscape
  • Waterhole viewing
  • Self-drive friendly
  • South Africa

Kruger & Sabi Sands

Price range
$150-3,000/night
Best months
May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep
Dry Season Months
May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
  • Best leopard sightings in Africa
  • Self-drive option available
  • Sabi Sands private reserves
  • Kenya

Masai Mara

Price range
$400-2,000/night
Best months
Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
Dry Season Months
Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
  • Great Migration river crossings
  • Highest lion density in Africa
  • Hot air balloon safaris
  • Botswana

Okavango Delta

Price range
$800-3,500/night
Best months
Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
Dry Season Months
May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
  • Mokoro canoe safaris
  • Water-based wildlife viewing
  • Exclusive low-density camps
  • India

Ranthambore

Price range
$100-800/night
Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Oct · Nov · Dec
Dry Season Months
Oct · Nov · Dec · Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr · May · Jun
  • Wild Bengal tigers
  • Ancient fort ruins
  • Tigers among temples
  • Tanzania

Serengeti

Price range
$600-2,500/night
Best months
Jan · Feb · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
Dry Season Months
Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
  • Great wildebeest migration
  • Mara River crossing
  • Endless plains
  • Zambia

South Luangwa

Price range
$400-1,800/night
Best months
May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
Dry Season Months
May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
  • Birthplace of the walking safari
  • Highest leopard density
  • Night drives

Best Months by Destination

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A CLOSER LOOK

A little planning. A better experience.

The context and practical tips to plan your next trip.

African Safari: The Ultimate Bucket-List Experience for American Travelers

An African safari is consistently ranked as one of the world's most transformative travel experiences. Watching a lion pride at sunrise on the Serengeti, witnessing the Great Migration in the Masai Mara, or tracking gorillas through the Rwandan jungle creates memories that last a lifetime. For American travelers, strategic use of airline miles and hotel points can make this dream surprisingly accessible.

Top Safari Destinations

Kenya's Masai Mara and Tanzania's Serengeti form the heart of East African safari country, hosting the Great Migration from July through October. South Africa's Kruger National Park offers excellent Big Five viewing with convenient infrastructure. Botswana's Okavango Delta provides a water-based safari experience unlike anywhere else. For gorilla trekking, Rwanda and Uganda offer encounters with mountain gorillas, one of the world's most exclusive wildlife experiences.

Safari Styles: Luxury Lodges to Budget Camping

Safari experiences range from ultra-luxury properties like Singita and andBeyond (starting at $1,500/night) to mid-range lodges ($300-$800/night) and budget camping safaris ($150-$300/day). Private conservancies offer exclusive game drives with fewer vehicles, while national parks provide more affordable access. Mobile tented camps follow the Great Migration across the Serengeti, combining adventure with comfort.

Flying to Africa with Points

Direct flights from JFK to Johannesburg (South African Airways/Delta), JFK to Nairobi (Kenya Airways), and Washington Dulles to Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines) make Africa accessible from the US. Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to United for Star Alliance flights, or Amex Membership Rewards to Delta/ANA for alternative routings. Business class award seats to Africa offer exceptional value, often available for 80,000-120,000 miles round trip.

Safari Planning Tips

Book 6-12 months in advance for peak season (July-October in East Africa, May-September in Southern Africa). Internal flights between safari destinations are common and can be booked with cash or miles. Pack neutral-colored clothing, binoculars, a good camera with a zoom lens, and consider malaria prophylaxis. Travel insurance with emergency medical evacuation is essential for remote safari locations.

YOUR QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions About African Safaris

A few answers before you book.

How much does an African safari cost?

Budget camping safaris start at $150-$300/day per person. Mid-range lodges run $300-$800/night. Luxury properties like Singita and andBeyond start at $1,500/night per person, all-inclusive. A typical 7-day mid-range safari in Kenya or Tanzania costs $3,000-$6,000 per person excluding international flights.

Can I use airline miles to fly to Africa?

Yes. Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to United for flights to Nairobi, Johannesburg, or Kilimanjaro via Star Alliance partners. Amex Membership Rewards transfer to Delta for routes through Amsterdam or Paris. Business class award seats to Africa offer outstanding value, often available for 80,000-120,000 miles round trip from the US.

When is the best time for a safari in East Africa?

The Great Migration crosses the Masai Mara from July through October, making this peak safari season. The dry season (June-October) offers the best wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources. The green season (November-May) brings lower prices, fewer tourists, and excellent birdwatching, plus newborn animals.

Do I need vaccinations for an African safari?

Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to some East African countries. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for most safari destinations. Consult a travel medicine specialist 6-8 weeks before departure. Additional recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, and routine boosters.

What camera gear should I bring on safari?

A camera with a 200-400mm zoom lens covers most safari photography needs. Bring extra batteries and memory cards, as charging opportunities may be limited. A beanbag or window mount provides stable support for long lenses. Smartphones with good zoom can capture decent wildlife photos for casual photographers.

Is a guided safari or self-drive better?

Guided safaris are recommended for first-timers, as experienced guides know animal behavior, prime viewing spots, and safety protocols. Self-drive is an option in South Africa's Kruger National Park and Namibia's Etosha, where roads are well-maintained. In East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania), guided safaris are the standard and strongly recommended.

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