African Safaris | Land

African Safari Destinations & Wildlife

Each region of Africa has unique opportunities to see a variety of animals in their natural habitats. Pick the destination that best matches your interests, or combine them for an unforgettable trip of a lifetime!

Tanzania

Many class Tanzania as the ultimate African safari destination, offering a huge variety of up-close and personal wildlife encounters with the most iconic African species. While on a Safari in Tanzania, you can expect to spot lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and hippos. And that’s just for starters! Tanzania is also home to many different types of antelope and gazelle, as well as various primates, including baboons. If you’re lucky, Tanzania is also the best place to spot the endangered and extremely rare black rhino. 

Click to read our trip reports from previous Tanzania safaris:

Tanzania Big Game Safari - August 2022 - with Craig Dietrich & Zanzibar Diving & Tanzania Safari Trip Report 2024

Uganda & Rwanda

Tracking mountain gorillas is a rewarding and unforgettable adventure, only experienced by a lucky few. The excitement of coming face to face with a huge silver-back gorilla is a truly thrilling and unique wildlife encounter. Uganda and Rwanda are world-renowned for families of wild mountain gorillas and are among the only places on the planet where you can interact with these charismatic great apes in their natural habitat. 

 

 

South Africa 

For bold and exciting wildlife encounters where the ‘Big 5’ is your main aim, South Africa is a great option.  The world’s most iconic African safari species, elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, and buffalo, can all be spotted here in just one day! There are countless other species to spot during your South African safari, such as cheetahs, hyenas, warthogs, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, wildebeest, and many types of antelope. The list goes on…   

In addition to the stunning topside South African wildlife, July to November brings migratory whales to the country’s coast, and you can witness adult humpbacks arriving from the icy Antarctic to mate and give birth in warmer waters. There is also the world-famous sardine run which runs from May through to August. 

When To Go on An African Safari

The best time to go on an African safari depends on what you want to see and experience. Each region has unique weather patterns and animal migrations, so talk to our experts to find the best options for your trip.

Tanzania

Between June and October, wildlife viewing in Tanzania is at its prime. This is the dry season when animals gather in large numbers around watering holes.

The best time to experience the great wildebeest migration in the Southern Serengeti is between December and March. However, this is also the wet season when long grass and abundant vegetation growth can obscure much of the wildlife.

Tanzania Climate: Dry seasons run from January to March and June to October. Wet seasons run from April to June and November to December. 

Uganda & Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda is available all year round.  

Uganda Climate: Dry seasons run from January through February and from June to September. Wet seasons run from March to May and September to December.

Rwanda Climate: Dry seasons run from June to September and December to February. Wet seasons run from March to May and October to November. 

South Africa

The best time to safari in South Africa is between May and September. This coincides with the annual sardine run, which runs from May through August.

South Africa Climate: Dry season runs from May to October. Wet season is typically from November to April. 

Types of African Safari

There are three distinct types of safari you can enjoy in Africa: walking safaris, mobile safaris, and migration safaris. Each offers a different experience, so read on to decide what type of safari suits you. 

Walking Safaris

During a walking safari you will travel between campsites and/or lodges by vehicle or boat. Once you reach the designated area you will get the opportunity to walk around on foot, under the watchful eye of a guide.

Mobile Safaris

Mobile safaris are our most popular type and probably what you imagine when you think of going on a safari. You will be driven by guides (usually in an open 4X4 vehicle) over a wide area looking for wildlife. The vehicles will make regular stops so that you can spend some time viewing and photographing the various species you see along the way.

Migration Safaris

These expeditions follow vast animal populations during their annual migrations. Prepare to have a flexible schedule if you undertake a migration safari!

A Typical Day on an African Safari

Early mornings on safari are a must, as this time offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Wake up is usually before sunrise! Enjoy a hot beverage and a light breakfast before heading out on your first game drive of the day. Morning game drives can be between 2 and 3 hours long and can be cool and crisp. Blankets are often provided for you but be prepared with warm clothing that can be removed as the sun rises and the day warms.

Following the morning game drive, you will head back to your accommodation for some food and relaxation. During the hottest part of the day, much of the African wildlife will seek shade and rest, as will you.

The afternoon usually consists of another game drive to spot the predatory animals as they begin to wake up for an evening of hunting. Depending on the destination, alternative activities may be offered, such as canoeing, bird-watching, or cultural trips.

In the evening, you will relax and reflect on your day’s activities in front of a crackling fire, while dinner is prepared for you.

Early nights are usually encouraged so that you wake up refreshed and ready for the following day's adventure.

Choose Your Adventure

Bluewater's Tanzania Big Game Safari

Join Bluewater Travel for a Tanzania Big Game Safari. A wealth of stunning wildlife awaits. We visit the world-renowned Serengeti that offers some of the most breathtaking wildlife viewings in Africa. The Ngorongoro Crater, also known as the eighth wonders of the world, the largest intact collapsed caldera on earth filled with every animal species in East Africa. And lastly, the Tarangire National park is known for its congregating herds of elephants, wooded savannahs, and network of swamps.