Africa’s two great safari regions each offer something special. East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda) is home to the Great Migration, vast savannas and mountain gorillas. Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe) has the Okavango Delta, walking safaris, self-drive adventures and Victoria Falls. Here is how they compare.
Quick comparison
| East Africa | Southern Africa | |
|---|---|---|
| Signature experiences | Great Migration, gorillas, Ngorongoro Crater | Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, walking and self-drive safaris |
| Landscapes | Open savanna, volcanoes, rainforest, the Rift Valley | Deltas, deserts, rivers, woodland |
| Safari style | Mostly guided safaris in closed 4×4s with pop-up roofs | Open vehicles, walking, boat and canoe safaris, self-drive |
| Wildlife density | Very high on the plains, especially during the migration | Very high in the best areas, such as the delta and Chobe |
| Night drives and off-road | Only in private conservancies | Common in private reserves and concessions |
| Best time | June to October; January to February | May to October |
| Malaria-free options | Few | Several in South Africa |
| Budget options | Good, especially road-based safaris | Excellent self-drive value in South Africa and Namibia |
Why choose East Africa
- The Great Migration: more than a million wildebeest and zebras moving through the Serengeti and Maasai Mara. See our migration guide.
- Gorillas and chimpanzees in Uganda and Rwanda, which combine well with a savanna safari.
- Huge open plains that make big cats easy to see.
- Culture: meeting Maasai and Samburu communities.
- Beaches: Zanzibar and the Kenyan coast are easy add-ons.
Why choose southern Africa
- Variety of safari styles: walking in Zambia and Zimbabwe, mokoro trips in the Okavango, canoeing on the Zambezi, self-driving in Kruger and Namibia.
- Exclusive private reserves: fewer vehicles and off-road driving in Botswana and South Africa’s private reserves.
- Victoria Falls and dramatic desert landscapes in Namibia.
- Malaria-free options for families in South Africa. See our malaria-free guide.
- Infrastructure: South Africa has excellent roads, flights and value accommodation.
Who suits which region?
- First-time safari-goers wanting the classic experience: East Africa (Kenya or Tanzania) or South Africa’s Kruger.
- Families with young children: South Africa’s malaria-free reserves or Kenya’s Laikipia.
- Photographers: the Serengeti and Mara for big cats, Sabi Sand for leopards, Botswana for varied scenes.
- Adventurous and independent travellers: Namibia self-drive or walking in Zambia.
- Primate lovers: Uganda and Rwanda.
- Luxury travellers: Botswana’s delta camps or Tanzania’s private concessions.
Can I combine both?
Yes, though it usually requires a flight via Johannesburg or Nairobi. A popular combination is gorilla trekking in Rwanda followed by the Okavango Delta or Victoria Falls.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for a first safari, East or southern Africa? Both work well. Kenya and Tanzania offer classic savanna safaris with high densities of animals. South Africa’s Kruger is easy, affordable and flexible.
Which region is cheaper? Road-based safaris in East Africa and self-drive trips in South Africa and Namibia are the most affordable. Botswana is generally the most expensive.
Where can I see the Big Five? In both regions. See our Big Five guide.
When is the best time to go? The dry season in both regions: roughly June to October. See our month-by-month safari guide.
Related guides
- First African safari planning guide
- Best time for a safari: month by month
- How much does a safari cost?
- Animal profiles: Lion, Mountain gorilla, African elephant
Cover photo: ProfessorX, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons