East Africa vs South Africa: Which Safari is Right for You?
ONE OF THE QUESTIONS I'M ASKED ALL TIME IS: EAST AFRICA VS SOUTHERN AFRICA?
EAST AFRICA
The truth is, both are incredible — but they can feel very different even though they experience a lot of overlap in activities. You can see extraordinary wildlife in both regions, and depending on where you stay, both can offer game drives, walking safaris, night drives, cultural experiences and time out in the wilderness. The difference is often more about the landscapes, style and flow of the safari, and what else you want to combine with it.
East Africa
When most people picture a classic African safari, they’re probably imagining Kenya or Tanzania — wide-open plains, huge herds of wildlife, the Serengeti, Maasai Mara, Ngorongoro Crater and, of course, the Great Migration.
But there’s much more to East Africa than traditional game drives. Depending on where you stay, you can walk, head out on night drives, take a hot-air balloon over the plains, fly camp in the wilderness or even explore some incredibly remote areas by helicopter. There’s also a wonderful cultural side to travelling here, with opportunities to spend time with local communities and learn about the conservation efforts taking place throughout the region.
Gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda
For something completely different, Rwanda and Uganda offer gorilla and chimpanzee trekking amongst lush forests and mountains — an incredible addition to a more traditional East African safari.
Botswana
Southern Africa
Botswana, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe offer a slightly different safari experience, often in private reserves and concessions with fewer vehicles and plenty of ways to explore — game drives, walking safaris, boating, mokoros, night drives and even sleeping out under the stars.
Botswana’s Okavango Delta is completely unique, while Zambia is particularly well known for its walking safaris. South Africa is perhaps the most versatile of all, easily combining safari with Cape Town, the Winelands and the coast — perfect if you don’t want your entire trip to be about wildlife.
Namibia
And then there’s Namibia. I often think of it as a fantastic second safari trip. Its enormous dunes, deserts, Skeleton Coast and wild landscapes are incredibly photogenic and completely different from the rest of Africa.
Zanzibar
And Don’t Forget the Beach...
Safari and beach are a pretty great combination. Zanzibar or the Kenyan coast pair beautifully with East Africa, while Mozambique, Mauritius or the Seychelles can be added to a Southern African itinerary. After those early safari mornings, a few days beside the Indian Ocean can be very welcome!
So, Which One?
If your idea of Africa is wide-open plains, huge herds, the Great Migration and cultural experiences, East Africa may be exactly what you’re looking for. If gorillas and chimps are the dream, Rwanda or Uganda can add an entirely different experience.
If you’re drawn to exclusive camps, private reserves, varied safari activities and combining safari with Cape Town, wine, Victoria Falls or the beach, Southern Africa may be more your style.
Neither is better — they’re simply different. And chances are, once you’ve done one, you’ll want to experience the other.