East Africa vs Southern Africa Safari: Where to Go for the Best
East Africa and Southern Africa are two of the most popular regions for safaris, each offering distinct experiences for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Our guide on what, when, and how to enjoy your African Safari will help you choose the best safari trip based on your preferences and needs.
Quick Answer: East Africa vs Southern Africa
Where to go for the best Africa safari? East and Southern Africa both offer incredible safari experiences with abundant wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) and diverse ecosystems. Both regions feature expert guides and various safari options, ensuring you high-quality safari adventures and fantastic photo opportunities.
East Africa, the pioneer of safari experiences, offers well-developed facilities and the chance to witness the Great Migration. However, some famous National Parks do not limit visitor numbers, leading to crowded conditions during peak seasons, with many vehicles around the animals, it may be difficult to see them clearly.
Southern Africa, on the other hand, features more private reserves, relatively at a higher cost, but you will enjoy off-the-beaten-path routes, especially in Zambia and Zimbabwe.
When you are clear with your interests and preferences, making a choice becomes much easier.
Safari
Infographic on East Africa vs Southern Africa
With so many classic destinations, choosing between the two can be tough, so we have outlined the key points in the table below to give you a quick view.
| Criteria | East Africa | Southern Africa |
| Main Countries | - Kenya - Tanzania - Uganda - Rwanda | - Zambia - Zimbabwe - Botswana - Namibia - South Africa |
| Best Time to Visit | June to October | May to October |
| Hot Destinations | - Serengeti National Park - Maasai Mara - Ngorongoro Crater - Amboseli National Park | - Kruger National Park - Chobe National Park - Sand Private Game Reserve - Okavango Delta |
| Landscapes | - Vast Savannahs - Ngorongoro Crater - Kilimanjaro Views | - Wetlands & Deltas - Deserts - Victoria Falls |
| Wildlife Highlights | - Big Five - The Great Migration - Diverse Bird Viewing - Gorilla Trekking | - Big Five - Higher Chances of Leopards & Wild Dogs Sightings |
| Tour Condition | Long drives to parks, basic infrastructure in some areas | Better infrastructure, options for self-driving, easy transfers to lodges |
East Africa vs Southern Africa: What to See & Do
East Africa's open plains make for easy game spotting, especially during the Great Migration. Southern Africa's diverse ecosystems provide varied wildlife experiences, with higher chances of seeing the Big Five and unique species like wild dogs and rhinos.
Whether you are drawn to the vast savannahs and cultural richness of East Africa or the diverse landscapes and luxury of Southern Africa, both ensure you get a once-in-a-lifetime African safari.
The Great Migration
East Africa
The Great Migration
Witness millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya, creating dramatic river crossings and predator-prey interactions.
Maasai Culture Visits
Visiting Maasai communities offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of one of East Africa's most iconic tribes. You can experience Maasai customs, dance, and crafts, and learn about their deep connection with the land and wildlife.
Walking Safaris
Guided by experienced rangers, explore the bush on foot, gaining insights into the smaller details of the ecosystem and wildlife behavior.
Bird Viewing
East Africa is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, boasting over 1,000 bird species. Places like Lake Nakuru and Serengeti can spot flamingos, pelicans, and a variety of raptors.
Gorilla Trekking
A unique experience in Uganda and Rwanda. You will hike through dense forests to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
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8 DAYS Southern Africa
Water Safaris
A unique way, especially in the Okavango Delta, to explore the waterways and spot wildlife from a mokoro (dugout canoe) or motorboat. It provides close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
Night Drives
Some parks and reserves provide this activity, guided by spotlights, these drives reveal night-time creatures such as leopards, hyenas, and bush babies, offering a completely different safari perspective.
Bush Dinners
Many lodges provide an exquisite bush dining experience, you can enjoy gourmet meals surrounded by the sounds of nature, often accompanied by traditional music and storytelling.
Wine Cellar Tours
Some private reserves like Sabi Sand and Kapama, have wine cellars and offer curated tours and tastings.
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11 DAYS East Africa vs Southern Africa: Best Time to Visit
Best time for your Africa safari is the dry season, also the tourist peak season, generally falls from May to October. During this time, the bushes are less dense, and animals come out to look for water, offering a better chance to see wildlife. Note that the dry season timing in East Africa and Southern Africa varies slightly, with East Africa experiencing a longer wet season.
In addition, if you find the peak season crowds overwhelming or need to stick to a budget, you might consider the green season, also known as the wet season. During this time, the bush is lush and green, and it is the calving season for many of the animals.
From January to February in East Africa, you might spot some animals walking around with their babies. From November to March in Southern Africa, it is hot rainy season with more bugs but also a prime time for bird watching, you will get more photographic opportunities and increased chances to see predator-prey interactions.
Elephants With Their Baby
Best Time to Visit East Africa
June to October: Best for Great Migration viewing
Best Time to Visit Southern Africa
May to October: Best for wildlife viewing
East Africa vs Southern Africa: How Long to Stay
When deciding how many days to plan for your African safari adventure, the choice between East and Southern Africa doesn't make a big difference. It mainly depends on the experiences you are looking for.
Generally, 3 - 5 days are enough to explore one or two parks or reserves, and have a few game drives. It is ideal for first-timers who going on a safari, or those combining a safari with other travel plans, to get a brief introduction to wildlife and nature.
If you wish to visit multiple parks or reserves within one country or across neighboring countries to get a comprehensive safari experience, 7 - 10 days are ideal for you to enjoy different landscapes and wildlife diversity.
East Africa vs Southern Africa: Accommodation
To ensure a comfortable stay during the African safari, both destinations offer a wide range of accommodation options, catering to luxury travelers and those looking for more budget-friendly options.
East Africa's Tented Camps With Cultural Interactions
In iconic safari destinations like Kenya's Maasai Mara and Tanzania's Serengeti, visitors can choose traditional tented camps that provide an authentic bush experience or upscale lodges that offer modern comforts and stunning views of the savannah.
Many lodges and camps are situated within national parks and reserves, providing easy access to prime wildlife viewing areas. Additionally, they often emphasize cultural experiences, during the stay you can interact with local communities and learn about the region's rich heritage.
Southern Africa's Luxury Lodges With Unique Experiences
Whether you prefer the rugged charm of a bush camp or the elegance of a five-star lodge, Southern Africa offers diverse options to suit your needs. In South Africa's Kruger National Park and its private reserves like Sabi Sands, you can stay in opulent lodges that offer private plunge pools, gourmet dining, and personalized service.
Botswana's Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park are home to exclusive lodges and tented camps that provide an intimate and immersive wildlife experience, often accessible only by light aircraft. Additionally, Southern Africa's lodges often feature unique activities such as night drives, bush dinners, and wine cellar tours, enhancing the overall safari experience.
Luxury Lodges
East Africa vs Southern Africa: Transportation
Generally, you can fly into East Africa via major airports in Nairobi (Kenya) and Arusha (Tanzania), and into Southern Africa via major airports in Johannesburg (South Africa), Maun (Botswana), Windhoek (Namibia).
For safaris, both regions primarily use 4x4 vehicles and light aircraft for transportation, ensuring efficient and effective wildlife viewing and transfers between remote areas.
East Africa
Safari Vans are common in some regions, especially in Kenya, these are modified vans with pop-up roofs for game viewing.
Southern Africa
Boats are common in the Okavango Delta for water safaris, and on rivers like the Chobe River in Botswana and the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls.
East Africa vs Southern Africa: What to Eat
Both regions provide a mix of local and international dishes, let's explore the slight differences in cuisine you will experience on an African Safari.
East Africa
You can taste traditional dishes like Ugali (a maize porridge), Nyama Choma (grilled meat), and Sukuma Wiki (collard greens). Fresh seafood is abundant in coastal areas like Zanzibar, where you can savor grilled fish, prawns, and octopus.
Southern Africa
Traditional dishes include Braai (barbecue), Biltong (dried cured meat), and Pap (a maize-based side dish similar to Ugali). South African cuisine often features hearty stews like Potjiekos and Bobotie (a spiced meat dish with an egg-based topping). Luxury lodges may offer gourmet meals paired with fine local wines, especially in regions like the Cape Winelands.
East Africa vs Southern Africa: Affordability
The cost of an African safari can vary considerably and is influenced by your choice of accommodations and transportation during safaris, but you can still get great value for your money.
East Africa
East Africa offers a variety of budget-friendly safari options, including affordable campsites and mid-range lodges in parks like the Maasai Mara and Serengeti. Group tours and shared safari vehicles help reduce costs, and the extensive road network keeps transportation expenses lower.
Southern Africa
Southern Africa is generally pricier, especially in luxury lodges and private reserves like Sabi Sands and the Okavango Delta. However, affordable options exist, such as self-drive safaris and budget campsites in countries like South Africa and Namibia.
Contact Odynovo to Make Your Decision
Now you might have some ideas in mind. If there are any more questions, we are right here [email protected]. Just contact us to make your best African safari trip!
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