THE BEST SAFARI DESTINATIONS IN AFRICA
Specialist tour operator and British Travel Awards nominee Acacia Africa has created its own safari wishlist, including the top safari destinations in Africa. Namibia shot up the charts, stealing the top spot from traditional favourites like Tanzania and Botswana. Malawi, Zambia and the island of Zanzibar are also gaining popularity as top safari destinations.
Chitimba Lodge in Africa. The best safari destinations in Africa include Namibia, Zambia, Zanzibar and Malawi.
Arno Delport, Sales & Marketing Manager at Acacia Africa comments, “Namibia might not be in the same league as Tanzania or Botswana when it comes to the density of the wildlife. But it’s an all-rounder if we’re talking about incredible journeys or safaris. It’s also one of the best places to spot the cheetah, the world’s fastest land mammal. So if you haven’t already, get Namibia on your Africa wishlist.”
South Luanga National Park / photo courtesy of @thecuckooproject
TOP SAFARI DESTINATIONS: NAMIBIA
Visit Namibia on Acacia’s 19-day Desert Tracker. The itinerary includes a canoe safari on the Orange River, a visit to the Fish River Canyon, and dune trekking in the Namib Naukluft National Park.
Namibia / Photo courtesy of Lauren Detweiler
It also offers optional adrenaline activities in Swakopmund, camping at Spitzkoppe and game viewing from the overland truck at Etosha. The floodlit waterholes at the Okaukuejo campsite is on Digital Camera World magazine’s list of ’10 ultimate locations for wildlife photographers.’
Namibia / Photo courtesy of Lauren Detweiler
TOP SAFARI DESTINATIONS: ZAMBIA
Zambia took sixth place in the list of 10 best safari places in Africa. While the country isn’t usually the first choice for safari goers, it is growing in popularity with Acacia’s travellers. The parks and reserves of Zambia known for their spectacular game sightings (see the latest post from IG @thecuckooproject). Zambia also employs some of the best guides in Africa.
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Ranked as one of top 10 safest countries in the world to visit during 2018, Zambia can be your dream Africa trip. Visit Livingstone, Lusaka and the South Luangwa National Park on the 21-day East African Explorer.
South Luangwa National Park / Photo courtesy of @thecuckooproject
Don’t miss out on a thrilling walking safari to view white rhino in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. In this park, a large number of animals are packed into its small area, including elephant, buffalo, zebra and giraffe.
ZANZIBAR & MALAWI: THE BEST DIVE DESTINATIONS IN AFRICA
Zanzibar dive / Photo courtesy of @thecuckooproject
Making waves in the underwater safari scene, Zanzibar and Malawi also appeared in the top 10 list. Zanzibar and Malawi are home to some of the world’s best dive destinations. Dive into the blue on the 56-day Grand African Adventure.
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The highlights on this itinerary are Kande Beach and the Spice Island, and the tour also stops in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.
Zanzibar / Photo courtesy of Julia Lis
BOTSWANA: ECO-PARADISE IN AFRICA
Botswana is very careful about conserving its wildlife and the natural environment. It exemplifies everything eco-tourism should be, which is why the country retains its status as one of the top safari destinations and and it takes second place on Acacia’s safari wishlist.
The best safari destinations in Africa
Botswana holidays can be quite expensive, but with Acacia you can safari in the ‘Gem of Africa’ on a shoestring. The 14-day Southern Africa Magic is small group safari tour that is a favourite with adventurous teens. Guests can navigate their own mokoro across the Okavango Delta, having the witch doctor throw bones on a visit to a local Tswana village and enjoy game drives in the Khama Rhino Sanctuary.