The Most Popular Luxury Safari Destinations in Africa

Before venturing on their first African luxury safari, most people might wonder whether the trip is any different from a regular visit to a local zoo.

After all, seeing a lion, elephant or any other animal in captivity is the same as seeing it in the jungle right? Wrong.

There is an energy that can only be experienced when you witness these magnificent beasts in their natural environment.

As they roam the wilds, the animals are in their true element and their raw power is on display for all to see.

The best African luxury safaris are a chance to witness the cycle of life first-hand, as predator and prey engage in a life and death dance in the vast and picturesque savannah.

For instance, on an all-inclusive safari to the Maasai Mara, you get front-row seating to the eighth natural wonder of the modern world- the Maasai Mara annual wildebeest migration.

It is one of nature’s most awe-inspiring events, bringing together more than two million wild animals; as they make a dramatic exodus from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara savannah in Kenya.

Luxury African vacations may also include walking safaris which bring you up close and personal with the wildlife. During the entire excursion, you will have a native tour guide directing you on which areas are safe to visit.

Below are some of the top African luxury safari destinations which offer you a chance to not only reconnect with nature but also learn more about some rare wildlife species.

1. Maasai Mara Game Reserve

The Maasai Mara Game Reserve is an iconic park that gave rise to the modern African luxury safari as we know it.

The expansive reserve is renowned for its abundant wildlife populations, with more than 90 animal species and over 400 bird species calling the park home.

Among the popular attractions are the Big Five (African lion, elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, and rhino).

These are complemented by affluent populations of other creatures such as cheetah, hyena, wildebeest, giraffe, crocodile, Thompson’s gazelle, giraffe, and grevy’s zebra.

During your luxury African safari vacation, you may either opt to jet into the Mara from Kenya’s capital Nairobi, or take a 6-hour scenic road trip.

Save for visitors who wish to get to the Mara in a hurry, a road trip comes highly recommended, as you will be able to view the Great Rift Valley along the way.

As visitors on a luxury trip, you can rest assured that the safari vehicles you will be using are ultra-comfortable 4×4 Toyota Land Cruisers. Those on a budget can use off-road vehicles such as the Toyota Prado, Nisan X Trail, Toyota Rush, Mazda CX 5 and others.

Also, where accommodation is concerned, the Mara has some of the best hotels in African safari. These include luxury camps and lodges, ranging from 3-star to 5-star establishments.

Among the most exciting activities you will enjoy on this most luxurious African safari are hot air balloon rides, games drives, camping safaris, and walking safaris.

2. Diani beach

Drop down and unwind at the Kenyan coast in style and soak up some sun on the sands of Diani beach.

It is one of the numerous beaches you find along Kenya’s magnificent coastline. Diani beach has won several international accolades, including some hard-won titles from the prestigious World Travel Awards.

As a result, it is one of the top beach destinations globally, with pristine waters, white sands, and plenty of interesting activities under its belt.

An all-inclusive safari to Diani beach opens up loads of fun opportunities for you and your loved ones.

These include sky diving tours, dolphin watching safaris, swimming with dolphins, deep-sea fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving, romantic dhow rides at sunset, swimming, and kitesurfing excursions.

3. Lake Nakuru National park

For the discerning visitor seeking the best African luxury safari, Lake Nakuru National park is another excellent choice.

The park renders a perfect balance between wildlife viewing and scenic lake views.

That is because the alkaline lake is also a favourite feeding spot for flocks of flamingos throughout the year.

The shores of the lake are therefore always adorned in a beautiful pink colour owing to the presence of these gorgeous birds.

Several other avian species also abound at the park, including the greater Blue-eared starling, African grey woodpecker, blue-billed teal among others.

Besides the dozens of birds, the park also has significant mammal populations, such as hippos, black rhinos, zebras, Cape buffaloes, waterbucks, giraffes, elands, and lions.

4. Kruger National park

The most luxurious African safari may also take the form of a visit to the Kruger National Park, which happens to be the largest wildlife park in Africa.

Due to its vastness, the park is popular with visitors seeking to enjoy long game drives as it occupies an area of 19,485Km²

However, for those seeking to see plenty of game within a small area, the Maasai Mara is a better bet, as it is relatively smaller in size, at just 1,510Km²

Kruger too has members of the Big Five as well as other species such as the spotted hyena, waterbuck, impala, warthog and antelope.

5. Serengeti National park

Adjacent to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve is the Serengeti National park.

However, while the Mara is in Kenya, the Serengeti lies under the jurisdiction of Tanzania.

Nonetheless, on a luxury African safari vacation to the Serengeti, you will encounter large populations of zebra, wildebeests, and gazelles.

The park is an international tourist attraction with numerous top predators such as the African lion, leopards, cheetah, among others.

Extensive game drives around the park are just one of the hallmarks of a most luxurious African safari.