East Africa (Kenya and Tanzania) and Southern Africa (Namibia, Botswana and South Africa) are the two most popular safari areas in Africa. Both offer excellent opportunities to observe wildlife, but there are also great differences.
Here we share our view to help you choose the right safari.
Southern Africa, fewer people, fewer animals and more authentic
Southern Africa is much less visited than East Africa, appealing to those seeking a more intimate safari. Fewer animals add to the sense of immersion and adventure, with encounters that can feel more exclusive and less intrusive on the animals’ daily lives.
In terms of infrastructure, Southern Africa does not have the same development as Kenya and Tanzania, which underlines the adventurous character of this region. Visitors can expect less accommodation and camping options, allowing for more direct contact with nature.
East Africa: more animals, better accommodation and contact with the Maasai
Famous for its rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes, East Africa is ideal for spotting the Big Five thanks to its abundant wildlife. From savannahs to mountains in the Rift Valley, visitors can explore an unforgettable variety of ecosystems.
Meeting Maasai communities enriches the experience, offering insight into authentic traditions. This accessibility and cultural richness contrast with the more limited interaction in Southern Africa.
For those interested in the particularities of East Africa, we have an article dedicated to differences between Kenya and Tanzania. Discover which of these destinations best suits your expectations and travel preferences.
Where is best for a safari: East Africa or Southern Africa?
We asked our safari specialist, and this was his answer:
The landscapes of the East Africa are more spectacular, and its nature reserves make it easier to observe animals. An ideal choice for a first safari, bringing together everything you hope to find on a trip to Africa.
Southern Africa offers wilder nature, fewer visitors and a greater sense of adventure. Although fewer animals are seen, game drives are more sophisticated. A safari in Southern Africa may be more rewarding if you already know the parks of Kenya or Tanzania.
Safari in East Africa or Southern Africa?
Africa is a vast and diverse continent that houses a great deal of wealth and identity in each country. Although many countries share a past, ethnic identity or colonial history, there are marked contrasts between them in terms of geography, culture and fauna and flora.
Differences between a safari in East Africa and Southern Africa
 Fauna |
 Fauna |
| Possibilities to see the “Big Five”, though there are fewer here and they are more elusive, being less accustomed to humans | All. We are in the place with the increased concentration of animals Wilds of the Earth |
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 Landscapes |
 Landscapes |
| Arid savannah, with open landscapes and vast expanses of reddish earth and shrubs. | Varied landscapes: savannahs, forests and mountains. The Rift Valley is one of the planet’s most spectacular places. |
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 Population |
 Population |
| Interaction more limited with local people because of cultural distance. Himba communities in Namibia and San communities in Botswana’s deserts. | Many Maasai people work in tourism and introduce us to their culture. Encounters with Hadzabe hunters at Lake Eyasi. Swahili culture on the Indian Ocean coast. |
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 Vehicle |
 Vehicle |
| They are usually used open 4×4 vehicles, which allow a closer experience to nature and are ideal for observing animals. | Minivans or 4×4 with pop-up roof, offering comfort and space for passengers. |
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 Beaches |
 Beaches |
| Difficult or very expensive. The South African coastline does not correspond to our idea of “paradise”, and reaching the beaches of Mozambique is complicated. | A runaway winner: Zanzibar, Mombasa and the Indian Ocean coast are Wonderful places. |
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 Accommodation |
 Accommodation |
| Fewer accommodation options, at higher prices. Also camping allows you to enjoy nature in its most authentic form. | Increased variety of charming tented camps and lodges, which means more affordable prices. |
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| And finally... | |
 Tourists |
 Tourists |
| Many fewer visitors, which allows the trip to be a more personal experience. | Tourist destinations, with a large influx of visitors in the most popular places |
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Now that we already have all the information to choose between an East African or Southern African safari, let’s explore our options.
East Africa
Southern Africa
Our trips to Kenya and Tanzania
Tanzania✔️ Only departure: 25 JUN 2026
✔️ Price from 3320€
✔️ Departures 16 MAY | 6 Jun | 24 Jul | 8 Aug | 5 Sep | 17 Oct | 14 Nov 2026
✔️ Price from 3995€
✔️ Departures 4 AUG | 6 Oct 2026
✔️ Price from 4350€
✔️ Fortnightly departures 2026
✔️ Price from 3975€
A safari through some of Kenya’s most spectacular parks and reserves, including Samburu, Mount Kenya, Lake Naivasha and the Maasai Mara. We travel in small groups by 4×4, staying in charming lodges and camps for an immersive experience of African nature and wildlife.
✔️ Regular departures on Mondays from Nairobi (2026)
✔️ Price from 2360€ + fees
A safari through some of Kenya’s most iconic landscapes. The route begins in Samburu, continues to Lake Nakuru National Park and ends in the legendary Masai Mara reserve, one of Africa’s best places to see wildlife and the famous Big Five.
✔️ Departures from MAY to DEC 2026
✔️ Price from 2345€
✔️ Wednesday departures until NOV 2026
✔️ Price from 3045€
Other trips to Tanzania
✔️ Daily departures
✔️ Price from 1980€
Our trips to South Africa, Namibia and Botswana
✔️ Departures 30 JUN | 2, 24, 27 Jul | 2 Aug | 1, 3 sep | 3, 4 Oct | 1, 2 Nov | 3, 4 Dec 2026
✔️ Price from 5645€
✔️ Departures 3 AUG | 5 Oct 2026
✔️ Price from 5935€
✔️ One departure only: 29 Sep 2026
✔️ Price from 4170€
✔️ Daily departures 2024
✔️ Price from 2845€
