For anyone planning a safari in 2026, or looking ahead to 2027, now is the ideal time to book. July through to October are optimum months for wildlife viewing across much of safari Africa, and the most sought-after camps and lodges book up quickly.
Here are some of the team’s favourite places to consider for a 2026 safari, and why each one shines.
Tanzania – Southern Trails
Mention Tanzania and most people think immediately of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. These areas rightly pull the crowds thanks to the Great Migration and the dramatic river crossings from late July through to October.
But travel a little further afield and you discover the southern parks of Ruaha and Nyerere – vast, wild landscapes that attract far fewer visitors and offer a genuine sense of adventure. They’re also easy to combine with a few days on Zanzibar for a longer trip.
Nyerere (formerly Selous): a wonderfully diverse region where you can mix walking safaris, boating, fly-camping and 4WD game drives, meaning every day feels different. It’s worth highlighting Selous Impala Camp for excellent value, and Sand Rivers for serious “wow” factor.
Ruaha: big skies, rugged scenery and fantastic elephant and predator sightings, often with very few other vehicles around. Due to the scale of the place, give yourself time to explore – this isn’t a destination suited to a 2 night stopover.
Best for: off-the-beaten-track wilderness with space to breathe.
Kenya – Masai Mara & Beyond
The Masai Mara is fantastic year-round and one of the best destinations for first-time safari-goers thanks to the density of wildlife, the ability to see a great deal in a relatively short time, and the ease of access with direct flights available from London to Nairobi, Kenya.
From August to October, the Mara is at its most thrilling as wildlife congregates around the river systems and the migration arrives from the Serengeti. Think classic East Africa with big cats and sweeping savannahs.
Private conservancies, including Mara North and Olare Motorogi, restrict visitor numbers ensuring an element of exclusivity whatever the season, while Maasai landowners benefit directly from eco-tourism.
Head north and you’ll find the perfect counterpoint to the Mara:
- Laikipia: strong rhino populations and varied activities.
- Samburu: the “Samburu special five”, fascinating culture and magnificent elephants.
- Mathews Range: extraordinary mountain landscapes and deeply wild feel.
Best for: easy access, incredible variety of landscapes and wildlife, and flexible safari options for first-timers and seasoned travellers alike.
Zambia – South Luangwa & the Art of Walking Safaris
Zambia remains one of Africa’s most authentic safari destinations, where the focus is on immersion and varied experiences including walking, boating, and both day and night drives. In South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi, two of Zambia’s prime safari destinations, camps are generally open from April/May time through to November.
By late dry season, wildlife concentrates around remaining water sources and the bush thins, offering superb visibility.
Camps here tend to be small and some are still owner-run offering a more rustic bush-camp style of safari compared to the larger polished lodges you might find in South Africa.
Walking is available in North & South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi, with boating an added highlight on the Zambezi. Trips also combine beautifully with Victoria Falls or Lake Malawi.
Best for: immersive safaris, leopard sightings, fewer crowds, a real sense of the wild.
Botswana – Delta Waters & Desert Contrast
The Okavango Delta offers pristine wetlands, channels and lagoons alive with elephant, hippo and birdlife. From May/June time, floodwaters arriving from the highlands of Angola begin to transform the landscape.
Wildlife builds steadily with peak season from July to October – excellent conditions for both predators and general game.
Add on the stark beauty of the Kalahari or Makgadikgadi Pans for complete contrast and the chance to see desert-adapted wildlife.
Best for: exclusive safari experiences, remote wilderness, fantastic wildlife sightings
South Africa – Big Five, Value & Variety
South Africa is an excellent option for travellers wanting a balance of superb wildlife and easy logistics (direct flights to Johannesburg or Cape Town). It’s a destination that offers a wealth of different experiences depending on your interests.
Private reserves around Kruger deliver outstanding wildlife viewing and a sense of wilderness, with fewer vehicles than the national park, the ability to off-road, plus consistently excellent guiding. The Greater Kruger is best from April/May to October/November.
It’s also easy to combine safari with leisure time in Cape Town, the Winelands or along the Garden Route – perfect for an all round holiday experience and offering good value.
To combine the Kruger and the Cape, October or April are optimum months. If you plan to stay in the Cape throughout, visiting one of the malaria-free safari areas in the Eastern Cape, then the whole period from October to April is the favoured time.
Best for: value, easy access and flexible holiday itineraries.
Zimbabwe – Authentic Safaris & Exceptional Guiding
Hwange is famous for its huge elephant herds – a real spectacle, particularly during the dry season from June to October. Hwange combines easily with Victoria Falls, and/or Chobe in neighbouring Botswana. Meanwhile Mana Pools offers unforgettable wildlife encounters along the Zambezi, with optional walking and canoeing for those wanting something more adventurous.
Zimbabwe’s guiding standards are among the best in Africa – ideal if you love learning as much as watching wildlife.
Best for: expert guiding, wilderness, adventurous travellers.
Why plan now?
- Peak-season safari camps often book 12–18 months ahead
- International flights are generally cheaper the earlier you plan
- Conservation-focused lodges have limited rooms by design
- Spreading payments over time makes a dream safari more manageable
If you’re thinking about a safari in 2026, now is the perfect moment to start shaping ideas.
All bookings confirmed through our expert travel network are ATOL-protected. Explorers Against Extinction receives a small referral commission to support its work – at no additional cost to you.
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Image at top: Ol Mondoro, Zambia
