{"id":16530,"date":"2026-01-07T12:28:46","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T12:28:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/explorersagainstextinction.co.uk\/blog\/?p=16530"},"modified":"2026-02-10T13:23:18","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T13:23:18","slug":"where-to-go-in-2026-for-an-african-safari-and-why-you-should-book-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/explorersagainstextinction.co.uk\/blog\/where-to-go-in-2026-for-an-african-safari-and-why-you-should-book-now\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to Go in 2026 for an African Safari (and Why You Should Book Now)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For anyone planning a safari in 2026, or looking ahead to 2027, now is the ideal time to book<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some of the team\u2019s favourite places to consider for a 2026 safari, and why each one shines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tanzania \u2013 Southern Trails<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Ruaha\"
Ruaha in November<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mention Tanzania and most people think immediately of the Serengeti<\/a> and Ngorongoro<\/a>. These areas rightly pull the crowds thanks to the Great Migration and the dramatic river crossings from late July through to October.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But travel a little further afield and you discover the southern parks<\/a> of Ruaha<\/strong> and Nyerere<\/strong> – vast, wild landscapes that attract far fewer visitors and offer a genuine sense of adventure. They\u2019re also easy to combine with a few days on Zanzibar for a longer trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nyerere (formerly Selous):<\/strong> a wonderfully diverse region where you can mix walking safaris, boating, fly-camping and 4WD game drives<\/strong>, meaning every day feels different. It\u2019s worth highlighting Selous Impala Camp<\/strong> for excellent value, and Sand Rivers<\/strong> for serious \u201cwow\u201d factor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruaha:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best for:<\/strong> off-the-beaten-track wilderness with space to breathe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kenya – Masai Mara & Beyond<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Olare
Leopard in Olare Motorogi, Masai Mara<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Masai Mara is fantastic year-round<\/strong> 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Private conservancies, including Mara North<\/strong> and Olare Motorogi<\/strong>, restrict visitor numbers ensuring an element of exclusivity whatever the season, while Maasai landowners benefit directly from eco-tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Head north and you\u2019ll find the perfect counterpoint to the Mara:<\/p>\n\n\n\n