Nine countries. Not interchangeable.
What each one genuinely does better than the others — including the ones we would talk you out of.
We have no reason to prefer one. Each guide says plainly where that country loses, which is the only kind of comparison worth reading.
We plan across nine countries and are candid about the four we know best. Where another operator would serve you better — a Namibian self-drive, a canoe trip out of Mana Pools — we will say so and give you a name. The comparison below is the one we draw on the telephone.
Kenya
The one we know best
Variety in the smallest distance: cats in the Mara, elephant beneath Kilimanjaro, the northern species in Samburu, and an Indian Ocean coast three hours away. Best for first safaris and anyone with under two weeks.
7–12 nights · Jul–Oct, Jan–Mar
Tanzania
Scale, and the calving
The Serengeti is bigger, emptier and quieter than the Mara, and the southern plains in February hold the calving — half a million wildebeest born in three weeks. Ngorongoro is remarkable, and busy.
8–14 nights · Jun–Oct, Jan–Mar
Rwanda
Gorillas, and an easy country
An hour from Kigali to the forest, permits at $1,500 and worth every dollar. Two trekking days, then out. The most efficient gorilla experience in Africa, in the easiest country to move around.
3–5 nights · Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb
Uganda
Gorillas, chimpanzees and water
Bwindi for gorillas at half Rwanda’s permit price with twice the walking, Kibale for chimpanzees, and the Kazinga channel for the best boat-based game viewing in East Africa. Long drives.
7–10 nights · Jun–Sep, Dec–Feb
Botswana
Water, and true exclusivity
The Okavango in a mokoro at water level is unlike anything else on the continent, and the Linyanti is as empty as Africa gets. Expensive, and honestly worth it. Not a first safari.
7–10 nights · May–Sep
Namibia
Desert, and self-drive
Sossusvlei, the Skeleton Coast and desert-adapted elephant in Damaraland. Wildlife is thinner and the landscape does the work. The one country where we sometimes recommend driving yourselves.
9–12 nights · May–Oct
South Africa
Malaria-free, and easy
The Sabi Sand reserves give the most reliable leopard viewing in Africa and the shortest flights from Europe. Malaria-free options in the Eastern Cape make it the sensible choice with young children.
8–12 nights · May–Sep
Zambia
Walking, and the purists’ choice
South Luangwa invented the walking safari and still does it best. Low volume, high skill, mobile camps and guides of a standard that surprises people. Best for second and third safaris.
7–9 nights · Jun–Oct
Zimbabwe
Guiding, and Mana Pools
The finest guide qualification in Africa and the most atmospheric floodplain: albida forest, elephant standing on hind legs, and canoeing on the Zambezi. Pair with Victoria Falls.
7–10 nights · Jun–Oct
Choosing between them
| Country | Cost / night | Big cats | Walking | Water-based | First safari | Give it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya | $900–1,600 | Exceptional | On conservancies | Limited | Ideal | 7–12 nights |
| Tanzania | $950–1,700 | Exceptional | Some parks | Limited | Ideal | 8–14 nights |
| Rwanda | $1,200–2,000 | Not the point | Gorilla trekking | — | As an add-on | 3–5 nights |
| Uganda | $700–1,200 | Fair | Excellent | Kazinga channel | Second safari | 7–10 nights |
| Botswana | $1,400–2,400 | Very good | Excellent | The delta | Not first | 7–10 nights |
| Namibia | $700–1,300 | Thin | Desert walking | — | If landscape-led | 9–12 nights |
| South Africa | $800–1,900 | Best leopard | Some | — | Ideal with children | 8–12 nights |
| Zambia | $900–1,600 | Very good | The best in Africa | Luangwa boating | Not first | 7–9 nights |
| Zimbabwe | $850–1,500 | Very good | Superb guiding | Zambezi canoeing | Second safari | 7–10 nights |
Two countries, one journey
Kenya & Tanzania
12 nights
The migration on both sides of the river, crossed by light aircraft. The most-sold pairing in East Africa, and the one that needs the least compromise.
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Kenya & Rwanda
11 nights
Plains and gorillas — the widest contrast available in a fortnight. Two trekking days in Volcanoes, then the Mara. Permits must be secured early.
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Botswana & Zambia
10 nights
Delta water and Luangwa walking, with Victoria Falls in the middle. For guests who have done East Africa and want something harder-edged.
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