Mashable: What is the best country for an African safari?

African safaris are becoming increasingly popular among travelers from the U.S. If you're reading this, chances are you're considering one, too.

A quick Google search for "African safari" returns hundreds of options — South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania — all described with buzzwords like "majestic" and "mind-blowing." While these destinations share some similarities, their unique characteristics can shape your experience in ways that aren’t always obvious at first glance.

To determine the best safari destination for 2025, we analyzed reviews and discussions on TripAdvisor and Reddit, explored reports from travel experts at Lonely Planet and SafariBookings, and spoke with professional safari operators.

How we evaluated the top safari countries

Before declaring a winner, we first had to define what makes a safari destination truly the best. Our evaluation focused on the following factors:

• Wildlife abundance: How much wildlife can you realistically expect to see? Since the main goal of a safari is observing animals in their natural habitat, this was our top priority.
• Comfort and value: How enjoyable is the overall experience? We considered factors like travel logistics, accommodation quality, and cost-effectiveness. In other words, does the total price — covering flights, park fees, lodges, and guides — offer a richer adventure than, say, a theme park trip in Florida?

Tanzania is the best country for a safari

After analyzing hundreds of reviews, expert opinions, and traveler feedback, Tanzania emerged as the ultimate African safari destination. Here’s why:

Tanzania has more wildlife than any other country

Tanzania's national parks and conservation areas host more wildlife than any other African country. This means you’ll encounter more animals on your safari.

For example, according to WorldStats, Tanzania is home to over 14,500 lions, compared to just over 3,000 in South Africa and 2,500 in Kenya. The Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute estimates the country’s elephant population to be 60,000 and its giraffe population to be almost 30,000 — the highest numbers on the continent.

Renowned safari expert Philip Briggs, author of Bradt's Tanzania Safari Guide, points out that Tanzania offers excellent opportunities to spot the Big Five (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo). A single visit to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater might be enough to check all five off your list.

Tanzania has more UNESCO-listed safari destinations

With more natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other African country, Tanzania offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. These include:

• Serengeti National Park: Home to the Great Wildebeest Migration, where millions of animals traverse the plains in search of fresh grazing.
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area: A massive volcanic caldera teeming with diverse wildlife.
• Selous Game Reserve: One of the largest protected wildlife areas in the world.
• Mount Kilimanjaro: Africa’s highest peak.

The Great Migration, frequently filmed by National Geographic, is best viewed from Tanzania’s Mara and Grumeti Rivers, where dramatic river crossings unfold as predators lie in wait.

World Travel Awards and ordinary travelers chose Tanzania

Tanzania’s unparalleled wildlife and iconic migration have earned it top industry recognition.

The World Travel Awards named the Serengeti Africa’s Leading National Park in 2024 — a title it has won every year since 2019, dethroning Kenya’s Maasai Mara.

Travelers seem to agree. On SafariBookings, Tanzania has a 4.8/5 rating, outperforming Kenya (4.6), Namibia (4.6), Rwanda (4.3), and South Africa (4.6). It also boasts the most reviews of any safari destination — 1,786 compared to 1,529 for Kenya and 1,149 for South Africa.

Professional safari experts agree

Safari professionals echo this sentiment. Agnes Mkumbo, a safari expert at Altezza Travel, explains:

“Many travelers compare Tanzania to Kenya or South Africa. What ultimately draws them to Tanzania is its much more relaxed safari experience. The parks here are larger, the entry fees are higher, and as a result, fewer people visit.”

However, this is beginning to change. During peak seasons, Tanzania’s parks are getting more visitors, though still far fewer than in other popular destinations. To put it into perspective:

• Serengeti National Park welcomed just over 300,000 visitors in 2024.
• Kruger National Park (South Africa) received over 2 million visitors in the same period.

The result? A more intimate and less crowded safari experience in Tanzania.

Tanzania is safe for travelers

We found no recent documented incidents involving American or European travelers facing serious safety concerns while vacationing in Tanzania.

As with any international trip, exercising reasonable caution and purchasing travel insurance is advised. However, statistically speaking, the crime risk in tourist areas like Moshi (a gateway to Kilimanjaro and safaris) is lower than in New York City.

Tanzania offers authentic cultural experiences

A safari isn’t just about wildlife — it’s also a cultural journey.

In Tanzania, you’ll have the rare opportunity to interact with authentic indigenous communities, including the Maasai, Datoga, and Hadza tribes. Unlike in more commercialized safari destinations, these groups don’t just pose for tourist photos — they still practice traditional lifestyles.

Visiting these communities allows travelers to experience their genuine customs, storytelling, and way of life, adding a unique human connection to the safari adventure.

Choose Tanzania for the ultimate safari

If you’re still deciding between different African safari destinations, Tanzania is the best choice for most travelers.

With the highest wildlife density, world-renowned parks, fewer crowds, and rich cultural experiences, it offers an unbeatable safari adventure.