Top Safari Destinations: Namibia, Botswana & Kenya

Not all safaris are the same. Each country has its own magic, landscapes, and wildlife encounters that make for a completely different experience. At African Born Safaris, we craft safaris that match your travel style—whether you’re drawn to the vast desert, pristine waterways, or rolling savannahs. Let’s dive into three of Africa’s top safari destinations:

Namibia: Where Life Flourishes in the Desert

Namibia is a land of striking contrasts—deep red dunes, rugged mountains, and wide-open spaces that seem almost otherworldly. But look closer, and you’ll see that this desert isn’t lifeless. It’s full of creatures that have mastered the art of survival.

  • Desert Adaptations: Watch as the desert elephant roams the dry riverbeds, or catch a glimpse of the elegant oryx standing motionless against the dunes. These animals, along with unique plants like the ancient welwitschia, thrive in an environment that seems impossible to survive.
  • Iconic Landscapes: The towering dunes of Sossusvlei, the eerie, windswept coastline of the Skeleton Coast, and the vast wilderness of Damaraland create a safari setting unlike anywhere else.
  • Etosha National Park: One of Africa’s best wildlife parks, where waterholes attract big game, from lions and rhinos to massive herds of zebra and springbok.

A Namibian safari is about more than just wildlife—it’s about the sheer scale and beauty of the landscape, where every sunrise and sunset feels like a masterpiece.

Botswana: A Wildlife Mecca in the Heart of Africa

If you’re looking for a safari that delivers raw, untouched wilderness, Botswana is the place to be. With some of the most exclusive and wildlife-rich areas in Africa, it’s a top-tier safari destination.

  • The Okavango Delta: This is the ultimate bucket-list safari spot. A vast network of rivers, floodplains, and islands, the Delta attracts an incredible concentration of wildlife. Glide through the waterways in a mokoro (traditional canoe) for an intimate wildlife experience, or explore the islands on foot.
  • Moremi Game Reserve: The heart of the Delta, Moremi offers some of the best predator sightings in Africa—think leopards lounging in trees and wild dogs on the hunt.
  • Chobe National Park: Home to the largest elephant population on the continent, where game drives and river safaris put you up close with these giants.
  • Exclusive Safaris: Botswana specializes in low-impact, high-quality safaris. Whether you prefer a luxury lodge or a mobile tented camp that moves with the wildlife, you’ll always feel like you have the wilderness to yourself.

With its combination of land and water safaris, incredible biodiversity, and commitment to conservation, Botswana is a destination that never disappoints.

Kenya: The Classic Safari Experience

Kenya is what many people picture when they think of Africa—a land of endless savannahs, acacia trees silhouetted against golden sunsets, and massive herds of wildlife moving across the plains. But Kenya is much more than just open grasslands.

  • The Maasai Mara: Famous for the Great Migration, where over a million wildebeest and zebra cross crocodile-infested rivers in a dramatic survival spectacle. Even outside migration season, the Mara is one of Africa’s best places for predator action.
  • Laikipia Plateau: A less-visited but equally stunning region, where rolling hills and river valleys provide habitat for rare species like wild dogs and Grevy’s zebra.
  • Samburu National Reserve: A rugged, semi-arid landscape where you can find unique species like the reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk.
  • Beyond the Safari: Kenya isn’t just about game drives. Hike Mount Kenya, explore the forests of Aberdare, or unwind on the country’s stunning coastline, where white-sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs offer the perfect post-safari retreat.

With its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and world-class wildlife, Kenya is a safari destination that keeps travelers coming back again and again.

Which Safari is Right for You?

Each of these destinations offers something different:

  • Namibia for those who love vast landscapes, dramatic scenery, and desert-adapted wildlife.
  • Botswana for an exclusive, water-based safari with incredible game viewing.
  • Kenya for the ultimate classic safari experience with diverse landscapes and culture.

At African Born Safaris, we create customized safaris that match your vision. Whether you want to combine these destinations or explore one in depth, we’ll make sure your first (or next) safari is unforgettable.

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Our safaris offer tailor-made experiences that intertwine adventure, luxury, and conservation, creating unique memories of Africa's captivating wilderness. Our guests leave Africa with a richer, more nuanced understanding of our diverse continent and a true passion and curiosity for the African bush.

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Let’s design your dream safari

We design safaris as unique as the people who take them. To help us craft your dream journey, please share a few details below. One of our Travel Specialists will be in touch to begin tailoring your bespoke itinerary.

Where would you like to travel?

Africa is vast and extraordinary — let us know if you already have a destination in mind or if you’d like us to guide you. Choose as many as you’d like:

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We always recommend 10 days for a safari. This allows for overnight stays on arrival plus the chance to visit at least two lodges.

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Travelling with a private guide offers guests an exclusive, seamless safari experience, complete with insider knowledge, tailored pacing, and unparalleled access to the most extraordinary wildlife encounters.

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*(excluding international flights)

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