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Africa Overland Tour Vs. Independent Travel: My Pros and Cons List

By: Author Zachary Friedman

Posted on Last updated: February 16, 2024

Categories Africa

Home » Africa » Africa Overland Tour Vs. Independent Travel: My Pros and Cons List

While planning my to Africa, I had a tough decision to make. Did I want to travel independently or join an overland tour? If you’re reading this, you’re probably facing the same dilemma. Many travelers choose to travel in an overland group tour when visiting Africa for the first time. Usually either because of fears of safety or simply because planning an African trip is a bit of a challenge. There isn’t much info out there about many African destinations. Independant travel is an option. Traveling in Africa is easier than you may expect. This guide is designed to give you an honest and rational look at the pros and cons of African overland tours vs independent travel.

In this guide, we will examine cost, safety, logistics, time, and a number of other factors to help you decide. Over the years, I have traveled in Africa both on tours and independently. Personally, I prefer independent travel. There are some destinations that are easier to visit with a tour. Hopefully, this guide will help you to make an educated decision of your own about which type of trip is best for you.

Table of Contents

• Pros of Overland Tours
• Cons of Overland Tours
• Pros of Independent Travel
• Cons of Independent Travel
• Overland Tour Vs. Independent Travel: My Choice

What is an Overland Tour?

African overland tours are guided group tours which travel across the continent in a bus or truck. When selecting a tour, you decide:

• Where you want to go- Tour companies operate different routes all over the continent. You choose the region you want to explore and find the tour that suits you. East Africa tours are probably the most popular. Another popular route is from Nairobi to Cape Town. Single country tours are also available. Some parts of the continent are more popular than others. In West Africa, you only have a handful of options whereas East Africa has dozens of overland companies operating tours at all times.
• For how long you want to travel-  Tours vary in length from around a week for one country to several months for crossing the continent. Most tours allow you to hop on or off wherever. For example, if you are in Kampala, you can arrange to join a tour that is passing through if they have space available. 
• What kind of tour you want to take- Do you prefer a more adventurous tour or something more laid back? Companies specialize in different demographics. For example, there are budget tours designed especially for the 18-24 backpacker crowd. There are also tours designed for retirees, families with children, and tours in a multitude of languages. Luxury tours are also available for travelers on a higher budget who don’t want to go for a private tour.

What is Included in an Africa Overland Tour?

• Transportation- This is usually a large truck or bus driven by a professional driver. You stay with the same truck for the duration of the tour.
• Accommodation- Most nights you will be camping with a few nights in hotels in select locations where camping is unavailable. Higher priced tours include more hotel stays. 
• Food- One of the guides acts as the cook. Simple but healthy meals are prepared at the campsite most nights. The group is expected to help with preparation and clean up after the meal. 
• Guide- A local guide accompanies you for the duration of the tour, explaining each destination and helping with visas and any other issues that may arise. Larger tours have multiple guides.
• Entry tickets- When booking the tour, you will decide which destinations you wish to visit. Some have entry fees which you can pay when you book the tour. Some fees must be paid when you reach the site.

What’s Not Included?

• Alcohol- You’re responsible for buying your own drinks when you go out.
• Visas- You are responsible for obtaining your own visas. The company that operates the tour will help you out and offer advice and guidance. If you prefer, you can pay an agency to arrange the visas for you but this comes with an additional cost.
• Snacks- If you get hungry between meals, you’ll have to pay for your own snacks.
• Tips- You are expected to tip your driver and guides at the end of the trip. The amount depends on the duration and cost of the trip. If you are not happy with the service, don’t tip.
• Some outings and tours- Occasionally, you will be given a choice of activities for the day. Some options cost extra and some are free. For example, maybe you’re at Lake Kivu  in Rwanda and you are given the choice of going on a boat tour of the lake or relaxing on the beach. If you choose the boat tour, you will have to pay extra. Laying on the beach is free.

What is Independent Travel?

Independent travel involves planning and organizing everything for yourself without the aid of a guide or travel agency. This includes:

• Booking hotels and campsites-   You’ll have to find a place to sleep each night. For making reservations in Africa, Booking.com works best. With that being said, I found that in Africa, many hotels have no online presence or rarely check their bookings. Most of the time, you’re better off just showing up, finding a hotel, and negotiating the price of a room yourself. 
• Organizing transportation- I’m not going to lie, getting around in Africa is a headache. Transportation options are limited and unpredictable. The cheapest and most common way to get around in Africa is by bus . There are very few train routes and flying is expensive. 
• Choosing restaurants or cooking your own meals- Finding a tasty meal is pretty easy in Africa. Small local restaurants are everywhere. Grocery stores are also well stocked if you prefer to cook your own food.
• Arranging Visas- This can get complicated. African visas are expensive and there is a lot of bureaucracy involved in some regions. Policies change often as well. 
• Selecting your route- This involves some research on your part. Sometimes visas will be an issue. Sometimes transportation is difficult or time-consuming. Some regions should be avoided for safety reasons. Before you arrive, you will want to do a bit of research to and outline an itinerary.

Pros of Africa Overland Tours

There is no stress

This is, by far, the biggest benefit to taking an overland tour. Travel in Africa is stressful. Waiting for minibusses to fill up, negotiating every purchase, dealing with beggars and scammers, etc. The list goes on and on. Everything is a hassle and takes longer than expected. Sometimes it feels like the world is against you when you’re trying to get something simple done like exchange money or washing your clothes.

When you travel by overland tour, you have no worries. You don’t have to worry about missing your bus, finding a place to sleep, or constantly getting scammed. You just sit back in the truck and relax while the driver takes you to your next destination. When you arrive at the campsite, you enjoy your evening with the group. Your guide accompanies you to a new site every day. It’s an easy way to travel.

Overland tours are reasonably priced

Overland tours cost more than independent travel. The reason I’m putting this in the pros section is because they aren’t that much more. For what you get, prices are surprisingly reasonable. I estimate that you pay about a 20-30% premium for the tour, which isn’t too bad.

The tour companies keep prices down by camping most nights instead of staying in hotels as well as preparing their own low-cost meals rather than going to restaurants. Accommodation and food are two of the biggest cost of any trip. By cutting these down, they can save a lot of money.

When traveling independently, it’s not really possible camp as much unless you are traveling with your own means of transportation as campgrounds are usually located outside of cities. Cooking for yourself is also less likely simply because it’s time-consuming and it gets tiring.

Overland Tours are safer

Africa is, in general, a pretty safe place to travel. With that being said, every travel destination has its own set of risks. There are two categories of crime that you will encounter while traveling in Africa: Violent crime and non-violent crime. Overland tours will, for the most part, protect you from violent crime for three reasons.

• You always have a local guide with you- Part of their job description is to make sure no one is injured or falls victim to a crime. They are there to look after you.
• They will not take you anywhere dangerous or risky- The company will always err on the side of caution. Their business depends on it. If a region becomes dangerous due to terrorism or unrest, they will simply stop traveling there. 
• Other members of the group are always around- A criminal is less likely to attempt to rob a group of people. There is safety in numbers.

When traveling in a group, you are much less likely to fall victim to a violent crime. Scams and minor crimes still carry the same risk. For example, a tour guide has no way to protect you from being pickpocketed  or scammed  when making a purchase. They can’t watch everyone all the time.

Theft is less likely

While traveling, you have to keep a close eye on your belongings. The chance of falling victim to theft is much less on an overland tour for two reasons:

• Your belongings will always be safely locked up in the overland truck- When you ride in a coach a multitude of strangers have access to your bag. Bus company staff, baggage handlers, and even other passengers have been known to open bags and steal items. It’s rare but not unheard of. On an overland trip, theft is highly unlikely. Fellow travelers are trustworthy. Guides are well paid and wouldn’t want to risk their jobs over stealing from a guest.
• The campsites and hotels where you stay on an overland tour will generally be more secure- Overland companies tend to stay in the same campgrounds every time. These places are designed to cater to tourists. Everyone around is either a tourist or guide. When you stay in a random budget hotel, all bets are off. I have heard stories of hotel staff going into tourists rooms and going through their bags while they’re out. Again, this crime is rare but it does happen.

Getting sick is less likely

In Africa, food hygiene standards are lower than you’re used to. Foods sit out too long, aren’t cleaned properly, and are exposed to bacteria that your body isn’t used to. Chances are, at some point in your travels on the continent, you will get a case of travelers diarrhea or food poisoning.

On an overland tour, food is prepared fresh each night at camp. You can watch the guides and fellow travelers preparing the food. You know it has been properly washed and is safe to eat. In a restaurant kitchen, you never know what’s going on.

Western standards are also taken into consideration when the menu is being decided. The people running the overland tours know their clientele. They understand that foreigners bodies aren’t used to the local bacteria and certain local foods. They also offer vegetarian or vegan options which may be impossible to find in local restaurants.

While the food may not be authentic, it is at least safe to eat and reasonably healthy.

You can carry less stuff

The overland company supplies a big chunk of your gear. You don’t have to pack or carry around your:

• Sleeping bag
• Cooking gear

This makes your bag much lighter and makes the packing process easier. It also saves you from having to buy expensive gear of your own if you don’t already have it.

While you’re out exploring, you are able to leave most of your stuff locked away safely in the truck. You don’t need to schlep around all of your clothes, toiletries, and electronics everywhere you go. Just bring a day pack.

Not having to drag around a giant backpack everywhere you go makes the trip much less tiring and more enjoyable. 

You don’t have to negotiate as much

One of the most annoying parts of traveling in Africa is the fact that nearly every purchase must be negotiated. For whatever reason, people seem to get a kick out of ripping off foreigners. The price of hotels, taxis, minibusses, foods, and occasionally restaurants are all up for negotiation. Even after the price has been settled, it can suddenly change for no reason. It gets exhausting having to barter and argue over prices multiple times per day.

When traveling on an overland tour, you pay for most of your expenses in one lump sum before the tour begins. Everything is covered with the exception of a few minor items. This removes an enormous amount of stress and hassle from the trip. This also greatly reduces the likelihood of getting scammed.

You’re never alone on an Overland Tour

Travel in Africa is lonely. In parts of the continent, you can go weeks without meeting another traveler. Some countries only see a handful of tourists each year.

While on an overland tour, you’re never alone. You always have a guide or fellow traveler to talk to, eat with, and share experiences.

When traveling independently, you can always find a local that is eager to chat, but sometimes you just want to have someone familiar around that you can share experiences with and relate to, like another traveler.

You can see more in less time

Overland tours move right along. You will stop in one destination, see the sites, then head off to the next place on the list. No time is wasted sitting around waiting for minibusses to fill up. You don’t have to spend hours searching for a hotel or restaurant. 

If you’re short on time, you can cram all of the main African sites into a short trip if you go with an overland tour. For example, you can make the classic Nairobi to Cape Town trip in just 40 days. It takes you to nearly every major tourist site in between including the Serengeti, Victoria Falls, Mount Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, and more. It would be nearly impossible to do the same trip independently in the same time frame.

If you look at the itinerary for a Nairobi to Cape Town trip or an overland tour company like G Adventures, you’ll see that they are on the move every couple of days. It’s amazing what they pack into a 40-day tour. I spent almost 4 months traveling that same route independently and felt like I was moving too fast. 

If there is an emergency, someone is there to help you out

Africa is unpredictable. You never know when an emergency will arise. On an overland tour, there is always someone nearby to assist you. Problems that can pop up include:

• Malaria- This is a common disease in Africa. If you travel long enough, you’ll get malaria. It doesn’t matter if you’re taking tablets or not. When you travel on an overland tour, the guides are always around to take you to a clinic if necessary. They may even have emergency drugs on hand just in case. You won’t end up suffering alone in a hotel room somewhere. 
• Your credit or debit card gets lost, stolen, or shut off- If you have no way to access your money, you could be in trouble. When traveling on an overland tour, chances are that someone will lend you some cash until you get your finances straightened out. 
• You get pickpocketed or robbed- If you need to involve the police, the local guide will help you navigate the system.

Cons of Africa Overland Tours

You have less freedom of choice

This, for me, is the biggest drawback to traveling in an overland tour. Everything is decided for you including:

• What you eat- Meals are chosen by the group or the guides. Maybe you feel like a burger and fries but the group wants spaghetti. When traveling on an overland tour, you don’t really have a choice.
• Where you sleep- Maybe your back needs a break from sleeping in a tent on the ground but the guides decide that you will be camping again.
• The itinerary- Maybe you pass through a town that you particularly enjoy and want to spend a few extra days there. You can’t really do this on an overland tour. The itinerary is pre-planned and fairly tight. I fell in love with Nairobi when I was passing through. It’s my favorite city in Africa . I ended up spending a few extra weeks there just getting to know the city. This would have been impossible if I was traveling with a tour.

The experience is less authentic

On an overland tour, you don’t get to experience much of the ‘real’ Africa. For the duration of the tour, you only interact with people in the tourism industry and other tourists. The guides and employees in the restaurants, campsites, and parks that you visit deal with tourists every day. They aren’t typical African locals.

Everything you see will be mainstream and touristy. For example, you won’t experience basic African hotels without running water. You won’t visit any small villages or slums. The tour company determines exactly what you see and do.

Overland tours are more expensive than independent travel

Even though the prices of African overland tours are reasonable, you still pay a premium for the service. It’s a business after all. I estimate that you pay about 20-30% more for an overland tour than you would for a similar experience traveling independently.

You’re stuck with the people in your group

If you get unlucky and end up with an asshole in your group, you’re stuck with them for the duration of the tour. It’s easy to put up with an unpleasant person for a few hours but imagine being stuck in the same truck, at the same dinner table, and on the same tour with this person for weeks or months on end. Getting stuck with a bad group could spoil your whole trip and there’s nothing you can do about it.

Sometimes people just get under your skin for whatever reason. For example, my buddy told me about his experience gorilla trekking with a tour group in Uganda. In his group, there was one particularly annoying couple he just couldn’t stand. They wouldn’t shut up and always had to be in the front of the group blocking the view with their massive cameras. By the end of the two-day tour, he wanted to strangle this annoying couple. Imagine having to endure that behavior for a few months.

There is also the possibility that you end up in a group that you just don’t fit in with. Maybe you like to go out for drinks and have a good time but your whole group prefers to be in bed by 8 pm. Maybe you like being active and want to go for a hike but your group prefers to lay out on the beach. Everyone has a different idea of a good vacation.

My Experience with this

While traveling independently, I ended up staying in the same campground as overlanders on a few occasions. I noticed that they liked to go to bed early. Usually, I was the last one still up in the campground. As a night owl, I simply wouldn’t fit in with a group like that. If I was stuck on one of those tours, I wouldn’t have enjoyed my trip nearly as much.

Spontaneity is impossible

On an overland tour, the group follows a strict itinerary. These companies have been doing the same tours so long that they have it down to a science. Occasionally, you’ll have a choice of activities for the day, but, for the most part, the schedule is predetermined. Spontaneous decision making isn’t part of the trip. Some travelers prefer to have everything planned out but many find this incredibly boring.

When I set off on my first trip to Africa, I landed in Addis Ababa with no plans. I had done a bit of research and knew some of the sites that I wanted to see, but had no reservations or deadlines. I met some interesting people along the way and ended up traveling places that I had never even heard of.

While in a hostel in Nairobi, I met some fellow travelers with great recommendations about Uganda  including beautiful Lake Bunyonyi pictured below. This country wasn’t in my itinerary but I decided to apply for a visa and catch a bus there just a couple of days later. Uganda turned out to be one of my favorite countries that I have ever visited. If I was trapped by a strict itinerary, this trip wouldn’t have happened.

Your trip isn’t unique

Overland trucks are constantly driving back and forth across the continent making the same trips month after month. Your experience will be the exact same as those that have gone before you. Sure, there will be slight variations. Maybe the guide will decide to stop at a different restaurant or campground. For the most part, the trip is the same every time they do it. The tour guides follow the same script and tell the same jokes that they have been using for years. Knowing this makes the trip just a little less special, in my opinion. 

You have to purchase travel insurance

I’m putting this in the cons list because it’s an additional expense that is required. Most overland tour companies won’t take you unless you have proof that you purchases travel insurance for the trip. Really, you should have travel insurance either way but it is not a requirement when traveling independently.

In the past, I never bothered with travel insurance. These days, I never travel without it just for the peace of mind.

Pros of Traveling in Africa Independently

The freedom

This is the #1 reason why I, personally, would never take an overland tour. I hate the thought of being forced into sticking to a strict itinerary. While traveling independently, you can do whatever you want. You have absolute freedom. For example:

• You can make up your itinerary as you go- If you arrive in a new country and aren’t enjoying yourself, you can catch the next bus out. For example, I hated Tanzania and will probably never return . I spent a couple of weeks there traveling around and seeing the sites but really didn’t enjoy myself. I found the people incredibly unwelcoming compared to the surrounding countries that I had visited. After I had enough, I took a bus to Malawi. Immediately after crossing the border, everything changed. Everyone I met was friendly and welcoming. Independent travel gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want.
• You can eat what you want- If you feel like going out for pizza, you can. If you want to eat rice and beans every day, you can. When traveling independently, you choose your own restaurants or cook your own food. You don’t have to stick to the menu of the group.
• You can sleep where you want- Africa offers a lot of options in terms of accommodation. If you’re on a tight budget, you can camp every night. If you’re sick of roughing it, you can book yourself a night in a fancy lodge and live in luxury. You decide.

Independent travel is cheaper

I estimate that, on average, independent travel in Africa costs about 20-30% less than an overland tour. To be fair, overland tours are actually a pretty cost-effective way to experience the continent.

A few areas where you can cut costs when traveling independently include:

• Food- If you’re willing to eat like a local, you can save a significant amount of money. Rice and beans is a common African meal. A filling plate costs just a dollar or two. Cassava is another African staple food. Many other low-cost meals are available across the continent. You could get by spending less than $100 per month on food if you’re careful. If you eat like a local, you could probably survive on less than $30, though that wouldn’t be much fun.
• Transportation- Minibuses can transport you across the continent for around a dollar per hour of travel. Coaches are available on many routes for just a little bit more.
• Park entry and guide fees- These are some of the most expensive parts of traveling in Africa. One way to cut down on fees is to pick and choose which parks you visit and design your own tour to save on guides. For example, you can take a safari in the Maasai Mara in Kenya for less than $200 . A similar safari in the Serengeti costs more than twice that. 
• Drive yourself-   When visiting some sites, you can save a significant amount of money by driving yourself and doing without a guide or tour. For example, my friend and I rented a car and drove to Sossusvlei, Namibia for less than half of what an organized tour would have cost
• Travel insurance- When traveling independently, no one is going to make you buy travel insurance. Having said that, you should have it anyway just for peace of mind.

For more money-saving tips, check out my guide: Traveling Africa on a Budget.

Ultra Low Budget

If you are willing to give up on some luxuries and live like a local, you can travel independently in Africa on a very low budget. In fact, Africa is probably the cheapest part of the world to travel if you know what you’re doing.

For example, hostels are rare in Africa so most nights you’ll be staying in hotels. This can add up quickly if you’re not careful. There are a few ways to cut costs. In many villages and cities, you can rent a room by the month for less than $100 per month. You could pick a place to make your base, rent a cheap room, and explore the surrounding area.

Camping is also a money saving option. I recommend you always carry a tent while traveling in Africa. You can wild camp for free if you have the nerve for it. 

I have a friend doing volunteer work and traveling in East Africa. He rents rooms by the month and lives like a local. I don’t know his exact budget but I would estimate that he spends significantly less than $500 per month.

Independent travel is an adventure

Traveling in Africa is pure adventure. Not knowing who you’ll meet, where you’ll sleep, or how you’ll get to where you’re going is all part of the fun. Somehow the uncertainty adds to the experience. Africa is one of the few parts of the world left where you can have a classic adventure like the explorers who traveled the world before us.

During my trip, I hitchhiked through the Kalahari , met the tribes of the Omo Valley , and spent an afternoon exploring the largest slum in Africa . If that’s not an adventure, I don’t know what is.

The trip is more authentic

Overall, Africa doesn’t have many traditional tourist attractions. There aren’t any world-class museums, infrastructure is generally poor, and the food is nothing to write home about. Really, the biggest draw to the continent is the wildlife viewing (which is spectacular). Overland tours will bus you from one tourist site to the other but you’ll miss out on the two best things that Africa has to offer.

• The people- When traveling independently in Africa, you meet some of the most friendly and happy people on the planet. Africans love to dance, joke around, and welcome you into their life. Hospitality is second to none. 
• Small villages- African capital cities are best avoided if possible. They are crowded, polluted, and full of crime. For the most authentic experience, head into rural areas and smaller towns. Life is slow and people are friendly. You won’t get to experience anyplace like this on an overland tour.

You can see more

Overland tours don’t go everywhere on the continent. Some places you have no option but to travel independently. For example, I don’t know of any tour companies operating in Somalia, South Sudan, or the Central African Republic. If you want to visit these countries, you’ll have to travel independently or arrange a private tour. 

You don’t have to be social all the time.

While traveling independently, you get to decide:

• Who you hang out with- I met an interesting guy in Nairobi who I ended up traveling across half the continent with. We’re still friends to this day. If I had gotten sick of him, I could have easily gone my own way. This is a luxury you have when traveling independently. When you go on an overland tour, you are stuck with the same group day in and day out. If someone gets on your nerves, there is nothing you can do. You just have to put up with them.
• When you want to be social- While on an overland tour, you are expected to be somewhat social all the time. You will be constantly surrounded by people that expect you to talk and interact with them all day long. As an introvert, this sounds exhausting. Sometimes I’m just not in the mood to talk to anyone. When traveling independently, you are free to go out and be social or just enjoy your own company.

Cons of Traveling in Africa Independently

You are responsible for all of the planning

Planning an extended trip through Africa is a massive undertaking. A lot of logistical planning goes into making a trip happen.

You have to consider:

• Transportation- One of the most difficult parts of traveling in Africa independently is simply getting from point A to point B. Figuring out bus schedules and ticket office locations takes time. Distances between sites are far and sometimes require several transfers. For an example, it takes 4 days to travel from Addis Ababa to Nairobi by bus.  If there is no coach service available, you’ll have to figure out the minibus route which is another headache. I found that a lot of this information wasn’t available online. Check out my guide to help you plan some of the more popular African bus routes.
• Food- When traveling independently, you are responsible for keeping yourself well fed. You have to take the time to go shopping for food, cook, or stop at restaurants. In Africa, you must also consider food cleanliness so you don’t get sick. 
• Accommodation- Each night, you need to find a place to sleep. This includes booking a hotel or finding a place to camp. This sometimes walking around looking for a hotel that’s within your budget. 
• Money- In Africa, it can sometimes be a challenge to find a working ATM that has money in it. For example, check out this interesting article about the money situation in Zimbabwe . When I was there, I ran out of cash. Luckily, the man at the bus ticket office allowed me to pay for my ticket when I reached Zambia, where I could take money from the ATM.
• Visas- Before you leave for your trip, you need to know which visas are available at the border and which you must obtain in advance. Visa policy in Africa is confusing and changes often and without notice. 

Independent travel isn’t as safe

Overall, Independent travel in Africa is fairly safe. With that being said, there are times when traveling in an overland group is safer. Examples include:

• Mugging- A criminal is more likely to target an individual than a group. There is safety in numbers.
• Transportation- The most dangerous part of traveling in Africa is bus travel. Accidents do happen. For whatever reason, Africans like to drive fast. Road conditions are often poor. When you are traveling on an overland tour, you are being driven around by a professional driver. Who knows what kind of training the average minibus driver has? Probably none.
• Theft- When traveling independently, there are more opportunities for thieves to steal your belongings. Hotel workers have been known to go through guests bags while they’re out. You can’t always keep an eye on your bags while they are under the bus. In an overland truck, your stuff is pretty safe.

You will spend a lot of time alone

Many African countries don’t see many tourists. There are times where you will go for weeks or months without seeing a single other traveler. It gets lonely.

The bright side is that African people are incredibly friendly. There is always someone to talk to. After a while, it is nice to have someone from the same culture to share the experience with. You don’t always have this when traveling independently.

After traveling in Ethiopia, where I saw very few tourists, I was thrilled to meet another traveler when I arrived in Nairobi.

You have to negotiate everything

One of the most annoying things about traveling in Africa is simply making a purchase. Everything must be negotiated. For whatever reason, sellers in Africa don’t feel bad about scamming a tourist. Some even think it’s funny.

You must negotiate hotel rooms, restaurant meals, minibus rides, taxi rides, and many food purchases. The only place you don’t have to negotiate are those where the price is set and posted such as bus ticket offices and grocery stores. Other than that, nearly everything must be negotiated.

Personally, I find negotiating exhausting. Unfortunately, it’s just part of the fun of traveling in Africa. Some countries are worse than others. For example, in Ethiopia and Tanzania, almost every purchase needs to be negotiated. In Rwanda and Uganda, people seemed much more willing to give an honest price.

If there is an emergency, you are on your own

Travel in Africa is unpredictable. If an emergency comes up while you are traveling independently, you have to rely on yourself to find a solution. You must be resourceful and prepared

Imagine coming down with a severe case of malaria. You have no one to rely on to take you to the clinic or take care of you while you recover. In this case, you must get the treatment that you need all by yourself.

You are more likely to get sick

When traveling independently, you don’t always have the luxury of cooking a fresh meal every night. Sometimes you are in the middle of nowhere at a bus stop where the only option for food is some sketchy looking plate of unidentifiable meat and rice. Hygiene standards are questionable at best. If you’re hungry enough, you’ll eat anything. Chances are, somewhere along the way, you’ll get a case of food poisoning or travelers diarrhea.

You have to carry more gear

When traveling independently, you have to drag all of your gear around by yourself. There is no tour company to haul around food, bedding, and cooking utensils. You don’t have the luxury of leaving some of your stuff on the overland truck either. You have to carry:

• Sleeping Bag
• Mosquito net

Many of these are heavy items that the overland company includes with the cost of the trip. If you’re traveling independently and you don’t already have these items, you’ll have to purchase them before the trip. This adds to the cost. Admittedly, if you decide to stay in hotels every night and don’t eat out, most of these items are unnecessary.

Overland Tours Vs. Independent Travel: My Choice

Personally, the benefits of independent travel far outweigh the drawbacks. The main reason I travel is the feeling of absolute freedom and adventure. Sure, there are highs and lows. Suffering and being miserable is just part of the experience. Being able to look back and admire or critique how I dealt with difficult situations has helped me grow as a person. I also put a lot of value on my freedom. Overland tours just can’t offer that kind of experience.

Which type of travel you choose is really a personal choice. It comes down to three factors:

• Your personality- If you are the type of person that needs to have a set itinerary to be comfortable, book an overland tour. If you don’t care about knowing where you’re going to sleep tonight, consider traveling independently.
• Your expectation of comfort- While traveling on an overland tour, you will travel in relative comfort. You won’t be packed into a minibus or sleep in a hotel without running water. If you don’t mind roughing it, try traveling independently.
• Your level of experience with international travel- If you’re 18 years old and leaving your home country for the first time, independent travel in Africa is a big jump. Yet still completely manageable if you take the time to prepare and research. If you’ve traveled independently in Asia and Latin America and are planning your first trip to Africa, there is really no reason you need to take an overland tour, unless you want to.

Again, it’s really a personal choice. Some people will have a much better experience on an overland tour. Some will enjoy traveling independently much more. Neither is better than the other though there are benefits and drawbacks to each style of travel. Whichever you choose, you will have a different yet worthwhile experience, I’m sure.

Combining Overland Tours With Independent Travel

Many travelers choose to take an overland tour for their first visit to Africa then travel independently after they get a feel for the continent. This is a good option if you’re on the fence. You get the best of both worlds.

In general, Southern Africa is the most developed and easiest part of the continent to travel. East Africa is slightly less developed but sees a lot of tourists. West and Central Africa are, by far, the least developed and most difficult parts of the continent to travel.

For example, you could fly into my favorite African city , Nairobi, and explore for a few days before beginning your overland tour. You could travel in a tour group around East Africa or to South Africa then begin exploring independently. This way, you get the comfort of a tour but also the opportunity to explore by yourself.

Sometimes You Have To Take a Tour

Even if you are traveling independently, you’ll be taking tours on occasion. For whatever reason, Africa loves pushing tours and guides on tourists. They have structured park fees and permissions in a way that makes visiting in a tour is essentially required in some cases.

To visit the Serengeti, for example, the best and cheapest way to go is to book a tour from Arusha.  My friends and I arranged everything ourselves including camping, truck, driver, food, and entry tickets. We ended up paying more than if we just booked a tour.

If you want to visit the Omo Valley of Ethiopia , you’ll have to hire a guide for part of the trip as well. 

Final Thoughts

Africa is addictive. It’s a place that everyone should travel at least once in their life. It doesn’t matter if you are on an overland tour or traveling independently, just go. This sounds cheesy or cliché but I can honestly say that traveling in Africa changed me. I absolutely fell in love with the continent. From the moment I got back home, all I could think about was making a return trip. The people, the villages, and the lifestyle, I loved it   all and can’t wait to return. I’m sure you’ll feel the same way.

Have you taken an Africa overland tour? Share your experience in the comments below!

More from Where The Road Forks

• Maasai Mara Vs. Serengeti: Where is the Better Safari?
• The Ultimate Guide to Bus Travel in Africa
• 15 Great Rift Valley Lakes to Visit in East Africa

Zachary Friedman is an accomplished travel writer and professional blogger. Since 2011, he has traveled to 66 countries and 6 continents. He founded ‘Where The Road Forks’ in 2017 to provide readers with information and insights based on his travel and outdoor recreation experience and expertise. Zachary is also an avid cyclist and hiker. Living as a digital nomad, Zachary balances his professional life with his passions for hiking, camping, cycling, and worldwide exploration. For a deeper dive into his journey and background, visit the About page. For inquiries and collaborations, please reach out through the Contact page. You can also follow him on Facebook.

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Thursday 11th of November 2021

I've joined two overland safari tours in eastern and southern Africa. They were easy, stress free, and I never encountered anyone obnoxious. Thoroughly enjoyed both.

But both trips, I also traveled independently: Rwanda/Uganda/Kenya right before the first safari and then Zimbabwe right after the second. A wholly different kind of enjoyment/appreciation! Much closer interactions with locals (boda bodas and all that) and also just the thrill of negotiating it all by myself.

In conclusion? I would highly recommend combining both. Perhaps rely on tours for safari parks and rely on self to visit cities, towns and villages. Coaches, mini buses, cycles... something will eventually get you from A to B.

wheretheroadforks

Wednesday 24th of November 2021

I like the idea of combining both. The tours offer a pretty good value for visiting the main tourist sites. I think the experience of visiting villages, riding minibusses, and meeting locals, is worthwhile as well.

Wednesday 9th of October 2019

I'd go for independent traveling

I agree, you get more out of the trip and spend less money while traveling independently.

Africa , South Africa , Tips & Inspo · December 2, 2020

16 Absolute Best Countries to Visit in Africa

Looking for the best countries to visit in Africa? These 16 amazing African countries offer everything—from beautiful scenery to diverse cultures to fascinating history and more! Find out where to go and what to do on this ultimate Africa Bucket List!

Africa stretches more than 30 million square kilometers, making it the second-largest continent in the world. It is full of unbelievably beautiful places packed with ancient treasures, vibrant cultures, amazing wildlife, and stunning scenery ranging from vast deserts and luscious forests to rugged mountains, sweeping plains, and pristine beaches.

With 54 unique countries to explore in the “Garden of Eden,” deciding where to go in Africa can be overwhelming. To help you sort through the many options, we’ve hand-picked these  16 Best Countries to Visit in Africa !

Ready to find out which countries should be on your African Bucket List? Read along to discover the best and safest countries to visit in Africa!

Disclaimer: This post probably contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through one of these links, I might receive a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

16 Incredible Countries that belong on your African Bucket List

This guide on the best African countries to visit will take you from the tip of the continent with its vibrant cities and abundant wildlife, through the jungle-filled forests and sprawling grasslands in the east and west, all the way to the ancient cities and vast deserts in the north. Along the way, you’ll also get a glimpse of Africa’s beautiful off-shore islands and even a few less-traveled gems.

Here’s a quick look at the countries included on this list:

Best Countries to Visit in Southern Africa: South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Mozambique

Best Countries to Visit in East Africa: Ethiopia, Kenya, Mauritius, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, Zanzibar (part of Tanzania)

Best Countries to Visit in North Africa: Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia

Best Countries to Visit in West & Central Africa: Cape Verde, Sao Tome and Principe

Best Countries to Visit in Africa: Southern Region

South africa.

South Africa is a great country to visit in Africa. It has beautiful scenery, amazing wildlife, and many different cultures to explore. Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International is the main gateway, but you can also fly into Cape Town International . 

Despite its often eyebrow-raising political state, South Africa is a diverse country with many things to offer. From its dramatic coastline stretching more than 2,800 km to its lush interior filled with rolling grasslands and plateaus. On top of that, you’ll encounter diverse wildlife, bustling cities, charming little towns, and friendly people.

One of the best things to do in South Africa is to go on a self-drive safari in the Kruger. It is one of the biggest game reserves in the world and has more wildlife species than any other sanctuary in Africa. Once there, you’ll get to enjoy the lions’ roars and spot all kinds of wild animals mere steps from your car! Other incredible experiences include driving the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga , the world’s largest green canyon, and the Garden Route , which offers breathtaking views no matter where you turn. City lovers will find plenty of things to do in Cape Town and the nearby Cape Winelands. 

The best time to visit South Africa is during the warmer months,  November to April . Avoid visiting during the December or Easter holidays when prices are often higher. Here are a few more  things you need to know before visiting South Africa .

Contributed by Ed from SafarisAfricana.

Botswana is a truly special country if you enjoy wildlife and the great outdoors. The country is large, wild, and landlocked, with a landscape defined by the dry Kalahari Desert and the wet Okavango Delta.

The country’s main entry point is its capital, Gabarone, located in the country’s southeast. Gabarone lies on the border with South Africa, a 5-hour drive from Johannesburg.

There is a decent – but very limited – road network where only the major roads are tarmacked, and internal travel tends to be by bus, hire car, or air. International visitors arriving by plane will often stopover in Gabarone and then catch a 1.5 flight north to Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta .

Botswana is one of the best African countries to visit because:

• You can explore some of the  world’s best national parks on a self-drive  Botswana safari .
• Botswana is home to huge animal migrations and one of the best places to see Southern Africa’s largest terrestrial animal migration. If you time your trip, you’ll get to see enormous zebra herds travel 1,000 kilometers between the Makgadikgadi plains and the Nxai Pan, searching for food & water.
• The Okavango Delta is a premier safari destination of 15,000 square kilometers of wetland wilderness. It’s dotted with exclusive, out-of-the-way lodges perfect for game drives, safari walks, and boat trips.

The best time to visit Botswana is  from May to August  when the winter days are cool and sunny, and the lack of water drives the wildlife to congregate around permanent water sources.  July and August  are school holiday times, meaning more tourists, busier national parks, and higher accommodation prices.  October to April  is the summer season, which brings severe heat, heavy rains, and at times, flooding.

Recommended by Paula from Paula Pins the Planet.

Namibia is a beautiful country located in Africa’s southern corners. It shares borders with South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Angola, making it easy to access overland. 

Namibia should be on your list of best African countries to visit because:

• The dramatic scenery and the diversity of the landscape is stunning. 
• Namibia is home to rich wildlife.
• You can get a taste of the local African culture.

Hosea Kutako International Airport  in Windhoek’s capital city is the major international airport and the main gateway. To get to the country’s far-flung destinations by air, transfer to the capital’s second airport – Eros. 

However, a  well-planned road trip in Namibia  is the best way to explore the country. Along the way, you will have a chance to discover some of Namibia’s beautiful landscapes, amazing wildlife, and lovely locals. 

Some of Namibia’s highlights are doing a safari at Etosha National Park , exploring the Deadsvlei desert, and climbing some of the world’s highest dunes. Visiting the ghost town Kolmaskop, relaxing by the ocean towns of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, and driving the stunning Skeleton Coast are other must-dos. 

The best time to visit is during the  dry season (May-Oct) , when the wildlife congregates around rivers and waterholes. During this time, the weather is sunny with virtually no rain. 

Traveling in Namibia is safe, with easily navigable gravel roads, minimal traffic, and an impressively low crime rate. While there are plenty of accommodation options near the main attractions, it’s best to make reservations 6-12 months in advance when visiting during the high season. Also, make sure to book well in advance for the country’s more visited areas during the low season. 

Contributed by Claire from Stoked to Travel.

Zambia  is one of the best places to visit in Africa for adventure and stunning landscapes. The country is most famous for the Victoria Falls, a mammoth set of waterfalls straddling the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. For this reason, most visitors tend to fly into Livingstone Airport in the south. Most of Zambia’s main attractions and points of interest are also located there. 

Victoria Falls are one of the World’s Seven Wonders and is named after Queen Victoria, the former monarch when the falls were first stumbled upon by a European. Interestingly, the falls are neither the tallest nor the widest, but they hold the world’s largest single sheet waterfall record. 

The Zambian side of the falls is located in Mosi Oa Tunya National Park, and it’s easy to join a guided walking tour to the falls. Just a word of warning, a walk through the park will leave you soaked, especially in the rainy season!

Zambia is one of the best African countries to visit because:

• You can bungee jump over the falls or try white water rafting along the Zambezi River.
• If you stay at one of the posh lodges, like Avani Resort , you can see giraffes and zebra wandering around, and even drinking from the pool!
• You’ll get a chance to swim in Devil’s Pool, located atop Victoria Falls. It is the ultimate dare-devil activity! Check out this tour if you’re brave enough.

Due to safety reasons, this pool is only open during the dry season as the rainy season would be far too dangerous. Choosing when to visit is key in Zambia as different times of the year offer different experiences. The rainy season runs  from November to April , and visiting during this time means seeing the falls at the greatest capacity. When visiting during the dry season, large sections of the falls might be completely bare. But, there’ll always be some sections with fast-flowing water. 

If you’re still deciding where to go in Africa, here are 30 epic movies to spark your wanderlust!

Mozambique is another beautiful country in Africa to visit and a hot spot for beachgoers, divers, and adventure seekers. Bordered by the Indian Ocean, Mozambique boasts an incredible 2500km coastline dotted with secluded ivory-white beaches, colorful reefs, and idyllic islands. 

Mozambique is an amazing African destination because:

• Maputo , the capital city, is a haven for foodies, culture seekers, and history buffs. It’s filled with museums, forts, bustling markets, and beautiful old colonial-style buildings.
• Mozambique is home to dozens of beautiful islands, with Bazaruto and Santa Carolina among the best. 
• It’s home to some of the best coral reefs in the world.

Ponto do Oura offers some of the best surfing, fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving in the country and is home to the Pinnacles, a famous shark diving site. Other incredible beach destinations include Tofu, Vilanculos,   Morrungulo, and Inhambane. 

If you’re visiting South Africa, you can easily squeeze in a trip to Mozambique. The easiest way to access the country is by road from Komatipoort in Mpumalanga or Kosi Bay in KwaZulu-Natal. Mozambique is a great self-driving destination, but it’s wise to have a 4×4 vehicle. It’s also best to travel in a group or with someone knowledgeable about the area. Road conditions, especially in the north, are not the best, and stopping travelers for “traffic violations” is not uncommon. 

If driving is not an option for you, Maputo International Airport is located 3km northwest of the capital city center. Mozambique has a warm and subtropical climate. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to November . 

Best Countries to Visit in Africa: Eastern Regions

Recommended by De Wet & Jin from Museum of Wander.

Located in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia must be one of the most interesting countries worldwide. Ethiopia is the only African country that was never colonized, so if you are looking to experience undiluted African culture, Ethiopia is the place to be.

Bole Airport  in Addis Ababa is the main gateway. And, also the hub of the largest airline in Africa, Ethiopian Airlines. Domestic flights are heavily discounted if your international flight to Ethiopia is on the national carrier.

Ethiopia is also very affordable and can be visited throughout the year. Whether you’re looking for holy cities, ancient churches, colorful tribes, unique wildlife, the best cup of coffee, or world-class hiking, Ethiopia has it all!

Top Reasons to add Ethiopia to your African bucket list:

• Harar  in the eastern lowlands is Africa at its most vibrant. Harar’s walled old town is one of Islam’s holiest places, and you’ll find hundreds of mosques and shrines crammed into the narrow, colorful alleys of the ancient city. 
• Lalibela in the highlands is the center of the country’s Orthodox Christians. The 11 churches, hewn from the rock is also known as Africa’s New Jerusalem. It is one of the most spectacular sites in the world. Attending Sunday morning mass in one of these churches is something that you’ll never forget.  
• Foodies will love Ethiopia. For instance, Injera, a spongy, fermented flatbread served with fiery Berbere curries (or vegetarian sides on fasting days), looks and tastes lip-smackingly good. Here’s a great authentic food and culture tour to add to your list of things to do.

*** Travel note:  There has recently been some unrest in the northern parts of Ethiopia. Make sure to check travel advisories before visiting. 

Recommended by Disha from Disha Discovers. 

Africa is a vast continent brimming with beautiful countries, and Kenya is one of them. It is truly a country that everyone should visit at least once. You’ll find the country’s main entry point through  Jomo Kenyatta International Airport  (NBO) in Nairobi. 

Kenya is one of the best African countries to visit because:

• Kenya’s culture is diverse with several ethnic groups. Each group has its own traditions, including unique dances, food, festivals, and more. 
• If a safari is on your  bucket list , the Maasai Mara National Reserve is the place to do it. Kenya is home to all the Big Five and there are heaps of tours to join.  
• Kenya’s government has made sure that national parks and other facilities are accessible, safe, and well-maintained for tourists.

There are, however, a few key things to keep in mind before visiting Kenya. Depending on where you’re from, you’ll probably need a visa. Make sure you visit a Kenyan government website, so you know exactly what you need. Also, you’ll need to get certain immunizations before visiting Kenya. Some vaccines are required, so make sure you have this sorted.

Further, Kenyan food is delicious, but it may take a bit for your stomach to adjust. Be careful when trying street food, as this isn’t always safe to eat. While Kenya is a safe country for tourists, self-awareness is still required.

Some highlights of Kenya include watching the Great Migration in Maasai Mara, relaxing at Diani Beach, seeing the pink flamingos at Lake Nakuru, spotting birds at Lake Naivasha, having breakfast with the giraffes at Giraffe Manor, and so much more.

Recommended by Emily from Wander-Lush

Mauritius, located off East Africa’s coast in the Indian Ocean, is often thought of as a honeymoon destination. Alongside the jaw-droppingly beautiful beaches and palatial resorts, Mauritius also boasts a lesser-visited jungle interior and incredible cultural diversity in its cities and villages.

Mauritius should be on your African bucket list because:

• Mauritius has 330 kilometers of coastline, most of it pristine white-sand beaches .
• The island is a shield volcano, and the terrain of the inner island is incredibly verdant – perfect for outdoor activities , such as hiking and waterfall trekking .
• The island is incredibly diverse , blending Hindu, Muslim, Chinese, and Creole cultures.

In the capital, Port Louis, there is a range of immersive experiences that shine a light on  Mauritian culture , including lively local markets, street food tours , Sega music, and temples.

The southern part of the island is known for its natural beauty. Here you’ll find the vibrant Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark, Black River Gorges National Park, and the Heritage Nature Reserve in Bel Ombre. Hiking and quad biking are available, but it can be just as rewarding to explore by car. That way, you can stop off at the many scenic viewpoints along the coast.

Mauritius has a subtropical climate with sunny weather and warm temperatures throughout the year. It’s best to avoid visiting during the summer peak season ( October through to January ) when crowds are thickest and prices highest. Mauritius can be a very affordable destination outside of these months, provided you stay in guesthouses and eat at local restaurants. Mauritius has a very low crime rate and is widely considered one of the safest countries to visit in Africa. The main gateway is Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport .

Recommended by Jurga from Full Suitcase.

Seychelles is a group of islands off the east coast of Africa. The archipelago is best known as a paradise destination for honeymooners. However, it has so much more to offer than azure-blue waters and white sand beaches. 

Seychelles is a must-visit destination in Africa because:

• There are countless dreamy white-sand beaches.
• It’s home to incredibly diverse flora and fauna.
• A chance to see the stunning landscapes and experience the local culture.

With over 100 islands, each with unique flora and fauna, Seychelles has something to offer for all kinds of travelers. From local markets in its capital city Victoria, hiking in lush jungle forests of Mahé Island , snorkeling and diving with colorful fish and water turtles to exploring the more remote islands where you’ll feel like you’ve entered a real-life Jurrasic Park. Many of these are also home to hundred-year-old, free-roaming giant tortoises! 

Some of Seychelles’ must-see places are the Mahé Island, Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve and Anse Lazio beach on Praslin Island, and Anse Source D’Argent on La Digue Island. But, every island and every beach is unique. As a result, you really have to see several different  Seychelles islands  to appreciate what Seychelles is all about! 

Seychelles is a year-round destination. But it’s best to visit between  late March to May  or from  October to November  for calmer seas and less rain.  June to August  are the driest and coolest months of the year, but also the windiest. Perfect for surfing, but not ideal for swimming or snorkeling.

Victoria-Seychelles Airport  (SEZ), on Mahé Island near the capital city of Victoria, is the main gateway. 

Recommended by Jackie & Justin from Life Of Doing.

Tanzania offers various attractions and activities for all visitors – from incredible wildlife sightseeing to magnificent beaches. But, one if the best things to do while here is going on a safari. Most visitors tend to do a safari in the Northern Circuit as it’s easier to get to from Moshi Airport. It also offers a diversity of animals to see in their natural habitats, such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and more. A highlight is admiring the Great Migration of wildebeests and zebras at Serengeti National Park.

Tanzania is one of the best countries to visit in Africa because:

• It is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the tallest mountains worldwide, standing 5,895m high.
• You can see wildlife along several safari routes, such as the Northern, Southern, or Western Circuits.  
• The tropical island of Zanzibar is a stone’s throw away.

Adventure seekers will also enjoy trekking here. Mount Kilimanjaro , one of the Seven Summits of the World, is challenging and trekking can take between 5-9 days. Hiking to Materuni Waterfall is a great day hike and is a  top attraction in the Moshi area . 

Another unique opportunity is visiting ethnic groups and learning about their culture. The Maasai group is the most popular due to its proximity to the Northern Circuit safari routes. Visitors can stay overnight at a village or visit for the day to learn about the arts and crafts, dance, and chat with residents.  

If relaxing is the main goal for your vacation, head to Zanzibar. Explore the UNESCO recognized site, Stone Town, or hang out at its white sandy beaches. 

Tanzania is a year-round destination, but experiences vary by season. The dry season is  June to October , and the wet season is  November to April . The main gateway to the country is  Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam. 

Recommended by Lara from Both Feet On The Road. 

One of the best countries to visit in Africa is Uganda! The international airport at Entebbe has many direct flights to Dubai, Doha, Amsterdam, and Brussels, making it easily accessible from many parts of the world. Overland, Uganda can be reached from major tourist destinations such as Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania, either by bus or private transportation. 

Uganda should be on your African bucket list because:

• You can encounter endangered mountain gorillas.
• You’ll get to see the impressive Murchison Falls .
• You can spot unique wildlife, such as chimps, tree-climbing lions, the endangered Nubian giraffes, hippos, and many endemic birds.

However, besides these three reasons, there are many more  must-experience in Uganda . For example, the world heritage Rwenzori Mountains National Park with snowcapped peaks that are higher than the Alps. Or the beautiful islands at Lake Bunyonyi and the Toro Crate Lakes near Fort Portal. For adrenaline seekers, white water rafting at the source of the Nile in Jinja is also a must. Foodies definitely have to try the Ugandan Rolex (rolled chapati with omelet) and G-nut sauce (a kind of peanut sauce). 

Tourists are still an attraction in Uganda, so prepare yourself for being stared at, waved to, and touched (by children, not in a weird way). As a woman, prepare yourself for many wedding proposals from Ugandan men (or wear a ring if you want to avoid it). 

Ugandans are extremely friendly and love chatting with visitors, so don’t take offense to the attention you receive. If you are open and approachable, you will have an amazing time and many fun encounters with locals!

Recommended by Karen from Travel Mad Mum .

Zanzibar  is a tropical archipelago in the Indian Ocean, off the East Coast of Africa, and is one of the world’s most desirable destinations! Zanzibar is technically not an independent country but a partly self-governing state in Tanzania. Nonetheless, it still deserves its own spot on this list of best places to visit in Africa!

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport  is the only airport on the island and close to the city center. The airport has direct flights from Europe and the Middle East.

Here are the top reasons to visit the island:

• The island is home to a stunning coral reef and beautiful beaches.
• It is full of history and has a culture of its own.
• There is something for everyone; adventure, nature, history, and relaxation.

Zanzibar has many influences, and as a result, is a melting pot of customs, cultures, and traditions. To experience these first hand, you should head to the city’s old part, Stone Town . 

The tropical island is hot all year round, with two wet seasons; November to December and March until May. The cooler months run  from June to October . However, if you decide to visit in the hot, dry season  from December to February , you could cool off by snorkeling in the crystal clear waters.

Zanzibar’s population is predominately Muslim, so you may want to check if you are visiting during Ramadan. Like visiting any other country, it is best always to lock up any valuables.

Best Countries to Visit in Northern Africa 

No list of the best countries to visit in Africa would be complete without mentioning Egypt. Located in Africa’s northern corners, Egypt borders Libya, Sudan, and Isreal, with  Cairo International Airport  as its main entry point.

Egypt is a must-visit place in Africa because:

• It’s home to the Pyramids – one of the most iconic heritage sites in the world.
• You’ll find the world’s longest river, the Nile, here, which offers breathtaking scenery and great cruising opportunities . 
• The Red Sea is a world-class scuba diving destination and just the spot to explore Egypt’s rich underwater world.  

Brimming with ancient history and unbelievable scenery, Egypt is a fascinating country and definitely deserves a spot on any African bucket list. While Egypt might be one of the world’s oldest civilizations, there’s more to this country than just its captivating history. Today, Egypt is a major tourist hub offering a wide range of experiences for all kinds of travelers, from nature to history to culture to shopping and much more. 

Getting a close-up view of the Pyramids and the Great Sphinx are obligatory things to do while visiting. Both these African landmarks are simply mind-blowing and the perfect spot to learn a bit more about the Egyptian Empire. Another must-do in Eqypt is joining a cruise on the Nile. Whether it be for a sunset or something a bit longer, it will be an unforgettable experience!

If you’re into diving, be sure to check out all the cool wrecks at Sharm El Sheikh or enjoy the laidback vibes at Dahab. Of course, there are lots more to do. For instance, explore the ancient temples in Luxor, unwind at Aswan, visit the White Desert or relax in the amazing Siwa Salt Lakes. 

Egypt is a good year-round destination, but the summers can be relentless. Therefore it’s best to come during  spring (Feb-Apr)  or  autumn (Oct- Nov) . 

Recommended by James from Travel Collecting. 

Morocco is located in northern Africa, across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain. The main international gateway is  Mohammed V International Airport  near Casablanca, though there are smaller international airports in Marrakech and Fes. 

Morocco is one of the best Africa countries to visit because:  

• Shopping.  Visiting the narrow, winding, labyrinthine streets of Marrakech’s markets, Meknes and Fes is an absolute must. There are tiny shops crammed with incredible handicrafts at great prices. 
• Morocco has incredible food . A great way to enjoy it and discover new treats is to take a  food tour . Marrakech especially is a great place for a food tour. You can sample everything from sweet mint tea to a sheep’s eyeball! 
• Varied experiences to enjoy outside the major cities.

There are many incredible places to visit in Morrocco and different things to see and do. The best part? You can easily arrange for a driver to take you from one destination to another over several days, stopping off along the way. This is safe and gives you the most flexibility. However, be sure to clarify exactly what is included in advance. You can visit ancient Kasbahs and date palm plantations, drive through narrow gorges, see rose water being distilled, ride a camel through the dunes and camp overnight in the Sahara Desert, visit the coastal towns, and much more. 

The best time to visit Morocco is during  spring  and  fall  to avoid the extreme heat of summer and the snow on the Atlas Mountains in winter. Morocco is generally safe for tourists, but be careful when asking people on the street for directions as they may mislead you.

Recommended by Ucman from BrownBoyTravels.

Tunisia  is a small country located in the North African strip, sandwiched between Algeria and Libya. While Tunisia might be tiny in size, it has a lot to offer – from beautiful beaches to ancient Roman architecture.

Tunisia is a great country to visit in Africa because:

• It is not yet overrun by mass tourism like Morocco, and it is great to experience the culture in its true form.
• Tunisia is quite cheap, easy to navigate, and owing to its relatively peaceful history; a safe place to visit.
• You’ll also find the world’s second-largest standing colosseum, located in Tunisia in El Jem, here. 

If you’re into history, you will love this place! Tunisia has a multifaceted culture with Roman, Arabic and French influences. If you speak French, you will have no problem because English isn’t widely spoken here. 

Don’t miss the medina (old town) of Tunis, which is the largest in North Africa. The beautiful village of Sidi Bou Said is also nearby. It is a place of great beauty where Tunisian culture meets jaw-dropping scenery in a liberating seaside fashion. It’s best to arrange your own transport, but it’s also easy to join a day tour .

Food is generally good and cheap, and people are warm and friendly. Furthermore, the country offers great weather most of the year with plenty of sunshine.

The best way to arrive in the country is through the  Tunis-Carthage International Airport  in Tunis, the Tunisia capital.

Best Countries to Visit in Africa: Western & Central Regions

Recommended by Erika from Erika’s Travels .

If you’re looking for the perfect warm escape in January , Cape Verde is for you! Cape Verde consists of ten volcanic islands that lie off the coast of Senegal, in West Africa.

Sal’s Amical Cabral International Airport  is the largest gateway. However, since the country consists of ten separate islands, it may not be the most convenient entry point. Four islands, Santiago, São Vicente, Sal, and Boa Vista, offer international routes to Europe. 

Cape Verde should be on your African Bucket List because:

• Cape Verde is among the safest countries in Africa . There is very little crime, especially on the smaller and less urbanized islands.
• With ten volcanic islands that differ drastically in topography and tourist offerings,  Cape Verde caters to a wide variety of travel styles —whether you’re looking for ocean,  hiking trails , desert, or mountains. 
• The scenery on Santo Antão is unlike anywhere else on Earth . The spectacular island is a hiker’s paradise that features terraced mountains, colorful villages, a sculpted coastline, and verdant valleys.

Cape Verde is a country with a unique Afro-Portuguese flavor. It’s scenic diversity and cultural richness make it a fantastic African adventure destination. 

While all islands have something to offer, Santo Antão is Cape Verde’s undisputed gem. The vertical island is where soaring mountains plunge into churning water, and picturesque towns cling to terraced hillsides. For an unforgettable trip to Santo Antão, be sure to drive the island’s Old Road. Exploring the Paul Valley, and hiking the coastal route from Ponta do Sol to Cha da Igreja should also not be overlooked. 

Beyond Santo Antão, Cape Verde’s other islands are also worth exploring. São Vincente and Santiago lure culture buffs interested in the country’s Afro-Portuguese history. The islands of Sal and Boa Vista attract sun-seekers and beach-loungers.

Beyond, far-flung Fogo, Brava, and Maio boast opportunities for authentic off-the-beaten-path travel. 

Sao Tome and Principe

Recommended by Heather Cole from Conversant Traveller. 

Known as the ‘Chocolate Islands’ thanks to their colonial cocoa plantation heritage, Sao Tome and Principe’s remote islands lay in the Gulf of Guinea, off Africa’s west coast. 

Despite their offbeat location, these islands are relatively easy to reach, with regular flights to  Sao Tome International Airport  from Lisbon. Some of the  best places to stay in Sao Tome and Principe  include renovated plantation mansions that are now boutique hotels and luxurious castaway beach lodges nestled between jungle and ocean.

Sao Tome is the main island, yet it still feels like the Earth’s ends with hidden lagoons, secluded beaches, and many coffee and cocoa plantation ruins to explore. To reach the smaller island of Principe, a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, jump on a domestic flight that takes just half an hour.

Principe is wild, with vast tracts of untamed rainforest, black volcanic shores, and fishing villages where the locals are genuinely curious to meet visitors from afar. The island is so small that it’s best to base yourself in one place and take day trips to discover the world’s smallest capital city, sea turtles nesting on the beaches, and hike the many mountain trails. Most visitors like to take a boat trip along the coast, stopping in some bays for snorkeling and picnics. It’s also a bird watcher’s paradise with several endemic species, including the dwarf ibis and the Principe kingfisher. 

The islands can be visited year-round, although it does get very wet during the rainy seasons between  October and November  and  February until May .

Best Countries to Visit in Africa in Conclusion

Whether you visit Africa for its incredible nature, fascinating history, bustling cities, or diverse cultures, you’ll never be bored. We hope this guide has inspired you to explore this beautiful continent and, more importantly, helped you narrow down which African countries to visit!  

That wraps up this guide on the best African countries to visit. Have you been to any of these countries on this African Bucket List yet? Feel free to share your top tips, best places to go, things to do, and anything in between below! 

If you enjoyed this guide best countries to visit in Africa, please pin it here.

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December 2, 2020 at

This list is absolutely amazing! I LOVE Africa, and any trip I go on, my bucket list just gets longer and longer. I was supposed to be boarding to Uganda now, as one of the top bucket list destinations on the Planet. I had to cancel it, but hopefully next year I will be able to visit. This list inspires me to add other incredible destinations. Thank you!

December 3, 2020 at

Thanks for stopping by, Paula. Sorry to hear about your trip; that’s a real bummer. But hopefully, you’ll get to go real soon!

I’ve got my eyes set on either Morocco or Namibia for my next trip…but I’m not sure how I’ll ever be able to choose; both are absolutely drool-worthy!

May 13, 2021 at

This Blog is very Informative.Thanks for Sharing.

June 29, 2022 at

I love this list. There are so many places to explore in Africa. Even this list is endless for places to visit in Africa.

June 30, 2022 at

Thanks so much Magdalene!

July 7, 2022 at

This is such an amazing post. It always feels like in order to find a really cool place to travel to you have to go out of the country and this post definitely opened up my eyes! Love this post so much.

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The 12 Safest Places to Visit in Africa

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Is it safe to travel to Africa? You might have wondered the answer to this question. Safety is a primary concern while traveling, especially as you explore new places.

Traveling to destinations in Africa can seem a little daunting, but it doesn’t have to be that way. All you have to do is think of a trip to Africa as a unique way to explore the world. With the right information on the safest places to visit in Africa, you’ll be well equipped with everything you need to have a worry-free and enjoyable trip in one of the safest countries in Africa. 

Africa is not a single country contrary to popular belief, but it is a collection of many countries, 54 countries to be exact, and some countries are safer than others. 

The snowy mountain tops in Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania , the undulating but nearly smooth plains, the vast savannah grasslands dotted with wild games and several species of birds, the beautiful white sandy beaches, the sunny warm African skies, and the tropical climate with palm trees, are just a few reasons why several of the African countries need to be on your bucket list. 

In addition, for those that love culture and lifestyle, there are hundreds if not thousands of sumptuous dishes to sample and history-rich places to explore. Africans are generally kind and welcoming to tourists.

List of the Safest Countries in Africa

Ready to explore the most magical and nature blessed countries in Africa? In no particular order, here’s a rundown on the safest places to visit in Africa:

The Top 3 Safest Places to Visit in Africa

South africa.

This country could arguably be number one of the top safest countries in Africa. It is known for hosting multiple local, national, and international sporting events.

You can trace safety in South Africa earlier than 2010 when they hosted the FIFA World Cup Competition. There was little to no instances of reported issues during the World Cup. Due to the success of the game, South Africa became known worldwide for its safety. 

From my own perspective, it is hard to believe that South Africa is still categorized as a third world country. You’ll see where I’m coming from once you arrive at Cape Town, the capital of South Africa. The infrastructure looks like any American city.

South Africa has some of the top sight-seeings and activities in Africa . You’ll get to explore the Table Mountain and Robben Island that’s great for hiking, climbing, and biking, the Kruger National Reserve an immense game reserve, and the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill in Johannesburg to name a few attractions . 

One of the best parts of traveling to South Africa is that the South Africans are polite and harbor African fame – friendliness to strangers.    

It is, however, possible to have some occurrences of petty crimes due to the high poverty levels and unemployment rate. You may experience puny pickpockets, especially if you have visible valuable pieces of jewelry. 

Safety tip: practice due diligence in choosing your accommodation before your trip so you’re in an area with a high level of security. To help you get started, here are the top accommodations for South Africa.

Morocco is among the best places to visit in Africa because you’ll get to experience life in the Sahara Desert. 

There’s a ton of activities to do in this Africa destination . Some top places to visit in Morocco include Marrakech , the famous Casablanca, Fez, Essaouira , and Tangier, Morocco . The country has breathtaking sights, landmarks, and museums for various travelers’ tastes. You’ll undoubtedly have a thrilling experience.

Be cautious of imposters posing to help you get more familiar with different cultures, languages or other fun places to visit in Morocco. Another thing to note is since Morocco is a conservative country, prepare to dress accordingly.

Safety tip: get advice from your hotel concierge as they would provide you with the most relevant and reliable information for the area.

According to Reuters, Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, is rated as the cleanest city in an African country! The country has legislation in effect to exceed a cleanliness threshold set by the government.

The legislators in Rwanda also ensure that it’s the government’s responsibility to protect human rights among all the inhabitants of its country. That basically means that Rwandans see all people as one, be they, citizens or visitors. 

You’ll be able to immediately feel the warmth from locales on your arrival in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. When you’re in Rwanda, be sure to visit the Volcanos National Park, Kigali Genocide Memorial Museum, and the Royal Palace in Nyanza.

Tours start from as low as $180 for a once in a lifetime experience. For a safari experience, that is a steal!

Safety tip: even though Rwanda is best known for unbeatable safety, instances of petty thefts may occur. It is crucial to be alert when walking in a crowded area. 

Like South Africa, Kenya is a top travel destination in Africa and is visited annually by a large percentage of tourists.

Kenya has outstanding security measures implemented by the government to boost tourism and that’s the reason it made it to our list of the Safest Places to Visit in Africa.

This country is blessed with diverse points of interest for travelers including African safari trips. It’s no surprise that Kenya is a hotspot for many travelers to African countries.

Nairobi is Kenya’s capital. You’ll most likely arrive in the country at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. 

The last time I had a layover on my way to the Congo (DRC), I was very impressed. The airport is very organized. They have several food options in the food court upstairs and some stores to purchase locally made gifts and artifacts on the main level. 

Some top Kenya tourist attractions include the Maasai Mara , also known as the Masai Mara National Reserve is a large game reserve, Amboseli National Reserve , and Tsavo National Park where you’ll get to see wildlife indigenous to the area.

Another part of the country you should get to visit is Lamu Island with a rich history that dates back to the 12th century, and for the bird lovers, Lake Naivasha which is in the Great Rift Valley is an outstanding option.

Safety tip: it is far much safer when you travel by air, or rail and avoid Mombasa road at all costs. If you’re traveling by road, it is better to go with a reputable group tour company. Sometimes, congestion caused by traffic can lead to some unsafe interactions with thugs. 

The Top 5-10 Safest Places to Visit in Africa

With lots of deserts and sand dunes for desert racing activities, it is exhilarating to visit Namibia. This Southern African country has a sparse population of approximately 2.5 million people; that’s the equivalent of the number of people that live in the state of New Mexico, USA. 

Is Namibia safe? The answer is yes! Safety is an extra benefit of visiting this safe destination in Africa because the crime rates are insanely low.

A few of the top Namibia destinations and attractions include the Etosha National Park , a wildlife reserve; Sossusvlei an area with red sand dunes, Atlantic beaches, Swakopmund , Damaraland , Skeleton Coast , Kalahari, Twyfelfontein, Windhoek , Deadvlei, Luderitz and Kolmanskop .

Safety tip: as a tourist, you need to be careful, especially when moving around the deserts. You could encounter some poisonous animals like snakes and venomous scorpions on your adventure.  

Tourism in Zimbabwe is among the most treasured sources of earning GDP for the country. As a result, the company takes tourists’ safety seriously.

The reason Zimbabwe is a top tourist destination is that it houses one of the wonders of the world – Victoria Falls Zimbabwe . 

In addition to visiting Victoria Falls, there are a lot more things to do in Zimbabwe including visiting the Great Zimbabwe Ruins , Hwange National Park , Mana Pools National Park , Matobo National Park , and Harare to experience the dramatic landscape and diverse wildlife.

Zimbabweans are friendly people, and most times, asking a question from the tour guides can get a warm response. 

Safety tip: try not to look like a novice when exploring the area so people don’t use the opportunity to hike prices on items when you’re shopping on the street markets.

Did you know there are several islands that are part of the Africa continent? Mauritius is one of them. This island is ranked as one of the safest places in Africa. It should be on your list for your next travel destinations in Africa because of its sunny, sandy, and white beaches. 

Although Mauritius is known for its beaches, there are several other things to do in different parts of the country. For nature lovers, you may have heard of the Mauritius National Botanical Garden that houses over 600 plants, you’ll definitely want to check it out. 

You should start from the inland and center of the country and walk your way to Ile aux Aigrettes nature reserve and several museums in the South & South-East, then for scuba diving and snorkeling in Rodrigues , next to the shopping at the Grand Bay and Pamplemousses Botanical Garden in the North and finally the Black River Gorges National Park and the 7-colored earth of Chamarel in the West / South-west. 

Also, don’t forget to try as many local seafood dishes. You’ll be amazed by how tasty Mauritian food is.

A trip to Africa especially Mauritius can’t entirely be explored on paper. You’ll have to set foot on this safe destination to truly appreciate its magnificent beauty.

Safety tip: the country is one of the safest places to visit in Africa. However, be sure to check for any travel warnings from the U.S. Department of State website.

Botswana is a southern African country considered one of the safest countries in Africa. It is well known as one of the top safari destinations in Africa so you’ll spot a wide variety of wildlife on your trip. The country has a booming travel industry!

Natural landscapes and incredible terrain are among other spectacular and iconic things to see that this great country has to offer. 

Some top things to do in Botswana include the Okavango Delta / Okavango Grassland – the largest inland flood plain of islands, palm trees, and wildlife. You should also check out Kalahari Desert, Chobe National Park , Moremi Game Reserve , Central Kalahari Game Reserve , and the Rock Art . 

With as many as 289 safari tours in Botswana, there is something for everyone regardless of your budget. From a luxury to a budget-friendly tour, Botswana has it all!

Safety tip: petty theft may occur but that’s a rare occurrence. Basic common sense goes a long way.

Mozambique is a southeastern country stretching from the coastal waters of Tanzania to the warm waters of South Africa . There are hardly any negative or worrying news in the media concerning this coastal country, proving as one of the safest and best countries to visit.

I bet you’re wondering, what are the top things to do in Mozambique? The Bazaruto Archipelago is a great starting point. It is a group of six islands that you’re going to fall in love with.

You’ll get to watch dolphins, whales, and other sea animals, in the wild as you relax and soak up the sun in the beautiful sandy beaches or island-hop from one to another.

For locally made items, visit Machilla Magic where various handicrafts and artworks are sold. 

If you’re a water lover, you absolutely need to visit Bazaruto National Park for snorkeling, swimming and other water sports, and Fort Sao Sebastian for a beautiful and extensive view of the sea.  

Macuti Lighthouse and Shipwreck is an excellent place to get a great view of the skyline and the wrecks of the ship which didn’t make it to the shore. 

For more in-depth cultural history, visit the National Money Museum which has a collection of old and current currency, and Nampulaan ancient Portuguese architectural homes.

Safety tip: plan to avoid road travel outside the city after dark. Most of the common crimes are street crimes like purse-snatching, and pick-pocketing. Be vigilant when in crowded places.

The Top 10-12 Safe Countries in Africa

Algeria is an Arabic Country in North African bordering the Mediterranean and the Sahara Desert.

It is the only country on our list that is the closest to West Africa.

The country is relatively peaceful, however, there has been civil unrest because of the current political atmosphere. That doesn’t mean it is unsafe to visit. In fact, it is one of the safest destinations when traveling to Africa.

Here are the major points of interest in Algeria. Ancient Roman ruins in seaside Tipaza , Martyrs’ Memorial, Notre-Dame d’Afrique, Jardin d’Essai du Hamma, Beni Hammad, and the Botanical Garden of Hamma.

The fantastic Arabian architecture and beautiful landscapes are worth seeing. They also have tasty dishes that you’ll enjoy. 

Safety tip: visiting any of the major cities is safe. Areas near the eastern and southern borders should be avoided due to unrest.

Seychelles is the pride and jewel of Africa. It is a safe country for vacationing and the perfect destination for a honeymoon. 

This is the ultimate country to visit in Africa as it is a gorgeous and full of abundant coastal life. 

The climate is tropical and perfect for snorkeling, swimming, surfing, diving, and bird watching. You can visit Seychelles all year-round as the weather and climate are favorable.

Seychelles has numerous beaches, coral reefs and nature reserves that you wouldn’t want to miss. This country is also home to rare animals such as giant Aldabra tortoise; a must-see.

Some other things to do in Seychelles include Morne Seychellois National Park for hiking, Vallée de Mai National Park in Praslin a birding hot spot to spot the endangered black parrot, hiking, and the opportunity to see the captivating giant bronze gecko, and 14 endemic reptile and amphibian species.

For more history, check out the National Museum of History where you can learn more about the Creole culture and the Magic of Traveling for low budget trip ideas.

I’m certain you can travel to the country worry-free because it’s one of the safest countries in Africa.

Safety tip: the crime here is very low and is usually non-violent. Exercise usual precautions when in Seychelles.

Swaziland (now Eswatini): The Top 12 Safest African Countries to Visit

Last and certainly not least is Swaziland. This is a small landlocked country in the southern part of Africa. Swaziland is a safe country in Africa because of its small population and landmass. 

Swaziland is known to be an outstanding location for family travel or family safari trip. Since the country mass is small, it is easy to get around town with children which makes it a child-friendly country.

People are nice and courteous so it tends to provide a better overall experience when you vacation here. They pride themselves in showcasing travelers the “true” African culture of hospitality.

One of the best places to visit in Swaziland is the Mkhaya Game Reserve wildlife reserve . It is known for its black and white rhino populations, antelope, giraffes, buffaloes, hippo, and crocodiles. 

Mlilwane Wildlife sanctuary , Hlane National Park, Mbuluzi Game Reserve, Nisela Safaris Wildlife Reserve, Sibebe Rock, and the National Museum are among the very many places to visit.

The Lobamba traditional hut is a must stay. You’ll experience vibrant Swaziland’s culture like a local. If you’re able to visit during the annual festivals, it is a must! If you’re like me, you’ll enjoy the cultural experience. 

One last place to visit is the Ngwenya Glass . It is regarded as Africa’s most prestigious glass factory.

Safety tip: exercise normal precautions as you would in any other country you’re visiting. 

Conclusion: Safest Places to Visit in Africa

This roundup with the 12 safest places to visit in Africa is unison between the spirit of adventure and safety. You should be confident traveling to any of the countries listed above.

Since the political tension of a country can change at any time, be sure to check for updates information on the U.S. Department of State website.

We have extensively explored the top safe countries in Africa to visit, then there shouldn’t be any reason for you not to travel and explore Africa! 

Share your experience about your past and upcoming African trip(s) in the comments below. What other safest places to visit in Africa would you recommend? We would love to hear about your experience.

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Never been come to this country. i look from this post and the pictures is very interesting to visit. Hope i can go this country one day

What do you mean South Africa is safe? Bruh you haven’t lived with us and just in case you’re not aware, even if you’re in the city or downtown it is still not safe. There is a massive amount of violence that happens EVERYWHERE, look up a list of safest countries in Africa and you’ll see SA doesn’t touch the top 10, come on bruh this isn’t accurate. We have a large amount of crime and you can’t act as if South Africa is safe even in its safest areas to consider it on this list.

Algeria? You sure about that?

Hello Tony, I second that! That’s one of the countries we need to take off the list. We’ll be sure to do that when we update the post.

Noooo way you think South Africa is amongst the top 10 safest countries in Africa, I’m a Motswana and I know my neighbours are not safe. Do your research well on South Africa, it’s really not amongst the safest. Even if you had a safe experience, you can’t disregard what others have experienced, you were just lucky to not have any bad experience at night, just go to the real areas and you’ll experience it.

Hello Kabelo, I value your comment, and you bring up an important point. It’s not our intention to disregard other people’s experiences. In fact, we welcome them! Your statement, “…just go to the real area and you’ll experience it.” tells me that those areas are not for tourists. Even if you paid me, I wouldn’t go to the “real area” in Chicago or New York. So I agree with you that not all of South Africa is safe and that Botswana is significantly safer than SA . However, our audience is visiting Africa to experience the authentic African culture and customs, so our suggestion still holds for their use case.

Hello can you tell me which African countries are not good concern to safety and crime so we can never add those countries in our bucket list of Africa.

Hi Saurabh, thanks for stopping by. The political and economic climate for countries is in constant flux. So to list out African countries to NEVER add to your bucket list of Africa will be a disservice to Africa. Instead, bookmark this page as we’ll keep it updated with new information we find: some countries might be added/removed over time. I hope this sorta answers your question.

xo ~ Louisa

If you’re not fluent in French, you will stick out like a sore thumb in non-Anglophone Africa. Much of rural North Africa remains extremely dangerous – ask any professional archaeologist or oriental rug merchant. Ghana is ranked higher on the Global Peace Index than France or the UK – why is it not talked about? Read a lot more, before traveling or buying a home….

Hello Raisin,

Thanks for sharing your feedback. Our monthly visitors are not professional archaeologists or oriental rug merchants but families with kids or couples that want to explore Africa. Just like how I can visit New York but wouldn’t want to stay in the Vinegar Hill (Brooklyn), all countries have places you simply don’t want to be if you love your life. With that said, our goal is to share the most relevant information on our site at the time of writing. We’re not the US Department of State of the CDC, so we frankly can’t keep our site up to date with the constant change of the 50+ countries in the motherland. That’s why I refer people to government websites like those to confirm the state of the countries before they visit.

The most recent Global Peace Index was released on 10/2020. These African countries are ranked the top 3 in order:

• Mauritius (Most peaceful african country)
• Ghana (3rd on the list)

We still have the top 2 on our post so it’s a great start!

Love, Lydia

Can you tell me about Rwanda? How safe is Rwanda and the cost of visiting for a month?

Hello Nkese, we almost went to Rwanda in April of this year, but the quarantine cost and restriction made us change our mind. I have friends that have visited Rwanda, and they love the country, and it’s one of the top safest countries. However, you’ll want to avoid going close to the border of the neighboring countries because they tend to have some unrest. I encourage you always to do your due diligence and check out the US Department of State website for the most up-to-date information.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

It’s full of blacks so not safe

Myth : “It’s full of blacks so not safe.” Response : Buckf you really need to do some research before sharing inaccurate information and using derogatory words on the internet. Educate yourself a little so we can have a more constructive dialogue. Wishing you all the best!

Glad to have read this post. There have been some apprehensions though, but I really want to visit wildlife safaris there. It encourages me more now to plan a trip to Africa.

Hello Neha, having some concerns is normal. In fact, most people do especially since Africa feels so far away. If it’s your first time visiting Africa, I encourage you to start with popular tourist destinations like Morocco , Kenya , Botswana , Ghana, or South Africa . These countries focus on tourism, and their process from applying for a visa if needed to transportation within the countries is well thought out and friendly for first-time African visitors.

Hi, glad to see Namibia on the list, but isn’t it located in southern Africa instead of north Africa?

Hello Edmund, you’re right! That was an oversight on our part and have made the changes. We appreciate your feedback! Please let me know how we can continue to improve our site. Cheers, Lydia

When were you in South Africa. I was there for all of August. Crime is rampant. The army had taken over patrolling the townships outside of Cape Town. All the homes have heavy security measures. Private armed patrols cars sit in the neurons provide ares response.

I drove the Garden Highway to Durban then on to J’burg. Everyone regardless of race cautioned that is should only drive the highway during the day and never ever stop on the road for any reason.

It seemed to me that the country is collapsing.

I have traveled to 45 countries as a solo traveler or with my wife. SA was a solo trip and I would need a really good reason to go back with my wife.

I go to El Salvador 1,2 times a year and though cautious I feel comfortable.

I agree with you about Zimbabwe. And I found Zanzibar lovely.

Hello Richard,

I appreciate you sharing your experience. I’m glad you enjoyed Zimbabwe and Zanzibar.

We were just in South Africa from November – December. Frankly, SA reminds me of CA. We were neighborhood next to each other where you go from wealth to extreme poverty and it’s sickening to see the economic disparity within a spot mile radius. Typically, it’s those poorer townships that have safety issues so I would only stick to touristy areas.

We walked from downtown Cape Town and V & A Waterfront to our Airbnb at night several times without any issues. As with any travel, always check the US Department of State website about safety because things can change in a country with a flick of a finger.

Please keep the comments and feedback coming!

I am considering visiting South Africa in the next few weeks, but I heard there is some unrest currently going on. What are your thoughts?

Hello Charee, that’s a great question! I did read about the unrest in the news a few days ago. From what I read, most of the demonstration is targeted towards businesses in the area and not tourists so you should be fine. I encourage you to always check the US Department of State website for updated information when traveling internationally. I hope I answered your question!

A lot of these countries are at the absolute top of my bucketlist. It’s a kind reminder that I have a lot more exploring to do in Africa!

Hello Chris, you’re not alone! Most people, in my opinion, need to explore Africa more, myself included. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.

Somehow you forgot Cape Verde Islands. One of the safest and most politically stable countries in Africa. That besides the fight for independence it has never seen civil unrest. 10 small islands of the west coast of Africa, boasting of several international airports with frequent flight and gorgeous landscapes, beautiful people and great culture.

Hello Alfredo, it sounds like you’ve been to a few of the Africa islands; that’s awesome! I agree with you. The good news is we plan on expanding the list to include other safe African countries. Most people don’t even know there are more than 12 safe destinations in Africa. Caper Verde, the smaller islands, and Tanzania will be added to the second part of the post. Thanks for the feedback, we do appreciate it!

I have heard a lot of safety concerns when it is related to Africa. I am glad to come across this blog where you have detailed about the places that can be considered safe to visit in Africa. Morocco and Rwanda are in my list since long. I feel good to know that they are safe. I have already visited Kenya and I really feel there was no safety issues there.

Way to go Shreya for taking the first step! How did you like Kenya? Just like most countries, there’re say and not so safe parts. However, the countries featured here the safest African countries for sure. Did you decide on Morocco or Rwanda? We found the airfare to Rwanda to be considerably more expensive than Morocco. A round trip ticket to Morocco was about $700 so if you would like to keep your travel cost low, I would choose Morocco. I hope this extra bit of information makes your decision a little easier.

Awesome information! I’ve long long since wanted to travel to South Africa and Morocco but have felt hesitant about going. Now I don’t feel to too scared to make the trip.

Aww Brittany, you just made my day! I can relate to how scared you were because my in-laws had never traveled outside the US until three years ago. Their first trip abroad was to Africa. Ever since they’re hooked on going to Africa. My in-laws have been to Kenya, the Congo, and Nigeria and keep bugging us to set our next Africa destination so they could tag along. The media doesn’t always portray Africa in the most favorable light, and some of it but not all of it is true. However, once you get to experience the real Africa, you’ll be hooked for life!

Add me in your list

Hello Maurice, thanks for your interest in joining our mailing list. Frankly, that’s an area we’ve neglected, but we keep getting similar requests from our readers. So, we plan to launch our email list soon to share exclusive photos and content that’s not on the blog. Stay tuned, and I’ll be sure to reach out personally when we launch.

Thanks to both of you lovely ladies for your knowledge and insight. Add me too if you are compiling a list ?

Thanks for your positive comment, Wendell! We’re so glad you like it and look forward to reaching more readers. Will definitely add you to our mailing list once we start one.

I’m so glad I came across this article! I was just starting to plan a major 2020 Africa trip and I wanted to start with some safe, touristy places before I explore the continent in more depth. This was very helpful and it’s a great resource for starters. Thank you for sharing and keep up the great work

Thanks for the feedback, Daniel! I would love to hear about your trip. Please let us know how we could be of resource for you as you plan your Africa trip. If there’s something, we’re missing that you would like to learn about, feel free to reach out directly and we will be more than happy to be of support!

We’ve never been to Africa but exploring this amazing country is definitely on our list. I find this to be a very helpful guide in planning a trip with the right mix of adventure and safety for visitors to Africa. Amazing photographs as well! Thanks for sharing all the details and the safety tips. Will refer back to your post as we plan our trip to Africa.

Our pleasure Aditi! If you decide to travel to Africa, please let us know and be sure to share your experience with us. Cheers!

Interesting article but I’m surprised that Tanzania didn’t make it into your list. Can I ask why? I found it the safest country during my year around Africa

Hello Roshni, excellent point! You make the point that there’re more than 12 Safest African Countries to Visit. Guess what? I agree! We plan on writing a part two to this post, and Tanzania will make it on this list.

That shot of Table mountain behind the cities of South Africa is so epic ! I am planning a trip to Morocco and Algeria. I do see alot of Arabic influences in Algeria ! I’ll take note on the dress code when in Morocco ! Thanks for the tips ! =)

Our pleasure Jeremy! We’re glad we could be of help. We would love to hear about your experience in Morocco and Algeria when you get back. I hope you have a blast!

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17 Safest Countries in Africa: Ranked by Data (Travelers Guide)

To travel as safely as possible, we created this list of the safest African countries. In this post, you’ll learn about the safest countries in Africa, according to actual data. Not opinions and tourism board marketing. We’ll also take a quick look at other interesting information for each country on the list.

Mauritius, Ghana, and Botswana are the three safest countries in Africa. This is according to the Global Peace Index. It compares three factors, which are explained in this post. Other safe African countries include Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Senegal, and Tanzania.

DISCLAIMER: The following information is not my personal opinion, nor are they from personal experience. This comes from the 2021 Global Peace Index Report from Vision of Humanity . ( Download PDF report ). Any warnings listed below for such things as crime and safety have been mainly found from travel.gc.ca . Travel warnings can also be found at travel.state.gov .

Another note for any would-be travelers, if you must travel abroad during the COVID-19 outbreak, please keep in mind that many of the cited tourist attractions may be inaccessible due to the pandemic.

Safest African Countries: Ranking System

How are these countries ranked? The lower the number, the safer the country.

According to the Global Peace Index, they use three determining factors to factor in the score they give:

• Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict: Such things as the number and duration of conflicts, how many deaths, the intensity of the conflict, and how the country fares with its neighbors impact the score.
• Societal Safety and Security: In this section, things like political instability, refugees, terrorism, violent crimes, murders, jailed populations, and internal security officers and police officers play a role in affecting the score.
• Militarisation: Military expenses, armed services personnel, importing and exporting of conventional weapons, nuclear and heavy weapons capabilities, how much is contributed to UN peacekeeping missions, and how easily accessible small arms and light weapons are all points that impact the peace score.

More detailed information can be found in Section 6 of the Global Peace Index Report.

And for comparison, see a list of other popular tourist countries at the end of the post. They are ranked by the same safety factors.

The guide is part of an ongoing series covering the safest countries in the world . Learn more about the  safest countries in Asia , South America , Central America , Latin America , and Europe .

17 Safest Countries in Africa

Here’s the list of what are considered to be the 17 safest countries in Africa, with some information as to crime and safety.

Not only that, you’ll learn of some places you can go to if you decide to travel to a particular country.

1. Mauritius

• Safety Score: 1.592
• Worldwide Rank: 28
• Population: 1.266 million (2019)
• Capital City: Port Louis
• Tourists Per Year: 1.38 million (2019)

Mauritius is considered to be the safest country in Africa. In fact, its global rank is high in the Peace Index. This makes sense then, as tourism is one of Mauritius’s biggest industries.

The country has many beautiful attractions and is considered to be a tropical paradise.

• Safety Score: 1.715
• Worldwide Rank: 38
• Population: 30.42 million (2019)
• Capital City: Accra
• Tourists Per Year: 1.13 million (2019)

Despite being considered a safe country, crime has increased in certain areas, like in Accra or other large cities.

With regards to tourism, Ghana’s tropical climate and interesting wildlife make it a destination that can be enjoyed all year round.

You can visit attractions like Paga Crocodile Pond, Elmina Castle, and Aburi Botanical Gardens.

3. Botswana

• Safety Score: 1.753
• Worldwide Rank: 41
• Population: 2.304 million (2019)
• Capital City: Gaborone
• Tourists Per Year: 1.83 million (2018)

Also considered to be a safe country by the Index, Botswana has many tourist attractions. Some of its biggest attractions are its game reserves, where safaris are available.

The Okavango Delta region is also considered a must-see when visiting, especially during the rainy season.

4. Sierra Leone

• Safety Score: 1.813
• Worldwide Rank: 46
• Population: 7.813 million (2019)
• Capital City: Freetown
• Tourists Per Year: 71,000 (2019)

Sierra Leone does have a high crime rate, despite being high on this list. For tourism, you can visit such attractions as beaches, nature reserves, mountains, and islands.

One attraction is the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, located about 40 minutes outside the capital, Freetown.

5. The Gambia

• Safety Score: 1.853
• Worldwide Rank: 53
• Population: 2.348 million (2019)
• Capital City: Banjul
• Tourists Per Year: 619,000 (2019)

Pickpocketing and purse snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas. The Gambia is the smallest country in mainland Africa by land area.

Popular areas you can visit in the country include the capital of Banjul, the town of Jufureh, and the Kachkikally crocodile pool.

The Gambia is bordered on three sides by Senegal. On the west, it has a 50 mile (80 km) coastline on the Atlantic Ocean.

• Safety Score: 1.864
• Worldwide Rank: 54
• Population: 16.3 million (2019)
• Capital City: Dakar
• Tourists Per Year: 1.38 million (2017)

The Casamance conflict in Senegal is an ongoing battle between rebel groups and the military. It is considered to be of low-level violence, as a ceasefire was declared back in 2014. Keep an eye out for that area.

As a traveler, an interesting attraction is Gorée Island, a former slave trade post, and current UNESCO World Heritage Site.

7. Tanzania

• Safety Score: 1.892
• Worldwide Rank: 58
• Population: 58.01 million (2019)
• Capital City: Dodoma
• Tourists Per Year: 1.527 million (2019)

Current warnings for Tanzania have to do with borders to other countries, such as Mozambique, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

If you go for a visit, the big draw to Tanzania is Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa .

• Safety Score: 1.909
• Worldwide Rank: 59
• Population: 18.63 million (2019)
• Capital City: Lilongwe
• Tourists Per Year: 871,000 (2019)

Malawi is relatively safe, though violent crimes can occur. The country has many things to offer to travelers, such as Mulanje Mountain, Lake Malawi, as well as national parks and game reserves (a common theme on this list).

Lake Malawi is one of the largest lakes in Africa .

Malawi is also well-known for its friendliness, being referred to as “The Warm Heart of Africa” .

9. Equatorial Guinea

• Safety Score: 1.915
• Worldwide Rank: 62
• Population: 1.356 million (2019)
• Capital City: Malabo
• Tourists Per Year: N/A

Armed robberies and muggings can occur here, especially in the cities. Despite being considered one of the least visited countries in the world, there are some places to visit.

Tourist attractions in Equatorial Guinea include the colonial quarter in the capital city of Malabo and hiking and beaches on the island of Bioko.

10. Namibia

• Safety Score: 1.927
• Worldwide Rank: 65
• Population : 2.495 million (2019)
• Capital City: Windhoek
• Tourists Per Year: 1.596 million (2019)

Since the end of the Angolan civil war, the peace enjoyed in that country has helped improve things for its neighbor, Namibia. Despite this, petty crime is still common.

That being said, tourism is a major industry, and you can visit such attractions as the Namib Desert should you go.

11. Kingdom of Eswatini or Swaziland

• Safety Score: 1.955
• Worldwide Rank: 69
• Population: 1.148 million (2019)
• Capital City: Mbabane, Lobamba
• Tourists Per Year: 1.23 million (2019)

Petty crime might be common, but it’s relatively low when compared to other nations in its region. Tourism is quite successful in Swaziland.

You can visit such attractions as Hlane Royal National Park, go shopping in Swazi Market, or soak in some culture in Lobamba (the home of Swaziland’s monarchy).

12. Madagascar

• Safety Score: 1.963
• Worldwide Rank: 70
• Population: 26.97 million (2019)
• Capital City: Antananarivo
• Tourists Per Year: 486,000 (2019)

Batterie Beach and Anosy Region have been flagged as areas to avoid. Also, crime, in general, is widespread in Madagascar. Despite this, you can enjoy some nature tourism there.

One draw to Madagascar are lemurs, which are native only to the island. One place to find lemurs is in the Ranomafana National Park.

• Safety Score: 1.964
• Worldwide Rank: 71
• Population: 17.86 million (2019)
• Capital City: Lusaka
• Tourists Per Year: 1.266 million (2019)

Zambia is rightfully close to the top of this list. That being said, there can be some petty crime that takes place.

As a tourist, you could visit the world-famous Victoria Falls, as well as the world’s longest lake, Lake Tanganyika. You can see the Zambezi River (one of the longest rivers in Africa ) in Zambia.

14. Liberia

• Safety Score: 1.998
• Worldwide Rank: 76
• Population: 4.937 million (2019)
• Capital City: Monrovia

Liberia isn’t the safest place to visit, despite being number 9 on our list. There can be some violent crimes that occur, as criminals may often be armed.

While its economy has been damaged by the country’s civil wars and the recent Ebola outbreak, there are some areas that you can visit, such as Mount Woligizi, beaches near Robertsport, and Sapo National park.

15. Morocco

• Safety Score: 2.015
• Worldwide Rank: 79
• Population: 36.91 million (2020)
• Capital City: Rabat
• Tourists Per Year: 10.3 million (2017)

This north African country is popular with tourists. Here are some tips for safe travel around Morocco, which are good for almost any country you’ll visit.

In northern Morocco, you’ll find Ceuta and Melilla – two enclaves that belong to Spain. To the west of Morocco, you’ll find the Canary Islands, that also belong to Spain.

• Safety Score: 2.017
• Worldwide Rank: 80 (Tied with Kosovo)
• Population: 32.87 million (2020)
• Capital City: Luanda
• Tourists Per Year: 218,000 (2020)
• Safety Score: 2.028
• Worldwide Rank: 83
• Population: 12.63 million
• Capital City: Kigali
• Tourists Per Year: 1.63 million (2019)

Rwanda is considered to be fairly safe, with crime being relatively low. Despite that, there is some petty theft to keep an eye out for.

When it comes to tourism, wildlife tourism is big in the country. You can visit such attractions as Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu, and the King’s Palace Museum.

Here are some traditional Rwandan foods to try.

Learn about the fastest animals in Africa and around the world .

Other Countries Compared

To keep these ratings all in perspective, here are a number of other popular tourist countries, by the same rating.

Here they are, for least to most safe.

• India : Ranked #135 (Score 2.553)
• United States: Ranked #122 (Score 2.337)
• Thailand: Ranked #113 (Score 2.205)
• Uganda: Ranked #114 (Score 2.219)
• Ecuador : Ranked #88 (Score 2.044)
• Cuba: Ranked #87 (Score 2.042)
• France : Ranked #55 (Score 1.868)
• Costa Rica : Ranked #39 (Score 1.725)
• Spain : Ranked #31 (Score 1.621)
• Canada: Ranked #10 (Score 1.33)

All 17 African countries in this list rank above the United States.

Africa is definitely a beautiful continent, one I’d love to explore more when possible.

Again, this list above is from the Global Peace Index.

This point bears repeating: wherever you decide to travel, please make sure you do extra research and use plenty of common sense. It doesn’t matter how safe a country may seem, you can find trouble anywhere if you’re not careful.

What are your thoughts on this list? Let us know in the comments below!

Hello, I'm Joshua Diegor . My love for travel began I was 18 when I went with some friends to New York City. All in all, I've traveled to 6 continents and 14 countries.

I'm a regular contributor to Storyteller Travel .

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Thanks for this info. I hope to travel to Africa one day.

Morocco definitely in top 5, one of the safest (and best) country in Africa (it also has problems, but much less and to a lesser extent than other states. By African standards, it is very good). Absolutely not 15!! And many countries on the list are NOT safe… High crime, instability, violence, unrest, riots,.. You must be joking.

Thanks for your comment, you make some good points.

The concept of “safety” is somewhat subjective. The factors I consider important might be quite distinct from what you feel is needed to feel safe. There is no perfect ranking system, but in this series of articles, we try to make sense of the data. The data we used was based on 23 data points. The alternative to a data-backed approach is anecdotal evidence. While this has its place, a couple of negative experiences can easily skew reality.

@Alex, have you been to morocco and where are you from because i am moroccan

I hope to visit one of all this country soon.

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12 Top African Safari Tours

Cross this must-do activity off your bucket list.

Courtesy of Micato Safaris

Spot the big five on your safari adventure.

Safari tours in Africa are just as diverse as the continent itself, though these types of trips typically require a large sum of money. Whether you want to spend a few days gorilla trekking in Uganda or a couple weeks spotting the "big five" – lions, leopards, African elephants, rhinos and Cape buffalos – in South Africa, you'll find an array of tours to best suit your needs. To help you narrow down your options, U.S. News compiled a list of 12 can't-miss African safari tours. Read on to find your once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Note: Some of the African countries in this article may require travelers to get an entry visa and certain vaccinations in order to visit. Jump to the list of visa and vaccination requirements by country at the bottom of this page for more information.

&Beyond

Courtesy of &Beyond

Visitors who don't want to sacrifice creature comforts while on safari will appreciate &Beyond's offerings. During the tour operator's 10-day Kings of the Jungle safari – which starts at $11,340 per person – travelers will see breathtaking natural wonders like the Ngorongoro Crater and the Maasai Mara savanna. But the highlight of this journey is its four-night stay at Tanzania's Serengeti National Park . After watching animals like wildebeest and zebras partake in the great migration while also spotting lions, giraffes and more, vacationers retreat to high-end tents and lodges with private bathrooms.

[See more of Serengeti National Park: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Wilderness Safaris

Courtesy of Wilderness Safaris

For some of Africa's most jaw-dropping scenery, opt for the seven-night Namibian Adventure Safari tour offered by Wilderness Safaris. This weeklong trip features visits to the Namib Desert's dune-filled Sossusvlei region (which you may recognize from the film "Mad Max: Fury Road") and the mountainous Palmwag Concession – a protected area with springboks, giraffes, black rhinos and more. The package's per person fee starts at $6,725, which covers most meals, park entrance fees, and transfers from Namibia's capital Windhoek and between the safari destinations. It also covers your stay at properties like the fully solar-powered Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp and the five-star Little Kulala lodge amid the stunning desert.

Wild Rwanda Safaris

Courtesy of Wild Rwanda Safaris)

Adventurous travelers sticking to a more conservative budget should consider Wild Rwanda Safaris' Bwindi Gorilla Safari. The three-day package features a full day in southwestern Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (a haven for silverback gorillas) and an adjacent Batwa Pygmy community. Wild Rwanda Safaris allows guests to choose between midrange, luxury and super luxury accommodation, which can help keep costs down if necessary. The company's packages include the $700 permit required to visit the gorilla park. The round-trip journey by safari vehicle to and from Kigali, Rwanda, and English-speaking guide services are also covered in all rates. The tour can begin from Kampala, Uganda, as well, although you'll spend longer on the road to the park.

Nomad Tanzania

Courtesy of nomad-tanzania.com

Sign up for Nomad Tanzania's Southern Tanzania safari and you're bound to get an up-close look at Tanzania's diverse wildlife. Offering eight days of activities, including game drives and boat trips in Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park, this safari gives you prime opportunities to spot lions, cheetahs, leopards and elephants, among other species. What's more, lodging at the company's campsites, select meals, and flights to and from Dar es Salaam are factored into the package's prices. Expect to pay a minimum of $5,700 per person; prices vary depending on the time of year, and the tour isn't offered in April and May.

Micato Safaris

If you want to explore multiple destinations while on safari with plenty of comfort (but a price tag to match), book the 15-day Micato Grand Safari. This outing by Micato Safaris starts with a two-day visit to Nairobi, Kenya, before continuing to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Maasai Mara National Reserve, and the Amboseli and Serengeti national parks for wildlife-viewing excursions. During your trip, you'll see Mount Kilimanjaro as zebras, gazelles and more roam in the foreground. The package costs at least $22,450 per person (based on double occupancy rates) and includes a hot air balloon ride, a camel tour led by members of the Samburu tribe, and lodging at upscale properties like Serengeti's Four Seasons outpost. The company also offers various extensions allowing you to explore other parts of Africa, from the island paradise of Zanzibar to the deserts of Namibia.

Rothschild Safaris

Courtesy of Rothschild Safaris

If your ideal safari vacation consists of customizing your trip from start to finish, consider an outing with Rothschild Safaris. The company offers itineraries in locales like Zambia and Madagascar , but if you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the big five animals, the Essence of Tanzania safari is a good bet. This nine-day experience, which embarks from Arusha and returns there by plane, includes game-viewing drives in Tarangire National Park and accommodations like canvas tents and farmhouse lodges. Elephants, zebras and lions are just some of the animals you may spot during your journey. You'll also have the opportunity to go on a nighttime safari to spot nocturnal wildlife.

Lion World Travel

Courtesy of Lion World Travel

As the trip name implies, Lion World Travel's 10-day Best of Cape Town & Botswana vacation package combines sightseeing in Cape Town, South Africa , with a classic safari in Botswana. During the latter half of the itinerary, visitors will explore Botswana's Okavango Delta (home to cheetahs, crocodiles, hippos and more) and Chobe National Park, which is believed to have Africa's largest elephant population. Prices start at $4,299 per person and cover game drives; many of your meals; and stays at luxury hotels, camps and lodges. You'll need to pay an extra charge for the flights within the tour (Cape Town to Botswana as well as Botswana to Johannesburg ).

[See more of Cape Town: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Bearded Heron Safaris

Neil Heron | Courtesy of Bearded Heron Safaris

Travelers keen on seeing South Africa's Kruger National Park through the eyes of a local naturalist will appreciate the 15-day safari with Bearded Heron Safaris. Led by Neil Heron, a nature guide and wildlife photographer and writer, Bearded Heron Safaris' longest option features small game drives that may include lion, rhino, zebra and leopard sightings throughout all corners of Kruger. Rates are inclusive of in-park cottage accommodations and all breakfasts, dinners, snacks and drinks. Flights and park fees are not included. For a 15-day safari, expect to pay 76,900 South African rand (about $4,500) per person.

[See more of Kruger National Park: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Discover Africa

Getty Images

For an inside-out trip through the natural wonders of Botswana, Discover Africa's nine-day Epic Botswana Adventure is a formidable option. You'll start out at a riverside lodge on the Chobe River – a great location for elephant spotting – before moving onto the marshy Okavango Delta, a wildlife-rich area where you can spot a huge range of animals from leopards to rhinos. The safari ends at the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, a good place to admire wildlife like zebras and buffalo on the savanna as well as salt pans from a former lake. You'll stay in upscale lodges and campsites within close reach of the wilderness. All meals and transport along the tour are included in the price tag (which starts at $4,800 per person), but international flights are excluded.

Wild Wings Safaris

If you're looking to have a broader experience that mixes in some history and beach time, consider Wild Wings Safaris' eight-day Battlefields, Bush and Beach Safari. You'll start off visiting some of South Africa's historic sites from the Boer wars, before moving on to the Phinda Private Game Reserve, which doesn't allow day visitors, so you should be able to look out for the big five without too many crowds. The tour wraps up at Thonga Beach Lodge, where you can snorkel or scuba dive near coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. As far as safaris go, this one is an affordable option, starting at about $2,795 per person with all meals included as well as a rental car; for the cheapest price, you will need to drive yourself between the destinations, but it's possible to pay an additional fee for a driver to guide you instead.

Cuckoo Safaris

This tour company kicks off its tours from the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, with a host of safaris that range from two days to nine, across Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana, including some family-friendly choices. For an affordable option, there's the four-day Discover Victoria Falls, Chobe and Hwange Park safari, which will take you on two full-day tours to Chobe National Park (across the border in Botswana) and to Hwange, Zimbabwe's largest national park, where you should keep your eyes peeled for lions, elephants and more. This safari also includes a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The price starts at $900 per person, which includes the tours plus breakfast, lunch and lodging in Victoria Falls; travelers will need to pay for entrance fees to the parks and dinner.

Compass Odyssey

Courtesy of Compass Odyssey

Explore the savanna and deserts of southwest Africa with Compass Odyssey's eight-day Namibia Wildlife Safari. You'll visit a community-based conservation area in Damaraland – known for its desert-adapted elephants, oryx, giraffes and other wildlife – while staying in the rustic-chic Doro Nawas Camp. You'll also spend two days in Etosha National Park, seeking wildlife at the park's bustling waterholes by day and embarking on an evening game drive as well. Starting at $3,750 per person, the tour includes most meals and all park entry fees, but not flights; the company does allow the tour to be customized on request.

Vaccination and visa requirements for African countries

Some popular safari destinations may require you to have received certain vaccinations in order to enter the country as a tourist. Inoculation requirements can include vaccination against COVID-19 and yellow fever, and you'll need to get these vaccines before departing on your trip. Be sure to bring proof of vaccinations with you. If you are transiting through another country en route to your safari tour, you must check that you also meet immunization requirements for the stopover location.

Note that, outside of what's required, there are a number of other vaccinations that are recommended, so ensure you're up to date and fully protected before you travel. In addition, many safari locations are prone to malaria; you should consult with your doctor to see if you need to bring anti-malaria medication on your trip.

Safari countries have varying visa requirements for travelers from the U.S. – these are detailed below. Depending on your itinerary, you may need a single- or multiple-entry visa, and some visas require you to apply in advance of traveling and/or have a certain number of blank pages in your passport. Regardless of your destination, your passport should be valid for at least six months before you leave for your trip.

Here are the vaccine and visa requirements for major safari destinations as of November 2022:

Botswana: If you have recently visited a country where yellow fever is common, you will need to be vaccinated against this illness. This does not include the U.S. but does include a number of countries in Africa, Central and South America. Consult the World Health Organization's website for a list of countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Kenya and Uganda.

U.S. citizens and nationals can stay in Botswana for 90 days without a visa.

Kenya: Travelers to Kenya must have been vaccinated against COVID-19 with the last shot administered more than 14 days before arrival in the country. Unvaccinated visitors can enter with a negative PCR test, conducted no more than 72 hours before departure. Proof of COVID-19 tests or vaccines must be uploaded to an online system called Panabios. Kenya is a country where you'll be at risk of yellow fever transmission; it also requires those traveling from other places with yellow fever or cholera outbreaks to be vaccinated against these illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you protect yourself against yellow fever before your trip here.

Americans need an e-visa to enter Kenya. You should apply online at the eVisa government website no more than eight weeks before your trip, as visas are not available upon arrival in Kenya. See more on the U.S. Department of State's website .

Namibia: Those traveling from a country where yellow fever is common need to be vaccinated against it. No visa is required as long as you're staying for 90 days or less.

Rwanda: If you're coming from a country where yellow fever is endemic, a yellow fever vaccination is required before departure.

U.S. citizens and nationals can be issued a 30-day visitor visa on arrival in Rwanda or through the Rwandan Embassy in Washington, D.C. A single-entry visa costs $50, and it's recommended you bring sufficient cash in U.S. dollars to pay for this (although credit card payment may be accepted at Kigali International Airport). Consult the State Department website for more information.

South Africa: A yellow fever vaccination is required if you're traveling from a country with a risk of transmission. No visa is required for stays of 90 days or less.

Tanzania: Travelers must be able to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination with a QR code to enter Tanzania. Unvaccinated travelers must take a PCR test no more than 72 hours before departure, and the test results should be accessible by QR code. Yellow fever vaccines are mandatory if you're traveling from a location where yellow fever is present – including if you spend more than 12 hours in transit in such a country.

Visas are required for tourism in Tanzania. You can apply for a single-entry, 90-day visa online for $50 – and be sure to print a copy of the approval to bring with you. The processing period takes up to 10 days. You can also obtain a visa on arrival for a $100 fee; it's recommended you bring cash to cover this. Find more Tanzanian visa information on the State Department website .

Uganda: To enter Uganda, you must either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or present a negative test taken no more than 72 hours before departure. Like Kenya, Uganda is a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. All visitors must show proof of vaccination against yellow fever to enter Uganda, regardless of where you're traveling from.

American visitors to Uganda must apply online for an electronic visa before departure; arriving in Uganda without completing this process could result in your detainment. Visit the State Department website to learn more.

Zambia: Visitors who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must show proof of vaccination but do not need a test to enter Zambia; unvaccinated travelers must undergo a PCR test no more than 72 hours before departure. Yellow fever vaccines are only required if you're coming from an area considered at risk.

Visas are required to visit Zambia, but these can be obtained online before your departure or at a port of entry. Check the State Department website for more details.

Zimbabwe: To enter Zimbabwe, travelers must either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or must take a negative PCR test no more than 48 hours before your departure. As with other countries on this list, visitors from countries with yellow fever outbreaks also require a vaccine against this illness.

U.S. visitors can obtain a 30-day, single-entry visa upon arrival in Zimbabwe for $30. If you're taking a tour that requires you to leave and reenter Zimbabwe, be sure to get a double-entry visa for $45. You can learn more from the State Department website .

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Passport Wallets (That Also Hold Vaccine Cards)
• The Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Options
• The Best International Travel Insurance Plans
• The Best Zoos in the U.S.
• The World's Best Places to Visit

Tags: Travel , Vacation Ideas

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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Intrepid Travel Review: Africa Safari on the Okavango Experience Tour

Have you been reading Intrepid Travel reviews but aren’t sure if you should book with them or not? 

I had the chance to do an Intrepid Travel Africa tour in South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. This Intrepid review is written based on my experiences to help you decide what’s best  for your safari trip to Africa !

The  Okavango Experience tour  was my first Intrepid tour, as well as, really my first group tour.

I’ve always traveled independently, be it solo in  Patagonia  or with my husband in  Finnish Lapland . And, with this comes planning out all my itineraries, which I love doing.

But, I admit, there are some destinations I always knew I’d visit with a tour group, whether that was for safety reasons, difficult logistics, or because an expert guide could provide history and knowledge to enhance the experience.

And, if I’m confessing everything, I have long-admired Intrepid’s tour options from afar, more than occasionally lurking on pages detailing tours to Africa, India, and the Middle East. 

Combine this with a longstanding travel wish to visit the Okavango Delta and before I knew it I was signed up for my very own Intrepid Botswana adventure and looking for  award flights to South Africa   with my miles and points!

Is Intrepid Travel Right for You?

I’m convinced if you spend a little time on the  Intrepid website  browsing their 1k+ tour options across 120 countries and all 7 continents, reading Intrepid travel reviews from actual travelers, and learning more about what the company stands for, you’ll be able to imagine yourself on one of their tours, just like I did!

Here are some things that stood out for me as I did my research and while I was actually in Africa with them.

Intrepid tours are for anyone looking for an adventure that’s mixed with must-see sights and off-the-beaten-path gems, all while cultivating an authentic, local feel. 

Not a fan of traveling with big groups?  Neither am I. Intrepid prides themselves on small group size, as well as allowing for free time and optional activities.

Do you care about traveling responsibly?  Intrepid is the world’s largest carbon-neutral travel company. They employ local guides, which boosts local economies, and have made it part of their mission to double the number of female leaders.

Intrepid’s local guides are passionate about where they’re from and, with the company’s help, encourage sustainable travel practices like avoiding plastic whether it’s in the form of a water bottle or a plastic bag.

What about the Intrepid Tour Leader?

My tour guide was the epitome of a cool, laid-back, knowledgeable local who loved to crack a joke and make all of us laugh with his dry sense of humor.

He was a total pro who took the time every day, as many times as necessary, to brief us on what was next and what we needed to do/have/bring to make it successful. He answered questions and kept everything running smoothly. He’d led  Okavango Experience tours  before and it clearly showed.

When you think of  one of the main reasons  WHY  you’d do a tour  over traveling independently, it’s the advantage of having an experienced leader who knows how to make sure the group is having the best adventure possible. Intrepid provided this and more!

Who Travels with Intrepid?

Typical Intrepid tour groups have travel-loving people from all over the world between the ages of 20-70. My Okavango Experience tour fit this exactly.

The others in the group were from Canada, Australia, the U.S., the U.K., Italy, and Ireland. Some were on their first solo trip. Others had been traveling throughout different parts of Africa. But we were all united through our love for adventure travel.

As I mentioned, this was my first Intrepid trip and, for an introvert like me, the idea of traveling with a group of people I’d never met was daunting.

But, quite honestly, the group’s chemistry was amazing and we talked and laughed it seemed from sun up, right on past Botswana’s unbelievable sundowners.

What’s the Transportation Like?

My  Okavango Experience tour  used an overland vehicle that was more a super-charged truck than a bus. There were 2 seats on each side separated by an aisle. The lead guide always sat with us in the passenger area, while the driver and the tour cook were upfront.

There was storage above our seats, in the seatbacks in front of us, and individual lockers in the back. This didn’t include the larger compartments accessible from the outside of the truck where we stowed our bigger pieces of luggage.

For the Intrepid safari excursions, we used open vehicles and always split into 2 game drive vehicles.

What are the Accommodations Like?

Intrepid has 3 different styles of tours, Comfort, Original, and Basix. The  Okavango Experience tour  is categorized as Basix. We slept in tents in established campgrounds, except for the first night in Johannesburg where we stayed at a hotel, and the 2 nights in the remote wilderness of the Okavango Delta.

The tents are a thick, durable quality that sleeps 2 people. Intrepid also provides everyone with a sleeping pad for added comfort. I brought a  compact sleeping pad , as well, and stacked it on top for a little extra lift. 

Most nights the campsites we stayed at were on hotel grounds. Many of the hotels had upgrade space. If you’re interested in upgrading, ask to see the available room first.

On the last night, a few of us considered upgrading and sharing a cabin with 2 bedrooms. However, after seeing it, the tents with our own sleeping bags won out.

I did upgrade 1 night in Maun, the day we left the Okavango, and the hotel was comfortable and clean.

What’s the Food Like?

I was blown away by the delicious meals our Intrepid cook prepared over the campfire. I seriously ate better than I do when I’m at home!

We had everything from curried vegetables, beet salads, eggs and bacon, nachos, vegetable lasagna(!), and even a chocolate birthday cake for someone in the group. 

I’m a vegetarian, as were others in the group. The cook was, as well, so there were always plenty of options for the carnivores and herbivores.

Intrepid Okavango Experience, Day-by-Day

Day 1: johannesburg.

The first official day of the  Okavango Experience  actually begins at 6 p.m. with a group welcome meeting. The Intrepid guide, cook, and driver introduced themselves and gave us an overview of the trip, as well as important information about Intrepid and our early departure the next morning.

Intrepid is all about responsible travel and it showed right away when the guide reminded us to have a water bottle and refill it from the water dispenser on the truck instead of buying individual bottles of water each day. 

There are no set activities around Johannesburg so technically you could arrive that day. However, I wouldn’t recommend it. You’ll need to adjust to the time difference and be ready for the next day’s 5 a.m. departure for Botswana.

Not to mention, there are notable things to do in Johannesburg like  visit Soweto  and learn about the history of Apartheid or just take a  hop-on-hop-off bus  to see the sights and learn more about the city.

Since the Okavango Experience tour didn’t include time at Kruger National Park, I arrived a few days in advance and had an amazing time on the  Intrepid 3-day Kruger Experience . Logistically, it made sense, too. The drop-off point was the same hotel as the start of the Okavango tour.

Dinner isn’t included on this first night, but you’re certainly not on your own. It’s a great opportunity to meet and chat with others in your group.

Day 2: Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Did I mention the  super  early departure? All kidding aside, animals are up early and so for much of the tour you are, too. On the upside, we had several hours of driving (a.k.a time to catch a snooze and enjoy our packed breakfast) and wildlife to see later that afternoon. 

One of the many great things about doing an overland Intrepid Africa tour is not having to worry about any of the travel logistics. Africa is H-U-G-E and the distances from one place to another are often separated by long, scenic roads.

Not only did our capable Intrepid driver safely get us where we needed to be, our tour guide knew exactly where to stop and told us everything we needed to know for a seamless border crossing from South Africa to Botswana.

Arriving at Khama Rhino Sanctuary, we headed to our campsite and learned how to set up our tents. In the meanwhile, our awesome Intrepid cook prepared lunch.

And afterward, we had a short time to settle in, find the showers and bathrooms, and get ready before our late-afternoon game drive.

The Khama Rhino Sanctuary was changed from hunting grounds to a protected area of land to preserve Botswana’s remaining black and white rhino population. The area is also home to zebra, giraffe, impala, wildebeest, and more.

Our game drive guides arrived and our group split up into 2 open game drive vehicles.

For the next few hours, we drove along the sanctuary’s sandy roads and spotted several rhinos, even one with a baby and another that came out right in front of our vehicle.

There were giraffe groups, impala grazing, and eventually a gorgeous sunset that silhouetted the wildlife and led into one of the largest full moons I’ve ever seen.

Day 3: Maun

Another day, another drive…but all the while, we inched closer to the Okavango Delta. After an early rise, packing up camp, and having breakfast, our Intrepid group set off for Maun. Along the way, only rest stops interrupted the group’s friendly chatter.

Maun is the gateway to the Okavango. It’s where anyone venturing into the Delta positions themselves and stocks up on any necessary supplies.

While our tour cook shopped for groceries, we had time in the shopping center to buy snacks, drinks, a required 5L bottle of water for the 2 days in the Okavango, and get Pula, the local currency in Botswana. 

Our campsite was on the grounds of a popular hotel just outside of town. So after setting up camp, our group had the chance to enjoy the pool, grab a drink by the bar, and even connect to some decent WiFi.

During a delicious campsite dinner, our Intrepid guide gave us the full Okavango briefing. Needless to say, our group excitement was running high for the days to come.

Days 4: Okavango Delta

With the campsite down and breakfast eaten, we loaded our gear into the game drive trucks and were ready for our  Okavango Experience .

Our larger Intrepid truck was too big for the dirt roads we would be on and stayed back at the Maun campsite along with our bigger bags. For the Delta, we packed just what we needed for 2 days into a smaller backpack.

Because it’s beautiful Botswana, you just never know what you’ll see. On the way to the Okavango jetty station, we spotted wildlife from lilac-breasted rollers to elephants. But nothing prepares you for that first glimpse of the tall reeds and blue water of the  Okavango .

We set off in mokoros, the traditional dugout canoes used to navigate the narrow channels of water. Swallowed up by the Delta, we almost immediately came upon elephants eating and hippos soaking. 

The mokoro safari eventually landed on a remote area of dry land with the delta waters on one side and African grasslands on the other. We began our Okavango Delta camping experience by setting up our tents followed by some free time for lunch, relaxing, or even learning how to pole around in a mokoro.

Later in the afternoon, we separated into groups of 4-5 people plus a guide for a walking safari into the grasslands beyond the campsite. Buffalo, elephants, and giraffes were just the start, as we learned what it meant to be on equal footing with the wildlife that was all around. 

We made it back the campsite just as the sun was setting and had lots of laughs during dinner around the campfire. Before bed, we marveled at the pitch-black night of the Delta with its dazzling star-lit sky.

Day 5: Okavango Delta

Rise and shine for a full morning walking safari going the other direction into the grasslands.

Out of the entire  Okavango Experience tour , this walk is the most physical exercise you’ll have to manage. The grasslands are mostly flat so it’s more about duration stamina, as the walk is 4-ish hours. Even in the Botswana winter, or dry season, by the end of the walk temperatures were around 80°F. 

The Okavango is home to the Big Five and we were sure one of the non-plant-eating ones was somewhere nearby. The zebra and kudu were very skittish and vultures circled overhead. However, it never revealed itself, nor did we find the remnants of a meal.

The midday was for brunch, mokoro poling lessons, napping, and even a dip in the Delta. Later on, we set off again in the mokoros for a sunset trip through different water channels, spotting hippos and elephants along the way.

Eventually, we made our way to a wider pool of water to watch one of the most amazing sunsets of all time.

Around the campfire that night, the local Batswana who had helped with our campsite, guided us through the grasslands, and poled the mokoros, sang and danced to and with us before the sounds of wildlife just beyond our tents lulled us to sleep.

Day 6: Maun

Today is all about taking down the camp and loading up the mokoros to (sadly) depart from the peace of the Okavango.

But what perhaps would be just transiting between places on a different tour becomes another opportunity to get back on the water (for an hour plus!) and see more of the Delta’s beauty and wildlife.

Once back at the jetty station, the game vehicles were there to return us to our campsite from Day 3, on the outskirts of Maun…but not before stopping to let a large herd of elephants cross the dirt roads leading away from the Okavango. 😉

Back at the campsite, upgrades were available for a hotel room. Those who were camping set up their tents.

Once settled, everyone went on the optional activity to fly over the Okavango Delta in a small plane. After that, it was time for dinner at the hotel restaurant and to reconnect with the world via the hotel WiFi.

And, noticeably, everyone is joyful because that’s what an authentic experience into one of the most amazing places on the planet does to you. And, it’s even better when the logistics are left to the locals who know the area and you can truly soak up every last minute.

Day 7: Nata

Back on the road again, this time towards the town of Nata and the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans a few hours away.

Once again, we camped on the grounds of a lodge in Nata and had access to the hotel pool.

If you’re looking for the nicest place along the  Okavango Experience itinerary to upgrade, this is it. Although, I’ll also add the campsite bathrooms and showers are also by far the best in Nata, too.

After setting up camp, hop into open vehicles to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, one of the largest areas of its kind in the world. Huge herds of wildebeest live here along with migratory birds. There’s a mysterious feel to the place especially as the animals move and kick up dust.

Stay at the salt pans to watch the spectacular sunset before heading back to camp after dark.

Day 8: Chobe National Park

Head to Kasane, Botswana and Chobe National Park today, a several-hour drive and on the doorstep of the Zimbabwe border crossing. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the road. You never know what you might see on this drive!

Kasane is a tiny slice of human life surrounded by national park and wildlife everywhere. Before setting up camp, we had a chance to shop for anything we needed and buy lunch since it’s not included in the day’s itinerary.

Arriving at the campsite, also on hotel grounds, we set up and prepared for our afternoon sunset river cruise on the Chobe River. I’ll be completely honest and say I had no idea what to expect other than being on the water with a beautiful afternoon/evening sky.

Our Intrepid group had our own boat and guide for the excursion and the action started the minute we left the dock with a hippo floating nearby.

What followed was the highest concentration of wildlife in a 2-hour span of time you might ever see. Remember, your Intrepid guide can’t make the animals appear but I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

And, of course, the day ended with a brilliant orange sky over the water…just another jaw-dropping day in Botswana and on the  Okavango Experience tour .

Day 9: Victoria Falls

The day starts off with an optional activity, an early morning game drive inside Chobe National Park. All but a couple of people chose to go. And, I highly recommend doing it.

Chobe National Park is so impressive. After having been to  Kruger in South Africa  with its wider roads, Chobe feels like you’re actually part of the bush. Not to mention, there’s just so much wildlife in the park itself.

Afterward, head back to camp to pack up and cross the border into Zimbabwe. Briefed on what to expect at the crossing, we all get our visas to enter the country. Kasane and Victoria Falls are about an hour away from each other so it’s really all about getting across the border.

Upon arrival in Victoria Falls, our guide gave us a brief tour of the town to situate us. There’s also an opportunity to sign up for activities, like a helicopter flight over or whitewater rafting near the falls, for later that day or the next. You’re also free to wander around the town, visit Victoria Falls or shop in the markets as you want.

Since it’s the group’s last night together, there’s often a special dinner. We were lucky enough to have some local dancers and singers perform, as well.

Day 10: Victoria Falls

There’s nothing official planned for the last day. If you need to fly out at a specific time, you’re free to do so.

The Okavango Experience ends but there’s the option to continue on and do the full loop back to Johannesburg. Because of this, the Intrepid truck and guide stay at the campsite another night. This flexibility works out if you plan to do an activity or shop without worrying about your bags.

Would I recommend the Intrepid Okavango Experience?

 Absolutely, without a single ounce of hesitation, I’d recommend  Intrepid’s Okavango Experience . It was one of my best trips ever and has only made me want to book more Intrepid Africa trips! The other Intrepid reviews of the tour confirm my experience, too.

The mix of experiences each day, the amount of wildlife, the expert Intrepid guides, and the friends made in the group are just the start of what made this tour exceptional.

I L-O-V-E-D the opportunity to get off-the-grid in the Okavango Delta for an unforgettable adventure! It’s also something that’s impossible to do on your own.

One thing that really stood out about this tour  is it included safari excursions in a vehicle, by boat and mokoro, as well as on foot. When you see wildlife from all these vantage points, you can’t help but gain a fuller understanding of and appreciation for the natural world around you.

Not to mention safaris can be expensive! Obviously, the costs are related to the type of experience you want. However, for everything the Okavango Experience includes, you won’t find a better value. 

Want to Extend your Trip?

About half of the people on my tour weren’t actually on the Okavango Experience but rather one of the other Intrepid safaris, the  18-day Explore Southern Africa tour . This tour is the Okavango Experience for the first half and the Vic Falls to Kruger tour for the second half. 

The  Okavango Experience  and the  Vic Falls to Kruger  tours can be booked separately. But, if you want to do the full loop back to Johannesburg, take a look at the Explore Southern Africa tour. If I had the time, I would’ve absolutely extended my trip to do the longer tour.

Not Sure About All the Camping?

In all honesty, I wasn’t either. I’ve camped out for a couple of nights, but never for this long. But, I’m so glad I did and I’d 100% go back and do it all over again for the unforgettable experiences and memories.

But, there are Intrepid tours in Africa and Botswana in the Original and Comfort styles, if camping isn’t something you want to do. These tours don’t have the exact itinerary as the Okavango Experience but include several of the same stops and activities.

For example, the  10-day Botswana Adventure tour  is Intrepid’s Comfort style, with accommodations in hotels, lodges, and houseboats. There are also included activities like an airport arrival transfer, the game drive in Chobe National Park, and the visit to Victoria Falls. 

Intrepid’s  9-day Botswana Highlights  is an Original style tour, which starts and ends in Victoria Falls. Travelers stay in hotels, lodges, and permanent tents on this itinerary to Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta, a local village, and Elephant Sands.

Things to Know Before You Go

Depending on when you want to travel, the  Okavango Experience  will fluctuate but it’s much more affordable than what you might have in mind for a safari.

The 10-day tour includes 9 nights of accommodations (8 camping, 1 hotel), 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners, and all the activities mentioned in the day-by-day breakdown EXCEPT for the airplane ride over the Okavango, the early morning Chobe National Park game drive, and any activities you choose in Victoria Falls.

You should check the requirements for South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe depending on your citizenship. However, as a U.S. citizen, I only needed to get a visa for Zimbabwe, which was purchased and processed at the overland border crossing. In fact, everyone in the group did the same, except the cost was different depending on everyone’s nationality.

If you also plan to visit the Zambia side of Victoria Falls, combined visas for both Zimbabwe and Zambia are available at the border crossing, as well.

Travel Insurance

Intrepid requires all travelers to have travel insurance on their tours. 

You can get a travel insurance quote with World Nomads for your particular trip and needs. Keep in mind, you’ll need insurance information to complete your required information once you book with Intrepid.

What to Pack for Botswana

This isn’t a comprehensive packing list but the absolute musts for daily comfort.

3-4 Season Sleeping Bag  – Don’t underestimate how chilly it can get at night. If you visit when the Okavango is flooded, particularly between June – August, temperatures can drop into the 30°s-40°s overnight. 

Pillow  – I was so glad to have a travel pillow that opened up into a regular size pillow, but could also be squished down into my compression bag along with my sleeping bag.

Headlamp  – I used mine every day, whether it was inside the tent, around the campfire at dinner, or on my way to the bathroom after dark. Remember, during the winter months (June-August), the sun goes down in Botswana around 6 p.m.

Towel  – No towels are provided at the campsites, so you’ll need your own for showers.

Closed-toe Shoes  – Protect your feet! While you’re focused on that giraffe in the distance or eating with friends around the campfire at night,  what’s  eyeing your toes for its next snack?!?

Hiking Pants  – The perfect type of pants for warmth, sun and insect protection, and coverage from the scratchy, prickly plants in the African bush, while being lightweight and fast-drying.

Warm Fleece  – I wore my Columbia fleece every single day while I was in Botswana along with a long sleeve layer underneath. The nights get chilly but don’t forget the early morning game drives in an open-air vehicle! If you don’t have any tolerance for colder temperatures, you may even want to bring a lightweight winter jacket.

Knit Hat  – Important for early morning warmth, especially!

Gloves  – To keep your fingers warm, but more importantly, to keep your fingers safe as you set up and take down your tent.

Sunscreen and Mosquito Repellent – In addition to regular repellent, I used this spray to treat my clothes beforehand. I had no issues with mosquitoes whatsoever.

Best Time to Go to Botswana and the Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta floods between June and October. Botswana, overall, is best to visit during the dry season, which runs from May to September.

The daytime temperatures are more comfortable and the evenings are cool to chilly. Even camping out at night, the cooler temperatures were comfortable with the right sleeping bag.

The dry season also comes with fewer mosquitos and as a result, a lower risk of malaria. Travelers should talk with their doctor about prevention methods and medications.

I was in Botswana in the middle of June for the  Okavango Experience  and barely saw a single mosquito until we got closer to Victoria Falls.

Is Botswana Safe?

I can only speak from my experience but not one single time did I feel unsafe. On this tour, you’re with your group a lot, perhaps more compared to city-based Intrepid tours that have free time to explore.

Regardless, in rest areas where we stopped, towns where we shopped for supplies, or even at the campsites after dark, I was comfortable and not worried, at all. If anything, there were spots you had to be more mindful of wildlife than any human.

English was spoken everywhere we traveled throughout South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe and by all activity guides.

Botswana uses Pula, which you’ll need especially for tipping guides. South Africa uses Rand but tipping in U.S. Dollars was fine. Zimbabwe uses the U.S. Dollar and ATMs in the country frequently have no cash due to the country’s ongoing political and financial turmoil.

In Botswana and South Africa, credit cards were accepted in nearly all supermarkets and shopping centers. Cash is preferred in Zimbabwe.

Final Thoughts

At the start of this review, I said I always knew there were places I’d visit with a guided group.

And, logistically, an overland Africa safari is not something I’d ever want to do with no knowledge of roads, driving conditions, and border crossings.

There are large stretches of open land when you drive in Africa. You have to know where you’re going, where to find gas, and what to do if you have car trouble. 

Why would  anyone  want to worry about this  while planning that bucket list, perhaps once-in-a-lifetime, African safari??

When you’re unsure of the driving logistics, it also makes it really challenging to plan an itinerary.

Not only do you have to do all the research about where to go and what to see, but you’ll also need to make guesses about how much to plan in a day based on the practicalities of traveling in Africa.

Plus, you want guides for an African safari trip. An expert Intrepid guide leading the group means you don’t have to worry about any of the day-to-day details from transportation to meals to activities. Intrepid works with local guides and activity operators all the time so they’ve already been vetted. 

Not to mention, guides talk, especially on game drives! They tell each other where they’re seeing animals so others have a chance to see them as well. 

 Planning a safari trip to Botswana or anywhere in Africa takes a lot of work. Going with a group led by Intrepid’s expert guides on the  Okavango Experience  is one of the best travel decisions I’ve made so far.

Are you interested in an Intrepid Travel Botswana tour?

Like this post? Please share on social media using the share buttons below.

Disclosure: I was a guest of Intrepid Travel. As always, all opinions are my own.

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4 thoughts on “intrepid travel review: africa safari on the okavango experience tour”.

Fantastic review Jackie that makes us look forward even more to the full 18 day tour that we’ve booked for next July. This will be our fifth Intrepid but first Basix. The rest have been Originals.

The luggage thing has us confused. Everything we’ve read on Intrepid’s website says take only a pack that can fit in the locker inside the bus. We’ve seen a video that showed bags under the truck and you’ve also mentioned the same. We have High Sierra hybrid bags – they have wheels, but are soft sided and can also be a pack. We were a bit concerned they’d be too big for the locker (they are the exact measurement) but if they can go under the bus what do you use the locker for?

Thanks again for the terrific review. We’ll share with our friend (Jacqui!) who we’ve talked into joining us. She’s planning to do exactly what you did – OE and the three day Kruger tour due to time constraints.

Thanks for reading, Peter and Alan! You are going to have such an amazing time on the full 18-day tour! I also had some time constraints and did the 3 day Kruger experience as well. I’m working on a review about that right now. Your bags should be fine. There are large compartments under the truck that everyone put their big bag in. I had a large multi-day Gregory Backpack that I put under there. Inside the truck, everyone has a locker for additional things, especially if you wanted to secure anything. (Bring a padlock if you want to do this.) Think camera, passport, a slim daypack you want to lock up. Additionally, you have some space above your seat on the truck for a small bag/sleeping bag. Have so much fun and thanks for sharing! 🙂

I’ve shared the link to your amazing report with our friend and will let her know when the Kruger report is up as well.

Sorry, some more questions. Intrepid’s info is limited.

Thanks for the info on lockers, storage and bags. That makes much more sense.

Power on the truck. We’re read it’s down on the wall beside the seat. We’ve also watched a YouTube clip that mentioned USB power up in the overhead shelves. Is it the first or the second? If it’s the first is it a SA/India powerpoint – three round pins with one larger than the other two? Or maybe a Euro plug?

Def planning way too far in advance! Bought our sleeping bags and travel pillows a couple of weeks ago!

Hi Pete and Alan. The power on my Intrepid truck was above the seats in the overhead shelf area. I can’t remember the prong type…Tbh, I had my Anker battery pack so I mostly used that since it charged my phone and my camera and held a charge for days which came in handy in the Okavango. Hope that helps! 🙂

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