If you’re looking for the ultimate wildlife adventure, an African safari should be at the top of your list. And as someone who has had the opportunity to explore many incredible safari destinations, I can vouch for the thrill that awaits you! But with so many stunning destinations to discover and so many incredible experiences to have across a massive continent, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s where I can help.
Let’s Start with Geography: Defining East vs. South Africa
Choosing between the two most popular areas is difficult without experience, so I want to walk you through some of the main differences I’ve witnessed in my travels. First up- what countries are we talking about?
- Eastern Africa – Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania
- Southern Africa – Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique
Pick Your Thrill: Jungle Trekking or Classic Safari?
Do you dream of venturing into the dense jungle to meet gorillas face to face? Or are you itching to cruise through open plains in a classic safari vehicle, catching glimpses of wild cats and herds of elephants? Or do you dream of floating down a river getting up close & personal with exotic birds and hippos? Your answer to these questions could be the key to unlocking your perfect safari destination.
Wildlife Encounters: What Will You See?
Game sightings are amazing in both Eastern and Southern Africa, but certain areas are better for certain game than others. I’m not even referring to the so-called “Big Five”, which really should be retired as it refers to trophies, which none of us are looking for (unless they’re on our cameras) – right!?!?!
Here’s a helpful GENERALIZED breakdown:
- Primates: Found only in Uganda and Rwanda.
- Leopards & Lions: You’ll find these big cats nearly everywhere, though interestingly, one of the private reserves around Kruger National Park is known for its amazing lion communities but rarely sees leopards. In contrast, the neighboring reserve has a high number of leopard sightings but very few lions.
- Cheetahs: More prevalent in the Serengeti than in other areas (though I have spotted them down South on occasion).
- Wild dogs: Incredibly rare and found only in certain areas. (I personally only saw them in South Africa.)
- Elephants: Found everywhere, but certain spots offer better sightings. For example, Chobe National Park in Botswana has a particularly high concentration of elephants, including the possibility of seeing them cross the great Chobe river!
- Rhinos: It depends on if you’re looking for White or Black Rhinos, and if you care if they have been de-horned (a safety measure against poaching practiced in certain regions, like South Africa). In general – they are quite rare, so if you must see them, consider the Lewa Conservancy in Kenya.
- Exotic Bird species: Eastern Africa has the highest number of bird species compared to any other region.
Let me know which animals you’re MOST excited about seeing, and I can guide you to the best destination for those wildlife encounters. Here are a few of my favorite shots of these beautiful animals (and where I was when I saw them):
Silverback Gorilla – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Uganda 
Chimpanzee – Kibale National Park – Uganda 
Male Lion – Okavango Delta – Botswana 
Young Lion – Manyeleti Game Reserve – South Africa 
Lions – Tarangire National Park – Tanzania 
Leopard – Murchison Falls National Park – Uganda 
Leopard – Okavango Delta – Botswana 
Cheetah – Serengeti National Park – Tanzania 
Cheetah – Tangarire National Park – Tanzania 
Wild Dog – Manyeleti Game Reserve – South Africa 
Baby Elephant – Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe 
Elephant – Zambezi National Park – Zimbabwe 
Elephant – Okovango Delta – Botswana 
Crowned Cranes – Murchison Falls National Park – Uganda
Your Guiding Experience:
Even if this isn’t your first safari, you may not understand the different guide/tracker setups, and how they differ between the two regions. (Ask me about the “rivalry” between the guides in each area. It’s quite interesting/entertaining.)
In Southern Africa, you will often have a tracker—an additional guide who rides in the front of your jeep and helps spot wildlife and direct the driver. The tracker is usually local to the area and may not speak as much English or engage with you personally as much as your driver, but they have INCREDIBLE ways of “reading” the different natural signs that will help lead you to sightings. (I’m not just talking about tracks in the road, either.)
In Eastern Africa, you’ll usually be in a more enclosed vehicle with only one guide – and no tracker – but the guide’s ability to spot wildlife from a distance and read the terrain while also chatting with guests is phenomenal.
If you are ever on foot, no matter where you are, from Uganda to Tanzania to Zimbabwe to Botswana, you will have armed rangers with you for your protection. So, don’t worry. You can listen to the wildlife lecture your guide is giving without looking over your shoulder, wondering if a lion is sneaking up on you!
Private Reserves vs. National Parks: What’s the Difference?
Southern Africa has more private reserves, which offer a wider range of experiences, such as walking or horseback safaris, night drives, and off-roading, with fewer crowds. These reserves are also more exclusive and often have a stronger focus on conservation. For example, Botswana has intentionally set up a sustainability-focused infrastructure with very view visitors per square mile. This translates to your lodge being one of the only ones in the area (if not the only one) and therefore gives YOU the best access and flexibility to maximize your experiences with wildlife.
In Eastern Africa, private reserves are less prevalent, which means that all visitors are subject to National Park rules, and capacity is not nearly as constrained. In other words … that leopard sleeping in a tree? There may be 25+ vehicles jockeying for the best vantage point, but they’re not allowed to leave the established road to get a closer look. Another important point: The parks often have strict entry and exit times, which means you could miss the most active times for wildlife (dawn and dusk).
Diverse Landscapes: What Do You Prefer?
Before you decide, let me paint a picture of what you’ll encounter …
In Southern Africa, you can explore the vibrant, fascinating city of Cape Town, enjoy some fabulous wine, and discover stunning wetlands like Botswana’s Okavango Delta. And let’s not forget the breathtaking Victoria Falls—a sight you’ll remember for life!
Eastern Africa, on the other hand, offers sweeping open plains, iconic vistas with flat-topped acacia trees, and the dramatic presence of the Great Rift Valley. This region also features remarkable landmarks such as Mount Kilimanjaro, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the Rwenzori and Virunga mountains, home to mountain gorillas. The valley also boasts massive lakes, including Lake Victoria, the source of the great Nile River.
Starting to feel overwhelmed and confused by all the amazing things to see? Schedule a consultation call with me and we’ll get it sorted out, or flip through these photos to see if something inspires you!
South Africa – Open Vehicle with guide and tracker 
Uganda – an enclosed vehicle, navigating the mud 
The wait list of vehicles to see the leopard above us – Serengeti National Park – Tanzania 
Cape Town – Waterfront and Table Mountain – South Africa 
A beach along the Western Cape – South Africa 
The Winelands – South Africa 
Sunset over the Okavango Delta – Botswana 
Part of Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe 
Sunrise on the Zambezi River – Zimbabwe 
Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Mara river – Serengeti National Park – Tanzania 
Elephants seek shade under a lone Acacia tree – Serengeti National Park – Tanzania 
Ngorongoro Crater – Tanzania 
Murchison Falls on the Nile River – Uganda 
Dawn breaks over Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Uganda
Lodging: Where Will You Stay?
In Southern Africa there are many luxurious options with permanent camps, air conditioning, and showers. These lodges often feature a contemporary style with a dash of authentic African flair, providing plenty of comfort in the midst of the wilderness.
In Eastern Africa, prepare for a more rustic and adventurous experience with classic tented accommodations, echoing the style of colonial explorers. (Except for Rwanda where luxury lodges abound.)
Don’t worry. It’s not as daunting as it sounds! Bucket showers are more common (and part of the charm) in more rustic lodging options, but they’ll have you feeling refreshed in no time.
In both regions, you can always expect flushing toilets and operating sinks, but permanent walls and glass windows may be missing … unless you insist on them!
Here are a handful of photos of different lodges and where you can find them, but honestly – they’re all amazing!
A semi-permanent tent in Tanzania – Lemala Ewanjan 
A chalet lodge with incredible patio views – Lemala Mpingo Ridge – Tanzania 
Incredible chalet lodge in Uganda – Ndali Lodge 
Your own private plunge pool outside a family tent – The Hide – Zimbabwe 
One family chalet overlooking the Zambezi River – Old Drift Lodge – Zimbabwe 
Each chalet has their own plunge pool – Tintswalo Safari Lodge – South Africa 
A semi-permanent tent in Botswana – Camp Xakanaxa 
Sunset from Camp Xakanaxa – Botswana
Which Is Better?
At the end of the day, there’s no “better” location for a safari overall. It really depends on what you want to see and do and where you want to stay.
Ready to start planning your next safari adventure? I would love to learn more about you and what you’re looking for so I can recommend the best destinations for you. Let’s set up a time to chat! You can email me at julia@traveljuliasway.com.