The sunsets, the species, the surprises at every turn. Wanna get closer to nature than ever before? African safari tours are the ultimate way to answer the call of the wild.
There’s no experience quite like an African wildlife safari – and on these trips, you’ll make the most of it!
🔍 Sweep the plains in a drop-top 4x4
🌌 Stay in luscious lodges under starswept skies
🦁 Spot lions, giraffes, buffalo and elephants in their natural habitat
🤝 Step beyond the world of safari and meet local people
Ready to have your safari dreams come true (and your mind blown)? Take an African safari trip with Contiki and discover what true adventure looks like.
On these safari adventures, your friendly Trip Manager knows everything, whether it’s ‘What time do we wake up tomorrow?’ or ‘How many hours a day does a lion sleep?’
We don’t just arrange your park entry on these safari holidays, we’ll also introduce you to local people so you can experience the wonderful African hospitality for yourself.
Whether you’re camping under the stars in Kruger or sipping your morning coffee with a view of Kilimanjaro – these stays are an experience all on their own.
Top tip: Visit in Sept – Oct when water levels are low and there’s less water to congregate around = more chance of seeing animals
Best for spotting: Leopards and elephants
Perfect for: getting off the beaten track, into the wilderness with no-one else around, camping in the Okavango Delta
Top tip: Visit in late Aug/early Sept to see the Great Migration in the Serengeti
Best chance of spotting: Lions & rhinos
Perfect for: a chance to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration
Top tip: Visit in June/July for gentler weather
Best for spotting: Cheetahs and rhinos
Perfect for: seeing unique desert landscapes in the Sossusvlei Desert
Top tip: Visit in late May to catch Bushfire Festival in Eswatini!
Best for spotting: Lions, rhinos and penguins
Perfect for: easy flights (in and out), a wider range of experiences – from Cape Town city vibes to adrenaline activities
Top tip: Visit in Jan-March to see Wildebeest calving in the Serengeti
Best for spotting: Lions and cheetahs
Perfect for: views of Mount Kilimanjaro and interacting with the Masaai Mara
"The memories you will create are incredible. From wild safaris to camping in the national parks, to bungee jumping over Victoria Falls… Wow, even back home, I still can’t believe it."
Marine
"The whole trip was an amazing experience, both culturally and the amazing animals and views we saw. The fantastic tour guides kept us laughing while also being extremely knowledgeable."
Caitlin
"An absolutely amazing trip! Covered heaps in a short space of time. Heaps of opportunities to try something different and experience different cultures. Would go again in a heartbeat."
Michael
Lock in your spot with a $200 deposit
Amend your booking up to 60 days pre-trip
Plans changed? Your payments are protected
Penguins? In Africa?? Oh yes, the best African safari trips take to the seas as well as the land, and that’s exactly what you'll do here off the coast of Cape Town. Plus, you'll support the people of SANCCOB who work to rescue and rehabilitate everyone's fave seabird.
Bird’s eye view? On these safari excursions, we’ll do you one better. Best chance to spot cheetahs, lions, elephants and beyond from the air – not to mention the staggering sunrise.
Join a local expert who’ll clue you in on the wildlife you encounter – be it larger animals from afar or smaller ones from close up. You’ll also learn about the distinguished art of wildlife tracking, and medicinal plants too.
Your search for ""
clear searchThe average duration of our African safaris is 12-14 days, the longest being 21 days. For the ultimate wildlife experience, we recommend scheduling two weeks, which will allow you plenty of time to explore the sights, discover the animals and experience epic adventures. But if you’re short on time, we do have African safari trips that run for 1 week or less.
If you're chasing the best wildlife moments, the best time to go on an African safari is during the dry season - think June to October. The weather's cooler, the grass is low, and the animals are out in full force around watering holes (hello, Big Five!).
Timing can be important when it comes to spotting wildlife on an African safari. You’ll spot lots of wildlife during the dry season (June to October) with lions, elephants, and zebras all showing up. Water is scarce, so the animals gather at rivers and waterholes, making it easier to catch them up close. If you’re keen to spot baby animals and luscious greenery, think about visiting Africa during the wet season (November to March).
Remember though, there’s no ‘bad time’ to visit Africa - the animals are there all year round, and your expert safari guide will know where to go to spot ‘em.
On most of our Africa trips, you’ll stay in a combo of hotels and cosy safari lodges. On certain trips, the accommodation will be premium camping: think campsite but with a crew to assemble your tent and cook your meals, with all amenities ready and waiting too. For a clearer idea, check our individual trip pages.
Our African safari trips are packed with everything you need for an unforgettable adventure. We’re talkin’ game drives, oh-so cosy (and exclusive) stays, your local transport (to, from and through the safari parks), most of your meals and a small group of awesome people to enjoy it all with too.
Browse more travel styles here, with 200+ trips worldwide to choose from
Back To Top
4.7/5 (25,000 REVIEWS) 
