Southern Vs Eastern Africa

Eastern Africa

Eastern Africa is often considered the birthplace of the safari experience - a region where the essence of wildlife, wilderness, and authenticity comes vividly to life. This is where you go to be truly swept off your feet by vast landscapes, rich animal encounters, and the raw, untamed beauty of nature.

Kenya and Tanzania are defined by vast open savannahs teeming with wildlife, dramatic seasonal migrations, and iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro or the Great Rift Valley. The hallmark experience here is the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move in a circular pattern through the Serengeti and Maasai Mara ecosystems, pursued by predators in a spectacle of life and death.

Game drives are conducted in 4x4 vehicles, and there is a strong emphasis on spotting the “Big Five”—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—especially in high-profile parks like Serengeti, Masai Mara, and Ngorongoro Crater.

Accommodation in Eastern Africa tends to focus on classic tented camps, often located to follow 'The Great Migration or proximity to wildlife locations. They promote the original, timeless safari experience.

These camps range from basic to ultra-luxury but usually retain a rustic, canvas-based charm that brings guests closer to nature. Many are mobile, moving with the migration to offer front-row access to wildlife action. While luxurious, Eastern African safari camps are often more traditional in style, with a strong emphasis on communal dining, storytelling around campfires, and cultural experiences with local Maasai or other ethnic communities.

What about for Safari and Beach?

East African safaris are often seamlessly paired with Indian Ocean beach escapes because the region has its own stunning coastline. After exploring the open plains of the Serengeti or Maasai Mara, it’s easy to transition to the soft white sands of the Kenyan coast or the spice-scented island of Zanzibar. The infrastructure supports this combination beautifully — with frequent flights from safari hubs like Nairobi or Arusha directly to coastal spots like Diani Beach, Lamu, or Stone Town. This makes East Africa a natural choice for those who want both world-class wildlife and tropical relaxation in a single itinerary without crossing borders.

Southern Africa

Southern Africa, encompassing South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, offers a distinctly different safari experience characterized by greater habitat diversity - from desert landscapes and lush wetlands to dense bushveld and expansive salt pans, there is so much on offer.

It is worth highlighting that South Africa offers a different safari experience from its neighbors. It is more accessible and structured, making it a popular choice for first-time safari-goers or those seeking a shorter, more luxurious trip. Kruger National Park and its adjacent private reserves like Sabi Sand and Timbavati are the primary safari destinations. Furthermore, South Africa offers malaria-free reserves in regions like Madikwe or the Eastern Cape, appealing to families or travelers seeking added convenience.

What sets South Africa apart is the accommodation is notably high-end, with private plunge pools, spa treatments, and fine dining the norm in many luxury lodges. Properties often resemble boutique hotels in the bush, with stylish interiors and all modern amenities.

In the private reserves, wildlife viewing is exceptional, with a high density of big cats and frequent sightings of the Big Five, often up close thanks to relaxed animal behavior and highly experienced guides.

What about for Safari and Beach?

Southern African safaris are more geographically removed from the Indian Ocean. As such, they are often best combined with a separate Indian Ocean destination. Mozambique’s Quirimbas and Bazaruto archipelagos, the Seychelles, or Mauritius offer the ideal post-safari unwind, albeit with an extra flight leg involved and an extra night in Johannesburg in between.