Imagine the roar of a lion echoing through the dawn or the electric thrill of spotting a leopard lounging in a tree—Africa’s safaris are a bucket-list adventure for a reason.

Whether you’re chasing family fun, a romantic escape, solo discovery, or the perfect wildlife shot, there’s a safari experience calling your name.

Since 2007, The Safari Awards have been shining a spotlight on the continent’s best operators, lodges, and camps—celebrating those who excel in conservation, community support, and unforgettable guest experiences.

Drawing inspiration from their award-winning picks, here’s your guide to the best safaris for every type of traveller: families, honeymooners, solo adventurers, and photographers.

Best Safari Experiences for Families

For families, a safari isn’t just a trip—it’s a chance to spark wonder, bond over adventure, and create memories that last a lifetime. The key is finding a spot that balances excitement with safety and fun for all ages. One standout is Lewa Wilderness in Kenya, a past darling of The Safari Awards.

Situated in the Laikipia Plateau, this lodge offers spacious family cottages, kid-friendly game drives, and a junior ranger program that turns little explorers into wildlife experts. Picture your kids tracking rhinos with a guide or giggling over a camel ride—education meets entertainment.

What makes it special? Beyond the Big Five, Lewa offers shallow pools for splashing, interactive talks about the bush, and private vehicles for flexible schedules (because meltdowns don’t follow a timetable). Conservation is front and center, too—your family can join in efforts to protect endangered species.

Pro Tip: Look for lodges with customisable itineraries and guides who know how to keep the whole crew engaged.

Best Safari Experiences for Honeymooners

Honeymooners deserve a safari that’s as magical as their love story—think luxury, privacy, and a backdrop that takes your breath away. Enter Singita Sasakwa Lodge in Tanzania’s Serengeti, a consistent favourite at The Safari Awards for its blend of opulence and wilderness.

Perched on a hill with sweeping views, this lodge offers private cottages with plunge pools, perfect for a dip between game drives. Imagine a candlelit dinner in the bush, just the two of you, with the Milky Way overhead.

The romance doesn’t stop there. You can drift over the plains in a hot air balloon at sunrise or sip sundowners as elephants amble by. Add in spa treatments and a staff that anticipates your every whim, and it’s honeymoon perfection. Bonus: Singita’s commitment to sustainability means your getaway supports the land you’re falling in love with.

Pro Tip: Book a lodge with eco-credentials—sustainability adds depth to the romance.

Best Safari Experiences for Solo Travellers

Solo travel is all about freedom—whether you’re craving solitude or connection, a safari can deliver. Sausage Tree Camp in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, a standout recognized by The Safari Awards, is a haven for independent adventurers. Nestled along the Zambezi River, this intimate camp blends rustic charm with wild beauty, surrounded by elephants, leopards, and the occasional hippo splashing nearby.

With just a handful of spacious tents, it’s the perfect setup to enjoy quiet moments under a sausage tree or swap tales with fellow guests at the open-air bar.

What sets it apart?

Guided canoe safaris let you paddle through the river’s channels, feeling the pulse of the wild, while walking safaris bring you up close to the bush’s smaller wonders.

The camp’s laid-back vibe and no single supplement policy make it solo-friendly, and the guides—masters of the terrain—turn every outing into a story worth telling. Whether you’re journaling by lantern light or laughing over a sundowner, it’s your adventure, your rules.

Pro Tip: Pick a camp with knowledgeable guides—they’re the secret sauce for a solo journey that feels complete.

Photo: Lance Van De Vyver

Best Safari Experiences for Photographers

For photographers, a safari is a canvas—golden light, dramatic landscapes, and wildlife that demands to be captured. Serian 'The Original' in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, a standout praised by The Safari Awards, is a dream come true. Tucked into a private corner of the Mara, this camp offers unrivalled access to the Big Five and the jaw-dropping Great Wildebeest Migration (if you time it right).

With custom-built vehicles designed for photographers—think open sides, plenty of space, and room for gear—you’re primed to nail that lion-in-the-grass money shot.

The magic lies in the details: guides who double as photography pros, attuned to light and animal patterns, plus exclusive access to secluded spots away from the crowds. Early-morning drives catch the savannah at its most luminous, and the camp’s mobile setup means you can chase the action wherever it unfolds. Whether you’re framing a cheetah’s sprint or a giraffe against a crimson sunset, this is your playground.

Pro Tip: Plan your trip for migration season (July to October)—those thundering herds will elevate your portfolio to National Geographic status.

Conclusion

From family escapades to romantic retreats, solo quests to photographic odysseys, Africa’s safaris are as diverse as the travellers who seek them. Thanks to The Safari Awards, we’ve got a roadmap to the best of the best—places that don’t just promise adventure, but deliver it with heart, soul, and a nod to conservation.

Ready to make your safari dreams a reality? Dive into the latest Safari Awards winners for inspiration, then book a trip through SafariBookers.com that's perfect for you. The wild is waiting.