Serengeti Joins Lower Zambezi, Okavango Delta, and More to Top the Best Safari Parks in Africa, This One Secret Will Blow Your Mind: Discover It Now

Published on December 26, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Serengeti, Lower Zambezi, Okavango Delta, and more have been crowned the best safari parks in Africa, according to a recent study. These stunning parks are known for their incredible wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, but there’s one secret about them that will blow your mind!

As Serengeti and its counterparts continue to attract global visitors, their safari experiences are only getting better. The secret to these parks’ massive appeal lies in their unique features that make them stand out from the crowd.

Whether you’re after the Big Five or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, these parks are more than just destinations—they offer experiences that will leave you speechless. Ready to discover the mind-blowing truth? Read on!

Serengeti National Park in Tanzania has once again emerged as the best safari park in Africa, joining Lower Zambezi National Park, Okavango Delta, and others in the prestigious list of top safari destinations. According to a comprehensive survey by SafariBookings, Serengeti leads the way with its unparalleled wildlife experiences and breathtaking landscapes.

SafariBookings’ study analyzed over 2,600 reviews from global safari-goers and experts, revealing the most popular safari spots for 2026. As safari tourism hits a five-year high, it’s clear that Africa’s safari parks are drawing more attention than ever before. Ready to discover why Serengeti is the top choice? Keep reading to uncover what makes these parks the best of the best.

Serengeti National Park: Africa’s Best Safari Park to Visit

Serengeti National Park continues to top the list as Africa’s best safari park, with a remarkable rating of 4.86 out of 5. This iconic park in Tanzania offers the quintessential East African safari experience. From its stunning savannah landscapes dotted with acacia trees to its high populations of big cats, wildebeest migration, and the legendary Big Five (minus the rare rhino), Serengeti never fails to amaze. The park’s annual migration of around 2.5 million animals, including wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, makes it one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles. Serengeti’s ability to deliver unforgettable safari moments year-round, not just during the migration, makes it the ultimate destination for any safari enthusiast.

Lower Zambezi National Park: A Hidden Gem of Zambia

Lower Zambezi National Park, with an impressive score of 4.73 out of 5, secures its place as one of Africa’s top safari destinations. Located in Zambia, this park offers a unique safari experience, where visitors can engage in a variety of safari activities like canoe safaris, boat safaris, and walking safaris. The park is home to four of the Big Five, excluding the rhino, and boasts abundant wildlife, including elephants and lions. Unlike other parks, the Lower Zambezi offers a quieter, more intimate safari experience, making it ideal for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature.

Okavango Delta: Botswana’s Pristine Wilderness

The Okavango Delta in Botswana claims the third spot with an outstanding score of 4.71 out of 5. Famous for its unique wetlands, the Okavango Delta provides visitors with an exclusive safari experience, combining classic safaris with canoe safaris. Its stunning ecosystem is home to diverse wildlife, including the Big Five, and offers one of the most sustainable safari experiences in Africa. With its vast, untouched wilderness and eco-friendly camps, the Okavango Delta is an unmissable destination for those seeking a more sustainable, authentic safari adventure. It’s no wonder that this park has gained significant popularity, climbing from fifth place in 2025 to third this year.

The Big Five and Beyond: Why These Top Parks Stand Out

While seeing the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) remains a highlight for many safari-goers, these parks offer more than just the “Big Five” sightings. For example, Ruaha National Park in Tanzania, ranked fifth, is not only home to four of the Big Five, but also boasts cheetahs and wild dogs, making it a diverse and rich wildlife destination. Moremi Game Reserve, ranked sixth, is renowned for its boat safaris and stunning scenery, offering a chance to see the Big Five, though rhinos remain a rare sight. The abundance of wildlife and diverse safari activities in these parks elevate the overall safari experience, making them worthy of their high rankings.

South Africa: The Best Country for Safaris

South Africa is a clear leader in the safari tourism industry, with 12 of the top 50 safari parks listed in the survey. Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve (ranked fourth) is a prime example of South Africa’s excellence in safari experiences, known for its exceptional Big Five wildlife viewing and luxury lodges. Chobe National Park, ranked seventh, is famed for its massive elephant populations, while Ngorongoro Crater, ranked eighth, is an incredible location for spotting the Big Five within a collapsed volcanic caldera. South Africa’s world-class parks and luxury safari offerings continue to draw millions of visitors each year, solidifying its place as the ultimate safari destination.

Kenya and Tanzania: The Safaris of East Africa

In addition to South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania also boast top-ranked safari parks. Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya ranks ninth, known for its Big Five sightings and wildebeest migration. Meanwhile, Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda, ranked tenth, provides a more remote and unique safari experience, offering encounters with giraffes, buffalo herds, and four of the Big Five. These parks further highlight the allure of East Africa as a must-visit region for safari lovers. Whether you are tracking lions in the Mara or observing elephants in the Serengeti, these East African parks offer exceptional wildlife sightings and unique landscapes that make them some of the most coveted safari destinations in the world.

Why Safaris Are More Popular Than Ever

In 2023, global searches for safaris reached a five-year high, with a 34% increase above the five-year average. This surge in interest highlights the growing appeal of safari tourism, especially among travellers seeking adventure, wildlife, and an escape from the everyday. As people become more conscious of their environmental impact, safari parks that prioritise sustainable tourism—like the Okavango Delta and Lower Zambezi—are attracting growing numbers of responsible travellers. The rising demand for safaris is not just about seeing animals in the wild but also about immersing oneself in pristine, unspoiled landscapes and experiencing Africa’s incredible biodiversity.

What’s Next for Safari Tourism?

The rise in safari tourism comes at a time when more people are looking to experience the beauty of Africa’s wildlife up close and personal. As the FIFA World Cup 2026 and other major events continue to draw international attention, it’s expected that African safari tourism will continue to grow. The Serengeti, Lower Zambezi, and Okavango Delta will undoubtedly remain top destinations for those looking for an unforgettable adventure. As more travellers seek authentic safari experiences, Africa’s parks are set to become even more popular, offering once-in-a-lifetime encounters with some of the planet’s most magnificent creatures.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Safari Adventure Awaits

The best safari parks in Africa—from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia, and Okavango Delta in Botswana—have earned their top spots due to their exceptional wildlife, stunning landscapes, and diverse safari activities. As safari tourism continues to grow, these parks will continue to offer unforgettable adventures to travellers from all over the world. Whether you’re after the Big Five, seeking a more sustainable safari experience, or simply looking for an escape into nature, the top safari parks in Africa are waiting to provide the adventure of a lifetime. Book your safari now and join the thousands of travellers who are flocking to Africa for an experience they’ll never forget!