Nothing says adventure quite like summer
safari
holidays. These getaways offer you the chance to get up close with nature, witness incredible wildlife, and immerse yourself in rich cultures and landscapes. Whether it’s your first safari or your fifth, there’s something magical about spotting elephants at sunrise or hearing a lion’s roar echo across the plains.
If you’ve ever dreamt of seeing giraffes stroll past your lodge or tracking leopards in the wild, now is the perfect time. Summer is one of the best seasons for safaris, with dry conditions making wildlife sightings more frequent and accessible.
Here are some of the top places to go for a summer safari holiday you’ll never forget.
Why Choose Summer Safari Holidays?
The dry season in many safari destinations aligns with the UK summer, meaning cooler nights, warmer days, and fewer mosquitos. Waterholes attract animals, and the thinner vegetation makes it easier to spot them.
You can expect:
- Daily game drives led by expert guides
- Luxury lodges or authentic tented camps
- Unique wildlife encounters
- Optional cultural and conservation experiences
Let’s explore the world’s top safari spots that come alive in summer.
Kenya: Classic Safari and the Great Migration
Kenya is the home of the traditional safari. During summer, the Maasai Mara becomes the stage for the Great Migration. Millions of wildebeest and zebra cross the plains in search of fresh grass, often pursued by lions, crocodiles, and hyenas.
Where to Stay: Mara Serena Safari Lodge Perched high on a hill, this lodge offers panoramic views of the Mara River. Each room is designed to blend into the natural surroundings while still offering modern comforts.
We have a range of summer safari holidays in Kenya, including migration-focused tours, cultural village visits, and fly-in packages. Ask us for our current offers.
Tanzania: Diverse Wildlife and Scenic Safaris
Tanzania is another excellent choice. The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are teeming with wildlife in summer. It’s also a good time to visit Tarangire, famous for its elephants and baobab trees.
Where to Stay: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge Built into the rim of the crater, this lodge gives you unbeatable views of the floor below. The architecture is inspired by traditional African styles, and the service is warm and welcoming.
Our tailor-made summer safari holidays in Tanzania can include all the major parks, beach extensions to Zanzibar, and guided experiences. Just tell us what you’re looking for.
South Africa: Safari and City in One Trip
In South Africa, you can combine wildlife with wine, culture, and coast. Kruger National Park is the star of the show, but smaller reserves like Sabi Sands offer a more exclusive experience.
Where to Stay: Lion Sands River Lodge Located in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, this lodge offers elegant riverside suites and regular sightings of the Big Five. Enjoy evening boma dinners under the stars.
We offer a wide selection of summer safari holidays in South Africa, from self-drives to luxury lodge stays with city breaks in Cape Town. Let’s craft the perfect itinerary together.
Namibia: Dramatic Landscapes and Desert Wildlife
Namibia is strikingly different. It’s a land of deserts, dunes, and wide-open skies. Etosha National Park is excellent in the dry season. Animals gather at waterholes, giving you clear views without the crowds.
Where to Stay: Onguma The Fort Located on the eastern edge of Etosha, this unique lodge is built like a Moroccan fort. It blends desert style with five-star service and incredible game viewing.
Talk to us about Namibia safari offers. We’ll help you combine game drives with stargazing, photography tours, or visits to the haunting Skeleton Coast.
Botswana: Exclusive and Untamed
Botswana is known for low-impact, high-quality safaris. It’s quieter than other destinations, with abundant wildlife and stunning settings. The Okavango Delta in summer is lush and lively.
Where to Stay: Camp Okavango In the heart of the delta, this water-based camp offers mokoro (dugout canoe) rides and walking safaris. It’s intimate, remote, and unforgettable.
We can build bespoke Botswana itineraries with fly-in transfers, private guides, and handpicked camps. Just ask about our summer safari holidays there.
Zambia: The Home of the Walking Safari
Zambia offers a more off-the-beaten-track feel. South Luangwa National Park is ideal in summer. It’s one of the best places to try a walking safari and see leopard after dark.
Where to Stay: Chikunto Safari Lodge With its raised tents and riverside setting, this lodge provides amazing wildlife viewing without leaving your veranda. Expect intimate service and expert rangers.
Ask us about our Zambia packages. We can include bush camps, river safaris, and even extensions to Victoria Falls.
Uganda: Safari Meets Gorilla Tracking
If you want something different, Uganda delivers. Queen Elizabeth National Park offers game drives, while Bwindi is home to mountain gorillas. Few holidays offer this kind of contrast.
Where to Stay: Mahogany Springs Lodge Near Bwindi’s forest edge, this small lodge is perfect for gorilla treks. Its peaceful garden and attentive staff create a lovely post-hike retreat.
We can tailor summer safari holidays in Uganda that include gorilla permits, guided treks, and cultural stops. Let us know your interests.
