The Ultimate Bucket List Safari

October 2, 2025

The Ultimate Bucket List Safari: Your Dream Safari Bucket List

Imagine waking at dawn, mist curling over a golden savannah. You peer through binoculars at a distant silhouette — a lone elephant, pausing to drink at a watering hole. That moment, as the sun ignites the horizon, tells you: you’ve arrived at the heart of your Safari Bucket List.


For broader inspiration beyond wildlife, explore our guide on How to Tackle Your Bucket-List Adventure.


This is more than ticking boxes. A true bucket list safari is about unforgettable wildlife encounters, wild landscapes, and deep immersion in nature. In this guide, I’ll take you through the ultimate safari bucket list experiences, share where to do them, and describe unforgettable lodges to call home. Ready to map your dream safari bucket list?


Why a Safari Belongs on Your Bucket List


The appeal of a Safari Bucket List


Going on safari often tops UK travellers’ dream lists — one survey showed “go on safari” as the UK’s most searched bucket list experience. Whether it’s the Big Five, the Great Migration, or an intimate walking safari — it captivates us for good reason.


A safari offers a rare combination: raw nature, breath-taking landscapes, cultural connection, and the extraordinary possibility of witnessing life in its wildest form. Plus, doing it with the right guide and lodge means comfort, safety, and meaningful encounters, not just “tick the boxes.”


Choosing your safari style


Not all safaris are created equal. On your Safari Bucket List, consider mixing:


  • Classic game drives in a 4×4 vehicle
  • Walking or walking-with-guide safaris to feel the land under your feet
  • Hot air balloon safaris for panoramic vistas
  • Boat safaris / mokoro / canoe / river safaris for watery wildlife views
  • Night drives and spotlight safaris to glimpse nocturnal animals
  • Remote wilderness lodges off the beaten path


By blending styles, you’ll build a safari bucket list full of contrast, depth, and unforgettable memories.

Top Safari Bucket List Destinations


Here are standout destinations that deserve a place on any safari bucket list — with lodge suggestions and booking ideas.

Serengeti / Masai Mara – The Great Migration (Tanzania / Kenya)

Serengeti / Masai Mara – The Great Migration (Tanzania / Kenya)

What to see


This is perhaps the most iconic safari on any 
Safari Bucket List: the Great Wildebeest Migration, when over a million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles cross between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara. Particularly dramatic are the river crossings, where timing the crossing is a heart-stopping moment.


Hot air balloon rides at dawn offer breathtaking views from above — a highlight for many travellers.


Where to stay: exemplary lodges


  • Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti: luxurious, elegant, built into the landscape, with excellent guiding and a swimming pool overlooking the plains.
  • Mahali Mzuri (Sir Richard Branson’s Kenya camp in Maasai Mara): boutique tented camp, excellent service, immersive Maasai community engagement.
  • Hippo Hill Camp (Serengeti mobile camp): more rustic but highly mobile — giving you flexibility to follow the migration.


After staying at any of these lodges, you can explore more tailored Safari Bucket List itineraries via Jamie Wake Travel — we’d love to help you blend migration with chimp trekking or gorilla tracking.

Okavango Delta & Moremi – Botswana’s Water Wilderness

Okavango Delta & Moremi – Botswana’s Water Wilderness

What to see


Botswana offers safari with a twist: game drives, plus 
mokoro (dugout canoe) safaris, boat cruises and walking safaris through waterways. You may drift among hippos, elephants swimming, and rare swamp species. Helicopter flights also give sweeping aerial views.


In the dry season, predator encounters intensify around waterholes.


Where to stay: exemplary lodges


  • Vumbura Plains Camp: luxury camp set in a private concession with water channels running through it — ideal for both vehicle and boat safaris.
  • Xigera Safari Lodge: stylish, dramatic central lodge built over wetland channels, with shared “splash pool walkways.”
  • Camp Moremi: classic tented safari camp with comfort and strong guiding in Moremi Game Reserve.


Each of these lodges offers a deep water-wilderness experience. Speak to Jamie Wake Travel to combine Botswana with Namib desert dunes or Victoria Falls in one seamless trip.

Ngorongoro Crater + Tarangire (Tanzania)

Ngorongoro Crater + Tarangire (Tanzania)

What to see


Ngorongoro is sometimes called nature’s Eden. In a single crater you may glimpse lions, rhinos, elephants, flamingos, hippos, and more — concentrated in one compact landscape. Meanwhile, Tarangire is famed for its elephant herds and iconic baobabs.


This combination is ideal for travellers who want a mix of “big game in compact settings” and authentic bush landscapes.


Where to stay: exemplary lodges


  • Ngorongoro Crater Lodge: dramatic, opulent accommodation perched on the crater rim with spectacular views.
  • Lake Manyara Tree Lodge: small, rustic luxury within forest canopy, ideal for combining with Tarangire and Ngorongoro.
  • Oliver’s Camp: family-run, modestly luxurious and highly personalised inside Ngorongoro Conservation Area.


After staying here, connect with Jamie Wake Travel to add extensions like a Zanzibar beach stay or southern safari.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest / Volcanoes NP – Gorilla Trekking (Uganda / Rwanda)

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest / Volcanoes NP – Gorilla Trekking (Uganda / Rwanda)

What to see


This is the “other” safari: trekking to see mountain gorillas in the misty high forests is an emotionally moving, rare wildlife encounter. You’ll hike with expert guides through steep forest paths, tracking a single habituated gorilla family.


It’s more strenuous than a vehicle safari, but profoundly rewarding.


Where to stay: exemplary lodges


  • Gorilla Forest Camp (Uganda): luxury tents with forest views, serving as an excellent base for gorilla treks.
  • Bisate Lodge (Rwanda): high-end, beautifully designed lodges offering immersive forest views and excellent guiding.
  • Bwindi Lodge: more mid-range option with comfort and proximity to trekking zones.


Jamie Wake Travel can help you weave these into a multi-country East Africa Safari Bucket List, mixing big open plains with forested gorilla experiences.

Sabi Sands / Kruger Region – Classic Private Game Reserves (South Africa)

Sabi Sands / Kruger Region – Classic Private Game Reserves (South Africa)

What to see


South Africa’s private game reserves adjacent to Kruger (like Sabi Sands, Timbavati, MalaMala) are ideal for a “Big 5 guarantee” safari: off-road driving, night drives, walking safaris, and exceptional photographic opportunities.


You’ll often see leopards here — some of the best leopard sightings in Africa happen in Sabi Sands.


Where to stay: exemplary lodges


  • Singita Ebony / Boulders in Sabi Sands: ultra-luxury, impeccable guiding, and beautiful design.
  • Londolozi Private Granite Suites: stylish and intimate, perfect for couples.
  • Tshukudu Bush Lodge: excellent service and superb game viewing.


After experiencing these, Jamie Wake Travel can combine your South Africa safari with Cape Town, Garden Route, or Victoria Falls extensions.

Namibia – Desert Meets Safari

Namibia – Desert Meets Safari

What to see


Namibia often surprises travellers. It’s not all sand dunes — though the towering ochre waves of Sossusvlei are unforgettable. Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s most accessible big-game areas, with salt pans that glitter like mirrors after rain. Wildlife gathers around permanent waterholes, creating incredible predator-prey dramas.


Namibia also offers cheetah conservation reserves, desert elephants in Damaraland, and remote Skeleton Coast landscapes.


Where to stay


  • Onguma The Fort (Etosha): a lodge with architecture inspired by Moroccan design, offering spectacular sunset views across the salt pans.
  • Little Kulala (Sossusvlei): eco-luxury desert lodge with rooftop “star beds” for sleeping under the Milky Way.
  • Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp: remote, fly-in luxury where desert lions roam.


Namibia is an excellent Safari Bucket List extension if you’re fascinated by both wildlife and stark desert landscapes.

Zambia – Walking Safaris & Victoria Falls

Zambia – Walking Safaris & Victoria Falls

What to see


Zambia is the birthplace of the walking safari — an authentic, adventurous way to connect with nature. South Luangwa National Park is famed for leopards and night drives, while Lower Zambezi offers canoeing alongside elephants. The highlight? Standing in the spray of Victoria Falls, known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” (“The Smoke That Thunders”).


Where to stay


  • Chiawa Camp (Lower Zambezi): riverside luxury with canoeing, boat cruises, and classic game drives.
  • Time + Tide Chinzombo (South Luangwa): modern, chic lodge with outstanding guiding and wildlife sightings.
  • Tongabezi Lodge (near Victoria Falls): romantic riverside retreat with private decks and optional sunset boat cruises.


Zambia offers a slightly wilder, less commercial safari. If your Safari Bucket List values intimacy and adventure, Zambia may surprise you.

India – Tigers of Ranthambore

India – Tigers of Ranthambore

This is paragraph text. Click it or hit the Manage Text button to change the font, color, size, format, and more. To set up site-wide paragraph and title styles, go to Site Theme.

If you’re still deciding, our roundup of the Top 5 Safari Destinations in Africa is a great place to start.

Safari Styles for Every Bucket List


Your Safari Bucket List doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Here’s how to tailor it to your style:


Family Safari Bucket List


  • Why it works: Child-friendly lodges with pools, family tents, and kids’ activities make safaris educational and bonding.
  • Best picks: South Africa’s malaria-free reserves (Madikwe, Pilanesberg); Tanzania’s family-friendly lodges with inter-connecting suites.
  • Top tips: Choose shorter drives, lodges with pools, and guides trained in engaging young travellers.


Honeymoon Safari Bucket List


  • Why it works: A safari offers intimacy, seclusion, and epic shared experiences.
  • Best picks: Botswana’s remote lodges, private concessions in Sabi Sands, Tanzania beach-and-bush combos (Zanzibar).
  • Extras: Hot-air balloon safaris, private dinners under the stars, couple spa treatments overlooking savannah.


Luxury Safari Bucket List


  • Why it works: Private plunge pools, butlers, top-tier guides, and gourmet cuisine.
  • Best picks: Singita, andBeyond, Wilderness Safaris lodges.
  • Extras: Helicopter transfers, star beds, photographic guides.


Photography Safari Bucket List


  • Why it works: Tailored vehicles, professional guides, dawn & dusk shoots, off-road access.
  • Best picks: Kenya’s Masai Mara, Botswana’s Chobe River, South Africa’s Sabi Sands.
  • Extras: Book specialist photographic tours where vehicles have mounts, beanbags, and limited numbers of travellers.


When to Travel: Month-by-Month Safari Bucket List Planner


Your Safari Bucket List will feel magical only if timed right. Here’s a seasonal guide:


  • January–March: Serengeti calving season — thousands of wildebeest give birth; predators nearby.
  • April–May: “Green season” in East Africa — lush, fewer crowds, great for photography.
  • June–July: Okavango Delta at its flood peak; Kenya/Tanzania migration kicks off.
  • August–September: Migration river crossings; South Africa dry season peaks.
  • October: Zimbabwe & Zambia prime for walking safaris; wildlife clusters around shrinking waterholes.
  • November: Shoulder season with fewer crowds; still great wildlife in Botswana.
  • December: Festive safaris; warmer but rewarding, especially in South Africa and Tanzania.


For more seasonal inspiration, see our guide to the Best Destinations for a Summer Safari.


Responsible Travel & Sustainability


Safari Bucket List should protect the wilderness that inspires it. Jamie Wake Travel partners with lodges committed to:


  • Conservation: Many lodges fund anti-poaching patrols and community conservation projects.
  • Community: Maasai and San communities often benefit directly from safari tourism through jobs and revenue sharing.
  • Sustainability: Eco-lodges use solar power, reduce plastic, and support wildlife corridors.


Travellers can help by:


  • Choosing ethical operators.
  • Respecting wildlife (never crowd animals or pressure guides).
  • Supporting local artisans rather than mass-produced souvenirs.


That way, your bucket list journey supports the ecosystems that make it possible.


Travellers can also learn more about ethical wildlife tourism through resources like the WWF’s safari travel guide.


Jamie Says:

“A safari journey should feel like a mosaic — each day, a fresh tile. The more you vary your landscapes, modes, and styles, the more it becomes your singular Safari Bucket List story.”


Jamie looks at Bucket list Safari Holidays

Booking Protections & Peace of Mind


When assembling a bucket list safari, you’ll want security as much as spectacle. Here’s how Jamie Wake Travel ensures your peace of mind:


  • ATOL protection & Supplier Failure Insurance — your flights and travel components are protected.
  • Local partners with vetted credentials — we only work with trusted lodges and operators.
  • Flexible deposits and rebooking policies — especially helpful given wildlife timing sensitivities.
  • On-trip support — a 24/7 emergency line while you’re in Africa.
  • Sustainability & ethical tourism focus — we prioritise lodges that give back, minimise impact, and support local communities.


We’ll walk you through all inclusions, optional extras, and cancellation protections before you commit.

Sample Safari Bucket List Itineraries


10-Day Safari Bucket List Itinerary (Illustrative)


Day Location Experience
1 Nairobi (Kenya) Arrive, overnight rest, early briefing
2-3 Masai Mara Game drives, sunrise hot air balloon, river crossing
4 Ngorongoro Crater Crater game drive, explore south plains
5 Lake Manyara / Tarangire Elephant herds, baobabs
6 Fly to Rwanda Transit, overnight in Kigali
7 Volcanoes National Park Gorilla trekking in Bwindi / Volcanoes zone
8 Bwindi forest Second gorilla trek or community visit
9 Fly to Botswana Arrive, evening sundowner cruise
10 Okavango Delta Mokoro & walking safari, final night under stars

Classic 10-Day East Africa Safari


  • Nairobi, Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar.
  • Focus: Great Migration + iconic wildlife + relaxation on the beach.


Luxury 12-Day Botswana & Cape Town


  • Okavango Delta, Chobe, Victoria Falls, Cape Town.
  • Focus: water wilderness + Victoria Falls + cosmopolitan city.


Family 9-Day South Africa Safari & Coast


  • Madikwe Game Reserve, Cape Town, Garden Route.
  • Focus: malaria-free safari + family fun + whales/beaches.


Wrapping Your Safari Bucket List Together


Your Safari Bucket List is more than animals. It’s the early-morning silence broken by birdsong. The gasp of your children spotting their first giraffe. The awe of a leopard on a night hunt. The calm of watching the sunset over a baobab tree with a glass of South African wine in hand.


Safari memories are not just visual — they’re deeply emotional. They’re the stories you’ll tell for the rest of your life.


Jamie Wake Travel is here to weave those threads into your story. From handpicking lodges, arranging ATOL-protected flights, ensuring Supplier Failure Insurance, and offering expert guidance, your journey will be both extraordinary and safe.



Call us on 01495 400005 or use our enquiry form. Let’s craft a Safari Bucket List journey as unique as you.

Send an Enquiry

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a Safari Bucket List?

    A Safari Bucket List is a collection of once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experiences and destinations, such as seeing the Great Migration or gorilla trekking, that travellers dream of ticking off.

  • Which country is best for a Safari Bucket List?

    Kenya and Tanzania are the most famous for the Great Migration, but Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, and even India (for tigers) also deserve a place on a Safari Bucket List.

  • When is the best time to go on a Safari Bucket List trip?

    It depends on your goals: June–September for the Great Migration, June–October for Botswana’s Okavango Delta, and year-round for South Africa. Gorilla trekking is possible throughout the year but is easiest in dry months.

  • How long should a Safari Bucket List trip be?

    A minimum of 7–10 days is recommended, allowing time for multiple parks and experiences. Some travellers combine two or three countries over 14–21 days for a true Safari Bucket List journey.

  • What animals should be on my Safari Bucket List?

    The “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) top most lists, but don’t forget gorillas, cheetahs, wild dogs, flamingos, and even Bengal tigers if you extend your Safari Bucket List to India.

  • How much does a Safari Bucket List holiday cost?

    Prices vary widely. A mid-range safari might cost from £3,500 per person, while luxury lodge itineraries with private guides can be £8,000–£12,000+. Jamie Wake Travel tailors packages to your budget.

  • Can children join a Safari Bucket List holiday?

    Yes, many lodges are family-friendly with child programmes, pools, and shorter drives. Malaria-free reserves in South Africa make excellent Safari Bucket List options for families.

  • Is a Safari Bucket List safe?

    Yes, with reputable operators and lodges. Jamie Wake Travel only partners with trusted providers and includes ATOL and Supplier Failure Insurance to give you complete peace of mind.

  • Can I combine a Safari Bucket List with a beach holiday?

    Absolutely. Popular pairings include Tanzania with Zanzibar, South Africa with Mauritius, or Kenya with the Seychelles. This gives you both adventure and relaxation.

  • Why should I book my Safari Bucket List with Jamie Wake Travel?

    Because we offer personalised itineraries, expert guidance, ATOL protection, Supplier Failure Insurance, and 24/7 support — ensuring your Safari Bucket List is safe, unique, and unforgettable.

Holidays to Chase the Northern Lights – Best Destinations
By Jamie Wake October 3, 2025
Discover the best destinations for holidays to chase the Northern Lights. Plan aurora trips with expert tips, hotels, and bespoke itineraries.
Travel Bucket List: How to Tick Off Your Dream Holidays
By Jamie Wake October 1, 2025
Turn your travel bucket list into reality with expert tips, dream destinations, and protected holidays from Jamie Wake Travel.
Visit the 7 Wonders: Ultimate Travel Guide 2025
By Jamie Wake September 30, 2025
Visit the 7 Wonders of the World with our 2025 guide. Discover tips, hotels & itineraries with Jamie Wake Travel’s expert planning & ATOL protection.
Top 10 Destinations Every Traveller Should Visit
By Jamie Wake September 29, 2025
Discover the Top 10 Destinations every traveller should visit in 2025. UK-focused travel tips, hotels, and booking protection with Jamie Wake Travel.
Off-Season Holidays: Top 5 Destinations Without Crowds
By Jamie Wake September 28, 2025
Discover the joy of off-season holidays. Explore 5 stunning destinations with fewer crowds, better value, and authentic travel experiences.
Off-Season Cruises: Save Money & Sail Smarter
By Jamie Wake September 27, 2025
Discover the benefits of off-season cruises — lower prices, fewer crowds, and unique itineraries. Sail smarter with Jamie Wake Travel.
Holidays to Milos Greece: Beaches, Villages & Culture
By Jamie Wake September 26, 2025
Discover holidays to Milos Greece with stunning beaches, colourful villages & authentic culture. Plan your perfect trip with Jamie Wake Travel today.
Off-Season Resorts: 5 Brilliant Picks for 2025
By Jamie Wake September 26, 2025
Discover the best Off-Season Resorts, when to go, and how to book with ATOL protection for quieter luxury and better value in 2025.
Winter City Breaks: Why You Should Plan One Now
By Jamie Wake September 25, 2025
Winter City Breaks offer magic, fewer crowds, and better value. Discover top destinations and plan your perfect trip with Jamie Wake Travel.
Winter Holidays: Underrated Destinations to Explore Now
By Jamie Wake September 24, 2025
Winter Holidays don’t have to mean crowds. Discover underrated destinations for unique and memorable seasonal escapes.
Show More