Apsley Travel · Bespoke Luxury Travel

What is the best luxury safari destination?

There is no single best safari destination — the answer depends on what you want from the trip. Botswana wins on exclusivity and landscape (the Okavango Delta in flood is unmatched). Kenya wins on accessibility, conservancies and family-friendliness. Tanzania wins on scale and Migration. South Africa wins on reliability and value (Sabi Sand for guaranteed Big Five). Zambia wins on walking safari and authentic guiding.

The best luxury safari destinations are Botswana (Okavango Delta, ultra-exclusive), Kenya (Maasai Mara conservancies, best for first-timers and families), Tanzania (Serengeti and Migration scale), South Africa (Sabi Sand for guaranteed Big Five), and Zambia (South Luangwa for walking safari).

Speak to a specialist: 020 8142 6099 · hello@apsley.travel

Frequently asked questions

Is Tanzania better than Kenya?

For Migration depth and wilderness scale, yes. For accessibility, conservancies and first-time safari, Kenya wins. See our full Kenya vs Tanzania comparison.

Are gorillas worth the additional cost?

For most travellers, yes — gorilla trekking is genuinely once-in-a-lifetime. Add 2–3 nights in Rwanda to a Kenya or Tanzania safari for £4,000–£6,000pp.

Can we combine safari and beach?

Yes — Kenya + Zanzibar/Diani, Tanzania + Zanzibar, South Africa + Mozambique, Botswana + Mauritius. Standard 10–14-night combination.

Which safari destination is best for photography?

Kenya (Mara conservancies, off-road access) and Botswana (low vehicle numbers, exceptional light) are our photographers' picks.