12 Top African Safari Vacations

Safari vacations in Africa are just as diverse as the continent itself, though these types of trips typically require a large sum of money. Whether you want to spend a few days gorilla trekking in Uganda or a couple weeks spotting the “big five” – lions, leopards, African elephants, rhinos and Cape buffalos – in South Africa, you’ll find an array of experiences to best suit your needs. To help you narrow down your options, U.S. News compiled a list of 12 can’t-miss African safari tours. Read on to find your once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Visitors who don’t want to sacrifice creature comforts while on safari will appreciate &Beyond’s offerings. During the tour operator’s 10-day Kings of the Jungle safari – which starts at $11,340 per person – travelers will see breathtaking natural wonders like the Ngorongoro Crater and the Maasai Mara savanna. But the highlight of this journey is its four-night stay at Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. After watching animals like wildebeest and zebras partake in the great migration while also spotting lions, giraffes and more, vacationers retreat to high-end tents and lodges with private bathrooms.

For some of Africa’s most jaw-dropping scenery, opt for the seven-night Namibian Adventure Safari offered by Wilderness Safaris. This weeklong trip features visits to the Namib Desert’s dune-filled Sossusvlei region (which you may recognize from the film “Mad Max:…