An African safari is the ultimate bucket list trip. Whether you’re out on a big game drive through the Serengeti, or following the wildebeest migration past Lake Manyara, the wildlife and views are a once in a lifetime experience. As you plan your safari trip, there are so many options to choose to create the perfect trip for you. Here’s a guide to the biggest parks and our tips for planning the best African safari.

The Masai Mara, Kenya, is a large expanse of protected land along the Kenya-Tanzania border, and is home to some of the most varied landscapes in Africa. These landscapes, known as the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem, support big game wildlife and natural wonders found only in this area. The Masai Mara is probably best known for the annual wildebeest migration through the Mara River, which is a favorite film location for wildlife documentary crews. Set up camp at the Mara Eden Safari Camp in mid-July and you will catch the largest herds at the crossing, as well as tons of river wildlife.

Contiguous with the Masai Mara, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is known for its widely varied wildlife and easy access to spectacular sights. A few short steps up Naabi Hill at the entrance of the park will put you right in the heart of zebra, wildebeest, antelope and even lion territory. Travel through the park to Lobo Valley, where lions, cheetahs and leopards all roam, and be sure to stop on your way to see watering holes of hippos, giraffes stalking through tree groves, and rivers full of crocodiles. Right in the heart of the park is More Kopjes, which is home to one of the only black rhino populations in the world. Highly guarded by armed anti-poaching crews, a glimpse of one of these rare creatures is definitely worth the trip!

African safaris come in any shape or size, and your vacation is completely customizable to be your perfect once in a lifetime trip. Hundreds of tour companies are stationed in and around Africa’s national parks and offer limitless options for guided tours, multi-day trips and exclusive experiences. 

Do your research, and figure out if you would prefer a multi-day trip where everything is taken care of for you, or if you want to completely customize a trip on your own. There are options to do both, and it might be that a two day guided safari in a large park followed by a secluded stay at a private resort is the perfect balance. Keep in mind park fees, restricted access areas, and whether you prefer to travel in a group or not, and you will have the best safari experience!

Chobe National Park, Botswana, is located at the northern tip of Botswana. It lies directly between Moremi Game Reserve and Hwange National Park just over the border in Zimbabwe. The park is the perfect spot for a game drive featuring lions, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, and many different types of antelope. Chobe is also one of the best places for a bird safari in Africa, with over 460 species of bird found in the park. A stunning day trip from Chobe is a boat ride down the Chobe River, where migratory birds flock to the shores from August to December. An easy drive from the park in Zimbabwe, the Chobe River flows into the Zambezi River, which tumbles over a cliff to create the largest waterfall in the world, Victoria Falls. 

The holy grail in African safaris is the big five—leopard, lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo—and Kruger National Park is one of the best places to see all five, and more. One of the oldest protected wildlife areas in Africa, Kruger boasts a rich history of native culture and modern conservation. It is also one of the most accessible parks, with South Africa’s OR Tambo International Airport only a few hours away in Johannesburg, and plenty of local airports surrounding Kruger for direct flights. Kruger is known for its walking safaris, an intimate way to see the landscape and wildlife. It is also known for its private resorts where big cats or giant giraffes will wander through your secluded campsite. With the big five, as well as hippos, zebras, giraffes, and white and black rhinos, Kruger is a great place to see it all in a single destination for a once in a lifetime African safari trip.

This article covered most of the major national parks, but other smaller national parks offer unique looks at different types of landscape, and possibly fewer crowds. Each large conservation area is also often surrounded by private game reserves where accommodations ranging from luxury resorts to bare-bones campgrounds lie secluded away from the rumbling 4×4’s on game drives. These private reserves are great places to relax and spend some time, letting the wildlife come to you in a much more personal, and exciting, way.