Southern Africa or Eastern Africa? What is better for Safari?
Southern Africa and Eastern Africa are both very popular holiday destinations. However, the question we most often have to answer is: “If we had to choose… Which is better: Eastern Africa or Southern Africa ?” Both areas are breathtaking and it is so hard to compare the two.
We did it for you anyway!
Of course we think you should travel through both areas, but if you have to choose, take a closer look at the information below.
Below you will find a simple comparison between Southern Africa and Eastern Africa in which we introduce you to the highlights and hidden gems from each area. We hope this helps you and let us know which area you would choose…
1. Countries in the Territories
Southern Africa
Eastern Africa
South Africa
Botswana
Namibia
Zimbabwe
Malawi
Zambia
Mozambique
Kenya
Tanzania
(Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo are counted as Central Africa)
2. Scenery and attractions (main and most popular highlights)
In terms of landscapes and attractions, both areas are very different.
The wildlife species that can be found in the two areas are more or less the same. Mostly they are predators and grazers that can be seen in both areas. Only a few birds and a few mammals and reptiles can only be found in one of the two areas. The main difference lies in the number of different species and the experience the traveler will have when visiting them.
Southern Africa
Eastern Africa
Botswana and Zimbabwe are home to almost 80% of the 300,000 elephants that exist in southern Africa. There are often large herds in the northern border areas.
Eastern Africa offers you large herds of zebra and gnus – often in the thousands. The annual migration between the Maasai Mara in the north and the Tanzanian Serengeti in the south is a spectacle unique to the world.
Leopard in Serengeti National Park
4. Weather:
The weather is different in the two areas.
Southern Africa
Eastern Africa
Although the weather varies in different countries, most rain usually falls between November and March. The rest of the year is largely dry.
Most camps are open all year round.
The rainy or “green” safari season in southern Africa also offers you advantages. For example, herbivores have their offspring, the landscapes are lush green and the sky is often dramatic. Of course, this gives you fantastic photo opportunities.
In eastern Africa, the “short rain” starts in November. The “long rain” begins in March to May.
Many camps close during the “long rain” as travel is usually difficult during this time.
The main difference between safaris in Eastern and Southern Africa is the number of tourists, the safari accommodations and the safari vehicles.
5. Number of tourists & accommodation
Southern Africa
Eastern Africa
Southern Africa is known for its luxury tented safaris and vast natural areas with few tourists, making the area perfect for private safaris.
Much of Southern Africa consists of large properties either rented or owned by luxury safari companies. These areas are mostly intended only for their owners and their guests. With an average camp size of 10-16 guests and only one to two vehicles per area, you can go on safari all day and see nothing but nature and wildlife.
Eastern Africa, in general, attracts a lot of tourists and the lodges are often very stylish and modern.
Nevertheless, there are more and more luxurious lodges in Eastern Africa, especially in Tanzania, that offer you a very exclusive safari experience than, for example, the larger safari lodges in Kenya or Tanzania.
6. Vehicles
Southern Africa
Eastern Africa
The safari vehicles used in the private safari lodges are open-air Land Rovers, which make the experience even more authentic.
On scheduled tours, most companies used 10-seater Land Cruisers, minibuses and trucks.
The most commonly used safari vehicle in Eastern Africa is a minibus van, with a pop-up roof where passengers can simply stand up to take photos.
More and more companies are using 7-seater Land Cruisers and Land Rovers with a pop-up roof.
7. Cultural tourism
Southern Africa
Eastern Africa
Various tribes can be visited in southern Africa. Including Zulus, Swazis, Himbas & the Bushmen
Here you have the opportunity to observe the Masai and the Samburu tribe.
8. Budget
Southern Africa
Eastern Africa
As the rand becomes stronger, southern Africa also becomes more expensive. However, standard accommodation is available to suit every budget.
Entrance fees for the parks etc. are a little more expensive in Tanzania. Prices for overnight stays are similar to those in southern Africa.
However, mobile and land safaris are very popular in both regions and offer the budget-constrained traveler the opportunity to explore the bush.
