Subscribe to the newsletter.

Please enter your first name
Please enter your email address
Rhinos - Southern vs. East Africa - Luxury Africa Safaris with Forth & Wonder

Southern vs. East Africa: the ultimate luxury safari comparison

Can’t decide between Southern or East Africa for your safari adventure? Each region offers incredible and unique experiences – in this article we’ll break down when and why you should choose either, depending on your interests and desires.

Southern Africa

A tapestry of luxury and adventure

Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia

Southern Africa is a premier destination for discerning luxury travellers, offering a diverse blend of awe-inspiring landscapes, remarkable wildlife, and immersive cultural experiences. Whether you’re embarking on your very first African adventure or returning for new discoveries, the region seamlessly combines the thrill of wildlife encounters with world-class comfort and amenities. From the iconic Greater Kruger National Park and the tranquil waterways of the Okavango Delta, to the thundering majesty of Victoria Falls, Southern Africa offers unmatched variety, elegance and unforgettable moments.

Elephants and Victoria Falls - Southern vs. East Africa - Luxury Africa Safaris with Forth & Wonder

Highlights of Southern Africa:

  • Big Five game viewing in world-class reserves
  • Private luxury safari experiences in South Africa and Botswana
  • Whale watching along the Western Cape coast
  • The dramatic beauty of Victoria Falls
  • Aquatic safaris in the Okavango Delta and Chobe River
  • Walking safaris and immersive experiences in Zambia
  • Stargazing and desert safaris in the Namib Desert
  • Exquisite cuisine and world-class service in South Africa’s luxury lodges
Okavango Delta and Rhinos - Southern vs. East Africa - Luxury Africa Safaris with Forth & Wonder

Best National Parks & Wildlife Experiences:

  • Greater Kruger National Park (South Africa): Renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, exclusive private game reserves, and world-class infrastructure, this iconic destination offers unforgettable safaris and some of the most reliable opportunities to witness the legendary Big Five in their natural habitat.
  • Okavango Delta (Botswana): A jewel of the African wilderness, the Okavango Delta offers a unique water-based and land-based safari experience. Glide through its pristine channels in a mokoro, witnessing exceptional wildlife against a backdrop of water lilies and papyrus reeds.
  • Chobe National Park (Botswana): Famous for its large elephant herds, Chobe is best explored via a river safari along the Chobe River, offering a truly immersive wildlife experience.
  • Sossusvlei (Namibia): Towering red dunes, shifting with light, frame surreal white clay pans and ancient trees, offering a breathtaking desert spectacle unlike anywhere else on Earth.
  • Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe/Zambia): One of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, Victoria Falls offers a wide array of activities, from scenic helicopter flights to private sunset cruises.
  • Cape Town & Winelands (South Africa): From the rugged beauty of Table Mountain to world class winery estates throughout the Cape Winelands, this region offers a stunning blend of natural beauty, culinary excellence, and diverse activities.
Lions and hot air ballooning Namibia - Southern vs. East Africa - Luxury Africa Safaris with Forth & Wonder

East Africa

Iconic wildlife and rich cultural heritage

Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda

East Africa offers breathtaking contrasts and timeless allure, with its sweeping savannahs, dramatic mountains, incredible wildlife encounters and vibrant cultures. Witness the legendary Great Migration across the Serengeti and Masai Mara parks, visit Maasai and Samburu villages to learn age-old crafts, music, and dance, or trek through the misty highlands of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in search of majestic mountain gorillas. Then, unwind on the sun-drenched shores of Zanzibar, where turquoise waters meet spice-laden breezes. East Africa is perfect for those seeking an authentic, awe-inspiring safari paired with rich cultural immersion.

Maasai tribe and elephants at Kilimanjaro - Southern vs. East Africa - Luxury Africa Safaris with Forth & Wonder

Highlights of East Africa:

  • The awe-inspiring Wildebeest Migration
  • Deeply immersive cultural interactions with the Maasai and Samburu
  • Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for the adventurous traveller
  • Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda, with luxury lodges offering seamless service
  • Combine a safari with a tropical island escape on Zanzibar
Lion hunting wildebeest and mountain gorilla trek Rwanda - Southern vs. East Africa - Luxury Africa Safaris with Forth & Wonder

Best National Parks & Wildlife Experiences:

  • Serengeti National Park (Tanzania): Renowned for the Great Migration, the Serengeti’s endless plains are home to vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, and predators, offering a front-row seat to one of nature’s most spectacular events.
  • Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya): Famous for its high concentration of lions and the dramatic river crossings during the Great Migration, the Mara also offers the opportunity to experience the Maasai culture through authentic village visits.
  • Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania): A UNESCO World Heritage site, Ngorongoro offers a unique setting in a volcanic caldera teeming with wildlife. This natural amphitheatre is perfect for viewing a rich variety of animals in a concentrated area.
  • Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda): Africa’s premier gorilla trekking destination, Volcanoes National Park, offering visitors a chance to witness the majestic mountain gorillas up close while staying in exclusive, luxurious lodges with eco-conscious designs.
  • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda): One of the world’s most unique wildlife encounters, trekking for mountain gorillas in Bwindi is an intimate and humbling experience.
  • Zanzibar (Tanzania): After a thrilling safari, unwind in Zanzibar’s idyllic beaches, where Swahili culture, spice tours, and turquoise waters await.
Zanzibar and lions - Southern vs. East Africa - Luxury Africa Safaris with Forth & Wonder

Which will you choose?

Both Southern and East Africa offer luxurious, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, but each has its unique appeal. Southern Africa is perfect for travellers seeking variety, from iconic safaris to coastal beauty, world-class wineries, and vibrant cities. East Africa, on the other hand, is ideal for those desiring classic safari adventures, dramatic landscapes, and deep cultural immersion.

Start your journey

We understand the challenges in deciding where to travel, whatever your preference, and our team of experts are here to assist you plan and design your perfect African journey. Get in contact today.
e: curious@forthandwonder.com.au
p: +61 3 9045 9819

August 18, 2025 by katharine
What do you think?

Speak to us now by calling the number below, or leave us your phone number so we can call you back at a more appropriate time.

When should we call you?