For those looking for that once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa for the chance to see some of the most captivating wildlife in the world, it can be a little daunting trying to choose the perfect wildlife safari destination.

There are a plethora of safari experiences waiting to be discovered in Africa, and my top 5 destinations aims to help you uncover the safari adventure that suites you.

Pumba Game Reserve, South Africa

It’s easy to wax lyrical about Pumba Game Reserve and all it has to offer. It is a private game reserve located in the malaria-free region of the Eastern Cape in South Africa, making it a perfect choice for families who are looking for an authentic safari experience without the hassle of taking malaria tablets.

It’s also been awarded with a gold status for its environmental responsibilities and a 5-star rating for its luxurious accommodation, but the star of the show is the wildlife. Here you will find the big five (leopard, buffalo, elephant, rhino and lions), but many people come here to see the incredibly rare white lion that inhabits the area.

Saadani National Park, Tanzania

Saadani National Park is perhaps one of the most unique safari destinations in Africa, and where the bush meets the beach. Here, it’s possible to stay in a lodge nestled on a beach that is lapped by the Indian Ocean, whilst having exciting game drives on your doorstep. Amazing Tanzania, right?

Or if you’re lucky you may even witness a pride of lions playing in the sand outside your lodge on the beach, it really is a destination where you can absorb the relaxing beach culture and not miss out on any of Africa’s wildlife.

Masai Mara, Kenya

Of course, I had to bring your attention to one of the most popular wildlife safari destinations – The Masai Mara. Home to the colourful Masai Warriors that are so iconic of the region, and indeed Africa, no visit to this wonderful region would be complete without meeting the Masai people.

A visit to a Masai tribe enables you to learn about their culture, from trying a traditional dish, to learning their famous dance.

Masai Mara is also renowned for its wildlife, and most famously of all is the captivating annual wildebeest migration. Kenya has amazing experiences to offer!

Every year a staggering 1.5 million wildebeest migrate to the Masai Mara in search of its lush pastures, and it’s here that the most treacherous part of the journey awaits – the river crossing. To witness this spectacle is an emotional roller coaster, as the wildebeest dodge the deadly crocodiles and battle with their exhaustion in an attempt to make it to the other side of the river.

Chobe National Park, Botswana

The Chobe National Park, located in Northern Botswana is quite simply teeming with wildlife. In fact it had the highest concentration of wildlife in Africa and will fail to disappoint even the most discerning of safari-goers.

It’s varying landscape spanning over 4250 square miles, from the stunning Savute areas to the Linyanti River plays host to some truly captivating wildlife, including the Kalahari elephants, two rare species of antelope (puku and the Chobe bushbuck), lions, hyenas, wild dogs and a number of other species.

Bwindi National Park, Uganda

Bwindi National Park is located in Southwestern Uganda, and within it is the lush and biologically diverse impenetrable forest. It’s here that half of the world’s gorilla population live, with around 320 of these gentle giants roaming the protected forest.

There are many other mammals and primates that can be found here, but many people flock here for the chance to track the truly captivating mountain gorilla.