The African countries that make up “safari” Africa are the countries within East Africa and Southern Africa. It is these countries that are home to the so-called Big Five – Elephant, Lion, Cape Buffalo, Rhino, and Leopard – in addition to many other species of wildlife.

Africa is not only about wildlife. In fact, many of those that go on safari are enticed by Africa’s wildlife, but return home raving about the warmth and hospitality of the people. Returning safari goers also appreciate that taking a safari is not a once in a lifetime event. Each country making up “safari” Africa is different; therefore, it takes repeated visits to Africa to appreciate all that it has to offer. Think of Europe with its many nationalities, cultures and cuisine all mirrored in Africa. The colonial period in Africa is often referred to as the ‘Scramble for Africa,’ when the nations of Europe scrambled to claim a piece of the new world Africa.  This left each African country with its native traditions along with those adopted cultures of Europe. As a result, there is a huge diversity between the countries of Africa in wildlife, cuisine and culture.

East Africa

The countries that make up East Africa are Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda.

Southern Africa

The countries that make up Southern Africa are Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. The furthest north is Zambia, bordering Tanzania. The furthest South is South Africa at the tip of the Africa continent where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.

Indian Ocean Islands
Besides the well-known safari areas of Africa listed above there are also the Indian Ocean islands of Seychelles and Madagascar.

Seychelles is primarily a beach holiday on the world’s only granite islands. The island of Praslin is said to be the biblical Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve.

Madagascar is the only place in the world to find lemurs. There are many species of lemur from very small to quite large.