Where to safari if South Africa feels too expensive (or too busy)

When South Africa’s flagship parks start to feel like peak-season airports—queuing for sightings and budgeting like you’re booking a luxury honeymoon—it might be time to widen your map.

From Zimbabwe’s elephant corridors to Malawi’s rising conservation star, these alternative safari destinations deliver on wildlife, wilderness, and value. Some are self-drive friendly, others are best tackled with a guide—but all offer something South Africa sometimes can’t: space, stillness, and smaller bills.

1. Zimbabwe – Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park/Christine Donaldson/Unsplash

Hwange might be one of Southern Africa’s best-kept secrets. Zimbabwe’s largest national park boasts 100+ mammal species, including one of the densest elephant populations in the world. Unlike Kruger, you won’t jostle for space at a lion kill—many sightings are yours alone.

• Top sightings: elephants, painted dogs (African wild dog), lions, and sable antelope.
• Safari style: Self-drive, affordable lodges, and guided tours.
• Bonus: Pair it with nearby Victoria Falls for a double hit of nature.

2. Zambia – South Luangwa National Park

Bushbuck antelope in South Luangwa National Park/Dmitrii Zhodzishskii/Unsplash

South Luangwa is where the walking safari was born. Forget safari traffic; this is about tracking lion prints on foot, led by some of Africa’s best-trained guides. Night drives are a standout here too, revealing leopards and porcupines under starry skies.

• Top sightings: Leopards, bushbucks, hippos, elephants, and Thornicroft’s giraffe.
• Safari style: Rustic bush camps to mid-range lodges.
• Budget tip: Visit in shoulder season (May or November) for better deals.

3. Namibia – Etosha National Park

Zebras at Etosha National Park/Joshua Kettle/Unsplash

Etosha’s magic lies in its stark beauty. The vast salt pan creates a unique safari backdrop, and you don’t need to drive far—just park near a waterhole and let the wildlife come to you. It’s one of Africa’s most budget-friendly self-drive options.

• Top sightings: black rhino, lions, giraffes, oryx, and springbok.
• Safari style: Self-drive with affordable rest camps.
• Tip: Camps inside the park have floodlit waterholes for nighttime viewing.

ALSO READ: Beyond the Big Five: Rare African wildlife worth travelling for

4. Botswana – Khwai Concession

While Botswana is known for ultra-luxury lodges, the Khwai community concession near Moremi opens the Delta magic to self-drivers and budget travellers. It is a superb alternative to the Moremi Game Reserve, which can be visited all year round. It’s wild, rich in predators, and supports local tourism initiatives.

• Top sightings: wild dogs, leopards, elephants, and mokoro (dugout canoe) trips.
• Safari style: Community-run campsites or modest lodges.
• Good to know: Roads can be tricky—bring experience or a guide.

5. Tanzania – Ruaha National Park

Hippos at Ruaha National Park/Richard Mortel from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia/Wikimedia Commons

Overshadowed by the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, Ruaha is Tanzania’s secret star. It’s massive, remote, and sees a fraction of the tourist traffic. The landscape—baobab forests and red-dirt rivers—feels raw and ancient.

• Top sightings: Lions (in super prides), elephants, kudu, and wild dogs.
• Safari style: Mid-range camps with strong conservation ties.
• Fly smarter: Dar es Salaam is often cheaper than Arusha.

6. Kenya – Laikipia Conservancies

Zebras at Laikipia Conservancies/Kibengado/Wikimedia Commons

Laikipia is where safari meets sustainability. These community-owned conservancies north of Mount Kenya offer unique experiences: rhino tracking on foot, camel safaris, and intimate camps where tourism funds anti-poaching efforts.

• Top sightings: Reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, lions, and rhino.
• Safari style: Guided walks and small tented camps.
• Why it works: Lower density, higher purpose.

7. Malawi – Liwonde National Park

Goliath Heron at Liwonde National Park/Francesco Veronesi from Italy/Wikimedia Commons

Once overrun by poachers, Liwonde is now a model of restoration, thanks to active management and rewilding. Its compact size makes it excellent for first-timers, and it pairs beautifully with beach time on Lake Malawi.

• Top sightings: elephants, black rhinos, hippos, crocs, and birds.
• Safari style: Small lodges and guided boat or vehicle safaris.
• Perfect pair: End your trip on the lake’s quiet shores.

Safari smarter: Tips for travelling beyond SA

• Time it right: Avoid high season (June–September) if possible. Shoulder months often offer lower prices and good sightings.
• Fly clever: Hub airports like Windhoek, Lusaka, or Dar es Salaam can be cheaper than Joburg.
• Self-drive vs. guided: Some parks (Etosha, Hwange) are self-drive friendly, while others (Ruaha, South Luangwa) shine with guides.
• Give back: Look for camps that are community-run or actively support conservation and local employment.

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ALSO READ: Africa’s underrated safari hotspots (that aren’t in SA or Kenya)