Best African Safari Destinations for American Travelers

So you’re an American traveler who perhaps has done the expected tourist hot spots? You’ve sailed the gondolas, climbed many steps on Greek islands, and you’ve swished sauvignon blanc in Bordeaux. Or maybe you’ve toured the entire USA and you’re ready for a completely different experience?

Regardless of where you’ve traveled, no place can compare to Africa, and myself, Kirsty Gordon, is going to tell you why it’s the best African safari destination for American travelers in 2023.

1. Easy to Reach

As an African travel specialist, it’s becoming rather difficult to keep up with all of the announcements (a good thing), as every day it seems a new American carrier announces its direct routes to different African international airports. Gone are the days of multiple stops and long layovers, bringing Africa closer to you. One of the easiest destinations to reach is South Africa and Nairobi in Kenya - the gateway to the Great Migration.

2. English-speaking Safaris

Most - if not all - safari, gorilla trekking and romantic island-hopping African adventures have guides and teams on the ground who can speak English. If you require a specific guide such as a French or Spanish-speaking guide, many of the establishments we work with can arrange ground handlers and guides who can assist.

During your vacation, you’ll be exposed to different African proverbs, cultures and rich analogies that we’re sure you’ll take home with you. One of our favorites is: “The eye never forgets what the heart has seen” - a true testament to exploring this great continent.

3. Experienced in Hosting Americans

More than 30 million tourists visit Africa each year and of those millions a high percentage hail from the USA. So what does this mean? Well, from my experience, all lodges are incredibly welcoming and understanding of the American market and your needs, making your stay one that is well catered for but still retaining an African authenticity.

Myself, and the Anywhere in Africa team, always plan your trip based on your bucket list. So if you’re looking for an uber-luxurious or nature-first immersive experience, we know exactly where to take you. With over 30 years of experience in bringing Americans to Africa, we know what we’re doing and what works best for you.

4. An All-in-one Destination

Another reason why Africa has my heart (FYI: I’ve traveled extensively across the globe) is because every country has a bit of everything. From cosmopolitan cities, culinary masterpieces, vast nature reserves and mountain peaks (some even get snow), to dense rainforests and pearly beaches or inland lakes. Africa has it all. And by “all” I sometimes mean adding a Maldives or Seychelles island escape to your safari because it really is easy to do!

5. African Destinations for Americans

With the above in mind here are my top tried-tested-and-best-suggested African destinations for you to visit as a first- or second-time visitor from America. 

South Africa

Perhaps the most obvious choice with Cape Town, Kruger National Park and the famed Garden Route on its map, but there are also a few other towns and places in my home country which I can highly recommend. South Africa is also a lovely add-on or explore-from destination with Victoria Falls, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia all within close proximity.

East Africa

 The classic safari reminiscent of yester-year and The Lion King, Tanzania and Kenya offer the “Out of Africa Safari '' complete with G&T game drives, fedora hats and khaki attire. Both countries offer a “bush and beach” experience with beautiful white beaches and azure waters.

Botswana

The Okavango Delta is a firm favorite and a place I feel that every person should see at least once in their lifetime. It promises a safari from all angles, with water- and land-based safaris, and also an opportunity to visit the NGO we work closely with, Elephant Havens. You can read more about how your trip booked with us benefits them here. 

Zimbabwe

Home to one side of Victoria Falls and a country that is so much more than the headlines you may read. This nation is perhaps the most friendly place I’ve ever visited, and safaris here are truly wild and immersive.

Zambia

Introducing the home to walking safaris or "safaris on foot" as some like to call it. And if you’re an adventurer, I’d also recommend adding a horseback safari experience. Here you can visit Victoria Falls from the ‘other’ side, and if you travel around mid-August to mid-January (low water) you can experience the famous "Devil’s Pool" experience, where you swim to the edge of Victoria Falls!

Bucket List Safaris for 2023 and Beyond

An African safari is one of the best ways you can travel in 2023 because of the direct impact your trip has on protecting wildlife, conserving habitats, employing people in rural communities, and educating children across Africa - it is also one of the safest. And as we settle into the ‘new normal’, safari and being out in nature will be one of the secure ways to travel anywhere in the world.

About Us

Anywhere in Africa Safaris has relationships with the best guides, rangers and lodges, allowing us to design a first-time safari tailored to you. Whether you’re planning a family-friendly adventure, a romantic honeymoon or a bucket list adventure, Kirsty and her team at Anywhere in Africa Safaris will get to know you and help you plan your ideal trip. 

If you want to join our "Anywhere in Africa Safaris" family, please sign up to our quarterly newsletter at the bottom of our home page. To follow our journeys and see Africa through the lens of our clients, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Find out more about my tailored services, and arrange an obligation-free consultation with myself by sending an email (kirsty@anywhereinafrica.com) to set up a time and date.

If you’d like to read more about my top travel tips, I think you’d like these blogs:

A Luxury African Vacation Few Know About - Yes, It's Possible

5 Reasons Why Kenya Should be on Your Travel Wish List

Reminiscing about 2021 and Sharing Africa With the World

Kirsty’s Top 7 Luxury African Vacations and Destinations She’s Sending Guests to Right Now

Cows and All, Self-Driving South Africas Northern KwaZulu-Natal