After reading countless travel reports, watching videos, and comparing various safari destinations, a few favorites stood out. Namibia, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa were top contenders on my list for quite a while.
Each of these countries has its own unique charm. So, I began systematically comparing the different options.
Comparison of Possible Destinations
Namibia
✅ Spectacular landscapes
✅ Low population density
✅ Ideal for photographers
❌ Fewer classic Big Five safaris
Botswana
✅ Untouched wilderness
✅ Excellent wildlife viewing
❌ Higher costs
❌ More complicated travel logistics
Kenya
✅ Large animal migrations
✅ Famous savannahs
✅ Many national parks
❌ Long travel times
❌ Greater distances to cover
Tanzania
✅ Serengeti
✅ Ngorongoro Crater
✅ Impressive wildlife
❌ Higher travel costs
South Africa
✅ Excellent infrastructure
✅ Wide selection of lodges
✅ Easily accessible
✅ Malaria-free regions available
❌ Some areas more developed for tourism
As I researched more, I found that many of my criteria aligned especially well with South Africa.
Why South Africa Became Increasingly Appealing
For me, the focus wasn’t just on the animals. A smooth journey, high-quality accommodations, great photo opportunities, and the ease of planning a trip solo were equally important.
What really convinced me:
✓ Wide range of safari regions
✓ Many high-quality lodges across different price levels
✓ Good accessibility from Europe
✓ No visa requirement for Swiss tourists on typical vacation stays
✓ Malaria-free reserves as attractive alternatives
✓ Outstanding opportunities for wildlife photography
✓ Well-developed tourist infrastructure
✓ English widely spoken as the travel language
✓ High chances of spotting the Big Five
✓ Ideal for solo travelers
✓ Great mix of adventure and comfort
✓ Comparatively good value for money
✓ Plenty of reviews and information available for planning
The longer I researched, the more South Africa kept drawing me in. It perfectly blended adventure, comfort, and wildlife – exactly what I hoped for on my first safari.
The Decision Is Made
At some point, I realized that while the other countries still fascinated me, my search kept bringing me back to South Africa.
The decision, then, surprisingly came quite easily.
My 2026 safari will take place in South Africa.
With this, the first major milestone for the project was complete. But the next challenge was already waiting: choosing the right safari region and the perfect lodge.
“The country was chosen – but the real adventure of planning had only just begun.”