Top Summer Safaris in the World

• Summer offers excellent opportunities to witness dramatic wildlife activity, from the Great Migration in Africa to grizzly sightings in Yellowstone. 

• Each location offers distinct experiences, from mokoro canoe safaris in the Okavango to hot air balloon rides over the Serengeti. 

• Early mornings, knowledgeable guides, neutral clothing, and respectful behavior maximize safety during safaris. 
   

Summer safaris are a great way to explore the natural world when wildlife activity is at its peak. Whether you're heading to Yellowstone National Park, trekking through East Africa, or cruising the Okavango Delta, the warm summer months often bring clearer skies, better road conditions, and higher chances to spot wildlife. Many species are more visible in the dry season, gathering near water sources or staying active during early morning and evening hours. 

With careful planning, travelers can enjoy exceptional wildlife viewing across the world. If you’re ready to explore the beauty and excitement of the world’s great outdoors, this guide will help you discover the perfect summer safari destinations. 
 

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho 

As America’s first national park, Yellowstone National Park is a flagship destination for summer wildlife viewing. Covering an area of 8,991 square kilometers, including parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, Yellowstone supports a wide range of species, including grizzly bears, gray wolves, bison, and elk. 

The early morning hours are ideal for spotting animals, especially near Lamar Valley or Hayden Valley. During the summer months, the park’s road conditions improve, allowing easier access to major wildlife zones. 

Visitors often bring spotting scopes or join guided tours to increase the chances of seeing elusive predators. While summer draws more visitors, it also provides the best chance to witness animal behavior in action at lower elevations. 
 

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming 

South of Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park offers a different but equally rewarding safari experience. The park’s dramatic mountain backdrops and wide river valleys are perfect habitats for moose, bears, eagles, and other wildlife. 

Located near Jackson Hole, it serves as a base for wildlife tours and game drives. In the summertime, animals frequent lakes and streams, making them easier to spot. Thanks to the park’s high elevation, temperatures are often cooler, which helps maintain animal activity even during warmer days. 

Whether you're exploring on foot or via a guided half-day trip, Grand Teton is one of the top places in the U.S. for spotting many species of animals against a stunning alpine backdrop. 
 

Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya 

Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the world’s most iconic summer safari destinations, famous for its vast Savannah and incredible wildlife diversity. Located in southwestern Kenya, it is renowned for hosting the Great Migration from July to September, when over a million wildebeests, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, traverse the plains in search of fresh grazing. This spectacular natural event attracts predators like lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles, creating dramatic wildlife encounters. 

The reserve covers about 1,510 square kilometers and is named after the Maasai people, whose traditional lands it encompasses. Visitors enjoy game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, guided walking safaris, and hot air balloon rides for panoramic views. 

The Mara River, dotted with hippos and crocodiles, is a key wildlife hotspot, especially during river crossings. Beyond wildlife, cultural visits to Maasai villages offer insight into the tribe’s rich heritage. With abundant birdlife and the Big Five present, Masai Mara delivers an unforgettable, action-packed summer safari experience. 
 

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania 

Serengeti National Park is one of Africa’s most celebrated summer safari destinations. It is located in northern Tanzania and is famed for its sweeping plains and extraordinary wildlife. 

The Serengeti is best known for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move in a continuous cycle in search of fresh pasture. This natural spectacle peaks during the summer months, offering thrilling predator-prey encounters with lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. 

The park spans over 14,700 square kilometers, providing vast habitats for lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino as well as countless other species. 

Visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and even hot air balloon rides that reveal breathtaking views of the endless savannah. The Serengeti’s diverse ecosystems include open grasslands, riverine forests, and kopjes (rocky outcrops), supporting a rich variety of wildlife year-round, making it a must-visit African safari in summer. 
 

Okavango Delta, Botswana 

The Okavango Delta in Botswana covers 5800 square kilometers, offering a truly unique and enchanting summer safari experience. Unlike traditional savannah safaris, the Okavango is a vast inland delta where seasonal floods transform the landscape into a lush network of waterways, islands, and floodplains. 

This extraordinary ecosystem supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including large herds of elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and rare bird species. 

Summer, which coincides with the dry season in Botswana, is an excellent time to explore the delta’s waterways by traditional mokoro canoe or motorboat, providing intimate and quiet wildlife viewing opportunities. The delta’s lush vegetation attracts predators like lions and leopards, as well as herbivores such as buffalo and antelope. 

Exclusive luxury lodges and campsites offer immersive experiences, blending comfort with the raw beauty of the wilderness. Whether on foot, by boat, or vehicle, a summer safari in the Okavango Delta delivers unforgettable encounters with nature in one of Africa’s most pristine and captivating landscapes. 

Kruger National Park, South Africa 

Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest and most famous safari destinations, offering an exceptional summer safari experience. Spanning 19,455 square kilometers, Kruger National Park is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including the Big Five, lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros, as well as cheetahs, hippos, giraffes, and hundreds of bird species. 

Summer in Kruger coincides with the rainy season, bringing lush greenery and abundant wildlife activity, especially newborn animals. While the rains can bring afternoon showers, mornings and evenings are perfect for game drives when animals are most active. 

The park’s extensive network of roads allows visitors to embark on self-drive safaris or join guided tours led by experienced rangers. 

Kruger also offers a range of accommodations, from rustic campsites to luxury lodges, making it accessible to all types of travelers. 
 

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania 

Ngorongoro Crater, also called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” offers a spectacular summer safari experience in Tanzania, covering area of around 260 square kilometers. This massive volcanic caldera, about 20 kilometers wide, is home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife anywhere in Africa.  

The crater’s diverse habitats, grasslands, forests, and a soda lake, support a rich variety of animals, including lions, elephants, black rhinos, buffalo, zebras, and hippos. 

Summer is an excellent time to visit, as the dry season makes wildlife easier to spot. The crater’s natural enclosure creates a unique ecosystem where predators and prey coexist in close proximity, providing thrilling game viewing. 

Visitors explore the crater floor via guided game drives, often spotting rare black rhinos and large lion prides. The nearby Maasai communities add cultural richness to the safari experience. With its breathtaking scenery and dense wildlife populations, Ngorongoro Crater is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a memorable summer safari experience. 
 

Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe 

Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, offers an exciting summer safari experience on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Beyond the awe-inspiring waterfall, the surrounding national parks, Mosi-oa-Tunya and Zambezi, are rich in wildlife, including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and a variety of bird species. 

Safari activities around Victoria Falls include game drives, boat cruises on the Zambezi River, and walking safaris, offering diverse perspectives on the region’s wildlife. The river is a hotspot for spotting hippos and crocodiles, while the parks’ savannahs provide opportunities to see elephants and buffalo. 

Visitors can also enjoy thrilling adventures like white-water rafting and helicopter flights over the falls. Victoria Falls is a perfect summer safari destination for those seeking both natural beauty and adventure. 

Essential Tips for Spotting Wildlife and Staying Safe 

Summer safaris are magical, but they are not exactly a “show up and wing it” kind of adventure. A little preparation goes a long way when you are out in the wild. From knowing when the animals are most active to making sure you are covered if things go sideways, here are some essential tips to make your safari a memorable one: 

Choose the Right Time and Place - Plan your safari during the season and time of day when animals are most active. Early mornings and late afternoons are prime for wildlife sightings, as many animals avoid the midday heat by resting. Research the peak season for the specific animals and parks you want to visit to maximize your chances of sightings. 

Use Experienced Guides - Hiring knowledgeable, certified guides is crucial. They understand animal behavior, habitats, and safety protocols, helping you spot elusive wildlife and enhancing your overall experience. 

Maintain Respectful Distance and Quiet - Keep a safe distance from animals to avoid disturbing them. Stay quiet, minimize noise, and avoid sudden movements. Do not feed or attempt to touch wildlife. Use non-intrusive photography methods, like avoiding flash, which can startle animals. 

Dress Appropriately - Wear neutral-colored, comfortable clothing that blends into the environment. Avoid bright colors that may scare animals. Protect yourself from the sun and insects with hats, sunscreen, and repellents. 

Follow Safari Etiquette - Make sure to follow your guide’s instructions, stay on designated paths, and respect other visitors. Avoid littering and ensure your actions have minimal impact on the environment and wildlife. 
 

FAQs About Summer Safaris 

1. Is summer too hot for safaris? 

Not necessarily. While temperatures can climb in lower elevations, mornings and evenings tend to be cool. In high elevation areas like Jackson Hole or the Ngorongoro Crater, summer weather is often quite pleasant. 

2. Are safaris safe for families with kids? 

Absolutely, as long as you choose a reputable operator and follow safety guidelines. Some lodges even offer child-friendly game drives and educational programs. 

3. Can I get a refund if my safari is canceled? 

This depends on your tour provider's cancellation policy. Many offer full or partial refunds if you cancel within a set time frame. Check the fine print and consider flexible booking options.