So, you’ve been having some LGBTQ+-friendly Big 5 safari fantasies…we don’t blame you! Life can get so busy sometimes that the idea of escaping to Africa’s wide-open landscapes and tranquil bush symphony is so alluring. Well, let’s just tell you that if you go to these top six places for an LGBTQ+-friendly safari, you're in for a treat. Get ready, because we’re about to spill the tea on what’s what in Africa!
Everyone’s all giddy with joy in Africa, Image Credit: Davidson’s Camp
1. Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Like an extra bit of privacy and don’t like sharing? We’ve got the place for you…Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve shares an unfenced border with the world-famous Kruger National Park. That means all the wildlife can roam freely for you to see the same staggering diversity and amount of species. However, the difference is that you get VIP access.
Unlike public areas, you can head off-road on safari in the Sabi Sand. So, when that lion swaggers off into the depths of the bush, you can follow it for a close-up. You can also stay out after dark to watch those nocturnal animals waking from their slumber. Want something even more adventurous? Take on the bush on your own two feet on a walking safari!
There are plenty of uber-luxurious lodges to choose from here – complete with art, fine dining, wine, massive gin collections, unique activities, pools with the best views, and more. Plus, it’s located in super gay-friendly South Africa, so you won’t have to worry about judgy stares!
Silvan Safari, the World’s Leading Luxury Lodge, is tucked away in the bush
When is The Best Time to Visit Sabi Sand?
The best time to visit this sensational safari paradise is in the dry winter season, from May to October. This is when the bush is dried out and sparse, making it much easier to spot wildlife.
However, if you want to see the bush in a lush emerald green and lively with newborn wildlife, you should visit during summer between December and February. It's also a great time for birders, as the migratory species come for their annual visit.
Romance is sleeping out under the stars on safari, Image Credit: Lion Sands
2. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
As Zimbabwe's largest national park, there's nothing underwhelming about this LGBTQ+-friendly Big 5 safari destination. It's even widely known for having one of the biggest elephant herds in all of Africa. Now that's big!
We love it for more reasons than its gentle giants, though. It's also home to what is believed to be the biggest endangered African wild dog population, and is the ultimate adventure safari destination, as you can venture out on a walking safari or even on horseback. Imagine blending into the bush and becoming one of the wildlife. Plus, it's super easy to add on a stay at the nearby majestic Victoria Falls!
Elephants as far as the eye can see, Image Credit: Somalisa Camp
When to Visit Hwange National Park
The best time to visit Hwange is from July to October, as this is the dry season. The high season runs from June to October, however, it can become quite crowded.
The low season is from January to May, and some lodges close during this wet season. If you want clear skies, plan your visit between April to September when it hardly ever rains.
You can expect clear skies in Hwange between April and September
3. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, South Africa
This conservation hub is located in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province and known for being the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa and one of the finest game viewing destinations. And this makes sense as the largest population of white rhinos calls it home, making it the perfect shelter for these vulnerable real-life unicorns.
Because of the unique coastline setting where Hluhluwe is found, we adore combining safaris with a beachside stay on the unspoilt beaches of Cape Vidal, Sodwana Bay and St Lucia. Other than sunning yourself to get that holiday glow bod, you can frolic in the waves and enjoy snorkelling, diving, surfing, and more.
Sunsets that are out of this world, Image Credit: Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
When is The Best Time to Visit Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park?
KwaZulu-Natal has a subtropical climate, which means the weather is pretty great year-round. The best time to visit Hluhluwe is in the drier winter months, from May to September. At this time, the vegetation thins out, and animals come together to sip from the remaining water sources, resulting in fabulous photo ops!
Graceful giraffes in KwaZulu-Natal, Image Credit: Hluhluwe Imfolozi-Park
4. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania probably needs no intro if you're a true safari enthusiast. Or even if you've never heard of it, you've more than likely seen it in a film or documentary somewhere. It's a pretty big deal! Not only because the Great Wildebeest Migration passes through the national park, but it's also huge and densely packed with a baffling array of other wildlife species.
From game drives to walking safaris, hot air balloon safaris, horseback riding safaris, and so much more – you'll never tire of going on safari in the Serengeti!
Admire the dizzying number of wildebeest in the Serengeti
When is The Best Time to Visit the Serengeti National Park?
The best time to visit the Serengeti National Park is really whenever you can! However, the peak season is from March to April. If you want to see the Great Wildebeest Migration when it passes through the western corridor, you should plan your visit around June and July, whereas the best time to see them in the northern parts is August to September. As this is the best time to visit the Serengeti to see the Great Migration, you can also expect it to be packed! So, ensure you book way in advance.
If you love cute baby wildlife, then you should plan your visit in January or February, as this is when most wildlife gives birth. Or, if you want to skip the crowds and get the best deals, we recommend you visit during the low season between April and May.
5. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Next up is the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, neighbours the Serengeti and is just as spectacular! It also plays host to part of the Great Migration. Other than this spectacle, the Maasai Mara is also well-known for its healthy lion, cheetah and leopard populations. Naturally, this only adds to the drama of the Great Migration pilgrimage as they're ready to pounce on these prey whenever they see a chance.
Another divine aspect of travelling here is the rich culture of the local Maasai. Here, you can run with Maasai warriors through the open savannah, get to know their culture, experience their famous jumping dance performances, and so much more.
The Great Wildebeest Migration in action
When is The Best Time to Visit the Maasai Mara National Reserve?
The best time to visit the Maasai Mara National Reserve depends on what you want to experience. If you want to see the Great Wildebeest Migration move through the croc-infested Mara River, then you should plan your trip in August.
Between September to November, the Great Migration journeys through the Mara Plains before returning to Tanzania's Serengeti National Park around November.
What are you looking at?
6. Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Africa's largest protected wetland, the Akagera National Park in Rwanda is the perfect destination if you want to combine a Big 5 safari and gorilla trekking expedition. It's home to a myriad of wildlife species and the last remaining refuge for savannah-adapted species in the country.
It's also a success story, and what used to be a depleted cattle-worn landscape is now a wildlife paradise, making it hard to believe that it's the same space. And still today, it serves as a conservation hub, a safe haven for endangered rhinos. It also runs several community upliftment initiatives, like its environmental education programmes with schools, thereby positively impacting those living around it through income generation opportunities.
The scenic Akagera National Park is perfect for an LGBTQ+-friendly Big 5 safari
When is The Best Time to Visit Akagera National Park?
The best time to visit the Akagera National Park is really at any time of year. However, game viewing is generally considered best from July to September when the vegetation is sparse, making it easier to see the animals.
Choose Akagera for your LGBTQ+-friendly Big 5 safari
Ready for Your Own LGBTQ+-Friendly Big 5 Safari?
Honey, Africa awaits! What are you waiting for? Stop dreaming, and let's start planning!
Contact our fabulous Travel Experts who will tailor-make your dream African holiday to a tee, so you don't have to worry about a thing other than looking fab and enjoying every second! See you soon.
