Travellers planning an African safari between September and December 2026 may find a new ranking by travel eSIM provider Holafly useful as a starting point.
Holafly, which provides international eSIM data plans for travellers, has published its first Autumn/Winter Safari Destination Index. The company ranked safari destinations according to factors including wildlife density, seasonal conditions, accessibility and conservation credentials.
Kruger National Park in South Africa claimed the top spot, followed by Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe and Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Holafly's Top 5 Safari Destinations for 2026
- Kruger National Park, South Africa
- Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
- South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
- Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
- Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
For travellers, the timing is particularly interesting. September and October generally coincide with the end of the dry season in several of these destinations, when wildlife can be easier to spot around limited water sources. By November and December, rains begin transforming parts of Southern and East Africa, bringing greener landscapes and changing wildlife movements.
Holafly placed Kruger National Park at number one because of its combination of wildlife, infrastructure, flight connectivity and accommodation options. For independent travellers, the park's extensive self-drive opportunities and range of accommodation also make it one of Africa's most flexible safari destinations.
Hwange National Park was highlighted as a particularly strong option during the late dry season, while the Serengeti National Park ranked highly for travellers interested in the Great Migration as herds move south towards the short-grass plains later in the year.
Of course, there is no single best safari destination for every traveller. Your budget, travel dates and preferred safari experience will ultimately matter more than any ranking. But if you are planning a late-2026 African safari, Holafly's list offers a useful shortlist — with Kruger National Park once again showing why it remains one of the continent's leading safari destinations.
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