Are you from Italy and planning a safari in Africa? You’re not alone—each year, many Italian travelers set off on incredible adventures to experience Africa’s rich wildlife, stunning landscapes, and diverse cultures. However, with so many safari destinations to choose from, it can be difficult to decide where to go and what experiences to prioritize. Whether you’re drawn to the idea of gazing at majestic wildlife in their natural habitat, tracking gorillas in the forests of Uganda, or exploring Africa’s iconic national parks, there are plenty of unforgettable experiences waiting for you.

Italians have long been drawn to Africa’s beauty, and they often opt for wildlife safaris in countries like Kenya, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Uganda. In Kenya, visitors can explore the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve for a chance to witness the Great Migration, while in South Africa, safaris in places like Kruger National Park and Addo Elephant Park offer spectacular wildlife sightings. Namibia’s Namib Desert and Botswana’s Okavango Delta provide unique landscapes and experiences, while Uganda offers gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest—an activity that draws adventurers from all over the globe.

If you’re planning a safari from Italy, it’s important to know what to expect, how to prepare, and where to visit. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the best safari destinations and offer insights into how Italians typically plan their trips to Africa. From game drives to cultural experiences, let’s dive into the African safaris most loved by Italian travelers and how you can make the most of your trip.

Best Safari Destinations for Italians

For Italian travelers seeking an unforgettable safari adventure, Africa offers a diverse range of experiences—from lush jungles filled with primates to vast savannahs teeming with wildlife. Whether you prefer gorilla trekking in Uganda, the endless plains of Kenya and Tanzania, or the deserts and wetlands of Botswana and Namibia, Africa has something to suit every traveler. Below are some of the best safari destinations for Italians, including Uganda, a rising star in African tourism.

1. Uganda – The Pearl of Africa

Uganda is an excellent destination for Italians who love nature, adventure, and diverse wildlife encounters. The country is home to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of the best places in the world for gorilla trekking. Seeing the endangered mountain gorillas up close is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that cannot be missed. The Murchison Falls National Park offers an impressive combination of wildlife safaris and boat cruises along the Nile River, where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its tree-climbing lions, while Kibale National Park provides excellent opportunities for chimpanzee tracking. With beautiful landscapes, friendly locals, and a mix of adventure and relaxation, Uganda is a must-visit for safari lovers from Italy.

2. Kenya – The Classic Safari Destination

Kenya is one of the most iconic safari destinations in Africa, attracting many Italians each year. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is world-famous for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests and zebras cross the plains in search of greener pastures. This spectacle, which occurs between July and October, is a highlight for nature lovers and photographers. Kenya is also home to Amboseli National Park, where you can capture breathtaking views of elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. Additionally, the Samburu and Tsavo National Parks offer unique wildlife experiences. Many direct flights from Italy to Nairobi make Kenya a convenient safari destination.

3. Tanzania – The Land of the Serengeti and Zanzibar

Tanzania is another incredible safari destination for Italians. The Serengeti National Park, much like the Maasai Mara, hosts the Great Migration and offers unparalleled wildlife viewing. The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides a natural enclosure for a dense population of animals, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino). For those who love trekking, Mount Kilimanjaro is a major attraction. After an exciting safari, Italians can unwind on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, a paradise with turquoise waters and rich Swahili culture.

4. South Africa – A Mix of Wildlife and Luxury

South Africa is perfect for Italians looking for a blend of safari adventure and urban experiences. The Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest and most well-maintained parks, offering a high chance of spotting the Big Five. Unlike other African destinations, South Africa has luxury safari lodges, making it ideal for honeymooners and those seeking comfort. Additionally, Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, and the scenic Garden Route add to the country’s charm, making it a great destination for extended travel.

5. Namibia – A Unique Desert Safari Experience

For Italians who prefer less crowded destinations, Namibia is an excellent choice. The Namib Desert, with its towering sand dunes in Sossusvlei, offers breathtaking landscapes. Etosha National Park provides excellent wildlife viewing, especially at its waterholes. The rugged terrain of Damaraland is home to desert-adapted elephants and rhinos, making Namibia a dream destination for those seeking solitude and stunning scenery.

6. Botswana – Luxury Safari in the Okavango Delta

Botswana is a top destination for those who appreciate exclusivity and conservation. The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers an unmatched water-based safari experience with mokoro (dugout canoe) rides through its lush channels. The Chobe National Park is home to the largest population of elephants in Africa, while the Kalahari Desert provides unique desert wildlife encounters. Although Botswana is more expensive than other safari destinations, the high-quality lodges and untouched wilderness make it worth the investment.

Can i combine Kenya and Uganda for Gorilla Safari?

Yes! Combining Kenya and Uganda for a gorilla safari is a fantastic idea, allowing you to experience both the incredible wildlife of Kenya’s savannahs and the rare mountain gorillas of Uganda’s forests. This combination offers the best of East Africa, from the famous Maasai Mara to the dense jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

A typical itinerary starts in Kenya, where you can enjoy a classic safari in Maasai Mara, Amboseli, or Lake Nakuru National Park. After witnessing the Big Five and the Great Migration (between July and October), you can take a flight or road transfer to Uganda for the gorilla trekking experience. The most convenient route is flying from Nairobi to Entebbe, then connecting to Kisoro or Kihihi airstrips near Bwindi, or driving from Kampala to Bwindi, which takes about 8–10 hours.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda requires a permit, which costs $800 per person (as of 2024). The trek itself is an adventure, as you hike through thick forests to find the gentle giants in their natural habitat.

Combining Kenya and Uganda gives you a diverse and unforgettable safari experience, mixing savannah game drives with intimate encounters with mountain gorillas. With good planning and the right tour operator like Kenlink Tours, this multi-country adventure is seamless and highly rewarding.

How many days do i need to combine Uganda and Kenya Safari?

To fully enjoy a combined Uganda and Kenya safari, you need at least 8 to 15 days, depending on the activities you want to include. This allows enough time to explore both Kenya’s savannahs and Uganda’s gorilla habitats without feeling rushed.

A well-planned itinerary could include:

• Days 1-3: Arrive in Nairobi, then head to Maasai Mara for game drives, witnessing the Big Five and, if timed right, the Great Migration.

• Days 4-5: Visit Lake Nakuru or Amboseli National Park for more wildlife encounters, including flamingos, rhinos, and views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

• Day 6: Fly or drive to Uganda via Entebbe.

• Days 7-8: Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga for gorilla trekking.

• Days 9-10: Add chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest or a wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park for a complete Ugandan experience.

• Days 11-12: Return to Entebbe or Nairobi for your departure.

Is Gorilla Trekking safe in Uganda?

Yes, gorilla trekking in Uganda is very safe. The activity is conducted in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both of which are highly protected by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers and law enforcement agencies. Armed rangers accompany all trekking groups to ensure security from poachers or any potential threats.

Additionally, gorillas in Uganda are habituated, meaning they are accustomed to human presence and do not pose a danger as long as visitors follow the guidelines. Before trekking, a safety briefing is conducted, instructing visitors on how to behave around gorillas—such as maintaining a 7-meter distance, avoiding direct eye contact, and staying quiet.

Health precautions are also in place to protect both gorillas and tourists. If you are sick, you may be restricted from trekking to prevent transmitting diseases to the gorillas.

The trekking trails are generally safe, though they can be steep and muddy, requiring moderate physical fitness. Hiring a porter can help ease the trek.