African Safari From UK
Expert planned safaris from the United Kingdom with smooth travel arrangements and experienced safari guides.
Top African Safari Destinations
for Travelers from UK
From Kenya’s famous Masai Mara National Reserve to Botswana’s remarkable Okavango Delta, explore some of Africa’s best safari destinations easily reached from the United Kingdom.
First Time Safari Goers
Masai Mara, Kenya
Witness the Great Migration, one of nature’s most spectacular events. Home to the Big Five and over 470 bird species.
- Big Five Guaranteed
- Great Migration (Jul-Oct)
- Masai Culture
Elephant lovers & photographers
Amboseli, Kenya
Famous for large elephant herds set against Mount Kilimanjaro, offering iconic African safari views.
- Kilimanjaro Backdrop
- Large Elephant Herds
- Close Wildlife Encounters
Photography enthusiasts
Serengeti, Kenya
Endless plains teeming with wildlife. The Serengeti offers year-round game viewing and unmatched wilderness.
- Year-round Wildlife
- Luxury Tented Camps
- Ngorongoro Crater
Family & Self Drivers
Kruger, South Africa
One of Africa’s largest game reserves with excellent infrastructure and self-drive options.
- Self-drive safaris
- Luxury lodges
- Malaria-free options
Desert wildlife lovers
Etosha, Namibia
A vast salt pan landscape where wildlife gathers around dramatic waterholes, perfect for photography and unique safari scenes.
- Desert-adapted wildlife
- Floodlit waterholes
- Self-drive friendly
Bucket List Travellers
Volcanoes, Rwanda
A once-in-a-lifetime encounter with endangered mountain gorillas in the misty Volcanoes National Park.
- Mountain gorilla trekking
- Golden monkey tracking
- Akagera safari
Flights from the UK to Africa for Safari
Several airlines operate direct and connecting flights from major cities in the United Kingdom to African safari destinations. Flight time usually ranges from about 8 to 12 hours depending on the route and stopover.
Airlines Flying from the United Kingdom to Africa
British Airways
Hub: London Heathrow
Flights to: Nairobi, Johannesburg, Cape Town
Kenya Airways
Hub: Nairobi
From: London Heathrow
Ethiopian Airlines
Hub: Addis Ababa
From: London Heathrow, Manchester
Qatar Airways
Hub: Doha
From: London, Manchester, Edinburgh
Emirates
Hub: Dubai
From: London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow
Tips for Booking Flights
- Planning flights early helps secure better fares and preferred travel dates.
- Book flights about three to six months before travel
- Consider connections through Doha, Dubai, or Addis Ababa for more route options
- Set fare alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner to track prices
- Some airlines offer good value upgrades to premium or business class
Best Departure Cities in the United Kingdom
Travelers can start their safari journey from several major airports.
| Departure City | Direct Flights | Average Price Round Trip | Flight Time | Best Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London Heathrow | Yes | £600 to £1,100 | 8 to 10 hours | British Airways, Kenya Airways |
| Manchester | Connecting | £650 to £1,150 | 10 to 12 hours | Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates |
| Birmingham | Connecting | £650 to £1,200 | 10 to 12 hours | Emirates, Qatar Airways |
| Edinburgh | Connecting | £700 to £1,250 | 11 to 13 hours | Qatar Airways, Emirates |
| Glasgow | Connecting | £700 to £1,250 | 11 to 13 hours | Emirates, Qatar Airways |
Arrival in Africa and Transfers to Safari Parks
Most travelers from the United Kingdom arrive in East Africa through two main international airports.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport serves as the main gateway to Kenya. Many safari trips begin here before continuing to Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, or Lake Nakuru National Park.
Kilimanjaro International Airport connects travelers to the northern Tanzania safari circuit including Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park.
From these airports, travelers continue to safari parks using short domestic flights or comfortable road transfers to lodges and camps.
Everything You Need to Know
Before You Go
From visas to currencies, here’s your complete travel information guide for an African safari from the United Knigdom.
Kenya
$30
eVisa required
Processing Time: 2-3 business days
Validity: 90 days
UK travelers must apply online for an eTA before travel. It replaces the previous tourist visa. A yellow fever certificate may be required if arriving from an affected country.
Tanzania
$50
Visa on arrival or eVisa
Processing Time: Instant (on arrival) or 3-5 days (eVisa)
Validity: 90 days
Many travelers apply for an eVisa before departure to avoid airport queues.
South Africa
Visa Free
No visa required (UK citizens)
Processing Time: N/A
Validity: 90 days on Arrival
UK citizens can enter South Africa for tourism without a visa. Passports must have at least two blank pages.
Zambia
Visa Free
No visa required (UK citizens)
Processing Time: N/A
Validity: 30 days on Arrival
UK travelers must have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival and enough blank pages for entry stamps.
Rwanda
Visa Free
No visa required (UK citizens)
Processing Time: N/A
Validity: 30 days on Arrival
Tourists visiting Rwanda for short stays do not require a visa. Gorilla trekking permits must be booked separately and well in advance.
Namibia
$100-120
Visa Required
Processing Time: Apply online in advance or obtain a visa on arrival
Validity: 90 days
Travelers must have a passport valid for at least six months with several blank pages. Applying in advance helps avoid delays at entry points.
Time Zones and Travel Duration from the UK
Africa is only a few hours ahead of the United Kingdom, so jet lag is usually minimal for travelers. This makes safari travel from the UK easier compared with long haul journeys to Asia or Australia.
| East Africa Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda |
Time Zone EAT (UTC+3) |
Time Difference from UK +3 hours |
| Sounthern Africa South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe |
Time Zone CAT / SAST (UTC+2) |
Time Difference from UK +2 hours |
Travel Duration from the United Kingdom
| UK Departure Region | Destination | Flight Duration |
|---|---|---|
| London | → Nairobi | 8 to 9 hours |
| London | → Johannesburg | 10 to 11 hours |
| Manchester | → Nairobi | 9 to 11 hours |
| Birmingham | → Nairobi | 10 to 12 hours |
| Edinburgh | → Nairobi | 10 to 12 hours |
| London | → Cape Town | 11 to 12 hours |
Jet Lag Tips for Safari Travelers from the UK
Traveling from the United Kingdom to Africa usually involves a small time difference, so jet lag is often mild. A few simple steps can still help you adjust quickly.
-
Adjust your sleep schedule one or two days before departure
-
Stay hydrated during the flight and limit alcohol or caffeine
-
Take some time to rest after arrival before your first game drive
-
Morning game drives often start around 5:30 to 6:00 AM, so an early sleep schedule can help
-
Many safari lodges offer a quiet break between morning and evening game drives, which is a good time to relax and recharge
Currency Guide for UK Travelers
While some safari lodges accept major foreign currencies, most payments in African countries use local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and lodges, but small purchases and tips often require local cash.
Kenya
Kenyan Shilling (KES)
1 GBP ≈ 165 KES
Cards Accepted ✓
Tanzania
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
1 GBP ≈ 3,200 TZS
Cards Accepted ✓
Rwanda
Rwandan Franc (RWF)
1 GBP ≈ 1,650 RWF
Cards Accepted ✓
South Africa
South African Rand (ZAR)
1 GBP ≈ 23 ZAR
Cards Accepted ✓
Namibia
Namibian Dollar (NAD)
1 GBP ≈ 23 NAD
Cards Accepted ✓
Zambia
Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)
1 GBP ≈ 30 ZMW
Cards Accepted ✓
Currency Tips
Exchange rates change frequently, so it is best to check the latest rates before travel.
-
Carry some local cash for markets, small shops, and tips
-
Inform your bank before traveling so your card works abroad
-
ATMs are available in major cities but limited near safari parks
-
Tipping guide: about £8 to £15 per day for safari guides and £4 to £8 per day for lodge staff
Ready to Plan Your
African Safari?
Get a free, personalized safari quote from our experts. No commitment, no pressure – just expert advice tailored to your dream trip.
Call Us
+91-993 377 2287
WhatsApp Us
+91-993 377 2287
Get Your Free Quote
Our safari specialist will respond within 24 hours
Typical Safari Duration for Travelers from the UK
Most visitors from the United Kingdom choose safari trips that last 7 to 10 days. Direct flights from London to East Africa make it easier to plan a well paced safari that covers more than one wildlife area.
This duration gives travelers enough time for several game drives and the chance to explore different landscapes across Kenya and Tanzania.
A typical safari plan may look like this:
- Arrival in Nairobi
- Flight to Masai Mara National Reserve for game drives
- Continue to Serengeti National Park or Ngorongoro Crater
- Return through Nairobi or Kilimanjaro International Airport
This route connects some of East Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations and offers strong chances of seeing lions, elephants, giraffes, and many other animals in their natural habitat.
Handcrafted Safari Itineraries
Explore our most popular safari itineraries, each designed to showcase the best of Africa. All itineraries are fully customizable to your preferences.
9 Nights / 10 Days
Big Five of Kenya Safari
Track lions, elephants and more across Kenya’s finest reserves with classic game drives and rich savannah landscapes.
- Masai Mara
- Amboseli
- Lake Nakuru
6 Nights / 7 Days
Masai Mara & Serengeti Safari
Explore East Africa’s legendary plains as wildlife moves freely between Masai Mara and Serengeti in a classic safari journey.
- Masai Mara
- Lake Nakuru
- Serengeti
4 Nights / 5 Days
Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha & Lake Nakuru Safari
From Mara’s rich plains to Naivasha’s quiet shores and Nakuru’s birdlife, this safari blends wildlife viewing with scenic lakes.
- Masai Mara
- Lake Nakuru
- Lake Naivasha
Best Time to Book an African Safari from the UK
Choosing the right season can improve wildlife sightings, travel comfort, and overall safari experience. Travelers from the United Kingdom often plan their trips around wildlife seasons in East Africa.
Peak Season
June – October
Dry season across most of Africa. Best wildlife viewing as animals gather at water sources. Great Migration river crossings in Kenya/Tanzania.
Shoulder Season
November & March – May
Fewer crowds with good wildlife viewing. Green season brings lush landscapes, newborn animals, and migrant birds. Excellent photography conditions.
Green Season
December – February
Summer in southern Africa, rainy in East Africa. Calving season in Serengeti (Jan-Feb). Lower prices and fewer tourists.
Safari Vehicles Used on African Safaris
Most game drives in Africa use specially designed four wheel drive vehicles built for wildlife viewing. The most common vehicle is the Toyota Land Cruiser with raised seating and a pop up roof that allows guests to stand and enjoy better views of animals and the surrounding landscape.
Some safari camps also use open sided vehicles that provide clear visibility and good photography opportunities during game drives.
You can learn more in our guide on Types of Safari Vehicles in Africa and How to Choose.
