When it comes to capturing the essence of Africa’s natural beauty and wildlife, a safari provides the perfect backdrop for some unforgettable Instagram content. From dramatic landscapes to intimate wildlife encounters, here are the top 5 most Instagrammable safari locations in Africa to enhance your Instagram feed, as recommended by experts at Discover Africa.
1. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania - #serengeti – 1,058,833 IG Tags The Serengeti National Park is arguably one of the most iconic safari destinations in the world. Its vast plains, dotted with acacia trees, stretch as far as the eye can see, providing a classic African landscape that is perfect for photography.
• Instagram Tips: Sunrise and sunset are magical times in the Serengeti. Capture the silhouettes of giraffes against the fiery sky or the expansive herds of antelope grazing in the early morning mist. A hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti offers unparalleled aerial shots that capture the vastness and beauty of the park.
2. Kruger National Park, South Africa – #krugernationalpark – 1,017,562 IG Tags
Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest game reserves and a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. With its dense populations of the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo), Kruger offers countless opportunities for capturing some of Africa’s most iconic animals in their natural habitat.
• Instagram Tips: The park’s vast network of roads and trails allows for easy access to prime wildlife viewing areas. For the best Instagram shots, focus on capturing animal behaviours — a leopard in a tree, a lion on the hunt, or a herd of elephants crossing a river. The park's diverse landscapes, from savannahs to forests, also provide a variety of backdrops for your photos.
3. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya - #MasaiMara – 332,287 IG Tags
Renowned for its annual Great Migration, the Masai Mara National Reserve offers some of the most spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities in Africa. Picture thousands of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles thundering across the plains in a timeless migration spectacle — it’s a scene that’s as dramatic as it is photogenic.
• Instagram Tips: Capture the early morning or late afternoon light for softer, golden hues. A shot of a lion pride lounging in the sun or elephants wading through the Mara River will surely capture your followers' attention. Don't forget to snap the vibrant Maasai culture with their colourful shukas and beaded jewellery for a cultural touch.
4. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania - #ngorongorocrater – 205,123 IG Tags
The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most stunning safari locations in Africa. Formed millions of years ago by a volcanic eruption, the crater now serves as a natural enclosure for an array of wildlife, including the rare black rhino.
• Instagram Tips: The crater’s rim provides a breathtaking panoramic view, perfect for wide-angle shots. Inside the crater, close-ups of the diverse wildlife against the backdrop of the crater walls can create a dramatic effect. For something truly unique, take a picture of the morning mist rising over the crater, which gives the landscape a mysterious, almost ethereal quality.
5. Okavango Delta, Botswana - #okavangodelta – 189,341 IG Tags
The Okavango Delta is a unique safari destination known for its lush wetlands and diverse wildlife. As one of the largest inland deltas in the world, the Okavango Delta offers a stark contrast to the arid landscapes typical of many African safaris.
• Instagram Tips: Mokoro rides (traditional dugout canoes) provide an intimate view of the delta’s waterways, making for great content. Capture the tranquil waters reflecting the sky, the vivid birdlife, or a majestic elephant wading through the channels. The delta’s sunsets, with their vibrant pinks and oranges, make for some stunning sunset shots.
Africa’s safari destinations offer unparalleled beauty and an abundance of wildlife, making them perfect for capturing Instagram-worthy moments. Whether you’re drawn to the vast plains of the Serengeti or the wetlands of the Okavango Delta, each location provides a unique canvas for your photography. With Discover Africa’s innovative HerdTracker tool, you can track migrating wildlife herds to ensure you get the best footage possible. So, pack your camera, head out into the wild, and start snapping — your followers will thank you!
For more information on Discover Africa and their HerdTracker, please visit Discover Africa.
Image Credit: Okavango Delta Explorations
