Best safari destinations in Africa : Who hasn’t fantasized about visiting Africa for a safari? Many people are motivated to visit this enormous continent in order to witness rare animals in their natural environments and to take in the cultural richness that Africa has to offer. But did you know that there are currently over 60 national parks in South Africa, Zambia, and Kenya alone? Each park has a unique landscape and array of wildlife. Choosing a national park to visit can be challenging due to their large number. But don’t worry, we’ve carefully chosen the most stunning national parks and top safari locations in Africa for you below to help you plan your vacation.
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.
Maasai Mara consistently ranks highest on lists of the best safari locations in Africa. This outstanding national park, which is located close to Tanzania in southwest Kenya, is home to over 570 different species of birds and 95 different kinds of mammals, making it the perfect place for a safari. In addition, it’s among the top destinations in Africa to observe the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, rhinoceros, and Cape buffalo).
Although there is always much to do in this incredible reserve, July through October is the best time to go because of the great wildebeest migration, or between December and February if you want to increase your chances of seeing more big cats.
Chobe National Park, Botswana.
The first and most biologically varied national park in Botswana is located in the north of the nation, close to the Okavango Delta. Known as the “Land of the Giants,” this area is home to an estimated 120,000 elephants, making it the greatest elephant population in Africa.
There is an unparalleled variety of animals and birdlife due to the Chobe River, including lions, leopards, buffaloes, crocodiles, hippos, and other bird species.
Taking a boat excursion is the best way to explore Chobe National Park, far better than any normal 4×4 vehicle. It offers a distinct viewpoint, breathtaking vistas, and jaw-dropping images.
Because of its proximity to the borders of Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Zambia, Chobe National Park is an ideal day safari destination from these countries. Keep this in mind when you plan your journey.
Kruger National Park, South Africa.
In addition to being one of the largest game reserves on the continent, Kruger National Park is well-known for offering the best safaris in South Africa with stunning views of mountains, plains, and tropical forests.
Located close to Mozambique in northeastern South Africa, Kruger National Park is home to an incredible diversity of species, including 507 birds, 336 trees, 147 mammals, 114 reptiles, 49 fish, and 34 amphibians. The Big Five are visible in passing, but you should also keep an eye out for fish eagles, wild dogs, and ground hornbills. This is a fantastic safari for a self-guided tour if you want to be independent and explore on your own terms; there are even accommodations for the night.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.
The Serengeti comes to mind for most people when they imagine an African wildlife safari, and with good reason it has served as the inspiration for numerous films and literature. The largest and most diverse collection of terrestrial animals on Earth, as well as one of the last major migratory systems still in place, are protected by the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and its nearby neighbor, the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
It also tops the list of the greatest safaris in Africa as a result of this migration. For the rainy season, almost a million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras migrate south every October and November. Six months later, they travel northwest. Additionally, it’s a fantastic spot to observe lions and cheetahs in action as they hunt the local animals. The ultimate safari destination is this jewel in the crown.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwest Uganda, on the edge of the Albertine Rift, and is housed in a lush rainforest. It’s a sanctuary to chimpanzees, monkeys, and half of the world’s population of endangered mountain gorillas.
If you would really like to get up close and personal with these fascinating animals, you may even obtain a permit and go gorilla trekking safari. Beautiful birds, butterflies, and flower species abound throughout the rugged routes.
Etosha National Park, Namibia.
Known as the Etosha pan, hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, and animals can be found in Etosha National Park, but the endangered black rhinoceros is the park’s most famous resident. This park, which lies in Namibia’s northwest, is great for camping, photography, and even self-guided safaris. The floodlit waterholes in Etosha National Park provide ideal lighting for viewing nocturnal animals, making it one of the park’s most distinctive features.
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe.
The largest park in Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park, is located about one hour south of Victoria Falls. With an area of over 14,650 square kilometres, it is the only location in the nation where seeing gemsbok and brown hyena is likely. Not only are the elephants here renowned worldwide, but this is the best African safari to witness wild dogs as well, so make sure to visit.
The breathtaking sunset from Dom Waterhole is something you won’t want to miss, whether you camp here or just visit for the day. You can even remain later to watch games under the moonlight.
Ngorongoro National Park, Tanzania.
As one of the greatest national parks in Africa, Ngorongoro is crowned with its magnificent volcanic crater. This magnificent natural wonder spans 300 square kilometres and is roughly 20 kilometres long, 600 metres deep, and the world’s largest intact and undulating caldera.
Not counting the nearly two million animals that come through during the migration, the region is home to around 25,000 huge species. Thousands of wildebeest, eland, gazelles, and zebras can be seen inside the crater, and jackals, elephants, and reedbuck can be found higher up in the crater rim rainforest. There are stunning flamingos, ostriches, and pelicans in the crater’s lake.
This World Heritage Site offers so much more to visitors than just fantastic safaris, such the opportunity to see the ancient Oldupai Gorge and interact with the native Maasai people. Hippo Family running into the water of the Luangwa River, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, Africa
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.
The valley of the Luangwa River in eastern Zambia is home to this wildlife sanctuary. South Luangwa National Park, well-known for its walking tours, is a great spot to experience wildlife up close. Make sure to visit the river to witness large groups of crocodiles and hippos. Elephant herds, Cape buffalo, and many hundred Thornicroft giraffes reside there as well. For those who enjoy bird watching, the woodland savannah is a great place to see leopards after dusk.
Best safari destinations in Africa : Okavango Delta, Botswana.
This inland river delta, sometimes referred to as “Africa’s Last Eden,” is among the top safari locations on the continent. June through August is the ideal time of year to come. At this time of year, the yearly flood occurs, confining animals to the islands and enhancing their visibility. In addition to being the normal habitat of several fish and plant species, the Okavango Delta is home to over 200,000 big animals during the summer months. It’s also among the top land-and water-based African safaris.
All of Africa’s greatest safari locations offer fantastic chances to discover more about the local species, take pictures, and take in the breathtaking landscape that these special parks can only offer.
