African safaris offer exhilarating encounters with a variety of wildlife set against stunning backdrops. Exploring national parks and game reserves in Africa allows visitors to witness incredible sights, including the Big Five and seasonal migrations.
1. Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park, South Africa: One of Africa’s largest game reserves, Kruger offers diverse wildlife, including the Big Five, and its excellent road network means that majority of areas are accessible even with two-wheel drive vehicles.
2. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this pristine landscape is the setting for the Great Migration, which is considered the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth.
3. Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda
Kidepo Valley National Park: This 1,442-square-kilometer area located in the Karamoja region is Uganda’s most remote national park and arguably its most beautiful, with an estimated 13,000 buffalo on site.
4. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe: Covering more than 14,600 square kilometers, this park boasts a greater diversity of mammals (108 species) than any other national park in the world.
5. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Masai Mara National Reserve: Sometimes referred to as “the greatest wildlife real estate on Earth,” the Masai Mara is a must-see sight for any wildlife fan.
6. Kalahari Desert, Botswana
Kalahari Desert, Botswana: The 52,800-square-kilometer-long Central Kalahari Game Reserve provides a unique challenge to access, with wildlife often more spread out due to aridity.
7. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia: Established as a National Park in 1972, it is favored by many dedicated safari buffs due to its uncrowded wilderness and abundant wildlife.
8. Etosha National Park, Namibia
Etosha National Park, Namibia: With reasonably priced camps and well-maintained roads, this park is one of the best options for self-drive safaris, though it can become busy during the dry season.
