Africa’s Top 10 Safari Destinations
A trip to Africa is incomplete without going on a safari. With the continent’s exceptional parks and reserves, you’re in for a fun and eye-opening tour. The best thing is, the recreational sites are endowed with dramatic landscapes and are home to some wild animals that you’ve probably seen on TV. Besides that, the cultural diversity and location of each site also make the safaris unique and exciting simultaneously. For example, you’ll find one national park along the Nile River and another deep inside the famous Kalahari Desert. Nonetheless, all the safari destinations across the continent are out to offer the best African adventure. Continue reading to find out more about Africa’s top 10 safari destinations.
- Maasai Mara National Reserve — Kenya
Maasai Mara National Reserve was founded in 1961 and spreads over 1500 square kilometers (579 square miles). With its exceptional wildlife, alluring scenery, and top-notch accommodation facilities, the recreation site is among the most sought-after tourist destinations in Kenya and Africa, and the rest of the world. One thing that attracts thousands of travel enthusiasts in the region is its world-famous wildebeest migration. At the time of the relocation, wildebeests and zebras traverse the crocodile-ridden Mara River to neighboring Tanzania in search of health-giving food. Aside from wildebeests and zebras, the attraction is a land of animals suchlike impalas, leopards, and the big five (lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino, and leopard). In the region’s vast plains are over 350 bird species, thus a nice place for bird watching. On top of that, you can tour Maasai villages, sample Kenyan delicacies, and engage in hot air ballooning in the wildlife sanctuary as well. Don’t forget to carry your cameras and binoculars.
2. Kruger National Park — South Africa
Kruger National Park is among the most delightful places to visit on earth. It has over 140 mammals and more than 500 bird species. Besides, the park has an abundance of the big five and wild dogs. The recreational ground is over 19,000 square kilometers (7334 square miles) and you can take a self-drive safari around the tourist attraction. If you decide to take a guided tour, you’ll have friendly and knowledgeable tour guides and drivers throughout your trip, which is a plus. A highlight of the expansive park is its secured camping grounds. There are also great lodges dotted in the region to relax and unwind in after an explorative safari.
3. Serengeti National Park — Tanzania
Also popular for its annual wildebeest and zebra migration, Serengeti National Park is an ideal recreational area for a fun safari. When zebras and wildebeests migrate from Kenya’s Maasai Mara, they move to this national park. It’s a nice place to spot colorful birds roaming around and wild animals such as giraffes and gazelles grazing and resting in the grassland plains. The park is nestled along the Great Rift Valley and continues to welcome thousands of tourists yearly. When touring the region, you have access to knowledgeable and welcoming tour guides and drivers who make your safari pleasant and worthwhile. As if that’s not all, you can indulge in a hot air balloon ride in the park for a wonderful and unforgettable experience.
4. Ngorongoro Conservation Area — Tanzania
Situated approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) from Arusha, Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a leading destination in Tanzania and Africa for game viewing. The largest volcanic crater in the world, Ngorongoro Crater, is also located in this region. A safari in the refuge is perfect for spotting flamingos, grey-crowned cranes, and a host of wild animals. With the Maasai tribe homesteads surrounding Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the attraction site is much more than wildlife. Visit the Maasai villages and learn a thing or two about the famous tribe that practices pastoralism.
5. Okavango Delta — Botswana
Botswana’s Okavango Delta is somewhat various tourists describe as heaven on earth. It’s a fascinating region to explore and one of the most charming deltas in the world. At the delta, you have the option of taking water-based safaris. Go back in time and use a traditional canoe to traverse the estuary. Along the cruise, you can’t help but notice the numerous islands in the region. The delta is endowed with over 150,000 islands, making it a unique safari destination in Africa. Besides that, about 400 bird species live in the area. Animals such as lions, cheetahs, and rhinos also call the channel home. To reduce the negative impact of tourism on the recreation site and communities living around it, the local government regulates the number of visitors to the delta.
6. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — Uganda
Over 60 percent of mountain gorillas in the world are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The park was established in 1991 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trekking to see the mountain gorillas is one of the popular recreational activities in the park. Aside from the primates, the national park has a rainforest with an array of wild animals and birds. You’ll find exotic birds such as the Red-throated alethe and Congo Bay owl in the area as well. As if that’s not all, there are beautiful waterfalls that are waiting to be explored in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
7. Chobe National Park — Botswana
Chobe National Park is characterized by lush vegetation and a variety of birds and animals. If you’re looking to get up close and personal with wildlife and enjoy miles of spectacular landscape, go on a safari in this park. It’s among the largest national parks in Botswana. Apart from game drives, you can indulge in boat cruises on the Chobe River that passes through the park. Explore Botswana’s marine ecosystem and see animals such as buffalos and elephants that swim across the river occasionally.
8. Etosha National Park — Namibia
Become one with nature at Etosha National Park. The park is a nice place to visit if you’re looking to spot the big five. Birds including eagles and vultures are also found in the region. With its great road network, the park is easy to navigate, adding to its charm. Adventure seekers also have campsites with electricity and hot water at their disposal. That aside, the national park is home to Etosha pan, an expansive salt pan seen from space. Although nothing grows on the salt pan, it has water holes that wild animals and birds frequent to quench their thirst.
9. Hwange National Park — Zimbabwe
If you’re after a true African safari, then make Hwange National Park a priority. The park has over 100 mammal species. Among the mammals are African bush elephants and lions. It’s among the biggest national parks in Zimbabwe and a nice place to watch the endangered African wild dogs. While on a tour around the park, you have a variety of great lodges and hotels to choose from for your accommodation as well. The icing on the cake is that it’s easily accessible.
10. South Luangwa National Park — Zambia
Experience a delightful African safari at South Luangwa National Park. There's no shortage of adventure in the park. The unspoiled vegetation and an abundance of wildlife add to its charm. As the attraction site offers unique wildlife sightings, it’s a great destination for spotting leopards and kudus, among other wild animals and birds. With its beautiful scenery, you have numerous amazing photo opportunities at your disposal. The Luangwa River cuts across the park and is a lifeline for animals such as hippos and crocodiles. Other than safaris, South Luangwa National Park has comfortable and intimate lodges that you can retire to at the end of your tour. The best part? You can engage in walking safaris in the recreational area for an intimate bush experience.
A fantastic way to experience Africa
Africa’s beautiful landscape, diverse cultures, and wildlife are some of the things that you come across on your tour in the content. Is there a better way to learn a thing or two about Africa and Africans than going on a safari? Choose any of the above safari destinations and make the most out of your tour.
