Africa’s cultural variety and reputation as a haven for exotic wildlife have made it a popular tourist destination. It’s no wonder so many people fly from all over the world to go on safari and explore its vast grasslands, deserts, and open plains. Amazing natural scenery will surround you at every turn, and you’ll get to experience fascinating new cultures. The wonderful continent of Africa is home to a wide variety of safaris to suit any traveler’s needs. Join ViewCation as we tour through the list of the best safaris in Africa (Tours and Parks).
PARKS
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.
One of the most recognised and iconic safari locations, particularly for first-timers, is the Serengeti National Park. Tucked away in the northwest region of Tanzania, the park spans an area of around 3.2 million hectares. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is a migration destination and birthplace for millions of wildebeest and zebras.
If you’re lucky enough to visit the park in February, specifically the southern areas, you can see the birth of white-bearded wildebeest calves. Once the young calves have evaded their predators, they embark on a trek spanning two nations with a million other wildebeest.
The stunning wildlife encounter at this place is something everyone should see at least once in their lives. You may even catch a glimpse of some of the several types of antelope or zebra as they make their way south. In addition to a guaranteed lion sighting, visitors also stand a good chance of spotting other big cats, including leopards and cheetahs.
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.
The Maasai Mara is universally regarded as Africa’s premier safari destination. Located in southwestern Kenya, close to Tanzania, this world-class national park is home to more than 570 bird species and 95 mammal species, making it ideal for any type of expedition. It’s a great destination for those who wish to view Africa’s “Big Five” —lions, Cape buffalo, leopards, rhinoceroses, and elephants—in their natural habitat.
Though you can visit this incredible reserve at any time of year, your best bet is to go in either December or February, when your chances of seeing more of the big cats are greater, during summer, when you may witness the breathtaking wildebeest migration.
Kruger National Park, South Africa.
One of the best places to go if you want to observe animals in their natural environment is Kruger National Park. The park covers an area of about 7,500 square miles and is situated in northeastern South Africa near Mozambique.
Kruger National Park is home to a staggering number of animals, including 507 bird species, 336 tree species, 147 mammal species, 114 reptile species, 49 fish species, and 34 amphibian species.
The park provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to watch wildlife and is often regarded as among the best of its kind in the world.
The park is also a fantastic safari for a self-guided tour, and you can even find somewhere to stay the night if you’d like some freedom of movement and exploration. If you can, plan your trip to this park between June and September, as those are the prime times to visit.
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Chobe National Park, located in northern Botswana close to the Okavango Delta, is the country’s first national park and its most biologically diverse. The “Land of the Giants,” as it is often called, is home to Africa’s greatest elephant population, numbering somewhere over 120,000. The park is also home to an unrivalled variety of animals and birdlife due to the Chobe River, including hippos, buffaloes, crocodiles, leopards, lions, and other bird species.
Although a regular four-wheel drive through the park is superb, a boat excursion is the best way to view Chobe National Park. The boat cruise offers a fresh viewpoint, breathtaking vistas, and gorgeous photography.
Due to its proximity to the borders of Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, the park makes for a fantastic day trip from any of those countries.
Etosha National Park, Namibia
You may not consider Namibia to be one of the top destinations in Africa, but after visiting Etosha National Park, you’ll think differently.
The park was created in 1907, and its name, which is a homage to the dried-up portion of a lake known as the Etosha Pan, means “the place where no plant grows.” Its size is so impressive that it can be observed from orbit.
In this national park, waiting for animals to show up while camped out near a spring-fed waterhole is one of the best safari pastimes. A stunning view of the dry savannas and dolomite hills can be observed at Etosha National Park.
The park is also recognised for its big five and rhino conservation efforts, for both the reintroduced white rhinoceros and the native black rhinoceros. Etosha National Park is also inhabited by a variety of mammals, including hyenas, cheetahs, jackals and caracals.
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Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe.
Also on the list of the finest safari destinations in Africa is Mana Pools National Park. It’s known for its massive elephant population. Those in search of excitement and the chance to see wild dogs, leopards, and lions will love this safari.
One of the park’s best advantages is the availability of unenclosed campsites in the thick of the forest’s interior.
Finding a campsite close to the Zambezi River is ideal if you want to make the most of your stay there. A canoe safari is also available for anyone looking for an adventure out of the ordinary.
Although it is not recommended for first-timers, this park is one of the few African parks that may be explored without a guide.
If you like doing game drives and hiking in the wilderness, this is the safari for you. The minimal tree cover in this park makes it perfect for walking safaris since it allows for unobstructed views.
A four-wheel drive expedition is also available for people who want to check out self-driving tours.
Mala Mala Game Reserve, South Africa.
Mala Mala Game Reserve is a great spot to watch lions in their natural environment and is regarded as among the finest safari destinations in Africa. This game reserve is bordered by the Kruger National Park, South Africa’s largest national park.
Along with the “big five,” cheetahs, giraffes, and even wild dogs all make their home in this exclusive, high-end game reserve. Viewing cheetahs and wild dogs in their natural habitats is actually a highlight of a visit here. The perfect time to go sightseeing in this game reserve is during the dry season, especially the month of May, to observe a wide range of species, such as Cape wild dogs, hyenas, wildebeests, hippos, giraffes, zebras, and cheetahs.
If you’re a photographer, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit this park. Unlike the hilly Kruger, the landscape here is flat and ideal for wildlife viewing in open vehicles.
Both day and night are good times to look for lions; during the day, they choose to relax in their dens, while at night, they use the nearby watering holes. The ability to go on bushwalks in Mala Mala Game Reserve adds to the reserve’s reputation as one of Africa’s top safari destinations. This world-famous park also offers night safaris, which are both common and risk-free.
TOURS
Crater, Serengeti & Mara
When you add the Ngorongoro Crater to a safari that already includes Kenya’s Masai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti, you have one of the best opportunities to see animals in all of Africa. You will go on game drives, hikes, and horseback safaris with knowledgeable guides in search of the Big 5 and migratory herds of wildebeest, as well as the predators that follow them. The diversity and abundance of wildlife on this trip ensure excellent opportunities for game viewing at each stop, regardless of when you choose to visit. The tour boasts excellent game-watching, luxury accommodations, and kid-friendly activities. During the 10-day tour, you will visit six unique safaris and stay at four exquisite lodges.
Scenic Tanzania Safari
You’ll start your 9-day safari at Tarangire, which is known for its enormous elephant herds and excellent birding in the nearby wetlands. The magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, home to a wide variety of wildlife, will also be on the itinerary. And then, after much anticipation, you are whisked away to the Serengeti to behold the once-in-a-lifetime spectacle, that is, the Wildebeest Migration.
You’ll be staying in luxurious hotels and camps, and this safari will surely be one of the most memorable experiences of a lifetime. The lodgings have all the trappings of relaxed luxury, but their locations put you in a prime position to witness some of nature’s finest shows. For individuals, groups or couples with a penchant for untamed beauty and genuine wilderness experiences, there isn’t a better trip than this one. As part of the fun, there would be walking safaris in Tarangire & Serengeti and farm-fresh coffee in Arusha.
Honeymoon Cape Town, Kruger & Mozambique
You will start your two-week safari getaway in Cape Town, Africa’s most beloved metropolis, where you will have two full days to explore. Then, when you’ve had your fill of walking about the Bazaruto Archipelago, grab a snorkelling mask and dive in to explore the colourful reefs that are home to so many different species of fish. With the many luxurious spas and accommodations it comes with, this safari and beach holiday is the perfect place for a couple to escape away for a few days or a whole week of pampering.
Private Guided Botswana, Vic Falls and Zimbabwe
On this 14-day safari, adventurers will get to visit four of the most spectacular locations in southern Africa. Starting in northern Botswana’s Okavango Delta, continuing to Hwange National Park, then all the way Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls through to the unmatched Matobo National Park. Your guide on safari will provide you with in-depth knowledge and make the trip as unique as possible.
During the tour, there would be game drives and hikes through the Hwange and Matobo National Parks, as well as a canoe tour in the Okavango Delta. Also, the tour is adaptable to individual tastes, making it one of the best.
Tanzania Migration & Uganda Gorillas
This 15-day safari and gorilla trip in Kenya is ideal for those searching for a genuine safari experience. It places a premium on unique cultural contacts, superb game viewing, and stunning vistas. Some of the trip’s highlights include a balloon safari above the Masai Mara and a visit to the mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
In addition to seeing the incredible wildebeest migration in season, you’ll also get to interact with the local Batwa people and go on night game drives in search of nocturnal wildlife. You would visit eight spectacular locations over the course of your tour and stay in six different deluxe camps or dwellings.
And there you have it. It is now time for us to hear from you. Let us know in the comments which part of the video was your favourite. And for those who have visited any of the above mentioned parks, let us know what the experience was like. Remember to show your support by liking this video and subscribing to the channel. Enabling post notifications will ensure that you don’t miss any of our daily uploads. Catch you in the next one.