If you haven’t yet been on an African safari, now’s the time to pack your bags! A safari vacation offers unique opportunities to witness wildlife in their natural habitats and experience ancient cultures unlike anything else you can find anywhere else in the world, making it one of the most unique vacations you’ll ever take. This guide will help you learn about each of the best safari parks and destinations in Africa, as well as how to get there and what to expect during your trip.
1) Kenya
Kenya has become a favorite safari destination for people across Africa and around the world. Popular attractions in Kenya include Lake Nakuru National Park, Tsavo East National Park, Tsavo West National Park, Amboseli National Park, Nairobi National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve, Samburu Game Reserve and Meru National Park.
Those considering a safari to Kenya can even stay at some lodges located within or near national parks such as Sarova Lion Hill Lodge (located within Nairobi National Park) or Kicheche Laikipia Camp (located within Meru). This is advantageous because it allows visitors to enjoy both luxury accommodation while still being close enough to witness wild animals in their natural habitat.
2) Zambia
During my time in Zambia, I visited two safari parks. My first stop was at Mfuwe-Mongu, where I saw a diverse range of animals; these included giraffes, elephants, hippos, leopards, lions and rhinos.
There are many lodges around Mfuwe-Mongu but you will find that most tourists stay at Nsefu Lodge. A great feature about staying here is that you will be able to see much more than most other lodges due to your proximity to all game drives routes in South Luangwa National Park. At times it is possible to see as many as 16 animals at once!
3) Botswana
Let’s start with one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. Botswana, a large, landlocked country in Southern Africa is home to most kinds of animals from its lush Savannah area to its scorching deserts.
Its diverse terrain gives tourists something to explore all year round. From campsites featuring safari tents to luxury lodges scattered around on private reserves that give tourists a chance for an up-close encounter with lions and leopards,
there are a variety of accommodations to suit every taste—and budget. The best part is that there’s always a safari guide right by your side—just in case!
4) Tanzania
Tanzania is widely known for having some of the best safari parks in Africa, boasting more than 50 within its borders. Wildlife here includes giraffes, cheetahs, elephants, lions and hippos.
Many tourists come for game drives in Ngorongoro Crater Park, Tanzania’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Additionally, Katavi National Park has excellent safari tours but can be a bit difficult to reach if you want to tour on your own without a guide.
A Tanzanian safari offers exceptional game-watching in a spectacular backdrop of snowy peaks, volcanic craters, and the Masai steppe of boundless grasslands, from the great migration of the Serengeti to the more distant parks. Tanzania is recognized for the abundance of animals there.
5) South Africa
As one of Africa’s safari destinations, South Africa’s Kruger National Park is filled with predators.
You’ll see lions, leopards, cheetahs and wild dogs—to name a few—and will enjoy having them so close to your vehicle for easy viewing.
Plus, some 600 species of birds call Kruger home! What’s more, South Africa has three other top-rated national parks for visiting on safari: Addo Elephant National Park, Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park (partially operated by SANParks) and Mapungubwe National Park.
Due to its exceptional national parks and conservation areas, including Kruger National Park, as well as its private reserves, including Sabi Sands, Thornybush, Londolozi, Mala Mala, Lion Sands, and Dulini, the nation is one of the best places in the world to go on a Big 5 safari. Reserve for Madikwe Game. Game Reserve at Phinda.
6) Malawi
Malawi is a country in southeastern Africa with rolling hills, dusty plains and one of world’s largest rivers. For wildlife lovers,
Malawi has everything from elephants to cheetahs, lions to leopards. Much of Malawi’s population lives along Lake Malawi, which is also home to hippos, crocodiles and cichlids. In fact, it’s in Mvuu Game Reserve that you can see Africa’s Big Five (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard) at once.
At Liwonde National Park you can enjoy game drives while tracking rare birds like Black Heron or may be even a pied kingfisher; chameleon and bush babies are not uncommon there as well!
7) Uganda
Uganda’s wilds are home to almost two-thirds of Africa’s mountain gorillas, as well as one quarter of its elephants. That makes it a no-brainer for anyone dreaming about safari.
It has developed in recent years but still maintains that real Africa feel, which is what you want from a destination like Uganda.
There are some world-class lodges that offer luxurious accommodations while allowing you to be close enough to see wildlife up close. Make sure your trip includes either Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls National Park—both are stunning with lots to offer.
8) Mozambique
If there’s one country you want to go on safari in, it’s Mozambique. With a landscape that ranges from rainforest to savannah to wetland,
it provides travelers with an incredible diversity of animal sightings. During your safari in Mozambique, look for elephants, hyenas, buffalo, leopards and even lions (though they’re somewhat more rare than others). You can also see a number of bird species here including pelicans, flamingos and herons.
After your day out exploring nature up close and personal? Take a dip in one of Mozambique’s incredible beaches!
9) Namibia
Namibia is Africa’s fourth largest country, encompassing an area larger than California. Though it’s not necessarily on most people’s radar for safaris,
Namibia has some spectacular game parks with better game viewing than you’d expect to see in a country so sparsely populated. There are also a few unique things to do in Namibia that you won’t find anywhere else.
In addition to excellent accommodations and restaurants, luxury lodges boast almost unheard-of rates—as low as $100 per person per night. You can enjoy all of these attractions at many different price points making Namibia ideal for families and anyone else looking for a quality safari experience at a reasonable price.
10) Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s flagship wildlife destination, Hwange National Park is home to an abundant population of wild elephants.
In fact, you can’t swing a dead dik-dik (that’s a small antelope) without hitting one here! This national park is also famous for its large herds of buffalo and giraffe.
As if those weren’t enough reasons to visit, let’s not forget that Hwange is Zimbabwe’s oldest wildlife reserve—more than 100 years in existence! Head over to Zimbabwe soon because some endangered species have been recorded in recent sightings; it may be your last chance to see them!
