Prepare to don your hats and grab your binoculars for an unforgettable African wildlife safari experience as we delve into the heart of the wilderness, exploring the best national parks in Africa for a thrilling dose of adventure.
An exciting wildlife safari in Africa is the ultimate bucket list adventure for many. The thrill of watching animals in their natural habitat is a dream experience, and Africa, with its diverse ecosystems and unique wildlife, offers an unparalleled safari experience.
Africa is renowned for being home to the ‘big five’ — lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo. Beyond these iconic species, the continent shelters various endangered animals like the African wild dogs. One of the most spectacular natural phenomena, the Great Migration of wildebeest from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, further enhances the allure of African safaris.
Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or a first-time safari-goer, our roundup of some of the best national parks and reserves in Africa will guide you towards an unforgettable journey.
Embark on an epic wildlife safari with Africa’s finest national parks
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Named after the Chobe River, Botswana’s first national park has a stunning landscape covered in dense forests of cathedral mopane trees. While the rhino population may be on the decline, the park offers abundant sightings of buffaloes and elephants. Cheetahs, wild dogs, lions, leopards and hyenas contribute to the diverse wildlife thriving in this natural sanctuary. With a bird species count reaching 560, birdwatchers will find the park a haven for avian wonders. Also, a visit to the Chobe Riverfront promises a breathtaking wilderness experience.
Best time to visit: April to May and November
How to reach: Kasane International Airport in Botswana is approximately 5 km away
Where to stay: Chobe Game Lodge, Savute Safari Lodge and Ngoma Safari Lodge
Book your stay at Chobe Marina Lodge on Booking.com
Book your stay at Chobe Marina Lodge on Agoda
Etosha National Park, Namibia
The defining feature of Etosha National Park is its massive salt pan, spanning nearly 4800 sq km and visible from space. What makes it unique are the waterholes that attract wildlife, making it one of the best locations for game sightings. Etosha’s diverse wildlife comprises zebras, oryx, springbok, lions, elephants, and an impressive 114 species of mammals. The drive from the nearest airport in Windhoek is something all wildlife enthusiasts should look forward to.
Best time to visit: May to October
How to reach: Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek is approximately 412 km away
Where to stay: Halali Camp, Namutoni Camp and Okaukuejo Camp
Book your stay at Mokuti Etosha on Booking.com
Book your stay at Mokuti Etosha on Agoda
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Spread across 14,650 sq km in northwestern Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park stands as the country’s largest national park. Notably, Hwange is home to Africa’s largest population of endangered wild dogs, along with the formidable quartet of the big five — elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo. With around 100 species of mammals and 400 species of birds, the park attracts lovers of wildlife from across the world. Its allure extends beyond the typical savanna grasslands found in Africa, featuring teak and mopane woodlands.
Best time to visit: July to October
How to reach: Hwange National Park Airport (Hwange Aerodrome) is approximately 88 km away
Where to stay: Sinamatella, Robin’s Camp and Main Camp
Book your stay at Gwango Heritage Resort on Booking.com
Book your stay at Gwango Heritage Resort on Agoda
Kalahari Desert, Botswana
Comprising three main game reserves — Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (KTP), The Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) and Khutse Game Reserve — Kalahari Desert covers a vast part of southern Africa. Despite massive rainfall, it is often called the ‘thirstland’ due to rapid evaporation. Kalahari offers an interesting combination of flora and fauna, including meerkats, gemsbok (antelope family), and edible plants such as Hoodia cactus and tsamma melons. You can also spot reptiles like Cape cobras, puff adders and rock monitors in this enormous stretch of sand.
Best time to visit: December to March
How to reach: Hosea Kutako International Airport in Namibia is approximately 200 km away
Where to stay: Shinde, Okuti and Mopiri Camp
Book your stay at Urban Camp on Booking.com
Book your stay at Urban Camp on Agoda
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Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda
Kidepo Valley is regarded as one of the most isolated national parks in Uganda, making it an offbeat destination for a stunning wildlife safari experience in Africa. Other than its rich wildlife, Kidepo Park has a beautiful cultural side owing to the presence of tribes such as Karamojongs and Acholis. Additionally, activities like nature walks, hikes and birdwatching also add to its intrigue. Kidepo Valley’s wildlife offerings include lions, cheetahs, leopards, mane-less zebras, elephants, hyenas, jackals, Nile crocodiles and Uganda kobs.
Best time to visit: All year round except June to September (rainy season)
How to reach: Kidepo Airport is approximately 3 km away
Where to stay: Nga Moru Wilderness Camp and Apoka Safari Camp
Book your stay at Mara Safari Lodge Kidepo on Booking.com
Book your stay at Mara Safari Lodge Kidepo on Agoda
Kruger National Park, South Africa
If the adventurer in you is craving enriching hikes in the wild, Kruger National Park offers numerous wilderness trails, including Bushmans, Mathikithi, Napi, Nyalaland, Olifants, Sweni and Wolhuter. The rest camps here also have restaurants and retail facilities to savour delicacies and go for quick pick-ups if required. Other than the big five and wild dogs, you can also encounter ground hornbills and fish eagles here. Early mornings and evenings are the best for game viewing.
Best time to visit: All year round
How to reach: Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport is approximately 42 km away
Where to stay: Mockford Cottage and English House
Unembeza Boutique Lodge & Spa on Booking.com
Unembeza Boutique Lodge & Spa on Agoda
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
As one of the largest game reserves in Africa, Masai Mara National Reserve is a crowd-favourite of wildlife safari enthusiasts. Located in the southwest region of Kenya, alongside Narok County’s Great Rift Valley and neighbouring Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, it offers a distinctive landscape with acacia trees and seasonal rivulets. Beyond being home to the big five, it has the largest number of black rhinos in Africa. Don’t miss out on the hot air balloon safaris, game drives and nature walks.
Best time to visit: July to October
How to reach: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is approximately 247 km away
Where to stay: Malaika Camp, Mara Engai Wilderness Lodge and La Maison Royale Masai Mara Camp
Book your stay at Fairmont Mara Safari Club on Booking.com
Book your stay at Fairmont Mara Safari Club on Agoda
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Formally established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, Serengeti National Park owes its popularity to the Great Migration, involving the movement of two million wildebeest (antelope family). This spectacular journey, beginning with the birth of nearly half a million calves between January and March, sees the herds migrate to Masai Mara in May, only to return by December. Facing challenges like crocodiles in the rivers and lions in the plains, this migration is a unique natural phenomenon that captivates wildlife enthusiasts.
Best time to visit: June to October
How to reach: Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania is approximately 295 km away
Where to stay: Namiri Plains, Four Seasons and Dunia Camp
(Hero and feature image: Vaganundo Che/ Shutterstock)
Book your stay at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti on Booking.com
Book your stay at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti on Agoda
Related: The 15 Best National Parks In Canada — Including The World’s ‘Polar Bear Capital’
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where can I go for an African wildlife safari?
Africa offers numerous wildlife safari options. Some of the popular national parks and reserves include Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, and Kruger National Park in South Africa.
Which animals can I expect to see on an African wildlife safari?
Other than the big five — lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo — you can also see giraffes, zebras and wild dogs.
When is the best time for an African wildlife safari?
Usually, the dry months (June to October) in various African countries are best for wildlife safaris.
What travel documents and vaccinations are required for an African safari?
Besides the usual travel documents needed to visit a foreign country based on its visa guidelines, you should be aware of vaccinations and health certifications required to visit Africa.
How long does an African wildlife safari typically last?
An African wildlife safari typically lasts for around seven to 10 days depending on your itinerary.
Is it safe to go on an African wildlife safari?
Yes, it is safe to go on an African wildlife safari provided you follow the rules and are accompanied by designated guides.
What types of accommodations are available on an African safari?
From luxury camps to budget accommodations, you can find a variety of stay options while on a wildlife safari in Africa.
Can I go on a self-drive safari, or do I need a professional guide?
Yes, you can go on a self-drive safari, but it needs a lot of planning and preparation as well as experience.
How do I select the best safari operator for my trip?
It is always best to gather information about safari operators from the official websites of these parks. Additionally, consider private operators based on reviews available online.
What should I pack for an African wildlife safari?
Besides travel essentials, pack comfortable clothes as safaris last for hours, and most parts of Africa are quite hot throughout the year.
Written By
Pyusha Chatterjee
A journalist, Pyusha has previously worked with media organisations including The New Indian Express and Hindustan Times. A solo traveller by choice, she loves exploring life more than anything else, after food of course. When she isn't gardening, writing, reading, cooking or singing out loud, you can spot her watching films and series, debating with ..Read More
