Whether you are coming to Africa to see the Big Five in places like Maasai Mara or to experience safari’s lifestyle in one of the most magnificent parks in Africa, a journey into some of these African wilderness cannot be complete without a camera. There are lots of travelling luxuries that you can experience in some of these safari landscapes, from sailboats in the marine reserves to the private helicopters and not forgetting the night-time drive through some enchanting safari hotspots. You may not be a veteran of the savannah or an African neophyte to escape an exciting weekend safari in these 15 greatest safaris in Africa that we have highlighted.
1. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Maasai Mara has become African’s most visited Safari destination; it boasts a dramatic scenario for game viewing and acacia woodland that houses the Big Five, where the ground would vibrate because of the stampede that is caused by thousands of wildebeest during their annual migrations. This safari would give you an opportunity to take a picture of a leopard resting on a tree and come very close to the African lions that walk majestically around the reserve. What would get you intoxicated in this reserve is the sense of freedom and space that the wildlife exhibits here.
Insider Tip: You can take a traditional jeep that would drive you through the foothills of Mount Kenya, take a helicopter to see the Kenyan nomadic tribes, ride through the deserted beaches, sail majestically on the Lamu archipelago.
2. Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park offers you a mind-blowing safari experience and it is among the best wildlife maintained parks in Africa, not forgetting that it is the oldest National Park in the continent. Tourists who want to meet face to face with the big cats come here. There are varieties of wildlife here which includes the giraffe, crocodiles, hippos, cheetah and many others. The accommodation facilities offer every visitor a lavish luxury and gateway to comfort around wildlife activities. Visit: Kruger National Park
Insider Tip: The passage of wildlife and a symphony of different birds make this location a romantic getaway. Sabi Sands Reserve is supported by Sabi & Sand Rivers, elegance is what oozes from the Dulini’s six suites. An award winning eco private game reserve, Londolozi offers great accommodation, ecotourism and quality of food.
3. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Reserve, Uganda
One rule that you may not be able to keep while you are in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Reserve is not to stare at the many mountain gorillas, even the guides would advise you not to do that but we hardly see a tourist who cannot fall to the charm of these gorillas. This is a home to more than half of the mountain gorillas in the world, these gorillas’ eyes are enticing and would lull you into a place of serenity. The most beautiful moment here is the trekking into this forest.
The forest is blessed with landscape that is theatrical, jagged valleys that are interspersed by volcanoes and the waterfalls give the surrounding an angelic view with the altitude mist that shrouded these water worlds, this is home to the endangered African Green Broadbill. Visit: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Reserve
Inside Tip: The Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp houses some gorillas, situated in an atmospheric and remote area of the Bwindi UNESCO World Heritage Site
4. The Zambezi Valley, Zambia
Photo Source: Off2Africa.travel
This valley is a home to wildlife such as elephant, hippo, and bird species; and the Zambezi river flows sluggishly through it. It is sprinkled with comfortable lodges and expert guides that brings knowledge and comfort to the experience. The lush marine forests and grassy floodplains give an escape to wildlife, if you are lucky you can see a full moon eclipse here and the migration of butterflies would get you marvelled. Visit: The Zambezi Valley
Insider Tip: Comfortable camps are spread along the valley’s riverbanks that are quiet and lovely. Enveloped with Mother Nature’s grasp is the Royal Zambezi Lodge Bush Spa. You can try fishing or post safari canoeing. View the full moon, watch the prehistoric crocodiles snap up preys and get that sunset massage when you use the Royal Bush Spa. Take a horseback ride and silent bush walk at the Lilayi in Lusaka
5. Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
The stampede of the herd of zebra brings life to your visit to Ruaha National Park, the range of broken hills bend sharply like an old woman and the yellow plain brings Africa right in your eyes. The rawness of the park is something that you may never have experience before, with hundreds of wildlife activities happening around you. Visit: Ruaha National Park
Insider Tip: The nomadic lifestyle blends with the wildlife, the ground painted in this rare muted colours and glows like amber during the sundown. A hike through the park opens up another safari experience that only Tanzania can offer you.
6. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Photo Source: Derek Keats
Visitors are mesmerized by the misty moody rainforest of the Volcanoes National Park that is blessed with grasslands that are undulating. The lakes are perfect for your dugout canoeing and trekking, and picnic is bliss around this lakes that are calm. The mountain gorillas have their home here which can be an enchanting tourism experience. There are three national parks that are located here; interestingly, they encapsulate the DR Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. Visit: Volcanoes National Park
Insider Tip: The residence of the foothills of the Virungas is cool for those who would want to indulge in an atmosphere that is full of exciting wildlife activities. The Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is a stone throw from the fringes of Parc National des Volcans. Forget your worries after a long day in a massage treatment that would calm your nerves.
7. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
In the Northwest of Zimbabwe lies this park that is world famous for its huge herds of elephants. The lush highlands that is strewn with unspoilt forests and great lakes makes this safari to standout. The wildlife takes advantage of the magical fusion of the waterholes from the Victoria Falls and Zambezi River to quench their thirst. For a visitor, the scenario is mind-blowing. Get your camera loaded or charged because you cannot stop taking pictures. Visit: Hwange National Park
Insider Tip: The underground hide situated at the Hide gives you opportunity to view wildlife and the night game drives is something you should not neglect. Somalisa has become a favourite place to be with its bush camp that has six solar powered tents that overlooks the entire wildlife all from below.
8. Chobe National Park, Botswana
This is a prime destination for game lovers, located along this peacock blue water world that is within the Okavango Delta. There is no time in the year that you would not see wildlife activities, it can be accessed easily with vehicles and the lodging facilities are designed to suit the budget of everyone. This is a home of a lot of endangered species such as the brown hyena, cheetah and wild dogs. Visit: Chobe National Park
Insider Tip: You can meet the San Bushmen, who are the original people of Chobe. Watch wildlife display around the river and learn the culture of the villagers. At the Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero lodge, you can get indulged with undisturbed wildlife views, gourmet food and spa treatments.
9. Etosha National Park, Namibia
The rugged coastlines, stark beauty and the ever changing landscapes in Namibia makes it a perfect safari location. The home to the tallest elephants in Africa is the Etosha National Park, which is also a home to the endangered cheetah, black rhino, and there is a strong presence of the big cats. The driving experience across this safari is something that is going to be a lifetime experience. With lots of upmarket lodges’ facilities and guided safaris, you cannot beat the experience here. Visit: Etosha National Park
Insider Tip: The presence of a 4 intimately designed thatched rooms that feature outdoor showers and canvas walls present you with an amazing accommodation experience at the Onguma Treetop Camp, built on magical and innovative stilts that are seen amongst the treetops at the Onguma Game reserve.
10. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Prides of African lions roam at this magnificent park in Tanzania, Serengeti National Park is invigorating in its huge number of games and the dramatic activities that happen in the animal kingdom. Some people said that this is one of the finest parks in the continent and we cannot agree less. Over a million wildebeest and thousands of zebra is seen migrating through this safari. Not to forget that the world’s largest Nile crocodiles are housed in the Grumeti River. Visit: Serengeti National Park
Insider Tip: Everyone loves here even the non campers would want to spend a night here. The Lamai Serengeti is built among the greats stones of a kopje that offers you a glamorous view. See the Persian rugs and the beautiful carved rocking chairs that make the Kirawira Serena Camp one of the best lodges to be.
11. Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique
Lions, hippos and elephants are seen moving around Gorongosa National Park, which has become a sanctuary for amazing wildlife. It is a great game viewing location, calm but invigorating with wildlife activities and offers visitors the real animal kingdom in action. Visit: Gorongosa National Park
Insider Tip: Take advantage of the guided game drive at dawn, take a trip to Vinho Community or watch a beautiful sunset at Bué Maria. There is an uninterrupted safari experience at the Girassol Gorongosa Lodge & Safari.
12. Mundulea Reserve, Namibia
Photo Source: Travel.allwomenstalk.com
No African safari looks alike, the Mundulea Reserve is exceptional in its rugged hills, endless bushes and its sparse plains, and with a lot of animals that offers visitors a breathtaking wildlife experience. The impala are seen here looking as if they own the jungle but there are a lot more fierce and dangerous animals that you would drive past. Visit: Mundulea Reserve
Insider Tip: A great view of the herd of eland, the fading sunset that sees leopards relaxing and the glimpse of the rhino are experiences you may never forget years after coming to this safari in Namibia
13. National Parks along Gambia River, The Gambia
Photo Source: Clairemorrowabroad blog
This is a safari that is best for West African marine wildlife and bird watching. Six parks strung across this Gambia River and leave it as one of the most unexpected safari destinations in Africa. Your senses are very much alive after walking for hours here. You see these birds sing and fly in huge numbers, with their wings making a noise like the sound of a rushing wind.
Insider Tip: Chimpanzee, Baboon and monkeys have their homes here; the crocodile infest the waters around. Take a rare sighting of the manatee and the African otter
14. The South Luangwa, Zambia
The presence of professional guides here gives visitors an exciting safari experience as they walk and watch games. There are the Big Five that a lot of people would want to see in a safari, the Little Five which includes the buffalo weaver and the Plant Five; buffalo grass. These animals grunt close to you, the trumpet and grumble of elephants takes your breath away and the raising of the crocodiles’ heads from the rivers is just something that is unique here.
Insider Tip: The drinking and eating beside the Luangwa fire is exotic, not a place to use spas and iPods but it is the only place you can come to grip with undisturbed Mother Nature. Take a night safari in the South Luangwa if you want to be pampered with civilization during your visit.
15. Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda
Photo Source: Access-Rwanda Safari
With soaring mountains and sprawling savannah, this is Africa’s most picturesque park, a perfect place to view buffalo herds and see spectacular landscapes. The late president Idi Amin used to come around the national park to view games. Visit: Kidepo Valley National Park
Insider Tip: A wildlife phenomenal sightseeing that is rewarding with a lot of animals to see, the exotic nature of the surrounding brings you closer to nature and the trekking is something that you cannot trade for driving through the park.
Where in Africa did you enjoy the most exciting safari experience? Share your experience with us in the comment below:
Maasai Mara is the ultimate safari and tour destination in Africa. Big 5 is a must see in one park, this is a real gold of Africa safaris
Great selection.
Just two comments, when you talk about Gorongosa in fact you are talking about Quirimbas National Park in the north of Mozambique while Gorongosa is in the centre and has no coast at all. Despite this I really think Gorongosa is one of the greatest places in Africa.
The second thing is about Uganda both parks are amazing but I would prefer Queen Elizabeth over Kidepo and putting both, Bwindi and Volcanoes, is redundant in my opinion (as in fact it is putting Masai Mara and Serengeti).
After seeing and reading through this, my thirst for a wilderness safari has returned after 2 weeks. I would love to do Ruaha and Kidepo!
Well, there is so much to do and see in Africa.
Great Wildlife safaris is one of the many thing to do.
We have been inspired even more to seek more pristine places like Ruaha National park.
This is a nice post and thanks for the useful information about 10 greatest safari destination in Africa, Those are very incredible destination place for safari, Thank You !
African Safari Packages
I carefully read the entire your blog. The Masai Mara National Reserve is the most popular in Kenya and most of the tourist comes here for watching the several wildlife and bird life species in the reserve.