5 Best Safari Parks in Africa

When traveling to Africa, going on a safari is a must. A crucial part of understanding African nature and fauna, safaris are journeys to observe local wildlife. The continent offers tons of options, each one of them unique in their own way. But if you have limited time and you have to pick, what are the 5 best safari parks in Africa?

Maasai Mara



Many would argue the Maasai Mara National Reserve is the best safari in Africa. It starts in Kenya and continues on into the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. This trip lets you experience the best of both countries, offering you untouched, fenceless land. What’s great about this journey is that there’s plenty to see all year round, as approximately 2.5 million animals trek through the area annually. Big cats are prominent figures of the Maasai Mara: lions, cheetahs, and leopards are plentiful. But they are not alone. The rainfall seasons (April-June and October-November) make this the perfect place for zebras, wildebeest and Thompson’s gazelle to give birth. This, in turn, provides prey for predators. You might also spot rhinos, elephants, crocodiles and monkeys, making this basically the ultimate safari.



One special tip: You can take a hot-air balloon trip over the reserve, which will get you some spectacular snapshots for home.

Kruger National Park



If you’re looking to gets all your wildlife in one setting, look no more. The Kruger National Park in South Africa is not only big in size but also hosts a huge range of animals. You can find what we call ‘The Big Five’ here: lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinos, and elephants. Other species include over 500 types of birds, 50 different kinds of fish, African wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, and pythons.



Kruger is one of the best-maintained national parks in the world. The roads are sealed and lots of camps are even wheelchair accessible. The park usually opens at six in the morning and is big enough that you might find yourself going for hours without bumping into other tourists. That being said, if you are looking for a quick visit - perhaps if you’re traveling with children - there are shorter routes that get to the excitement relatively fast.

Okavango Delta



Picture a safari, and you like thinking of a golden-brown savannah with the occasional green bush. This spot in Botswana will prove your mind wrong. The largest inland delta in the world, Okavango is the ideal location for African wildlife. Birds, reptiles, and mammals all thrive in this wetland. Many safaris across Africa only offer you jeep rides through a park. What’s great about the Okavango, is that you can also rent a traditional canoe (a mokoro), and glide through the many rivers. Floating feet away from pods of hippos is thrilling - maybe even slightly scary - but definitely unforgettable. Other options include hiking trails and riding a horse through the reserve.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park



This reserve in Uganda is best known for being the home to over half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. Other species that you can find here are hundreds of types of butterflies, birds, exotic frogs, monkeys, and chimpanzees. Many of these animals are endangered species, making Bwindi unique in that sense. It is worth noting that the landscape here is gorgeous. Think anything from volcanoes to waterfalls. ‘Bwindi’ means ‘darkness’, referring to the deep, mist-covered rainforest that this park is located in. Just like the Maasai in Kenya, Uganda has two rainy seasons. Although the park is accessible year round, many tourists, therefore, prefer a visit in from May to September, or in February.

Etosha National Park



Etosha National Park in Namibia is perhaps the most kid-friendly safari of the bunch. Not only is Namibia considered one of the safer countries, but the roads are also well-kept with clear signs, making it a good option if you decide to drive your own vehicle. The park is known for its 100 million-year-old salt pan, which is so large, that it can be seen from space. There are waterholes, however, where the Big Five, wildebeests and zebras gather. Three hundred species of birds also call the Etosha home. Some days you may see copious amounts of flamingos around the salt pan. Sometimes there might be up to a million of them, an amazing sight, and a spectacular picture opportunity.

Why you should visit these 5 best Safari Parks in Africa?



Come on - let’s face it - you simply won’t see lions strolling around a park in Brussels, or see a gazelle giving birth on the hills of San Francisco. To see real African wildlife, you have to go to the untouched, African nature. The five parks mentioned above are only a small selection of the choices you have. What all of them have in common, however, is that they are both a great start for safari-newbies, but have enough to see for the more experienced African travelers.



About the Author: This article was written by Lena Hart, savvy travel blogger at asabbatical.com , a personal travel blog of Adrian Sameli. To connect with Lena, follow her on Facebook.