The continent of Africa houses some of the best and most
diverse countries. These countries have exceptional safari destinations. The
African countries are not only rich in nature but are home to different species
of animals and birds not typically found elsewhere. A Kenya safari taken up in
Africa is unlike any other vacation. Similarly, a Masai Mara safari, Tanzania safari, or South Africa safari needs to be
experienced at least once in a lifetime.
The itineraries of these safari destinations include
off-beaten paths and luxurious accommodations. Activities like game drives, hot
air balloon rides, cultural visits, and gorilla tracking are exclusively
experienced during African safaris. From solo travellers and couples to
families, and friends, African safaris are ideal for anyone and everyone.
Here Are Some of the Best Countries for an African Safari:
Kenya
The East-African country of Africa boasts vast savannahs,
dramatic mountains, and a healthy population of wildlife. Its growing ecosystem
contributes to the diverse habitats in which reside a number of animal and bird
species.
The best safari destination in Kenya is considered to be
Masai Mara. This national reserve is not only famous but also welcomes hundreds
of thousands of tourists every year. The beautiful Mara is characterized by
open grasslands, iconic baobab trees, and flourishing wildlife. The Big Five
African animals are easily spotted during a Masai Mara safari. However, one of
the biggest wildlife events called the Wildebeest Migration occurs in the Masai
Mara which cannot be witnessed elsewhere. Millions of wildebeest along with
other hoofed animals travel from Tanzania's Serengeti into the Mara in the
latter part of the year. The survival of the fittest is best observed during
this phenomenal migration.
Amboseli is another Kenyan national park, known for its
photogenic location. Under the shadow of the highest African mountain, Mount
Kilimanjaro, the park is characterized by its dusty plains and vast savannahs.
Capturing elephants and giraffes grazing against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro is
one of the most iconic things to do at Amboseli. This park is known for housing
large elephant herds. Other animals like lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs,
and more are also seen.
In Kenya, Tsavo National Park is one of the best-rugged
places to explore. Safaris in Tsavo are much more adventurous due to its
extensive wilderness. Other places for safari destinations in Kenya are Lake
Nakuru National Park and Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
Tanzania
Famed for its natural scenery, Tanzania is a wildlife
paradise. It is an extraordinary country with notable parks and reserves. Like
Kenya, it offers unparalleled and quality game viewing. Tanzanian parks and
reserves have game-covered plains which make up for exciting safaris.
Tanzania safari is divided into different circuits or
routes. The northern safari circuit is one of the most well-established and
popular circuits in Tanzania. On this route, you can find iconic safari
destinations such as Serengeti National Park. Situated adjacent to Masai Mara,
Serengeti is the second-largest Tanzanian park and a world heritage site.
Alongside the big five animals, numerous plain animals, big and small cat
species, as well as avifauna are seen. You can watch and witness the wildebeest
migration which begins from Serengeti at the start of the year.
Ngorongoro is a unique geological site in Tanzania. It is
the world's biggest inactive caldera formed nearly 2 million years ago. Near
the Ngorongoro crater reside a wide variety of animals such as lions,
elephants, wildebeest, and rare rhinos. Other animals like leopards, cape
buffalo, zebras, cheetahs, and many more are residents of the crater.
Flamingoes are popularly spotted in and around Ngorongoro's lakes. During the
wet season, one can possibly see thousands of pink flamingoes spread throughout
the crater's watering holes. On this route, you can also find the gorgeous
Tarangire National Park. This is another Tanzanian park known for its lush
landscape and wealthy wildlife. Other places to visit in the northern safari
circuit are Mount Kilimanjaro, Lake Manyara, and Arusha National Park.
Southern Tanzania is characterized by underrated yet wild
national parks and reserves. One of them is Selous, previously known as
Nyerere, a national park which is the largest protected area in Africa. The
park is divided into two different areas and has a high concentration of
animals. In the remote parts of the park, one can possibly see rare animal
species like wild dogs and rhinos. Ruaha is one of the least visited parks in
Tanzania but offers excellent wildlife viewing. Safaris in Ruaha are much more
exclusive with fewer tourist crowds and more areas to explore. Near the
majestic River Ruaha found in the park, one can sight numerous animals and
birds. For the ultimate off-the-beat safari destinations, the Western Tanzania
circuits has far-flung parks set in remote regions. Katavi and Mahale Mountains
national parks in Tanzania are hidden gems for true safari enthusiasts.
South Africa
Safaris in South Africa is nothing short of luxury. Its
renowned national parks and reserve offer a unique thrill while its urban
centers, hilly country-sides, idyllic beaches, and more exhibit the beauty and
diversity of the country.
The best South African safari is experienced at Kruger
National Park. It is among Africa's largest game reserves, known for its high
density of wild animals. Kruger is also surrounded by private reserves and
conservancies, that enhance your safari vacation to another level. Kruger's
private game reserves offer exclusive, luxury, and world-class accommodation.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve offers the best Africa Big Five sightings in South
Africa. Thornybush, Timbavati, Kapama, and other private reserves offer
adventurous and premium safaris. These reserves also offer activities not
available in the main park such as walking safaris and nighttime game drives.
Addo Elephant National Park is famous for its large elephant
herds as well as other big five animals. It offers a variety of landscaped
sceneries to explore. Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park, situated in the
Kalahari Desert region, is a huge wildlife preserve. Herds of eland,
wildebeest, springbok, and the unique black-maned lions are spotted here. Its
landscapes are covered by red dunes and camel thorn trees. The oldest game
reserve in Africa, Hluhluwe -Imfolozi, has big five African animals and other
elusive wildlife species that are spotted near hides overlooking waterholes and
pans. One can also enjoy a range of spectacular safari activities in this
reserve.
Botswana
Botswana safaris offer a captivating African safari, a
vacation like no other. Botswana's wilderness areas intertwine with the delta's
waterways which provide a variety of flora and fauna. Botswana is a landlocked
country, housing the Kalahari Desert and the inland river of the Okavango
Delta. The country's lagoons and small islands are a haven for bird watchers
and wildlife enthusiasts. Safari experiences in Botswana are unique and
unforgettable. Alongside wildlife, the scenic and distinctive landscapes are
only sighted during Botswana safaris.
A visit to Okavango Delta offers you a chance to witness the
beautiful sanctuary protecting endangered animal species. Animals like the
elephant, hippopotamus, lion, leopard, wild dog, and numerous plains animals
are seen around the Okavango River. The best way to enjoy a typical Botswana
safari in the Okavango delta is by taking boat cruises. These rides use the
traditional Mokoro, wooden canoes, which take you through the delta's islands,
lagoons, and channels. For ideal bush adventures, Chobe National Park, the
first park established in Botswana, is perfect for safari-goers. It is one of
the most biologically diverse parks and has the largest wildlife concentration
in the African continent. Since the park is split into four ecosystems,
wildlife is seen throughout Chobe. In the park, you can spot large herds of
elephants, lion pride, and hoofed animals. Chobe safaris are famously
undertaken near the Linyanti and the Chobe River where river cruises are also
available.
Unique safari experiences are offered by Botswana's Central
Kalahari Game Reserve. This uncommon game reserve houses animal species adapted
to the inhospitable Kalahari Desert. This remotely situated reserve is home to
herds of multiple plain animals, black-maned lions, cheetahs, and other
animals. One of the largest salt pans in the world, the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans,
have a large population of zebras. Predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs
are also sighted in the pans. Other safari destinations to add to your Botswana
itinerary are Linyanti Wilderness Reserve and Moremi Game Reserve.
Namibia
Namibia's national parks and safari destinations offer a
rewarding and rich experience. Namibia is a huge desert country and has a
sparse population. Namibia is known for its sand dunes, endless deserts, salt
pans, canyons, and more. One can enjoy safaris in Namibia by opting for game
drives, on foot, or by taking helicopter rides.
Etosha is a famous national park for safaris in Namibia. The
Etosha salt pan covers the entirety of the park. Accessible roads at Etosha
make self-driving easier. Because the plant life is scanty in the park,
wildlife can be spotted easily. Etosha's landscape is varied and houses a
variety of animals like cheetahs, lions, leopards, elephants, and many more
species. Wildlife is best sighted near the watering holes of the salt pan. Some
camps even offer photography hides near the waterholes. Sossusvlei is another
peculiar place in Namibia that displays a landscape not found anywhere else on
Earth. This destination has sand dunes and is part of the Namib desert. The
dunes at Sossusvlei are known to be the highest, some reaching above 200
metres. One can climb the red and orange dunes and marvel at Sossusvlei's
landscapes down below. Deadvlei is a well”known salt pan in Sossusvlei which is
prominent for camel thorn trees. The contrast of the white salt pan against the
dead camel thorn trees is a sight to witness.
Skeleton Coast lies in north-western Namibia and has beaches
covered with fog. This coast is associated with shipwreck tales as one can see
shipwrecks near the coast even today. Few wildlife species that have adapted to
the inhospitable Skeleton coast are the desert-adapted elephants, rhinos,
hyenas, jackals, giraffes, desert lions, and more. Namib-Naukluft Park, part of
Sossusvlei, is popular for its lagoon at the Sandwich Harbour. The park is
spread across different natural habitats like mountains, oasis, sand seas, and
riverbeds. These habitats are home to wildlife species like the rare black
rhino, gemsbok, giraffes, ostriches, hyenas, leopards, and more.
Other places to add to your Namibia safaris are the Africat
Foundation, Windhoek, the Ongava Reserve, and Swakopmund.
Uganda
Safaris in Uganda are filled with adventure and adrenaline.
This country has a wide variety of terrain for different kinds of safaris to
take place. Its rainforests are alive with ever-growing wildlife, birdlife, and
plant life.
One of the most famous and unique safari activities offered
in Uganda is mountain trekking. This country is a dream destination for those
wanting to observe primates. Around half of the world's population of
Silverback Mountain gorillas is found only in Uganda. More than 15 unusual
primate species such as chimpanzees, golden monkeys, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked
mangabey, and many more are found in Uganda˜s parks and other wilderness areas.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a rainforest dating back
thousands of years ago. The best gorilla trekking is done at Bwindi. It
protects at least 400 gorillas which roam freely and can be observed up- close
during a trek. Other than gorillas, more than hundreds of other mammals are found
in the forest such as chimpanzees, antelopes, elephants, and baboons. Kibale
National Park is essentially a protected tropical rainforest containing a
number of wildlife species. There are seventy mammals, thirteen primates, and
over a hundred bird species found in Kibale. The most famous and sought-after
activity in Kibale is chimpanzee trekking. The chimpanzee community in this
forest is well-habituated and primates like red-tailed monkeys and red colobus
monkeys can be seen. One can also enjoy guided walks or the guided chimpanzee
tracking excursion at Kanyanchu Visitor Centre in Kibale.
Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda is a savanna national
park, offering classic game drives. It is the only park, besides Tanzania's
Lake Manyara National Park, which houses unique tree-climbing lions. Different
animals like elephants, buffalos, leopards, antelopes, and more are seen during
game drives. Chimp tracking expeditions also take place in the park's lush
forests. At the Kazinga Channel, boat cruises explore the rich oasis of
wildlife in the park. Birdwatching, hot air balloon safaris, and cultural tours
are also offered by the park.
You can combine two or more countries to enjoy the ultimate
experience of African safaris. Your dream vacation can become a reality by
contacting a reputed travel company that specializes in African safaris and
destinations.
