Best Safari Destinations to visit in Africa
No continent offers a safari experience quite like Africa. Often referred to as the heart of the Great Safari, it boasts stunning landscapes and incredible wildlife. With over 300 national parks, Africa is home to a vast array of animals, birds, insects, plants, and herbs. Every year, many UK citizens plan their safari holidays to Africa, drawn by its unique wildlife and breathtaking scenery. To ensure a seamless and memorable experience, it’s essential to choose the right country, consider its climate, and plan the optimal time for game viewing, maximizing both time and resources on your safari holiday.
Top 11 Safari Destinations in Africa
1. Kenya
The breathtaking beauty of Kenyan landscapes, the most famous Victoria Falls, and the diverse species of animals in Kenya are a secret to no one. Kenya is the most popular choice when it comes to bird watching, game viewing, and safari. There are about 27 national parks in the country.
2. Nairobi National Park
Nairobi has a variety of animals, birds, and plants. Want to know an interesting fact? Established in 1946, It is actually the oldest national park in Kenya. You can spot African buffaloes, leopards, giraffes, black rhinoceros, wildebeests, baboons, and many other wild animals.
3. Maasai Mara National Reserve
Almost everyone has seen the majestic great migration in the Wildlife documentaries. Here’s some fantastic news: you can also witness the remarkable migration of more than 1.5 million wildebeest if you visit from July to October.
4. Botswana
Although Botswana has only four national parks, they attract thousands of tourists every year. Botswana is also home to the world’s largest delta – the Okavango Delta. It is one of the best safari destinations, especially for people who love birdwatching. There are more than 400 bird species in the delta including some of the most iconic birds like the African Jacana, Pygmy goose, and salty egret. Chobe National Park is one of the most famous national parks. It is an amazing place to watch the Hippopotamus. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is another fantastic safari destination. This national park is nearly as big as Switzerland, with a variety of wild animals such as the African Striped Weasel, Bat-Eared Fox, and Blue Wildebeest.
5. Namibia
While Namibia is widely famous for its high dunes and surreal beauty, it also has some of the most amazing safari spots. There are a total of 20 national parks in Namibia. If you are fond of hunting, Namibia is just the place for you. Hunting is legal in Namibia throughout the year except for the months of December and January.
6. Etosha National Park
It is the most famous park in Namibia for its unique landscape. It has one of the world’s largest salt pans that can be seen from space. You can spot cheetahs, spotted hyenas, African bush elephants, and puku among many other wild animals.
7. Private safari
There are some private safaris in Namibia as well. They are relatively costly, but they can provide the best experience. One of the benefits of private safaris is that you can go to the waterholes very early in the morning to spot the animals.
8. Uganda
Uganda is famous for its picturesque landscapes, natural beauty, magnificent mountains, and outstanding wildlife. With 10 national parks and 12 wildlife reserves, it has some of the most renowned safari parks. Uganda’s famous Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most outstanding safari destinations. The park has more than 600 species of birds which is exciting news for bird lovers. There are about 95 species of mammals in the park. With about 130 lions, it is the park with the highest number of lions in Uganda.
9. Madagascar
Madagascar is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. Being an island for millions of years, it has some of the rarest species of plants and herbs. Some unique animals like lemurs, tomato frogs, and fossa can only be found in Madagascar. You’ll find the Baobab Tree all over the country. There are around nineteen national parks in the country. As fascinating as it sounds, Madagascar has many affordable safari destinations. On this island, you’ll surely find the flora and fauna you’ve never seen in your life.
10. Tanzania
With about 23 national parks and 32 game reserves, Tanzania offers the best safari experiences. The climate can be steamy during summers which can make it difficult to spot the animals. However, visiting the parks before sunset increases the chances of game-viewing.
11. The Great Migration – Serengeti National Park
You guessed it, Tanzania is the country where the great migration takes place every year. Over a million wildebeest cross the Grumeti and Mara Rivers from Serengeti National Park in search of green pastures. It typically begins in June or July. The migration is a natural phenomenon in which thousands of zebras and gazelles but mainly wildebeest migrate from Serengeti to Maasai Mara in search of food. The river, teeming with crocodiles and hippos, can be life-threatening to the animals. The wildebeests jump from the steep river banks which can also result in a broken or damaged limb. Hundreds of thousands of people watch and document this magnificent migration every year.
Conclusion
It is definitely worth it to plan your safari holidays in Africa. The continent has the best safari destinations to boost your adrenaline and sense of adventure. Moreover, it will also provide the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature. Africa has multiple international airports with reliable airlines such as British Airways, RwandAir, and Emirates. The national parks offer excellent facilities such as accommodation, meals, and private safaris. Make sure to book early to secure availability and avoid skyrocketing prices. For those who love to share their travel stories, writing about your safari adventure can inspire others. Consider submitting your experience and write for us to contribute to a community of passionate travelers.
