Whether you want to see the “Big Five”, and are interested in the Great Wildebeest Migration, or are simply a lover of the great outdoors, Africa has a wildlife experience like no other. So, join us as we explore some of the best wildlife destinations in Africa, as well as tips and tricks to make your wildlife adventure unforgettable.
Best Wildlife Destinations in Africa
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Image by Antony Trivet from Pixabay
Together with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, the Maasai Mara forms one of the world’s most diversified ecosystems! It is famous for having large populations of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and African bush elephants. Maasai Mara is also well-known for being the best Africa safari in Kenya for big-game watching. It is also popular for its incredible wildebeest migration. If you want to watch the wildebeest migration, the best time to visit Maasai Mara is between July and October.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Image by Antony Trivet from Pixabay
Another one of the best places to see wildlife in Africa is the Serengeti National Park, in Tanzania. The Serengeti National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s natural wonders. The main attraction of the Serengeti, like the Maasai Mara, is the wildebeest migration. Seeing millions of wildebeests (along with zebras and gazelles) cross the Serengeti plains in search of food and water is quite remarkable. A dangerous journey awaits, with hungry crocodiles and the harsh waters of the Mara and Grumeti Rivers.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Image by Antony Trivet from Pixabay
Kruger National Park is the largest Africa safari wildlife park. It is known for the more mammal species (such as elephants, rhinoceros, giraffes, hippos, leopards, lions, zebras, kudus, and buffaloes) that wander free than any other game reserve. With exclusive traversing rights on 14,700 hectares of untamed territory, the &BEYOND Ngala Private Game Reserve is the first private game reserve to be included in the famed Kruger National Park.
Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa
The Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve provides a luxurious safari experience in South Africa. It combines the best Big Five game viewing and safari lodges in South Africa, with options ranging from cozy bush camps to luxurious alternatives beneath the spectacular African night sky! The Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve also offers off-road driving, night drives, and guided nature excursions.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Image by Barbara Fraatz from Pixabay
The Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta, is located in the middle of Botswana’s Kalahari Desert. The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provides a home for African species in a stunning natural setting. For example, it is home to semi-aquatic species like the red lechwe and sitatunga antelope. Sightings of elephants, buffalo, giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles are also common.
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Another one of the best places to see wildlife in Africa is the Hwange National Park. Hwange National Park is well-known for its elephant population. The best time for big game viewing in the Hwange National Park is from August to October when the animals gather around the waterholes. Hwange is also a popular destination for its bird watching, with the ideal months to visit being November to April when migrating species come from Europe and Northern Africa.
Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
Image by Antony Trivet from Pixabay
The Mana Pools National Park in northern Zimbabwe is another best place for safari in Africa. It is Africa’s most remote national park, making it ideal for walking and canoeing Africa safari tours! It is home to a large number of crocodiles and hippos. Sightings of elephants, lions, buffalo, zebras, and baboons are also common. Don’t forget to book a walking safari at Mana Pools National Park. It’s a terrific way to relax under the cool shade of the Faidherbia trees while keeping an eye out for wildlife just a few meters away.
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Image by Jürgen Bierlein from Pixabay
Another one of the best wildlife in Africa can be seen at the Etosha National Park. The unique landscape of this natural park will mesmerize you. It is commonly referred to as the “great white place” because of the famous Etosha Pan. The Etosha Pan is Africa’s largest salt pan, and it can be viewed even from space! Elephants, lions, giraffes, hyenas, cheetahs, springbok, kudus, oryxes, and rhinos are common sightings in Etosha National Park. Apart from that, it is home to Europe’s most popular bee-eater, as well as the world’s largest bird, the ostrich, and the heaviest flying bird, the kori bustard.
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Chobe National Park is home to two spectacular wildlife areas: Chobe Riverfront and Savuti. The Chobe is a beautiful riverbank that can be explored by boat, especially late afternoon when large herds of elephants and buffalo gather in search of water. Savuti is excellent for viewing predators such as lions and spotted hyenas. That is why it is the best safari in Africa to see predators in action. The predator’s live actions are phenomenal, as they can even bring down an elephant!
Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
Image by Nici Keil from Pixabay
