National Parks in Africa

The Kruger National Park is listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is one of the most famous national parks in Africa. Located in South Africa, Kruger is shared by the Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces. Spanning across 19,485 square kilometers, the park is well known for its diverse wildlife which includes 150 species of animals such as lions, antelopes, wild dogs, zebras, hornbills and many others. Visit the national park with its abounding wildlife and unparalleled beauty and spend time going on guided walks, exciting safaris and 4x4 eco trails. Enjoy big5 gaming sessions and be adventurous and go mountain biking and hikes on wilderness trails. The park also has over 500 species of birds, making it a bird lover’s paradise.

1. Highlights:

• Best and most diverse wildlife including 34 types of amphibians, 147 mammals, 49 fish varieties,114 reptiles, 507 birds and 336 tree types
• Historical sites such as Masorini Ruins.
• The Letaba Elephant Museum.
• Bush camping
• Sabi Sand Game Reserve
• Wildlife Drives
• Bull-backpack trail

2. Location:

Kruger National Park, South Africa

3. Best Time to Visit:

Between June to August

4. How to Reach:

From the nearest airport: From Skukuza Airport, 20-minute transfer by car to Kruger Gate - Skukuza Road

5. Flora and Fauna:

• The Big 5: African elephant, African lion, African leopard, Cape buffalo & Rhinoceros
• Animals such as Hyenas, hippopotamus, impalas, giraffes,
• Birds such as storks and eagles

The Okavango Delta is listed amongst the famous national parks in Africa and has been created by the Okavango River that flows into the Kalahari desert in Botswana. The park is listed as a World Heritage Site and is a sanctuary to some of the world’s most endangered birds and animals. Explore the beautiful park which will give you a 360 degree panoramic view of dense forests, enchanting lagoons, and extensive savannahs. This unique pulsing wetland has a myriad species of animals and also has over 500 species of birds and 85 recorded species of fish which you can discover while on one of the safaris.

1. Highlights:

Myriad species of animals, birds and fishesTrans-Okavango SafarisHot air Balloon safaris Walking safaris

2. Location:

Okavango Delta, Botswana

3. Best Time to Visit:

June and August and September to October

4. How to Reach:

From the nearest airport: Scheduled charter flights from Maun into the Okavango Delta and then by road and/or boat transfer.

5. Flora and Fauna:

• Animals such as African Bush Elephant,Hippopotamus, African Buffalo, Topi, Lechwe,Nile crocodile, Blue Wildebeest, Giraffe, Lion, Brown Hyena, Cheetah, Leopard, Spotted Hyena, Greater Kudu, White Rhinoceros, Sable Antelope, Black Rhinoceros, Plains Zebra, Warthog and Chacma Baboon.
• 500 species of birds
• 85 species of fish such as Tilapia, Tigerfish, and Catfish.

List amongst the popular Africa national parks is the Serengeti National Park, located in Tanzania. The park has earned fame for being the only place where you will be fascinated to watch millions of migrating wildebeest moving across Acacia plains. Apart from the wildebeest, you will also find zebras, gazelles, topi, hartebeest, and impalas also migrating.Watching them, you will get an experience of the untouched African wilderness. The national park, known to be one of the best national parks in Africa, will also amaze you with its ecosystem covering 12,000 square miles and including several other game reserves containing diverse species of plants, animals and birds.

1. Highlights:

• Wildebeest Migration
• Game viewing opportunities
• Hot air balloon safaris
• Sighting of the Big 5: lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant

2. Location:

Serengeti Plain in north-central Tanzania.

3. Best Time to Visit:

June to July and January to February

4. How to Reach:

From the nearest airport: Either fly from Arusha to one of the park's seven airstrips or travel by a 4x4 safari vehicle from Arusha to Serengeti National Park

5. Flora and Fauna:

• Animals such as giraffes, Wildebeest, big cats, gazelle, zebra, elephant, eland, topi, and kongoni.
• Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo)
• Africa’s Big 7 except Gorilla (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, hippo, and crocodile)

One of the leading African national parks in Kenya is Maasai Mara National Reserve. Known to be the top most safari destination of the country, the national park is regarded as the jewel for wildlife viewing. Make a trip to the national reserve spreading across an area of 1,510 square km and feel mesmerized looking at the breathtaking natural views along with an abundance of wildlife. While exploring the place, you will be able to spot 95 species of amphibians, mammals, and reptiles. Maasai Mara, which is listed amongst the most famous national parks in Africa, is also a bird watcher’s paradise having more than 400 species of birds.

1. Highlights:

• A high population of lion, leopards, and cheetahs
• Serengeti migration herd of wildebeest
• Migration crossing the Mara River
• Ballooning

2. Location:

Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

3. Best Time to Visit:

June to October

4. How to Reach:

From the nearest airport: Drive for 10 minutes to reach Hemingways Ol Seki Mara Camp.

5. Flora and Fauna:

Animals such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, serval, jackals, hyenas, zebras, elands, gazelles, topi, and wildebeest. Groves of acacia and related bush.

Kidepo Valley National Park, one of the famous national parks in Africa, is Uganda’s third largest national park, located in the north-east of the country. Known to be the only Queen Elizabeth National Park contains greater biodiversity, Kipedo will enthrall you with its soft, blue mountains, semi-arid savanna, and seasonal rivers.Go on a unforgettable safari drive experience and feel enchanted looking at thirsty elephants, large buffalo herds, and antelope.

1. Highlights:

• Only place with Clapperton’s francolin and the rose-ringed parakeet in East Africa
• Safaris
• Walking Trails

2. Location:

Apopka, Uganda

3. Best Time to Visit:

September to March

4. How to Reach:

From the nearest airport: Scheduled or chartered flight available to the park

5. Flora and Fauna:

• 77 mammal species such as bat-eared fox,black-backed jackal, cheetah, aardwolf, and caracal
• 20 species of predator such as leopard, lion and spotted hyena.
• 470 species of birds including 56 species of raptor
• 50 Rothschild’s giraffes
• 10,000 buffalos
• 560 Elephants

Hwange National Park, located in Zimbabwe, is one of the African national parks that has earned its fame for housing the world’s tallest waterfall – Victoria Falls. While visiting the park, located on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, you will be delighted to find elephants everywhere. Apart from elephants, the park also has over 500 species of other animals and birds living in this area. The park, one of the famous national parks in Africa, will also give you an excellent option for watching the big five animals - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo as well.

1. Highlights:

• Victoria Falls
• Elephants
• Bird Species

2. Location:

Northwestern Zimbabwe, on the Botswana frontier

3. Best Time to Visit:

August to early November

4. How to Reach:

From nearest airport: By private car from Victoria Falls

5. Flora and Fauna:

• Elephants
• Big 5 Animals - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo
• 500 species of birds and animals

If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination which also appears in the list of famous national parks in Africa, you can head towards the Samburu National Reserve in Kenya. The national reserve will give you excellent safari and game viewing options. You can go on game drives and can also opt for walking safaris. To view the park from the sky, opt for a hot air balloon safari. The reserve has several rare species of animals, so be on a look out for them.

1. Highlights:

• A premier game reserve
• Game Drives
• Hot Air Balloon Safaris
• Maasai Village Visit
• Spotting Lepard

2. Location:

Samburu National Reserve, Kenya

3. Best Time to Visit:

July to October

4. How to Reach:

From nearest airport: Scheduled flights from Nairobi to Samburu's airstrip; Travel 300 km for 5 ½ hours from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

5. Flora and Fauna:

• Rare species of animals such as the Somali Ostrich, Grevy Zebra, Gerenuk, Reticulated Giraffe, and the Beisa Oryx
• Predators such as the Lion, Leopard and Cheetah
• 900 Elephants
• 450 recorded species of birds

The Volcanoes National Park, one of the best national parks in Africa, has been named after the chain of dormant volcanoes - Virunga Massif, Karisimbi, Bisoke, Gahinga, Sabinyo and Muhabura. Located in the far northwest of Rwanda, the park will enchant you with its view of the magnificent mountain range along with a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems containing swamp, open grassland, bamboo forest and heath. The park is the home to the endangered mountain gorilla and is one of the few places where this animal can be seen close up. Opt to go on a trekking trip or hike up the Virunga Mountain forests.

1. Highlights:

• Endangered mountain gorilla
• Trekking
• Hiking in the Virunga Mountain forests

2. Location:

FJXM+P26, Ruhengeri, Rwanda

3. Best Time to Visit:

June to September

4. How to Reach:

From the nearest airport: Scheduled helicopter flights from Kigali International Airport or three hour drive to reach the park

5. Flora and Fauna:

• Bamboo forest
• 200 species of birds
• Gorillas
• 20,000 hippopotamuses

outh Luangwa National Park, one of the famous national parks in Africa, will let you experience the essence of true wilderness as you visit this amazing safari destination. The protected reserve has an abundance of wildlife which you will be able to witness during the safari. South Luangwa’s conservation of animals lists amongst the most dense in all of Africa making it one of the best national parks in Africa.The park offers both day and evening safaris, so you can also get an unique experience of exploring the place after darkness sets in.

1. Highlights:

• Day and evening game drives
• Dense concentration of animals

2. Location:

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

3. Best Time to Visit:

November to April

4. How to Reach:

From the nearest airport: Travel by 4x4 vehicle from Lusaka

5. Flora and Fauna:

• Predators like African wild dogs, lions, and lean leopards
• Animals such as elephants, buffalo, and hippo
• 14 different species of antelope, including the bushbuck and the kudu
• 400 species of birds including 39 birds of prey

One of the African national parks which is known for being a bird watcher’s paradise is the Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya. The lake attracts millions of pink flamingos making it a must-visit destination for every bird lover. Other than this beautiful bird, you will also find other bird species such as African fish eagle and others while exploring the park. You will also be able to witness lots of animals including the white rhinos,giraffes, cheetahs, and others. Lake Nakuru National Park has recently been added to the list of famous national parks in Africa for having the recently extended rare and endangered black rhino find sanctuary to help the species.

1. Highlights:

• Pink Flamingos
• Endangered black rhino find sanctuary
• Bird Watching
• White Rhinos

2. Location:

Nakuru, Kenya

3. Best Time to Visit:

November to April

4. How to Reach:

From the nearest airport: Drive for around 3 hrs from Nairobi Airport

5. Flora and Fauna:

• Millions of Pink Flamingos
• Bird species such as African fish eagle, pied kingfisher, and the Goliath Heron.
• Animal species like warthogs, white rhinos,giraffes, cheetahs, baboons,etc
• Endangered black rhinos

Amboseli National Park, Kenya is a prominent name that has found a place in the list of famous national parks in Africa. The famous park is the home to over 47 species of raptors and 400 species of birds. While visiting this amazing park you will be able to witness an amazing view of herds of elephants grazing against the backdrop of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. Take a look at the other animals such as lions, cheetahs, and others from a close distance at this game reserve.

1. Highlights:

• Bird Species
• Reptiles
• Mount Kilimanjaro

2. Location:

Loitokitok District, Rift Valley, Entonet, Kenya

3. Best Time to Visit:

June to October

4. How to Reach:

From the nearest airport: Take a shuttle bus from Nairobi to Namanga and then drive from Namanga to Amboseli National Park.

5. Flora and Fauna:

• Over 1,000 elephants
• Other animals such as lions, cheetahs, elephants, and hyenas.
• Over 47 species of raptors
• Over 400 species of birds

Chobe National Park is one of the best national parks in Africa that is famed for being the country’s first national park. Spreading across a vast area of 11,700 sq km, the national park is listed as Botswana’s third-largest protected area. Enjoy a safari at this park and explore its four unique areas including the Chobe riverfront. Few animals that you will be able to spot in this park include the hippopotamuses, crocodiles, African Buffalo, water monitors, as well as an array of birds. Another area of this park where you will be able to sight animals is the Savuti Marsh area, where you will find Cheetah, lion, elephant, rhinoceros, as well as lots of birds. The third area is the Linyanti Marsh, known for being frequented by leopards, wild dogs, crocodiles etc.

1. Highlights:

• Elephant capital of the world
• Various bird species
• Lions that hunt elephants
• Combination water & land safaris

2. Location:

7C9H+QMG, Kakoaka, Botswana

3. Best Time to Visit:

April, May and November

4. How to Reach:

From the nearest airport: Fly to Kasane Airport near northern entrance of the park or travel by 4X4 from Victoria Falls and reach in 90 minutes

5. Flora and Fauna:

• Animals such as elephants, Leopard, wild dog, lions etc
• 460 different species of birds such as the Martial Eagle, Fish Eagle, Pel's Fishing Owl, Kingfisher, Egyptian Geese, and Sacred Ibis.
• Crocodiles

One of the famous national parks in Africa which is located in Namibia is the Etosha National Park. Listed amongst the best national parks in Africa for spotting Cheetah, the park will also let you witness Africa’s tallest elephants along with other game animals such as lions and others. You can go on extended wildlife safaris and enjoy watching black rhinoceros, elephants, cheetahs, and others in their natural habitat. The park also has camping facilities, so you can opt to spend a night among the wild animals as well. Apart from its animal attractions, this park will also enchant you with its breathtaking landscapes that will include dolomite hills, savannas and others.

1. Highlights:

• Cheetah Spotting
• Waterhole Stakeouts
• Africa’s tallest elephants
• Both black and white rhinoceroses

2. Location:

Etosha National Park, Namibia

3. Best Time to Visit:

May to December

4. How to Reach:

From the nearest airport: fly directly into Etosha or take the journey overland from Hosea Kutako International Airport

5. Flora and Fauna:

• Animals such as elephants, black and white rhinoceroses, foxes, hyenas, cheetahs, hartebeest, caracals, giraffes, jackals, kudu, wild dogs, zebras, impala, gemsbok, eland

One of the African national parks that you can visit in South Africa is the Addo Elephant National Park, famed for having 600 elephants. The park has seven major vegetation zones and along with animals, you will also be able to witness other animals including Africa’s big 7. Recently the park has extended its expanse and has included the St Croix and Bird Island where you will be able to watch birds along with marine creatures. You will also be able to watch the breeding process of penguins and gannets here.

1. Highlights:

• Elephants
• Safari
• St Croix and Bird Island

2. Location:

Addo, 6105, South Africa

3. Best Time to Visit:

May to September

4. How to Reach:

From the nearest airport: Rent a car from Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ) and travel for 70 km

5. Flora and Fauna:

• Elephants
• Africa’s big 7 - lion, buffalo, elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, whale and great white shark.
• Marine Creatures: Penguins and gannets
• Dense Vegetation
• Bird species

Golden Gate Highlands National Park is another one of the famous national parks in Africa that got its name from its beautiful sight of sunset when the last sun ray paints the large rock formations of the valley golden. Apart from this, the park will also interest you with its archeological findings of dinosaur eggs and human skeletons. Go for a hike, ride on a horse back or go canoeing in Gladstone Dam. You can also opt to take a swim in the natural rock pool behind Glen Reenen as well. The park has a lot of animals such as the black wildebeest, blesbok, and others which you will witness during your visit. Hike up to the Generaal Shop-the highest point in the park to get a breathtaking view of the entire area.

1. Highlights:

• Sunset views
• San rock paintings
• Wilderness hike with village healer
• Hike on the short hiking trails
• Zuluhoek lookout point
• Oribi basin

2. Location:

Clarens, 9707, South Africa

3. Best Time to Visit:

October to May

4. How to Reach

From the nearest airport: Travel by road for 350 kilometers from Durban, Johannesburg or Bloemfontein Airports

5. Flora and Fauna:

• Animals such as Zebras, Mongoose, springboks, black wildebeest, oribi, eland
• Birds, such as Blue Crane, bald ibis, Cape Vulture, and Secretary Bird

Located in Tanzania is one of the famous national parks in Africa, the Ngorongoro National Park which is known to be largely populated by the native Maasai pastoralists. Being the location of the famous Ngorongoro Crater, which was created by a large volcanic explosion, the park has gained an entry in the list of best Africa national parks in East Africa. The beautiful park has an enormous population of African wild animals and you can take a look at them at the park’s two main areas for game-viewing, as well as the crater.

1. Highlights:

• Ngorongoro Crater
• Crater Rim Walk
• Maasai Village Tour

2. Location:

Box 1, Tanzania

3. Best Time to Visit:

April to May

4. How to Reach:

From the nearest airport: Travel from Arusha airport for 170 kms by car for 3 hours.

5. Flora and Fauna:

• Elephants and big tuskers
• Big cats
• Animals such as black rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, jackals, hyenas etc

Spanning from the Soda Lake Manyara till the Gregory Rift in Tanzania is the Lake Manyara National Park, listed amongst one of the is among the famous national parks in Africa for families with kids, couples, and adventure seekers to visit. The Soda Lake Manyara makes up an enormous part of the park during the monsoon but disappears during the dry season. While on a game drive in the park, feel excited watching the big cats climbing trees and looking for prey.

1. Highlights:

Soda Lake ManyaraMaasai Lions

2. Location:

Monduli District, Arusha Region, Tanzania

3. Best Time to Visit:

Late June to October

4. How to Reach:

From nearest airport: Travel from Arusha for 16 km by road and reach the park gate in 30 minutes

5. Flora and Fauna:

• African wildlife like Maasai lions, African leopards, Tanzanian cheetahs, African bush elephants, blue monkeys, hippos, gazelles, giraffes, and Grant’s zebras

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda's one of the most visited Africa national parks with several highlights. The park is famous for its big cats and you can enjoy the view of tree-climbing lions and leopards during a game drive. Apart from these, you will also be able to watch other animals such as elephants, antelopes and others. You can also opt to go for a boat safari and watch animals such as buffalos and pelicans drinking water.

1. Highlights:

• Tree-climbing lions and leopards.
• Game drives
• Boat safari
• Chimp Trekking in the forests of Kyambura Gorge

2. Location:

Kasese, Uganda

3. Best Time to Visit:

June to August

4. How to Reach:

From the nearest airport: Reach the park from Kihihi by car in 2 hours

5. Flora and Fauna:

• 600 species of recorded birds
• Animals such as elephants, buffalo, antelopes,hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, chimpanzees, and warthogs

West Coast National Park in South Africa is one of the Africa national parks which has gained popularity owing to its raw natural surroundings and bountiful animal species. This park has a series of pristine beaches, including secluded ones, which will invite you to indulge in exploring the place. During your visit, you can indulge in whale watching or indulge in game viewing experiences. The park provides shelters to over 250 bird species which will surely delight the bird watchers.

1. Highlights:

• Houseboat tour in the evening hours
• Langebaan Lagoon for laidback adventures.

2. Location:

West Coast DC, South Africa

3. Best Time to Visit:

August and September

4. How to Reach:

From the nearest airport: From Cape Town take a 1.5-hour drive by road

5. Flora and Fauna:

• Animals such as zebras, gemsbok, and bontebok
• A diverse variety of birds
• Whales

Tsitsikamma National Park is one of the famous national parks in Africa with a spectacular view. Located between the lush green mountains of the Eastern Cape and the vast blue Indian Ocean, the Tsitsikamma National Park will mesmerize you with its ancient forests and rocky coastline. Tsitsikamma is one of the Africa national parks that is a site of cultural significance and is also known for the famous Storms River Mouth. A trip to this park will excite you with activities on offer such as nature walks, hikes, black water tubing in the Storm River, horse riding and canopy tours.

1. Highlights:

• Horse Riding
• Canopy Tour
• Black water tubing
• Nature Walks
• Hikes

2. Location:

Tsitsikamma National Park, South Africa

3. Best Time to Visit:

October to February

4. How to Reach:

From the nearest airport: Take private cabs from Plettenberg Bay to reach the national park gate in an hour

5. Flora and Fauna:

• Plants such as proteas, grassy dune, annual herbs, heath and others
• Aquatic flora such as bulrushes, reeds, and sedges.
• Animals such as the Cape clawless otter, the African weasel, the African wild cat, Caracal, baboon, leopard, shrew, and honey badger,

- Water creatures such as dolphins and whale