Where to Find the Top Ten Parks in Africa
From Kruger National Park in the south to Lake Nakuru up north. Read all about our hand-picked list of the top ten national parks in Africa.
Some of the best national parks for African safaris include Kruger National Park in South Africa, renowned for its Big Five sightings and diverse landscapes. Serengeti National Park in Tanzania offers incredible wildlife migrations, while Masai Mara in Kenya provides iconic safari experiences. Chobe National Park in Botswana is known for its large elephant populations, and Okavango Delta in Botswana offers a unique water-based safari experience. Each park offers something distinct, from wildlife density to terrain variety, ensuring memorable safari adventures
The highlights of any African holiday are unforgettable wilderness experiences in the very best national parks for African safaris. From Kruger National Park in the south to Lake Nakuru up north, read all about our hand-picked list of the top ten national parks in Africa. Combine a few thrilling destinations in tailor-made tours to suit your budget and time frame and we will customize the itinerary to please your travel group. Get ready for your once-in-a-lifetime safari and know when to go, what to pack and where to find the top ten parks in Africa.
1
Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, Kruger, South Africa
Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve in Kruger National Park, South Africa, is a premier safari destination known for its luxury lodges and excellent Big Five sightings, especially leopards. It offers exclusive, intimate experiences with fewer crowds, ensuring close encounters with wildlife. Visitors enjoy guided game drives, walking safaris, and exceptional service, all within a prime wildlife area. Its proximity to the Kruger National Park adds to the diversity of species, providing unforgettable wildlife experiences
The Kruger National Park in South Africa is a veritable sanctuary for all things living, mixed habitats hosting diverse wildlife in a vast region. Private game reserves on the border of Kruger have dropped their fences to extend the wildlife territory and one of them is the renowned Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve. Here aspirant Big 5 seekers will find Mala Mala, Londolozi and Singita private luxury lodges, to name but a few. The Sabi Sands was once a farming region whose landowners agreed to form the conservation area in 1934. Today, this private reserve shares a 50 km unfenced boundary with Kruger and extends a vast 65,000 ha. Guests are privileged to drive off-road on safari to track the Big 5 and other rare and exciting animals. Sabi Sands offers better leopard sightings than anywhere else in Africa and boasts a choice of uber-luxury lodges and camps dedicated to conservation and ecotourism.
Recommended lodge: Londolozi Varty Camp
2
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe is a must-visit for its diverse wildlife and unique experiences. Known for its large elephant population, it’s one of the best places to see these majestic creatures. The park offers exceptional game drives, walking safaris, and birdwatching opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy stunning landscapes, including salt pans and dense woodlands, with fewer crowds compared to other parks, providing a more peaceful and authentic safari experience
Hwange National Park (formerly Wankie Game Reserve) is the largest natural reserve in Zimbabwe, stretching a vast 14,600 square km in area – and it’s easy to get to, just off the main road between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. It’s close to the edge of the Kalahari desert, a dry region dominated by gorgeous Zambezi Teak trees, mopane woodland, seasonal wetlands and grasslands. Not only does the Park host more than 100 mammal and 400 bird species, but so too does it contain all of Zimbabwe’s specially protected species. See gemsbok, elephants and brown hyenas while the African wild dog population in Hwange is thought to be one of the larger surviving groups in Africa today. Stay in decent safari camps offering game drives and exciting wilderness trails.
Recommended lodge: Khulu Bush Camp
3
South Luangwa National Park Zambia
South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is renowned for its exceptional wildlife experiences and is often referred to as the “birthplace of the walking safari.” The park boasts diverse ecosystems, including floodplains, woodlands, and lagoons, which attract abundant wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and hippos. Its remote, untouched beauty offers quieter safaris, with opportunities for both game drives and walking safaris led by expert guides. South Luangwa is also known for its high leopard sightings, making it a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts
For a wildly unexpected adventure in Africa, South Luangwa National Park is a walking trail highlight on your bucket list. For prime game viewing in a vast passionately conserved landscape, look no further than the uncrowded camps in South Luangwa, Zambia. The strongly flowing Luangwa River forms one boundary, the lifeblood for the nearly 10 000 square km region. Look out for 60 different animal species and 400 bird species, but sadly, the rhino is no more. Visitors seek the secretive leopard and African wild dog here while elephant herds are common, kudu, bushbuck and Zambia’s very own Crawshay’s zebra herds. An astonishing variety of 400 bird species, and 39 different raptors delight all walking safari participants. Stunning pioneering bush camps made for walking safaris dominate this inspiring park.
Recommended lodge: Kafunta River Lodge
4
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Staying in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, offers an unparalleled safari experience, with expansive plains teeming with wildlife, including the Big Five and the iconic Great Migration. The park is one of the world’s most famous safari destinations, offering game drives and hot air balloon safaris for unique perspectives. Luxurious lodges and camps provide comfort and proximity to nature, while the diversity of ecosystems allows for diverse wildlife encounters. The Serengeti offers a perfect mix of adventure, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife sighting
The compelling Serengeti is synonymous with the Great Annual Wildebeest Migration and is one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations. Luxury safari lodges and camps cater for privileged tourists who are driven to see the Big 5 as part of extended tours into Kenya and Botswana. These visitors say a few days to witness the spectacle of some 2 million wildebeest stampeding across huge open plains in search of food and water. Game rangers and local trackers share their innate knowledge of the biodiversity and conservation ethos in this famous UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the mind-blowing Natural Wonders of the World. The name “Serengeti” is derived from the Maasai word siringet, meaning “the place where the land runs on forever”. Extreme weather conditions haunt the land, especially the epic blend of heat and wind and it is thought that ancient volcanoes transformed these diverse habitats.
Recommended lodge: Serengeti Pioneer Lodge
5
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, offers an extraordinary safari experience, especially during the Great Migration, when millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the Mara River. The park is renowned for its rich wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, and elephants. Visitors enjoy exclusive game drives, cultural experiences with the Maasai people, and stunning landscapes. Luxury lodges and tented camps provide comfort and access to the reserve’s incredible biodiversity, making it a top destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers
Africa’s best-known and most traversed private game reserve, the famous Masi Mara in Kenya is a wildlife fantasy and dream destination for all safari lovers. Rather than being a national park, it’s a famed national reserve that belongs to the Maasai people and is managed by local county councils. This enormous haven of biodiversity harbors nearly 100 mammal species and more than 570 bird species, including colorful predators feeding off the millions of wildebeest and zebra which join the great migration every year. Tourists flock here to witness the epitome of Africa in the endless grasslands, starkly standing acacia trees and rich wildlife sightings. They want to meet real Maasai warriors and see how their cattle merge with the wildlife on the edges of the reserve. Hundreds of majestic big-maned lions, splendid leopards, sprinting cheetahs and spotted hyenas all compete for prey.
Recommended lodge: Elephant Pepper Camp
6
Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana offers an exceptional wildlife experience with diverse habitats, including wetlands, savannahs, and woodlands, which attract a wide range of animals, including the Big Five. The reserve is famous for its stunning birdlife and excellent game drives. Its proximity to the Okavango Delta ensures a mix of land and water-based safaris, with luxurious, eco-friendly lodges providing an intimate, remote experience for nature lovers. The reserve also emphasizes conservation and sustainability
Moremi Game Reserve is one of those top safari destinations adjacent to the Okavango Delta that you don’t want to miss. A pristine region of open grasslands, magnificent floodplains and wetlands and endless blue skies, the Moremi offers shady islands, tranquil lagoons and so much wildlife it will leave you stunned. Visiting the Moremi can best be enjoyed as a self-drive tour or a fly-in experience to see white and black rhinos, leopards, African wild dogs and water-adapted antelope such as the striking red lechwe and semi-aquatic sitatunga. Drive into the heart of Moremi at Mboma Island, Third Bridge and Xakanaxa to experience the grasslands meeting the delta in an explosion of sounds, colors, textures and fragrances. Chief’s Island is more select with its upmarket lodges and elite clientele flying in and out but it is equally splendid on the eye.
Recommended lodge: Sable Alley Camp
7
Etosha National Park Namibia
Etosha National Park in Namibia offers a unique safari experience with its vast salt pans and diverse wildlife. The park is known for its high concentration of animals around waterholes, making it ideal for game viewing. Visitors can spot the Big Five, along with rare species like the black rhino. The park’s stunning landscapes, including the salt pan and Etosha’s waterholes, provide a dramatic backdrop for safaris. With a range of accommodation options from lodges to campsites, Etosha is perfect for those seeking an adventurous yet comfortable wildlife experience
There is something enticing about Etosha National Park in Namibia, a dry and open landscape fringed with lush bushveld areas and plenty of private lodges accommodating global tourists on life-changing safaris in Africa. The enormous salt pan is a magnet for wildlife therefore one of the best spots to see the Big 5 and plenty of other mammals and reptiles, birds and rodents. Not only is Etosha very easy to get to on good roads, but so too is it a malaria-free safari destination, adding enormous value for tourists and locals alike. Rest camps provide a range of accommodation as well as restaurants, viewing decks, shops and petrol stations. Etosha may not offer as much wealth of wildlife as Tanzania or Kenya, but its active waterholes reveal close-up game viewing of diverse wildlife day and night. Etosha actually means ‘Great White Place’ in the Ovambo language (after the salt pan) and the original Etosha was the largest national park in the world.
Recommended lodge: Ongava Tented Camp
8
Gorongosa National Park Mozambique
Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique offers a unique safari experience with its diverse ecosystems, including savannahs, forests, and wetlands. Known for its successful conservation efforts, Gorongosa is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and buffalo, as well as a rich birdlife. The park is renowned for its biodiversity and pristine wilderness, making it ideal for eco-tourism and wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy guided game drives, walking safaris, and cultural experiences with local communities. With comfortable lodges and a focus on sustainable tourism, Gorongosa is perfect for those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path adventure
The astonishing Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique is the latest go-to wildlife conservation destination in Africa. Surrounded by mainstream East African safari destinations, Mozambique’s flagship national park breaks away from the mass tourism model to offer responsible tourists their first real in-depth, ecotourism escapade in a reserve that took 35 years to rebuild. Wildlife rangers and tour guides give guests the best safari experience they could wish for, showing them anti-poaching benefits, wildlife sightings galore and community-driven projects on Mount Gorongosa. The rare Mount Gorongosa pygmy chameleon (Rhampholeon gorongosae) is found only in the forests here. The Park lies in the heart of the country, a refuge for spectacular wildlife, diverse habitats and scientific discoveries. A pack of painted wolves (African wild dogs) released here in 2018 has grown to over 40 wild dogs roaming the Park.
Recommended lodge: Muzimu Tented Camp
9
The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP) Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP) in Uganda offers an extraordinary opportunity to see the critically endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its rich biodiversity, dense rainforests, and stunning landscapes. Visitors can embark on guided gorilla trekking expeditions, which provide up-close encounters with these magnificent creatures while supporting conservation efforts. Additionally, the park offers birdwatching, cultural experiences with local communities, and hiking through its lush terrain. Staying here not only provides a unique wildlife experience but also contributes to the preservation of Uganda’s wildlife
The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP) is part of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and is situated along the (DRC) border next to the Virunga National Park on the edge of the Albertine Rift. Only accessible on foot, this 321 square km indigenous forest zone is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is most notable for the 400 Bwindi gorillas, half of the world’s population of endangered mountain gorillas, and is a sanctuary for colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, and many birds such as hornbills and turacos. From the forests to the banana, tea and coffee plantations, green is definitely the dominant color in Uganda! Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to over 1000 species of plants and 200 different types of trees. Many are endemic to the region.
Recommended lodge: Chameleon Hill Lodge
10
Majete Wildlife Reserve Malawi
Majete Wildlife Reserve in Malawi offers a unique and off-the-beaten-path safari experience. Located in the southern part of the country, it is one of the few reserves in Malawi that boasts all of the Big Five, thanks to extensive conservation efforts. The reserve is known for its rich biodiversity, including elephants, lions, and rhinos, and its stunning landscapes of savannahs and forests. Visitors can enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and boat safaris along the Shire River. The reserve is also committed to sustainable tourism, making it ideal for eco-conscious travelers looking for an authentic, less-crowded experience
Majete Wildlife Reserve was mostly an unknown reserve in Malawi before 2003 when African Parks took it over – wildlife had been hunted out and the park was barren. Soon, a collaborative team founded a great relationship with local communities and animal relocations began – rhinos and elephants in 2006, lions in 2012, giraffes in 2018, cheetahs in 2019, and wild dogs in 2021. As a result, wildlife numbers grew meaningfully and by 2016, Majete was stocking wildlife in other parks in Malawi! Today, Majete Wildlife Reserve is a haven of biodiversity, excellent game viewing, wonderful wildlife activities and safari accommodations. Local people are being supported through ecotourism initiatives to benefit conservation and people.
Recommended lodge: Mkulumadzi Lodge
Plan a trip to Africa based on our top ten national parks in Africa, from Kruger in South Africa and Etosha in Namibia to the famous Serengeti and Masai Mara in Tanzania and Kenya. The choice is yours and we can customize your combo tour overland to several thrilling game viewing and bush-walking safari destinations.