A safari holiday is certainly one of the most unique vacation options available, and when it comes to deciding upon a destination, Africa will likely be at the forefront of your mind. But whereabouts exactly should you go? Here are five of the best safari destinations in Africa .
Arguably the most well-known place for safaris in Africa, Tanzania’s Serengeti is a sprawling park with a plethora of wildlife—it’s where you’ll see the annual Great Migration, an event where over a million wildebeest migrate once the rains stop and the land dries in May.
But aside from this, the Serengeti is a wondrous location in its own right. Alongside the millions of wildebeest you can see, you’ll also discover elephants, giraffes, lions and leopards. There are countless spots to camp here, and plenty of opportunities for a fulfilling safari getaway in what is arguably Africa’s most famous national park.
Chobe National Park
Known for being home to incredible herds of elephants, Chobe National Park in Botswana is certainly the place to go to for your best chance of getting up, close and personal with the animals. More than 440 bird species can also be found in the area.
Becoming the country’s first ever national park in 1968, its iconic status means that the wildlife experience will be unique.
There are three main parts to the park that serve as the go-to destinations for a safari:
It remains one of Africa’s main highlights. Go and explore it before it picks up any more traction.
Etosha National Park
Namibia’s Etosha National Park covers a staggering 20,000 square kilometres, meaning it’s certainly one of Africa’s most sprawling national parks. Safaris here are plentiful, with room to explore a vast amount of land and wildlife.
But one of the main attractions here at Etosha is letting the animals find you as opposed to the other way around. Safaris here will usually see you parking next to a water hole and watching as animals including elephants, giraffes and lions approach. This relaxed way of seeing the park is what draws visitors in—so if you’re looking for something a bit different, Etosha should be on your bucket list.
Maasai Mara
Another one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations, the Maasai Mara National Reserve is a section of preserved savannah wilderness in southwest Kenya, populated by hippos, elephants and giraffes amongst plenty of other species. The landscape is vast and beautiful, with rolling hills, grassy plains and two rivers—Mara and Talek—crossing through the reserve.
Unfortunately, time is running out for this beautiful section of the country, as small villages and towns begin to populate the reserve. Be sure to get here soon to witness its unspoiled beauty, as it truly is one of the world’s highlights more people should know about.
Kruger National Park
Overtaking the aforementioned Maasai Mara as Africa’s most popular safari spot, South Africa’s Kruger National Park is evidently one of the country’s main highlights. And it’s easy to see why—you’ll find almost every African animal roaming the plains here, with over 130 species of mammals and 500 species of birds existing within Kruger.
Despite the crowds (you might find yourself queuing to access certain hotspots), one simply cannot detract from the sheer beauty of Kruger. With the towering Lebombo mountain range in the east and the diverse landscape of rolling hills and dense tropical forests, it’s the closest thing to paradise you’ll ever find.
Visiting best safari destinations in Africa ? Find accommodation here.
See here for what to expect on a safari .
See here for what to pack for a safari.
This is a guest post.
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Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.