For every lover of wildlife a trip to Africa is a dream come true. The continent boasts some of the most unspoiled natural attractions in the world – among them being national parks that allow visitors to immerse themselves in in scenery and view wildlife in settings that have changed little for millennia.
So if an African wildlife safari is on your bucket list which 8 parks should you place on your shortlist in order to experience a trip that will provide memories that last a lifetime.
1. Serengeti National Park.
This park in Tanzania is one of the premier wildlife viewing destinations on the African continent. Visitors should time their visit to coincide with the ‘Great Migration’ which occurs in June / July or January /February. This is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on the globe. Over 2 million animals including massive herds of Wildebeest migrate to new pastures – along with their young. Those visiting the park will also be treated to sightings of the Big Five (Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, Rhino and Leopard).
2. Hwange National Park.
This park in Zimbabwe is renowned for the sheer diversity of its wildlife – including vast elephant herds. In fact the number of elephants in the park is estimated to be around 46,000. Large prides of Lion also provide a visual spectacle that will not be soon forgotten.
3. Etosha National Park.
Namibia’s Etosha National Park is home to a spectacular number of animal species. Here the desert environment offers some thing different from the forests and Savannah that characterize many other national parks on the continent. The opportunity to see Cheetah in action is only one of the attractions of the park. It also offers exceptional value for money for accommodation at the camps in the park.
4. Kruger National Park.
South Africa’s Kruger National Park offers visitors the chance to explore a natural environment the size of Wales. The Big Five can be found in abundance in the park – but there is also the opportunity to view a vast number of other species. One of the attractions of the park is well maintained and tarred toads which allow visitors to roam at will through a variety of different landscapes. For all its attractions Kruger remains a great value for money choice and a variety of accommodation options will suit all visitors.
5. Mahale Mountains National Park.
Tanzania plays host to large groups of Chimpanzees – and is widely recognized as the best place to view the social interactions among these fascinating primates. The setting for these viewings is undoubtedly one of the most visually arresting in Africa with pristine mountain forests on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
6. Moremi Game Reserve.
Set in the Okavango Delta Moremi offers the opportunity to explore a network of waterways that come alive with wildlife during the rainy season. There are several accommodation options and knowledgeable local guides make any exploration a fascinating educational experience.
7. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Uganda has gained worldwide fame for its Mountain Gorilla’s. At Bwindi visitors cam find out more about these primates while also enjoying sightings of 120 mammal species – including the shy forest elephant.
8. Mana Pools National Park.
Mana Pools in Zimbabwe is a taste of pristine Africa. A UNESCO World Heritage Site the Park offers visitors the opportunity to view crocodiles, elephant and buffalo among many other species including Zebra, Impala, eland, Warthog, Baboons and many, many more.
If you want to enjoy a wildlife experience that immerses you in the wonder of a world untouched by time – then an African game experience should be on your bucket list.
