Africa’s vast and diverse landscapes are home to some of the world’s most breathtaking national parks, offering a unique and unforgettable holiday experience. From the majestic savannahs of the Serengeti and Maasai Mara to the lush rainforests of Congo and Gabon and the arid deserts of Namibia and Botswana, African parks are a treasure trove of natural beauty, teeming with an incredible array of wildlife, plants, and cultural heritage.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, African parks have something for everyone and are waiting to be explored and discovered. You can also read our guide for first time travellers, summer holiday ideas and travel destinations as told by Nigerian bloggers.
Here are some of the top African parks to spend your holiday.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The Serengeti National Park is world-renowned for its savannahs, which provide a habitat for various wildlife. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is particularly famous for hosting the largest terrestrial mammal migration on the planet. In addition to the annual migration, the park offers unparalleled safari experiences, providing opportunities to witness the majestic Big Five – lions, elephants, leopards, buffalos, and rhinos – in their natural habitat. The diverse ecosystems within the park also showcase a rich tapestry of African wildlife, including cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, and many bird species.
Visitors to the Serengeti can immerse themselves in the natural beauty and unique landscapes of the African plains, with experienced guides offering insights into the intricate balance of the park’s ecosystem. When describing their visit to the Serengeti, @thelandyexpedition says, “We can’t believe we saw one of the wonders of the world, the greatest migration of wildlife on the planet.” It is a truly unforgettable destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, offering an opportunity to witness the raw and untouched beauty of the natural world.
A myriad of accommodation options are available in Serengeti National Park. From adventurous mobile tented camps following the Great Migration to family-oriented lodge-style accommodations and anything in between, you can find the perfect spot just for you. The park also provides special luxury offers for tourists to take advantage of throughout the year.
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Maasai Mara National Reserve is an area of preserved savannah wilderness in southwestern Kenya along the Tanzanian border. The huge and diverse number of animals that reside in Maasai Mara National Reserve is due in large part to the steady flow of the Mara River. The river sustains life on the sometimes brutal plains of the Serengeti, supporting a range of migratory mammals like wildebeests, giraffes, and zebras. The Maasai Mara Park and its river are also the final destination for impressive numbers of animals during the dry season’s Great Migration, the largest known migration of wildlife on the planet.
There are several exciting activities one can enjoy in Masai Mara. The most thrilling of these has to be the Hot Air Balloon safari, taken at the break of dawn and ending with a leisurely ‘Champagne Bush Breakfast’. This is a unique adventure activity and the Mara provides the perfect backdrop for the amazing balloon excursion. The flight lasts for about an hour as you glide gracefully over the African savannah watching the magnificent wildlife below.
Conveniently, the park also provides an array of accommodation and safari options that allow visitors the utmost comfort and ease when planning a trip.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park is a magical paradise nestled in South Africa. It’s a huge area with amazing wildlife, including the famous Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. The park is perfect for exciting safaris where you can get up close and personal with these incredible animals. If you love birds, you’re in for a treat, as over 500 bird species are fluttering around the park.
But that’s not all – Kruger National Park is also home to various landscapes, from open grassy plains to lush forests and winding rivers. Visiting Kruger allows you to go on guided game drives and walking safaris. When it’s time to rest, you can pick from cosy lodges or campsites to relax, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African wilderness.
The best time to visit for wildlife viewing would be during the dry months of June to September when the vegetation is less thick but the park also provides an overview of each season around the year and what experiences such each season
Virunga National Park, Congo
Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is Africa’s oldest national park and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its incredible landscapes, including volcanoes, mountains, savannahs, forests, and lakes. Virunga National Park allows you to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat and join guided hikes to a wide range of other wildlife, such as elephants, hippos, okapis, and many bird species.
Another must-do activity is hiking to Nyiragongo, an active volcano with the world’s largest lava lake. The views are breathtaking, and standing at the edge of an active volcano is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The park is also home to nature lovers and anyone who wants to explore the beauty and biodiversity of the African continent.
Before planning a trip to Virunga National Park, it is essential to understand that the park is known as one of the most dangerous in the world. This is due to the fallout from the Rwandan Genocide and the First and Second Congo Wars, which resulted in dozens of rebel groups residing in and around the park, illegally exploiting its natural resources to fund their operations. With all of this in mind, it is generally rangers and not tourists who are the victims of these atrocities, and every precaution is taken to keep visitors to Virunga National Park safe. To assure the safety of tourists, camping is not permitted in Virunga. Instead, the national park owns and operates lodges located in three different areas; Mikeno Lodge, Kibumba Tented Camp, and Tchegera Tented Camp.
Getting to Virunga National Park is a little different from your average African safari experience. You must first book one of several packages via the official Virunga National Park website. These packages include all transport to, from, and within the national park, your accommodation, specified activities, relevant permits, and meals. Upon paying for your package, you will receive a booking code to apply for your visa. Visas cost $105 per person, are non-refundable, and take at least two weeks to process.
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Etosha National Park in Namibia is a wildlife sanctuary covering over 8,600 square miles, and it is famous for its massive salt pan and the incredible variety of animals, including elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, and rhinos in their natural habitat!
One of the park’s main attractions is the Etosha Pan, a vast salt pan so large it can be seen from space. It’s the perfect place to see stunning landscapes, including open plains, woodlands, savannahs, and wildlife, especially during the dry season when animals gather around the waterholes.
Depending on what type of game viewing you wish to do, different seasons within the year will suit your trip better. The winter is a dry season and is a great time to spot wildlife at the waterholes. During summer the vegetation is lush due to the heavy rainfall which makes dame-viewing difficult. However, this season is great for bird- lovers. Booking from the accommodation within or outside the park in advance is also highly recommended due to the popularity of the park.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
The Okavango Delta in Botswana offers a one-of-a-kind safari experience. This inland delta is formed by the Okavango River, which creates a lush and vibrant oasis in the Kalahari Desert. Okavango Delta allows you to explore the waterways through traditional mokoro canoes or motorboat safaris and get close to the delta’s rich wildlife, including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and countless bird species. The Moremi Game Reserve, located within the delta, is also home to the Big Five – lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos.
The reserve offers both land and water-based safari experiences, providing a great opportunity to observe the region’s incredible biodiversity. When the rains come and the entire area floods, the same animals are still there, but their habits/behaviours change accordingly providing an entirely new safari experience.
Carlinn says, “you need to put Okavango Park on your bucket list!” She explains “the park Okavango Delta is one of the most beautiful areas I’ve ever seen in Africa. The landscape, the trees, the sunset, and the animals all make for a breathtaking view.
The Okavango Delta provides a wide range of accommodation options streamlined to suit your travel situations and preferences. The park is also home to local communities happy to share their traditional lifestyles and customs with visitors.
@campsbaygirl Part 01: Okavango Delta Botswana! I absolutely love Botswana and especially the delta 💛 #africa #botswana ♬ original sound – Carlinn
Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania is a breathtaking expanse of natural beauty and wildlife. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its stunning landscape, including the vast Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera. The area is home to an array of wildlife, including the iconic Big Five and numerous other species. At the park, visitors can enjoy game drives to observe the abundant wildlife, take guided walks to explore the area’s natural wonders, and engage with the Maasai community to learn about their traditional customs and culture.
In her reviews of the park, Sofia who visited with friends says “We visited 2 parks during our safari adventure in Tanzania and I must say Ngorongoro was outstanding. We expected it and we were not disappointed. You can see animals in every spot of this wonderful park both predators and prey.” The Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers a truly unforgettable safari experience amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of the African wilderness.
Importance of preserving African parks
Preserving African parks is crucial for protecting natural habitats, ensuring the survival of endangered species, and maintaining biodiversity. Additionally, parks provide vital environmental services such as mitigating climate change, preserving water resources, and preventing soil erosion. They also offer essential recreational and educational opportunities to connect with nature, promoting physical and mental well-being.
Preserving parks contributes significantly to a region’s cultural and historical heritage, providing a sense of place and identity for local communities whilst giving visitors a feel of their culture and history. Exploring the parks in Africa is akin to stepping into a time capsule, where each step is a journey into the past. These parks offer travellers a classic opportunity to witness the living history of diverse communities, explore ancient traditions, the relics of humanity, and an understand of the customs that have withstood the test of time.
The Maasai tribe that live in the Maasi Mara National Reserve is one of Africa’s most celebrated groups and sought-after by those keen on taking such adventures to Africa, their lifestyle and traditional performances are desired by many as they give a fascinating insight into their nomadic way of life. As visitors traverse through the landscapes and communities, they become not just spectators, but active participants in the preservation of Africa’s cultural and historical wealth.
African parks play a vital role in supporting sustainable economic development through tourism, research, and sustainable resource use. Studies show that African Parks are one of the largest employers in many of the regions it operates in, providing direct employment opportunities for thousands of people. African parks also spend between US$1 – $US10 million annually in the respective countries of operation on local suppliers and contractors. This, together with employment, supports the local economy. Today African parks employ over 5,000 people, of which 97% are nationals and tourism has generated US$27 million which has contributed directly to the operation of the parks.
African parks offer an unforgettable holiday experience, with breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and unique cultural heritage. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Africa’s parks have something for everyone. So why not start planning your African adventure today?
