Home to the famous ‘Big Five’, lion, elephant, leopard, rhinoceros and buffalo, Africa is a traveler’s delight. Its spectacular range of wildlife, the raw cycle of life and death playing out on its vast landscape is an attraction for many. Whether it is the Great Migration at the Masai Mara or the elephant herds around Mount Kilimanjaro, the sheer diversity of wildlife in the region is sure to take your breath away.
Game drives, hot air balloon rides or guided walking tours through the vast African forests are bound to design exciting and thrilling vacations.
So, Before You Plan Your Next Trip, Here’s A List Of 10 Best Game Reserves In Africa:
1. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
One of the country’s oldest and most popular game reserves in the world, the Serengeti National Park has been included in the World Heritage list.
The mere mention of the Serengeti conjures images of miles of golden savanna, a host of wildlife species and seemingly endless grasslands.
It is also the place famed for the Great Migration of zebras, wildebeest and gazelles. It is one of the greatest spectacles and visitors from around the world travel to Serengeti between December and July, to watch this magical event unfold right in front of their eyes. Lions, tigers, leopards and other big animals can be spotted around the corner. Besides, more than 500 species of birds can be found in Serengeti National Park.
2. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Wildlife lovers from around the world wait for the Great Migration between Serengeti National Park and the Masai Mara National Reserve. It is one of the most visited places during this time of the year and is home to numerous species of wildlife.
At this legendary 1800 square kilometer national reserve, you not only come face to face with the Big Five, but also have a chance to encounter wild crocodiles in the Masai River.
It is also a great place to witness thrilling predator and prey encounters. People from the Masai tribe live in and around Masai Mara and can often be spotted with their bright red robes. Their cohabitation with wildlife has fascinated people from the civilized world for long and you can witness this beautiful co-existence at the national reserve.
3. Kruger National Park, South Africa
Spanning over 2 million hectares, Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of the most popular game reserves in Africa. It not only offers an incredible opportunity to witness wildlife from close proximity, it has plenty of cheap and affordable accommodation options.
The dense forests with sweeping grasslands are home to lions, cheetahs, buffalos, rhinoceros, giraffes, wild dogs, hippopotamus and a wide array of birds.
It is also a great archaeological site and you can see Bushman cave paintings at the Kruger National Park. Government rest camps as well as luxury private game reserves are also abundant at this park.
4. Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
Located in Botswana’s stunning Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve is a protected area. It has an amazing diversity of wildlife and there is an abundance of leopards, giraffes, hippopotamus and other big animals.
It consists of a vast floodplain and consists of lagoons, forests and grasslands.
It is the perfect destination for self-guided safaris. You can also check out the waterways of the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro, a dug-out canoe.
5. Chobe National Park, Botswana
Chobe National Park in Botswana borders Moremi Game Reserve. Visitors to Moremi often tour both the parks. Located in north-eastern Botswana, it has the largest number of wild elephants. It is a stunning sight to witness these wild beasts roaming around in their natural habitat.
The River Chobe flows through the park’s northern part and supports a whole range of wildlife.
Along its banks, visitors can find thirsty antelopes, buffalos and elephants along with other animal species. In order to preserve this unique ecosystem, the Botswana government allows limited access to its parks and natural reserves. As a result, these parks are never overcrowded and are perfect for self-guided safaris.
6. Etosha National Park, Namibia
Etosha National Park is renowned for its startling white salt pan and is one of Africa’s most hypnotic landscapes. Namibia’s premier wildlife destination spreads over 22,750 square kilometers and has wide swathes of grasslands and thorn scrubs along its outer edges.
It is home to numerous mammals including zebras, hyenas, elephants, buffalos, cheetahs, jackals, lions, springboks and lots of birds.
After the rains, you can also spot flamingos at the water holes. Endangered and rare species like the black rhinoceros, black faced impala and oryx is also found here.
7. Amboseli National Park, Kenya
Amboseli National Park is home to a contrasting ecosystems. While Mount Kilimanjaro presides over its landscape, there are five different types of habitats consisting of savannah grasslands, dense woodlands, a swamp area and the dried river bed of Lake Amboseli. During the dry season, huge elephants bathed in red dust can be found around Kilimanjaro and offers a breathtaking sight for wildlife lovers.
8. Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda
The picturesque Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda has sprawling savannah grasslands and beautiful mountains. It is one of Uganda’s least explored areas and has one of the finest wildlife collections. The untamed wilderness of the area fascinates millions around the world as they search for exclusive wildlife arenas.
9. Perinet Reserve, Madagascar
The rainforest habitat of Perinet Reserve in Madagascar supports a wide variety of wildlife. It has several endemic and endangered species including 11 rare lemur species.
The giant indri, a panda like black and white animal is one of the greatest attractions of Perinet.
Its impressive fauna, different varieties of orchids, creepers and dwarf palm trees are other things that visitors to the park must check out.
10. Kgalgadi (Kalahari) Transfrontier Park, South Africa
Transpiring boundaries, the Kgalgadi (Kalahari) Transfrontier Park in South Africa spreads over 3.6 million hectares, across Botswana and South Africa.
It is one of the world’s largest wilderness areas and some of its famous inhabitants include the black-maned Kalahari lions, cheetahs, meerkats, gemsboks and hyenas.
The area has scanty vegetation and allows tourists to easily spot the wild animals in their natural habitat without any hindrance. It is also home to numerous birds.
