Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya
Located near the southern end of the Great Rift Valley, Maasai Mara is one of the best safaris in Africa. It is a wildlife reserve filled with dense savannah grasslands and abundant big game. This is one of the best places in Africa to spot wildlife like elephants, giraffes, zebras, and lions. The park also hosts a large wildebeest population, making it one of the best places to watch migration patterns.
In addition to wildebeest, you can find vast numbers of zebra and gazelles as well. And speaking of the animals: while taking a safari is one fantastic way to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, there’s no substitute for being close enough that they feel comfortable around your vehicle. So keep your eyes on the road and your camera ready!
Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to many predators, including cheetahs, spotted hyenas, jackals, and lions. So be sure to bring bug spray as well as a bucket full of water in case you encounter any of these animals up close and personal. And while it is of utmost importance to keep your safety in mind, the Maasai Mara is a fantastic place for viewing incredible wildlife.
Travelers have the opportunity to stay in luxury camps like Mara Serena Safari Lodge and explore the area from around a hot tub. The safari is also very accessible from Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. Visitors can take a 50-minute flight to Masai Mara Airport in the adjacent town of Narok, or they can drive for about three hours before checking into their lodgings.
The park itself is famous for its annual migration that takes place between June and October. During this time, the wildebeest and zebra travel through the park in groups, or “grazing columns,” on their way to greener pastures. A particular viewing area near the Mara River is part of the migration route known as the Sunset Strip. All you need to do is arrive in the afternoon and watch as the wildebeest cross the river and make their way to greener pastures.
Like many safari destinations, Maasai Mara National Reserve requires visitors to pay an environmental fee of about $70 per adult and $40 for a kid upon arrival. The park also has a quota system that limits how many vehicles are allowed in reserve at any given time. To ensure that you don’t get stuck in a traffic jam during your safari, plan to arrive early before other vehicles head out for the day.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda
The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Reserve is home to one of the last remaining populations of mountain gorillas. It is estimated that about 400 gorillas live in this forest, making it one of the smallest populations today. Fortunately, gorilla tourism has helped fund conservation programs for this species, which are struggling in other areas of Africa.
But without a doubt, the best way to see these creatures is on a trek through the forest. While gorillas are pretty standard in the park instead of being endangered, viewing them requires you to pay about $600 per person for an exclusive gorilla hike. So if you’re not ready to shell out the cash for a luxury safari getaway, there are other activities that you can do in the forest.
The best time to see gorillas is between July and October when they come down from the higher altitudes because of rains. However, the rest of the year is spent looking for food, so make sure that you bring a snack or two with you to entice the animals. Tourists can only enter the park during the day and can only go on a gorilla trek if they get a special permit. The cost of these permits is included in the tour price, so there are no extra fees involved.
Gorilla tours run from 7:30 am-noon and then again from 2 pm-5 pm, so you should expect to spend one full day inside the forest before going back to your hotel. And when you’re not on a gorilla trek, there are other activities that you can enjoy near park headquarters like walking trails and bird watching.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Reserve is about a seven-hour drive from the capital city of Kampala. Still, it’s best to stay close by and make daily trips to view different animals. Most lodgings are located nearby as well, making this trip easy on your wallet.
Safari drives in open-air vehicles last about 2.5 hours each and go by in a flash, making it hard to see the actual wildlife that makes this park so unique. If you want to experience Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Reserve, consider going on a hike with an experienced guide who knows all of the best places to find gorillas and the significant wildlife in the area.
The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania
When it comes to safari destinations, you can’t go wrong by visiting the Serengeti National Park. This area is one of the best safaris in Africa known for its diverse landscape and wildlife sightings, but some of the most popular activities are related to game drives. Visitors can get their fill of wildebeest herds, lions, leopards, and elephants by taking a road trip through this massive park.
The Serengeti National Park is spread across more than 12,000 square miles of land and supports a diverse ecosystem that balances grasslands and woodlands. The greatest concentration of wildlife can be found in the northern part of Serengeti, but there are also other animals in the south.
During your game drives, you’ll have the opportunity to see four of the African Big Five; lions, elephants, leopards, and rhinos. Rhinos used to be much more common throughout Africa until they were hunted for their horns.
Today, they are rare throughout the continent and can only be found in a few parks. The best place to spot rhinos is along the main road through Serengeti National Park, so make sure that you keep an eye out for them.
Wild dogs used to be more common in Africa, but they are only found in Tanzania due to hunting and habitat loss. The Serengeti region is the best place to spot these elusive animals, along with wildebeest and buffalo, so keep your eyes peeled as you drive along the main road.
Wildlife safaris are among the most popular activities among visitors because these game drives allow you to view animals in their natural habitat. During this 2-3 hour tour, you’ll often see animals such as antelope and giraffes grazing out in the open plains.
Since wildlife drives can get quite expensive, especially if you’re staying at an upscale lodge, sharing a car with other travelers may be a good idea to save costs. Many clubs also offer small group tours or private game drives for an extra charge.
Bike tours are another great activity to do in Serengeti National Park that allows you to get up close and personal with wildlife. Biking is an excellent way to cover a lot of ground over a few hours, so it makes sense to bring your bike or rent one from the park administration office.
Another affordable way to bike around the park is to bring your own and get a guide to provide additional information between stops. The scenery along this route is impressive, so even if you’re not into biking, it’s worth taking this trip just for the views.
Because the park is so enormous, it requires you to rent a vehicle to make the most out of your visit. You’ll also want to make sure that you have plenty of food and water since you won’t be able to stop into restaurants on the way.
You’ll want to make an effort to stop at all of the lookout points since they provide lovely vantage points over the park and its wildlife.
One of the highlights in this area is a six-foot-tall termite nest built without using any tools or nails. The structure itself is made out of mud, sticks, and twigs, but its size is nothing short of impressive.
Several safari tours are available in Serengeti National Park that will give you access to the top wildlife destinations around. One of the most popular programs offered by tour agencies is “The Great Migration,” which takes visitors on drives through Masai Mara, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park.
The Great Migration tour is a popular attraction for travelers. It allows you to see the world’s largest migration of animals in Serengeti, arguably one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth. The migration begins around July and ends in October, so plan your trip accordingly if this event interests you.
There are also plenty of wildlife parks and protected areas throughout Tanzania that will allow you to see more wild animals for a fraction of the cost. Make sure that you do some research on your own before you go because there’s so much to see and do in this beautiful African country.
If you’re a nature-lover and want to experience wildlife at its finest, then consider going on a wildlife safari in Tanzania. The Serengeti National Park offers excellent views of wildebeest migrations, rhinos, wild dogs, and more. Tours last about three hours and are available from safari operators or local travel agencies.
Kruger National Park in South Africa
Although you may find plenty of wildlife in the Serengeti, the Kruger National Park is also another popular destination that shouldn’t be missed. This park is another well-known best safari in Africa since it has the African big five safari attractions; lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopards, and various other wild animals.
This park consists of three main sections: the Kruger Park Main, Lower Sabie, and Skukuza. The main section is the most popular and contains the highest concentration of wildlife in Kruger National Park. There are several campgrounds within the park that you can stay at, but be aware that they usually fill up fast since they tend to be quite crowded during summertime and on weekends. There are also plenty of safari lodges that you can stay in that range from self-catering to full-service.
You can also choose to make a day trip around the park, but it’s best if you spend at least a few days there so that you have enough time to explore all of its regions thoroughly. Avoid traveling during the rainy season since roads might flood, and there are higher chances of meeting animals on the road. Kruger National Park is open 24 hours a day, so you can go on safari at any time during the day as long as park gates are opened. You’ll usually see more animal activity during sunrise and sunset since they might be searching for food or water.
The second-largest national park in South Africa is spread over 19,485 square kilometers so that it can be pretty overwhelming for visitors without any assistance. If you’re planning on visiting this game reserve, then you want to stay at one of the lodges so you can enjoy your time there without having to worry about anything. You’ll want to start your game drive as early in the morning as possible so that you can see more wildlife during the middle of the day when it’s hotter, and they’re more active. It’s also possible that many animals will be hidden from view because of the heat.
If you want to see as much wildlife as possible, consider scheduling two game drives per day. This will give you plenty of time to explore the park and search for your favorite animals. You’ll also be able to learn a lot about each animal that inhabits this specific part of Africa because you’re able to spend more time with them. Don’t feel like you have to stick with the main roads because you might miss some good views and some wild animals. Instead, drive around and explore the area on your own to find new places that may be worth visiting later on.
You may want to spend the last few hours of your day exploring the hippo pool in Lower Sabie. This is an excellent opportunity because these animals are primarily active at night, so tourists rarely get to see them this way. It can help you appreciate these fantastic creatures much more when you’re able to witness their behavior in the wild.
Make sure that you have a good camera for this trip because wildlife photography is one of the best things about visiting these parks and reserves worldwide. You could spend hours trying to find certain animals or birds throughout your game drives, so it’s nice to be able to capture these moments for future memories.
Another great thing about the Kruger National Park is that it doesn’t cost much to get in; $27 for adults and $14 for kids. This gives you a low-budget opportunity to explore the park and see what all the hype is about without having to spend too much money on your trip. You can even camp out there if you have a larger group of people that want to get the most out of their visit.
Okavango Delta in Botswana
If you want to see some of the most amazing wildlife in Africa, consider taking a trip to the Okavango Delta. This is one of the largest inland deltas and best safari in Africa, so it’s no wonder that people flock here for a fantastic experience.
In the early morning, you can explore this area on foot or by boat and see some of the many animals that live in this area. Each day you’ll have the opportunity to explore more forested areas while searching for giraffes, elephants, rhinos, and hippos, to name a few.
Your best chance of seeing these different species is in the early morning when they’re out grazing during the incredible hours of 7 am to 10 am. You’ll also get the chance to see some of the local wildlife, including black and white Colobus monkeys, as well as a few different species of antelope.
Since this area isn’t very popular with tourists, it may be challenging to find an affordable place to stay nearby, so you should plan for your trip since hotels tend to get booked up quickly. There are many different accommodations that you can choose from, so do a little research about which one might suit your needs the best. You’ll have plenty of options for things to do in this area, including visiting local villages, seeing historical sites, or taking part in guided walking tours. This is an excellent area for photographers to come and take some pictures of the local wildlife or even try their hand at bird watching.
If you’re trying to save money, then these tours may be more up your alley since they don’t cost much to get in. They’re also better for people who feel uncomfortable riding on safari trucks during their trip. The Okavango River is the largest tributary of the River Nile, so you’ll get to watch as this mighty waterway makes its way back toward civilization. There are many animals in this area that rarely get seen by tourists, and it’s a unique experience that everyone should try to have at least once during their lifetime.
Like the Kruger National Park, this area is also a low-cost option for tourists to have a fantastic time. You can do all sorts of walking tours and even rent a boat so that you can see as many animals as possible during your trip.
Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe
For those of you that want to see gorgeous scenery without spending a lot of money, then the Mana Pools National Park might be precisely what you’re looking for. You’ll have the chance to take part in some great canoeing or walking tours during your trip and explore some fantastic wildlife at the same time.
A few animals who call this park home include elephants, hippo, and crocodiles, so you’ll get an excellent opportunity to explore the water on your canoe trip and see a few of these creatures in their natural habitat.
You have the option of taking either one of two types of tours when going through this park: walking or canoeing. Each tour varies in price, but both are very affordable and never cost more than $100 for the day. The walking tours are great if you’re starting adventuring or have a small budget, while the canoeing tour is perfect for those who want to spend their time on the water.
The walking tours only take a few hours, and you’ll spend 40 minutes hiking through the park with a helper who can tell you about the different animals that live there. It’s a great way to see everything the park offers and is more in-depth than taking one of the canoe tours.
The canoeing tours last for half a day and cost around $30 per person, so this is an affordable option for those looking to save some money and get out on the water. You’ll be able to rent a canoe to take out into the river, but beware that there are crocodiles around every corner, so it’s best not to float on your back or swim in any of the rivers unless you’re an experienced swimmer. You can find different safari tours in Africa for a low cost, but it’s best to make sure you’re picking a well-known company that will take care of all your needs.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania
Located in the Crater Highlands of Tanzania, this is another one of the best safaris in Africa and the most exciting places to go if you want to see many different animals. You’ll be able to see lions, cheetahs, and elephants roaming around near their natural habitat, but there are also plenty of zebras that live in the surrounding area as well.
If you’re trying to save money, it’s probably not a good idea to visit this area since it can cost hundreds of dollars to get in and around the park. However, if you don’t mind spending a little extra cash, then several companies will give you an impressive tour on land with some incredible scenery along the way.
If you’re the adventurous type, you can also opt to do a flyover kind of tour that allows you to see everything from above instead of on the ground, but they don’t always go over the same areas and come up short when it comes to wildlife interaction.
Just be aware that many animals will run away as soon as they see a plane, so it’s challenging to get the best pictures this way. You’re also going to pay more for anything that flies, but the money is worth it if you want to avoid all the walking and hiking required in other parts of Africa.
The best way to approach Ngorongoro National Park is by going on a jeep safari that will give you hours of enjoyment. Most people gravitate towards the Crater Highlands because they’re looking for big game animals, but it’s a good idea to go into the lower plains first since there are fewer tourists.
You’ll be able to see different animals closer up without as many people around, and it will give you a better feel for what this area is all about before making your way into the highlands. You’ll also have a better chance of getting into the park for free if you decide to stay outside the gate.
The African wildlife safari is set up in such a way that it’s divided by sections, which can be confusing at first if you’re not sure where you’re going. From there, it gets even more complicated, so just make your way towards the lower plains, and you should be able to see everything that interests you without too many problems.
There are plenty of game drives available since Ngorongoro is one of the best places to go on safari. There’s a lot to cover here, and you might get tired after just one day, but it’s still worth checking out if you’re looking for the best safari experience in Africa. If there is an animal that will go near your vehicle, then chances are you’ll be able to see it on this trip since the animals aren’t used to seeing many people here, and they’ll tend to stick around much longer.
Etosha National Park in Namibia
This is another great park in Africa where you’ll be able to see lots of wildlife that would otherwise run away from a vehicle, but it’s not as well-known as some of the other parks, so there will be fewer tourists around. If you happen to go here, then you’ll fall in love with the wildlife right away without even knowing what to expect.
To get here, you need to take a flight to Eros Airport, which is about 10 miles north of the park. You’ll need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to get around this area, and it’s highly recommended that you hire one from a local tour company since there are many winding roads and different types of terrain.
If you don’t want to take the time or spend the money hiring your vehicle, then an agency can hire a guide. Either way, it will be well worth the investment because you’ll have a better chance of seeing whatever you’re interested in since the animals are used to dealing with people regularly.
This isn’t a large African wildlife safari like Ngorongoro or Serengeti, so don’t expect to see lions and elephants roaming freely around the plains, but there are still plenty of animals that you’ll be able to find. More than 200 bird species can be spotted in different areas, so it’s a good idea to come prepared with your binoculars if this is important to you.
For something truly unique, then you should camp out for at least one night on the shores of Lake Otji-hoe, which can only be done with a guide. It’s also important to realize that you need to have all of the proper documentation on hand, so bring your passport just in case it is required.
You won’t have any problems finding your way around here since there aren’t that many people who come to visit, but you should try to get there early in the morning before it gets too hot out if possible.
What’s nice about Etosha is that it has both salt and freshwater lakes, so you’ll be able to see some pretty interesting wildlife as well. You can go on a game drive in the morning when it’s cooler, then move into the water after lunch to cool down before heading back out for another round of driving around the park.
If you want to see some elephants, they’re usually safer in the water, so this is an excellent way to spend time here to ensure that you get to see them. The park is also home to various bird species, including flamingos, so you’ll see something that you may have never seen before if you come here.
The weather can be hot by mid-afternoon, so make sure that you stay close to an air-conditioned area during this time and try to be back in time for an afternoon drive around the park. This is an excellent place to explore on foot, but you can also go on guided hikes with an expert if you’d like to learn more about the wildlife and how it lives in this particular area.
Pilanesberg National Park in South Africa
Located in South Africa, this area is known as one of the best places to go on safari while exploring wildlife. You’ll get a chance to view rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and plenty of other animals if you come here.
The most common species of rhino found in this African wildlife safari is the White Rhinoceros, which has a thick skin that it relies on to protect itself from predators while grazing for food during the day. They spend their nights under brush piles to rest away from any hungry animals that might be after them.
The area also has an abundance of birdlife, and you can see flamingos, ostriches, and plenty of other species as well on your safari adventure here.
Visiting the park is pretty straightforward, but you have to keep in mind that this area gets a lot of rain from December until April, so if you want to avoid the downpours, then go here between May and November.
One of the best things about Pilanesberg National Park is that it’s located near areas like Johannesburg and Pretoria, making it easier for you to get there from your hotel or apartment in one of these cities. You can also take a train or bus to the park if you’d like since there are plenty of options for transportation. It just all depends on what’s convenient for you and where you’re staying during the time that you visit here.
This place is also home to various animals from big cats, giraffes, zebras, spiders, and plenty of other species that you won’t want to miss out on seeing. You’ll have countless hours of enjoyment while viewing animals in this African wildlife safari also remember that you need to be careful since you’re in the wilderness at all times.
The plants that grow here are known as geophytes which are a combination of herbaceous plants and succulents. Be sure to pay a visit to Gardens of Eden, which is located in the middle of the park, and you’ll get a good feel for what’s here ahead of time.
If you want to see what’s going on in the park, you should try and grab a copy of the free Pilanesberg News, which is available at all outlets around the area. You can also get an idea of what to expect before watching videos and reading up about the wildlife that calls this place home.
There are plenty of things that you can do while visiting this area, but one thing that gets overlooked quite often is animal conservation efforts. This is becoming a significant part of visiting any national park, and it’s something you need to keep in mind when planning your safari adventure here. You can make a difference by doing something simple like using eco-friendly products to reduce waste and educating yourself about your wildlife.
Aberdare National Park in Kenya
This national park is located in the Aberdare Mountains along the Great Rift Valley in Kenya. It’s surrounded by Mount Kenya to the west, Mount Meru to the east, and Elgon National Park to the north, making it an ideal place for safari trips.
The mountains here are generally covered with forest forests which attract plenty of animal life from monkeys, elephants, lions, zebras, and other species. The area around the lakes is also known for having plenty of birdlife, making it a great place to see all sorts of species, from flamingos to storks.
During your visit here, you’ll want to make sure that you bring along food in case you get hungry during your trip. There are plenty of animals in the area, but there aren’t any lodges that would allow you to stay overnight here since it’s a protected area.
There are also hiking trails throughout this region that you can take if you want to enjoy some natural beauty while getting some exercise on your trip. You’ll also want to watch out for the abundant snakes, spiders, and scorpions that can be found nearby.
This park is located in Kenya, so it’s best to go here during the dry season from November to May. You might get lucky if you come out here in December, January, or February, but it will only be a short period before the rain begins. You will also find plenty of swamps in this area, so watch out for crocs, hippos, and other dangerous species while you’re taking a walk through these areas.
This national park offers visitors plenty of adventure, but it also helps protect the wildlife from poachers and encroachment by animals looking for grazing land. This park is also home to various plants, trees, flowers, and other natural scenery that’s well worth seeing on your trip. You should also bring some water with you if you get thirsty since there aren’t any places to buy anything from around here.
If you’d prefer to visit a place where you can stay the night, then check out Lake Nakuru National Park, which is just about twenty minutes away from Aberdare National Park. You’ll be able to get more amenities and enjoy some indoor comforts while staying here as well.
IMA Adventure Programs
There are many African wildlife safaris to choose from in Africa. The best way to decide which one is right for you is by looking at your interests and how much time you have available. If you want a more rustic experience, visit the Maasai Mara National Reserve or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. For an all-around safari with lots of wildlife, consider visiting Kruger National Park in South Africa or Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. If you are looking forward to taking an adventure to any of these incredible safaris in Africa, apply to International Medical Aid’s Adventure Programs and enjoy what the land of Africa has to offer.
