For the adventurous and the wildlife lover, Africa forms a dream destination. Vast tracts of wilderness provide the perfect setting to live one’s dream of a real-life safari: a travel itinerary through Nature’s unspoilt beauties, jungles, and savannahs in different topographies of Africa has made homes for some of the world’s most iconic animals-from lions and elephants down to gorillas and leopards. The below account presents an understandable view of some of the best African countries with jungle safaris.
Top Safari Destinations in Africa
1. Kenya
This East African country, renowned for the Maasai Mara National Reserve, hosts one of the most highlighted safari experiences. The Maasai Mara is salient in its Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate down the direction of the vast plains in search of fresh grass.
- Best time to visit: July – October
- The Big Five: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo, as well as bird watching and hot air balloon safaris in Kenya.
- Popular Parks: Maasai Mara, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo National Park
2. Tanzania
Bordering these countries is Tanzania, home to the Serengeti National Park and the breathtakingly beautiful Mount Kilimanjaro. Here, the Great Migration begins its long trek into Kenya.
- The best time to visit: June to October.
- Highlights of the Safari Below: Game drives, walking safaris, and Ngorongoro Crater exploration.
- Most famous parks: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Tarangire National Park.
3. South Africa
South Africa is generally much, much more comfortable for tourists, as it has had safari infrastructures developed for many years. Kruger National Park The most famous in the country offers excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife.
- Best time to travel there: May – September
- Safari Highlights: High-end safari lodges offering night drives and conservation tours.
- Popular parks include Kruger National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, and Sabi Sands Game Reserve.
READ MORE: South Africa Jungle Safari
4. Botswana
Most safaris to Botswana feature Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta front and centre. Botswana has vast numbers of elephants since it offers remote and pristine safaris.
- Best time to Visit: From May to October
- Highlights: mokoro safaris in the Okavango Delta, game drives through the diverse wildlife, and lots of bird watching.
- Most famous parks: Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve.
5. Uganda
For a different experience, try gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. It counts among those few places on earth where travellers get an opportunity to come face-to-face with doomed mountain gorillas.
- Best Time to Visit: June to September, December to February.
- Highlights of Safari: Bat Gorilla and Chimpanzee, bird watching, and hiking.
- Most Popular Parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park.
6. Namibia
Safaris through desert landscapes, further offering a haven for wildlife, can also be taken in both Namibia’s Etosha National Park and Skeleton Coast. This is a country of spectacular, varied landscapes combined with contrasting ecosystems.
- Best time to go: June to October
- Highlights of Safaris: Desert Safaris, Rhino Tracking, Photographic Safaris.
- Most popular parks: Etosha National Park, Namib Naukluft National Park, Skeleton Coast.
7. Rwanda
The next stop westwards is Rwanda, which hosts yet another different adventure to the African jungles by hosting mountain gorillas; one of the places to visit for mountain gorilla treks is Volcanoes National Park, as it has rich, varied topography.
- Best Time to Visit: June to September
- Safari Highlights: Gorilla and Golden Monkey Tracking, Cultural Tours.
- Top Popular Parks: Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Akagera National Park.
Types of Safari Experiences
- Game Drives: Most safaris offer game drives, where you’ll be driven through the park by a guide. This is the most common way to spot wildlife.
Walking Safaris: For a more intimate experience with nature, walking safaris allow travellers to explore the African wilderness on foot with a trained guide. - Boat Safaris: Particularly popular in Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Zambia’s Zambezi River, boat safaris provide a different perspective on wildlife.
- Gorilla Trekking: Found mainly in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Congo, this thrilling experience involves hiking through dense jungle to observe gorillas in their natural habitat.
- Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Offering a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife below, this unique experience is available in areas like the Maasai Mara and Serengeti.
Preparing for a Safari
- What to Pack: lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and binoculars. Don’t forget your camera with plenty of memory cards!
- Health Considerations: Be sure to check on vaccinations and anti-malaria medication before travelling. Consult your doctor for advice based on your safari destination.
- Respect Wildlife: Always follow your guide’s instructions and keep a safe distance from animals. Remember, you’re in their habitat.
Uganda, or cruising through the Okavango Delta, Africa’s safari destinations promise unforgettable adventures.
