10 Unforgettable Best National Parks in Africa You Must Explore!

Africa is the second largest continent in the world. There are more than 350 national parks which are located across 54 nations of Africa. Among these massive numbers of parks, we have sorted out the best national parks in Africa in this article so that you can make an adventurous trip with your family or friends. Let's dive into the article to learn about these best national parks in Africa in detail.

Top 10 Best National Parks in Africa:

Let's check the best national parks in Africa.

1) Chobe National Park - Botswana:

Located in northern Botswana, it is one of the national parks of Africa, where you can see the largest population of elephants. This park covers a 12,000 km² area. If you visit this park, you get to see a diverse ecosystem, including dense woods, dry channels, arid plains, and fertile grasslands. While this park houses more than 40000 elephants, you can see a variety of birds and animals.

Apart from elephants, the park is the home to more than 450 species of birds, as well as lions, crocodiles, hippos, leopards, and other animals. You can explore the park by boat to experience the wildlife beauty closely. Savuti Marsh, located in the southwest of Chobe, is a place where tourists can see a large concentration of elephant bulls as well as predators.

The best time to visit this national park is between April and October. During the winter season, tourists can view buffalo, zebra, giraffe, antelopes, and wildebeest gathering in huge numbers at the water sources. If you are planning to visit the Chobe national park, make sure that you do not miss visiting one of the safari destinations, the Okavango Delta, where you can enjoy probably the best safari adventure in your life.

2) Hwange National Park- Zimbabwe:

The park is located around the border of Zimbabwe and Botswana. If you are one of those who love elephants, then this park is the best place to come. While Zimbabwe is the country having the largest elephant population, Botswana ranks second. If you are planning to see the herds of elephants, you should come here during the dry season (August to October). Besides, here you can witness cheetahs, lions, leopards, wild dogs, and rhinos. You can reach here by driving from Victoria Falls. Therefore, you can easily visit the largest national park in Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls on one trip.

3) Etosha National Park- Namibia:

Do you want to take a safari trip to one of the best national parks in Africa? Then, Namibia's Etosha National Park is the one where you should visit. It is located in the northwest of the country and is named after a salt pan. If you come here and are lucky enough, you can catch a glimpse of various endangered species like black rhinoceros. This park is the home of more than a hundred different types of mammals. If you are someone who wants to experience self-drive safaris, then it is the park where you can get the opportunity. However, you can get help from guides if required. 

This park has covered more than 22,000 square kilometers. Apart from the Big 5, you can see here other species of animals, such as zebras, giraffes, and hyenas.  The beautiful salt pan around which Etosha is located attracts herds of wildlife mainly during the dry season. If you take a tour of this national park, you can spot more than 340 bird species. Are you a birdwatcher? Then, this spot will be paradise for you. Before coming here, ensure that you carry your binoculars. Exploring the park is possible by car. If you have come to this park, don't miss to grab the opportunity of staying in a lodge within the park. If you are planning to make a safari adventure to Africa to create a memorable experience, make sure that you are keeping the park on your bucket list.

4) Masai Mara National Reserve - Kenya:

In Africa, the most popular national park is Masai Mara National Reserve. The park is named after the Maasai people. This park is located near Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and has covered more than 1,510 Km². These two parks together create the most diverse ecosystems of Africa. Talek and Mara are the two rivers that cut across the hills and lush plains of the national reserve. Apart from being Kenya's most popular national park, this one of the best safari destinations of Africa is known as the greatest game reserve on earth.

When you visit this destination, you will get to see herds of  wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle gathering here for greener grass. Besides, you can see large predator populations here, like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and jackals. This national reserve is home to more than 450 bird species. The best time to visit this park is from July to October.

5) Volcanoes National Park- Rwanda:

If you want to witness mountain gorillas, this park is the one where you should go. During the most famous gorilla trekking in this park, an experienced ranger will direct you into the mountainous forest from the headquarters of this park. The hike can last for thirty minutes, or it can extend to several hours, depending on where the gorillas are at the time of hiking. However, after finding them, it is possible to watch them at a close range. For every gorilla trek, you have to spend $1,500, which is higher than Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and others. Although the price is so high, you can get the most luxurious accommodations. You need less than 3 hours to reach this park by car from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.

6) Kruger National Park- South Africa:

If you are willing to witness the diversity of wildlife, then you should definitely visit this park at least once in your life. In this iconic national park of Africa, the Big 5 animals can be seen in large concentrations. If you are lucky enough, you can witness herds of elephants gathering at the water hole during the sunset. Or, you may catch glimpses of lions lounging in the shades of trees.

Because of the long road network of this park, you can easily explore the park and spot different types of animals. If you want, you can take a guided tour and go on a walking safari. Also, there is an option to take assistance from guides and enjoy night driving.

The biodiversity of this park is not limited to only the Big 5. The park is the home to more than 500 species of birds. In addition, you can see black rhinos, wild dogs, and many other endangered species here. Tourists can find a huge variety of accommodations. For instance, if you like camping, you can do so. Besides, tourists who want luxury lodges can get such options, too.

7) Odzala-Kokoua National Park- Republic Of The Congo:

In 1935, it was designated a national park. This reserve is located near the northwest of the Republic of the Congo. It protects the Congo Basin rainforest's portion, which is known as the "second lungs" of the world. As this is a lesser-known reserve, you may not see any other tourists in this park except you. To make your trip more adventurous, you can kayak through the forest waterways. In addition, you can walk through the woods and  watch the activities of chimpanzees, and elephants. Also, you can get an opportunity to interact with western lowland gorillas. These gorillas are known as smaller yet more energetic cousins of the mountain gorillas.

8) Serengeti National Park - Tanzania:

According to several tourists, it is the best national park in Africa.  A huge population of mammals can be seen in this park. The migration of millions of zebras, lions, cheetahs, and wildebeest takes place every year in this park. If you want to have a thrilling experience, don't miss to watch the animals crossing the Mara river and crocodiles jumping out of the swallow water for getting food. 

There are several safari options to enjoy, such as hot air balloon safaris, game drives, and bush walks in this national park. You can stay in a luxury lodge or camps from where you can catch the glimpses of Africa's wildlife. In order to get an authentic safari experience, you must visit this national park.

Compared to Masai Mara, it is far larger. This park covers 15,000 km² of plains and is dotted with thorn trees. A lot of hoofed animals migrate across this park between December and July. This park is the home to Africa's largest population of lions. In addition, it is possible to spot more than 500 species of birds here.

9) Queen Elizabeth National Park- Uganda:

This park is located in southwest Uganda. You need to travel for only a few hours to reach here from Volcanoes National Park. Rather than volcanoes and rainforests, you can see channels, lakes, and plains here.

In this park, you can witness the tree-climbing lions. Additionally, you can get to see herds of elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and hippos. This park is home to more than 500 bird species. To make your trip more exciting, you are capable of taking boat trips along the Kazinga Channel and spotting chimpanzees.

10) Kafue National Park- Zambia:

The last one in the list of our “ best national parks in Africa” is Kafue National Park. If you are one of the wildlife enthusiasts, this national park is definitely going to be paradise for you. You can see a diversity of wildlife in this national park that covers 22000 Km² area. This park is the home to more than fifty-five species of large mammals. You can spot Big 50, wild dogs, cheetahs and many other species of animals in the varied landscape of this park which includes wetlands, savanna plains and forests.

The Bottom Line:

In this article, we have mentioned the top 10 best national parks in Africa. No matter whether you want to observe the wildlife of Africa from a distance or are willing to get immersed in a guided safari, you will not be disappointed at all visiting these parks. So, just start packing your bags and set off for the adventure of exploring the wildlife of Africa.