AFRICAN NATIONAL PARKS - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
African National Parks / Image: Stephen Bechert
If you have a strong passion for travelling and exploring nature, there is no better place than Africa that will set your heart on fire. There is something so magical and adventurous about the African National Parks. The magnificent landscapes, remarkable wildlife, panoramic views, historic kopjes and clear aqua waterfalls give you an idea of what's to come when you visit these incredible national parks.
If you are thinking about heading to Africa, you’ll want to seek out the most fitting African national parks to suit you and your journey. Besides being breathtakingly beautiful, they also offer a plethora of mind-blowing experiences. Some African national parks are so big that visiting at least one will take up most of your 7-day vacation. These parks are the jewels of Africa and bring in the majority of tourism that Africa so desperately needs.
African national parks have it all from distinctive panoramic views, golden sunsets and sunrises, amazing wildlife, vast lakes and bushland steeped in rich culture and history.
This article will give you everything you need to know about the African national parks. Whether you have been visiting Africa for a while or you are a first-time traveller, reading this guide will help you to plan your itinerary efficiently.
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African National Parks / Image: Christine Donaldson
There are over 50 National Parks to explore
Africa is home to more than 50 national parks. And 23 of them are situated in Kenya!
Whether you want to explore the scenic trails, mountains or a memorable safari trip- these African national parks have something to offer everyone. From the flamingo-filled waters of Lake Nakuru to watching the Great Migration in the Serengeti National Park. Within these beautiful parks, you can also witness the world’s oldest ecosystem, explore the world’s largest waterfall, discover ancient desert dunes and sunken shipwrecks as well as observe the highest lion populations in the world.
From the deserted Namibia National Parks to Tanzania's incredible Ngorongoro Crater – there are so many options to choose from. You will be spoiled for choice. Some of our top-favourite recommendations for African national parks are:
· The Serengeti National Park
· Hwange National Park
· Etosha National Park
· Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
· South Luangwa National Park
· Lake Nakuru National Park
The Serengeti National Park - voted best overall African National Park
The Serengeti National Park is voted the best African National Park for good reason. Located in Northeastern Africa, this park is nestled in the heart of Tanzania. It is the most famous safari trip destination in Africa and brings in millions of visitors each year.
The park offers incredible adventures and attracts a huge amount of travellers throughout its high seasons. The options of exploration within the Serengeti are endless - observe an assortment of wild animals, camp under the stars, explore the world famous Loob Valley, discover the famous Kopjes rock formations and you could also join our groundbreaking African Lion Safari if you have a passion for lions and lion conservation.
The Serengeti National Park is also famous for hosting the annual Great Migration and an ideal park to view the Big Five. The Great Migration involves millions of wildebeests, zebras and antelopes voyage from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya. It is one of the world’s most incredible phenomena.
If you plan to go to Africa and visit some of its amazing national parks, don’t forget to take a visit to humble Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania. The area offers acres of raw and exquisite land composed of savannahs, woodlands, lush green botanical forests, and the crater floor where predatory animals like lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas can be spotted easily.
African National Parks / Image: David Groves
Kruger National Park is the biggest national park
Krugar is the biggest national park in Africa, more specifically South Africa and is home to hundreds of wildlife species. Kruger National Park is famously renowned for its vast landscapes and attracts thousands of tourists each year. It's one of the more well-known African national parks and a true nature’s haven.
Here is why we encourage visiting Kruger National Park:
· Kruger allows you to self-drive through its park, allowing you to go it alone without a safari company.
· Kruger is budget-friendly. Book in advance so you can experience luxurious accommodations at affordable rates.
· It is home to more than 517 bird species.
· Kruger offers amazing spots for rustic camping under the stars
· It boasts five vegetation zones each with its own distinctive traits, qualities, and tourism spots.
National Parks require a fee to get in
All of Africa’s National Parks require a fee to gain access. This fee covers tourism hospitality, supports conservation programs as well as keeping the park and wildlife as safe and protected as possible.
Although these parks require an entrance fee, they are worth every penny. If you are booking with a safari company, they will most likely have the entrance fee covered within your ticket price.
You can camp at most African National Parks
If you love to camp under the stars, then a trip to some of Africa’s National Park’s might be the pinnacle of your camping experience. They offer incredible spots to set up your camp. Alternatively you can choose from luxurious camp sites to rustic camp - these national parks have it all. Some of the most recommended African national parks for camping are:
Serengeti National Park
Etosha National Park
Namib-Naukluft National Park
If you would like further tips on camping in Africa, check out our informative guide: 7 Helpful Tips On Camping In Africa
You can self-drive at most National Parks within your own vehicle
You can self-drive at most national parks which will enable you to do your safari at your own pace. Most travellers opt to go with a safari company because navigating your way through some of the vast national parks, requires a good map and navigation system. Take on board that wifi can be extremely poor in Africa, especially in the African national parks. Make sure that if you are self-driving, you have all basis covered incase of any emergencies.
It’s not customary to drive too close to the animals
For your own safety and the safety and respect of the wild animals you are observing, it is customary not to drive too close to the animals. Provide them with enough space to roam freely and allow them to feel comfortable within their own territory. It’s helpful to remember that when you enter any of the African national park’s - you enter into natures habitat and the wild animals within it deserve the space to live peacefully without human disturbance.
If you are interested in voyaging to Africa and have a passion for lion conservation - join us on our African Lion Safari where we use adventure travel as a vehicle to impact lion conservation.
African National Parks / Image: Keyur Nandaniya