If you want to take a safari in Africa, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to see its nature, its animals and birds, its savannas and deserts, its forests and waterfalls. The Europeans nick named Africa, the Dark Continent but with a lot of tourist attractions making it a must visit – take tour to Africa and experience the true wilderness of the world.
For many years, some African countries were colonized by the European powers – mainly Great Britain and France. Currently, Africa is free and independent from the direct ties of the colony masters. African countries with the best travel destination include Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa and Tanzania. The mentioned have become much popular due to their amazing wildlife stocked in National Parks.
Today, African countries are safer and travelers should not be scared of travelling across African continents – there are a lot of natural parks where you can enjoy carefully preserved flora and fauna.
The best and most popular safari destinations in Africa include the Bwindi Impenetrable forest in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo, Maasai Mara in Kenya, Serengeti on Zanzibar (Tanzania), Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Okavango in Botswana and Kruger Park in South Africa, Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation area, and the Maasai Mara protect the greatest and most varied collection of terrestrial wildlife on the Earth.
1. Masai Mara National Park
Kenya’s Maasai Mara is a land of rolling hills, woods and acacia trees. It is drained by the Rivers; Mara and Talek and opens onto the Serengeti plains of Tanzania. No trip to Kenya would be complete without a visit to Maasai Mara.
It’s one of the most-promoted parks in Africa, and it’s really worth visiting. Here you can enjoy contemplating leopards, rhinoceros and over 450 bird species. Other animals found in Masai Mara includes Elephants, Masai lions, African leopards and Tanzanian cheetahs, and the annual migration of zebra, Thomson’s gazelle, and wildebeest to and from the Serengeti every year from July to October, known as the Great Migration.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is only a fraction of the Greater Mara Ecosystem, which includes the following Group Ranches: Koiyaki, Lemek, Ol Chorro Oirowua, Olkinyei, Siana, Maji Moto, Naikara, Ol Derkesi, Kerinkani, Oloirien, and Kimintet.
2. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (www.bwindiimpenetrablenationalpark.com)
Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is famous for hosting half of the world’s Mountain Gorillas; it is believed that Bwindi has over 15 gorilla groups hence a must visit. Bwindi can be accessed from Entebbe International Airport in Uganda or Kigali Airport in Rwanda. It is 8 hours and 4 hours drive respectively. Encountering mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat is memorable and a life time event which every body must do before death!!
3. Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti ecosystem is one of the oldest on earth. Its climate and nature have barely changed in the past million years. The Serengeti is the jewel in the crown of Tanzania’s protected areas and makes up the significant part of the country area.
4. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda (www.volcanoesrwanda.com)
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is also recognized for hosting mountain gorillas – today, there are ten habituated gorilla groups ready for tracking.
The fact that the park is situated in amazing Virunga Mountain ranges make it more famous – the visit to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park rewards visitors the view of Sabyinyo Volcano, Visoke, Karisimbi and Mgahinga – indeed the world’s best place for photographing! Rwanda is the best destination for gorilla trekking on the African continent and a day tour is possible!
5. Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is a world heritage site sometimes is called one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world. Victoria has the largest curtain of falling water on earth. Its sound is spreading a lot of miles around.
6. Okavango Delta, Botswana
The Okavango Delta in Botswana is really unique. It is the largest inland delta in the world. Instead of flowing into the sea, the annual flood of water flows inland, spreading over 15 000 km of the Kalahari sand in a maze of lagoons and channels.
The countless islands that emerge from its waterways gave birth to several diverse ecosystems which are home to vast numbers of birds. The crystal clear waters support many kinds of fish. The heart of the delta is accessed by air only. Each year approximately 11 cubic kilometres of water spreads over the 6,000-15,000 km² area. Some flood-waters drain into Lake Ngami.
The Moremi Game Reserve, a National Park, is on the eastern side of the Delta. This statistical significance helped the Okavango Delta secure a position as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, which were officially declared on February 11, 2013 in Arusha, Tanzania. On the 22nd June, 2014, the Okavango Delta became the 1000th site to be officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
7. Kruger National Park
South Africa’s Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of the oldest and largest reserves in Africa. The park boasts a tremendous variety of game and birdlife in its numerous habitats.
The south is home to some of the most popular rest camps as the wildlife is prolific. The central region consists of extensive grassy plains that are interrupted by lush riverine vegetation along the Olifants and Letaba rivers. The northern region is quite remote and thus, less popular.
Among the amazing animals in Kruger National park include Big Five: buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and black and white rhino. In addition there are also hippopotamus, giraffe, zebra, cheetah, warthog and many antelope species.
