Like many travel enthusiasts, I’m always looking for new and exciting things to explore. On my journeys, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing some of the most magnificent places on earth. However, there’s always been one region that stood out to me: Africa. I’ve always been in awe of its rich wildlife and diverse landscape. After several journeys to various countries, I’ve compiled a list of the best wildlife safari destinations in Africa. Whatever you choose from this list, you can’t go wrong!
Tanzania
The Serengeti National Park, which is situated in the northern region of Tanzania, is one of the most popular wildlife safari destinations in Africa. This is precisely why I picked it for my first safari and why you should consider making it your first safari too.
Undoubtedly, one of Serengeti’s most popular attractions is the yearly wildebeest migration. This fantastic display is a natural monument to the flexibility and resiliency of African animals. It might not seem like much on paper, but it’s truly a wonder to witness in person.
However, the wildebeest aren’t the only attraction out there. The Serengeti is home to many other animals, like lions, cheetahs, elephants, and many others. So, whether you’re an expert wildlife photographer or a nature lover, the Serengeti should be a must-visit location.
I suggest a guided game drive if you want to explore the park and get close to the animals. On the other hand, there’s also an option of taking a hot air balloon flight. While it may seem unimpressive, I suggest considering this option as well. It offers fantastic views of the park and its surroundings, and the experience is unmatched.
Kenya
After having such a great time on a safari in Tanzania, I quickly decided Kenya was going to be my next safari adventure. For starters, the whole concept of safaris actually started in Kenya. And the word “safari” itself is actually Swahili for “travel.” Considering that and the fact that Kenya’s safari business is the most professional in all of Africa, it really wasn’t a competition for me.
When planning a trip to Kenya, I quickly decided I’ll visit Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of the most popular destinations for wildlife viewing in the country. The first thing you hear about this reserve it’s how huge it is, spanning over 1,500 square miles. Much like the Serengeti, the Maasai Mara is also famous for its annual wildebeest migration. It’s also one of the best places to visit in Africa if you want to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, buffalo, and elephant). However, this migration takes place between July and October, so I accidentally missed it by going in May.
One of the distinctive features of the Maasai Mara is the near proximity of the Maasai people, an ethnic indigenous community that has lived in the region for millennia. I strongly suggest visiting a Maasai community or taking a tour to learn more about their culture and way of life. It’s been, by far, my favorite part of this trip.
Zimbabwe
I’d heard a lot about Zimbabwe before my trip. However, nothing I’ve heard could live up to my experience in this beautiful country. Of course, I visited the Hwange national park for my wildlife safari in Zimbabwe. Aside from the nature and beautiful wildlife, one thing that stood out the most was how kind everyone was on my trip. It was one of the most pleasant stays in all my travels.
Hwange itself was excellent too. It’s mainly known for its large elephant population, which did not disappoint. Aside from that and the bird watching, the safari was pretty much the standard: lions, leopards, etc.
Ultimately, during my visit to Zimbabwe, I couldn’t limit myself to only one destination. So, a few days before my flight back home, I visited Victoria Falls. There are no words in this world that can describe the beauty of that place. So, although I didn’t go on a safari there, I can’t recommend it enough.
Morocco
To be perfectly honest, I wasn’t totally sold on the idea of desert safari the time I visited Marrakech. It wasn’t supposed to be a safari trip at all. But then, my travel companion booked it before I had a say in it. And, boy, did I not regret it.
Although it’s a rough area, it’s also stunning to see. When going on a desert safari, you have the option of taking a camel or four-wheel vehicle. While the camel may seem more authentic, I personally am very glad we didn’t choose that option.
Perhaps one of the highlights of our safari was the trip to the Toubkal National Park in the Atlas Mountains. The park is home to a broad range of animals, including hyraxes, Barbary macaques, and several bird species. In order to explore the park and get up close to the wildlife, we had to hike.
If You Go
Pick the right time of year. Because different parks and countries have different peak seasons, it’s crucial to plan your trip around what you want to see and do.
Choose the right kind of safari. There are many different kinds of safaris, including walking safaris, driving safaris, and camping safaris. When selecting your safari, think about the kind of experience you want. I personally always prefer driving, but I had so much fun hiking in Marrakech.
Establish a budget. It’s crucial to set aside money for a safari in advance and select a package that meets both your demands and financial constraints.
Pack sensibly. Make sure to prepare for the safari type and climate you will be experiencing. Be sure to bring clothing that will shield you from the sun, insects, and other environmental dangers.
Final Thoughts
These are only some of the best wildlife safari destinations in Africa. However, I’m in no way finished with this list, as I’m already getting ready for my next trip. In the end, no matter which destination you choose, even if it’s not on my list, a wildlife safari in Africa is sure to be an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
About the author:
Sarah Wilder is a wildlife enthusiast with a passion for writing. She has spent more than ten years traveling around Africa and has a great appreciation for the animals and people of this fascinating and stunning continent. When she’s not traveling, Sarah is writing for armovingco.com from the comfort of her home in California.
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