Africa’s magnificent protected areas safeguard incredible biodiversity and natural wonders. Here are 10 of the top national parks and nature reserves across Africa for wildlife and scenic landscapes:
Kruger National Park (South Africa)
One of Africa’s largest game reserves at over 7,500 square miles, Kruger provides unparalleled big game viewing including the Big 5. It features a diversity of eco-regions from riverine forests to open savannah.
Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
Famous for the Great Migration when millions of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles traverse its plains, Serengeti offers phenomenal wildlife density and diversity. See the Big 5 along with spectacular herds of plains game.
Okavango Delta (Botswana)
The lush Okavango Delta created by seasonal floodwaters supports abundant wildlife in woodlands, lagoons and islands. View species like elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, alongside over 400 bird species.
Kidepo Valley National Park (Uganda)
Isolated Kidepo Valley in Uganda is a hidden gem harboring immense savannahs, rocky outcrops, and forested valleys. Spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, and over 475 bird species.
Etosha National Park (Namibia)
Etosha’s massive salt pans surrounded by grasslands and woodlands offer incredible game viewing, especially at the illuminated waterholes attracting lions, elephants, and endangered rhinos.
Virunga National Park (DRC)
Virunga is Africa’s oldest national park, known for mountain gorillas. Active volcanoes, forests, swamps and the Rift Valley also characterize Virunga’s diverse landscape and wildlife.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (South Africa/Botswana)
This immense desert park promises awe-inspiring red sand dunes, dry riverbeds, and sparse grasslands sheltering gemsboks, meerkats, lions, hyenas, and iconic black-maned Kalahari lions.
Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
Breathtaking Volcanoes National Park protects critically endangered mountain gorillas residing on the forested slopes of the Virunga volcano range. Tracking gorilla families here is a profoundly moving experience.
Nyungwe National Park (Rwanda)
Nyungwe National Park safeguards Africa’s largest remaining mountain rainforest. Experience chimpanzees, Angolan colobus monkeys, 275 bird species, and scenic hiking trails.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda)
The “impenetrable” forest of Bwindi contains nearly half the world’s mountain gorilla population. Join a gorilla trek to spend memorable moments with these gentle giants.
Conclusion
From raw desert wilderness to steamy rainforests, Africa’s natural heritage protected within its national parks and reserves is unparalleled. Choose from these remarkable habitats to experience Africa’s ecological and wildlife wonders.