10 Best National Parks in Africa - in the Top African Safari Countries

Find the best national parks in Africa, located in the top African safari countries. This shortlist features the 10 best African national parks by country, to help you decide where to go on your dream wildlife safari in Africa.

Each of these African safari countries (and its best national park) offers something unique but they are all famous for their exceptional wildlife safaris. These are the best places to see large animals (big game) in Africa.

Best National Parks in Africa's Top Safari Countries 

1. Masai Mara National Reserve - Kenya

2. Serengeti National Park - Tanzania

3. Chobe National Park - Botswana

4. Kruger National Park - South Africa

5. Etosha National Park - Namibia

6. South Luangwa National Park - Zambia

7. Hwange National Park - Zimbabwe

8. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Uganda

9. Liwonde National Park - Malawi

10. Volcanos National Park - Rwanda

All of the leading national parks (in the top safari countries of Africa) are located in East and southern Africa.

The 10 top African safari countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Malawi & Rwanda) are rated as the best safari destinations in Africa. They are the most-visited countries for African safari trips. The top national park in each of these African countries is its most established, classical wildlife safari destination for seeing large mammals in the wild.

Best National Parks in Africa by Country

These are the best national parks and national reserves by country. This list does not include private game reserves and wildlife sanctuaries (more about different types of protected areas).

The best national parks in Africa's leading safari countries are...

1. Masai Mara National Reserve - Kenya

The Masai Mara National Reserve is widely considered the greatest game reserve on earth. It is the most popular national park in Kenya, Africa's top safari destination.

Masai Mara National Reserve is the quintessential African safari destination - the original 'Out of Africa' safari setting of endless savannah plains teeming with wild animals. Even seasoned safari-goers are struck by the wildness and beauty of Masai Mara.

One of the main highlights of visiting this legendary 1,800 km² game reserve in East Africa, is the Great Migration. This annual wildlife spectacle sees millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle stampeding across the plains in search of greener grass, from around July to October.

This top African national park is also home to large predator populations, including an abundance of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and jackals, as well as large numbers of other wild animals and over 450 bird species.

Encountering the local Maasai tribes in their bright red robes is another highlight of visiting Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. These proud and striking-looking traditional people live in and around the Masai Mara, coexisting with its wildlife.

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How to get to Masai Mara in Kenya

The easiest way to get to Masai Mara is from Nairobi, Kenya's bustling capital. Browse our calendar of upcoming Nairobi departures, which includes several fly-in safaris to Masai Mara National Reserve.

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2. Serengeti National Park - Tanzania

Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania rivals Masai Mara. Many consider Serengeti the best national park in Africa. This classical African safari destination is home to some of the biggest mammal populations in the world.

The annual Great Migration (aka Wildebeest Migration) is also one of the major attractions in the pristine Serengeti Park.

This Tanzanian national park is far larger than Masai Mara, covering 15,000 km² of endless plains dotted with thorn trees. Every year, from December to July, vast numbers of hoofed animals migrate across the Serengeti Ecosystem, moving between Masai Mara in Kenya and the larger Serengeti Park, which shares unfenced borders.

Large wildlife populations inhabit Serengeti National Park, with many of the animals themselves being healthy, large specimens. The Big 5 of Africa are plentiful here, with an abundance of lions to be seen. Serengeti Park is considered to host Africa's largest population of lions. More than 500 species of birds are also found here, including many raptors.

The vast plains, resounding silence, and open horizons of the Serengeti Park make for an unparalleled African safari experience. Given the sheer scale of this magnificent wilderness area, you will encounter fewer tourists on game drives than in some of the other top national parks in Africa.

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How to get to Serengeti National Park in Tanzania

You can begin your journey to Serengeti from within Tanzania, starting in nearby Arusha or the major port city of Dar es Salaam. Browse our calendar listing of upcoming Arusha departures or Dar es Salaam tour departures to compare options.

Alternatively, you can easily combine Kenya's Masai Mara with Serengeti National Park as many East African safaris travel to both. View our upcoming Nairobi tour departures for safaris combining Kenya and Tanzania (Masai Mara and Serengeti).

• Trying to choose between Masai Mara and Serengeti? Here's a comparison of Masai Mara and Serengeti Park

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3. Chobe National Park - Botswana

Chobe National Park in northern Botswana is home to one of Africa's highest concentrations of game. The Chobe region boasts the largest continuous elephant population in Africa.

The 12,000 km² Chobe Park covers a diversity of ecosystems, ranging from arid plains and dry channels to fertile grasslands, dense woods, and watery swamps. Its diverse habitats support a high density and rich variety of wild animals and birds, most notably the huge elephant herds that number over 40,000 individuals.

Chobe National Park is known for its excellent game-viewing boat cruises along the Chobe River, which attracts plenty of animals and birds. In the southwestern area of Chobe lies the Savuti Marsh, hosting some of Africa's highest year-round concentrations of wildlife, especially predators and elephant bulls. 

Winter (April to October) is the best time for wildlife safaris in Chobe National Park as herds of zebra, antelopes, buffalo, giraffe, and wildebeest gather at the water sources.

The untamed Okavango Delta, also located in northern Botswana, is a top safari destination in Africa, although not a national park. This pristine inland delta offers a unique safari adventure and is often visited in combination with Chobe National Park.

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• Go to Okavango Delta Safaris
• Explore Botswana Safaris

How to get to Chobe National Park in Botswana

Chobe National Park is conveniently located just outside of Kasane in northern Botswana and under two hours from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, making it one of Africa's most accessible top national parks. To join a Chobe Safari in Botswana browse our upcoming Kasane tour departures or to visit the Okavango Delta first, see our tours departing from Maun.

If you'd like to travel to Chobe Park from nearby Victoria Falls, kicking off with the world's largest sheet of falling water, browse our calendar of upcoming Victoria Falls departures.

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4. Kruger National Park - South Africa 

Kruger National Park is South Africa's top travel destination and premier national park, rated as one of the world's finest game parks.

Covering around 19,485 km² of untamed bush in northeastern South Africa, Kruger Park is home to an unrivalled diversity of wildlife. Inhabitants include 145 mammal species, the most mammals found in any game park in Africa, along with nearly 500 bird species.

This world-famous South African national park is home to Africa's Big 5, as well as a bewitching array of other wild animals, from hippos, crocodiles, and cheetahs to wild dogs, giraffes, and numerous antelope species.  

Kruger National Park is a well-maintained and easily accessible wildlife haven, renowned as a leader in conservation practices.

• Go to Kruger National Park Safaris
• Explore South Africa Safari Packages

How to get to Kruger National Park in South Africa

The best way to get to Kruger Park, in terms of time and budget, is to travel overland from Johannesburg. Peruse our upcoming Johannesburg tour departures for loads of affordable safaris to Kruger (including fly-in safari options). 

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5. Etosha National Park - Namibia

Etosha National Park is Namibia's top game park, widely regarded as one of the best national parks in Africa.

This unique national park covers some 22,270 km² of wilderness in northern Namibia and is dominated by the stark Etosha Pan with its dancing mirages and wide horizons, so vast it is even visible from space. The striking setting of Etosha is ideal for spotting wildlife at watering holes dotted around the edges of the pan, given the open and arid landscape.

Etosha National Park is home to some rare and unusual desert-adapted animals, as well as 4 of the Big 5 of Africa, and boasts the tallest elephants on the continent. After good rains the cracked-clay of the pan transforms into expanses of blue-green algae and lush grasslands, attracting plenty of game and birds, including thousands of flamingos and other seasonal water birds. The park rest camps feature floodlit waterholes that attract a variety of game, particularly at night, which you can observe from the comfort of the camp.

Common wildlife sightings include rhinos, giraffes, elephants, lions, a variety of antelopes, and even cheetahs and leopards. Winter (April to October) is the ideal time to go game viewing in Etosha Park, as the vegetation is sparse and animals congregate at the watering holes.

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• Explore Namibia Safari Tours

How to get to Etosha National Park in Namibia

Hop on a tour to Etosha from Windhoek, Namibia's accessible capital city. Windhoek lies about 420km south of Etosha, making it the most convenient starting point. For budget Etosha safari options browse our calendar listing of upcoming Windhoek departures.

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6. South Luangwa National Park - Zambia

Dubbed the "real Africa" Zambia is one of the newer safari countries on Africa's top destinations map. The wildlife parks of Zambia are more remote and less visited than the traditional favourites. This means wildlife safaris in Zambia offer an even wilder African bush experience. 

The top national park, South Luangwa is known for its high density of wildlife and unspoiled natural environment. It is the place where African walking safaris began. Accompanied by an experienced ranger and tracker, you get to experience the thrill of tracking animals on foot.

South Luangwa National Park hosts a high concentration of leopards, numerous lions, large elephant and buffalo herds, and plenty of antelope species. There is also a species of giraffe, Thornicroft’s giraffe, unique to the region. Night drives are exceptional here, offering sightings of nocturnal species like civet, genet, honey badgers and leopards hunting.

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How to get to South Luangwa Park in Zambia

It's easy to get to South Luangwa Park on short, budget safaris from Lilongwe, the capital of neighbouring Malawi. View our upcoming Lilongwe departures to compare options.

Alternatively, you can start your South Luangwa safari at the natural wonder of Victoria Falls, on either the Zimbabwean or Zambian side. For Zimbabwe see our Victoria Falls departures and for Zambia view our Livingstone departures. 

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7. Hwange National Park - Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's top national park, Hwange is also the oldest and biggest game park in the country. Hwange National Park is considered one of Africa's best safari destinations because of its large population of Big 5 safari animals (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant). The park sees fewer visitor numbers which makes for a more intimate and less crowded safari experience.

Zimbabwe's leading national park hosts one of the largest elephant populations on the continent as well as high concentrations of giraffes, buffalos, and zebras. It is home to a healthy predator population of lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Hwange Park is also home to members of all of the endangered species listed in Zimbabwe, including a key population of endangered African wild dogs.

Winter (May to September) is the best time to visit Hwange National Park, as with most of southern Africa's game parks, as animals congregate at water sources and it's easier to spot wildlife in the thinned-out bush. Due to its location, Hwange combines well with Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world.

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• Explore Zimbabwe Safaris

How to get to Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe

You can jump on a tour to Hwange Park from Victoria Falls, which makes 'The Smoke that Thunders' a great option to combine with a Hwange safari. Browse our calendar listing of upcoming Victoria Falls departures here.

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8. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Uganda

Nestled in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lives up to its name with its dense rainforests clinging to the slopes of dramatic, volcanic mountains. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts exceptional biodiversity, and is most renowned for its population of mountain gorillas, estimated to be around 459 individuals. Visitors can embark on thrilling gorilla trekking expeditions, offering an unforgettable encounter with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Note that gorilla trekking permits are required and must be booked in advance.

Beyond the gorillas, Bwindi's beauty lies in its diverse tapestry of life. The park is part of the Virunga Massif, a chain of volcanoes stretching across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). While some volcanoes in the massif remain active, Bwindi's are long extinct, their slopes sculpted into a breathtaking landscape of steep valleys, sharp ridges, and hidden waterfalls. This challenging terrain is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and over 350 bird species, some endemic to the region. Butterfly enthusiasts will find over 200 species, including the endemic Rwenzori blue swallowtail. Bwindi offers a plethora of hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the park's diverse ecosystems and encounter its fascinating inhabitants.

The best time to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the dry seasons (June to September & December to February). At this time the trails are less muddy, making for more enjoyable trekking and better visibility for spotting wildlife. Bwindi is located at a high altitude, so be prepared for cooler temperatures, especially at night.

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• Explore Uganda Safaris & Gorilla Trekking Tours 

How to get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda

The best way to get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is from Kampala, the capital of Uganda. Kampala is serviced by the nearby Entebbe International Airport so most safaris start in Entebbe and Kampala.

Bwindi National Park is located in southwestern Uganda, some 540km (335 mi) from Kampala. Due to the long driving distances, our fly-in safaris are a popular option, despite the added expense.

Take a look at our calendar of upcoming departures from Kampala and departures from Entebbe to compare Bwindi Impenetrable National Park safari options.

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9. Liwonde National Park - Malawi

Liwonde National Park, Malawi's most popular wildlife safari destination, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. It is a scenic and diverse small park featuring tall palms and big baobab trees. Of the best national parks in Africa featured here, Liwonde is the least known. 

The park is dominated by the Shire River, Africa's third-largest freshwater river, that winds its way through the park, forming fertile floodplains, thick reedbeds, and towering riverine trees. Liwonde is famous for its excellent boat-based game viewing where visitors get to witness a spectacle of wildlife, from hippos and crocodiles basking on the banks to herds of elephants crossing the plains. It is also the best place in Malawi for a Big 5 wildlife safari, and is a birdwatching hotspot with species like Pel's fishing owl, Boehm's bee-eaters, Lilian's lovebirds, and Livingstone's flycatcher. 

Liwonde is an African conservation success story, having made a comeback in recent years. Today it protects the largest elephant population in Malawi along with endangered rhinos, lions, and cheetahs that have been reintroduced to the area. The landscape of floodplains, lagoons, and woods provides habitats for a variety of wildlife species, including buffalos and antelopes such as sable, roan, eland, hartebeest, waterbuck, and bushbuck.

Winter is the best time to visit Liwonde, as this is the dry season (May to October).

• Explore Malawi Safaris

How to get to Liwonde National Park in Malawi

Liwonde Park is located in southern Malawi about 100 mi (160 km) north of Blantyre, the economic capital of Malawi. The best way to get to Liwonde on a budget is to drive from the capital of Malawi, Lilongwe, which is about 224 mi (360km) away. Liwonde is about a 5-hour drive from Lilongwe, via Lake Malawi, and a 3-hour drive from Blantyre, via Mount Mulanje. There are also domestic and chartered flights from Lilongwe and Blantyre to Liwonde National Park.

Our Southern Malawi Budget Lodge Safari visits Liwonde Park, as well as Lake Malawi, starting and ending in Lilongwe.

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10. Volcanoes National Park - Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park covers 160 km² of pristine rainforest in northern Rwanda and includes 5 of the 8 volcanoes (mostly dormant) of the Virunga Mountain chain that lies at the meeting point of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The park is most renowned for its mountain gorillas, and visitors have the opportunity to visit these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

The park's rich biodiversity extends far beyond its star attraction - the lush, volcanic landscape is a treasure for nature lovers. Afro-alpine bush, bamboo forests and grasslands are home to an amazing array of species, from golden monkeys, spotted hyenas and buffalo, to a variety of beautiful birds including 29 endemic species. Mount Karisimbi is popular with hikers seeking 360-degree views from its snow-capped peak. These mountains are also the final resting place of renowned American primatologist Dian Fossey who devoted her life to saving the mountain gorillas in these forests.

The best time to travel to Rwanda is the dry season, June to September, as the rains make trails muddy and slippery and gorilla trekking can be a lot more challenging. However, this is peak season and gorilla trekking permits can be difficult to obtain. December to early March is considered the shoulder season before the rains, which usually falls from March to May. At this time there are fewer visitors, so gorilla trekking permits may be easier to obtain and slightly cheaper. Note that the hike to see the gorillas can be challenging, so be sure to factor in your fitness level when choosing a travel time.

• Explore Rwanda Safaris

How to get to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda

The easiest way to get to Volcanoes National Park is from Kigali, Rwanda's bustling capital city just two hours drive away.

Browse our calendar listing of upcoming Kigali departures, which also include safaris combining Rwanda with neighbouring Uganda or Burundi.

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Visiting the Best National Parks in Africa's Top Safari Countries

This list of the 10 Best National Parks in Africa (in the Top African Safari Countries) provides an introduction to African wildlife safaris and is a good starting point for planning your budget safari to Africa. Each of the national parks offers a different wildlife safari experience with its own strengths that make it one of Africa's finest game reserves.

The best national parks can easily be combined with nearby travel destinations and game parks within the top African safari countries. For instance; Masai Mara and Amboseli in Kenya, Chobe Park and the Okavango Delta in Botswana, Hwange and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, or Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.

Alternatively, you can make the most of your African safari adventure by visiting several, if not all, of the top national parks on one epic (long) overland Africa trip!

For help planning affordable safaris to the Best National Parks in Africa, contact us.

[Updated in March 2024 | First posted in 2013]

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