The Best African Wetlands, Lakes & Estuaries to Visit

In the vast tapestry of life found across the continent, African wetlands serve as the arteries and veins of the landscape, boasting rich biodiversity and holding vital significance for human life.

Functioning as water sources and purifiers, Africa’s wetlands contribute to shoreline protection and serve as natural carbon reservoirs. The importance of African wetlands, lakes and estuaries extends to agriculture and fisheries, making them indispensable.

Just under 5% of Africa’s surface area consists of wetlands - the freshwater bodies that serve as the lifeblood of the African continent.

They support an assortment of life from terrestrial mammals like elephants, antelope, and rhinos, to aquatic species like hippos, crocodiles, fish and frogs. They are also safe havens for migratory birds, coastal waders, and an abundance of resident avian species.

In this blog we will look at African wetlands, lakes, and estuaries; what they are, and where the best places are to visit them when on safari in Africa.

African Wetlands

In Africa, wetland ecosystems cover over 131 million hectares, providing a multitude of ecosystem services vital for human well-being.

These services include nutrition, water supply, and purification, as well as climate and flood regulation, coastal protection, and the provision of crucial sites for African animals to breed and feed, as well as providing nesting sites for seasonal migrants. Increasingly, African wetlands are becoming an important recreational resource that is essential for tourism, underlining their significance in supporting both ecological health and human livelihoods.

What is a Wetland?

A wetland is an area of land that is saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, creating unique ecosystems characterized by specific soil types and vegetation adapted to the wet conditions.

Wetlands serve as transitional zones between aquatic and terrestrial environments, playing crucial roles in water purification, and flood control, and providing habitats for a diverse range of plant and animal species.

Characterized by the convergence of water and land, African wetlands encompass diverse environments like mangroves, peatlands, marshes, rivers, lakes, deltas, floodplains, and flooded forests, extending even to rice fields and coral reefs.

The Best African Wetlands to Visit

Important wetlands in Africa include the Banc D'Arguin National Park in Mauritania, the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary on the Senegal River, Ichkeul National Park in Tunisia, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, and the Isimangaliso Wetland Park in South Africa, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites of universal importance.

#1. The Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta is one of the most iconic and ecologically significant wetlands in Africa. It is the largest inland delta in the world, known for its unique hydrological system and diverse ecosystems. The delta supports a rich variety of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, the Okavango Delta is a haven for African safaris and attracts visitors from around the world. The Okavango Delta of Botswana is one of the best, and most unique, wetland destinations in the world.

#2. The Bangweulu Wetlands, Zambia

Bangweulu Wetlands in Zambia is a vast and important wetland system known for its rich biodiversity, including numerous bird species and aquatic life. Bangweulu means “where the water meets the sky”, a perfect description of this extraordinary community-owned, and protected, wetland in northeastern Zambia. The wetlands play a crucial role in the region's hydrology and provide livelihoods for over 60,000 people as well as habitat for a variety of wildlife, including the endemic black lechwe, and the critically endangered African shoebill stork.

#3. The Rufiji River Delta, Tanzania

The Rufiji Delta is a vast, 54,500-hectare expanse of mangroves in Tanzania, protected by the Mangrove-Rufiji Forest Reserves. The Rufiji Delta marks the end-point of Tanzania’s most extensive river system, the Ruaha–Kilombero–Rufiji. Notably, the Rufiji River flows through Nyerere National Park, formerly the Selous Nature Reserve, which is one of the largest conservation areas in Africa. The Rufiji Delta is the largest tidal mangrove wetland on the east coast of Africa, and - emptying into the Indian Ocean opposite Mafia Island - is part of the larger Rufiji-Mafia-Kilwa RAMSAR site, a wetland of international importance.

#4. iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is located along the coastline of the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa. Isimangaliso designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, showcases rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems in a compact area. Its diverse fauna and flora thrive across varied ecosystems, from coral reefs and sandy beaches to subtropical dune forests, savannas, and wetlands. The impressive array of wildlife includes elephants, leopards, rhinos, Cape buffalo, and marine species like whales, dolphins, and turtles. With 1,200 crocodiles, 800 hippopotami, and vibrant underwater reefs that boast some of the world's most spectacular coral diversity.

Top African Wetland Safari Tours

• Okavango Delta Safaris in Botswana 
• Tours visiting the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in South Africa
• Tours to the Nyerere (Selous) ecosystem in Tanzania 
• Safari Tours in Zambia

African Lakes

Africa has an impressive collection of freshwater lakes. The Great Rift Valley in East Africa, however, is a world apart with some amazing lakeside destinations to choose from. The Rift Valley lakes form a chain along the East African Rift, spanning from Ethiopia in the north to Malawi in the south, encompassing the African Great Lakes. This diverse collection comprises some of the world's oldest, deepest, and largest lakes by area and volume.

What is a Lake?

A lake is a naturally formed, substantial, and stationary body of freshwater situated on the Earth's surface. Typically, lakes occupy a basin or interconnected basins and are characterized by their distinct boundaries, surrounded by terrestrial land.

These bodies of water vary widely in size and depth, providing habitats for diverse ecosystems and serving as essential freshwater reservoirs. Lakes play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, recreational activities, and fulfilling various human needs.

The Best Lakes in Africa

Lake Victoria - Kenya, Tanzania & Uganda

Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa by area, the second largest freshwater lake by surface area, and the largest tropical lake in the world. Lake Victoria is shared by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Lake Victoria gets 80% of its fresh water from rain and is drained by the Nile River on its northern shore near Jinja in Uganda. The lake is not only a vital source of freshwater but also offers stunning landscapes and supports diverse aquatic life including crocodiles, hippos, and otters to mention only a few.

Lake Malawi - Tanzania, Malawi & Mozambique

Also known as Lake Nyasa and the Lake of Stars, Lake Malawi is one of the Great Rift Valley lakes and the third-largest lake in Africa. It is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, colourful endemic cichlid fish species, and beautiful shoreline. Lake Malawi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Malawi, protects the biodiversity of the lake and is a popular destination for snorkelling and diving.

Lake Tanganyika - Tanzania, Zambia, Burundi & DRC

As the second deepest lake in the world, Lake Tanganyika is known for its incredible depth and clarity. Lake Tanganyika is the second oldest freshwater lake in the world, the second-largest by volume, and the longest freshwater lake on the planet. The lake is largely It is shared by four countries in East Africa. The lake is surrounded by mountains and supports a unique array of fish species, including several endemic cichlids. Two of the best places to go to visit Lake Tanganyika are the Mahale Mountains National Park, and Gombe Stream National Park, both off the beaten track in Tanzania.

Lake Nakuru - Kenya

Lake Nakuru, situated in the Great Rift Valley in Kenya, is famous for its vibrant pink flamingos that gather along its shores. The lake is part of Lake Nakuru National Park, where visitors can also spot rhinos, zebras, and other wildlife. The lake's fluctuating water levels and alkaline conditions contribute to the growth of algae, attracting the flamingos.

Lake Manyara - Tanzania

Located on Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, Lake Manyara is a popular safari destination. Lake Manyara is formed inside a closed basin with no outflow. Water is fed into the lake by underground springs, and rainwater from the ephemeral rivers that drain the surrounding catchment. Water is lost through evaporation and the level of the lake fluctuates throughout the year. The soda ash lake is a haven for thousands of pink flamingos, and the Lake Manyara National Park is famous for its tree-climbing lions. The lake is surrounded by breathtaking scenery and has a host of wildlife including elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, waterbucks, and warthogs as well as leopards. With over 350 bird species, Lake Manyara is renowned as a birder’s paradise.

Lake Turkana - Ethiopia & Kenya

Lake Turkana, also known as the Jade Sea, is the world's largest desert lake and the largest alkaline lake in the world. It is situated in the Great Rift Valley and is shared by Ethiopia and Kenya. Lake Turkana is fed by the Omo River, Turwel River, and the Kerio River, but there is no outflow and the primary water loss is through evaporation. Lake Turkana is known for its striking landscapes, volcanic islands, diverse birdlife, and cultural significance because of the range of hominin fossils found in the Turkana Basin. Lake Turkana is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Top 5 Safari Tours to African Lakes

• 15-Day Masai Mara and Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari
• 6-Day Lake Malawi and South Luangwa Safari 
• 4-Day Lake Nakuru Luxury Camping Safari 
• 7-Day Tanzania, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara Safari 
• 8-Day Lake Turkana, Chalbi Desert, and Samburu Camping Safari

African Estuaries

Africa is known more for grassland, wild bush, and deserts than for its estuarine systems. However, with an extensive coastline, Africa has some important, and gorgeous estuaries to explore.

What is an Estuary?

An estuary is a dynamic and partially enclosed coastal ecosystem characterized by the mixing of freshwater from one or more rivers or streams with the salt water of the open sea, resulting in brackish water conditions.

Estuaries are transition zones where the forces of tidal movements and riverine influences converge. As ecotones*, estuaries harbour diverse habitats and play a crucial role in supporting and sustaining a wide array of marine and terrestrial life.

*An ecotone is a transition area between two biological communities, where two communities meet and integrate.

The Best African Estuary: iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa

iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which encompasses diverse ecosystems, including estuaries, lakes, and coastal dunes. The park is home to the Saint Lucia Estuary, one of the largest estuarine systems in Africa.

St. Lucia, South Africa, boasts one of Africa's largest estuaries, stretching approximately 85km from south to north and reaching a width of 22km at its broadest point. In total, the St. Lucia Estuary covers around 350 km² / 140 sqm. This expansive waterway is home to over 800 hippos, about 1200 crocodiles, and over 400 bird species, along with a multitude of other fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammalian species.

St. Lucia is a great place to visit on safari and offers activities like night game drives, bush and beach safaris, cruises with hippos and crocodiles, Big 5 safaris, bicycle rentals, horseriding, deep sea fishing, whale watching, and even Zulu cultural tours.

The Top 5 African Estuary Tours

• 7-Day St. Lucia, Hluhluwe, and Kruger Safari 
• 8-Day South Africa to Eswatini Overland Tour (including iSimangaliso)
• 9-Day Johannesburg to Durban via Eswatini Self-Drive 
• 13-Day Southern Africa Cultural Tour 
• 14-Day South Africa Walking Safari 

Plan your Safari to the Best Wetlands, Estuaries & Lakes in Africa

African Budget Safaris specialise in private, bespoke safari itineraries that offer excellent value for money. If you want to plan a wetland-based safari in Africa, talk to one of our safari experts today, and let us help you plan the African safari of a lifetime.