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Africa is usually the first place people think of when it comes to wildlife travel.
In Africa, you can find some of the world’s most famous wildlife destinations, from the Okavango Delta in Botswana and Maasai Mara in Kenya, to the jungles of Uganda and Kruger National Park in South Africa. No matter where you choose to go, you’re in for a wild ride.
Wildlife tourism in Africa offers spectacular sightings in the form of traditional jeep safaris of the great plains and savannahs, or self-drive tours of the well-trodden paths of National Parks. For something a little more unique, head out on a walking safari with highly experienced naturalist guides to take in the flora and fauna of private nature reserves. In some areas, you can even enjoy the serenity of water-based safaris to spot the marine wildlife of Africa’s many inland deltas and rivers.
Start planning your wildlife adventure to Africa using the animal and destination guides below.
African Wildlife Destinations
Botswana
With nearly a fifth of the land made up of National Parks and game reserves, it’s no wonder Botswana is one of the best places in the world to see wildlife. Safari tours take in the serene waterways of the Okavango Delta, as well as game drives of the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park for opportunities to spot all of the Big 5.
Learn More About BotswanaKenya
As one of Africa’s premiere wildlife destinations, Kenya has plenty on offer. The plains of the Maasai Mara promise plentiful sightings of big cats, while Amboseli National Park is home to one of the world’s largest populations of African elephants, with the snowy tip of Kilimanjaro providing a spectacular backdrop from over the border in Tanzania.
Learn More About KenyaSouth Africa
South Africa offers a great safari option for first-timers. Head to Kruger National Park and its surrounding private nature reserves to spot the Big 5, or visit the smaller game parks along the south coast for a more intimate experience. Afterwards, enjoy South Africa’s spectacular city of Cape Town and nearby winelands for the ultimate break.
Learn More About South AfricaUganda
Uganda is one of the only countries in the world you can see gorillas in their natural rainforest habitat. But it’s also home to incredible populations of other primates, from chimpanzees to monkeys and many more besides. Traditional game drives of Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls promise intimate Big 5 encounters, away from the crowds.
Rwanda
Nicknamed ‘the land of a thousand hills’, the rainforests of Rwanda are what make a safari here so special. The biggest draw of a Rwandan safari is the mountain gorilla trekking opportunities of the Virunga Volcanoes, but recent investment in the tourism industry means there’s even more reason to visit Rwanda for its wildlife.
Tanzania
Home to one of Africa’s most well-known safari destination, the Seregneti, Tanzania is a must-visit for safari lovers the world over. It promises spectacular sightings of carnivores and their prey during the Great Migration, as well as year-round sightings of wildlife in the Ngorongoro Crater, in one of the most beautiful settings in Africa.
Namibia
What Namibia lacks in greenery spoiling its beautifully stark landscapes, it more than makes up for in spectacular wildlife sightings. Etosha National Park is the place to be for opportunities to spot the Big 5, but with the Namib desert, Skeleton Coast and Damaraland also nearby, Namibia offers a diversity of wildlife that few other African countries can.
Zambia
Zambia is one of the best value wildlife destinations in Africa. Well known for its walking safaris, the top quality guides and safari camps of Zambia make it a unique place to see Africa’s flora and fauna up close and personal. Beyond the wildlife, head to the spectacular Victoria Falls for an exhilerating and heart-pumping experience.
Madagascar
With one of the most diverse eco systems in the world, Madagscar is home to animals you simply won’t find anywhere else in the world. The island’s rainforests are teeming with wildlife, from lemurs to geckos and fossas to endemic birdlife. All this, plus beautiful landscapes, coral reefs and white sandy beaches to give you a truly unique wildlife destination.
African Wildlife
Animals calling Africa home are among the most beautiful in the world.
While the Big 5 reign supreme at the top most people’s wish lists, African wildlife takes in much more than the cast of The Lion King.There is an incredible number of unique species including birds, mammals and reptiles. With so many animals roaming free on the continent, wildlife encounters are plentiful.
Lion
Africa’s most iconic animal to see on safari is the majestic lion. From adorable cubs, through beautiful lionesses to the reigning King of the Jungle, lions are a welcome sight on any safari.
Giraffe
Giraffes with their incredible long necks and elegant walk are a beautiful addition to the African plains. With their sandy colour and unique patterned hide, you will never bore of seeing a giraffe on safari.
Elephant
One of the biggest herbivores in Africa, the African elephant. Their beautiful large ears and trunks are unmistakable. If you’re really lucky, you’ll spot a large family herd with baby elephant calves.
