More safari
destinations

candid safari tips

 

Safari countries

Click links below to view my listings and brief descriptions of the major safari destinations in these countries:

Botswana
Kenya
South Africa
Tanzania
Five more countries

Botswana

Central Kalahari

This game reserve's landscape incorporates seemingly endless flat and rolling grasslands, savannahs, sand dunes and salt pans. The Central Kalahari environment is harsh but wildlife (including lions) has adapted to the severe conditions. There are some Bushman communities.

Chobe

It is Botswana's second best wildlife area (after Okavango/Moremi) - and is known for its many elephants. Unfortunately, its very northern part can be touristy. Reason: Many tourists visiting Victoria Falls make daytrips (2 hours away by car).

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

It straddles the Botswana and South Africa border. About three-quarters of it lies in Botswana. It is best known for its red sand dunes. Gemsbok is its former name.

Khutse

This tiny game reserve abuts the Central Kalahari. Khutse is a popular weekend escape of residents of Botswana's capital, Gaborone. Game viewing quality is good, but modest by Botswana's high standards.

Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan

These  two national parks are known for their vast salt pans. When it rains, they mutate into oasis that attract thirsty wildlife, including lions and elephants. Of the two parks, Nxai Pan is more verdant.

Moremi

The Moremi Game Reserve overlaps the Okavango Delta (see map). Moremi is Botswana's most beautiful safari area and is flanked by many private game preserves.

Okavango Delta

It is Botswana's most famous safari destination. I have three pages on it. Click links to view them:

Why it's special
When to go
Top lodges & camps

Tuli Block

This is a group of game reserves along Botswana's southeast border. Elephant herds are Tuli's star attraction.

page top

Kenya

Aberdares

Kenya's two world renowned treehouse lodges (Treetops and the Ark) are located here. This forested park has scenic waterfalls.

Amboseli

It's Kenya's second most popular park. Unfortunately, the large-animal wildlife population has been thinning recently. So has the snow crowning Mount Kilimanjaro (the view of this volcanic mountain is one of Amboseli's chief tourist draws).

Lake Nakuru

Renowned for its pink flamingos. Although the population of this bird all but disappeared in the 1990s, it's making a comeback thanks to environmental safeguards.

Marsabit

This forested park blankets an extinct volcano. Elephants and birdlife are two of the main appeals of Marsabit.

Masai Mara

This is is Kenya's best and most famous safari destination. I have three pages about it. Click links to read them.

Why it's worthy
Top-rated lodges & camps
Masai Mara vs. Serengeti

Meru

The lioness Elisa of the best-selling Born Free book resided here.

Mount Kenya

This reserve is home to several lodges and camps, including the globally celebrated Mount Kenya Safari Club.

Nairobi Park

This small wildlife venue sits just outside Nairobi city, making it convenient for safari daytrippers.

Sanburu

The park is relatively arid, so the river banks attract wildlife, creating good game viewing opportunities.

Tsavo - East & West

These are the country's largest wildlife venues. Collectively, they have a large elephant population - and a low human count, which lends a keener wilderness feeling.

page top

South Africa

Addo Elephant

Besides elephants, this national park on the Indian Ocean coast has the other Big 5 members: lions, leopards, cape buffaloes, and rhinos. It even has great white sharks.

iSimangaliso

This national park also lies along the Indian Ocean. It offers a variety of eco-systems, from forest to coral reef. You will need to use both boats and land vehicles to explore iSimangaliso.

Kgalagadi

Combine the adjoining former national parks of Gemsbok in South Africa Kalahari Gemsbok in Botswana and you have the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. It's a significant two-country wildlife conservation endeavor.

Kruger

This is one of the world's top five safari destinations. Click links to learn about the Kruger National Park.

Why it's compelling
Luxury lodge & camps

Madikwe

It's a relatively new national park situated on the Botswana border. All the Big 5 animals now live in Madikwe, thanks to a relocation program. Much of the arid landscape is bush and open grass lands.

Phinda

In centuries past, the area was rich in wildlife, then agricultural pursuits nearly denuded it. Today, after a massive restocking program, Phinda is once again a thriving haven for many animals, including the Big 5. Birding is also great here.

page top

Tanzania

Lake Manyara

This national park is known for its birding and tree-climbing lions. Its other wildlife includes leopards, elephants and giraffes. The lakeside environment is peaceful and relaxing.

Ngorongoro Crater

As one of the world's top safari destinations, it's a must experience. To learn about it, click these links:

Why it's outstanding
Rim lodges & camps

Ruaha

Being off-the-beaten-track, Ruaha National Park assures a low-visitor count and a strong sense of wilderness. The Great Ruaha River runs through it, creating first-rate game viewing and birding.

Selous

This large game reserve is tranquil and laced with serene woodlands and lakes. You can take a vehicular, walking or boating safari - or combine all three. Like Ruaha, Selous is never crowded.

Serengeti

Among the world's several dozen safari destinations, the Serengeti ranks first. Click the links below to learn about it.

Why it's the best
Lodges & camps

Tarangire

The water supply is year-round in this scenic national park. This draws big game for other reserves during their dry periods. As with Lake Manyara, Tarangire is restful and is superb for birding.

The best safari
parks & reserves
in other countries

Malawi Liwonde NP

Mozambique Great Limpopo TP

Namibia Etosha NP

Zambia South Luangwa NP

Zimbabwe Hwange NP

Gorilla safaris - The three best countries for viewing the awesome mountain gorilla are Uganda (Bwindi and Mgabinga), Rwanda (Parc National des Volcanos), and the Republic of the Congo (Djomba and Virunga). The reserves in countries like Gabon are interesting, but have the smaller lowland gorilla species.

Tiger safaris - India has several good tiger reserves, including Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and Ranthambore. Nepal has Tree Tops.

sponsored ad 

Explore my
candid country, region
and other travel guides
Click links for tips & insights

©2010 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications