A lioness sits in tall grass, watching a large herd of zebras grazing on an open plain under a cloudy sky—a classic scene from one of the safari best parks.

AFRICA

Best National Parks & Reserves for African Safaris

The Ultimate Guide to Africa’s Best National Parks for Safari

Want to witness a great migration, one of the best wildlife spectacles on Earth? Go to Masai Mara National Reserve for wildebeest, Hwange National Park for elephants, and Makgadikgadi Pans National Park for zebra. How about coming face-to-face with our closest living relatives? Explore Kibale Forest National Park for chimps or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for mountain gorillas. Looking to immerse yourself in an otherworldly landscape? Choices abound, from Namibia’s shipwreck-filled Skeleton Coast National Park to Andasibe National Park’s mass orchid bloom.

Whether you’re looking to experience a world-class safari done thoughtfully, gain special access to hidden gems that see few travelers, or meet the rangers and researchers pioneering conservation in their field, WT has a team of experts ready to plan an extraordinary private or small group safari. Join us in one of these African parks, as chosen by our incredible Trip Leaders.

A giraffe walks across a grassy savanna with scattered trees under a partly cloudy sky—an iconic scene in some of the safari best parks—as a bird flies above its head.

Tanzania’s Best National Parks

Home to the Serengeti Plains, Tanzania offers some of the most breathtaking experiences in Africa, like witnessing the Great Migration, meaning the Maasai people, and climbing Kilimanjaro. There’s no shortage of national parks in Tanzania, and they all offer something a little different — from Ngorongoro’s black rhinos to Tarangire’s baobab trees to Ruaha’s rugged wilderness.

Tanzania National Parks

Aerial view of an elephant standing in shallow water surrounded by green grasses and lily pads, with ripples spreading from the animal—an iconic scene found in some of the safari best parks.

Botswana’s Best National Parks

Another classic African safari destination, Botswana is chock-full of game-rich savannas, lunar-like salt pans, and scenic river deltas. In its parks, you can find yourself exploring via mokoro canoe at Okavango Delta, tracking endangered species in wide-open landscapes, seeing massive elephant herds, or witnessing a flamingo migration.

Botswana National Parks

Two hikers stand atop a tall, wind-swept sand dune in one of the best parks in Namibia, under a clear sky, with dramatic sunlight casting striking shadows on the orange landscape.

Namibia’s Best National Parks

Known for its Namib Desert — the oldest desert on Earth, distinguished for its massive free-standing sand dunes — Namibia will have you exploring desert-adapted wildlife in the most breathtaking locations. UNESCO-listed Etosha National Park is home to one of the largest populations of black rhino in the world, while Skeleton Coast and Namib-Naukluft National Parks are home to stunningly remote and mysterious landscapes.

Namibia National Parks

A rhinoceros grazes in a grassy field while a group of people stand at a distance observing, with trees in the background—a classic scene from one of the safari best parks.

Zimbabwe’s Best National Parks

Another lesser-touristed safari destination, Zimbabwe is known for Victoria Falls (near Zambezi National Park) and its huge population of elephants that migrates yearly to and from Botswana. At Zimbabwe’s national parks you’ll also find historical rock paintings and high concentrations of big cats like leopards.

Zimbabwe National Parks

A baby gorilla leans close to an adult’s face as they sit together on green grass, surrounded by lush foliage—a heartwarming scene often found in safari best parks.

Uganda’s Best National Parks

Known for gorilla and chimp sightings, Uganda offers plenty of other adventures, too, like cruising the Nile at Murchison Falls National Park or looking for lions lounging in trees at Queen Elizabeth National Park. And you’ll witness so much more Uganda wildlife, from hippos to leopards to giraffes.

uganda national parks

Two lions rest in tall grass near a safari vehicle, partially hidden by foliage, in a sunlit savanna landscape—an unforgettable scene from one of the safari best parks.

South Africa’s Best National Parks

South Africa’s Kruger National Park offers extensive wildlife viewing opportunities (you’ll find the Big Five here) and incredible lodges. But look beyond the country’s well-known safari spot to its other breathtaking parks—where you can hike mountainous landscapes to secluded beaches, see Stone Age rock paintings, or snorkel and scuba dive.

South Africa National Parks

A large herd of wildebeest crosses a dirt road on a grassy savanna in one of the safari best parks, with scattered trees and more animals visible in the distance under a cloudy sky.

Kenya’s Best National Parks

Known for the classic African safari experience, Kenya is home to the sprawling plains of the Masai Mara National Reserve, where you can spot game and meet members of the local tribe. You can also look for elephants and giraffes in Samburu National Reserve, or snag incredible views of Kilimanjaro at Amboseli National Park.

Kenya National Parks

A ring-tailed lemur hangs from a tree branch surrounded by green leaves and small purple flowers—an unforgettable sight in one of the safari best parks.

Madagascar’s Best National Parks

At the national parks of this island-nation, you’ll discover the country’s incredible wildlife—80% of which is endemic. More than 100 species of lemurs swing through the forests, while chameleons range from the vibrant Parson’s to the inch-long Brookesia micra. Expect to be spellbound by the birds of Andasibe National Park, the bizarre rock formations of Isalo, or the lemurs of Ranomafana and Ankarana.

Madagascar National Parks

Four people stand on dry ground, observing an adult elephant walking near a river in one of the safari best parks, with grass, trees, and a blue sky in the background.

Zambia’s Best National Parks

In Zambia’s parks, you’ll experience a lesser-touristed, more remote safari experience that immerses you in the country’s diverse ecosystem. Take walking safaris in South Luangwa, view game by boat in Kafue or Lower Zambezi, spot rare and elusive wildlife, and experience the night sky of a lifetime.

zambia National Parks

Two zebras stand on a dirt path surrounded by tall grass and wildflowers in a savanna landscape, showcasing the natural beauty found in some of the safari best parks with distant trees and hills.

Rwanda’s Best National Parks

Another east African country known for its mountain gorillas in Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda has plenty of other parks to visit. You can spot the Big Five on safari in Akagera National Park, or take stunning bird’s-eye canopy walks in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

rwanda national parks

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