Vacation Destinations in Africa

Highlights

• High game density and prolific sightings year-round
• Famous for predatory cats like lion and cheetah
• The annual Great Wildebeest Migration and it’s circle of life
• Amazing balloon safaris and cross-cultural exchanges with indigenous groups
• Easily combined with Indian Ocean islands or gorilla trekking

South Africa: Madikwe, the Eastern Cape, and Kruger National Park & Private Reserves
The private reserves that abut the Kruger National Park, a well-known Big 5 hotspot, are home to some of Africa’s most consistent Big 5 sightings. South Africa has long been a Big 5 stronghold. The Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve is unique in that it usually yields all five of the Big Five in a few days and leopards are rather common.

Although it should be mentioned that leopards are very elusive in these reserves, private game reserves in the Eastern Cape and the far northern Madikwe Private Game Reserve provide incredibly simple Big 5 game viewing in a malaria-free, family-friendly setting.

Botswana –

Okavango Delta/Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park
In Botswana’s two main safari destinations, you might find it difficult to spot a rhino, but you probably won’t mind too much because the country is home to Africa’s largest herds of elephants, as well as enormous numbers of buffalo, lions, and leopards.

Any time of year is great for seeing elephants, buffalo, and lions in the Okavango Delta and Savute region of Chobe National Park, but August through late October is when the Chobe River is most crowded with elephants.

Kenya – Masai Mara

The Masai Mara’s status as a Big 5 destination is frequently forgotten in the midst of all the focus on the wildebeest migration. Head for the private conservancies for exclusive Big 5 sightings, and if you time your visit to coincide with the August to November migration, your chances of seeing lions on the hunt are high.

Tanzania – Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti

Elephants and rhinos are less likely to be seen in the vast open grasslands of the Serengeti than grazing wildebeest and zebra herds, but the sheer volume of wildlife will more than make up for the loss of a Big 5 animal. You have a good chance of witnessing a lion kill during the November–July migration through the Serengeti, and leopards are easier to spot than you might imagine due to the absence of trees.

Namibia – The National Park of Etosha

Although buffalo are found in the nearby Waterberg Plateau and Caprivi Strip, Namibia’s flagship reserve does not have any of them, but the abundance of lions and elephants more than makes up for it. Stake out waterholes at night and return during the day; both lions and leopards frequently use them as ambush points. Etosha is also the best place in Africa to see black rhinos.

Zimbabwe – Mana Pools and Hwange National Parks

Zimbabwe is frequently disregarded as a safari destination, but insiders vouch for its genuine lodging, amiable guides, and uncrowded national parks. About 30,000 elephants live in Hwange, the largest reserve in the nation, along with other lesser-known creatures like endangered black rhinos, bat-eared foxes, wild dogs, and sable and roan antelopes. With over 400 species seen, it is also well known for its excellent Green Season bird watching.

Because Mana Pools is situated on the Zambezi River, water sports like sunset boat cruises and canoe safaris—you haven’t lived until you’ve paddled past an elephant standing in the river—are very popular. There are few visitors and a lot of four pools (the Shona word for “mana” is four).