Africa's appeal as a wildlife destination spreads across countries and vast reserves boasting breathtaking diversity. While several well-known national parks across the continent showcase iconic animals like lions, elephants, and giraffes, there is also a treasure trove of hidden gems among the lesser-known parks. These often-overlooked sanctuaries offer exceptional wildlife safaris and present visitors with unforgettable experiences. Move on from Serengeti and Masai Mara and explore these parks instead.
This park is the largest national park in Tanzania, covering an area of 20,226 square kilometres and is home to various wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalo. Visitors can also see rare animals such as the African wild dog and the sable antelope.
Getting There: Safaris to Ruaha can be accessed from Dar es Salaam via a 10-hour drive or a convenient flight to Ruaha's airstrip.
Located in the valley of the Luangwa River on the northeastern side of Zambia, this park is known for its high concentration of leopards and is also home to other big cats, such as lions and cheetahs. Visitors can also see elephants, hippos, and a variety of bird species.
Getting There: South Luangwa National Park is about 321 km from Lilongwe by road (5.5 hours) or accessible via Mfuwe Airport with varying distances to camps.
This park has various wildlife, including elephants, lions, and giraffes. Visitors can also see rare species such as the sitatunga antelope and the shoebill stork. It is Central Africa's largest protected wetland and the last remaining refuge for savannah-adapted species in Rwanda.
Getting There: Kigali International Airport (KGL) is the likely entry point. Akagera National Park is 110 km east of Kigali, accessible by a two-and-a-half-hour road journey or a 20-minute flight.
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe's largest and most popular game reserve, arguably the best safari destination in Zimbabwe. This park is home to one of the largest populations of elephants in Africa, as well as other wildlife, such as lions, leopards, and wild dogs. Visitors can also see rare species, such as the sable antelope and the bat-eared fox.
Getting There: Hwange National Park is around 200 km from Victoria Falls, accessible by a well-maintained road or flights from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls Airport (VFA), with lodges in the park offering chartered flights for added convenience.
This park is located in the remote Karamoja region of Uganda and is known for its wildlife diversity. Visitors can see large herds of buffalo, elephants, giraffes, and predators such as lions and cheetahs. The park is also home to rare species such as the aardwolf, a close relative of the hyena and the Karamoja Apalis, an endangered bush bird.
Getting There: Reaching Kidepo Valley National Park can be done by car or public transport from Kampala (700 km, 10-12 hours) or by air to the Apoka Airstrip for a more convenient option.
While not traditionally considered a wildlife safari destination, this park is home to over half of the world's mountain gorillas. Visitors can take part in guided treks to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.
Getting There: To reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you can drive for 9-10 hours from Kampala or take a faster option with multiple daily flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield connecting to Bwindi.
This park is one of the most remote in Tanzania and is known for its large populations of hippos and crocodiles. Visitors can also see elephants, lions, buffalo, and rare species such as the eland and the roan antelope.
Getting There: The most convenient way to reach Katavi National Park is by taking scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam, providing easy access to the park, while a two- to three-day drive from Dar es Salaam is also an option.
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