1. Kruger National Park – South Africa
Perhaps this game reserve needs no introduction. Some of the most amazing African wildlife videos and pictures come from Kruger, for example the pictures of a leopard killing a crocodile and the battle at kruger video (below).

Kruger is the largest game reserve in South Africa, and is distinguished for its high animal density, and the great diversity of animals, birds, and plant life. All the big five game (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard) are present in large numbers in the park. No other African game reserve has as many mammal species as Kruger.

The birdwatching experience in Kruger is just as superb, with over 500 resident and migrant bird species found there.

Kruger national park is ideal for self-drive safaris owing to a good road network. Adventure travel enthusiasts find the far North part of Kruger quite alluring being very wild and also very difficult to access. There are a number of small private game reserves along the edges of Kruger, each providing equally rewarding wildlife tours.

Arguably, no other game park in Africa offers you that total wildlife safari experience you find at Kruger. More information about Kruger and the neighbouring reserves are available on this site.

2. Masai Mara National Reserve – Kenya
Again, no introduction needed for this game reserve. The spectacular great wildebeest migration, dubbed as the most impressive event of the natural world, has given the Masai Mara game reserve an international appeal that other parks must envy.

During the migration, millions of wildebeests plus hundreds of thousands of zebras and other ungulates move into the Mara from Serengeti national park in Tanzania, in search of water and pasture. Several lions and other predators follow these migrating herbivores as they present easy prey. Some of the most dramatic moments of the migration happen during the crossing the Mara river.

Yet, with or without the migration, the Mara is still a must-visit destination. The park has a very high animal population, including all the big five. Besides the wildebeest, the lions and the other big cats are the other star attractions of the Mara. In a nutshell, the Mara is as good a safari destination as Kruger.

3. South Luangwa National Park – Zambia
The Luangwa valley in Zambia is one largely unexplored wildlife destination with an astonishingly high animal density. This remote valley is located far from any major city, thus does not have very many visitors. Yet the valley contains four pristine national parks, the most outstanding being the South Luangwa national park.

Walking safaris in Africa cannot be any better than what you experience in South Luangwa. The safari experience here can only be termed as the greatest in Africa. Visitors get to see many animals especially around the Luangwa river and its oxbow lagoons. Being a bit off the beaten track, the park is not very “touristy” or congested. The tour guides are some of the best you can find in Africa.

Among the animals you will see in South Luangwa are four of the big five (big five minus the rhino), cheetahs, many other predators, hippos, crocodiles, and many more. The thornicroft’s giraffe is only found here, and nowhere else in Africa. The elephant herds in the park are exceptionally large, sometimes numbering as many as 70. South Luangwa is also regarded as the best place in Africa to see the very elusive leopard.

4. Etosha National Park – Namibia
Despite being situated in arid conditions (in the Namib desert), Etosha deserves its position as one of Africa’s finest wildlife sanctuaries. Etosha national park is home to over 110 mammal species, an almost equal number of reptile species, and 340+ bird species.

This magnificent game park also has one of the highest population of the black rhino in Africa. Other animals present on Etosha include elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and several rare species of Southern Africa antelopes.

The opportunity for wildlife photography Etosha provides is incomparable to any other park. The photo below, plus others found on blogoncherry blog attest to this fact.

Etosha has a very good road network making it perfectly suitable for self-drive wildlife safaris.

5. Selous Game Reserve – Tanzania
This top five list could not be complete without at least one national park or game reserve in Tanzania. There are several fine parks and reserves in the country but I think Selous, in Tanzania’s southern safari circuit takes top position.

Selous game reserve is the biggest game reserve in Tanzania and also in Africa. One similarity between Etosha and South Luangwa is that they are among the few remaining untouched wilderness in Africa. Like in South Luangwa, visitors to Selous can go for guided walking safaris within the reserve.

Selous has a very high animal concentration, especially along the Rufiji river banks. During the dry season, the Rufiji river is a magnet for many plains game, plus opportunistic predators preying on these easy targets.

One of Selous’ many reputations is in having the highest population of african wild dogs (pictured below: source wikimedia commons).

Other Parks and Reserves
This post was about the top five. However, there are several other game reserves worth mentioning. Depending on the criteria used to evaluate, some of them may even replace the above mentioned in the top five:

• Chobe national park in Botswana
• Ngorongoro conservation area in Tanzania
• Okavango Delta, in Botswana

Recommended African Safari Packages Booking
Visit the Africa guide Africa holiday packages to select a safari of your choice, including to some of the above destinations.

Besides several other good reasons, the Masai Mara game reserve remains the most preferred wildlife safari destination in Kenya chiefly because of the great wildebeest migration. This well-documented and dramatic natural event involves over one million wildebeest accompanied by a few other antelopes and hundreds of thousands of zebras.

Wildebeest crossing a river during the great migration. Image courtesy of Wikimedia commons (http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Connochaetes_taurinus_-Wildebeest_crossing_river_-East_Africa.jpg).

Some of the most thrilling moments of the migration are when the animals cross the crocodile-infested Mara river. These are the moments most tourists hope to witness when they book their safari to the Mara around July and August. Unfortunately, the migration is a very spontaneous event and therefore it is very hard to precisely predict when the herds will arrive from Serengeti national. Sometimes they cross into the Mara as early as late June, other times as late as September. This year (2009), the first crossing was witnessed in the first week of July (see this news article).

Even when not crossing the Mara or Grumeti rivers, the wildebeest are in almost constant movement within the Serengeti plains in Tanzania, with their migration pattern largely dependent on the rains and pasture availability. The migration therefore has no real beginning or end, the wildebeests start their unending pilgrimage the moment they are born.

What many people may not know is that, besides the wildebeest migration, there are other similarly spectacular sights involving wild animals in Africa. The bat migration in Zambia, and the Ruaha wildlife spectacle in Tanzania are some of these.

Zambia’s Mass Bat Migration

Every year in the October-December period, millions of straw-colored fruit bats move in mass through the Kansaka national park in Zambia. People who have witnessed this event regard it as one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world. Twice a day, at dawn and at dusk, the “flying foxes” blacken the skies as they fly to or from their night-time feasting on the seasonal fruits in Kasanka. During the day, the bats roost on every available tree in the forest, in itself an amazing sight to behold. Considering that Kasanka national park is not a very well-known wildlife destination, it is perhaps no surprise that such an astonishing event can remain almost unknown. One traveller who witnessed the migration first-hand describes it in the Wanderlust travel website.

The Ruaha wildlife spectacle

The national parks and game reserves in Tanzania’s southern safari circuit are largely unexplored, in comparison to those in the northern safari circuit. Probably because they are less accessible, these parks remain unchanged for centuries, and are wildlife havens.

Ruaha national park is one such park. It derives its name from the great Ruaha river, the site at which one of the most interesting wildlife drama takes place. Generally, the park is arid and very dry throughout the year. It is however driest from May to December, during which period all animals in the park are drawn to the banks of Ruaha river. With all these animals together, what unfolds right at the river banks is really dramatic: animals courting and mating, predators hunting down their prey, animals fighting, etc. Nowhere else in Africa will you get such a wildlife safari experience.

Ruaha national park has a lot more to write about. I will probably write a post about it in the near future.

1. Wildlife safaris

An African lion: One of the most popular wild animal in Africa

If you have time for only one safari activity, then wildlife safaris are the obvious choice, especially if the closest you have ever come to an African wild animal is in a zoo. Among all African animals, the big five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard) are the most popular, and perhaps most fascinating to observe. The experience of seeing them and other animals in their natural habitat is indeed very amazing. No wonder the word “African safari” is almost synonymous with wildlife safaris.

There are so many places in Africa that give you a rewarding wildlife experience, top on the list being Masai Mara game reserve in Kenya, South Africa’s Kruger national park, and Serengeti national park in Tanzania. You can also have an equally (or even more) satisfying safari experience in other less known wildlife destinations like Etosha national park in Namibia, South Luangwa national park in Zambia, and Chobe national park in Botswana .

For a first-time visit to Africa, I would recommend starting with any of the parks mentioned above. However, during subsequent travels, you can choose wildlife destinations that meet your unique tastes. If for example you are interested in the gorillas, chimpanzees and other apes, you should visit the game reserves in Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC eg. Bwindi impenetrable forest national park in Uganda.

2. Sightseeing tours:
Apart from just the animals, you will find a lot more to see in Africa, from awe-inspiring natural land features and beautiful landscapes, to many historical man-made structures. Egypt in North Africa is without doubt the favourite destination for sightseeing. All of Egypt’s great sites reflect the country’s rich history dating back to the days of the Pharaohs. The Egyptian pyramids, the Sphinx at Giza, the valley of the kings, the temples at Abu Simbel, the Karnak temple complex, and the valley of the queens, are some of the best-known sites.

It is not just in Egypt that you find pyramids from ancient days. In fact, some reports estimate that there twice as many pyramids in the Nubian region of Sudan (where the ancient Meroe kingdom was situated) than there are in Egypt. There are also many other interesting historical sites worthy seeing in Ethiopia including the Lalibela monolithic churches, the obelisks in Axum, the medieval castles in Gondar, and the walled Gondar city.  In Mali in West Africa, the ancient city of Djenne is an equally fascinating site. The city is home to the world’s largest mud brick building, the great mosque of Djenne.

Africa’s natural land features you should see include the mighty Victoria falls (Mosi oa Tunya) at the Zambia – Zimbabwe border, the giant sand dunes of Sossusvlei in Namibia, the Okavango delta in Botswana, and Fish river canyon in Namibia.

3. Cultural safaris
It is indisputable that the African culture is rich and very diverse. Among the thousands of African ethnic groups however, there are a few that stand out because of their unique way of life and traditions, the Masai tribe being the top-most. There is arguably no better way to appreciate the Masai culture than visiting a Masai village and possibly spending some nights there. This is not for the faint-hearted though. An easier alternative would be to visit a Masai village during your safari in Kenya.

Other African ethnic groups with interesting cultures and that you may want to visit include the Samburu and Turkana of Kenya, and the Swahili found along the coast of East Africa.

4. Beach luxury vacation
While several African countries have beautiful and clean beaches suited for a luxury holiday, the Seychelles Islands, Mauritius Island, and Zanzibar are perhaps the most renowned and most popular beach destinations. No wonder these three islands, more so the islands of Seychelles, are most  favoured  by honeymooners. Apart from these three Islands however, you can have an equally enjoyable beach vacation in other places like Kenya’s south coast (Diani, Chale Island etc.), north coast (Malindi, Mtwapa, Lamu Island etc), Mozambique (Bazaruto, Quirimbas etc.), the Comoros Island, among many others.

5. Mountaineering, and adventure expeditions

Mount Kenya: Africa's second highest mountain after Tanzania's Mt. Kilimanjaro

For quite obvious reasons,  Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania ranks high among Africa’s adventure destinations. Though it is the highest mountain in Africa, it is also the most accessible. You do not need any special mountaineering equipment to get to Uhuru peak, the highest peak. Any reasonably healthy person can make it to the top especially if they climb slowly. This is unlike the more rugged Mt Kenya, where the highest you can get without mountain climbing gear is Point Lenana, at 4985 meters above sea level.  Only accomplished mountaineers attempt to get to the higher peaks of Batian and Nelion.

Mt Meru in Tanzania, the Rwenzori mountain range and the Virunga mountains in Uganda and neighboring countries are some of the other African mountains suitable for climbing or trekking expeditions.

There are lots of other activities for an adventure safari in Africa. You can fly over the Victoria falls on a microlight helicopter, go for gorilla tracking expeditions in the great Lakes region, canoeing, white water rafting, and kayaking (e.g in Sagana and Nanyuki in Kenya), skydiving (e.g in the annual Diani boogie in Kenya), snorkeling and white shark diving in South Africa, overlanding from Cairo Egypt to Cape Town in South Africa, etc.

The mighty Victoria falls in Zambia

When you take an African safari in Zambia, you will understand why the country has been declared the “real Africa” by many people. Zambia is home to some of the finest wildlife game parks in Africa and has magnificent landscapes and natural features. Among the top tourist attractions in Zambia include:

• The mighty Victoria falls (which Zambia shares with Zimbabwe)
• The South Luangwa national park (considered among the top game reserves in the world)
• The Zambezi river (a magnet for inland sport fishing enthusiasts lured by the prospects of catching tigerfish and the rare giant vundu catfish)
• The Luangwa valley (part of the great Rift valley, this pristine wildlife sanctuary is the ideal location for guided walking safaris in Zambia. Four game parks, including the South Luangwa national park, are found in this valley)
• Kafue national park (Zambia’s largest game park, provides unrivalled birdwatching, fishing and game viewing safari experience)

Travelling to Zambia
Getting to Zambia is possible by both flight and road. Several international and African airlines operate Zambia flights. These include British Airways, Air France, KLM, South African Airways, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines. The Lusaka International Airport is the main point of entry for flights to Zambia.

Zambia is also accessible by road from South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania, Malawi, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zimbabwe. You can also get to Zambia by train from either Zimbabwe or Tanzania. Be sure to check travel and visa information for Zambia before arranging your Zambia safari.

Popular Zambia Holiday activities

• Game viewing in the Zambia national parks
• Walking safaris in the Luangwa valley
• Canoeing and water sports adventure safaris in the Zambezi river
• Sport fishing
• Balloon safaris
• Birdwatching safaris

The thought of an African safari is almost inseparable from Kenya in many people’s minds. Kenya has has for long been a favorite safari destination in Africa due to its great diversity of wildlife, scenic landscape and land features, exotic beaches, and a beautiful amalgam of African cultures.

Situated on the Eastern Africa coast, Kenya neighbors Tanzania, Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, and the Indian Ocean. Among the popular travel and holiday destinations in Kenya are the coastal beaches, Kenya national parks and game reserves, the highlands (especially the snow-capped Mount Kenya), and the Great Rift Valley.

Holiday activities in Kenya

Wildlife safaris
These are perhaps what Kenya is most famous for. The country has over 50 national parks and game reserves hosting a wide array of african wild animals.

Of these, Maasai Mara remains the top game viewing safari destination. Every year for example, thousands of tourists flock this reserve to witness the great wildebeest migration between the Mara and Serengeti national park of Tanzania. Other popular parks for game watching in Kenya include Amboseli national park, Samburu game reserve, Tsavo, and Aberdares national parks.

Beach holidays in the Coast
The Kenyan coast stretches from the border with Somalia in the North, to the Tanzania border in the South. Popular beach vacation sites along this stretch include Malindi, Watamu, Tiwi, Ukunda, and Diani. Also found here are a number of islands ideal for kenya beach vacations. Some of these include Lamu, Kiwayu, Chale, and Wasini islands.

Adventure safaris
The highlands of central Kenya offer varied opportunities for adventure safaris. Popular adventure activities include climbing Mt. Kenya, white-water rafting, kayaking, plus other inland water sports, and more recently bungee jumping at the banks of Tana river. The Kenyan coast is also a favorite location for such adventure activities as snorkelling, scuba diving, free diving, triathlon, sport fishing, and other water sports. The Kenyan Coast is also increasingly becoming a hot spot for skydiving. Every year, hundreds of skydivers participate in the Diani beach skydiving boogie.