When it comes to the best places to see wildlife in Africa, Botswana seems to jump out at most people. That being said, Serengeti National Park is the most famous place to visit for wildlife and the Masai Mara in Kenya is a close second.
In this post, I just want to give you a quick snapshot of the most prominent parks in Africa. Needless to say, this is more of a list so please keep in mind that there is a lot more information on the website about each one.
PS. Quick Answer for the Best Place for a Wildlife Safari – Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania
The Best Places to See Wildlife in Africa
Kenya or Tanzania For Luxury Safari
As mentioned, Botswana is a super popular place for wildlife safaris. This is mostly the case for Americans for some reason but either way, I suggest that this is not the best place for a first time safari. Alternatively, I highly recommend that you stick to Kenya and Tanzania. With this in mind, you can visit the Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park where there are some pretty luxurious lodges. Also, the cost will be less and the experience will be much better – trust me.
Tanzania For Budget Safari
Simply put, Ngorongoro Crater is the best value-for-money safari you will ever encounter. Many backpackers take this safari which travels to the edge of the Serengeti. You drive down into the crater and there is so much wildlife down there. Also, the price is a lot less than a full-on Serengeti trip. Alternatively, an overnight trip into the Okavango Delta is great value and in my opinion, the Masai Mara is worth splashing out on too.
Tanzania For Median Priced Safari
No question, take a trip into the Serengeti and visit Ngorongoro Crater along the way. This is usually a 3-night trip and the very best safari that I know about.
Botswana for Private Luxury Lodge Safari
That being said, Botswana is ideal if you really want to get out there and be surrounded by the wild in a luxury lodge. The price is pretty high but the whole experience is as luxurious as they come.
The Best Wildlife Parks in Africa by Country
Kenya
Best place to see wildlife in Kenya – Masai Mara National Park
Budget/Day Tour Option – Hells Gate National Park or Lake Nakura NP
Uganda
Best place to see wildlife in Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Queen Elizabeth National Park
Budget/Day Tour Option – Mgahinga National Park near Kisoro
Rwanda
Best place to see wildlife in Rwanda – Rwenzori National Park
Budget/Day Tour Option – Same as above.
Tanzania
Best place to see wildlife in Tazania – Serengeti National Park
Budget/Day Tour Option – Ngorongoro Crater/Conservation Area
Malawi
Best place to see wildlife in Malawi – Liwonde National Park
Budget/Day Tour Option – Majete Wildlife Reserve
Zambia
Best place to see wildlife in Zambia – South Luangwa National Park
Budget/Day Tour Option – Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Victoria Falls)
Zimbabwe
Best place to see wildlife in Zimbabwe – Matopos National Park or Hwange NP
Budget/Day Tour Option – Either of the above.
Botswana
Best place to see wildlife in Botswana – Moremi NP or Chobe National Park
Budget/Day Tour Option – Chobe National Park
*Note – Okavango Delta is not a wildlife experience.
Namibia
Best place to see wildlife in Namibia – Etosha National Park
Budget/Day Tour Option – Same as above
South Africa
Best place to see wildlife in South Africa – Kruger National Park
Budget/Day Tour Option – Addo Elephant NP
As already mentioned, this is intended as a snapshot of the best places to see wildlife in Africa. If you would like more information or advice for your trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Otherwise, thank you for reading and please feel free to look around the rest of my Africa travel blog.
