Are you planning a safari trip anytime soon? Find out countries on the African continent you can visit to make this a reality, and the most luxurious lodges to make your trip even more memorable!
Where to go for an African safari experience?
There are over 50 national parks in Africa for you to go on a safari trip. But it can be quite tricky to choose the best national park out of them as they have their unique features.
So, we have come up with the five best national parks on the continent
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Maasai Mara National Reserve can be considered the top safari destination in Africa because you can see the Big Five here- elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros.
Although it is open all year round, you have to visit the reserve between July to October if you want to see the ‘Great Migration’ along with thousands of wildebeests.
The Reserve is also a great place to go on a bird-watching expedition as it boats of over 500 species.
Serengeti National Park Tanzania
Serengeti National Park is another popular safari destination in Africa because it is also an excellent spot to see the ‘Great Migration.’ From October to November, after the calves of wildebeests are born, these herds, close to over 2 million, migrate to the south and lastly towards the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
You can see more than 200,000 zebras and gazelles as well. You can also see lions, leopards, cheetahs, etc., hunting these innocent creatures. Only the strongest survive in this battle and make it to the Maasai Mara.
Ngorongoro National Park, Tanzania
Ngorongoro National Park, which is home to a beautiful volcanic crater, is one of the best destinations for a bird-watching expedition in Africa.
The volcanic crater forms a lake where you can see hundreds of flamingos, pelicans, and other aquatic birds.
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Chobe National Park is also known as the ‘Land of Giants’ because there are more than 100,000 elephants here, recording the largest elephant population in Africa within a national park!
Unlike the other national parks, which are explored through a safari jeep, Chobe National Park can be explored through a boat trip so that you can enjoy the diverse ecosystems and wildlife as well. You can also spot lions, leopards, and crocodiles in here as well.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park is a picturesque national park with different landscapes like tropical rainforests, mountainous regions, and flat grasslands.
Therefore, it is also one of the largest game reserves in Africa in which you can enjoy yourself quite a lot! Spend a night or two in the national park, and look out for the sightings of the Big Five among other animals.
What are the top luxury lodges to stay in for your safari vacation?
Now that you are familiar with the five best national parks in Africa, you can check out the following 5 top luxury African safari lodges from each of the safari destinations discussed above, and book your stay according to your needs!
Angama Mara, Maasai Mara
Located peacefully in the western outskirts of Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, Angama Mara is one of the most luxurious African Safari Lodges. With minimal contemporary architectural styles, the accommodation is truly breathtaking, with two camps having 15 tents each for you to stay the night.
The 33ft floor-to-ceiling windows provide great views of the Great Rift Valley. It is a great place to view the game during the Great Migration as the Mara River is located only 20 minutes away.
Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Tanzania
Located in solitude in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, the Singita Sasakwa Lodge delivers an entirely luxurious experience for its visitors. It is perfect for families looking for a 5-star safari holiday in the African wilderness.
There are 10 cottages in here, with up to four bedrooms and each cottage having an infinity pool. Adults can enjoy the day at the spa, tennis court, or the gym while the kids can enjoy play activities like cooking with chefs or a mini ranger course.
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Ngorongoro
Located in the Ngorongoro National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge captures the beauty of the volcanic crater and provides breathtaking views of the largest unflooded caldera in the world.
When you are here, you will feel like you are staying in a different world! Opulent architectural styles in the interiors with chandeliers and the world-class dining service adds to the luxurious experience. It is also a great place to game view and see the Big Five all year round.
Jao Camp, Okavango Delta, Botswana
Located on a private island that is only accessible by air, the Jao Camp will deliver its visitors a pure African safari lodge experience with all of its extraordinary facilities. The location alone will make you fall in love with the destination, Botswana.
The suites are spacious, full of alluring local artwork. You can explore the area with a safari jeep, and there is a 90% of chance that you will see sightings of endangered sitatunga antelope along with predators like lions, leopards.
Londolozi Private Granite Suite, Kruger
Located in the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, Londolozi Private Granite Suites is one of the best places for couples to stay. The camp only provides accommodation for six guests assuring a private and intimate experience. The interiors with a colour blend of white and grey provide soothing relief for the mind.
You can indulge in the mouthwatering cuisine, go for a couples massage or simply relax with your partner in a private pool. In terms of wildlife, you can spot the Big Five when you are here and also try a walking safari tour to make it an unforgettable romantic safari experience.
Source: Luxury Travel Magazine
