While elephants are everywhere in Amboseli National Park, the fantastic Kenyan destination isn’t the only safari park worth visiting in Africa. In fact, the continent of Africa is the undoubted home of safaris, with many places here capable of providing a truly memorable animal-filled adventure.
After all, who wouldn’t want to immerse themselves in nature and explore a natural environment packed full of wildlife? Of course, you can learn about animals through a documentary on television, but there is nothing quite like witnessing an array of iconic animals in their world.
We spent a month in East Africa recently and were able to take off many of the below listed spots (what an experience!)
Although a safari holiday isn’t necessarily for everyone, many (like us) have it near the very top of their bucket list. If you’re keen to experience a safari park in Africa, then below is a look at some of the best safari parks in Africa. Featuring the likes of the elephant-filled Amboseli National Park and the world-famous Kruger National Park.
1. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
- Highlights: Great Migration
- Best time to visit: June to September
Serengeti National Park is one of the most famous national parks in the world, and it’s the ultimate safari destination. On a typical day in the Serengeti, you’ll likely get to see the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos). It’s also here that you may be lucky enough to witness the Great Migration – when millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles journey across the plains.
Serengeti National Park is huge – it spans over 30,000 square kilometers. So, I recommend booking a minimum of a 3 day safari in the Serengeti. That’s how long we had, and it enabled us to visit not only the Serengeti but also the Mara River (where the great migration occurs) and the otherworldly Ngorongoro Crater. FYI, this is the 3 day safari tour of Serengeti that we did!
The best time of year to visit the Serengeti depends on what you hope to experience. If witnessing the Great Migration is your goal, the best months are from June to September. This also falls in line with Serengeti’s dry season, which runs from June to October which is considered the best time for general game viewing, as animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot.
The closest large city to the Serengeti is Arusha, which is around 5 hours away. There’s also a domestic airport here so you can fly here from some other destinations in Africa.
2. Amboseli National Park, Kenya
- Highlights: Largest population of African elephants in the world
- Best time to visit: June to October or January & February
Amboseli National Park is a bit of a hidden gem in Kenya. And it’s often overlooked by tourists in favor of the more famous Masai Mara National Park (also in Kenya) or Serengeti in Tanzania. Which is a shame. Amboseli was one of our favorite safaris we’ve ever done because it’s home to the largest population of African elephants in the world.
Set against Africa’s highest mountain – Mt Kilimanjaro, which makes for a spectacular backdrop for Amboseli National Park. Covering almost 400 sqm, it’s regarded as one of the best National Parks in Africa for wildlife viewing. This is due to its low rainfall and high concentration of animals.
In fact, it is estimated that over 1,600 African elephants live in Amboseli. Not only this, but some of the biggest elephants live here, too, both in body and tusk size. This fact alone was what piqued my interest in Amboseli in the first place, as elephants are my favorite animals.
In short, a safari in Amboseli is less popular and will feel less crowded than Kenya’s more famous national park, the Masai Mara. Plus, it has an abundance of elephants (we saw over 100 in one day!!)
This 3-day-2-night safari tour is the one we did and it’s private – which means that you won’t have to share this experience with anyone else! That made it all the more magical for us!
It’s also all-inclusive, so conveniently, all your accommodation, all meals, and national park fees are included. It costs from $1,050 USD per person – which is great value considering all it includes! During the 3 days, you’ll visit 5 different habitats within Amboseli, from the savannah to sulfur springs – which increases your chances of spotting wildlife significantly.
3. Hell’s Gate National Park, Kenya
- Highlights: Unique opportunity to do a cycling safari / it inspired ‘The Lion King’
- Best time to visit: June to October & January to March
Hell’s Gate National Park in Kenya is a bit off-the-tourist trail but in my opinion, it’s a must-see spot in Kenya because of its stunning views (think big cliffs, gorges, and cool geothermal stuff like hot springs and geysers). But also because of the fact it’s one of the only national parks in Africa that you can cycle through – yep, you don’t need to be inside a vehicle to explore this jaw-dropping park!
It’s just south of Lake Naivasha in the Rift Valley, around 90 kilometers northwest of Nairobi.
The park’s foreboding name doesn’t have anything to do with the scary animals here (in fact there are no predators in Hell’s Gate, which is why you can bike around it). Hell’s Gate was actually named after a gorge here – called Hell’s Gate Gorge.
And did you know, the stunning backdrops here inspired “The Lion King.” Yup, Hell’s Gate is the real-life inspiration for Pride Rock. Although you won’t see Simba or Mufasa here as there are no lions in Hell’s Gate!
This full-day tour from Nairobi to Hell’s Gate and Lake Naivasha is a private tour that includes return transfers from Nairobi and your bike rental at Hell’s Gate. You can also add on a boat cruise on nearby Lake Navaisha (where you’ll likely see hippos) – but this is an additional cost. It costs just $62 USD per person.
4. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
- Highlights: Great Migration, Cultual experience with Masai people
- Best time to visit: July to October
This famous game reserve is packed with all sorts of amazing animals, including the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos. One of the coolest things to see is the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests, zebras, and other animals cross the plains- it’s a jaw-dropping sight. If you’re into birdwatching, you’re in luck; there are over 450 bird species here.
You also have the opportunity to engage with the local Maasai people on a tour here. We found it so fascinating learning about their vibrant culture and traditions.
This 3-day Maasai Mara private tour is a best seller and it includes accomodation at the luxurious Sopa Lodge. It costs from $968 USD and is likely to sell out.
5. Akagera National Park, Rwanda
- Highlights: Unique landscape – savannahs, swamps and forests
- Best time to visit: June to September
Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah park! Located in the northeastern part of Rwanda, it’s known for its amazing variety of wildlife and beautiful views. It’s spread over about 1,122 square kilometers and takes its name from the Akagera River, which runs along its eastern edge and feeds into a bunch of lakes and wetlands, giving the park its special vibe.
You’ll find all the Big Five here – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo!
The park’s got everything from savannahs to swamps and forests, which is why over 500 bird species call it home. Plus, Akagera has been big on conservation, with successful projects to bring back lions and rhinos, which is cool!
As part of our tour package, we also went on a boat safari where we cruised along Lake Ihema, one of the biggest lakes in the park. We saw hippos, crocodiles sunbathing on the banks, and heaps of birds.
6. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
- Highlights: See gorillas in the wild
- Best time to visit: June to September & December to February
If you’re keen to see a gorilla in its natural habitat, then the border area between Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the place to be. While spotting one isn’t guaranteed, it’s highly likely, though. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a great option – with just over 1000 of these magnificent creatures remaining, seeing one up close and in the flesh is an unbeatable experience.
Lasting anything up to 10 hours, a guided trek here is a truly magical experience.
7. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
- Highlights: Seeing gorillas up-close
- Best time to visit: June to August & December to February
Like Volcanoes National Park above, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the only places in the world to see mountain gorillas in the wild. And at the last count, 17 mountain gorilla families were found living in Bwindi, which means there are almost 500 individual mountain gorillas living in Bwindi.
On our tour, we got up-close to a family of around 8 gorillas (including one silverback gorilla). It took us less than 30 minutes to reach our gorilla family. It was a steep downhill climb through dense forest, but we suddenly stumbled upon a family of gorillas eating near a tree. You have only an hour in their presence to observe and take photos.
We started planning our gorilla trek in Uganda at least six months in advance. Booking well ahead of time is essential as the permits sell out quickly – there is a limited number available daily.
This particular tour is very similar to the option we chose. It’s a 3-day tour, has a 5/5 rating by past guests, and costs from $2,800 USD per person. It includes two nights’ accommodation, the gorilla trekking permit, food and drinks, all transport, and a guide. It’s one of the best gorilla trekking tours in Africa, in my opinion!
Be prepared for long periods in the car; the journey from Kigali (the closest large city with an airport) to Bwindi is at least 4 hours each way.
8. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
- Highlights: Leopard population
- Best time to visit: July to September
Famous for its large population of leopards and packs of wild dogs, South Luangwa National Park is a relatively hidden gem. Although true wildlife lovers have always rated this particular park, with many regarding it as one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries on the continent of Africa, many people are only just discovering it.
Offering glorious scenery and a diverse landscape, alongside a comprehensive selection of beautiful animals, this Zambian spot is a brilliant option.
9. Okavango Delta, Botswana
- Highlights: Unique wetland system
- Best time to visit: June to October
Boasting a wetland system that is almost fully intact, there is an array of wildlife surviving and thriving in Okavango Delta. With seasonal flooding at various points throughout the year – usually between March and June, while peaking in July – the area is the perfect haven for a variety of wildlife.
Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this picturesque setting is home to so many creatures. While it isn’t featured as prominently as it probably should be, more and more people are discovering the delights of Okavango Delta.
10. Kruger National Park, South Africa
- Highlights: One of the biggest game reserves in Africa
- Best time to visit: May to October
Located in South Africa, this iconic park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. Spanning nearly 20,000 square kilometers, Kruger is home to the Big Five – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo – as well as a myriad of other species, including over 500 bird species and countless reptiles and plants.
Visitors can explore the park through guided safaris, self-drive tours, or even walking safaris, each offering a different perspective on the rich biodiversity.
This full-day safari of Kruger is great value at $98 USD per person.
11. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
- Highlights: Large poulations of lions and leopards
- Best time to visit: June to October
Hwange National Park is the largest game park in Zimbabwe, it houses lions, leopards, rhinos and elephants in its richly diverse landscape. From desert land to granite hills, there are plenty of picture-taking opportunities in this lush setting. Along the way, you’re likely to spot large populations of the aforementioned animals, alongside other forms of wildlife.
12. Etosha National Park, Namibia
- Highlights: Huge salt pan – such a unique spot
- Best time to visit: May to October
Featuring a gigantic salt pan, Etosha National Park is one of the most unique safari destinations on earth. With a large variety of animals frequenting waterholes and basking in the sun, it’s also the perfect spot to see a massive selection of favourites. From lions and elephants to hyenas and giraffes, so many different species of animals congregate there. Overall, Etosha National Park is a superb option.
⭐Question time
Where should I go for my first safari in Africa?
I’d opt for Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. This was our first safari in Africa and it exceeded all our expectations. We saw all of the Big Five, the park is huge but easy to drive around, we stayed at some fabulous hotels and it’s relatively easy to get to with the large city of Arusha being a 5-hour drive away.
You could also combine it with Ngorongoro Crater like we did as that park forms part of the well-traveled Tanzania Northern Safari Circuit.
What is the best month to do a safari in Africa?
It depends on which safari park you plan to visit but as a general rule of thumb June to September is a good time to visit.
How much does a safari in Africa cost?
The cost of a safari in Africa will vary massively depending on the park you wish to visit, the level of luxury you’re seeking, the duration of your stay, and the time of year.
On average, a budget safari might cost around $150 to $350 USD per person per day, while a mid-range experience could range from $350 to $750 USD per person per day. Luxury safaris, offering more exclusive accommodations and personalized services, can start at $750 and exceed $1,500 USD per person per day.
Thanks for reading!
I hope you enjoyed reading about the best safari parks in Africa, as you can see there’s something for every type of traveler on this list!
We also did gorilla trekking in Uganda and visited the stunning island of Zanzibar on our honeymoon. We visited the famed Rock Restaurant on Zanzibar – be sure to read about our experience there! You can also read about how to climb Kilimanjaro! It was honestly the best travel experience of our lives to date!
Tell me have you visited any of the above national parks? I would love to hear your thoughts on it in the comment section below.
Last Updated on January 10, 2026 by snaphappytravel