Most Famous National Parks in Kenya

• Masai Mara National Park: The Mara offers incredible game viewing year-round, with abundant predators and diverse wildlife. Most revered for the Great Wildebeest Migration, a breathtaking spectacle of millions of wildebeest, zebras, and predators traversing the plains.

Hidden Gems in Kenya

• Chyulu Hills: A less-visited park known for its volcanic landscape, lush forests, and unique wildlife, including the elusive leopard and the endangered Abbott's duiker.

• Amboseli: Offers stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Amboseli is famous for its large elephant herds and diverse birdlife.

• Laikipia: A vast and diverse region with numerous private conservancies and ranches, offering a more intimate and exclusive safari experience. Laikipia is home to a variety of wildlife, including endangered species like the Grevy's zebra and the black rhino.

Best time to visit Kenya

• Peak Season (July to September): Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, a truly unforgettable experience. However, expect larger crowds and higher prices during this time.

• Our Favorite Time (June, October, January to March): Enjoy excellent game viewing, pleasant weather, and fewer tourists. These shoulder seasons offer a more relaxed and intimate safari experience.

Ideal Trip Duration for Kenya

• 4 Days (Masai Mara Only): A perfect introduction to the Mara, allowing ample time for game drives and exploring this iconic reserve.

• 7-10 Days (Multiple Parks): Combine the Masai Mara with other parks like Amboseli or Laikipia for a more diverse safari experience.

• Angama Mara - $$$

• Angama Amboseli - $$$

• Great Plains Mara Plains and Nyika - $$$

• Lewa Wilderness - $$

• Arijiju - $$$$

• Giraffe Manor - $$$

• Sala’s Camp - $$$

Most Famous Locations in Tanzania

• Serengeti National Park: Renowned for the Great Wildebeest Migration, a spectacular wildlife event where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains in search of greener pastures.

• Ngorongoro Crater: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest inactive volcanic caldera, teeming with diverse wildlife including the Big Five.

• Zanzibar and Indian Ocean Islands : The perfect post safari wind down, Zanzibar offers miles and miles of perfect sandy

Hidden Gems in Tanzania

• Ruaha National Park: Tanzania's largest national park, a remote wilderness with a high concentration of elephants, lions, and wild dogs.

• Tarangire National Park: Known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees, offering a unique landscape and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

• Mahale Mountains National Park: Home to a thriving population of chimpanzees, offering a unique opportunity for chimpanzee trekking and observing these fascinating primates in their natural habitat.

Best Time to Visit Tanzania

The dry season (June to October) is generally considered the best time to visit Tanzania for wildlife viewing, as animals assemble around water sources with less dense vegetation. However, the shoulder seasons (November to February and March to May) also offer good wildlife viewing opportunities and fewer crowds.

Best Luxury Wildlife Lodges in Tanzania

• Singita Faru Faru Lodge - $$$$$

• &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge - $$$$

• Asilia Retreats - $$-$$$

• Chem Chem - $$$

• Four Seasons Serengeti - $$$

• Mwiba Lodge - $$$

Ideal Trip Duration for Tanzania

A typical safari in Tanzania lasts 7-10 days, allowing ample time to explore multiple national parks and experience diverse landscapes and wildlife encounters.

Most Famous National Parks in Rwanda

• Volcanoes National Park: This park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, one of the world's most iconic and sought-after wildlife encounters. Trek through the lush rainforest to observe these magnificent creatures up close.

• Nyungwe Forest National Park: One of Africa's oldest rainforests, Nyungwe is home to a variety of primates, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and mangabeys. Take a hike through the forest, go birdwatching or take a canopy walk for a breathtaking view of the forest canopy.

Best Time to Visit Rwanda

The best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry season, which runs from June to September and December to February. During this time, the weather is generally sunny and dry, making it ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Ideal Trip Duration for Rwanda

You will need a minimum of 3 days for just gorilla trekking and 6-10 days to see all national parks and explore the hidden gems.

Best Luxury Wildlife Lodges in Rwanda

• Wilderness Bisate Lodge - $$$$

• One&Only Nyungwe House and Gorillas Nest - $$$$

• Wilderness Magashi Camp - $$$

• Singita Kwitonda Lodge $$$$$

Hidden Gems in Rwanda

• Lake Kivu: This beautiful lake is a popular destination for swimming, boating, and kayaking. The surrounding hills offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding countryside.

• Musanze Caves: These impressive caves are located near Volcanoes National Park and offer a unique glimpse into Rwanda's geological history; explore the caves on a guided tour.

• Twin Lakes: Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo, known as the Twin Lakes, are picturesque destinations for hiking, fishing, and birdwatching.

• Akagera National Park: Rwanda's only savanna park, Akagera is home to the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) as well as a variety of other wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles. Boat trips on Lake Ihema offer a unique perspective on the park's wildlife.

Most Famous Locations in Madagascar

• Andasibe-Mantadia National Park: Known for the Indri, the largest lemur species, and diverse rainforest wildlife.

• Isalo National Park: Features dramatic sandstone formations, canyons, and diverse wildlife, including ring-tailed lemurs and endemic birds.

• Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site with unique limestone karst landscapes known as "tsingy."

• Nosy Be: A tropical island with beautiful beaches, snorkeling, diving, and a laid-back atmosphere.

• Avenue of the Baobabs: A picturesque road lined with iconic baobab trees.

Best Time to Visit Madagascar

• Dry Season (April-October): Best for wildlife viewing, trekking, and exploring the tsingy.

• Shoulder Seasons (November and March): Pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Best Luxury Wildlife Lodges in Madagascar

• Anjajavy le Lodge - $$

• Tsara Komba Luxury Beach & Forest Lodge - $$

• Time + Tide Miavana & Tsara Komba - $$$$$

Hidden Gems in Madagascar

• Masoala National Park: Madagascar's largest park, encompassing rainforest, coastal areas, and marine habitats.

• Anjajavy Forest: A private reserve known for its diverse wildlife, including the Coquerel's sifaka lemur.

• Ranomafana National Park: Home to several lemur species, including the golden bamboo lemur, and a haven for birdwatchers.

Ideal Trip Duration for Madagascar

• 10-14 days: Allows for a good combination of national parks, wildlife viewing, and cultural experiences.

• 7-10 days: Focus on either the eastern rainforest parks or the western tsingy and Isalo regions.

Most Famous National Parks in Botswana

• Chobe National Park: Known for its large elephant population, Chobe National Park offers exceptional game viewing opportunities, especially along the Chobe River. Boat safaris provide a unique perspective on the wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds.

• The Linyanti Marshes- A lesser known gem in Botswana's northeastern corner, this haven for safari enthusiasts of all levels boasts the life-giving Linyanti River, winding through diverse landscapes and creating a thriving ecosystem. Witness majestic elephant herds roaming freely, observe predators like lions and leopards on the hunt and encounter rare antelope species such as roan and sable grazing peacefully.

• Okavango Delta: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Okavango Delta is a unique inland delta formed by the Okavango River. Within the delta, explore Moremi Game Reserve by the waterways on a Mokoro (traditional dugout canoe), gliding past diverse birdlife, hippos, and crocodiles in areas like Xakanaxa Lagoon. Venture onto land to encounter lions, leopards, rhinos, and a plethora of other wildlife. The Moremi Game Reserve is known for its diverse habitats, ranging from floodplains to woodlands. The reserve offers excellent wildlife viewing, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino).

Best Luxury Wildlife Lodges in Botswana

• Great Plains Duba, Zarafa and Selinda Camps - $$$$

• Wilderness Mombo and Jao Camps - $$$$$

• Xigera Lodge - $$$$$

Hidden Gems in Botswana

• Makgadikgadi Pans National Park: This vast salt pan is a surreal landscape that transforms into a vibrant ecosystem during the rainy season. It's a great place for birdwatching and experiencing the unique beauty of the Kalahari Desert.

• Nxai Pan National Park: Another salt pan with a starkly beautiful landscape, Nxai Pan is known for its ancient baobab trees and the seasonal zebra migration.

• Tsodilo Hills: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tsodilo Hills are known for their rock art, which offers insights into the lives of ancient people who inhabited the area.

• Central Kalahari Game Reserve: One of the largest game reserves in the world, the Central Kalahari is a vast expanse of wilderness with diverse landscapes, including grasslands, salt pans, and ancient riverbeds. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, and brown hyenas.

Best Time to Visit Botswana

The best time to visit Botswana depends on your interests and priorities. The dry season, from May to October, offers excellent wildlife viewings. The lush green season, from November to April, is characterized by abundant birdlife and newborn animals.

Ideal Trip Duration for Botswana

An ideal trip to Botswana typically lasts between 7 and 14 days. This allows enough time to experience the diverse landscapes and wildlife of the country's national parks and hidden gems.

Most Famous National Parks in Zambia

• South Luangwa National Park: If you’re looking for walking safaris, South Luangwa is a top destination to get an authentic and immersive safari experience. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including leopards, elephants, giraffes, and countless bird species.

• Kafue National Park: As one of the largest national parks in Africa, Kafue offers a diverse landscape of woodlands, floodplains, and riverine forests. This vast park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including cheetahs, lions, elephants, hippos, and antelopes.

• Lower Zambezi National Park: With brilliant views of the Zambezi River, this park boasts stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. It's known for its exceptional canoeing safaris, allowing an up-close wildlife encounter from the waters. The park is also home to large herds of elephants and buffalo.

• Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park: Home to the magnificent Victoria Falls, this park offers a unique combination of natural wonder and wildlife viewing. You can experience the awe-inspiring power of the falls and enjoy game drives to spot elephants, zebras, and various antelope species.

Best Luxury Wildlife Lodges in Zambia

• Time + Tide Chongwe House - $$

• Sausage Tree Camp - $$

• Time + Tide Chinzombo Camp - $$

• Royal Zambezi Lodge - $$

Hidden Gems in Zambia

• North Luangwa National Park: This remote park is known for its pristine wilderness and walking safaris. It's a great option for those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path adventure.

• Liuwa Plain National Park: Famous for its second-largest wildebeest migration in Africa, Liuwa Plain offers a unique and spectacular wildlife spectacle.

• Kasanka National Park: This small park is renowned for its annual bat migration, where millions of fruit bats gather from October to December.

Ideal Trip Duration for Zambia

An ideal trip to Zambia typically lasts around 10-14 days. This allows enough time to visit multiple national parks, explore some hidden gems, and enjoy a variety of safari activities.

Best Time to Visit Zambia

The best time to visit Zambia is during the dry season, from May to October. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and wildlife viewing is at its peak. The wet season, from November to April, brings lush flora and newborn animals, but some roads may become inaccessible.

Most Famous National Parks in Namibia

Etosha National Park: This iconic park is one of Africa's greatest wildlife sanctuaries. Its expansive salt pan acts as a magnet for a diverse array of animals, from elephants and lions to zebras and rhinos, all drawn to the watering holes that fringe the pan, making it a premier wildlife viewing destination.

Namib-Naukluft National Park: This park is characterized by otherworldly sand dunes, dramatic canyons, and unique desert-adapted wildlife. It encompasses Sossusvlei, a breathtaking salt and clay pan surrounded by towering red dunes.

Skeleton Coast National Park: A rugged and remote wilderness, the Skeleton Coast is a place of stark beauty and haunting history. Shipwrecks scattered along the shore, vast sand dunes, and resilient wildlife like desert-adapted elephants and seals make this a truly unique destination for adventurous travellers.

Best Time to Visit Namibia

The best time to visit Namibia is during the dry winter months, from May to October. The weather is mild, and wildlife viewing is excellent. However, Namibia can be visited year-round, and the shoulder seasons (April and November) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Best Luxury Wildlife Lodges in Namibia

• Wilderness Hoanib and Little Kulala - $$$

• Skeleton Coast Lodge - $$$$

• Zannier Hotels Omaanda and Sonop - $$

• AndBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge - $$$$

Hidden Gems in Namibia

Spitzkoppe: This imposing granite peak offers stunning vistas and unique rock formations, making it a popular destination for climbers and photographers seeking dramatic landscapes and unforgettable sunsets.

Damaraland: Damaraland boasts desert-adapted elephants that have learned to survive in this harsh environment. The region is also rich in ancient rock art sites, offering a glimpse into the lives of the San people who once inhabited this land.

Fish River Canyon: The second largest canyon in the world, this geological wonder is a testament to the forces of nature. It offers breathtaking views, challenging hiking trails, and a chance to experience the raw power and beauty of the earth's geological processes.

Ideal Trip Duration for Namibia

An ideal trip to Namibia typically lasts between 10 and 14 days. This allows enough time to experience the diverse landscapes and wildlife of the country, as well as explore some of the hidden gems.

Most Famous Locations in South Africa

• Kruger National Park: The iconic wildlife sanctuary is delighted for its remarkable biodiversity and vast landscapes. From savannas and grasslands to riverine forests and rocky outcrops, it supports its inhabiting wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, and numerous bird species. As one of the largest game reserves in Africa, Kruger offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to witness the "Big Five" – lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and buffalo – in their natural habitat.

• Cape Town - One of the worlds most beautiful and cosmopolitan cities in the world, Cape Town offers everything from hiking adventures and unique dining experiences to award winning wineyards within easy reach of the city.

Best Time to Visit South Africa

The best time depends on your interests.

• Dry Season (May-October): Best for wildlife viewing, as animals congregate around water sources and vegetation is less dense.

• Shoulder Seasons (April and November): Pleasant weather with fewer crowds.

• Wet Season (November-March): Lush landscapes and newborn animals, but wildlife viewing can be more challenging.

Best Luxury Wildlife Lodges in South Africa

• Londolozi Private Granite Suites - $$$$$

• Tswalu The Motse Camp - $$$$$

• Lion Sands Game Reserve - $$$

• Royal Malewane - $$$$$

• Singita Castleton - $$$$$

Hidden Gems in South Africa

• Tswalu Kalahari: South Africa's largest private game reserve offering an exclusive safari experience in the vast and dramatic Kalahari landscape. Explore diverse habitats from red sand dunes to ancient mountains, encountering rare and endangered species like the pangolin, aardvark, and desert black rhino.

• The Western Cape - The Western Cape offers a unique wildlife viewing experience, offering both land and marine wildlife encounters. Boat trips from Hermanus and Gansbaai provide opportunities to spot whales, dolphins, and seals. The Cape Peninsula is home to African penguins, baboons, and a variety of bird species.

Ideal Trip Duration for South Africa

• 10-14 days: Allows for a good mix of national parks, cities, and other attractions.

• 7-10 days: Focus on either the national parks or a combination of Cape Town and the Garden Route.

Most Famous National Parks in Zimbabwe

• Hwange National Park: It is particularly renowned for its impressive elephant population, boasting one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa. You can embark on thrilling game drives, guided walks, and birdwatching excursions, soaking in the park's rich biodiversity and witnessing the majestic elephants in their natural habitat.

• Mana Pools National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site famous for exploring on foot and wildlife viewing along the Zambezi River. This pristine wilderness is a haven for wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, and a variety of bird species.

• Victoria Falls National Park: Home to the magnificent Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls National Park is a must-visit destination in Zimbabwe. The park offers breathtaking views of the falls, where the Zambezi River plunges dramatically into a deep gorge. You can witness the sheer power and beauty of the falls from various vantage points, and take thrilling helicopter rides. For those feeling extra adventurous, white-water rafting trips are a must.

• Matobo National Park: Matobo National Park, a unique landscape of dramatic granite rock formations and ancient San rock art, provides a fascinating glimpse into Zimbabwe's rich cultural heritage. The park's distinctive geological features, known as balancing rocks, are especially striking.

Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe

• Dry Season (May-October): Best for wildlife viewing.

• Shoulder Seasons (April and November): Pleasant weather with fewer crowds.

Ideal Trip Duration for Zimbabwe

• 7-10 days: Allows for a good combination of national parks and Victoria Falls.

• 10-14 days: Add more time for hidden gems like Gonarezhou or Chimanimani.

Best Luxury Wildlife Lodges in Zimbabwe

• Wilderness Ruckomechi Camp - $$$

• Singita Pamushana Lodge - $$$$$

• Matetsi Private Game Reserve, Victoria Falls - $$$

Hidden Gems in Zimbabwe

• Gonarezhou National Park: A remote wilderness area in southeastern Zimbabwe, this park will entice you with its rugged landscapes, diverse wildlife, and ancient baobab trees. If you’re looking for a truly off-the-beaten-path safari experience, where you can have humble encounters with elephants, lions, wild dogs, and a variety of bird species, this is a must-visit. The park's iconic baobab trees, some estimated to be over 2,000 years old, add a mystical touch to the landscape, their imposing presence standing as silent witnesses to the passage of time.

• Chimanimani National Park: A mountainous paradise in eastern Zimbabwe, outdoor lovers will rejoice in its stunning mountain scenery, challenging hiking trails, and cascading waterfalls. The park's rugged peaks, including the majestic Mount Binga, offer breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and provide a playground for hikers and climbers. The park's numerous waterfalls, such as the Bridal Veil Falls and the Eland Sanctuary Falls, add a touch of tranquillity to the landscape, their refreshing waters cascading down moss-covered rocks.

• Kariba Dam: This massive lake on the Zambezi River offers unique houseboat safaris to explore the lake's numerous islands and inlets, have a go at fishing for the elusive tigerfish and indulge in other water sports like kayaking, water skiing, and wakeboarding.

• Great Zimbabwe Ruins: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this place stands as a testament to the ingenuity and architectural prowess of the ancient Shona civilization. The ruins of this once-thriving city, dating back to the 11th century, feature impressive stone structures, including the Great Enclosure, a massive circular wall that once housed the royal palace.