Najjanakumbi - 2km off Entebbe Road

Best African National Park Guide 2025 

If your planning a road trip as beginner, get the best national parks of Africa to explore Big wildlife in top national parks of Serengeti , Masai Mara , Estoha, Kurguer national park & primate  National Parks like Volcanoes National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable , Mahale National Park and many more .

Visiting Africa’s national parks is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that immerses you in stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and unique ecosystems. However, for beginners, the sheer number of choices, diverse environments, and the logistics of a safari can be daunting.

In this guide we’ll look at each of the National Parks, explaining the best time to visit and highlights to help first time visitors make the best choice for them. Also included is information on how to make the most out of your trip, covering everything from selecting the packing essentials, accommodation options and safety tips.

Africa is home to dozens of iconic national parks, each offering something different. Your choice will depend on what you want to see, when you are planning on traveling, and the level of comfort and adventure you are seeking.

    1. Masai Mara Game Reserve
    2. Serengeti National Park
    3. Kidepo Valley National Park
    4. Kruger National Park
    5. Amboseli National Park
    6. Chobe National Park
    7. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
    8. Lake Manyara National Park
    9. Nyerere National Park
    10. Ruaha National Park
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Uganda National Parks

Uganda is often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa” due to its lush landscapes, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking natural beauty. The country boasts a number of incredible national parks that offer everything from safaris to mountain treks. Here are some of the top national parks in Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Semliki Wildlife Reserve, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Best Time to Visit

  • Dry Season (December to February & June to September) is the best time to visit for wildlife sightings, as animals gather around water sources and the weather is conducive to safaris.
  • Rainy Season (March to May & October to November): While the parks are quieter and lush, some roads may be difficult to navigate, and trekking can be more challenging.

Botswana National Parks

Botswana is one of Africa’s premier safari destinations, known for its pristine wilderness and abundance of wildlife. The country’s national parks and reserves provide diverse landscapes ranging from the vast, arid Kalahari Desert to lush wetlands like the Okavango Delta. Here’s a rundown of the top national parks and wildlife areas in Botswana: Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, adi Transfrontier Park, Nxai Pan National Park, Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Tsodilo Hills, Khutse Game Reserve, Tuli Block (Private Reserves)

Best Time to Visit

  • Dry Season (May to October) is the best time to visit for wildlife viewing, as animals tend to congregate around water sources, and the vegetation is thinner, making it easier to spot animals. This period also offers the most comfortable weather, as temperatures are milder.

Tanzania National Parks

Tanzania is home to some of Africa’s most famous and beautiful national parks. The country’s diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant ecosystems make it a premier destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Here are some of the top national parks in Tanzania:

Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater (Ngorongoro Conservation Area), Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Selous Game Reserve (now Nyerere National Park), Mahale Mountains National Park, Gombe Stream National Park, Kitulo National Park, Saadani National Park.

Best Time to Visit

  • Dry Season (June to October) is the best time to visit most parks, especially Serengeti and Ngorongoro, as wildlife tends to congregate around water sources, making game viewing easier.


Namibia National Parks

Namibia is a land of striking contrasts, from the vast, desolate beauty of the Namib Desert to the rugged mountains and lush wetlands of its national parks. The country’s parks are known for their dramatic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rare, unique experiences. Here’s a list of the top national parks in Namibia: Etosha National Park, Namib-Naukluft National Park, Skeleton Coast National Park, Caprivi Strip (Zambezi Region), Fish River Canyon, Waterberg Plateau Park, Kaokoland and Damaraland, Daan Viljoen Game Park.

Best Time to Visit

  • Dry Season (May to October): The best time to visit most parks for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around waterholes and the vegetation is thinner, making it easier to spot them. The weather is cooler during this period, particularly in the desert regions.

Kenya National Parks

Kenya is a country rich in wildlife, stunning landscapes, and diverse ecosystems. With a mix of savannahs, wetlands, forests, and mountains, Kenya’s national parks and reserves offer some of the best safari experiences in the world. Here’s a list of the top national parks in Kenya: Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo National Park (Tsavo East and Tsavo West), Lake Nakuru National Park, Samburu National Reserve, Nairobi National Park, Aberdare National Park.

Best Time to Visit

  • Dry Season (June to October): This is the best time for game viewing as the animals tend to congregate around water sources. The weather is also cooler, making it more comfortable for safaris.

South Africa National Parks

South Africa is a top-tier safari destination with a diverse range of national parks, each offering unique landscapes and wildlife experiences. From the iconic Kruger National Park to the coastal beauty of Table Mountain, the country boasts some of the best wildlife conservation areas in the world. Here’s a breakdown of the top national parks and reserves in South Africa: Kruger National Park, Addo Elephant Park, Table Mountain National Park, Royal Natal National Park, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, Cederberg Wilderness Area

Best Time to Visit South Africa’s National Parks:

  • Dry Season (May to September) is The best time for wildlife viewing, especially in Kruger and other safari parks, as animals gather around waterholes and are easier to spot. The weather is cooler, making it more comfortable for safaris