If you’ve read any post on Chronicles of a Travel Addict, you’ve probably gotten the point that I absolutely love animals. Animal rights have always been a central focus of my travels. So the idea of getting to see wild animals in their own habitat, knowing that they are not exploited just for my enjoyment, is something crucial. Those leading safaris are generally very strict about implementing rules and respecting the animals. In addition, some safaris use the proceeds from the villas and park visits towards animal conservation and care. As visiting more of Africa is going to be my next big trip, here are my top African safari destinations.

Malawi

Malawi is a landlocked country in which you can enjoy kayaking and diving. Your safari can, therefore, be one of land and water. Head over to the Liwonde National Park, where you can see hippos, crocodiles, antelope, hyena, elephants, and buffalos. Since they were reintroduced in 2012, you can now spot lions as well. The fun doesn’t stop at night, however, as bush babies, jackals and genets all make an appearance at nightfall.

Zambia

One of the best parks in Zambia is South Luangwa, which offers incredible walking safaris across diverse landscapes. You will see elephants, giraffes, and buffalo, as well as a high volume of leopards. This is one of the most popular walking safari destinations in Africa. With stunning scenery and amazing wildlife, it’s easy to see why!

Tanzania

Tanzania has some of the biggest game parks and reserves in Africa. It’s an optimal place to spot lions lounging and giraffes grazing. For a truly special and rare vision, you can time your trip to see the annual Great Migration. From December to March, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the Serengeti. It would be such a magical sight to behold! If you get tired of animal-watching, this country also boasts some of the most stunning white-sand beaches and clear turquoise waters.

Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is an enormous, 15-mile-wide caldera. Home to over 30,000 animals, it’s one of the easiest places to see the Big Five year-round. In addition, giant bull elephants, leopards, and black rhinos are frequently spotted. Because of the constant animal visibility, however, you have to be prepared for tourists. If you can get over the fact that you won’t be alone on this safari, you stand a chance of getting up close and personal with some amazing- and endangered- animals.

Kenya

When you picture a safari in your mind, you are probably imagining one in Kenya. This is because many TV shows and movies have been made on its savannahs. There are a lot of predators and grazers that share this land, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes. If luck is on your side, you might be able to spot the rare black rhino.

Kruger National Park

This park is home to more mammals than any other African game reserve. That being said, you have a very good chance of spotting all of the Big Five, in addition to other native animals. This includes over 500 different species of birds, such as the African fish eagle. In terms of accommodation, there is an option for everyone at Kruger. You can stay at a campsite and self-drive, or opt for more luxurious lodges and hire personalized, guided safaris.

Uganda

Uganda’s most popular destination for nature is the Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is here that you can be surrounded by over 600 species of birds, a variety of different primates, and tree-climbing lions. Be sure to take one of the Kazinga Channel boat tours, as you will be able to spot hippos, elephants, and crocodiles. During these excursions, you’ll also marvel at Uganda’s jaw-dropping landscapes, which hints at the region’s volcanic past.

As you can see, there are so many different places to head to for an African safari adventure, depending on exactly what it is that you want to see or experience. Be sure to always respect the animals, as well as the locals showing you their land. Personally, I can’t wait to explore these seven top African safari destinations in the near future!

Have you been on a safari? If so, where did you go? If not, where do you most want to go? I’d love to hear about it in the comments section below!