Africa boasts some of the most spectacular scenery and wildlife encounters on the planet. Various travel blogs highlight this fact numerous times. Serengeti in Tanzania is the top national park of 2025 Other significant parks encompass the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Moremi Game Reserve, and Kruger National Park.
Key takeaways
- Serengeti National Park Tanzania ranks as the top national park in Africa (2025) .
- There are more than 300 national parks across Africa. , featuring varied environments ranging from rainforests to deserts, abundant with wildlife and packed with tourism possibilities.
- Wildlife highlights include the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard) , rare species, and distinctive landscapes including wetlands, savannas, and craters.
The content regarding the top national parks in Africa presented here is subjective and drawn from readily accessible public resources. Data was gathered from platforms such as Safari Bookings and TripAdvisor travel blogs. Despite our efforts to maintain precision, please be aware that certain specifics might evolve with time.
Every prominent national park across Africa
Africa is home to over 300 national parks These parks cover various ecosystems ranging from dense rainforests to dry deserts, providing remarkable chances for wildlife preservation and tourism throughout the continent. Below is a selection of top-tier national parks in Africa along with their respective locations:
| National Park/Game Reserve | Location |
| Serengeti National Park | Tanzania |
| Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve | South Africa |
| South Luangwa National Park | Zambia |
| Ruaha National Park | Tanzania |
| Okavango Delta | Botswana |
| Chobe National Park | Botswana |
| Maasai Mara National Reserve | Kenya |
| Etosha National Park | Namibia |
| Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | Uganda |
| Hwange National Park | Zimbabwe |
1. Serengeti National Park
- Location: Tanzania
- Area (km²): 14,763
- Established: 1940
Which is considered the foremost national park in Africa? As per the World Travel Awards (WTA), the title of the top African national park goes to the Serengeti National Park located in Tanzania. This park gained prominence due to the spectacular wildebeest migration.
2. The Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve
- Location: South Africa
- Area (km²): 650
- Established: 1898
What is considered the top game reserve in Africa? The Sabi Sand stands out as one of the premier wildlife areas in Africa. Known for exceptional opportunities to see the "Big Five" animals— elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, and rhinos—in a private reserve environment, it has gained significant recognition.
3. South Luangwa National Park
- Location: Zambia
- Area (km²): 9,050
- Established: 1972
Located in eastern Zambia, South Luangwa National Park is the southernmost of the trio of national parks situated within the Luangwa River Valley. Renowned for guided walks through the wilderness and an abundance of wildlife such as giraffes and four members of the Big Five (without rhinoceroses), this park offers visitors a memorable experience.
4. Ruaha National Park
Location: Tanzania
Area (km²): 20,226
Established: 1964
Ruaha stands as Tanzania’s biggest national park, known for its vast wilderness where lions, leopards, wild dogs, cheetahs, and hyenas roam through a harsh terrain.
5. Okavango Delta
- Location: Botswana
- Area (km²): 6,000–15,000
- Established: 1971
At the center of Botswana lies an immense and largely undisturbed freshwater wetland known as the Okavango Delta, which sustains wildlife in a breathtaking environment.
6. Chobe National Park
- Location: Botswana
- Area (km²): 11,700
- Established: 1967
Chobe is renowned as the elephant capital of Africa, home to more than 50,000 elephants observable both from land and the waterway.
7. Moremi Game Reserve
- Location: Botswana
- Area (km²): 5,000
- Established: 1963
Moremi stands out as one of the premier game reserves in Africa, offering breathtaking landscapes and an array of wildlife, featuring all of the Big Five animals except for rhinoceroses which are exceptionally uncommon.
8. Masai Mara National Reserve
- Location: Kenya
- Area (km²): 1,510
- Established: 1961
One of the most renowned national parks in Africa is Maasai Mara. This park boasts an abundance of wildlife such as the Big Five and is particularly famed for the spectacular wildebeest migration. Various tour operators and travel agencies offer trips to Maasai Mara.
9. Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Location: Tanzania
- Area (km²): 8,292
- Established: 1959
The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife, featuring all of the Big Five animals.
10. Katavi National Park
- Location: Tanzania
- Area (km²): 4,471
- Established: 1974
Katavi provides both traditional and hiking safari experiences, featuring four members of the 'Big Five' as well as numerous hippos during the drier months.
11. Mana Pools National Park
- Location: Zimbabwe
- Area (km²): 2,196
- Established: 1963
Mana Pools stands out as a top safari location during the dry season when animals congregate at water sources, providing outstanding opportunities for wildlife observation.
12. Kruger National Park
- Location: South Africa
- Area (km²): 19,485
- Established: 1926
Kruger, which serves as South Africa’s inaugural national park, is home to various large game animals and attracts many visitors seeking traditional safari experiences.
13. Hwange National Park
- Location: Zimbabwe
- Area (km²): 14,651
- Established: 1928
Hwange provides traditional safaris teeming with all key wildlife species, featuring the iconic Big Five.
14. Samburu National Reserve
- Location: Kenya
- Area (km²): 165
- Established: 1985
Samburu is famous for its traditional arid-region safari experiences. It shares borders with the Buffalo Springs National Reserve.
15. The Lower Zambezi National Park
- Location: Zambia
- Area (km²): 4,092
- Established: 1983
Located along the northern shores of the Zambezi River in southeast Zambia, the Lower Zambezi National Park provides visitors with opportunities for canoeing, boating, guided walks, and traditional game drives. Although this park hosts four out of five Big Five species, you won’t find any giraffes here.
16. Central Kalahari Game Reserve
- Location: Botswana
- Area (km²): 52,800
- Established: 1961
The Central Kalahari boasts dramatic desert landscapes, top-notch dry-land safaris, and sightings of all major feline species.
17. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
- Location: Zambia
- Area (km²): 66
- Established: 1972
Mosi-oa-Tunya hosts Victoria Falls, which is the biggest waterfall globally, along with white rhinos, elephants, and giraffes.
18. Akagera National Park
- Location: Rwanda
- Area (km²): 1,122
- Established: 1934
Akagera provides opportunities for spotting the Big Five, stunning landscapes, excellent birdwatching, evening game drives, and boat tours.
19. Tsavo West National Park
- Location: Kenya
- Area (km²): 9,065
- Established: 1948
Tsavo West is renowned for its rich wildlife and traditional safari experiences. It shares borders with Tsavo East National Park.
20. Amboseli National Park
- Location: Kenya
- Area (km²): 392
- Established: 1974
Amboseli offers the finest views of Mount Kilimanjaro along with outstanding opportunities for wildlife sightings, particularly elephants. This national park falls under the jurisdiction of the KWS (Kenya Wildlife Service).
21. Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Reserve
- Location: Uganda
- Area (km²): 1,978
- Established: 1952
Uganda's top attraction for tourists is Queen Elizabeth, known for its renowned tree-climbing lions.
22. Murchison Falls National Park
- Location: Uganda
- Area (km²): 3,893
- Established: 1952
Murchison Falls displays one of Africa’s strongest cascades and provides both boating and traditional safari experiences.
23. The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
- Location: South Africa
- Area (km²): 533.9
- Established: 1956
Timbavati is a privately owned sanctuary famous for traditional game drives and hosting all members of Africa’s iconic Big Five wildlife.
24. Balule Private Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: South Africa
- Area (km²): 400
- Established: 1993
The Balule Nature Reserve is a conserved region located in Limpopo Province, South Africa. It forms part of the larger Greater Kruger National Park.
25. Madikwe Game Reserve
- Location: South Africa
- Area (km²): 750
- Established: 1994
The Madikwe Game Reserve is a conservation area in South Africa that takes its name from the nearby Madikwe or Marico River, which forms part of its foundation. Renowned for traditional safari experiences and hosting all members of the "Big Five," this reserve attracts many visitors.
26. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
- Location: South Africa/Botswana
- Area (km²): 37,991
- Established: 2000
Kgalagadi provides traditional safari experiences within a cross-border park that spans both South Africa and Botswana. The area is known for showcasing all types of big cats.
27. Nyerere National Park
- Location: Tanzania
- Area (km²): 30,893
- Established: 2019
Nyerere ranks as one of Africa’s most extensive national parks. Visitors can enjoy traditional game drives, guided walks, and boat tours here. The park is home to four members of the ‘Big Five’ along with packs of wild dogs.
28. Sabi Sabi Private Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: South Africa
- Area (km²): 650
- Established: 1979
The Sabi Sands Game Reserve borders the Kruger National Park in the Lowveld region of Mpumalanga, South Africa.
29. Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Location: Kenya
- Area (km²): 360
- Established: 1988
Classic safaris featuring the Big Five can be experienced at Ol Pejeta, which also houses a chimpanzee sanctuary. Located on the equator just west of Nanyuki, this area lies between the slopes of the Aberdare Range and Mount Kenya.
30. Etosha National Park
- Location: Namibia
- Area (km²): 22,270
- Established: 1907
Etosha National Park includes the expansive Etosha Pan, an extensive area covered in salt dotted with isolated springs. Wildlife utilizes these pans for essential mineral intake through natural saltlicks.
31. Kafue National Park
- Location: Zambia
- Area (km²): 22,400
- Established: 1950
In Kafue, you can enjoy walking tours, boating adventures, and traditional safari experiences, where you might spot cheetahs along with four members of the Big Five (rhinos are not present here).
32. Addo Elephant National Park
- Location: South Africa
- Area (km²): 1,640
- Established: 1931
Addo hosts more than 600 elephants, 400 buffalo, and numerous other wildlife typical of an African safari.
33. Tsavo East National Park
- Location: Kenya
- Area (km²): 13,747
- Established: 1948
Tsavo East is among Kenya’s most sought-after locations for wildlife observation and a premier natural attraction.
34. Tarangire National Park
- Location: Tanzania
- Area (km²): 2,850
- Established: 1970
Tarangire draws the herds of the Serengeti migration and displays Kenya's remarkable fauna.
35. Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
- Location: Botswana
- Area (km²): 3,900
- Established: 1992
The Makgadikgadi Pans are the largest salt flats globally, hosting one of Africa’s most substantial zebra populations.
36. Zambezi National Park
- Location: Zimbabwe
- Area (km²): 560
- Established: 1979
The Zambezi National Park is a protected area in Zimbabwe situated along the Zambezi River, just above the Victoria Falls.
37. Arusha National Park
- Location: Tanzania
- Area (km²): 137
- Established: 1960
Arusha is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and excellent hiking options, highlighted by being home to the country's second-highest peak.
38. The Lake Nakuru National Park
- Location: Kenya
- Area (km²): 188
- Established: 1961
Lake Nakuru is a haven for bird enthusiasts and boasts an abundance of wildlife such as black and white rhinoceroses, lions, and leopards.
39. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
- Location: Kenya
- Area (km²): 250
- Established: 1995
L Lewa is aprivate conservation area providing traditional safari experiences, hosting the Big Five wildlife species and a sanctuary for chimpanzees.
40. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve
- Location: South Africa
- Area (km²): 960
- Established: 1895
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is renowned for its rhinoceros population and provides traditional safari experiences where the Big Five can be observed.
41. Nairobi National Park
- Location: Kenya
- Area (km²): 117
- Established: 1946
Nairobi National Park serves as a sanctuary for wildlife located adjacent to the vibrant city of Nairobi. It showcases a variety of animal species.
42. Pilanesberg Game Reserve
- Location: South Africa
- Area (km²): 572
- Established: 1979
The Pilanesberg National Park houses the Big Five, as well as a rich variety of plants and animals. Situated in the North West Province of South Africa, it lies to the north of Rustenburg.
43. Aberdare National Park
- Location: Kenya
- Area (km²): 767
- Established: 1950
Aberdare is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts in Kenya, offering sightings of the Big Five along with many other species for an outstanding safari adventure.
44. Mburo Lake National Park
- Location: Uganda
- Area (km²): 260
- Established: 1983
Lake Mburo National Park is a protected area located in Nyabushozi County, within the boundaries of Kiruhura District in Uganda.
45. Hell's Gate National Park
- Location: Kenya
- Area (km²): 68.25
- Established: 1984
Hell's Gate boasts impressive red-hued cliff faces perfect for cycling, hiking, and rock climbing. The park primarily houses herds of buffalo and antelopes.
46. Mikumi National Park
- Location: Tanzania
- Area (km²): 3,230
- Established: 1964
Mikumi provides both guided walks and traditional safari experiences. The park showcases four out of the five big game species but does not have rhinos.
47. Shimba Hills National Reserve
- Location: Kenya
- Area (km²): 300
- Established: 1968
The Shimba Hills National Reserve provides traditional safari experiences featuring plentiful herds of elephants.
48. Manyara Lakes National Park
- Location: Tanzania
- Area (km²): 325
- Established: 1960
Lake Manyara, a shallow alkaline body of water in Tanzania, draws more than a million flamingos, making it a notable natural attraction.
49. Nxai Pan National Park
- Location: Botswana
- Area (km²): 2,578
- Established: 1970
Nxai Pan provides dry-season safaris featuring landscapes with salt pans and baobabs. This park serves as home to the Big Five animals along with many others.
50. Matobo National Park
- Location: Zimbabwe
- Area (km²): 424
- Established: 1926
Matobo is famous for its stunning granite formations and ancient rock paintings. The park boasts a modest array of wildlife, with rhinos being one of the notable species present.
What is the biggest national park in Africa?
The Namib-Naukluft National Park in Namibia is the biggest national park in Africa, spanning across 49,768 square kilometers. This vast protected area includes portions of the Namib Desert, known as the planet’s most ancient desert.
Which African country has the best national parks?
Based on ratings from Safari Bookings that take into account both user reviews (from safari enthusiasts) and expert opinions, Kenya tops the chart for having the finest national parks. In close succession come Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, and Zambia.
Which one is larger, Maasai Mara or Kruger National Park?
The Kruger National Park in South Africa exceeds the size of the Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya. Spanning more than 19,455 square kilometers, Kruger National Park is considerably larger compared to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, which extends across 1,510 square kilometers.
Final word
Top African national parks such as the Serengeti, Sabi Sand, South Luangwa, Ruaha, Okavango, and Maasai Mara offer extraordinary encounters for wildlife aficionados and nature admirers. Every park presents distinct explorations and highlights the breathtaking beauty of Africa.
Are you searching for details on wildlife sanctuaries in Kenya? You can find an enlightening piece compiled by INSPIRATIONS DIGITAL.co.ke that lists all of the nation’s animal parks along with their locations and entry charges for tourists.
Kenya takes pride in being among the globe’s top-tier locations for safaris, offering excellent chances to view wildlife throughout the entire year. Boasting over ten national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, Kenya presents a variety of terrains and animal life. For additional information on the country’s game reserves, click here.
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