Africa has some of the most breathtaking landscapes and wildlife experiences on Earth. According to multiple travel blogs, the Serengeti in Tanzania is the best national park in 2025 . Other notable parks include the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Moremi Game Reserve, and Kruger National Park.
Key takeaways
- Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is ranked the best national park in Africa (2025) .
- Africa has over 300 national parks , offering diverse ecosystems from rainforests to deserts, rich in wildlife and tourism opportunities.
- Wildlife highlights include the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard) , endangered species, and distinctive landscapes including marshes, grasslands, and impact craters.
The content regarding the top national parks in Africa presented here is subjective and drawn from readily accessible public resources. Our data was gathered primarily from popular travel platforms such as Safari Bookings and TripAdvisor. Despite our commitment to maintaining precision, please be aware that certain specifics might have altered since publication.
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 exceptional chances for both 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 Sand 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
What is the leading national park in Africa? According to the World Travel Awards (WTA), the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is the best national park in Africa. The park is famous for the wildebeest migration.
2. Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve
- Location: South Africa
- Area (km²): 650
- Established: 1898
Which is the best game reserve in Africa? Sabi Sand is among the best animal reserves in Africa. It is renowned for excellent "big 5" game (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino) wildlife viewing in a private reserve setting.
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 fauna such as giraffes along with four members of the Big Five (minus the rhinoceros), this park offers a memorable safari experience.
4. Ruaha National Park
Location: Tanzania
Area (km²): 20,226
Established: 1964
Ruaha stands as Tanzania’s biggest national park, known for its untamed terrain where you can spot lions, leopards, wild dogs, cheetahs, and hyenas roaming freely.
5. Okavango Delta
- Location: Botswana
- Area (km²): 6,000–15,000
- Established: 1971
At the center of Botswana lies an immense and largely unspoiled freshwater wetland known as the Okavango Delta, which provides a breathtaking habitat for numerous animals.
6. Chobe National Park
- Location: Botswana
- Area (km²): 11,700
- Established: 1967
Chobe is recognized as the elephant capital of Africa, with 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, showcasing breathtaking landscapes and an array of wildlife, featuring the Big Five (though rhinos are exceptionally uncommon here).
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 teems with an array of wildlife such as the Big Five species and is particularly celebrated for the spectacular wildebeest migration. Various tour operators and travel agencies offer trips to explore this iconic destination.
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 members of the Big Five.
10. Katavi National Park
- Location: Tanzania
- Area (km²): 4,471
- Established: 1974
Katavi provides both traditional and hiking safari experiences, highlighting four members of the 'Big Five' as well as numerous hippos during the dryer period.
11. Mana Pools National Park
- Location: Zimbabwe
- Area (km²): 2,196
- Established: 1963
Mana Pools stands out as an excellent spot for safaris 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 featuring a plentiful presence of all primary safari wildlife, encompassing the Big Five species.
14. Samburu National Reserve
- Location: Kenya
- Area (km²): 165
- Established: 1985
Samburu is famous for its traditional arid-region game drives. It borders 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. The park is home to four members of the "Big Five," though giraffes are notably absent from this wildlife collection.
16. Central Kalahari Game Reserve
- Location: Botswana
- Area (km²): 52,800
- Established: 1961
The Central Kalahari offers breathtaking desert landscapes, top-notch savanna Safaris in arid regions, and sightings of all major feline species.
17. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
- Location: Zambia
- Area (km²): 66
- Established: 1972
Mosi-oa-Tunya houses Victoria Falls, which boasts being the biggest waterfall globally, along with white rhinos, elephants, and giraffes roaming freely.
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
In Amboseli, you get the finest views of Mount Kilimanjaro along with superb opportunities for spotting wildlife, particularly elephants. This national park falls under the jurisdiction of the KWS (Kenya Wildlife Service).
21. Queen Elizabeth National Wildlife Reserve
- Location: Uganda
- Area (km²): 1,978
- Established: 1952
Uganda's top attraction for tourists is Queen Elizabeth, renowned for its 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 "Big Five" wildlife.
24. Balule Private Game Reserve
- Location: South Africa
- Area (km²): 400
- Established: 1993
The Balule Nature Reserve is a conservation zone located in Limpopo Province, South Africa. It forms a section 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 its foundation. Renowned for traditional game drives and hosting all members of the "Big Five," this reserve attracts wildlife enthusiasts.
26. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
- Location: South Africa/Botswana
- Area (km²): 37,991
- Established: 2000
Kgalagadi provides traditional safari experiences within a cross-border reserve that spans both South Africa and Botswana. The area is home to 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
Sabi Sand Game Reserve is adjacent to the Kruger National Park in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga, South Africa.
29. Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Location: Kenya
- Area (km²): 360
- Established: 1988
Ol Pejeta is known for classic safaris, the Big Five, and its chimpanzee sanctuary. It is situated on the equator west of Nanyuki, between the foothills of the Aberdares and Mount Kenya.
30. Etosha National Park
- Location: Namibia
- Area (km²): 22,270
- Established: 1907
Etosha National Park features the Etosha Pan, a vast expanse of salt with lone salt springs. Animals use the Etosha Pan as salt licks.
31. Kafue National Park
- Location: Zambia
- Area (km²): 22,400
- Established: 1950
Kafue offers walking, boat, and classic safaris, with cheetahs and four of the Big Five (no rhino).
32. Addo Elephant National Park
- Location: South Africa
- Area (km²): 1,640
- Established: 1931
Addo is home to over 600 elephants, 400 buffaloes, and many other African safari species.
33. Tsavo East National Park
- Location: Kenya
- Area (km²): 13,747
- Established: 1948
Tsavo East is among Kenya’s most desired 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 spectacular fauna.
35. Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
- Location: Botswana
- Area (km²): 3,900
- Established: 1992
The Makgadikgadi Pans are the largest salt pans in the world. It has one of Africa's biggest 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 upper reaches of the Zambezi River, just before the waters reach Victoria Falls.
37. Arusha National Park
- Location: Tanzania
- Area (km²): 137
- Established: 1960
Arusha is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and hiking trails, highlighted by the presence of 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, teeming with abundant wildlife such as black and white rhinos, lions, and leopards.
39. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
- Location: Kenya
- Area (km²): 250
- Established: 1995
Lewa is a private conservancy offering classic safaris, home to the Big Five and a chimpanzee sanctuary.
40. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve
- Location: South Africa
- Area (km²): 960
- Established: 1895
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is famous for its rhino population and offers classic safaris with the Big Five present.
41. Nairobi National Park
- Location: Kenya
- Area (km²): 117
- Established: 1946
Nairobi National Park is a wildlife haven nestled next to the bustling city of Nairobi. It features an array of wildlife species.
42. Pilanesberg Game Reserve
- Location: South Africa
- Area (km²): 572
- Established: 1979
Pilanesberg is home to the Big 5, along with an abundance of flora and fauna. It is located north of Rustenburg in the North West Province of South Africa.
43. Aberdare National Park
- Location: Kenya
- Area (km²): 767
- Established: 1950
Aberdare is a wildlife haven in Kenya featuring the Big Five and more for a splendid safari experience.
44. National Park of Lake Mburo
- Location: Uganda
- Area (km²): 260
- Established: 1983
Lake Mburo National Park is a protected area located in Nyabushozi County, within Kiruhura District of 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 biking, 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 offers walking and classic safaris. It also features four of the Big Five (no rhino).
47. Shimba Hills National Reserve
- Location: Kenya
- Area (km²): 300
- Established: 1968
Shimba Hills National Reserve offers classic safaris with abundant elephant populations.
48. Lake Manyara National Park
- Location: Tanzania
- Area (km²): 325
- Established: 1960
Lake Manyara features a shallow alkaline lake attracting over a million flamingoes as a Tanzanian nature attraction.
49. Nxai Pan National Park
- Location: Botswana
- Area (km²): 2,578
- Established: 1970
Nxai Pan offers dry-country safaris with salt pan and baobab scenery. The park is the habitat of the Big Five species and more.
50. Matobo National Park
- Location: Zimbabwe
- Area (km²): 424
- Established: 1926
Matobo is known for its exceptional granite landscapes and prehistoric rock art. The park has limited wildlife, including rhinos.
What is the biggest national park in Africa?
Namib-Naukluft National Park in Namibia is the largest national park in Africa, covering an area of 49,768 square kilometres. It encompasses part of the Namib Desert, which is considered the world's oldest desert.
Which African country has the best national parks?
According to Safari Bookings, which rates parks based on user feedback (safari-goers) and expert views, Kenya leads the list of countries with the best national parks. It is closely followed by Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia and Zambia.
Which is bigger, Maasai Mara or Kruger National Park?
Kruger National Park in South Africa is bigger than Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya. Kruger National Park covers over 19,455 square kilometres, while the Maasai Mara National Reserve stretches 1,510 square kilometres.
Final word
The best national parks in Africa include the Serengeti, Sabi Sand, South Luangwa, Ruaha, Okavango, and Maasai Mara. These parks provide unparalleled experiences for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Each park offers unique adventures and showcases the natural splendour of Africa.
Are you searching for details about wildlife sanctuaries in Kenya? The website Blog.Diwida.co.ke has released a comprehensive piece that lists all of the nation’s game reserves along with their locations and entry fees for tourists.
Kenya takes pride in being among the top-tier safari locations globally, offering excellent chances to view wildlife throughout the year. Boasting over ten national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, Kenya presents varied terrains and animal life. To learn more about these game reserves in Kenya, explore further here.
