A Review of Some Eastern and Southern African Parks

When choosing an African jungle safari, it can be confusing to decide whether to visit East or Southern Africa. Eastern and Southern Africa boast some of the planet’s most enchanting national parks and reserves. Here, we’ll review and rank Maasai Mara National Reserve, Etosha National Park, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Ruaha National Park, Kafue National Park, and Tsavo East National Park, focusing on wildlife density, international accessibility, and accommodation quality. 

1. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is renowned for its extraordinary density of wildlife, particularly during the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains. The reserve also hosts one of the world’s highest concentrations of lions, alongside other big cats like leopards and cheetahs. The Big Five are nearly guaranteed sightings here. Located in Kenya, Maasai Mara is relatively easy to access with direct flights to Nairobi, followed by a short domestic flight or drive to the reserve. Accommodation options range from luxury lodges to tented camps, providing an immersive safari experience without compromising on comfort.

2. Etosha National Park, Namibia

Etosha National Park is famous for its waterholes where animals congregate, providing spectacular viewing opportunities. It hosts a significant number of elephants, lions, and other species. Accessing Etosha requires flying into Windhoek or Walvis Bay and then traveling by road or a short flight. The park offers accommodations ranging from rustic campsites to luxurious lodges. Its unique waterholes are a magnet for animals, making it a fascinating park to explore. 

3. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania 

Serengeti National Park, with its sweeping landscapes and abundant prey, is another prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is well-connected with international flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport, followed by a short domestic flight or drive. Accommodation options include high-end lodges and mobile camps that move with the migration, offering a unique and flexible safari experience.

4. Kruger National Park, South Africa

 Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s most famous game reserves, is home to a thriving population of wildlife. The park is easily accessible from Johannesburg, with several entry gates and a well-developed road network. Kruger offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges to self-catering chalets and campsites.

 5. Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Amboseli National Park, located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, is known for its large elephant herds and stunning views of Africa’s highest peak. The park is accessible via Nairobi, with a short flight or drive. Accommodation options include luxury lodges and tented camps, providing spectacular wildlife viewing and scenic landscapes.

6. Chobe National Park, Botswana

Chobe National Park is famous for its massive elephant herds and diverse wildlife. The park is accessible via Kasane Airport, with charter flights available to various lodges. Accommodation ranges from luxury lodges to more rustic campsites, offering an authentic safari experience.

7. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa/Botswana

While not as dense as some other parks, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has a unique desert ecosystem with predators like lions and cheetahs. Reaching Kgalagadi involves flying into Johannesburg or Cape Town and then driving for several hours. The park offers various rest camps and wilderness camps, focusing on embracing the wilderness.

8. Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

Ruaha National Park has high wildlife concentrations, particularly along the Great Ruaha River. Accessing Ruaha involves flying into Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro and then a domestic flight or long drive. The park offers a range of lodges, from luxury to mid-range, providing a comfortable base for exploring the park.

9. Kafue National Park, Zambia

 Kafue National Park is one of Africa’s largest parks with diverse habitats leading to varied wildlife. Access involves flying into Lusaka and then either driving or taking a bush flight. Accommodation ranges from luxury lodges to bush camps, offering a variety of experiences from opulent to rustic.

 10. Tsavo East National Park, Kenya

 Known for its large elephant population and vast landscapes, Tsavo East National Park is accessible via Nairobi, followed by a drive or short flight. Accommodation options range from lodges to tented camps, though not as luxurious as some in Maasai Mara.

11. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda

 Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda is famous for its mountain gorilla populations and offers an intimate wildlife experience. The park is accessible via Entebbe Airport, followed by a drive to the park. Accommodation ranges from luxury lodges to rustic campsites.

 Conclusion

 Each park offers something unique, but for an all-around experience combining wildlife density, ease of access, and quality accommodation, Maasai Mara National Reserve leads, followed by Etosha National Park for its unique waterhole wildlife gatherings, and Ruaha National Park for those seeking a less touristy experience. Whether you’re after dramatic migration, stark beauty of desert landscapes, or the quiet of vast wilderness, these parks cater to a wide array of safari dreams. The Bucket List Travel Co. can help you plan your perfect African jungle safari adventure.