10 African Safari Destinations for Outdoor Enthusiasts

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If you intend to take a break from your routine schedule you need to look for holidays that would allow you to put aside your devices and head out into the wilderness. Being outdoors is a great way to rejuvenate your mind, soul, and body.

Many people today choose to head for African safari holidays which allow them to explore the local flora and fauna and even see animals and birds in their natural habitat. This also provides them with the opportunity to challenge their physical stamina and do outdoor activities for a refreshing experience.

While there are many national parks and game reserves that you can choose from you must also focus on the ones that offer you various activities that you can do. For this, you can either make your custom plans or hire experts who can help you plan African safaris the way you want them.

Here are 10 African safari destinations perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers.

1. Masai Mara, Kenya

When you are thinking of wildlife holidays and outdoor expeditions, Kenya is right on top of the list. This is where you can find the rugged landscape for as far as your eye can see. Many safari enthusiasts visit Kenya to see the Great Migration but if you are keen on outdoor activities you can do a lot more.

Masai Mara is a perfect playground for game drives and almost all packages would include it. However, if you are looking for something extreme you can also opt for hot air balloon safaris in Kenya, nature hikes, walking safaris, boat safaris, and horseback safaris.

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2. Kruger National Park, South Africa

Over the years, South Africa has remained one of the obvious choices for those who love wildlife expeditions and safari trips. South Africa is also ideal for first-time safari enthusiasts. However, if you are looking for outdoor activities you can head to Kruger National Park.

This place can provide you with hectares of African bush plains where you can watch Africa’s Big Five. Also, it is a perfect spot for bird enthusiasts who want to head out in the wilderness and explore these birds chirping and foraging. You can opt for various outdoor activities like bush walking guided tours, jeep safaris, and even camping.

3. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

If you are looking for herds of plain animals and birds you would want to visit the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania which is one of the most visited places here. This is where you can enjoy some spectacular landscape scenery and breathtaking game-viewing experiences.

However, if you’re an outdoor enthusiast you can look out for jeep safaris that can allow you to view action up close. Also, this is where you can opt for hot air balloon safaris and walking safaris as well.

If you are someone who stays active during the evening hours you can choose night game viewing and camping adventure trips that would ensure that you can experience the wilderness like it should be.

4. Okavango Delta, Botswana

Over the years, Botswana has become one of the top destinations for safari in Africa. While Botswana has excellent national parks it is the Okavango Delta which is the main region where you can find ample wildlife and birds.

With diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery, Botswana is a perfect playground for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts. This is where you can head out for mokoro rides, horseback riding safaris, walking safaris, jeep safaris, hot air balloon safaris, and even helicopter rides.

Botswana is also ideal for night safaris and for those who want to stargaze and do astrophotography. If you are looking for fun and adventure your next trip should be a safari in Botswana.

5. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

With its rich biodiversity and abundant wildlife you can have a great time exploring the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. If you are planning family holidays in Africa you would want to put Zambia on the list as it is one of the safest countries in Africa.

Also, this is where you can find an array of wild animals including leopards, hippos, crocodiles, lions, elephants, and antelope. If you are interested in walking safaris you can do that here. Also, you can look out for horseback riding safaris and night game drives that make this a great destination for outdoor adventurers and enthusiasts.

6. Etosha National Park, Namibia

If you are interested in spotting black rhinoceros, Etosha National Park in Namibia is the best place where you can find them. Unlike other national parks, Etosha is quite different and would provide you with the best landscapes and diverse wildlife which includes elephants, leopards, wild dogs, cheetahs, and lions.

Jeep safaris are quite popular here and therefore you can get into your jeep and head out into the wilderness. You can also look out for various camping activities that would allow you to enjoy the desert landscape in Namibia.

7. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

While Zimbabwe might not be one of the top destinations for safaris in Africa it can certainly provide outdoor enthusiasts with the area to play around. Hwange National Park is one of the biggest national parks in Zimbabwe offering a huge space to explore wildlife and birds.

This is where you will find the world’s largest herds of elephants. Hence, when you choose plans for Zimbabwe you can look for game drives that would allow you to get close to action.

Also, you can do bird watching and try various bush walking safaris and tours. You can also camp and head to Victoria Falls which is one of the top local attractions.

8. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

If you are interested in mountain gorillas, Uganda is one of the top spots in Africa. This is where you can hike up the mountains and explore the wildlife and birds. Uganda has plenty of diversity in terms of terrain which includes bushland, wetlands, and lush forests.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the top national parks where you can go hiking in the remote mountains and see gorillas. Also, you can look for other outdoor activities like boat cruises, chimpanzee trekking, and game drives that make this place a good choice.

9. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

If you are interested in gorilla and golden monkey tracking Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is a great location. This is where you can put on your shoes and hike up the remote mountains which is where these gorillas live.

Apart from this, you can also hike Mount Kasimbi which is a volcanic mountain. If you are interested in caving you can also do that here in Musanze caves where you can hire an experienced guide to take you through the caves and also provide you with all the stories and facts you can find.

10. Lake Malawi National Park, Malawi

Located at the southern end of Lake Malawi, this national park is a great space for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers to see wild animals and birds in their natural habitat. With the backdrop of clear waters and mountains, you can do plenty of activities here.

Here you can opt for various boat tours, scuba diving and snorkeling, kayaking and canoeing, and even river rafting and tubing.