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wildlife in africa |
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african wildlife viewing destinations & conservation on safari - wilderness areas, national parks and game reserves |
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| The Safari Co. helps you plan your safari around southern and east Africa, to witness the diversity of African wildlife and scenery that makes this continent one of the most exciting destinations in the world. Enjoy the finest wildlife viewing while on safari. Africa's dedication to conservation of its wildlife heritage is evident in the amount of land set aside for wildlife conservation. The below national parks and reserves are the leaders in conservation of Africa's wildlife and offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities in these wilderness destinations. |
Below is a list of our favourite national parks and wildlife destinations in southern and east Africa. There are many more that we would highly recommend, but these listed below will point you in the right direction if you are looking for an African wildlife viewing experience.
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Click on a country to view a wider selection of conservation areas in those destinations. These national parks and reserves are dedicated to wildlife conservation, management and protection of it's wildlife heritage. |
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When people think of Africa and its wildlife, they envisage a scene in a National Park - boundless open spaces, wilderness on a scale rarely encountered elsewhere and abundant big game are for many the quintessence of Africa. One of the main features of Africa's wildlife areas is their incredible diversity. From the luminous coral reefs of Mozambique's Bazaruto Archipelago to the hauntingly dry salt pans of Botswana's Makgadikgadi National Park and the lush green forests of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Reserve, Uganda.
These scenic, diverse landscapes and environments are home to one of the most unique tourist attractions in the world - African wildlife. The huge herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle on Africa's endless grass plains with the ever-present predators in their shadows are a sight to be seen and one of the greatest African wildlife viewing experiences on earth. The interaction of the various African wildlife species at a waterhole are both spectacular and a learning experience. Sitting around a camp fire at night in the African wilderness, listening to the sounds of Africa's wildlife is exhilarating and an adventure. It is only then that you experience the raw untamed spirit of Africa...
When visiting these national parks and wildlife areas, you contribute directly to the conservation of Africa's wildlife. In assisting with wildlife conservation, you ensure that Africa's rich heritage can be enjoyed by future generations.
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Southern Africa's diverse destinations have two clear climatic regions - summer rainfall and winterfall. The winter rains occur only in the south western part of South Africa. All the other countries receive the majority of their rain during the summer months from October to March. Rains in southern Africa are mainly thunder showers and does not last much longer than a few hours (with exceptions here and there). |
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| Two beautiful months in southern Africa are April (when autumn start and the heat of summer is bearable) and September (when spring brings the first greenery and amazing cloud formations while the cold winter weather is over). There is something to experience every month of the year in Africa. So ask your travel specialist what the highlights are over the time you plan to travel. |
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Spring is from September to November
This season offers comfortable temperatures and is a popular time for
travel because of summer holidays in the northern hemisphere.
It can get very busy, so be sure to book well in advance.
If you want to climb Kilimanjaro, September is the time to do it.
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Summer is from December to March
Game viewing in the Serengeti and diving in Zanzibar are excellent
now. Summer in East Africa means pleasant warm temperatures with an average high of 28C and an average low of 15C.
The short rains occur from early November to late March are sporadic and
don't last long.
Heavier rain might start in late March. January, February and early to mid March are good months for climbing Kilimanjaro.
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Fall is from April to June
The long rains are from early April through early June, but don't be put
off:
safaris are still good in the Serengeti, Lake Manyara and the
Masai Mara.
Wildlife concentrations are at their highest in the Southern Serengeti,
and the landscape is a lush green.
With less crowding, lower prices and abundant wildlife, this can
be the best time to go on safari.
Winter is from July to August
The weather is cool and dry. It is generally the best months for game viewing, especially in the Masai
Mara Game Reserve. This is also the busiest time of the year in east Africa as July & August coincide with holidays in the Northern Hemisphere. Climbing Kilimanjaro is also superb during this season.
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Mention Botswana and most people think of the Okavango Delta. This seemingly limitless wilderness of flood plains and papyrus-flanked channels justly attracts many visitors. For birdlife and predators it is unparralled to any other destination in Africa! Most other areas in Botswana offer unique wildlife viewing and exceptional opportunities for wildlife photography. It has one of the strictest wildlife conservation policies in Africa and it pays off as their huge conservation wildlife areas are a major attraction for tourists from across the world.
Moremi & the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Linyanti & Savute, Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pan, Central Kalahari, Kgalagadi Transfrontier.
The Okavango Delta (both Moremi and private concessions) boast a high concentration of predators - lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog, as well as the ever present hyena. These can sometimes be seen on one game drive! This offers exciting wildlife viewing opportunities. Chobe National Park witnesses staggering concentrations of up to 55 000 elephant. The flood plain of the Chobe River provides a stunning backdrop for these vast herds. Other species include the rare Puku, Roan antelope, Sable antelope and the highest concentration of Greater kudu in Africa. The waterholes at Savute creates amazing game viewing and interaction of different species. Linyanti and the Kalahari offer a wilder side to Botswana's wildlife viewing.
Nearly 460 bird species occur here, including raptors, vultures and inland waterbirds. Thousands of flamingo congregate once a year (Dec - Feb) at the rain-filled Sowa Pan, part of the Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pan ecosystem.
The rare Sitatunga is found in the Okavango Delta mostly seen from mokoro (dugout canoe), on foot or motor boat. 80 species of fish are found in the Okavango Delta. |
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Aberdare National Park, Amboseli National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve, Meru National Park, Tsavo National Park, Mount Kenya NP, Lake Nakuru NP, Samburu GR.
Exceptional wildlife viewing. Abundant herbivores and accompanying predators in Masai Mara, close observation of elephant behaviour in Amboseli. The unique gerenuk antelope, Grevy's zebra, Reticulated giraffe, Grant's gazelle and Beisa oryx all occur in Samburu and also offer exceptional leopard sightings. The rare Rothschild's giraffe as well as black and white rhino is found in Nakuru.
Kenya boasts over 1000 species of birds within its borders. Lake Nakuru is famous for its large concentration of flamingos at certain times of the year (up to 2 million). The brilliant cobalt-chested Vulturine guineafowl is found in Samburu and a wide array of waterbirds is found in the Amboseli.
Climbing Mt. Kenya, fishing for Nile Perch in Lake Victoria, horseback riding at Lewa Downs. |
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Madagascar is an isolated island in the Indian Ocean and the world's fourth largest island - about the size of Texas or France. The country is home to some of the planet's most unique biodiversity.
Amber Mountain NP, Andohahela NP, Andringitra NP, Ankarafantsika NP, Baie de Baly NP, Bemaraha NP, Isalo NP, Kirindy Mitea NP, Mantadia NP, Marojejy NP, Masoala NP, Midongy du sud NP, Namoroka NP, Ranomafana NP, Tsimanampetsotse NP, Zahamena NP, Zombitse-Vohibasia NP.
Of roughly 200,000 known species found on Madagascar, about 150,000 are endemic; meaning they exist nowhere else on earth. Unique to the island are more than 50 types of lemurs. Some species found in Madagascar have their closest relatives not in Africa but in the South Pacific and South America.
Madagascar has "only" 258 bird species, although 115 of these are endemic (with 36 endemic genera, Madagascar has more unique genera than any other African country. Madagascar also possesses five endemic families of birds). Madagascar was once home to giant land birds, the largest of which weighed over 1,100 pounds (500 kg) and stood ten feet (3m) tall. Elephant birds (Aepyornis) were driven to extinction in the past couple of hundred years by human hunting, introduced species, and habitat loss.
Its dwindling forests are home to half the world's chameleon varieties, 300 species of butterfly, 28 kinds of bat, 150 types of frog and 260 different reptiles. |
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Over 10% of Malawi's land surface is allocated into 9 National Parks, Wildlife Reserves and conservation areas, including the world's first freshwater park at Cape Maclear on Lake Malawi. Malawi is truely a land of contrasts. The astounding variety of its scenery is captured within its five national parks.
Nyika, Kasungu, Lake Malawi, Lengwe, Liwonde
None of the parks are close to its carrying capacity due to neglect and mismanagament after independence in 1964. This opened the parks to poaching and a reduction in wildlife numbers. The wildlife stocks have been built up to a level at which Malawi can now claim good wildlife viewing. Their conservation efforts are starting to bear fruit with more and more travelers visiting this beautiful part of Africa every year.
An outstanding 530 species!
Kayaking and snorkelling in Lake Malawi afford you the opportunity to explore the underwater world of this pristine freshwater marine reserve. The main attraction is the colorful cichlidfish found along the rocky shoreline. Other interests are concentrations of eland and roan antelope in the Nyika Plateau. |
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Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve, Domaine du Chasseur Nature Reserve, Corps de Garde Mountain Nature Reserve, Black River Gorges National Park.
The native wildlife of Mauritius is limited to bats and marine mammals. The giant fruit bat is one of the original mammals on the island. Two large fruit bats endemic to the islands are the Mauritius flying fox and Rodrigues flying fox. These impressive creatures have wingspans of nearly a metre, with furry bodies ranging in colour from black to a golden orange. Some of the non-endemic species include the Javan deer, feral pigs and some monkeys, all brought in over the years by foreign vistors from Asia.
Two species of giant tortoise that were found on the islands are now extinct. But a similarly large species, the Aldabra giant tortoise, were brought in from the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles. These amazing reptiles are known to live well over a 100 years, and reach up to a metre in length with a weight of up to 250 kilograms.
The island is also home to a variety of colourful day-geckos and skinks.
The most famous bird species on the islands of Mauritius is the dodo, now extinct. But other birds have also become extinct include various parrots, pigeons and owls. Three species have been saved from extinction thanks to conservation work - the pink pigeon, the Mauritius kestrel (a small falcon) and the emerald-green echo parakeet. You should see fly catchers, bullbuls, bright yellow weaver birds, fly-catchers and white-eyes on your holiday in Mauritius.
Golf, spa treatments and hiking are some of the top activities and interests on Mauritius. These are ofcourse not the most popular activity partaken on a visit to Mauritius - the golden tropical beaches and crystal clear waters where diving, snorkeling and hours of water sports can be enjoyed. |
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Mozambique's main attraction is it's tropical beaches and warm waters. The most important area of all is the Bazaruto Archipelago, situated off the coast close to the fishing village called Vilanculos. The 17 year civil war in Mozambique has drastically reduced the once prolific herds of wildlife in its national parks and reserves. However the Bazaruto Archipelago has not been affected. It is home to over 80% of all marine fish families of the Indo-Pacific, with resident Mike and Southern righ whales plying the surrounding seas. Common, spinner and bottlenose dolphins as well as the highly endangered dugong resides in the archipelago's waters.
Bazaruto Archipelago, Gorongosa NP, Maputo Elephant Reserve, Reserva do Niassa, Quirimbas Archipelago.
Bazaruto and Quirimbas: marine mammals include whales, dolphins and dugong. Whale sharks is worth a mention as they frequent the area in summer. Gorongoza: this remote park offers a fair amount of game (lion and several small elephant herds) but the variety and beauty of the habitat and birds are the real attraction.
Nearly 150 species of birds occur on the Bazaruto Islands and over 500 species in the Gorongosa NP. Many endemics and rarities to be seen.
Granite domes in Niassa NP, beautiful scenery and habitat in Gorongosa NP, remoteness of the Quirimbas Archipelago. |
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Etosha, Skeleton Coast, Kaudom, Namib Naukluft, Waterberg Plateau.
Visitors can view wildlife in the quiet seclusion of the African bush, or marvel at the mahesty of the endless space created by vast seas of sand, and return home revitalised by the silence and solitude. Etosha, being the main wildlife park in Namibia, offers unique wildlife viewing at the water holes (some floodlit at night). The mammals are typical of savannah grasslands and include several endemics - notably the Black-faced impala and Damara dik-dik. 114 mammal species including Black and White rhino, big herds of springbok and full range of predators (lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena). Other species include gemsbok, elephant, wildebeest, zebra and giraffe.
Nearly 400 bird species occur here, amongst them uncommon hawks, eagles and other raptors, as wellas ostrich, korhaan, blue cranes and flamingoes.
110 types of reptile including geckos, lizards, sidewinder snakes. The famous Welwitschia plant is found in Namib Naukluft.
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Seychelles is a unique environment, which sustains a very special biodiversity. It is special for a number of different reasons. These are the oldest oceanic islands to be found anywhere on Earth. The inner granitic islands here are also the only such islands based on continental rock.
Morne Seychelles National Park, Cousin Island Special Reserve, Aride Island Nature Reserve, Sainte Anne Marine National Park, Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, Baie Ternay Marine National Park, Curieuse Marine National Park, Port Launay Marine National Park and Veveu Reserve.
There are no land mammals occurring anywhere on Seychelles naturally, which has allowed particular kinds of biodiversity to develop. The mammals brought by human settlers, particularly rats, mice, cats and tenrecs, have been disruptive to the vulnerable species here, and have presented major challenges to conservation.
Seychelles is a paradise for birdwatchers, you can easily see the unique land birds, the important sea bird colonies, and the host of migrants and vagrants. Some sea bird colonies are enormous such as sooty tern colony in Bird Island. You can visit Cousin and Aride and some privately owned islands to see both land and sea birds.
A unique flora of about 80 endemic species, and fauna, with invertebrates alone contributing over 2,000 endemic species, has evolved here. There are 40 granite islands and another 115 islands are based on coral and sand. Marine life, from inshore coral reefs to deep water, includes more than 1,000 species of fish.
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Kruger, Addo Elephant, Marakele, Mountain Zebra, Richtersveld, Kgalagadi Transfrontier, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi, Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg.
Kruger National Park boasts the greatest African wildlife species diversity of any park in Africa - 146 mammals including the 'big five' (Lion, Leopeard, Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino). The 'big five' occurs in Kruger NP and many private game reserves in South Africa with exceptional wildlife viewing. Other wildlife species found in South Africa are zebra, giraffe, cheetah, wilddog, hyena, fackal, wildebeest, eland, and numerous other antelope. It's wildlife conservation efforts are world renowned and they are a leader in the conservation field.
Around 520 bird species occur in Kruger alone. A diverse number of other bird species occur in South Africa. Many are migratory, but there are a large number that are resident throughout the year.
Kruger boasts 230 types of butterfly, 50 different snakes and 62 other reptile types. Of the 2000 plant species, 336 are trees. Insect and micro-organisms are uncountable.
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One of the greatest wildlife spectacles on eart must be the great migration between the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya. The staggering volume of game (up to 2 million wildebeest, zebra, gazelle and other grazers) attracts predators of many kinds. Open plains and grasslands allow for exceptional wildlife viewing.
The best time to go is all year round. The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is Aug-Oct and Jan-March. The great migration is from April-June and Oct-Dec. The other national parks and wildlife conservation areas are well worth a visit and should be included in a visit to Tanzania as they all offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities.
Over 250 000 square km are set aside as wildlife conservation areas. The national parks and reserves include the Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara NP, Arusha NP, Mikumi NP, Ruaha NP, Tarangire NP, Kilimanjaro NP, Selous Game Reserve, Mafia Island.
Outstanding wildlife viewing. Huge concentrations of wildlife (grazers and predators), black rhino, massive old elephant bulls, buffalo and many more.
Thousands of lesser flamingo in the shallow saline Lake Magadi, many endemic species to be seen.
Tree climbing lions of Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar's stunning beaches, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. |
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Uganda is one of the most beautiful countries on the continent of Africa. The main safari attractions are gorilla tracking, birding, trekking, white water rafting, mountaineering, fishing, boating & canoeing as well as sight seeing.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth NP, Kibale NP, Murchison Falls NP, Ruwenzoris NP, Semliki NP, Mgahinga Gorilla NP, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Kidepo Valley NP.
Unique wildlife viewing. Mountain gorillas are the greatest international attraction in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Other primates are chimpanzees in kibali Forest NP, black and white colobus monkeys, rare red colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys and baboons. Tree climbing lion is also found in the Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth NP.
The most amazing shoebill stork is a 'must see'. Waterbirds are in abundance as one-sixth of its area is covered by water. Murchison Falls NP is home to over 400 species of birds.
Nile perch fishing, white water rafting on the Nile, 'Mountains of the Moon' in Ruwenzoris NP. |
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Zambia has magnificent game parks and wildlife conservation areas with South Luangwa being one of the better known wildlife sanctuaries and considered as one of the greta national parks of Africa. The Lower Zambezi is a compact area with an intriguing 'hidden valley' hosting all the major African wildlife species with exceptional game viewing.
South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Kafue, Lochinvar, Liuwa Plain, Mosi-Oa-Tunya, Kasanka, North Luangwa
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Zambia is aptly known as 'the real Africa'! It offers a true wilderness experience for the discerning traveller in search of an African experience of a bygone era. The vast, unspoilt national parks and conservation areas are home to large herds of wildlife (especially South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi) with wildlife viewing one of the main activities in these areas.
Over 420 bird species occur in the parks, many intra-African migratory species returning to breed here in the summer months. The return of the carmine bee-eaters is a spectacular sight! Thousands of these beautiful birds arrive in spring to nest in their original nest holes every year, normally set in the mud banks along the major rivers.
The largest concentration of hippo and crocodile are found in the Luangwa River. Cookson's wildebeest, Thornycroft's giraffe and Golden-coated oribi is three endemics found in the North Luangwa NP. A less significant, but still spectacular migration of thousands of wildebeests occur in the Luiwa Plain NP in November every year. Zambia's wildlife viewing is exceptional and unique due to the unspoilt nature of its national parks and reserves. |
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Zimbabwe's wildlife conservation philosophy has been adopted by manu African countries. Their conservation concepts enshrines many aspects of grass-roots conservation being implemented worldwide. Zimbabwe's wildlife conservation areas offer exceptional wildlife viewing.
Hwange, Mana Pools, Matusadona, Matobo, Zambezi, Chizarira, Gonerezhou.
The national parks in Zimbabwe offer some of the best wildlife viewing in southern Africa - and in large concentrations. The second largest concentration of lions in Africa is found in Matusadona, on the shores of Lake Kariba. The most scenic game park of all must be Mana Pools on the southern boundary of the Lower Zambezi where river terraces teem with wildlife and ideal for game viewing. The 'big five' occur in four of the national parks mentioned above - Mana Pools, Hwange, Matusadona and Chizarira.
Over 430 bird species occur in Zimabbwe's national parks. The highest concentration of Black eagles occur in Matobo. Other interesting species are the Fish eagle, African skimmer and Carmine bee-eater. Rarities are the Angolan pitta and Mashona hyliota, Narina trogon and Marsh tchagra.
Large herds of elephant migrate between Chobe in Botswana and Hwange. |
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Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps will take you on a Kenya safari like no other! The Porini Camps are situated in exclusive conservancies allowing unique safaris without the crowds. The Gamewatchers experience include all arrangements of your safari, from transfers, accommodation, flights and activities. Planning a honeymoon, wildlife safari, family holiday, fly-in safari or a migration safari?
Let Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps plan the perfect Kenya holiday for you. |
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Jenman African Safaris provides small group, scheduled and private tailor-made, guided tours and safaris throughout Southern Africa, East Africa and Madagascar. In these incredible countries, we are a premier, mobile safari operator, specializing in both small groups and tailor-made travel.
Established in 1993, we have grown and today our team of dedicated and experienced staff, including 'hands-on' management and a dynamic marketing team, all contribute to who we are. In addition to this we also take pride in building our own safari vehicles thereby ensuring that all our vehicles are built for comfort, durability and safety. |
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Keeping it fresh: if you find any incorrect or out of date information, please let us know here  |
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