There are a multitude of wildlife conservancies, better known as ‘National Parks,’ in Africa and they all have something uniquely different to offer. What they all have in common however, is that they are home to our wildlife and bird populations and therefore are precious conservation areas that make a significant contribution to Africa’s proud heritage and economy.
Be assured that it is primarily through the support and assistance of our international tourists that many of them survive, so we, as one of Africa’s preferred tour operators appreciate your visits to any of these areas.
We do however like to advise our esteemed travellers on what we believe to be currently the very best of these African Safari experiences. So, without further ado, here are our choice of the Top 5 Destinations To Visit In Africa While On Safari In 2020.
1. Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve. Botswana.
This iconic Botswana destination is so superb and unique that it is already world renowned. Botswana itself has just been voted in a major poll amongst experienced reviewers as ‘Africa’s best rated Safari country in Africa for 2020’ and this is in no small measure due to the magnificence and huge popularity of the Okavango Delta.
A maze of sparkling lagoons, meandering channels and overgrown islands teeming with wildlife, Botswana’s Okavango Delta lies like a sparkling jewel at the heart of the Kalahari Desert. Known as “the river that never finds the sea”, crystal clear channels spread over the thirst lands of the Kalahari with their papyrus-fringed banks and fertile floating islands. Adapted for a life in and out of water, the elegant red lechwe and shy sitatunga antelope are found in this watery wilderness. Lion, cheetah, leopard and African wild dog share the floodplains with large herds of elephant and buffalo.
Furthermore, found within the Okavango Delta, the Moremi Game Reserve is one of the most spectacular wildlife conservancies in Botswana, where an abundance of wildlife moves around freely. The unique landscape features a unique mix of dry ecosystems as well as wetlands. Among the roamers of the bush are the Big Five, but this is also a hotspot for a profusion of unique bird species.
A range of accommodation options cater for everyone, including mobile safari camps and tented camps to luxury as well exclusive high-end lodges, but you are sure to be spoiled by high levels of service and hospitality and amazing dining experiences wherever you stay.
The Okavango Delta and the Moremi Game Reserve offer the unique experience of viewing wildlife and birdlife from the tranquil winding waters of the delta, or on land from a safari 4×4 vehicle. Your mode of transport in the Delta is small boat or a mokoro (dugout canoe), propelled by a knowledgeable guide who brings you closer to the wildlife action.
2. MalaMala Game Reserve. South Africa.
The MalaMala Game Reserve, an award-winning Big 5 private game reserve is one of the largest private game reserves in South Africa. It covers 13 300ha (33 000 acres) and shares a 19km (12 mile) unfenced boundary with the world-renowned Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve.
Situated directly on the Sand River in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, guests can expect luxury accommodation in any of the three lodges, excellent service and hospitality, gourmet dining, and incredible wildlife experiences during daily game drives (in open 4×4 vehicles) and nature walks. MalaMala boasts with the finest and most consistent Big 5 game viewing in Africa, especially lion and leopard.
The perennial river acts as a magnet for animals in this pristine wildlife area and is the foundation of MalaMala’s unrivalled game viewing and wildlife experience. Especially interesting is that every pride of lion and individual leopard you see here is known to the rangers, making each sighting that much more personal and intimate.
The wildlife photographic opportunities are also unsurpassed, as ‘close up and personal’ moments can be found around every corner. At every thrilling sighting your ranger will provide you with fascinating insights into the habits of these creatures of the veld.
3. South Luangwa National Park. Zambia.
North of South Africa, bordering Zimbabwe, lies Zambia, which also plays host to the world wonder, Victoria Falls (via the town of Livingstone). Eastern Zambia offers you another superb safari destination – South Luangwa National Park.
This Park is situated in the Luangwa River valley and is a world-renowned wildlife sanctuary, maybe one of its greatest. The river and its lagoons are home to a large population of hippo and crocodile and provides a lifeline for a diverse habitat and wildlife, supporting more than 60 species of mammals and over 400 species of birds – a dream come true for birdwatchers.
The Park supports a strong population of the endemic Thornicroft’s giraffe and Crawshay’s zebra, as well as vast herds of elephants and Cape buffaloes. The density of leopards is among the highest in the world, although spotting these nocturnal creatures can be tricky. All sorts of antelopes abound – impala are ubiquitous, the puku — rarely seen outside Zambia — is almost as common and there are plenty of waterbucks and bushbucks too.
Thanks to its inaccessible location, South Luangwa manages to combine immense density of wildlife with limited visitor numbers. This excellent wildlife area has its own claims to fame because of its unique walking safaris and its excellent night game drives. Some walks are even conducted over a couple of days with camp stops overnight.
4. Mana Pools National Park. Zimbabwe.
Situated in the northern region of Zimbabwe, on the southern banks of the Zambezi River, Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a wildlife-rich, biodiverse wilderness area. The Park is far away from any human settlement and very remote. This is wild Africa, a place for the adventurous, where you really can go ‘off the beaten track’ and enjoy both land and water-based safari experiences.
What makes this place so unique is that activities on offer not only include guided walking safaris, but also canoeing safaris on the Zambezi. This is a thrilling experience as your expertly trained ranger guides your canoe within meters of elephants, hippos, crocodiles and water birds.
This Park is also home to large lion prides as well as the unique wild dog, and it is here that the story of a special wild dog pack was recorded for the BBC’s award-winning TV series, Dynasties. As the endangered wild dog’s numbers plummet elsewhere in Africa, this remains one of their population strongholds and is one of the best places to see these special creatures.
Mana Pools National Park is easily accessible from both Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park and these three destinations combined offer guests the ultimate Zimbabwe safari experience.
5. Etosha National Park. Namibia.
Etosha National Park is undoubtedly one of the star attractions in Namibia. The Park is largely flat with vast grasslands surrounding its famous Etosha Pan, an extensive salt pan of 5,000km², the breeding ground of over one million flamingos in the rainy season. This pan is so large that it can be seen from space!
Etosha is home to a surprising variety of animals – four of the Big Five and some unusual endemics like the endangered black-faced impala, Hartmann’s mountain zebra and the world’s tiniest antelope, the Damara dik-dik. It is also home to one of the largest populations of black rhino.
An exciting feature of the Park are the multitude of camp-based and other waterholes – some floodlit at night – that illuminate a variety of mammals (including elephant and rhino) as they come to quench their thirst. In the dry season these waterholes offer some of the best game-viewing in the Park, as large and small fight for space in the midst of heat and dust.
Within Etosha, Namibia Wildlife Resorts operate a range of good-quality camps. However, just outside the Park there are several excellent-quality, luxurious and exclusive private lodges, also offering easy access to the Park.
Let Us Personalise Your Experience to Any of These Favoured Destinations
Jewel of Africa Safaris takes pride in our experience and vast ‘hands on’ knowledge of all of these destinations and we are offering specific safaris to each of them. We also pride ourselves on the flexibility that enables customised vacation packages to suit the availability, budget and personal preferences of every individual.
Contact us today to discuss your personal requirements, so we can begin to plan and directly book your dream vacation in your choice of our top 5 places to visit in Africa while on Safari in 2020!
