While living in South Africa, Safaris were an activity I could never get enough of. Being able to see majestic animals like the elephant in its natural element is an experience worth cherishing for life.

There are different types of safaris to choose from on the African continent. From self-guided tours, joining conservationists at work, game walks…etc., safaris are as diverse as the countries which make up Africa.

Knowing the time of year to go on a safari is the key to getting the most out of your experience.

For example, the prime safari season in South Africa is during the summer months of December through February.

Here are 15 of the best safari experiences on the African continent:

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve – South Africa

Located in the Western Cape region of South Africa, Grootbos is the place to go to spot sharks and whales. The Grootbos lodges are part of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World.

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Planning your travels to escape the winter? Experience the annual migration of the Southern Right Whales to Walker Bay. A bucket-list activity not to be missed!⠀ ⠀ #GrootbosMagic #unlimitedparadise⠀#wildwednesday ⠀ #WalkerBay #Whales #whalewatching #whalewatch #whaleseason#southernrightwhale

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In addition to spotting animals, Grootbos is home to over 800 plant species.

Kruger National Park – South Africa

Whether you’re interested in self-guided or first-time safaris, this game reserve is ideal and the largest in South Africa.

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📷 from @deon_wildlifephotography – There is nothing more comforting than a nuzzle against a loving mom. This cub is approximately 2 months old, notice the spots on the little ones hind legs. The bond at this age is very close and crucial as the baby is completely reliant on their mom for all their nutritional needs and protection.

A post shared by Kruger National Park (@krugernationalpark) on Mar 27, 2019 at 2:57pm PDT

Head out on a game drive at the crack of dawn to experience lion prides competing with each other and hunting their prey.

There is also a hippo pool, where you can spot hippos living their best unapologetic lives.

Hlane Royal National Park – Swaziland

Visiting Swaziland is interesting because it is a country landlocked between South Africa and Mozambique and is very protective of its rhinos and marabou storks.

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Walking the road to wilderness. . . #white #rhino #savetherhinos #wildlife #wwf #pentax #photography #igerssouthafrica #travel #exploremore #animal #wild #nature #naturephotography #naturelovers #hlane #eswatini #swaziland W/@pandacamille

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You can embark on a self-guided drive to spot giraffes, hyenas, and lions!

Mana Pools National Park – Zimbabwe

Hop on a kayak and head down the Zambezi river to spot buffalo, elephants, and kudu in the wild.

Head there in April for the best animal sitings.

The Namib Desert – Namibia

Safaris here include gazing at the stars, being surrounded by gorgeous, silky sand and siting zebras, foxes, and lizards.

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Happy and that ✨🌵

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Venture through the Namib sand dunes with a quad bike or hike to see ancient rock paintings in a cave nearby, the choice is yours!

Hwange National Park – Zimbabwe

Tour the Ngamo Forest Area and Hwange National Park to spot over 400 species of birds.

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If you could choose a career in either accounting or guiding, which one would it be? Dumi chose the latter. And now, he’s one of our most popular guides at Elephant’s Eye – often receiving high praises from our guests who have the privilege of journeying through Hwange with him. Read our blog to learn more about him and found out what his favourite experience in the wild is… Link in bio. . . . #hideawaysafrica #africa #africantravel #safaris #africanadventure #traveltoafrica #onlyafrica #loveafrica #travelafrica #visitafrica #safarilodge #luxurylodge #luxurygetaway #travelguide #africantravel #safari #safaris #africannature #africansafaris #africansafari #onlyafrica #exploreafrica #loveafrica #hideaways #hwange #hwangenationalpark #zimbabwe #guides #safariguide

A post shared by Hideaways (@hideawaysafrica) on Oct 24, 2019 at 9:07am PDT

Head four-hours driving north from Hwange to experience the stunning Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world.

Serengeti National Park – Tanzania

If you’re into luxury travel, this park is for you! You’ll be able to travel in a luxury mobile camp while spotting zebras, gazelles, and wildebeests.

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A giraffe giving birth is a bit of a worrying sight if you haven’t seen it before – female giraffes give birth standing up, so the first thing a baby giraffe knows is a 2-metre fall to the ground. Despite the bumpy start, baby giraffes can stand up within an hour of birth. Giraffes usually only have a single baby, born after a 15-month gestation period. But because they’re able to breed all year round, giraffes don’t need to ‘resynchronise’ with the seasons each time they give birth. Sadly, about 50% of giraffe calves do not survive their first year. Book with us to experience unforgettable Safaris through: info@hfobrothers.com hfobrothers@gmail.com +255767881407 www.hfobrothers.com

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There is also the option of a walking safari that gets you closer to the animals but remember, never run if you come too close to an animal.

Olare Motogori Conservancy – Kenya

Located in southern Kenya, you can experience the best of East African wildlife by watching zebras and wildebeests making risky river crossings.

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Fig with cub

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Ragati Conservancy – Kenya

Also in Kenya is Ragati Conservancy which is located on the southern slopes of Africa’s second-highest peak, Mount Kenya.

Head to the mountain streams to spot rainbow trout glistening in the water.

Zakouma National Park – Chad

Zakouma National Park is known for the number of animals that inhabit it.

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TGIF! Thank Giraffe it’s Friday! Happy weekend to all our followers! We’re still getting rain in Zakouma, but the waterlevels are dropping fast. We’re up to some exciting, unusual stuff so stay tuned! 🦒 📷:@irisbreeman #tgif #zakoumadaily #normalforzakouma #giraffe #kordofangiraffe #excitement #happyweekend #africanparksnetwork #sunset #safari #worldanimalday

A post shared by Zakouma National Park (@zakouma_national_park) on Oct 4, 2019 at 12:31pm PDT

According to the National Geographic, “A herd of more than 5,000 elephants and flocks of birds, such as the black-crowned crane, in the tens of thousands, congregate here.”

The best time to visit is between December and April.

Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park only allows a certain amount of visitors each day, so it’s important to get there early.

Once in, you’ll be able to hike in the jungle and spot endangered mountain gorillas up close and personal.

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A baby gorilla from the Ntambara family being an annoying little brother. #Rwanda

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Usually, you can observe them while they play with each other, eat bamboo shoots, and groom one another.

You may also spot a golden money!

Selous Game Reserve – Tanzania

Head to this tranquil safari for a walking safari or traditional game drive.

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In March 2018, a Tanzanian government team with the support form WWF embarked on an ambitious collaring project in Selous Game Reserve. This will provide real time data to help Tanzanian authorities proactively protect the elephants from poachers. By December 2018, the team will have fitted 60 collars to elephants in and around the Game Reserve.

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You can cruise along the Rufiji River to spot elephants, hippos, and leopards.

Gorongosa National Park – Mozambique

Despite enduring devastations for many years due to civil conflict, Gorongosa National Park is lively and welcoming to visitors.

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@piotr_naskrecki: The amazing flying baboons of Gorongosa Park.⁣ ⁣ Clocked going as fast as 30 mph (48 km) adult baboons can outrun humans and have been known to travel up to 3 meters (nearly 10 feet) in a single swing and 9 meters (almost 30 feet) with a leap. A group of baboons is called a “troop.”⁣ ⁣ #gorongosanationalpark #gorongosa #gorongosacoffee #baboons #banoonbabies #saveournationalparks #protectlion #protectnature #stophunting #stoppoaching #dawn #goldenhour #nature #naturevideos #wildlife #wildlifevideos #raw_africa_ #canon #sandisk #travel #silhouette #mozambique #insta_mozambique

A post shared by Gorongosa National Park (@gorongosapark) on Jul 22, 2019 at 10:56am PDT

This park has amazing wildlife such as antelope, Nile crocodiles, lions, hippos, and elephants.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve – Botswana

Head to Botswana to spot the black-maned Kalahari lions roaming freely in this reserve.

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Crosstown traffic 🦓🦓🦓🦒🦒🦒🦒 📷 courtesy of @pie_aerts

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You can also end the day by watching an amazing sunset.

Chobe National Park – Botswana

Another gem of Botswana is Chobe National Park, located north of Central Kalahari. It is also home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa.

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Photo by @daisygilardini | Have you ever wondered why elephants have hair? You can see from this picture they have hair even on their trunk… long hair! According to a paper from Princeton Environmental Institute professor Elie Bou-Zeid and researchers Conor Myhrovold and Howard Stone published in the peer-reviewed journal PLoS One, an elephant's sparse hair helps the animal dissipate heat more efficiently. Thermoregulation, the process that allows one's body to maintain its core internal temperature, is key for elephants, because of the elephant's body volume to skin surface ratio. Hair works by creating more area for heat to be released. The Princeton study showed that when the wind is low, when elephants tend to overheat, the hair acts like pin-shaped cooling fins, increasing convection cooling efficiency by 24 percent. Follow me @DaisyGilardini for more images and stories behind the scenes. #Botswana #ChobeNationalPark #elephant

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Come Game Lodge is also the home of the only all-female safari guide team on the continent!

Kenya

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