For any adventurous traveler, going on a safari to Botswana is the best choice. The country is blessed with awesome waterways, luxury camping, and breathtaking landscapes teeming with wildlife. From the Chobe River’s teeming banks to the Okavango Delta’s tranquil beauty and Makgadikgadi’s shimmering salt pans, experience the ultimate African wildlife adventure.

The first destination to think about when planning a safari to Botswana is the Chobe National Park, which is famous for having the largest concentration of elephants in the whole world. In addition to elephants, the park is also blessed with many other animals like buffaloes, giraffes, and zebras, and also, it’s also where you can easily spot big cats. The best way to explore Chobe National Park and be able to spot a lot of elephants is by taking boat cruises to the shores of Chobe River, which is rich in wildlife. This makes it a perfect destination for any adventure lovers planning to visit Botswana.

To experience more of Botswana’s diverse landscapes: After Chobe National Park’s wildlife-rich savannas, continue to the serene Okavango Delta, where the dug canoe awaits, and later, to the surreal Makgadikgadi salt pans for a unique meerkat encounter.

From Makgadikgadi salt pans, you can also visit The Central Kalahari Game Reserve, which is located central part of the country and is one of the world’s largest protected areas, encompassing vast expanses of semi-arid desert. Its attractions include stunning desert landscapes, unique floras and faunas, and vibrant wildlife such as lionesses, cheetahs, giraffes, and springboks. You can also enjoy thrilling game drives and cultural experiences with San peoples, who share their traditional bits of knowledge of the land. It’s a must-see for adventurous travelers seeking serenity and raw beauty.

Lions Spotted on a Safari in Botswana

Botswana’s exclusivity comes at a price; its high-end lodges and camps, often accessed by bush plane, prioritize responsible, low-impact tourism. For a budget-friendly alternative, consider mobile safaris – group adventures offering camping experiences and exploring Moremi and Chobe, combining wildlife viewing with affordability.

Best time to visit for a safari in Botswana

The optimal time for a Botswana safari is during the high and dry seasons, from June to October. This period boasts the most favorable conditions for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around the remaining water sources, making animal siteing easier.

In these months of the year, the Okavango Delta is always at its peak when the level of water rises, allowing the amazing mokoro rides, gliding silently along the waterways, offering amazing opportunities for wildlife watching. Imagine yourself gently drifting, surrounded by the serene beauty of the delta, while elephants bathe nearby and hippos lazily submerge. The drier climate also ensures comfortable temperatures, ideal for exploring the diverse landscapes and embarking on game drives in the national parks. While the dry season is the most popular time to visit the country, it’s also the busiest, so booking in advance is important to secure your preferred accommodations and activities.

Where to stay on safari in Botswana

The rapid development of the tourism industry in the country has led to the establishment of many accommodation facilities in the country and in the tourist attractions. For example, when you visit Chobe National Park, there are several lodging options, like the Chobe Game Lodge (the only lodge inside the park), Chobe Safari Lodge, and Chobe Bakwena Lodge. Photographers will appreciate Pangolin Chobe Hotels, which provide specialized boats featuring swivel seats and gimbal mounts for optimal wildlife photography on the Chobe River, allowing you to capture stunning images.

When planning a safari to Botswana, just be sure that you can get accommodation of your budget.

How to Travel around Botswana

4×4 Land Cruiser for Self-Drive Hire in Botswana

Traveling in Botswana is an adventure with several options to explore its breathtaking landscapes. For budget travelers, buses and shared minibusses (combis) are widely available for getting between towns, though schedules may not always be fixed. For more remote areas like the Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park, self-driving 4×4 vehicles are popular, but ensure you’re prepared for rough terrain. Domestic flights or chartered planes are another option, especially for reaching remote luxury lodges. Safari operators often offer guided tours, combining transport and activities. Hitching rides is also common among locals but should be done cautiously. Always prioritize safety and plan routes carefully!

Known as the ‘Spice Island,’ Zanzibar is a tropical paradise with palm-dotted beaches, clear blue waters, and an amazing blue sky. The island is found 25 miles off the coast of mainland Tanzania.

Organizing a safari or holiday to Zanzibar needs a lot of preparation, although some parts of Zanzibar have become commercialized and lost some of their original charm, you can still find tranquil beaches if you take the time to plan your visit to this enchanting archipelago.

The main island, commonly known as Zanzibar Island, is an amazing destination to visit located east of mainland Tanzania, stretching approximately 96km in length and 38km in width. The island is popular for its beautiful beaches, swaying palm trees, delectable seafood, vibrant coral reefs, and the Stone Town, which UNESCO has recently acknowledged as a World Heritage Site.

The island’s northeast part, known as Matemwe, is famous for its amazing natural beauty and being near to the famous diving spots. Here, you can enjoy the beauty of the vast Indian Ocean, stroll along pristine white-sand beaches, and admire the breathtaking coral reef at Mnemba Atoll. The area is also home to lush, wild vegetation and a small fishing village, where fishermen set out each morning in their traditional dhows to sail the expansive ocean.

Zanzibar Island also has an international airport (Abeid Amani Karume International Airport) with direct flights to Europe and regional destinations such as Dar es Salaam, and Arusha and other destinations in east Africa like Nairobi Kenya, Entebbe Uganda, and others. Additionally, you can travel by water using the daily ferry services that operate between Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam. Transfers to or from the seaport, Stone Town, or the airport can also be organized for your convenience.

Stone Town – Zanzibar

The island’s specialty is fresh seafood, which is obtained from the local market daily. The dishes offer a delightful blend of African and European flavors. Don’t miss the beautiful sunrise views as you enjoy your tea or coffee on your veranda. In the evening, witness the moonrise over the sea—a breathtakingly romantic sight that is memorable. On moonless nights, gaze up at the brilliantly star-lit sky.

The local snorkeling and diving sites cater to all experience levels, from beginners to experienced divers. The reefs, especially around Matemwe, are rich in variety. You’ll find an abundance of hard and soft corals, sponges, and anemones. The diverse species of fish will surely amaze you. If you are a lucky traveler, there is a chance of spotting dolphins or even a whale passing by the reef. The chances of seeing whales are higher from August to October.

Enjoy the amazing local culture and the vibrant village life in Zanzibar from the neighboring village.

Zanzibar’s history dates back to the eras of the earliest dhows from India and Arabia, which found this African natural harbor. The island served as a stopover for caravans traveling deeper into Africa. Over time, permanent settlements emerged, leading to the establishment of Stone Town.

Upon arriving in Stone Town by sea, visitors are welcomed by the House of Wonders, a stunning building that once served as the administrative center for the sultan. Adjacent to it is the sultan’s town palace, with the now decrepit walkways that once connected the two structures. Nearby, the Portuguese Fort stands as a reminder of their short occupation of the people on the island. Not far from here is the Anglican Cathedral, built over the site of the ancient slave market to help heal the wounds of a painful past. The major historic tourist site on the island is the Stone Town much like beaches, famous for its serene seascapes and island charm. Visitors can choose from several beaches, each offering tranquil, crystal-clear waters and a tropical climate.

Congo gorilla safaris and tours introduce tourists to the country’s 2 distinct destinations to enjoy gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking in Congo is done in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park, each park offering you a great opportunity to encounter a group of distinct gorillas.

In the Virunga National Park Congo, tourists get a chance to embark on a gorilla trekking adventure to see the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. The UNESCO World Heritage Site lies on the Eastern side of D.R. Congo and forms part of the Virunga Conservation Area (VCA).

Virunga National Park

Located in the Eastern part of D.R. Congo, the Virunga National Park is Africa’s oldest wildlife safari park, founded in 1925. Virunga was originally established as Albert National Park till 1969 when its name was changed to presently Virunga National Park. Virunga National Park in Congo occupies over 7800sq.kms offering refuge to a section of the chain Virunga Volcanoes, several mammal species, reptiles, and bird species.

Mountain gorillas are without doubt Virunga National Park’s prime attractions and there are 8 habituated gorilla families already open for gorilla trekking. Virunga was designated a UNESCO Site in 1979 due to its ecological significance. Virunga National Park is an amazing destination to explore impressive species of wildlife including 22 primate species, 65 species of amphibians, 706 species of birds, 109 reptiles.

Virunga National Park

Virunga’s mammal species of interest to see while on Congo safari include buffaloes, hippos, blue duikers, lions, elephants, Kobs, topis, giant forest hogs, aardvark, bushbucks, okapis, warthogs, red river hogs, bay duikers, and others. Other amazing primates worth keeping an eye on while on Congo safari in Virunga National Park include the olive baboons, Dents Mona monkeys, golden monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, red colobus monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys.

Activities to do

Besides mountain gorilla trekking, Virunga National Park offers other exciting activities for tourists to engage in. They include chimpanzee habituation, guided nature walks, Nyiragongo hiking, birding, and others. The birds of interest at Virunga National Park include narrow-tailed starlings, Madagascar bee-eaters, Ruwenzori turaco, grey-throated barbet, fish eagles, and others.

Accommodation

There are different accommodation alternatives for everyone on safari in Virunga National Park to spend a night. They range from budget, and mid-range to luxury options with the most popular lodges including Kibumba Tented Camp, Mikeno Lodge, Tchegera Island Camp, Lulimbi Tented Camp, Bukima Tented Camp.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Kahuzi-Biega National Park is set in the Eastern part of D.R. Congo just nearer to Bukavu Town along the Western bank of the Lake Kivu and Rwanda border. This Congo safari park was established in 1970 and derives its name from 2 dormant volcanoes of Mount Kahuzi that rise up to 3308m and Mount Biega 2790m. Kahuzi-Biega National Park sits on an extensive 6000sq.kms of land area and it is remarkably one place where Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking is done.

In 1980, Kahuzi-Biega National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site considering its distinct biodiversity characterized by lush rainforest and particularly, sheltering the Eastern Lowland gorillas. The park’s primary vegetation zones include swamp forests, bogs, bamboo, subalpine heather, montane forests, and others.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park protects up to 136 species of mammals including several Eastern Lowland gorillas. There are also over 350 bird species including 42 endemic species, and 13 primate species. The other significant mammal species that thrive within Kahuzi-Biega National Park include buffaloes, elephants, and more.

Main activities to do in Kahuzi-Biega National Park

• Lowland gorilla trekking

Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking is, without doubt, the main highlight of all safaris in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. About 5 gorilla families have been habituated for gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega including Chimanuka, Mugahuka, Bonnani, Nganwa gorilla group families, and others. A complete trek to see the lowland gorillas of Kahuzi-Biega takes from 1 hour to 6 hours and this is inclusive of one hour with them face to face. Kahuzi-Biega National Park like Virunga National Park is an affordable gorilla trekking destination with gorilla permits issued out at USD450 per person per trek.

• Birding

Birds in Virunga National Park

Kahuzi-Biega National Park is home to 450 species of birds making it a special birding destination of its own. The birds of interest for birders on Congo safaris include the Grauer’s broadbill, yellow-crested helmet shrike, African broadbill, Rwenzori turacos, and others.

• Volcano hiking

Volcano hiking in Kahuzi-Biega NP is best done on the two dormant volcanoes- Mount Kahuzi (3308m) and Biega (2790m). Hiking Mount Kahuzi takes about 3 to 4 hours and Biega, hikes can take approximately 3 hours.

• Climate

Other than unique gorilla species, Congo is also known for its distinct weather and climatic conditions. It is situated astride the Equator, experiencing the most favorable conditions that make it an all-year-round travel destination. There are 2 rainy seasons and 2 drier seasons that D.R. Congo enjoys- the dry season starting from June, July, August to September, and December, January to February.

Uganda being the pearl of Africa offers the best wildlife destination. Many places have been gazetted and made amazing homes to different wildlife species hence easing conservation and sustainability.  Wildlife places have been categorized into national parks where animals are left to roam aimlessly, reserves, and other protected areas. Uganda consists of numerous exciting wildlife places which attract a great number of tourist inflows.

Murchison Fall Conservation Area

This is located in the northern region of Uganda and is ranked as the largest conservation area. It is famous for its stunning Murchison falls and the numerous wildlife species that attract a great number of nature lovers. Adjacent to Murchison falls, there are other attractions such as Budongo forest, Bugungu and Karuma fall wildlife reserve.

Murchison Falls

Murchison falls is characterized by different forest types such as the riverine forest, woodland vegetation, and savannah vegetation. The wildlife species inhabited at Murchison falls conservation area include leopards, lions, elephants, giraffes, Ugandan kob, hartebeest, oribis, chimpanzees, buffaloes, warthogs, and many bird species. There are also several primate species like baboons and other monkey species

Murchison falls also known as the Kabalega falls is found on the course of the great Nile, breaking the stunning Victoria Nile flowing from the vast Lake Victoria to Lake Kyoga continuing to the northern edge of Lake Albert. A beautiful rainbow is formed at water squeezes into a narrow gorge hitting so hard on the rocks creating a thunderous roar giving an amazing scenic view. The park derives its name from the magnificent falls and while at the great Nile, you can sight aquatic wildlife species such as the Nile crocodiles, hippopotamus, and some aquatic birds. Murchison falls is a must go for Uganda safari and is one of the best national parks to visit while on a safari in Uganda.

Murchison fall conservation area and its natural settings of Budongo and Rabongo forests having a large population concentration of chimpanzees and other primate species such as the baboons and monkeys, bird, and plant species.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Birds on Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is a protected area located in western Uganda named after the royal Queen of England established in 1954. It is characterized by savannah and wetland to riverine and lowland forest. It comprises a variety of physical features such as the wide-open plains, volcanic features like volcanic cones and deep craters, lakes which provide a scenic view and best for wildlife safari in Uganda.

The park is famous for its abundant exotic wildlife species such as the big five mammals like the buffaloes, elephants, hippopotamus, African leopards, other species like oribis, Ugandan kob, hartebeest, antelopes, baboons, chimpanzees in Kyambura gorge, and the stunning tree-climbing lions. The park is gifted with a variety of bird species over 500 species making it the best birding destination. Queen Elizabeth national park offers the best amazing tourist activities such as game drives, boat cruise, nature safari walk and birding among others.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Rwenzori Mountains

Mountain Rwenzori National Park is a magnificent mountain lying in western Uganda along the Uganda-Congo border. The park was named after a UNESCO and made a world Heritage site in 2008 because of its extraordinary natural beauty. It is a block of rocks not a volcanic mountain found in the western rift valley and was christened the fabled mountains of the moon It is home to the most stunning landscapes in the world and is located in the Rwenzori Mountains. The park has a variety of mystical features such as amazing waterfalls, glaciers, the valley of the nine lakes, abundant flora and fauna with a variety of endangered species, and other mind-blowing scenery.

The park hosts 70 mammals and 217 bird species including the Albertine rift endemics. The wildlife species include the African forest elephant, duiker, Rwenzori turaco, black and white colobus, forest elephants, hyrax, and chimpanzee among others

Mountain Rwenzori offers world-class hiking and mountaineering because it is a block of rocks, with Margherita, the highest peak in Uganda, and the third-largest in Africa at 5100m ASL. However, there are some other activities embraced by tourists such as mountain hiking and nature walk.

Lake Mburo National Park

Zebras in Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo is one of Uganda’s smaller parks with its landscape characterized by savannah and acacia woodland. It consists of a variety of habitats such as the bushy thickets, swamps, rock outcrop, savannah, open and woodland, lakes and swamps which are seasonal and permanent, forests and grassy valley. The park harbors several species of both mammals and birds found now were in Uganda. Lake Mburo national park is the only park with errands, impala, and klipspringer. It’s home to a great population of zebras and the highest concentration of leopards. Other wild species include the Uganda kob, African buffalo, waterbuck, topi, oribis, and reedbuck are also spotted at the park. During night drives nocturnal species are sighted such as the bushpig, white-tailed mongoose, genet, and hyena.

Semliki National Park

Hot Springs in Semliki National Park

Semliki national park is the newest national park in Uganda found in the Bundibugyo district. It’s famous for its Sempaya Hotsprings the female and male hot spring. The temperatures at the hot springs are high over 1000 degrees Celsius and it’s used for hard boiling. Tourist comes with foodstuff like eggs, matooke, and greens which they boil for less than 30 minutes. Different primate species are spotted in the forest zones of Semliki national park such as the red-tailed monkey, vervet monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, elephants, chimpanzees, pygmy antelopes among others. The park comprises a diverse bird species inhabiting the lowland tropical forests.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Mountain Gorilla Bwindi Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is Uganda’s most remarkable gorilla safari destination which lies in southwestern Uganda on the rift valley edge. It is a UNESCO world heritage site formed by part of Bwindi impenetrable forest embraced with the richest ecosystems in Africa. It is gifted with five major rivers that pour in Lake Albert the park harbors more than 120 mammal species and 356 bird species and protects over 450 mountain gorillas which are habituated and made ready for tourism purposes.

The park offers a great opportunity to encounter the Bakiga and the Batwa pygmies. Gorilla tracking areas in Bwindi National Park include Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Other wildlife species hosted at the park include primates such as monkeys like the vervet monkey, red-tailed monkey, black and white colobus, grey-cheeked mangabey, forest elephants, bushbuck, antelopes, forest duiker antelopes, and 200 butterflies.

Kibale National Park

Chimpanzee – Kibale National Park

The park is home to one of Uganda’s most tropical forests. It is home to a large population of chimpanzees and different wildlife making Kibale the best destination for a safari. Kibale national park has a diversity of primate species and endangered species in their natural settings. The northern sector of the park experiences abundant rainfall totals in the month of March to May and September to November which requires one to wear dense and thick clothing.

The park is famous for its high population concentration of chimpanzees and other wildlife of 70 mammals, 13 primates, and 375 birds. Kibale is one of the famous researchers’ sites in Africa and the main focus is put on chimpanzees and primates. It’s ranked as one of Uganda’s rewarding safari destination.

Mgahinga National Park

Golden Monkey in Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga National Park is found in southwestern Uganda bordering Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. It’s famous for its magnificent extinct conical volcanic mountains, the Muhavura, Sabinyo, and Gahinga Mountain. It lies up in the clouds close to the Kisoro region. A tour around the park exposes you to rare animal species and offers a significant cultural experience of the Batwa.

The Batwa pygmies were the first forest people, a tribe of food gatherers and hunters. The extinct volcanic mountain in Mgahinga provides outstanding wonderful scenery. Mgahinga is famous for its rare mountain Gorillas and endangered golden monkeys with other species like elephants, duikers, antelope’s reedbuck, waterbuck, and nocturnal creatures like bushbuck, bush pig. It offers the best exploration destination to trackers.

Mountain Elgon National Park

Mount Elgon is an extinct volcano found in Mountain Elgon national park and the park derives its name from the famous mountain. It is shared by both Uganda its part gazetted in 1992 and Kenya gazetted in 1968. The park gives a great opportunity to bird watchers and photographers as well as sees other mammals are sighted during the safari.

Different features are found within the park and these include water-falls such as chebenet falls, Sipi falls, and caves like the Kapkwai, hot-springs in the former volcanic craters, rivers like Sipi River, and the beautiful flora and fauna. The cave in the park shows the ancient paintings near the trailhead. Mountain Elgon national park offers the best safari tour experience. The vegetation cover along the mountain slopes are habitats to a variety of wildlife species such as Buffaloes, spotted hyena, squirrels, duiker, oribis, Defassa’s waterbuck, and primates such as the white colobus monkey and the Blue monkey.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is an isolated park found in north-eastern Uganda through the wild frontier region of Karamoja in the Wilderness in the Kaabong district. It lies in the rugged savannah between Uganda, Kenya, and Sudan borders and was gazetted in 1962. Kidepo national park is blessed with two valleys for example Kidepo valley and Narus valley which are seasonal. Other attractions in Kidepo Valley National Park include the Kanangorok hot spring near the Sudan border.

Kidepo valley national park is ranked as the finest wilderness found at the core of the savannah landscape and is gifted by nature. It is home to over 75 mammals and 470 birds providing the best game viewing location. Kidepo offers the best cultural encounter of the Karamajongs whereby you get to know their lifestyle, cultural dances, face, and body toning among others. It offers a great game viewing where you encounter wildlife species like buffaloes, ostriches, African bush elephants common visitors of the Narus valley, striped hyena, leopards, cheetah, lions which are occasional visitors in the park.

Getting there

Being an isolated national park in Uganda, access to Kidepo requires a strong 4×4 vehicle such as Land Cruisers, Land Rover, or Nissan Patrol / Safari. The roads are almost impassable during heavy rains. Contact 4×4 Uganda for more information and advice about which car model can perform best in Kidepo valley National Park. They offer budget car rental in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania, with camping gear and rooftop tents at the most affordable prices on the market.

Another amazing thing is that you can enjoy such a safari any time of the year. Regardless of whether it is summer, winter, or the rainstorm, a self-drive safari can be organized whenever you like depending on the destination you plan to visit.

History of the Activity

Self-drive safaris have been around for quite a long time in the Western world. You can say that this idea is as old as cars themselves. Self-drive tours are very common in European countries like Australia, the United States, New Zealand, and more European countries and the idea is picking momentum in also African countries like South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Uganda, Tanzania, and many others.

What to do in Uganda on a self-drive safari

The idea of self-drives may not be as old in Uganda as it may be in different parts of the world, however, it has positively has picked up ubiquity in the recent past. Rather than booking buses or flights, most travelers are now hiring vehicles for self-drive to visit different destinations. Different car rental agencies have opened up in the country 4×4 Uganda Ltd, Self Drive Uganda, Rental Cars Uganda Ltd, Road Trip Uganda, and many others. These companies are committed to offering good and affordable vehicles for self-drive to different interesting destinations in the country like national parks for example queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park among others.

Where to go for self-drive in Uganda

Kidepo Valley National Park is among the most favored self-drive destinations found in the northeastern part of the country. The park is 1,442 square kilometers in Kabomgo district and is found approximately 520 kilometers from Kampala the capital of Uganda. Tourists always travel this long distance to visit this park because of its amazing wildlife, also to explore the Karamojong culture and many other activities in the park.

Still, on a self-drive safari, you can also visit the most famous forest in the country (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest) in the southwestern part of the country and the main attraction which makes it more famous is that it’s one of the three destinations from where you can safely visit the rare and endangered mountains gorillas in the world and it’s home to almost half of the worlds remaining mountains gorillas. The park is not only home to these amazing primates it provides habitat for over 120 species of mammals, 348 species of birds, 27 species of frogs, 220 species of butterflies, and many others.

Another fabulous destination you can visit on a self-drive safari in Uganda is the Murchison Falls National Park in the northwestern part of the country it’s most visited because of its amazing wildlife since its home to many wild animals, for example, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffalos, warthogs among other with 450 bird species are present ranging from an easy variety of water birds, including the rare shoe-billed stork among others.

In case I am to start mentioning self-drive destinations to explore in the country it can take us a full day but you can get more information about tourist destinations in Uganda on this side and even on the website of the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Best season for Self-drive Tours in Uganda

The best time to visit Uganda for self-drive safaris depends on the destination you want to travel to. For example, when planning to visit the northeastern part of the country in Kidepo Valley National Park during the rainy season you will have a 4×4 vehicle that is powerful enough to penetrate the bad roads in those areas. So if you don’t have a strong car better you avoid such parks in the rainy season.

Self-drive safaris in Uganda can be done at any time of year, but always the best time is during the dry season. Because some roads in the country used to flood during the rainy season the thing which can ruin your safari.

Gonarezhou National Park was gazetted in 1975 by combining the former hunting zones and tsetse fly control corridors and was closed to the public during the Rhodesian war as well as the Mozambique Civil war but was re-opened in 1994 as part of the International-Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. Three main rivers-Mwenezi, Save, and Runde drain through the National Park and form natural oases and pools that offer shelter to fish species but also attract numerous wildlife and bird species.

Due to its large size, the rugged terrain, and its location from the major tourist routes, the largest part of this National Park has remained as a tranquil wilderness Area that offers tourists the feeling of having the wilderness to themselves. This Park derived its name from a Shona word meaning elephant tucks and forms part of the massive Pan-African Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a vast Park that connects this Zimbabwean Park with Mozambique’s Limpopo National Park and South Africa’s popular Kruger National Park, making the wild animals move freely between the three Conservation Areas.

Flora and Fauna of Gonarezhou National Park

Wildlife in Gonarezhou National Park

The north-eastern corner of this Zimbabwean National Park lies within the Zambezian and Mopane woodlands whereas its south-western part is mainly characterized by the southern Africa Bushveld eco-region.

One of the exceptional animals in this Park is the endangered Cape Wild dog and the cross-border connection to the National Parks in neighboring Mozambique hence offers the perfect chance to see the animals in the neighboring Parks. Nonetheless, other mammals to encounter here include Hyenas, giraffes, cheetahs, elephants, lions, Suni, Hippos, white rhinos, Nyala, wildebeests, Cape buffaloes, black rhinos, and zebras among others. Aquatic wildlife species to look out for within this Park include the turquoise killifish, the Zambezi Shark, Black Bream, and Freshwater Goby among others within the Park’s pools and rivers.

Besides the flora and fauna, other attractions to see within this Park include the Chilojo Cliffs, beautiful red sandstone cliffs formed through erosion, and overlooks the stunning Runde River Valley. Also, natural falls such as Duguvi and Chibilila as well as water pans such as Tembahata and Chindhlambai can be explored by tourists who visit this Park and are undeniably some of the best birding spots in the Park.

Some of the tourist activities not to miss within the Park include fishing, bird watching, walking safaris, game viewing, and scenic viewing at the Makonde pool, Chilojo, and Mwatomba Pool cliffs

Where to stay within Gonarezhou National Park?

With the few facilities in the Park, tourists can spend overnights within the self-catering Swimuwini Rest Camp, found on the banks of River Mwenezi and is managed by the Zimbabwean National Parks and Wildlife Authority. Other safari Lodges here include Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge and many others.

The Matopos hills are said to be formed over 2 billion years ago with granite being forced to the Earth’s surface but was eventually eroded to form smooth whaleback dwalas and rugged kopjes that were strewn with big boulders and dotted with sparse thickets of vegetation. It is for this reason that Mzilikazi, the founder of the Ndebele clan named the area its current name meaning “Bald heads”. The highest point of the hills is known as Gulati (standing at 1549 meters/5082 feet above sea level) and is found outside the north-eastern part of the Park. Administratively, this Park includes the Lake Matopos Recreational Park, the area around Lake Matopos, Hazelside, and the Sandy Spruit.

Of the 3100 square kilometers (1200 square miles) covered by the Matopos Hills, only 424 square kilometers (164 square miles) are covered by this exceptional National Park while the remaining part is extensively occupied by communal land while the remaining part is for commercial farmland. Of the total area covered by the National Park, over 100 square kilometers (39 square miles) is mainly a Game Park with high numbers of wildlife species including the extraordinary and endangered white rhinoceros.

The Matobo Hills are made up of main granite (the Matopos Batholiths) and granite weather with spectacular shapes like the balancing rocks referred to as the mother and child kopje. There are also narrow valleys between the Granite Mountains that form headwaters of Mtsheleli, Mpopoma, and Maleme rivers, and the source of River Thuli is found in the eastern part of Matobo National Park.

Flora and Fauna within Matobo National Park

Matobo National Park

Matobo National Park lies within the bushveld eco-region of Southern Africa and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 due to its exceptional flora and fauna diversity but also displays a profusion of different rock landforms standing above the granite shield that stretches through the largest part of Zimbabwe. There are presently over 200 species of trees in the Park including the mountain acacia, paperbark trees, and wild pears as well as numerous aloes, 100 species of grass, and wild herbs.

This Park is a fauna diversity hot spot with over 88 species of mammals including sable antelopes, white and black rhinos, giraffes, hyenas, hyraxes, hippos, leopards, wildebeests, and impalas as well as over 175 species of birds including Ostriches and black eagles, 16 fish and 39 snake species among others.

In addition to the flora and fauna, several archaeological and cultural sites exist within the Park and they include the rock art, Pomongwe, Bambata, Nswatugi, and Inanke Caves as well as the white rhino shelter near the Gordon Park. Therefore, activities to enjoy here include scenic viewing, bird watching, fishing, horseback riding/trail riding, boating, hiking, game viewing, running, and walking safaris.

Accommodation facilities within Matobo National Park

There are several Safari Camps within the Park and including Sandy Spruit, Maleme, Toghwana, Mtsheleli, Mwesilume, Big Cave, Arboretum, and Lake Matopos Camps as well as several Lodges including Farmhouse, Fish Eagle, Matobo Hills, Imbila and Black Eagle Safari Lodges.

Stretching for 171 square kilometers at the southern corner of the Eastern highlands and extending for 50 kilometers along the border with Mozambique, this park is known for its rugged mountain magnificence boosted by numerous phenomenal gorges and high summits standing up to an altitude of 2436 meters above sea level and is the starting point for several springs and streams, as well as breathtaking waterfalls including the Bridal Veil, falls found in the Eland Sanctuary as well as the jaw-dropping views of the Pork pie Mountain range. This wild and unexplored site as well as the panoramic views, cascading streams, verdant forest, and numerous waterholes make Chimanimani National Park a real Paradise.

Things in Chimanimani National Park that will take your breath away

The Wildlife numbers here are not many but you will get the opportunity to encounter leopards, elands, Klipspringers, bushbucks, sable antelopes, impalas, Roan antelopes, and blue duikers among others. Also, forest lovers will be captivated by the virgin forests and tree species of the area. The lush, dense, and moist forest here is exceptional and offers shelter to several species of birds, butterflies, and reptiles among others.

Chimanimani National Park

Chimanimani National Park is a delight for forest lovers because its dense, moist, and lush forest is a haven for numerous species of plants, butterflies, birds, and reptiles, especially snakes. However, there are no permanent roads within this wilderness area thus only narrow tracks and footpaths are available to lead tourists to the different areas of the Park but this even makes the Park more exciting to explore.

The Eland Sanctuary, an area standing at 2436 meters (7992 feet) is also a source of numerous natural falls (like the Bridal Veil Falls), rivers, springs, and streams as well as offering magnificent views of the Pork Pie Mountain Range.

Other fascinating attractions within this Park include the Haroni and Nyakwaha Botanical Reserves, numerous Barrosus Palm trees, the extraordinary rock formations of Mawenje Mountains, the Mountain hut of Chimanimani Mountains, and the picnic site at the base of the Bridal Veil Falls.

Activities within Chimanimani National Park

Guided hikes are strenuous requiring stamina and physical fitness but are one of the most interesting activities to enjoy within Chimanimani National Park if you are familiar with the south-western Cape mountains, then the Chimanimani looks and feels the same except with the latter, there are fewer visitors hence can have the entire wilderness to themselves.

The best time to visit

The temperatures of this Park sometimes drop to zero Celsius degrees (during winter-May to August) but this time is always avoided by tourists because the rain spoils the hike, hence March to May and August to October are the perfect times to explore the Park.

Where to Stay?

Overnights can be spent at the Mountain Hut and the Mutekeswane Base Camp (15 kilometers from Chimanimani Town) but tourists visiting Chimanimani National Park are also permitted to Camp (free of charge) within the Park except within the Base Camp but doing it is at the person’s own risk.

Therefore, the following are the outstanding UNESCO World Heritage Sites (of ecological and  biological importance) in Africa that are found within the Democratic Republic of Congo;

• Virunga National Park

This National Park was established in 1925 to mainly protect the critically endangered mountain gorillas, making it the oldest Park in Africa and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 extending for 7800 square kilometers between the southern Virunga Mountains and the northern Rwenzori Mountains. The Park is characterized by several habitats including Afro-montane forests, steppe, snowfield, swamps, savannah, Lava plains, and Afro-alpine vegetation which all support abundant biodiversity including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, Hippos, buffaloes, elephants, and over 700 species of birds as well as 78 Amphibian species. However, the conservation of Virunga National Park is greatly affected by the presence of militant groups, deforestation, and poaching as well as the planned oil exploration by a UK-based Company which as expected will affect the Park.

• Salonga National Park

With an area of 36,000 square kilometers in the Congo River Basin, Salonga National Park is the World’s second-largest rainforest National Park and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 protecting the thick rainforest. Due to the dense vegetation and remoteness due to the vast water bodies in the Park, it can only be accessible by air or water, hence the reason it receives few tourists. Salonga National Park is popular for offering outstanding species of wildlife such as Slender-snouted crocodiles, Bonobos, dwarf chimpanzees, forest elephants, and forest buffaloes among others. This rainforest National Park is also environmentally important for climate regulation and sequestration of carbon but is also a have to the population of pygmies and local communities.

• Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Kahuzi-Biega is one of the few tourist destinations in the world for lowland gorilla tracking. It was gazetted in 1970 to protect these exceptional gorilla species and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 due to the numerous natural attractions that can be spotted. This Protected Area surrounds a Mountain range dominated by the extinct peaks of Kahuzi and Biega Mountains. Kahuzi-Biega National Park is nestled between the Albertine Rift and Congo River Basin and is characterized by thick lowland rainforests as well as montane forests which offer shelter to the eastern lowland gorillas, red-faced chimpanzees, and forest elephants in addition to birds, reptiles, and Amphibian species. However, this Park has severely been affected by illegal mining, poaching, and agricultural activities that have continuously degraded the attractions and beauty of the Park and its exceptional attractions.

• Okapi Wildlife Reserve

Gazetted into a Reserve in 1992 to protect the Okapi and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, Okapi Wildlife Reserve is another important site in the Democratic Republic of Congo comprising almost one-fifth of the entire Ituri Forest on the north-eastern sides of the country. This rainforest surprisingly supports a high level of endemism and Okapi Wildlife Reserve is endowed with the World’s highest population of the Okapi and other wildlife species such as dwarf chimpanzees, dwarf chimpanzees, Bonobo, gorillas, and forest buffaloes among others. In addition to the wildlife, this Reserve is also a haven for the native Efe and Mbuti pygmies who have conserved the Reserve as an important part of their lives.

Much as Conservation of the Reserve is taken seriously, it still faces several threats including rebel activities and poaching which generally threaten the extraordinary wildlife and their habitats.

• Garamba National Park

Established in 1938, Garamba National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 due to its rich biodiversity. This Protected Area is an extensive area characterized by open woodlands and guinea savannah as well as several permanent water bodies that support the existence of numerous flora and fauna. Its location within the transition zone between the thick and humid forest eco-regions and the savannah vegetation makes this site one of the most significant areas.

Garamba National Park is a haven for some of Africa’s most wonderful species of game like elephants, spotted hyenas, white rhinos, Hippos, chimpanzees, Congo giraffes, and lions. However, due to poaching, less than 50 white rhinos remain in the Park making this park one of the most endangered Conservation Areas in Africa.

What to do in Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve?

Buffaloes in Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve

There are several tourist activities that you can engage in to explore more about the hidden secrets of this nature reserve. They include horseback tours which allow you to explore closely most of the wildlife species; game viewing/game drives which last for about 2 hours with an experienced tour guide and 4×4 safari vehicles with a pop-up and this is done in the morning and the afternoon. Game drives are conducted six times each day and it offers you the opportunity to look out for four of the big five games. Hiking adventures in Plettenberg which takes you to Milkwood on about three or five trails. The hike begins as soon as you get out of the vehicle and set off through Piesangs River Lagoon, Central Beach, and sight at the beach. From here, there is a shorter route that takes you back along the center of town through some historic structures and the longer route still takes you through Keurbooms Lagoon and again back to the town.

• How to get to Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve

Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve can be reached through the Garden Route using the Baz Bus around Cape Town or Port Elizabeth. The major line bus stops are at the Shell Ultra City just outside the town along the N2. Visitors can also take direct flights up to Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route, South Africa from the gateway cities, and within the shortest time, you will be at the reserve. Note that all game rangers at this reserve are well-trained, professional, and friendly; love sharing knowledge and experiences with visitors

• When to visit Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve?

The reserve is all year round destination but take note of the last week of November and the first week of December as most students confine around the resort to celebrate after final exams what is described as the Plett Student Rage.

• Where to stay in Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve?

The key accommodation facilities for your overnight at this nature reserve include Lairds Lodge Country Estate, Lily Pond Country Lodge, Antlers Lodge, and the Baroness Luxury Safari Lodge which is located within the reserve along the Garden Route, South Africa. This Lodge was constructed in 1822 by Baron Von Pletten the famous South African pioneer and conservationist who lived in this lodge while exploring the wildlife species, and landscapes of the reserve. This lodge features six large double rooms, 3 family rooms, and one twin room. There is also a coffee shop, curio shop, cuisine from African, bar, and dining room and it is perfect for wedding parties as well as other functions. Other lodges include Tharfield Estate, DankiPa Eco Lodge, and Plett River Lodge.