Africa has many great safari destinations. Some places are well known than others. In this post, we focus on 10 lesser known safari destinations. You can easily access most of these places. Soon, they will make it to the list of regular tourist destinations.
10 Lesser known safari destinations
- Shaba National Reserve, Kenya
It is among the protected areas in Kenya. It is located in Isiolo County. It shares borders with Samburu National Park and Buffalo Springs. It has wonderful scenery. It is rich in wildlife. It is home to animals such as elephants, leopards, lions, buffalo, and black rhinos. Other animals in the reserve include dik-diks, giraffes, zebras, and gerenuks among others.
For bird lovers, the reserve is among the best safari destinations in Kenya. The place has over 450 bird species.
The weather is very favorable, especially during the dry season. You will love the shiny sun. This is the best season to visit the reserve. Wetter seasons can interrupt your safari plans.
- Mombasa Marine National Park & Reserve, Kenya
It is among the 10 lesser known safari destinations. Its blue waters are perfect for water sports. Visitors enjoy diving, windsurfing, snorkeling, and water skiing. The park is home to many marine species.
Present marine life includes crabs, jellyfish, sea cucumbers, and sea stars among others. Lovely vegetation includes marine algae and sea grasses. It is also a great place for bird watching. Migratory birds are common.
Accommodation is readily available. You can rest at the Mombasa Marine campsite. You can also stay in many other great places.
- Mathews Mountain Range, Kenya
It is located in the northern part of Kenya. The Samburu community operates it to protect wildlife. It is one of the places in a remote location. So, it is among the unique places to visit in Kenya.
It is rich in wildlife just like the best safari destinations in Kenya. It is home to elephants, lions, leopards, and buffaloes. Medium and small-sized animals are also found in this home. These include gazelles, zebras, monkeys, ostrich, and the great kudu.
- Mkomazi National Park, Tanzania
It is one of the 10 lesser known safari destinations. It has a rhino sanctuary. Tourists can enjoy closer views of this wild animal. It is home to migratory animals. You will find zebras, elephants, lions, impalas, zebras, leopards, and other animals. The park has recorded over 78 species.
It is great for watching birds. It has recorded over 400 bird species. Guinea fowl, hornbills, and doves are largely present.
If you prefer a less crowdy place, this is a great place. It is also cheaper compared to other parks.
- Saadani National Park, Tanzania
It has an Indian Ocean beachfront. This makes it unique and among the best safari destinations in Africa. It is a place where an elephant can interrupt sunbathing. It is close to Zanzibar. You get to explore nature and enjoy the beaches of Zanzibar.
It is rich in wildlife. Buffaloes, waterbucks, antelopes, lions, leopards, and other animals are seen in the park.
Common activities include game drives, nature walks, swimming, sunbathing, and boat trips.
- Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda
It is one of the less known places in Uganda. But it is among the best safari destinations in Africa. It is home to many wild animals. You can find the Big Five. Other common animals include hyenas, crocodiles, giraffes, gazelles, zebras, and many others.
Common activities include game drives, nature walks, and bird watching. It is the best for a real experience in the wilderness.
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda
It is one of the smallest parks in the country. But it has a lot to offer just as Bwindi Impenetrable NP. It is blessed with primates such as gorillas, golden monkeys, birds, and other attractions.
Common activities include trekking gorillas and the golden monkey. Visitors enjoy bird watching. The park has recorded about 115 bird species. You can also enjoy mountain climbing.
- Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda
It is one of the 10 lesser known safari destinations in Africa. But it has boosted tourism in the country. The main activity in the park is trekking chimps. Other primates in the park include olive baboon, colobus monkey, and Golden monkey among others. The park has other animals such as elephants, buffaloes, impalas, and hogs among others. It is also great for bird watching.
- Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
The park is among the lesser known in Africa. But it is one of the world’s heritage sites. It has animals only found in Ethiopia. These include the Ethiopian wolf and Waiya ibex. It is home to other animals such as the Gelada baboon and others. It is a great place for bird watching. The park has recorded many species of birds.
- Northern Tuli Game Reserve, Botswana
It is best for wildlife viewing. Elephants are common in the park. You can see them in herds digging riverbeds for water. Cats such as leopards are present. Guests enjoy tracking them in the park. Other common animals include elands, wildebeests, zebras, and wild dogs.
Common activities include game drives, nature walks, and biking. The best time to visit the park is during the dry season.
Here, we have provided 10 lesser known safari destinations. These places offer great safari experiences. You just need to choose a reliable tour operator.