Although Africa is home to many thriving cities and fascinating historical sites, it is perhaps best known for its spectacular national parks, of which there are several hundred for all avid nature and wildlife lovers to enjoy. These parks are home to an incredible number of wildlife and plant species, and as such, are perfect for anyone who appreciates the beauty and diversity of the natural world. In this article, we will share three of our favourite national parks, located in Botswana, Kenya and South Africa.
Chobe is one of Botswana’s largest parks, and has been open to the public for forty five years. It can be divided up into four distinct areas; Linyanti, Savute, Ngwezumba pans, and the Chobe Riverfront (from which the park received its name). The latter is the most popular area, as it is regularly visited by enormous herds of Cape buffalo and elephants, who come here to drink throughout the winter. Those who visit during this season will have the opportunity to watch these amazing creatures in their natural habitat; the elephants are quite comfortable around humans, and will happily ignore any spectators, as they wash, play and drink in the river. Other animal species which populate the park include bushbuck, hippos, zebra and antelope.
Marsabit National Park and Reserve is a Kenyan park which spans over 1,500sq km. Inside, you’ll find three enormous crater lakes, along with a mountain which is almost entirely covered in dense forest. This park attracts a number of elephant herds throughout the year, although the quantity is considerably less than what you would usually find in Chobe. However, there are plenty of other species to watch out for, including gazelles, zebras, kudus, leopards and most interestingly, lions, which are favourites of Tunde Folawiyo. Whilst day trips around the park are available, many visitors opt to stay overnight, as the park has a lodge, as well as three campsites, one of which lies along the shores of the stunning Lake Paradise.
Augrabies Falls National Park, located in South Africa, is home to one of the largest waterfalls in the world. The wild, craggy outcrops and sun-drenched plains provide the perfect landscape for hikes and game drives. The latter are especially popular, as the park is home to a vast array of species, including klipspringers, flat lizards, rock hyraxes and mountain zebras. Another feature often praised by visitors is Moon Rock, an enormous, naturally-formed dome which, when climbed, offers some amazing panoramic views of the surrounding area.
One of Tunde Folawiyo’s favourite animals are lions, which are a main attraction within the Marsabit National Park and Reserve, and are just some of the extraordinary sights for people to see at this location in particular.