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Travel to Africa - excursion to national parks. The most famous nature reserves and national parks in Africa

When it comes to Africa, the first thing that comes to mind is wild animals. Africa is home to many populations of wild animals and has a greater diversity of fauna than any other continent on our planet, thanks to its vast landscapes with different climatic conditions ranging from subarctic to tropical. Africa has a range of habitats ranging from wet rainforest to the savannah plains and arid desert The Sahara, which provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Africa, which is widely regarded as the place where human life originated, is home to many of the world's amazing animals, as well as those that are endangered.

The African continent has the highest concentration national parks. There are more of them in Africa than anywhere else in the world. As of 2014, there are 335 national parks that protect over 1,100 mammal species, 100,000 insect species, 2,600 bird species and 3,000 fish species. In addition, there are hundreds of game reserves in Africa, forest reserves, marine reserves, national reserves and natural parks.

Serengeti National Park

Zebra migration in the Serengeti National Park.
The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is one of the oldest and most famous wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. The park is famous for the annual migration of millions of wildebeest plus hundreds of thousands of gazelles and zebras followed by raptors, one of the most impressive natural spectacles in the world. The Great Migration, which is an annual 1,000-kilometer circular trek, takes place in a unique scenic area, in vast treeless expanses of spectacularly flat grassy pastures dotted with rock outcroppings interspersed with rivers and forests. The park also hosts some of the most impressive and diverse biological relationships large predators and their victims in the world.

Serengeti National Park is located on an area of ​​12,950 square kilometers and is considered one of the least affected natural ecosystems in the world.

Masai Mara National Reserve

The Masai Mara National Reserve is located in Narok County, Kenya and is the northern extension of the Serengeti National Park. It is named after the Maasai people who live in the region. The reserve is known for its exceptional population of lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as the annual migration of zebras, Thomson's gazelles, and wildebeests into and out of the Serengeti that occurs each year from July to October, and is known as the Great Migration.

The Masai Mara National Wildlife Refuge is relatively small, yet it is home to an astounding concentration of wildlife. The park is home to about 95 species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles and more than 400 species of birds. The Big Five (buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhinoceros) can be found throughout the park, as can leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, antelopes, wildebeest, swamps, baboons, warthogs, zebras, hippos, and crocodiles in the Mara River ( Mara River).


An aerial view of a herd of wildebeest following several leading zebras in the Masai Mara.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is located in southwestern Uganda in East Africa. The park covers 331 square kilometers of jungle forest and, as the name suggests, can only be reached on foot. The park is located on the eastern edge of the Albertine Rift Valley, and has a rich ecosystem with perhaps the largest number of tree species for its height in all of East Africa. Diverse fauna can also be seen here, including a number of endemic butterflies and one of the richest concentrations of mammals in Africa. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to almost half of the world's mountain gorilla population, of which, unfortunately, only 340 individuals remain.




Mountain gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is one of the most popular parks in Kenya. It is located in the southern part of the country on the border with Tanzania and offers one of the most classic and breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro with its 5985-meter peak rising above the plains. Amboseli National Park attracts visitors mainly for its huge herds of elephants, but the park is also a habitat for many predators such as the lion, cheetah and leopard.


An elephant crosses a dirt road in Amboseli National Park. Mount Kilimanjaro is visible in the background.

Kruger National Park

The Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa and one of the most extensive national parks in the world, covering an area of ​​19,485 square kilometers. This is also the first national park in South Africa, which was opened in 1926, although the area of ​​the park has been protected by the state since 1898. Lives in the Kruger National Park more species large mammals than any other African game reserve, including the Big Five - lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes.

Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park is located in the northwestern part of Botswana close to the borders with Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia and is famous for its amazing population of elephants. It is estimated to be home to around 50,000 elephants, perhaps the highest concentration of elephants in Africa and part of the largest continuously surviving population of elephants. The best time to visit Chobe is during the dry season from April to October, when the plains dry up and animals congregate near the banks of the river, making them easier to spot.


Baby elephant in the Serondela zone, on the banks of the Chobe River, in the Chobe National Park.

Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is located in northwestern Namibia. It covers an area of ​​22,270 square kilometers and takes its name from the large, silvery, white Etosha Salt Plateau, which covers almost a quarter of the Etosha National Park. The park is home to hundreds of species of mammals, birds and reptiles, including several rare and endangered species such as black rhinos.


The Etosha Salt Plateau covers an area of ​​4,800 square kilometers and was formed 16,000 years ago.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

The Central Kalahari National Game Reserve, located in Botswana's Kalahari Desert, covers an area of ​​52,800 square kilometers, about twice the size of Massachusetts, making it the second largest game reserve in the world. This hunting reserve is characterized by vast open plains, salt flats and ancient riverbeds. The territory of the reserve is mostly flat, with small hills covered with shrubs and grass, which also grow on sand dunes, and in areas with big trees. Wild animals such as giraffes, brown hyena, warthog, cheetah, wild dogs, leopard, lion, blue wildebeest, eland, oryx, markhorn antelope and a red bubal.

The Bushmen have inhabited the Kalahari for thousands of years and their people date back to the Stone Age period. These Bushmen still live here, and roam the territories as nomadic hunters.




Bushmen of the Kalahari.

Nechisar National Park

Nechisar National Park is a small park located on an area of ​​514 square kilometers, in an excellent picturesque part of the rift valley between two lakes. To the east, the park is bordered by the Amaro foothills, which rise to about 2,000 meters, to the north of it are the ever red waters of Lake Abaya, which covers an area of ​​1,070 square kilometers. To the south is Lake Chamo, a small lake with clear waters covering an area of ​​350 kilometers. To the east is the city of Arba Minch, which is the main city of the Northern Omo zone. The central plains between the lake and the foothills of Amaro appear white from afar, which is the origin of the name Nechisar or "white grass".

Nechisar National Park is considered important environment habitat for bird populations, especially those that migrate. There are significant populations of kingfishers, storks, pelicans, flamingos and screaming eagles.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Game Reserve is located in northwestern Tanzania. At its very center is the impressive Ngorongoro Crater, an old volcano that collapsed to form the crater. The steep slopes of the crater have become a natural reserve for a wide variety of wild animals that live here. Beyond the edge of the crater, the Maasai people graze their cattle on the plains, seemingly oblivious to the herds of wild animals that share this vast landscape with them. This area also has great importance in tracing human origins, as some of the earliest human remains have been found here, including human footprints dating back 3.5 million years.


View of Ngorongoro from inside the crater.


Lake inside the Ngorongoro Crater.

Africa has the largest nature reserve in the world. It is called Kavango Zambezi. The complex is located on the borders of five Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe. The total area of ​​the reserve exceeds 44 million hectares. The protected area united 36 nature reserves and the lands surrounding them. Almost half of all elephants in Africa, more than 600 species of various plants and about 300 species of birds live in Kawang Zambezi.

With the formation of such nature protection complexes as the transnational nature reserve of Africa, which is called Kavango Zambezi (KAZA for short), which are prone to migration (elephants and rhinos), feel completely safe in a vast area the size of Sweden.

Tourist paradise

This land is home to many world-famous attractions. For example, despite the fact that this African reserve was founded quite recently (2011), one of the main tasks that the five states set themselves was to create conditions for the free migration of all animal species. In addition, for these countries, nature reserves and Africa are the most important tourist sites. Every year, thousands of tourists from all over the world come to this unique transboundary reserve.

Animals

Undoubtedly, the main representatives of the animal world living in the complex are elephants. It’s probably hard to believe, but almost half of these giants live in the protected area from total number elephants of Africa. 600 species of plants grow in these vast territories. Many of them are unique. In the most picturesque areas of the region, 300 species of birds have found their homes.

South Africa is a land where the incongruous combines in an amazing way. Landscapes striking in their beauty are concentrated in the reserves and national parks of the country.

Kruger park

The cross-border territory, with an area of ​​20 thousand square kilometers, is located between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. An elephant and a lion, a buffalo and a rhinoceros, a leopard feel quite comfortable here.

Statistics confirm the uniqueness of these places. The area occupied by this African reserve can be compared with the territory of Wales. It represents countless picturesque meadows and pastures, coastal forests, which are home to about 150 species of mammals, including the largest population of rhinos.

A five-hour drive from South Africa's largest metropolis, Johannesburg, you can see the inhabitants of the wild and get an unforgettable experience. For example, in Kruger Park you can watch the fight between a lion and a crocodile.

The most fearless tourists can go on a guided tour, accompanied by armed guards. Nature reserves and national parks in Africa are best visited in winter. At this time, the vegetation does not grow so rapidly and does not block the view. Animals can be seen at numerous water bodies, moreover, at this time the risk of contracting malaria is minimal.

Royal Natal

One of the most picturesque mountain ranges in Africa is the Drakensberg. The name translates as The sharp tops of the mountains here smoothly turn into green slopes, which are covered with bumps and bumps.

The Royal Natal National Park is located on a small area (2500 sq. Km), which is part of the Uqahlamba complex, a World Heritage Site. Regardless, the Drakensberg is one of the most famous rock formations on Earth.

Sedeberg Nature Reserve

This mountain range is located 200 km north of Cape Town. The Sedeberg Africa Reserve is made up of many sandstone hills, thick fynbos and the magnificent Mount Saint Roque. Excursion routes last from one hour to several days.

During such a walk, you can enjoy the wildlife of these places. You can climb the steep slopes to the picturesque hills - Wolfberg Arch or Tourists prefer to stay at the Sanddrief base. There is an observatory and a huge wine cellar. The best time to travel is from April to August. At this time, the weather for walking will be the best.

Mapungubwe

African national reserves amaze tourists with the beauty of pristine nature. Mapungubwe is no exception. It is located along the borders of Botswana and Zimbabwe, in the valley. In these places, giraffes and elephants, baboons and leopards leisurely stroll through the trees.

Mapungubwe is included in the World Heritage List and is of historical value, so if you are in Johannesburg, be sure to come here.

In ancient times, this territory was the center of the South African kingdom. In 1300 B.C. nine thousand people lived in these places. Archaeologists managed to find hills with burials in which unique valuables were buried, for example, a golden figurine of a rhinoceros. It is better to come here in June-August.

Blyde River

The nature reserves and parks of Africa differ from each other in their natural landscape. This canyon deserves to be seen with your own eyes. It rises above the Blyde River, and it seems that it breaks down from the tops of the Drakensberg ridge with the luxurious crowns of thousands of beautiful trees.

Even more beautiful this place is made by green gentle slopes, above which rise hills of sandstone and limestone. The most famous of these is the Triple Rondavel rock, with its huge arches and semicircular peaks that resemble the roofs of rondavels (African houses).

It is better not to visit the nature reserves of Africa from January to March. At this time, traveling here is not very comfortable - moist air descends from the mountains, and there is a danger of contracting malaria.

Isimangaliso

This place seems to be created for lovers of ecotourism. The name of this wetland park means "miracle" in the Zulu language. Can't be more specific about this place. The national park covers an area of ​​3320 sq. km is an ecosystem of global importance. The territory of Isimangaliso is covered with lakes, marshy forests, coral reefs. This is the largest river delta on the continent and about 220 km of beaches located on the shores of the Indian Ocean.

The reserves of Africa are large and not very large, mostly prepared to meet tourists. For example, Isimangaliso Park has excellent conditions for diving and horseback riding. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you can kayak and watch wildlife.

During one day in these places you can see a whale and a rhinoceros. This park, located 375 km from Durban, is especially good from June to October, when there is no exhausting heat, and the risk of contracting malaria is minimal.

Namakua

Not all nature reserves in Africa can boast such unique vegetation as Namakuwaland, located along the coast of South Africa. It is often called the African garden, blooming in spring with a thousand colors. This is a true decoration of the arid continent. From the beginning of August to the end of September, this beauty can be seen with your own eyes.

The park is located near Cape Town. This true treasury has the richest flora. What is the flowering of daisies in this park - this is a bewitching sight.

Kgalgadi Transboundary Park

A "wild island" of land, located on the hot sands of the Kalahari Desert. Kgalgadi Park is located in the transboundary zone between Botswana and South Africa - it is the world's largest protected area. There are many animals here - lions and ostriches, leopards and cheetahs that survive in these arid lands.

Ktugalgadi Park is a great place to watch big cats. However, care must be taken - at any moment you can find yourself with a lion on the same path.

table mountain

The national park, which has such a strange name, is located on the territory of the Cape Peninsula. From here you have a breathtaking view of Cape Town, the most Old city SOUTH AFRICA.

This park has many great opportunities to spend active rest. Here you will be offered to fly on a paraglider from the rock Lion's Head. You can go rock climbing on the highest slope of Table Mountain, take a walk along the picturesque paths. Locals recommend climbing uphill through the meadows of the Kirstenbosch botanical garden.

Golden Gate

The Maluti Mountains are located 300 km northeast of the city of Bloemfontein. In the early morning here you can see herds of grazing antelope. The magnificent view of the mountains in the rays of the setting sun, when the slopes are covered with a golden color, gave the name to this park. Mount Brandwag is especially beautiful - it can be seen here from any point.

Maltsev Igor

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Africa is a continent with a great variety of flora and fauna, much more than any other continent on our planet. Thanks to the wide variety climatic zones, ranging from subarctic to tropical, Africa has many habitats: tropical rainforests, savannahs, plains, and the arid Sahara Desert. The reserves of Africa originate from the first state structure for the protection of the forest, which was established in Tunisia in 1884, and almost 40 years later, the first Taza National Park was established in the country. Now in North Africa there are national parks created to protect certain species of animals. African continent It has 335 national parks that protect over 1,100 mammal species, 100,000 insect species, 2,600 bird species and 3,000 fish species.

Continent: Africa Location: Algiers The Taza National Park is one of the smallest protected areas in Algeria. The central natural formation in the park is Mountain chain Petite Kabylie. The park also covers 10,500 hectares of Guerrouch forest and 9 km of coast mediterranean sea. The climate in Taza Park is humid Mediterranean, from 1000 to 1400 mm of precipitation falls here annually, and the average annual temperature is 18 ° C, temperatures below freezing are almost never here. Taza national park

The flora is quite diverse, but the most common species in the park are the canary tree Quercus, B. afares and Q. saber, sticky alder, Prunus avium, Salix pedicellata, Fraxinus angustifolia and Acer monspessulanum. In general, local forests have a varied composition and range from 350 m to 1121 m above sea level. The fauna of the park is able to surprise, it contains such unique mammals as magots, recognized as endangered species. In addition to primates, the following animals live in Taza Park: cheetah, maned ram, gundi, caracal, horse and saber-horned antelope, rocky hyrax, dune cat and other mammals. Hyraxes or zhiryaks are not the most typical mammal for Africa, however, they are found in large numbers in the Taza National Park. By itself, the hyrax is a small, stocky, herbivore animal. In Africa, there is a yellow-spotted or mountain hyrax, he is Bruce's Daman. Has the following appearance. The body is elongated by 32.5-56 cm, the weight is approximately 1.3-4.5 kg, and the females are several larger than males. The mountain hyrax is quite densely built, has a narrower muzzle than other hyraxes, for example, Cape. Outwardly, Bruce's daman looks like guinea pig or groundhog. The hairline is dense and coarse, up to 30 mm long, with black tips. The color of the fur is gray or brownish-red, the belly is always different in color - either white or cream. The spinal gland (up to 1.5 cm long) is yellow. Vibrissae up to 90 mm long grow on the face of the hyrax. Mountain hyraxes prefer to settle on rocky hills, screes and mountain slopes. In the mountains they can be found up to an altitude of 3,800 m above sea level. Mountain hyraxes live in colonies of up to 34 individuals, the basis of this life is a harem, i.e. The group includes one adult male, up to 17 adult females and young. Hyraxes are active during the day or on bright moonlit nights. If the daman senses danger, it emits piercing cries, thereby giving the rest a signal to hide. The damans are capable of speeds up to 5 m/s; jump well.

Tsavo National Park Location: Coastal Province, Kenya (between Nairobi and Mombasa) Total area: 22 thousand square meters. km. Year of foundation: 1944 Tsavo National Park is one of the largest national parks in the world. The park is divided into two zones - East Tsavo and West Tsavo. The landscape of East Tsavo is represented by a grassy savanna with thickets of thorny bushes, as well as a swampy area near the Voi River. Animal world The reserve is very diverse. Here live: lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, servals, spotted hyenas, ostriches, gazelles, buffaloes, various types of antelopes. Also, more than 500 species of birds nest in the park, including migratory birds that settle here from late October to January. Sedentary species also live here: palm vulture, many types of weavers. So, the largest population of the African elephant lives here, which has up to seven thousand individuals. These animals like to douse themselves with red clay, which is why they are often called "red elephants"

Eastern Tsavo The territory of Eastern Tsavo, in fact, is an arid savannah, which is strewn with thickets of shrubs and many swamps. Here is the largest plateau on the planet - the Yatta Plateau, formed from cooled lava. During a drought, the Aruba dam, where animals come to drink, almost completely dries up. In this case, the animals go to the Ati River, which during high water (May, June, November) appears in all its splendor and ends with the seething Lugard waterfall. The reservoirs are home to a huge number of Nile crocodiles that prey on inattentive mammals trying to quench their thirst. In East Tsavo you can see elephants, ostriches, hippos, cheetahs, lions, giraffes, herds of zebras and antelopes. Near the waterfall is a reserve of black rhinos. All conditions have been created here to increase the population of these animals, since due to poachers their number has decreased to fifty individuals. In this part of the park there is a nesting place for many migratory birds arriving here at the end of October from Europe. Water cutters, palm vultures, weavers and other birds live here.

What is West Tsavo? The territory of Western Tsavo, compared to Eastern, is much smaller. The area of ​​this part of the national park is seven thousand square kilometers. However, there is a rather diverse flora and fauna, about 70 species of mammals live in these parts. The landscape of Western Tsavo is more rocky and there are also more varieties of vegetation than in the eastern part. Chulu is also located here - these are young mountains that were formed from compressed ash as a result of a volcanic eruption. They rise at a height of two thousand meters and absorb moisture, and then, feeding underground sources, return it to the earth. According to researchers, the age of the youngest mountain is about five hundred years. This part of Tsavo Park is also famous for the underground springs of Mzima Springs, which translates as “alive”. With the help of groundwater coming to the surface, many reservoirs have formed in the reserve, which provide mammals with vital moisture. Bathing hippos can often be found here, and white and black rhinos wander into the green thickets surrounding the lake. The latter can only be seen at night, during their activity, as these animals wait out the heat of the day in the shade of trees.

Serengeti and Ngorongoro National Parks Southeast of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is another of Africa's famous national reserves, the Serengeti. By the way, Tanzania is the country where Africa has the most nature reserves. The area of ​​the Serengeti is more than 15 thousand square meters. km, it is the largest in the country. The ecosystem of this reserve is the least affected by human activities. The huge plateau on which the park is located is home to many varieties of animals and birds. It is very interesting to watch them, for example, during a safari. Particularly impressive are the spectacles of animal migration during periods of drought, when endless living strings move, passing a total of thousands of kilometers.

The central attraction of the Ngorongoro Reserve in Tanzania, formerly part of the Serengeti Park, is considered to be an extinct ruined crater of an ancient volcano. Its dimensions are amazing: diameter - more than 20 km; depth - 610 m; total area - 270 sq. km. It is interesting that a unique biosystem has formed in the crater - many species of animals living here have never been outside of it. Total population animals inhabiting the crater exceeds 25 thousand. Inside the crater is an unusual Lake Magadi - salty, formed by hot springs. The lake is home to several interesting bird species, including flamingos, herons, and pelicans. On the slope near the crater is the grave of German zoologists Bernhard and Mikael Grzimek, who made a huge contribution to the study, preservation and popularization of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro parks.

Masai Mara National Reserve The Masai Mara is a nature reserve in southwestern Kenya. It is the northern extension of the Serengeti National Park. The reserve is named after the Masai tribe - the traditional population of the region and the Mara River, which separates it. The Masai Mara is famous for the large number of animals that live in it, as well as the annual wildebeest migration, which takes place in September and October. The area is 1510 km 2. Located in the East African Rift System, stretching from the Red Sea to South Africa. The landscape of the Masai Mara is a grassy savanna with acacia groves in the southeast. The western border of the reserve is formed by one of the slopes of the rift valley, and it is here that most of the animals live, since the swampy terrain guarantees access to water. The eastern border is located 220 km from Nairobi, which is the most visited by tourists.

Masai Mara is best known for its lions, which live here in large numbers. The most famous pride of lions, which is called the swamp pride, lives here. Observation of him, according to unofficial data, has been conducted since the late 1980s. In the early 2000s, a record was registered for the number of individuals in one pride - 29 lions. The reserve is home to endangered cheetahs, mainly due to the annoyance factor from tourists interfering with their daytime hunting. . The Masai Mara has the largest population of leopards in the world. All other animals of the "Big Five" also live in the reserve. The black rhino population is critically endangered, with only 37 individuals recorded in 2000. hippos large groups live in the rivers Mara and Talek. Wildebeest constitute the largest population among the animals of the reserve. Every year, around July, these animals migrate in huge herds north from the Serengeti plains in search of fresh grass, and in October they return back to the south. Other antelopes also live in the Masai Mara: Thomson's gazelle, Grant's gazelle, impala, topi, etc. Zebras and giraffes also live. Masai Mara is a major research center spotted hyena. More than 450 species of birds have been recorded in the reserve.

Kruger National Park Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa and one of the largest national parks in the world. Its area is 19,485 square kilometers. It is also the first national park in South Africa, which was opened in 1926, although the territory of the park has been protected by the state since 1898. The park is located in the east of the former Transvaal province between the Limpopo and Crocodile rivers (now the park is part of the provinces of Mpumalanga and Limpopo). In the east, the park borders on Mozambique. The total length of the park from north to south is 340 km. The three main parts of the park (northern, central and southern) are formed by the Ulifants and Sabie rivers. The climate in the park is subtropical, the rainy season is usually from October to March (inclusive)

On the territory of the Kruger Park, the vegetation of the park savannah is characterized by light forests, dry deciduous forests, and cereals. Part of the park located north of the river Ulifants, is a veld mopane, while South part is a tornveld. 17 out of 47 tree species protected by the state grow in the park. Elephants, hippos, giraffes, rhinos, lions, leopards, Nile crocodiles, 17 species of antelopes live. According to the park management, about 1,500 lions, 12,000 elephants, 2,500 buffaloes, 1,000 leopards and 5,000 rhinos (both white and black) live on its territory.

Park Mammals Nyala African Elephants Leopard Warthog White Rhino African Buffalo

Birds of the park More than 400 species of birds live in the park. Silver Eagle Brown-headed Kingfisher Toko Tockus leucomelas Buffoon Eagle Guinea Fowl Roller Roller

From snow-covered heights to the scorched land of the Bushveld, from subtropical beaches to the Kalahari Desert... South Africa is a territory where the incongruous combines in an unimaginable way. The best landscapes and the most fascinating places are concentrated in the country's parks and reserves. It is here that it is best to get acquainted with wildlife, enjoying its pristine purity and untouchedness.

http://www.krasnayakniga.ru/taza-nacionalnyy-park https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%94%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B0%D0%BD_%D0% 91%D1%80%D1%8E%D1%81%D0%B0#/media/File:Ein_klippschliefer.jpg http://goodnewsanimal.ru/news/afrikanskij_gryzun_gundi/2013-05-08-3241 https://ru .wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9A%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%BB http://womanadvice.ru/nacionalnyy-park-cavo http: //phototravelguide.ru/nacionalnye-parki-zapovedniki/masai-mara-keniya/ http://phototravelguide.ru/nacionalnye-parki-zapovedniki/ngorongoro/

Africa has the largest number of national parks among all the continents of the planet. If you are interested in national parks and want to fully enjoy this magnificent form of tourism, recreation and wildlife exploration, then you definitely need to pack backpacks for the "black continent". Just imagine: thousands and tens of thousands various kinds animals, insects, fish and birds are protected here. In Africa, there are not only national parks, but also nature reserves, as well as simply natural objects. In this article, we will highlight only the largest and most famous of the worthy ones. This will be an introductory article about natural complexes Africa, and about specific parks, read separate materials on our website.

National parks and reserves in Africa located in different climatic zones. Despite the fact that Africa has the glory of the hottest continent, even subarctic conditions are found here - on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, for example, where the snow does not melt even in summer, and the mountain stands almost on the equator! The continent has tropical jungle with an abundance of rain and dried-up deserts (Sahara, Kalahari), endless savannahs, along which zebras and antelopes rush, and soft subtropics ideal for human life.

Kilimanjaro reserve

Kilimanjaro stands out among other national parks and reserves in Africa in that it is located on the mountain of the same name - the highest point in Africa, and therefore can offer tourists a rich variety of natural conditions. The mountain rises to 5895 meters above sea level, and is the only place in Africa where you can freeze at any time of the year. Yes, freeze in Africa! Sounds crazy, but it's true nonetheless.

Kilimanjaro is an inactive volcano. A snow cap wraps its top, and under it a riot of vegetation begins. The forests of Kilimanjaro are home to many species of animals and birds that are on the verge of extinction. The territory of Kilimanjaro consists of the actual national park with an area of ​​75,350 hectares, and the reserve that surrounds it and has an area of ​​107,830 hectares.

Kilimanjaro, due to the large elevation difference, has various vegetation zones. They are layered on top of each other like a pie. To a height of up to 1 - 1.6 km (depending on which slope we are talking about - northern or southern), savannahs extend. Here you can enjoy foothill forests and no less picturesque subalpine swamps. From 1.3 km to 2.8 km, the surface of the mountain is covered with beautiful mountain forests. Just from a height of 2.7 km, the territory of the Kilimanjaro National Park begins. Above there are meadows, and shortly before the summit there is a real African tundra (Sadle Plateau). The summit itself is covered with snow and glaciers, which struck foreign travelers in their time. In just a couple of days you are out of the sultry tropical Africa you find yourself in a rare, super-exotic and unexpected snowy Africa. Don't forget to take gloves.

Distinctive features of Kilimanjaro:

  • location on the slopes of the mountain, hence the richest variety of vegetation;
  • the only snowy place in Africa;
  • combination with mountaineering (climbing to the highest point of the continent);
  • rare endangered species of flora.


When a Russian-speaking person is asked what national parks and reserves of Africa he knows, after Kilimanjaro, most people will call the Serengeti. This word seems to be unknown, but from somewhere far away it gives off a rhythmic beat of drums and loud tunes.

Serengeti is located in Tanzania, and is almost the oldest national park in Africa. It is primarily known for its wild animal migrations. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeests, striped zebras and predators running after them appear before the gaze of a stunned observer. Such greatness of nature is in the palm of your hand.

Actually, the Serengeti Park itself was created around the territory where the Migration takes place (and it stretches, by the way, for more than 1000 km), and this is its distinguishing feature.

Unlike Kilimanjro, the Serengeti is a flat, treeless space, almost the exact opposite of the first park. The realm of the savannas, interspersed with picturesque meadows among rocks sticking out of the ground.

In addition, in the Serengeti, the confrontation of populations along the “predator-prey” line is exposed to the highest degree. It is here, in the most favorable and shocking conditions, that an outside observer can see all the features of hunting one another.

  • flat expanses;
  • unparalleled migration;
  • "predator-prey".


Forests of the Bwindi Reserve

One of the most forested places in Africa. Located in the state of Uganda, and covers an area of ​​331 sq. km. For comparison, there are several states in Europe that have a smaller area. Here, all these three hundred and thirty kilometers are covered with impenetrable jungles, in which there are a huge variety of animal species. But, above all, this park is known for mountain gorillas, of which 50% of the total population on the planet lives here (however, unfortunately, it is still a very small number). Bwindi will become a real dream destination for butterfly connoisseurs, as there are a lot of endemic species here.

  • the woods;
  • gorillas;
  • inaccessibility.

Kruger National Park


Elephant against the backdrop of the typical scenery of the Kruger Park

One of the largest national parks and reserves not only in Africa, but throughout the world. Its area is almost 19.5 thousand square kilometers! In addition, the Kruger Park is the oldest in South Africa, it has been operating since the distant 1926. Remember the Limpopo River? She is here.

The main feature of the reserve is the richest species diversity of animals represented on the continent. This is facilitated by the division of the park into internal sections, each of which has its own set of species. If you want more comfort, then you need to focus on the southern part of the territory, it is more equipped. For lovers of pristine beauty, the north is suitable. In general, the park has a network of roads of excellent quality, a whole infrastructure for car travelers has been created - parking lots, car camping, cafes. By the way, you can rent a car. Even getting to the Kruger Park is not difficult - there is an airport nearby.

  • the richest species diversity of fauna;
  • huge area;
  • infrastructure for a comfortable visit.


Entrance to Tsavo National Park

One of the largest national parks in the world. The Tsavo reserve occupies an impressive territory of 22 thousand square kilometers, and is noticeable even on the general map of Kenya, on the territory of which it is located. The park is so huge that even a railway line was launched through its territory, which connects the capital region with the coast.

The railway divides the object into 2 territories - western and eastern, and each of them is considered independently in a certain sense. As in the case of the Kruger Park, there is a more civilized and rich infrastructure part - the western part, and a wilder part - the eastern one.

In Tsavo, as in many national parks and reserves in Africa, a whole system of visitor services has been created. Comfortable hotels and guides working here on a permanent basis are at your service. If you wish, you can participate in an extensive excursion throughout the territory of Tsavo.

  • huge territory;
  • choice of "packages" of rest - from civilized to wild.

Small national parks and reserves in Africa

Of course, the word "small" is rather conditional here, since almost all African reserves are large objects with great tourist value.

Aberdare is a Kenyan mountain park nestled in the mountains of the same name. As a consequence of his geographical location, Aberdare offers tourists stunning landscapes and all the charms of the mountain landscape: elevation changes, waterfalls, rock outcrops to the surface, mountain forests of trees of unimaginable sizes, grassy meadows and, of course, impenetrable tropical jungle. 3 kilometers above sea level - for your pleasure.

The Volcanic National Park in Rwanda is an example of a classic, relatively small, but extremely beautiful African national park. As its name suggests, it is located in a mountainous area with a history of volcanic activity, at an altitude of 2.5 to 4.5 km. Despite the fact that military and partisan actions have recently taken place here, the tourist service is well developed in the park - there is where to live in comfort, there is a choice of excursions.

Chobe is an elephant park in Botswana. This is one of the few natural parks in Africa that has a specialization in animal species, in this case, elephants. Conducted animal counts show that elephants are here ... several tens of thousands! And if you want to see at the same time most of them, then come to Chobe in May-September, and then you will see how these good giants gather in thousands at the watering place.

Output

African national parks and reserves are a whole source of income for many countries, a real business, a source of their pride. The tourist will be offered a developed infrastructure, many opportunities for recreation. Therefore, if you are planning to comfortably visit such sites, you need to prepare for them as for a real tour, each stage of which will have its own cost. Of course, with self-organization of travel and visits to wilder, undeveloped places in nature reserves, you can significantly reduce your costs.

Africa is a continent where you can enjoy the greatness of pristine nature. Man here had only a limited impact on the surrounding world, and the desire to preserve and highlight their own dignity has allowed many African countries to create the most beautiful natural objects and complexes that are of great interest to the seeking nature.

Africa is a unique, incredibly beautiful continent with which no other corner of the planet can be compared. We want to tell you about what national parks and reserves are in Africa, where the main heritage of the continent in the field of flora and fauna is concentrated and preserved.

Main national parks and reserves

Consider the features, attractions and locations of major reserves and national parks in Africa.

Kruger and Bwindi National Parks in Africa

The oldest natural park in Republic of South Africa and one of the largest nature reserves in Africa.
Bears the name of S. J. P. Kruger- President of the country from 1880 to 1900, who first put forward the idea of ​​​​creating a reservation in order to protect wildlife and limit hunting. Later, in 1926, the first national natural park in the country was created on the site of the reserve.
The park is known for its historical artifacts - on its territory they found traces of an ancient species of people - Homo erectus - 500 years ago, the remains of dwellings, more than 100 places with rock paintings.
The territory of the Kruger Park is home to a variety of wild animals of 150 species, their concentration here is the highest on the continent. There are also about 420 species of birds in the park.
The type of vegetation here is more characteristic of a savanna with little forest cover.
The Kruger Nature Reserve includes several small private parks, such as, for example. Its feature is a professionally organized safari. Here everything happens calmly and measuredly, there is no large flow of tourists. Service - on high level. The only downside is the rather high price.

bwindi national park in a wooded mountainous area in southwestern Uganda with an area of ​​330 sq. km near the border with the Congo. The relief of the park is mountainous, in some places flat, there are several small rivers.
Basically, the territory of Bwindi is an impenetrable jungle.
The climate here is typical for the jungle - pronounced tropical.
The biological system of the park is rich in diversity living here:

  • animals - about 150 species;
  • birds - 350 species;
  • butterflies - about 200 species.

The main living attraction of Bwindi is mountain gorillas, almost half of the entire terrestrial population of this animal species lives here.
The local flora is also interesting - more than 200 species of plants. There are about 100 varieties of ferns alone here.

Rwenzori and Virunga National Parks in Africa

Rwenzori is a nature reserve located in the mountain range of the same name in Uganda.
In Rwenzori are:

  • one of the highest mountain peaks of the continent - Margherita - 5100 m high;
  • several lakes and waterfalls;
  • glaciers on mountain tops.

The most famous and largest river in Africa, the Nile, originates on the territory of the reserve.
The park is rich in magnificent saturated vegetation.
Among the animals in the reserve there are enough rare species, for example, some species of primates.
The gorilla watching tour is popular.

Virunga National Park(until 1962 - Albert Park) is located in a mountainous area in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa near the border with Uganda. The area of ​​the reserve is about 8000 sq. km.
The nature reserve in these places was created in 1925 - during the colonization of the DR Congo by Belgium (1908-1960) - and was originally named after the Belgian King Albert I.
The territory of the park can be divided into three geographical parts:

  • northern, where the Rwenzori mountain range is located;
  • central with flat terrain and Lake Edward;
  • the southern one is directly the Virunga mountain complex with several volcanoes, including active ones.

Nature in all parts of the park is very diverse, with unique landscapes, rich animals and flora. Many species of birds (more than 700) live here permanently or come for wintering.
The main inhabitants of the Virunga Park are mountain gorillas, which mainly live on the slopes of the mountains.

Garamba and Salonga National Parks in Africa

Garamba Reserve located in the northeastern part of the DR Congo near the border with Sudan.
The area of ​​the park is 4.5 thousand square meters. km is occupied by savannas, tropical forests and meadows.
Garamba is famous for the northern white rhinoceros living here - a subspecies of the rhinoceros, which practically disappeared in the 80s of the last century and is considered close to extinction now.
The reserve also boasts a large colony of elephants and giraffes.

Salonga. Another one from nature reserves The DR Congo is located in the Congo Basin, and tourists can only get into the park by water.
The park was created to protect the rainforest.
The diversity of the animal and feathered world here is not as great as in other reserves, but it is quite interesting in its composition. Here you can find:

  • bonobo primates living only in these places;
  • gray African parrot (Jaco) and Zairian peacocks;
  • narrow-faced African crocodile.

Cameo National Park and Nyasa Reserve

Cameo National Park in Angola, which has been such since 1957.
The area of ​​the park is relatively small - 1500 sq. m. This is a predominantly flat area, with small forests and thickets of shrubs and reeds.
Several rivers flow on the territory of the reserve, which have influenced the structure of the relief of the parks, and also periodically flood its territory. Also in the reserve are lakes, one of which - Dilolu - is the largest in Angola.
Such saturation of water bodies predetermined saturation in the adjacent territories a large number aquatic bird species.
Of the mammals on the territory of the Cameo Park, the most common species of antelopes are found.

Nyasa - nature reserve, including the lake of the same name and the surrounding area. It is located on a plateau at an altitude of about 1400 m above sea level.
Lake Nyasa was formed as a result of filling with water a huge depression (depth - more than 700 m) between the states of Tanzania, Mozambique and Malawi. Its total length is 590 km.
The coastal relief is diverse: from plains and beaches to mountains descending directly into the water of the lake.
One and a half dozen local rivers flow into the lake, which feed it with fresh water.
In the waters of this huge lake lives big number species of fish - about 1000, as well as crocodiles.
On the Mozambican side of the lake, near the border with Tanzania, there is a reserve with more than 400 species of birds, with a traditionally developed animal population.
Tourism in the Nyasa reserve is most developed from Mozambique and Malawi, where you can have fun by staying on one of the islands.

Kilimanjaro National Park in Africa

The reserve is located in the northern part of Tanzania and is famous for its highest point Africa - Mount Kilimanjaro (5895 m).
Kilimanjaro is the first and main attraction of the park. Many come here just to climb one of the three peaks along the routes developed for this. Climbing some of them is relatively easy, the only difficulty is the acclimatization process, because to get to the top, you need to cross several climatic zones.
Climbing is best planned for any time of the year except for the rainy season (October-November, March-April).
Climbing the mountain, tourists can see:

  • a unique attraction - the snowy peak of the mountain and the glacier in the middle of Africa;
  • the stunning sight of an extinct volcano crater;
  • several beautiful mountain lakes;
  • a mountain plateau that connects two peaks of a mountain.

The vegetation of the park is very rich and diverse, as it changes along with the change of climatic zones when climbing to the top.
At the base of the mountains there are picturesque tropical forests and savannah; several interesting hiking trails for tourists have been developed here.

Serengeti and Ngorongoro National Parks

Southeast of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is another of the famous national reserves of Africa - Serengeti. By the way, Tanzania is the country where Africa has the most nature reserves.
The area is more than 15 thousand square meters. km, it is the largest in the country.
The ecosystem of this reserve is the least affected by human activities.
The huge plateau on which the park is located is home to many varieties of animals and birds. It is very interesting to watch them, for example, during a safari.
Particularly impressive are the spectacles of animal migration during periods of drought, when endless living strings move, passing a total of thousands of kilometers.

Central attraction Ngorongoro Reserve in Tanzania, formerly part of the Serengeti park, is considered an extinct destroyed crater of an ancient volcano.
Its dimensions are amazing:

  • diameter - more than 20 km;
  • depth - 610 m;
  • total area - 270 sq. km.

It is interesting that a unique biosystem has formed in the crater - many species of animals living here have never been outside of it. The total number of animals inhabiting the crater exceeds 25 thousand.
Inside the crater is an unusual Lake Magadi - salty, formed by hot springs.
The lake is home to several interesting bird species, including flamingos, herons, and pelicans.
On the slope near the crater is the grave of German zoologists Bernhard and Mikael Grzimek, who made a huge contribution to the study, preservation and popularization of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro parks.

Rungwa Game Reserve, Masai Mara and Selous

Rungwa- Another of the national parks of Africa in Tanzania, the second in terms of area.
Several riverbeds stretch across the territory of the park, the largest of them - Ruaha - with whirlpools and picturesque backwaters. Some of the rivers are very dry.
Such saturation with water bodies predetermined the diversity of flora and fauna living in Rungwa.
It should be noted the difficult passability of these places, which made it possible to keep the biosystem of the reserve practically untouched. Walking is allowed in some parts of the park.

Selous Reserve. The largest nature reserve in Tanzania and on the continent - its area is about 45,000 square meters. km, named after the British traveler and explorer F.K. Selous.

  1. The Rufiji River runs through the park.
  2. More than 2,000 species of plants and trees grow in the park, as well as large tracts of mangrove forests.
  3. Variety of birds - more than 400 species.
  4. Animals living in the park are typical representatives African savannah, although Selous has record-breaking numbers of buffaloes, elephants and hippos.
  5. Hunting safaris are held in the southern half of the park.

Masai Mara National Park located in Kenya, in its southwestern part.
The park has become a natural extension of the nearby Serengeti reserve.
Masai Mara got its name from the Masai people, whose tribes historically settled in this territory, near the Mara River. The park is a savannah overgrown with grass and shrubs, swampy in places, with acacia groves.
Like the Serengeti, the Masai Mara is famous for the spectacular migrations of its numerous animal species.
There is a colossally large population of wildebeest - more than a million heads, as well as lions and leopards.
Hippos and crocodiles are often found in local rivers.
Tourists are more popular with the eastern sector of the reserve, which is territorially located closer to the capital of the country - Nairobi (220 km).

Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks in Africa

Tsavo park in Kenya, one of the world's largest natural parks (area - 20,000 sq. km).
The landscape of the park is predominantly savanna, covered with shrubs, swampy in places.
Several rivers flow through the territory, the largest is Galana, sometimes there are lakes, springs gushing out of the ground and small waterfalls.
The park is famous for its diverse wildlife, as well as an abundance of birds, and here you can meet quite rare animals.
From the point of view of tourism, the eastern part of the Tsavo reserve with a tourist center in the town of Voy is the most developed.
In the western part of the park, tourists flock to the village of Mtitto Andey.

Amboseli Park is located in the southeast of Kenya near the border with Tanzania. Relatively small in size - 400 sq. km.
From the territory of this reserve, the snow-white peak of Kilimanjaro and its picturesque surroundings are clearly visible. Amboseli is known for its large population of elephants - about 900 heads, it is even called the "land of elephants".
Hiking is allowed in Amboseli, provided that they are accompanied by an armed guide.

Etosha National Parks (video) and Kafue

A large (more than 22,000 sq. Km) nature reserve in Namibia, located near the northern edge of the Kalahari Desert, one of the largest national parks in South Africa.
Part of the territory of Etosha Park is occupied by the salt plateau of the same name.
Etosha Park serves as a habitat for many species of living creatures - mammals and birds, among which quite rare ones, such as rhinos, can be found.

The fauna of the desert is extremely diverse. Especially if we are talking about Namibia. Among the inhabitants of the Namib Desert are a variety of antelopes (springboks, oryxes, kudu, dig-digs and others), huge desert elephants, giraffes, zebras, leopards, lions, etc. Enjoy watching!

Kafue- the largest natural reserve in Zambia. Named after one of the rivers flowing through its territory. The Kafue is the largest river in Zambia, with rapids, whirlpools and even small waterfalls along its course.

Another attraction of the park is the Itezhe-Tezhe dam, which blocks the Kafue River and was built to collect water from the reservoir and power the local power plant.
I want to note that almost all of the listed national parks are included in the UNESCO list of natural monuments - World Heritage Sites. Unfortunately, the situation around some large reserves in Africa (for example, Virunga or Kameya) is quite complicated due to conflicts and military actions periodically arising on their territory or in the vicinity, as well as due to harmful economic activity person. Perhaps it is already necessary to stop and stop making nature a hostage of human greed and irresponsibility? What do you think?