The largest nature reserve in Africa. 10 best national parks and reserves in Africa

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:45

The largest nature reserve in the world has appeared in Africa. It is called Kavango Zambezi. The complex is located on the borders of five states: Angola, 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. Kawang Zambezi is home to almost half of all elephants in Africa, more than 600 species of various plants and about 300 species of birds.

With the formation of conservation complexes such as Africa's transnational nature reserve called Kavango Zambezi (KAZA for short), endangered animal species that tend to migrate (elephants and rhinos) feel completely safe in a vast area the size of Sweden.

Tourist Paradise

There are many world-famous sights on this earth. For example, Victoria Falls. DespiteDespite 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, African reserves and national parks are the most important tourist sites for these countries. Thousands of tourists from all over the world come to this unique transboundary reserve every year.

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 from the total number of African elephants live in the protected area. 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 of amazing beauty are concentrated in nature 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 features countless picturesque meadows and pastures, riparian forests, and 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 wildlife 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, and 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 Dragon Mountains. The sharp peaks of the mountains here smoothly turn into green slopes, which are covered with bumps and bumps.

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. Tour routes last from one hour to several days.

During this walk you can enjoy the wild nature of these places. You can climb the steep slopes to the picturesque hills - Wolfberg Arch orM altese Cross. Tourists prefer to stay at the Sanddrift 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

National reserves of Africa 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 of the Limpopo River. In these places, giraffes and elephants, baboons and leopards leisurely stroll through the trees.

Mapungubwe is on 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 discover 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.

Green gentle slopes, above which rise hills of sandstone and limestone, make this place even more beautiful. The most famous of them is the Triple Rondavel rock, with its huge arches and semicircular peaks that resemble the roofs of rondavels (Africanhouses).

Natural reserves of Africa are best not to visit 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 world 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 go kayaking and watch wildlife.

Whale and rhinoceros can be seen in these places for one day. 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 besee 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 Transfrontier 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, you need to be careful - at any moment you can find yourself on the same path with a lion.

Table Mountain

The national park with such a strange name is located on the territory of the Cape Peninsula. From here you have a breathtaking view of Cape Town, the oldest city in South Africa.

There are many great opportunities for outdoor activities in this park. 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. Gorgeous view of the mountains in the raysthe 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.