East Africa and South Africa are the main hubs of wildlife safaris on the African continent. Anyone considering an African wildlife safari, is often torn between south Africa and East Africa but each one has it own advantages over the other.
In East Africa, Kenya and Tanzania are the top Savannah national park giants however much Uganda also has something special to offer though still unknown. Below are the top five Savannah national parks in East Africa
Masai Mara Game Reserve
African Savannah wildlife safaris often rotate around the big five. These are the Elephant, Buffaloes, Rhinos, Lions and Leopards. It is these big five that make Masai Mara distinct from all the Savannah national parks and wildlife reserves in East Africa. Even though there are other places like Serengeti national park, and Ngorongoro conservation area; Masai Mara still edges both of them.
Masai Mara has an abundance of the big five. You cannot fail to spot the big five in Masai Mara and on top of that; the government of Kenya always repopulates animals in Masai Mara whenever the numbers drop. For instance; hyenas was repopulated in the same reserve.
Lake Manyara National Park
Many people who consider destination Tanzania are often lured by the icon of Serengeti national park. It is undeniable, Serengeti national park is one of the best savannah national parks not only in East Africa but also in the whole world but it has its cons. It is for that reason why Lake Manyara national park comes Second on our list of the top five Savannah national parks and reserves in East Africa.
Lake Manyara National park is one of the most strategically located national park in Arusha-Tanzania. It is very popular for the tree climbing lions. However on top of the tree climbing lions, the park offers sights for the African Elephants, hippos, baboons among several other wildlife species.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is another top but expensive safari destination in Tanzania. The reserve is also home to the Africa’s big five; the lion, leopard, Buffaloes, Elephants and Rhinos. On top of the big five; the park is home to large herds of Zebras and wildebeests.
The conservation area is made distinct by the herds of wildlife that usually come together to drink water on a hot day.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison falls national park is the biggest national park in Uganda. Though Uganda boasts of savannah national park like Queen Elizabeth National park, Kidepo valley national park, Lake Mburo national park among others; Murchison falls is set apart because of its large herds of wildlife, park size and the iconic Murchison falls.
The road conditions in the park have improved making it one of the easiest park to explore in Uganda. It is one of the most recommended national parks for self drive safaris in East Africa.
Serengeti National Park
The great Serengeti national park would have undeniably been the best national park in East Africa if it wasn’t for the road conditions and the park size. The park has large herds of wildebeests, Zebras, Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffaloes, Rhinos among several wildlife species.
Its park size requires you to drive very long distances in order to explore the national park. Unless you are the kind that really wants to earn your adventure, you should only consider Serengeti national park if you have enough time at your disposal. What usually happens, people tend to rush in Serengeti national park therefore it is very common to find several cars that have been broken down.
For honorable mentions, Kidepo valley national park is also one of the must visit national parks in East Africa.
