Selous Game Reserve

Background

The Selous Game Reserve is one most endowed faunaand flora reserves of the world, located in Morogoro South of Tanzania with an area of  44,800 km², about 395 km from Dar es Salaam. It coordinates: 9°0′S 37°24′E

Google map

Highlights

The reserve has the following estimated populations;

• Buffalo 204,015
• Elephants 106,300
• 52,000 hippo
• 4,000 lions
• 100,000 wildebeest,
• Sable Antelope 7,000
• 35,000 zebra,
• 25,000 impala
• Black rhinoceros 2,135
• Lichtenstein’s hartebeest 52,150
• 350 bird species
• Significant herds of giraffe, cheetah, greater kudu, waterbuck, bushbuck, and eland.

Endangered wildlife

Sanctuary for the following endangered animals;

• African wild dog
• Black rhinoceros
• Puku antelope.

In addition, there is also a large number of Nile crocodile (Crocodilus niloticus) and species of birds, including the endemic Udzungwa forest partridge and the rufous winged sunbird.

Caves

Amboni Caves

The ten Amboni limestone caveslocated about 8 km north of Tanga are  believed to have been formed during the Jurassic Age some 150 million years ago and  are the most extensive cave system in East Africa.

Boat Ride

The visitor can enjoy boat ride on Rufiji River which is navigable for over 100km.

Hot Springs

Maji Moto hot spring is located in Rufiji with waters bubbling from the hot springs at some 60°C.

It coordinates are 7°15’0″ S and 31°22’60” E in DMS (Degrees Minutes Seconds)

Stieglers George

Hydro power dam from the Stiegler’s Gorge in the Rufiji Basin is expected to generate 2100MW when completed.

Accommodation around the National Park

Hotel/ Lodge	Contact
The Retreat Selous	P.O. Box 13757 Dar es Salaam Tel: +255 783 213 951 http://www.retreat-africa.com/contact.html
Selous Serena Camp	Tel: +254 20 2842 000 http://www.serenahotels.com/serenaselous/default-en.html
Selous Great Water Lodge	16km from the Mtemere Park Gate, Tanzania (Formerly Big 5 Lodge) Tel: +255 684 651 337 Email: info@selouslodge.co.tz http://www.selouslodge.co.tz/
Selous River Camp	Border of the Selous Game Reserve/Mloka Village, Rufiji River, Tanzania Tel:  +255 784 237 525 http://www.selousrivercamp.com/
Sable Mountain Lodge	P.O. Box 40525 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Tel: +255 22 2110507/ +255 713 323318: E-mail: info@tentwithaview.com http://www.selouslodge.com/
Selous Mbega Camp	P. O. Box 23443 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Tel: +255 22 2650250 Email: info@selous-mbega-camp.com Website: www.selous-mbega-camp.com
Jimbiza Lodge (Selous)	Rufiji River | Mloka Village, Tanzania Tel: +255 22 261 8057

 

Kruger NationalPark

Background

The Park is located within 405 km fromJohannesburg and is one of the largest game reserves in Africa covering 20,000km2. It Coordinates: 24.0114° S, 31.4853° E

Google map

Highlights

The key physical features include Waterberg Mountain, Matiyovila and Tshalungwa hot springs

The park boasts of diverse wildlife including the Big Five and has the following estimated wildlife populations.

• African Buffalos 27,000
• Elephants 11,672
• Hippopotamus 3,000
• Leopard 2,000
• Blue Wildebeest 9,612
• Black Rhinoceros 350
• Zebras 17,797
• Cheetah 120
• Giraffes 5,000
• 114 species of reptile, including black mamba and
• 3,000 crocodiles

Venda and Gazankulu

Venda and Gazankulu Villages are small rural societies northeast of the park known for handicrafts.

Caves

The Echo Caves are located 15 kilometers west of the Strydom Tunnel in the Molopong Valley area of Kruger National Park.The Echo Caves are some of the oldest known caves in the world, and visitors can still see etchings and rock engravings made by the ancient civilizations that once inhabited the caves.

The Waterberg Mountains

In the west of Kruger National Park lies the Waterberg Mountain

Pietersburg

In the middle of the park is Pietersburg, which is the capital of the area, a home of Bakone Malapa museum located south of the city centre., depicting the rich culture of BaSotho people of South Africa.

Accommodation around/in Kruger National Park

Hotel/Lodge	Contact
Toro Yaka Bush Lodge	Sable Road, Kruger National Park, South Africa Tel:+27 82 308 5763 E-mailinfo@toroyaka.co.za http://www.toroyaka.co.za/
Londolozi Private Game Reserve	Londolozi, Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Kruger National Park 1350, South Africa Tel: +27 11 280 6655 E-mailreservations@londolozi.com http://www.londolozi.com/en/
Singita Lebombo Lodge	Kruger National Park Tel: +27 21 683 3424;+27 (0)13 735 5500 E-mail: enquiries@singita.com. http://singita.com/lebombo-lodge/
Orpen Rest Camp	At Orpen Gate, Kruger National Park, South Africa Tel: +27 13 735 6355
Mopani Rest Camp	Kruger National Park, Shongololo Loop, Kruger Park 1350, South Africa Tel: +27 21 468 7249
Hoyo-Hoyo Tsonga Lodge	P.O. Box 196, Kruger National Park, 1350, South Africa Tel: +27 13 735 8915
Protea Hotel	Kruger Gate on Sabi River at the Paul Kruger Gate | Portia Shabangu Rd, Skukuza 1350, South Africa
Elephant Plains Game Lodge	Sabi Sand Game Reserve | Greater Kruger National Park, Kruger National Park 1380, South Africa
Kapama Karula	R40, Kapama Private Game Reserve | Kruger Park, Kruger National Park 1380, South Africa Tel: +27 12 368 0600 E-mail: res@kapama.co.za http://www.kapama.co.za/kapama-karula/
Tinga Hotel	Kruger National Park, P. O. Box 88, Skukuza 1350, Kruger National Park 1350, South Africa Hotel amenities
Imbali Safari Lodge	Orpen Gate, Skukuza 1350, South Africa Tel:+27 13 735 8915
Lukimbi Safari Lodge	Southern part of the Kruger National Park, Malelane 1320, South Africa Tel:+27 11 431 1120

 

Murchison Falls National Park

Background

Murchison Falls National Park is located in Masindi District in western Uganda and in Nwoya District in northern Uganda covering an area of 3,840 km². The park is situated approximately 300 kilometres by road, northwest of Kampala, Uganda’s capital city.

It coordinates: 2.2500° N, 31.8000° E

Google maps

  

Highlights

The park is bisected by the Victoria Nile from east to west for a distance of about 115 kilometres. It is home to the four of the “big five” i.e. Buffalos, elephants, lions, leopards and over 400 birds.

Famous people who have visited

• Winston Churchill visited Murchison Falls National Park in 1907
• United States President Theodore Roosevelt visited Murchison Falls National Park in 1909
• Queen Elizabeth visited Murchison Falls National Park in 1959

Murchison Falls

The park is a home of Murchison Falls where the water of the Nile forces its way through a gap in the rocks of only 7 metres wide, and tumbles 43 metres , then flows westward into Lake Albert.

In water volume terms 300 cubic metres per second (11,000 ft³/s) of water squeezes through the gap of 7 meters wide. The falls is one of the most powerful surges of water found anywhere in the world.

Karuma Dam

It is adjacent to the Masindi-Gulu Highway to Karuma Falls and  the location of the proposed  600 MW Karuma Power station, Uganda’s largest hydropower station that is currently under construction.

Nile River

Boat riding on Nile River enables Visitors to see falls and animals at close range.

Rabongo and Kaniyo Pabidi forests

These are 8 kilometers inside Kichumbar Gate and are a home to primates, chimpanzees and birds.

Sport Fishing

Sport Fishing is conducted at the base of Murchison Falls

Campfire Performances

Mubako Cultural Campfire Performances

Accommodation in Murchison Falls National Park

Hotel/Lodge	Contact
Masindi
Masindi Hotel	Tel: +256 465 420023/ +256 772 420130 Email: masindihotel@gmail.com www.masindihotel.com
New Court View Hotel	Tel: +256 465 420461/ +256 752 446463/ +256 772 799969 Email: courtview@utlonline.co.ug Website: www.traveluganda.co.ug/newcourtview
Paraa and Central Murchison
GeoLodges Nile Safari Lodge	Tel: +256 414 258273, +256 312 260758 Email:info@geolodgesafrica.com, reservations@geolodgesafrica.com www.geolodgesafrica.com
Paraa Safari Lodge (UWA Concession)	Tel: +256 312 260260/1, +256 414 255992 Email:mweyaparaa@africaonline.co.ug, reservations@marasa.net www.paraalodge.com
Rest Chilli Rest Camp (UWA Concession)	Tel:+256 414 223903/ +256 772 709150 www.redchillihideaway.com
Sambiya River Lodge (UWA Concession)	Tel: +256 414 233596 Email: reservations@sambiyariverlodge.com www.sambiyariverlodge.com,
GeoLodgesShoebill Camp Site	Tel: +256 414 258273, +256 312 260758 Email:info@geolodgesafrica.com, reservations@geolodgesafrica.com www.geolodgesafrica.com
Yebo Safari Camp	Tel: +256 465420029/ +256 772637493/ +256 701 637493 Email: yebotours2002@yahoo.com www.traveluganda.co.ug
Northern and Eastern Murchison
Chobe Safari Lodge (UWA Concession)	Tel: +256 312 260260/1, +256 414 255992 Email:mweyaparaa@africaonline.co.ug, reservations@marasa.net www.chobelodgeuganda.com
Murchison Safari Lodge	Tel: +256 412 74767/+256 772 430587 Email: backpackers@infocom.co.ug Website: www.backpackers.co.ug
Kaniyo Pabidi Forest
Boomu Women´s Group Bandas	Tel: +256 772 930304, +256 772 657700 Email: info@pearlsofuganda.org www.pearlsofuganda.org
Budongo Ecolodge (UWA Concession)	Tel: +256 414 267153 Mobile: +256 772 426368 Email:info@ugandalodges.comwww.ugandalodges.com

 

Hwange National Park

Background

Hwange National Park is the largest game reserve in Zimbabwe area of 14,651km2 located in Hwange 598 Km from Harare capital.It is home to the big five.

It coordinates:18.7350° S, 26.9550° E.

Google map

Highlights

Hwange is world famous for its 30,000 elephants, making it one of the few great elephant sanctuaries left in Africa, and is thought to be one of the largest populations of African wild dog left in the world. Hwange is home to over 400 species of birds and over 100 species of mammals.

Caves

Redcliff Cave near Gweru

 Springs

• Chawato Springs, a mineral spring north-west of Sinamatella on the Bumbusi road
• Dabashure (Dobashura) Spring, a mineral spring west of Sinamatella
• Tshakabika Hot Springs, a thermal spring east of Sinamatella

Bumbusi National Monument

The Bumbusi National Monument, comprising ruins and rock carvings, is located on the northern edge of the park.

Zambezi River

Its northern reaches are within 100 km of the Zambezi River that pours to Victoria falls.

Has been harnessed for power on Kariba Dam and provides opportunities for boat riding and sport fishing.

Big Toms & Little Toms 

These are viewing hides which provide excellent game viewing opportunities and are named for the farms of Harold Robins who bequeathed his land to the Park in 1939.

Salt Pans

• Ngamo Pan located in the southeast corner of the Park
• Ngweshla Pan

Accommodation around Hwange National Park

Hotel/ Lodge	Contact
The Hide	P.O. Box HG261, Hwange National Park Harare, Zimbabwe Tel: +263 4 498835-6/ +263 77 472 4412 E-mail: corrie@thehide.co.zw http://www.thehide.com/
Somalisa Camp	Hwange National Park, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe Tel: +263 9 234 307 Email: advisor@africanbushcamps.com http://www.africanbushcamps.com/camps-and-safaris/zimbabwe-safari-camps/somalisa-camp-in-hwange/?utm_campaign=tripadvisor&ut
Bomani Tented Lodge	Ngamo Village, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe Tel: +263 9 656 47
Kapula Private Camp	Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe Tel: +27 72 890 1026 Email: stay@kapulacamp.com http://www.kapulacamp.com/
Miombo Safari Camp	Dete Annex Tel: 263 71 2640357/ 263 77 5174523 http://www.miombosafaricamp.com/

 

 Chobe National Park

Background

Chobe National Park is located in Chobe North West of Botswana covering an area of 11,700km², located about 679 km from Gaborone the capital city of Botswana.

It coordinates:18.18.6667° S, 24.5000° E.

Google map

 

Highlights

It is a home to the four of the big five i.e. elephants, lions, leopards and buffalo and is widely known for its spectacular elephant population i.e. estimated 120,000 elephants, being the highest elephant concentration of Africa and is also endowed with Chobe Riverfront, the Ngwezumba pans, Savuté, Linyanti

Chobe River

Boat riding on Chobe River, watching wildlife like hippos at close range

Hot Springs

Kasane Hot Springs located in between Kasane and Kazungula.

Fishing

There are designated fishing points on the banks of Chobe River within the Park.

The Crocodile Farm

The Crocodile Farm is located in Kazungula village approximately 12km from Kasane.

Golf Course

There is a nine hole golf course at Mowana Lodge 5 minute drive from the park.

Savute and Linyati

Savute and Linyati are wildlife reserves adjacent to Chobe National Park, Savute is bisected by the Savuti Channel and Linyati is a wildlife rich area just north of the Okavango Delta, fed by the Kwando River

Kasane

Kasane is a town in Botswana, close to Africa’s ‘Four Corners’, where four countries almost meet i.e. Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe and is known to be the location of the remarriage of Elizabeth Taylor (Hollywood’s Actress) to Richard Burton, in 1975.

Accommodation around Chobe National Park

Hotel/Lodge	Contact
Savute Elephant Camp	Savute Channel, Chobe National Park, Botswana Tel: +267 686 0302 www.savuteelephantcamp.com
Ngoma Safari Lodge	Overlooking the Chobe River, Chobe National Park 7800, Botswana Tel: +263 13 43201 E-mail: resweb@saflodge.co.zw http://www.africaalbidatourism.com/accommodation_detailed.html?vcode=2
Garden Lodge	President Ave Kasane Tel: +267 7164 6064 www.thegardenlodge.com
Chobe Chilwero Lodge	Airport Rd Kasane Chobe Riverfront Tel: +267 11 438 4650 www.sanctuarylodges.com
Chobe Safari Lodge	President Ave Kasane +267 625 0336 www.chobesafarilodge.com
Thebe River Camping	Kasane-Kazungula Rd Chobe Riverfront Kasane +267 625 0314 www.theberiversafaris.com
Tilodi Safari Lodge	Plot 151 RO, Lesoma Village, Chobe National Park, Botswana
Liya Guest Lodge	1198 Tholo Cres, Chobe National Park, Botswana

 

Etosha National Park

Background

Etosha National Park is a national park located in Ombika in the Kunene region in northwestern Namibia covering 22,270 km², located 415 km from Windhoek the capital city of Namibia.

It coordinates:18.9453° S, 15.8978° E. 

Google map

Highlights

The park is home to the Big Five, vast herds of gazelle and antelope and over 300 species of birds. The park boasts of diverse wildlife including the following animal populations.

• Elephants over 2000
• Lions 300
• Rhinos 300
• Giraffe 2000
• Dainty springbok 30,000

Etosha is home to more than 300 species of birds and large animals, among them the zebra, leopard, cheetah, kudu, black-faced impala and hyena.

Etosha pan

These are salt pans covering an area of over 23% of the Park that were discovered in 1851 by Explorers Charles John Andersson and Francis Galton.

Accommodation in Etosha National Park

Hotel/Lodge	Location
Okaukuejo Resort Camp	Etosha National Park West Gate Tel: 264 88 646 734/ +264 61 259 372 / +264 81 886 5788
Namatubis Guest Farm	south of the Anderson Gate P.O. Box 467, Outjo, Etosha National Park, Namibia
Dolomite Camp	Etosha National Park P.O. Box 2172 Otjiwarongo Namibia Tel: +264-67-304716 Email: info@namibiareservations.com http://www.namibiareservations.com/dolomite_camp.html
Onguma Bush Camp	P.O. Box 6784, Etosha National Park, Namibia
Uris Safari Lodge	Etosha National Park Namibia, Etosha National Park, Namibia
Epacha Game Lodge and Spa	P.O.Box 362 Outjo, Etosha National Park, Namibia
Onkoshi Camp	Etosha National Park, Namibia | Lodge

 

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Background

The park is located in Kasese District Western Region, Uganda and is about 350 km southwest of Kampala, the capital city of Uganda and 129 km from Fort Portal Town named after Queen Elizabeth II covering an area of 1,978 km2. It coordinates:0.2000° S, 30.0000° E.

Google map

Highlights

Wildlife

The park is a home to the world’s largest concentration of hippos, warthogs, buffalo, rare aquatic sitatunga antelope, giant forest hog, beautifully horned Uganda kob, topi, waterbuck, elephant, leopard, over 100 mammals and 600 bird species.

Kazinga Channel

There are two lakes in the park, Lake George and Lake Edward, which are connected by Kazinga Channel.

Katwe

The park is also famous for its volcanic features, comprising volcanic cones and deep craters, many with crater lakes such as Lake Katwe, from where traditional salt mining has been practiced since the 16th century.

Famous People who have visited the Park

• Queen Elizabeth in 1954
• Duke of Edinburgh in 2007

Maramagambo Forest

The national park includes the Maramagambo Forest which is a home to a number of chimpanzes and other monkey species

Boat riding

Boat riding can be done on the Kazinga Channelenabling visitors to see falls and animals at close range.

Mountain Rwenzori

The park stretches south of Rwenzori Mountains

Mweya Peninsula

The peninsula is the hub for tourism activity and accommodation in the central section of the park

Accommodation around Queen Elizabeth National Park

Hotel/Lodge	Location
Mweya Safari Lodge	Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge	In the middle of Queen Elizabeth National Park
Ishasha Wilderness Camp	3 km from the Mweya area of the Park
Margherita Hotel	3 km west of Kasese Town on the road to Kilembe
Rwenzori International Hotel	3 km from Kasese town
White House Hotel	In Kasese Town
Kingfisher Lodge Kichwamba	Outside of the park
Ishasha Ntungwe River Camp	Outside of the park
Jacana Safari Lodge	12 km off the main road from Katunguru to Mbarara set in the Maramagambo Forest

 

Odzala National Park

Background

Odzala National Park is located in MbomoCuvette-Ouest Region, North West of Republic of Congo covering an area of 13600 km2, located 800km from Brazzaville the Capital City of Republic of Congo.  It coordinates:0.8000° N, 14.9333° E

Google map

Highlights

It is estimated that there are between 170,000 and 300,000 chimpanzees left in the world. About 80 percent of the world’s chimpanzee population is found in Republic of Congo and is part of the world’s second largest expanse of tropical rainforest and holds Africa’s densest population of western lowland gorillas of over 90,000 and significant populations of forest elephant and over 300 birds.

Accommodation in Odzala National Park

Hotel/Lodge	Location
Odzala Lango Camp	South central Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo
Odzala Ngaga Camp	western boundary of Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo

 

Niassa Game Reserve

Background

Niassa Game Reserve is the largest protected area located in Mavago in Cabo Delgado Province and Niassa Province, northern Mozambique with an area of 42,000 square kilometers, 1646 kilometres from Maputo the capital city of Mozambique. It coordinates:11.8336° S, 36.8803° E.

Google map

Highlights

There is plenty of wildlife which include the following

• Elephants 16,000
• Buffalos 8,000
• Antelopes 12,000
• Endangered wild dogs of over 350
• Significant for an endangered mammal with a global population estimated at 8000
• lions, 400 birds and large populations of impala, wildebeest, zebra and leopards

Mecula Mountain

Itis also a home to Mecula Mountainrich in vegetation and is considered an important botanical area

Boat riding

Boat riding can be done on Lugenda River.

Accommodation in Niassa Game Reserve

Hotel/Lodge	location
Lugenda Wilderness Camp	Within Niassa Game Reserve
Nkwichi Lodge

 

Masai Mara National Park

Background

The Maasai Mara National Reserve  is a large game reserve  covering 1,500km2 located  in Narok County, 260 kilometers west of Kenya’s capital city Nairobi, contiguous with the Serengeti National Park in Mara Region, Tanzania. It is named in honor of the Maasai people and Mara River.

It coordinates: 1°29′24″S 35°8′38″E

Google map

Highlights

It is home to the Big Five namely; Leopards, Lions, Elephants, Buffalos and Rhinos.

The Maasai Mara is home to an excellent year-round concentration of game and is renowned for its annual visit by the two million animals that make up the Great Migration.

The Great Migration is one of the most impressive natural events worldwide, involving

• Gazelles 500,000
• Elephants 3000
• Zebras 200,000
• Topi 97,000
• Elands 18,000
• Lions 400
• Wildbeast 2,000,000

Other wildlife include Hippos, Cheetahs, Coke’s Hartebeest, Giraffe, Roan Antelope, Nocturnal Bat-Eared Fox, Hyenas, Baboons, Warthogs, Crocodiles, Buffalo, Leopard , Rhino (25-30 black rhinos) and between 400-700 bird species as well as 95 species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles.

Mara River

This possesses the Mara River Great Migration River Crossing Site where animals use this path during the great migration. This site is where most National Geographic and BBC footage comes from.

Maasai Village

This is a Maasai village near Oloolaimutiek gate of park, giving an opportunity to understand about Maasai culture.

Herbal Medicine

For those with an interest in traditional medicine, some of the camps, lodges and private ranches in and around the Mara can arrange for guests to learn more about the herbal medicines and rites of the Maasai.

Hot Air Ballooning

There are hot air balloon flights in the Park that give visitors a greater view of the park and its wildlife.

Accommodation around the National Park

Hotel/ Lodge	Contact
Porini Mara Camp	P.O Box 388-00621, Village Market,Nairobi. Tel: 0207123-129; 7122504; 7121-851/0722509200/ 0735335209 Email: info@porini.com www.porini.com
Sarova Mara Game Camp	P.O Box 855 Narok,Masai Mara, Kenya Tel: +254202716688
Fairmont Mara Safari Club	P.O Box 58581, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya Tel: +254 202265555
Masai Sopa lodge	P.O Box 72630,00200 Nairobi,Kenya Tel: +254-20-3750235/ +254-20-3616000 Email: info@sopalodges.co.ke
Keekorok Lodge	C14-KeekorokMasai Mara National Reserve,Masai Mara, 102124 Kenya Tel: 1-866-599-6674
Enkutoto Econtourism Village
Leganishu Maasai Cultural Homestay	Jason Tel: 714-575-0000 Email: Jason@28page.com
Masai Mara, Serena Safari Lodge	Masai Mara Game Reserve Tel: (+254)202842000/5022253 Email: cro@serena.co.ke

 

For more reading

http://www.africanbudgetsafaris.com/blog/africas-best-national-parks-by-country/

http://www.expertafrica.com/tanzania/selous-game-reserve

http://sleepout.com/nomad/top-10-national-parks-in-africa/

http://www.africanbudgetsafaris.com/blog/best-places-to-see-elephants-in-africa/

http://goafrica.about.com/od/africasafariguide/tp/toptensafaris.htm

http://www.etoshanationalpark.org/

http://www.places.co.za/html/chobe-national-park.html

http://www.biggameparks.org/hlane/

http://www.abercrombiekent.co.uk/congo/odzala/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murchison_Falls_National_Park

http://www.safaribookings.com/hwange/wildlife

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maasai_Mara