Open grassland, endless savannahs, waterfalls, and volcanic mountains… Africa remains a natural mystery that never ceases to amaze. The world's most spectacular animals live here, roaming free, unaware of the growing civilization around them.

There are hundreds of natural preserves in Africa, home to over a thousand species no found anywhere else in the planet. Ecotourism has opened a door to revenues that help sustain the land without damaging the delicate equilibrium of the parks.

The Masai Mara National Reserve - Kenya

Africa's best known reserve sits on 1,500km2 of the Great Rift Valley. The land belongs to the Masai people, who have been living here for centuries and have learned to coexist with the local wildlife.

Made famous by the film Out of Africa, Masai Mara is a favorite among tourists and researchers alike, undoubtly because of the wide variety and abundance of animals in the area. Zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, lions, and hippos thrive here. So do the Nile crocodiles, the largest species in the world. Over 50 birds of prey inhabit the reserve. In July, a massive wildebeest migration crosses the Mara River before settling into the Masai Mara for the season. The sight is awe-inspiring.

Masai Mara's weather is mild, rarely exceeding 85F during summer. During April and May, heavy rains render some areas inaccessible to visitors.

Parc National Des Volcans – Rwanda

Dian Fossey's gorillas live here, among the lush forested slopes of the mountains. Only 350 gorillas remain alive after the massacre that occurred in the 90's, where Fossey lost her life too. Heavily protected from poachers and surviving in part thanks to the support of ecotourism, the park is experiencing a stable era.

Only eight people can visit the reserve in any given day, and even then there is a firm set of rules to be followed in order not to disturb the animals. Gorillas are gentle giants, and close sights are the rule. Those fortunate enough to spot one of these animals describe the experience as "overwhelming." Other primates, such as chimpanzees, also make their home in the park.

Extensive trekking (sometimes up to four hours) through the misty forest is required to reach the gorilla's habitat. Thunderstorms and rains are frequent year around, making the trip an arduous muddy climb.

Serengeti National Park – Tanzania

The Serengeti plains extend for thousands of miles, touching the Masai Mara in neighboring Kenya, and allowing for the longest wildlife migration in Africa. 1.5 million wildebeest and over a quarter million zebras travel alongside the Mara River under the close watch of some of the largest lion prides in Africa. In fact, the Serengeti is famed for its abundance of predators, including cheetahs, silver-backed jackals, and spotted hyenas.

The park also has some of the largest buffalo herds in Africa, and a colossal flock of flamingoes populate Lake Ndutu, south of the park.

Serengeti offers a unique experience once darkness falls. The sounds of the night mix with rare sights of lions and hyenas stalking their prey. Rare small animals, such as bushbabies (with their eerily baby-like cry), only come out at night.

Greater Addo National Park – South Africa

Proclaimed a safe heaven for elephants in 1931, Addo went from housing only eleven elephants to being home to over 350, the largest African elephant population on earth. Other species present in large numbers include rhinos, Cape buffaloes, and black-backed jackals.

The park eventually grew so much that adjacent land had to be purchased to accommodate the animals. It now extends to the banks of the Indian Ocean, protecting the whales, dolphins and great sharks that live there. Africa's second largest population of penguins resides in islands that are also protected as part of the park territory. Plans for expansion are still going strong, with the authorities hoping to gain a million extra acres of land in the next ten years.

Queen Elizabeth National Park - Uganda

Located at the foot of the Ruwenzori Mountains and rightly dubbed the "pearl of Africa," Queen Elizabeth National Park boosts one of the most diverse wildlife concentration of any African reserve, including the world's largest population of hippos and warthogs. A boat cruise takes visitors down the Kazinga Channel, offering stunning views and a chance to meet the gigantic Nile crocodiles.

"Tree climbing" lions make their home in the south sector of the park. The shoebill, a 4-foot high rare and timid bird, also inhabits the park. In fact, 25 percent of Africa's unique birds make their home here, making Queen Elizabeth a bird-watcher paradise.

Skeleton Coast National Park – Namibia

Shipwrecks line the shores of the harshest national park in Africa. Hard to reach by land because of sand dunes, only affluent visitors can truly experience Skeleton Coast by flying into the northern section of the park.

Though no land animals live on the misty coast, a large colony of Cape fur seals shares the sea with whales and dolphins. Desert elephants, brown hyenas, and ostriches can be seen further inland.

Visitors come here to experience one of the last places on earth where absolute silence and solitude are still possible, and for a chance to spot the Himba, one of the few nomadic tribes left.

Victoria Falls National Park & Zambezi National Park - Zimbabwe

One of the world's natural wonders and a World Heritage Site, the Victoria Falls is a mile wide and over 300-foot high. All around them, the rich jungle provides the perfect cover for antelopes and baboons. The Zambezi River is home to giant fish species such as the vundu, a type of catfish that can measure over six feet. Fishing, of course, is not allowed. Elephants, giraffe, hippos, and buffalos roam freely in Zambezi's National Park, barely five miles away from the falls. 

Other reserves worth seeing

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda) – The only other place to see the highly endangered Mountain Gorillas. 

Kafue National Park (Zambia) – Africa's third largest park boasts vast woodlands and grassy plains and the best opportunity in the continent to spot antelopes and their predators, from cheetahs to wild dogs.

Gombe Stream National Park (Tanzania) – Home to one of the largest variety of primates, including chimpanzees, baboons, and red-tailed monkeys. Close sights are frequent.

Hlane Royal Game Reserve (Swaziland) – Some of Africa's most impressive vultures and raptors live among the 1,000-year-old trees. Hlane is one of the few parks where you can drive yourself through the land.

Tips for Travelers

Unless you're a well-seasoned traveler, a safari may be your best option. Tours companies specializing in animal sighting can arrange transportation and lodging with minimal hassle. Despite the number of tourists that visit Africa annually, many countries are still underdeveloped and may be dangerous to the inexperienced tourist.

A visa may be necessary to travel to some of these African countries. They are usually easy to obtain at the respective embassies.

Yellow fever and malaria are common in Africa, even in tourist areas surrounding the parks. Adequate vaccination is not only necessary to preserve your health, it is also mandatory in order to enter some countries, including Kenya.

The proximity to the Equator line makes for hot, dry weather all summer long. Sunburn is possible even in overcastted days and should be treated seriously.