Africa has become a global leader in conservation efforts, and South Africa, in particular, is legendary for its wildlife and premiere safari adventures.
Numerous African national park reserves preserve the future of Africa’s greatest beasts, which include the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino.
These regal animals were once killed in large quantities as trophy hunting was rampant and unregulated in Africa for much of the 20th Century, but in Africa’s reserves, the only shooting is with a camera.
Fortunately, for these beautiful animals and the planet as a whole, ecotourism replaced hunting as the biggest draw to Africa in the 1980s, displacing professional hunting (though poaching still exists).
Africa’s national parks are incredible landscapes where our childhood imaginations come to life.
For instance, Kruger National Park has nearly five million acres of land. Established in 1898, Kruger is a real gem with endangered animals that roam 16 diverse vegetation zones that six rivers feed.
Sabi Sand Reserve houses a wilderness of animals including the big five, along with giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and 500+ species of birds. It is the oldest private reserve in South Africa, and you are guaranteed to spot a leopard here.
Other top destinations are in Cape Town, Vic Falls, Serengeti, and Okavango, while Chobe and Masai Mara, along with Kruger are rated the best reserves by experts.
While some trips are quite expensive, there are a few that cost less than $200 a day. If you are opposed to zoos or want something authentic on your next vacation, maybe take a safari, African style.