Africa is a continent blessed with incredible biodiversity, and offers some of the most thrilling and unforgettable wildlife experiences on the planet. From vast savannas to dense rainforests and untamed deserts, the continent is home to a wide array of spectacular animals that make a wildlife holiday truly unforgettable, and provide endless wildlife experiences.
In this blog, we will explore some of Not In The Guidebooks‘ wildlife experiences in five diverse African countries: Kenya, Morocco, Tanzania, Uganda, and Namibia. Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or a first-time adventurer, these destinations are sure to leave a lasting impression, and hopefully give you some inspiration for your next wildlife adventure.
Kenya: Maasai Mara National Reserve
No African wildlife adventure is complete without a visit to Kenya’s iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve. This vast wilderness is famous for the annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate in search of greener pastures. Witnessing this epic migration, often accompanied by dramatic river crossings filled with crocodiles and predators, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Besides the Great Migration, Maasai Mara offers incredible opportunities to spot the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros), as well as cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, and numerous bird species.
With Not In The Guidebooks, you could combine a trip to the Maasai Mara with an adrenaline-packed adventure in some of Kenya’s most spectacular landscapes, or choose to relax on the beautiful coastline by the Indian Ocean and reflect on your unforgettable journey through one of Africa’s most compelling travel destinations.
Morocco: Sahara Desert
While Morocco may not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking about African wildlife experiences, the Sahara Desert offers a unique and enchanting encounter with desert-adapted fauna. Embark on a camel trek deep into the golden dunes, and you’ll have a chance to spot dromedaries, desert foxes, and elusive fennec foxes. As the sun sets over the dunes, the desert comes alive with the calls of nocturnal creatures such as sand cats and desert hedgehogs. The Sahara’s vast and awe-inspiring landscapes will surely leave you in awe of the wonders of this arid region.
A Not In The Guidebooks itinerary in Morocco can see you exploring the hectic markets of Marrakech or Fes one day, before you head out into the Sahara on camelback for an unforgettable night under the stars in a traditional Berber camp.
Tanzania: Serengeti National Park
Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park is synonymous with wildlife-rich plains and diverse ecosystems. Like Kenya’s Maasai Mara, the Serengeti also hosts the Great Migration, offering an exceptional opportunity to witness thrilling predator-prey interactions. Additionally, the Serengeti is home to the Ngorongoro Crater, a volcanic caldera that shelters an astonishing concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five. Moreover, the Serengeti’s endless plains provide the perfect backdrop for hot air balloon safaris, providing a unique perspective of the wildlife and landscapes below.
For your opportunity to explore this magnificent part of the African continent, take a look at our Not In The Guidebooks adventure holidays in Tanzania, where you can journey across the Serengeti in style thanks to luxury safari camps that move along with the season, to hopefully guarantee you truly memorable wildlife experiences in Africa.
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Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Venture into Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and you’ll have the extraordinary privilege of encountering one of our closest relatives – the critically endangered mountain gorilla. Tracking these gentle giants through dense forest can be physically challenging, but the moment you come face-to-face with a gorilla family in its natural habitat, any effort will pale in comparison to the awe-inspiring experience. Uganda’s wildlife offering doesn’t end there – the country is also renowned for its diverse birdlife, with over 1,000 species to be spotted across various habitats.
On a Not In The Guidebooks trip to Uganda, not only will you visit this iconic national park, but you’ll also enjoy rhino tracking, discover families of chimpanzees in the thick jungle, cruise on the River Nile and join lion researchers on their conservation work near the Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Namibia: Etosha National Park
Namibia’s Etosha National Park is a sanctuary for a wide range of wildlife species, with the focal point being the Etosha Pan, a vast salt pan visible from space. The park’s unique landscapes and numerous waterholes attract a plethora of animals, making game viewing remarkably accessible. Expect to encounter elephants, lions, rhinos, zebras, and antelopes during your visit. The dry season, from May to October, offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife spotting as animals congregate around the limited water sources.
Not In The Guidebooks offer unique self-drive adventures through this spectacular country, not only taking in the iconic Etosha National Park, but also the eerie Skeleton Coast, the vast deserts of Damaraland, and some of the highest sand dunes in the world at Sossuvlei.
Africa’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife make it an unparalleled destination for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. From the annual Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania to the mountain gorillas of Uganda, and the extraordinary Sahara Desert wildlife in Morocco, each country offers a unique and awe-inspiring experience. Namibia’s Etosha National Park complements this list with its stunning salt pan and excellent game viewing opportunities.
These four best wildlife experiences across Kenya, Morocco, Tanzania, Uganda, and Namibia will undoubtedly leave you with lifelong memories of the magnificent creatures that call Africa home. Plan your journey wisely, respect nature, and immerse yourself in the magic of the wild.
Here at Not In The Guidebooks, we are always on the hunt for new local, authentic travel experiences that allow you to explore the world in a responsible manner. Whether it’s a wildlife holiday in Costa Rica or a family holiday in Lapland, you can be sure that you’ll come away having not only seen a destination, but experienced it like a local.
05/08/2022 
