Large savannah reserves. The most famous reserves and national parks in Africa. National parks of Kenya

Africa is a unique, incredibly beautiful continent, which no other corner of the planet can compare with. We want to tell you about what national parks and reserves there are in Africa, where the main heritage of the continent in the field of flora and fauna is concentrated and preserved.

Main national parks and reserves

Let's consider the features, attractions and location of large nature reserves and national parks Africa.

Kruger and Bwindi National Parks in Africa

The oldest natural Park V Republic of South Africa and one of the largest nature reserves in Africa.
Bears the name S. J. P. Kruger- President of the country from 1880 to 1900, who first put forward the idea of ​​​​creating a reservation to protect wildlife and hunting restrictions. Later, in 1926, the country's first national natural park was created on the site of the reserve.
The park is known for its historical artifacts - traces have been found on its territory ancient looking people - Homo erectus - 500 years ago, remains of dwellings, more than 100 places with rock paintings.
The Kruger Park is home to 150 species of wild animals, the largest concentration on the continent. There are also about 420 species of birds in the park.
The type of vegetation here is more typical of a savannah with little forest cover.
The Kruger Nature Reserve includes several small private parks, such as. Its specialty is a professionally organized safari. Here everything happens calmly and measuredly, there is no large flow of tourists. Service is at a high level. The only negative is the rather high price.

Bwindi – national park in a forested mountainous area in southwestern Uganda with an area of ​​330 sq. km near the border with Congo. The terrain of the park is mountainous, in some places flat, there are several small rivers.
Basically, the territory of Bwindi is a difficult jungle.
The climate here is typical of the jungle - distinctly tropical.
The biological system of the park is rich in the diversity of inhabitants living here:

• animals - about 150 species;
• birds – 350 species;
• butterflies - about 200 species.

Bwindi's main living attraction is the mountain gorillas; almost half of the entire earth's population of this animal species lives here.
The local flora is also interesting - more than 200 species of plants. There are about 100 varieties of ferns alone.

Rwenzori and Virunga National Parks in Africa

Rwenzori is a nature reserve located in the mountain range of the same name in Uganda.
In Rwenzori there are:

• one of the highest mountain peaks of the continent - Margherita - 5100 m high;
• several lakes and waterfalls;
• glaciers on mountain tops.

The most famous and largest river in Africa - the Nile.
The park is rich in magnificent rich vegetation.
Among the animals in the reserve there are quite rare species, for example, some species of primates.
Gorilla watching excursions are popular.

Virunga National Park(until 1962 - Albert Park) is located in a mountainous area in Democratic Republic Congo in Africa near the border with Uganda. The area of ​​the reserve is about 8000 square meters. km.
The nature reserve in these places was created in 1925 - during the period of colonization of the DR Congo by Belgium (1908-1960) - and was originally named after the Belgian King Albert I.
The territory of the park can be divided into three geographical parts:

• northern, where the Rwenzori mountain range is located;
• central with flat terrain and Lake Edward;
• southern - directly mountain complex Virunga with several volcanoes, including active ones.

The nature in all parts of the park is very diverse, with unique landscapes, rich flora and fauna. Many species of birds (more than 700) live here permanently or come for the winter.
The main inhabitants of Virunga Park are considered to be mountain gorillas, which mainly live on the slopes of the mountains.

Garamba and Salonga National Parks in Africa

Garamba Nature Reserve located in the northeastern part of the DR Congo near the border with Sudan.
The park area is 4.5 thousand square meters. km is occupied by savannas, tropical forests and meadows.
Garamba is famous for its northern white rhinoceros, a subspecies of rhinoceros that almost disappeared in the 1980s and is now considered close to extinction.
The reserve also boasts a large colony of elephants and giraffes.

Salonga. Another one of nature reserves DR Congo is located in the Congo River basin, and tourists can only get to the park by water.
The park was created to protect the rainforest.
The diversity of fauna and birds here is not as great as in other reserves, but it is quite interesting in its composition. Here you can find:

• bonobo primates, living only in these places;
• African gray parrot (Jaco) and Zairean peacocks;
• narrow-snouted African crocodile.

Kameya National Park and Nyasa Nature Reserve

Kameya National Park in Angola, which has been such since 1957.
The area of ​​the park is relatively small - 1500 square meters. m. This is predominantly flat terrain, with small forest areas and thickets of bushes and reeds.
Several rivers flow through the reserve, which affected the structure of the parks’ relief, and also periodically flood its territory. There are also lakes in the reserve, one of which, Dilolu, is the largest in Angola.
Such saturation of reservoirs predetermined the saturation of a large number of aquatic bird species in the adjacent territories.
Of the mammals in the Kameoya Park, the most common species of antelope are found.

Nyasa - nature reserve, including the lake of the same name and the surrounding area. It is located on a plateau at an altitude of about 1400 m above sea level.
Lake Nyasa was formed as a result of the filling of a huge depression (depth - more than 700 m) between the states of Tanzania, Mozambique and Malawi with water. Its total length is 590 km.
The coastal terrain is varied: from plains and beaches to mountains descending directly into the water of the lake.
A dozen local rivers flow into the lake, feeding it with fresh water.
In the waters of this huge lake lives big number There are about 1000 species of fish, as well as crocodiles.
On the Mozambican part of the lake coast near the border with Tanzania there is a reserve containing more than 400 species of birds, with a traditionally developed population of animals.
Tourism in the Nyasa Nature Reserve is most developed from Mozambique and Malawi, where you can have an interesting time staying on one of the islands.

Kilimanjaro National Park in Africa

The reserve is located in the northern part of Tanzania and is famous for the highest point in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro (5895 m), located on its territory.
Kilimanjaro is the first and main attraction of the park. Many come here precisely to climb one of the three peaks along the routes developed for this. Climbing some of them is relatively simple; the only difficulty is the acclimatization process, because to get to the top, you need to cross several climatic zones.
It is better to plan ascents at any time of the year except for the rainy season (October-November, March-April).
Climbing the mountain, tourists can see:

• a unique attraction - a snowy mountain peak and a glacier in the middle of Africa;
• the stunning sight of an extinct volcano crater;
• several beautiful mountain lakes;
• a mountain plateau connecting two mountain peaks.

The vegetation of the park is very rich and varied, as it changes along with the change in climatic zones when climbing to the top.
At the base of the mountains there are picturesque rainforests and savannah, several interesting walking routes for tourists have been developed here.

Serengeti and Ngorongoro National Parks

Southeast of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is another famous national reserves Africa – Serengeti. By the way, Tanzania is the country where the most nature reserves are located in Africa.
The area is more than 15 thousand square meters. km, it is the largest in the country.
The ecosystem of this reserve has been least affected by human activity.
The huge plateau on which the park is located is home to many species of animals and birds. It is very interesting to watch them, for example, during a safari.
Particularly impressive are the spectacles of animal migration during periods of drought, when endless lines of living creatures move, covering a total of thousands of kilometers.

Central attraction Ngorongoro Nature Reserve in Tanzania, formerly part of the Serengeti Park, is considered to be an extinct, destroyed crater of an ancient volcano.
Its dimensions are amazing:

• diameter – more than 20 km;
• depth – 610 m;
• total area – 270 sq. km.

It is interesting that the crater has its own unique biosystem - many species of animals living here have never been outside its boundaries. The total number of animals inhabiting the crater exceeds 25 thousand.
Inside the crater there is unusual lake Magadi is salty, formed by hot springs.
There are several people living on the lake interesting species birds including flamingos, herons and pelicans.
On the slope near the crater there is the grave of German zoologists Bernhard and Mikael Grzimek, who made a huge contribution to the research, conservation and popularization of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro parks.

Rungwa Game Reserve, Maasai Mara and Selous

Rungwa- another of the national parks of Africa in Tanzania, the second in area.
The beds of several rivers stretch across the park, the largest of which is the Ruaha, with whirlpools and picturesque backwaters. Some of the rivers are very dry.
This abundance of water bodies predetermined the diversity of flora and fauna living in Rungwa.
It should be noted that these places are difficult to navigate, which made it possible to preserve the biological system of the reserve almost untouched. By separate parts Walking is allowed throughout the park.

Selous Nature Reserve. The largest conservation reserve in Tanzania and on the continent, its area is approximately 45,000 square meters. km, named after the British traveler and explorer F. C. Selous.

1. The Rufiji River flows through the entire territory of the park.
2. The park is home to more than 2,000 species of plants and trees, and large tracts of mangrove forests.
3. The variety of birds is more than 400 species.
4. The animals living in the park are typical representatives African savannah, although Selous is home to record populations of buffalo, elephant and hippopotamus.
5. Hunting safaris are held in the southern half of the park.

Masai Mara National Park located in Kenya, in its southwestern part.
The park has become a natural extension of the nearby Serengeti nature reserve.
The Masai Mara takes its name from the Maasai people, whose tribes historically settled in this area, near the Mara River. The park is a savanna overgrown with grass and shrubs, swampy in places, with occasional acacia groves.
Like the Serengeti, the Masai Mara is famous for the spectacular migrations of its inhabitants. numerous types animals.
It's colossal here large population wildebeest - more than a million heads, as well as lions and leopards.
Hippopotamuses and crocodiles are often found in local rivers.
The eastern sector of the reserve is more popular among tourists, which is geographically located closer to the capital of the country - Nairobi (220 km).

Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks in Africa

Tsavo - a park in Kenya, one of the world's largest natural parks(area – 20,000 sq. km).
The landscape of the park is predominantly savannah, covered with shrubs, and swampy in places.
Several rivers flow through the territory, the largest is Galana; sometimes there are lakes, springs gushing out of the ground and small waterfalls.
The park is famous for its diverse fauna, as well as an abundance of birds, and quite rare animals can be found here.
In terms of tourism, the eastern part of the Tsavo Nature Reserve is the most developed, with a tourist center in the town of Voi.
In the western part of the park, tourists flock to the village of Mtitto Andey.

Amboseli Park is located in southeastern Kenya near the border with Tanzania. Relatively small in area - 400 sq. km.
From the territory of this reserve, the snow-white peak of Kilimanjaro and its picturesque surroundings are clearly visible. Amboseli is known for its large elephant population - about 900 animals, and is even called the “land of elephants”.
Tourists are allowed to hike in Amboseli, provided they are accompanied by an armed guide.

Etosha (video) and Kafue National Parks

A large (more than 22,000 sq. km) reserve in Namibia, located near the northern edge of the Kalahari Desert, one of the largest national parks in South Africa.
Part of the territory of Etosha Park is occupied by the salt plateau of the same name.
Etosha Park serves as a habitat for many species of living creatures - mammals and birds, among which quite rare ones, such as rhinoceroses, can be found.

The fauna of the desert is extremely diverse. Especially if we're talking about about Namibia. Among the inhabitants of the Namib Desert are a variety of antelopes (springbok, oryx, kudu, dig-dig and others), huge desert elephants, giraffes, zebras, leopards, lions, etc. Enjoy watching!

Kafue- the largest nature reserve in Zambia. Named after one of the rivers flowing through its territory. Kafue is the largest of Zambia's rivers; along its course there are rapids, whirlpools and even small waterfalls.

Another attraction of the park is the Itezhe-Tezhe Dam, which blocks the Kafue River and was built to collect reservoir water and power the local power plant.
I would like to note that almost all of the listed national parks are included in the UNESCO list of natural monuments - World Heritage Sites. Unfortunately, the situation around some large reserves in Africa (for example, Virunga or Cameo) is quite complex due to conflicts and military actions that periodically arise on their territory or in the vicinity, as well as due to harmful economic activity person. Maybe we need to stop and stop making nature hostage to human greed and irresponsibility? What do you think?

Hot and welcoming Africa happily opens the doors of its most intimate and interesting places. Safari - please, wild and exotic animals - please. All animal world Africa is open to visitors, and you can see it in the most beautiful and famous national parks and reserves in Africa.

It is with them that we want to introduce you in this article, take you into the world of animals and birds and show what secrets mysterious Africa keeps.

This park is famous for the annual migration of zebras, wildebeest, gazelles and, accordingly, the predators that hunt them. The national park is considered one of the most undisturbed ecological systems in the world. It is also the oldest park in Africa.

The park is located in Tanzania, the coordinates of the park are 2°19′51″ S. w. 34°50′00″ E. d. Upon arrival, you can stay at the Serengeti Safari Camp and spend an unforgettable time traveling through the valleys and expanses of Tanzania.

Perhaps this is the most famous and popular nature reserve in Africa. It is located in one of the districts of Kenya called Narok. The coordinates of the reserve are 1°29′24″ S. w. 35°08′38″ E. d. It is named after the tribe that lives here.

From September to October, an impressive event takes place in this reserve - the wildebeest migration. In general, the reserve is a continuation of the Sarengeti National Park. But most of all it is famous for the lions that live here in large numbers.

Upon arrival, you can stay at one of the many campsites located on site.

Unlike the previous two, this park is located in the jungle, and you can only travel through it on foot. This park is located in the Albertine Valley, the coordinates of the park are 1°03′29″ S. w. 29°42′01″ E. d.

Here you can enjoy the largest variety of trees in Africa. The park is also home to exotic and stunningly beautiful butterflies.

Gorilla safari is popular here and there is even a cottage called Gorilla Safari Lodge. The official website of the park will inform you about all the details of your stay.

This is both a nature reserve and a national park at the same time. Also, this is the very first national park in Africa. It has the most a large number of mammals, the most popular of which are lions, rhinoceroses, elephants, leopards and buffaloes. The park coordinates are 24°00′41″ S. w. 31°29′07″ E. d.

It is open from 6.00 to 17.30, and on its territory you can stay in both private campsites and regular recreational sites. You can book your safari and arrival time on the official website.

Already from the name it becomes clear that it is located in the Kalahari Desert in Botswana. This is the second largest nature reserve in the world. The desert, you might think, what to do there. Despite this, the park contains salt lakes and ancient river beds along with sand dunes. This park has the largest concentration of wild animals in the world.

The most famous residents are white rhinoceroses, crocodiles, hippopotamuses, giraffes, wild dogs, cheetahs, hyenas and, of course, lions and leopards. The coordinates of the reserve are 21°53′22″ S. w. 23°45′23″ E. d. Of course, the infrastructure is developed here and anyone can visit and even hunt wild animals.

National parks and reserves of Africa have a special charm, and the point is not even in the famous safaris, the point is, rather, in the fact that they have retained their pristine beauty, pristineness, grandeur and a certain inaccessibility. These factors attract millions of tourists from all over the world to unravel the mysteries and mysteries of the beautiful African nature.

“In Africa there are sharks, in Africa there are gorillas, in Africa there are big angry crocodiles...” - it is difficult to forget that mixture of childhood curiosity and fear associated with this mysterious, and therefore alluring, distant land. Even as adults, we experience an interest that has remained in our minds since childhood: what kind of continent is this with its outlandish exotic beauties?

Unfortunately, Africa's evergreen rainforests, silent deserts, arrogant mountains, thundering waterfalls, grassy savannas and their inhabitants have become in need of protection. This is understood not only by African governments, but also by many people who come from all over the world to volunteer, which African reserves and national parks gratefully accept. Their enthusiasm and selfless work made it possible to preserve many species of plants and animals.

The first state structure for nature conservation in Africa was created in Tunisia in 1884, and only 40 years later the first national park, Taza, was founded here. Currently, on the continent there are more than 600 national parks, natural monuments and reserves protected by states, and 26 of them are included in the “List of World Cultural and natural heritage» UNESCO. It is prohibited not only to hunt there, but also to carry out any work related to changing the landscape. The remaining areas are partially protected; resort and tourism activities are allowed on them. Basically, protected areas lie in the eastern and southern parts of the continent. The largest number of reserves is located in Kenya, a country in eastern Africa.

On a huge territory of more than 20 thousand square meters. km, occupying 4% of the total area of ​​Kenya, one of the largest national parks in Africa, Tsavo, was founded in 1948. A railway line runs through its territory, connecting the capital Nairobi with the popular seaside resort of Mombasa.

The road divides the park into two zones - western and eastern.

The western part is more suitable for civilized recreation. There is luxury hotels, many of which have their own runway. East End– although more arid, it is no less interesting for tourists.

Visitors to the park are accompanied by rangers, who with pleasure and pride introduce vacationers to the Yatta Highlands, Mzima Springs, Ngulia Mountains, the Tsavo and Galana Rivers, the Idawe Hills and other natural attractions.

Particularly impressive is the Yatta Highlands, which was formed during the eruption of the Ol Doinio Sabuk volcano and is a 300-kilometer flow of solidified lava.

Another place that is definitely worth a visit is the Mzima springs, which release more than 500 million liters of water from the bowels of the earth every day.

This area is famous for its dense vegetation and exotic animals, whose life can be observed through the huge transparent wall of the underwater observatory that hosts tourists.

The flora of this vast territory is diverse. Thorn bushes grow in the savannas, and palm trees, baobabs, tamarind trees, acacias, reeds and many other plants grow along the river banks. The park is famous for its fauna. More than 60 species of animals live here: elephants, buffalos, antelopes, giraffes, rhinoceroses, lions and cheetahs. Along the banks of the rivers there are hippos and crocodiles.

Tsavo National Park is very popular among tourists; more than 250 thousand people visit it annually.

Another Kenyan national park, also very popular among tourists, is Aberdare, located on the territory mountain range with the same name.

Aberdare is proud of its picturesque landscapes: forests giant trees, crystal clear waterfalls on icy rivers, wastelands overgrown with heather, bamboo jungle - you can admire all this forever. This park is listed by UNESCO.

The significant altitude above sea level (about 3000 meters) affected the flora and fauna of Aberdare. The impenetrable forests are home to elephants, monkeys, rhinoceroses, buffalos, leopards and many other animals. Visiting the park is limited to a small lowland on which two hotels are located.

From their observation platforms, curious tourists can observe the life of animals and enjoy the beauty of wild nature, revealed in all its splendor.

The highest single peak in the world that tourists can walk along is Mount Kilimanjaro; one of its three peaks, Kibo, rises 5895 m above sea level.

The other two are called Shira and Mawenzi. The foot of the mountain is also located quite high - at an altitude of 1830 meters. This is a dormant but not extinct volcano, which sometimes makes threatening sounds and ejects a cloud of gases through the crater.

beauty surrounding nature Kilimanjaro National Park is complemented by a wealth of wildlife. Here you can find: elephants, rhinoceroses, leopards, lions, as well as several species of monkeys. The world of birds and insects is so diverse that it has always attracted researchers and biologists here.

The small Central African country of Rwanda is famous for its natural attraction, the Volcanic National Park, which occupies a relatively small area of ​​130 square meters. km. It was here that the Hollywood film “Gorillas in the Mist”, released in 1988, was filmed.

The park is located at an altitude of 2400-4500 m above sea level, it is a unique place where very rare species live apes– mountain black gorillas.

There are only about 650 of them all over the globe, half of them live here.

The territory of the park borders the country of Zaire, with which, for several years now, guerrilla warfare. Mines are occasionally found in the park, which do not particularly frighten tourists, but cause irreparable harm to the monkeys.

Tourism here is organized quite well, there are hotels, and excursions are organized. For example, during the dry season, vacationers are offered a hike to the extinct volcanoes of a sprawling mountain range, from where they can admire all the splendor of the surrounding nature.

In the southwestern part of the country of Uganda, on an area of ​​330 square meters. km stretches the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, declared a national park in 1991. Tourist visits are very strict here; monkeys can only be observed if accompanied by a guide in groups of up to 6 people.

Despite the strict limits, the reserve is very popular, because these are real African wild jungle, which not only look mysterious and impenetrable, but actually are so.

An excursion through the jungle can give you a unique experience. Walking along barely visible paths amid the silence of tall trees and under the supervision of lurking animals is not for the faint of heart.

An excellent example of excellent wildlife management is the Kruger National Park, located in South Africa. Looking at the magnificent nature, it is difficult to imagine how many hardships this land has endured. The Anglo-Boer Wars, plague epidemics, poaching that exterminated all living things - in addition to these misfortunes, the territory of the park was chosen as a refuge by escaped convicts, prisoners and criminals hiding from the law.

In 1900, President Paul Kruger convinced the Tranvaal Parliament to declare this territory protected by the state, hunting was banned here, and a few years later, all residents were evicted from here. The park is a living memorial to Kruger and his associates.

All this is already in the past, and today protected area almost 20 thousand sq. km annually receives more than a million tourists, who are attracted not only by the rich nature, but also by history. Many traces of ancient settlements have been found on the territory of the Kruger Park; there are unique rock paintings dating back to the Stone Age.

The Kruger National Park includes as many as six unique ecosystems. This:

• Lebombo acacia bushveld;

• sandy baobab veld;

• mapane bush;
• mixed acacia forest;
• red willow forests;
• forests of river valleys.

At first glance, Kruger National Park can be considered a lost world.

This illusion is violated only by comfortable guest houses equipped with all the amenities of civilization, which are called lodges here. Accommodation in them, as well as the services of rangers and safari guides, are quite expensive. How could it be otherwise in a national park that generates the largest income among all the reserves in the world?

Africa has greatest number national parks among all continents of the planet. If you are interested in national parks, and you want to fully experience this magnificent type of tourism, recreation and knowledge of wildlife, then you definitely need to pack your backpacks for the “dark continent”. Just imagine: thousands and tens of thousands of different species of animals, insects, fish and birds are protected here. In Africa there are not only national parks, but also nature reserves, as well as natural objects. In this article we will highlight only the largest and most famous of the worthy ones. This will be an introductory article about natural complexes Africa, and about specific parks, read separate materials on our website.

National parks and reserves of Africa located in different climatic zones. Despite the fact that Africa has the reputation of being the hottest continent, there are even subarctic conditions here - on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, for example, where the snow does not melt even in summer, and yet the mountain stands almost on the equator! On the continent there is tropical jungle with plenty of rain and dried deserts (Sahara, Kalahari), endless savannas along which zebras and antelopes rush, and soft subtropics ideal for human life.

Kilimanjaro Game Reserve

Kilimanjaro stands out among other national parks and reserves in Africa in that it is located on the mountain of the same name - the highest point in Africa, and therefore can offer tourists the richest variety natural conditions. The mountain rises 5895 meters above sea level, and is the only place in Africa where you can freeze at any time of the year. Yes, freeze in Africa! It sounds crazy, but nevertheless it is true.

Kilimanjaro is an inactive volcano. A snow cap covers its top, and a riot of vegetation begins below it. The forests of Kilimanjaro are home to many species of animals and birds that are on the verge of extinction. The territory of Kilimanjaro consists of the national park itself with an area of ​​75,350 hectares, and the reserve that surrounds it and has an area of ​​107,830 hectares.

Kilimanjaro, due to its large altitude difference, has different vegetation zones. They are layered on top of each other like a pie. Savannas extend to a height of up to 1 - 1.6 km (depending on which slope we are talking about - northern or southern). Here you can enjoy foothill forests and no less picturesque subalpine swamps. From 1.3 km to 2.8 km the surface of the mountain is covered with beautiful mountain forests. The territory of Kilimanjaro National Park begins at an altitude of 2.7 km. Above there are meadows, and shortly before the peak there is real African tundra (Saddle plateau). The peak itself is covered with snow and glaciers, which so amazed foreign travelers in their time. In just a couple of days you are out of the sultry tropical Africa you find yourself in a rare, super exotic and unexpected snowy Africa. Don't forget to take gloves.

Distinctive features of Kilimanjaro:

• location on the slopes of the mountain, hence the richest variety of vegetation;
• the only thing snowy place in Africa;
• combination with mountaineering (climbing the highest point of the continent);
• rare endangered species of flora.

When a Russian-speaking person is asked what national parks and reserves in Africa he knows, after Kilimanjaro most people will name the Serengeti. This word seems to be unknown, but from somewhere far away it sounds like the rhythmic beating of drums and loud chants.

The Serengeti is located in Tanzania, and is almost the oldest national park in Africa. It is primarily known for its crazy migrations of wild animals. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, striped zebras and the predators running after them appear before the gaze of a stunned observer. Such greatness of nature is in full view in front of you.

Actually, the Serengeti Park itself was created around the territory where the Migration takes place (and it stretches, by the way, for more than 1000 km), and this is its distinctive feature.

Unlike Kilimanjro, Serengeti is a table-flat, treeless expanse, almost the exact opposite of the first park. The kingdom of savannas, interspersed with picturesque meadows among rocks protruding from the ground.

In addition, in the Serengeti, the confrontation between populations along the “predator-prey” line is exposed to the highest degree. It is here, under the most favorable and shocking conditions, that an outside observer can see all the peculiarities of one another's hunt.

• flat expanses;
• unparalleled migration;
• "predator-prey"

Forests of Bwindi Nature Reserve

One of the most forest places Africa. Located in the state of Uganda, and covers an area of ​​331 square meters. km. For comparison, there are several states in Europe that have a smaller area. Here, all these three hundred and thirty kilometers are covered with impenetrable jungle, in which a huge variety of animal species live. But, above all, this park is famous for mountain gorillas, of which 50% of the total number on the planet lives here (however, unfortunately, still a very small number). Bwindi is a real destination for butterfly lovers; there are many endemic species here.

• forests;
• gorillas;
• inaccessibility.

Kruger National Park

Elephant against the background of typical landscapes of the Kruger Park

One of the largest national parks and reserves not only in Africa, but throughout the world. Its area is almost 19.5 thousand square kilometers! In addition, the Kruger Park is the oldest in South Africa, it has been operating since 1926. Remember the Limpopo River? She is here.

The main feature of the reserve is the richest species diversity of animals represented on the continent. This is facilitated by the division of the park into internal sections, each of which is home to its own set of species. If you want more comfort, then you need to focus on the southern part of the territory, it is better equipped. For lovers of pristine beauty, the north is suitable. In general, the park has a network of roads of excellent quality, and an entire infrastructure has been created for car travelers - parking lots, campsites, cafes. By the way, you can rent a car. Even getting to the Kruger Park is not difficult - there is an airport nearby.

• the richest species diversity of fauna;
• huge area;
• infrastructure for a comfortable visit.

Entrance to Tsavo National Park

One of the largest national parks in the world. The Tsavo Nature Reserve occupies an impressive area of ​​22 thousand square kilometers, and is noticeable even on general map Kenya, on whose territory it is located. The park is so huge that there is even a railway line running through its territory, which connects the capital region with the coast.

The railway divides the object into 2 territories - western and eastern, and each of them, in a certain sense, is considered independently. As in the case of the Kruger Park, there is a more civilized and infrastructure-rich part - the western one, and a wilder part - the eastern one.

In Tsavo, as in many national parks and reserves in Africa, a whole system of visitor services has been created. Comfortable hotels and guides working here are at your service. permanent basis. If you wish, you can take part in an extensive excursion throughout Tsavo.

• huge territory;
• choice of holiday packages – from civilized to wild.

Small national parks and reserves in Africa

Of course, the word “small” here is quite arbitrary, since almost all African reserves are large objects with great tourist value.

Aberdare is a Kenyan mountain park nestled in the mountains of the same name. As a consequence of it geographical location, Aberdare offers tourists stunning landscapes and all the delights of a mountain landscape: elevation changes, waterfalls, rock outcrops, mountain forests of trees of unimaginable sizes, grassy meadows and, of course, tropical impenetrable jungle. 3 kilometers above sea level - for your pleasure.

The Volcanic National Park in Rwanda is an example of a classic, relatively small but extremely beautiful African national park. As its name suggests, it is located in a mountainous area with history volcanic activity, at an altitude of 2.5 to 4.5 km. Despite the fact that military and partisan actions have recently taken place here, the park has a well-developed tourist service - there is a place to stay comfortably, and there is a choice of excursions.

Chobe is an elephant park in Botswana. This is one of the few natural parks in Africa that specializes in animal species, in this case elephants. Animal censuses show that there are...several tens of thousands of elephants here! And if you want to see most of them at the same time, then come to Chobe in May-September, and then you will see how these gentle giants gather in thousands at the watering hole.

Conclusion

National parks and reserves in Africa are a whole source of income for many countries, a real business, a source of pride. The tourist will be offered developed infrastructure, many opportunities for recreation. Therefore, if you plan to comfortably visit such objects, you need to prepare for them as for a real tour, each stage of which will have its own cost. Of course, by organizing your own trip and visiting wilder, undeveloped places in nature reserves, you can significantly reduce your costs.

Africa is a continent where you can enjoy the grandeur of pristine nature. Man here has had only a limited influence on the world, and the desire to preserve and highlight own merits allowed many African countries to create the most beautiful natural objects and complexes that are of keen interest to the seeking nature.

Africa is an amazing continent with outlandish beauties: unusually towering mountain formations, origins mountain rivers with thundering waterfalls; evergreen tropical thickets; silent deserts; grassy and wooded savannas; diverse fauna and flora. Most of its territory is under state protection and is included in the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List, so Africa can rightfully be considered a huge national park for all humanity.

All over the world, African national parks are recognized as the legitimate pride of all humanity. In various areas of the continent, people of many nationalities continue to take part in the work of parks. Thus, thanks to everyone’s efforts, hundreds of species of rare animals have been saved from extinction and extermination.

The continent of Africa has an excellent natural basis for the prosperity and development of tourism. South Africa is home to many different national parks and reserves, where people come to see how animals behave in natural environment habitats, as well as admire the exotic nature of this mysterious continent. The largest number of national parks are concentrated in Kenya.

For visitors to African national parks, certain rules of conduct are established. So, for example, it is permissible to drive cars only on special paths designated for this purpose, from which you cannot move to the side, or pick anything up from the ground; Driving is permitted only in the car of a park ranger and in his direct accompaniment; you can't shout; It is prohibited to feed animals, smoke, litter, etc.

The main reserves and national parks of Africa

National parks of Kenya

Tsavo is the largest national park in area, occupying the territory of the entire island of Jamaica. This is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world where wild African safaris are allowed.

The park is divided into two equal parts, each of which is unique and unique: East Tsavo, characterized by flat terrain covered with thorns and low-growing acacias, and West Tsavo, which is volcanically active part a park with rocky mountains and hills, which is also considered to be more rich and lively.

Tsavo Park has a fairly diverse fauna, numbering about 500 species: zebras, giraffes, impalas, antelopes, waterbucks, buffalos, cheetahs, leopards, crocodiles, lions. The park is particularly famous around the world for its many rhinoceroses and a huge herd of “red” elephants, so named because their skin has a pink tint caused by the red-pink dust that covers their bodies.

The main attractions of Tsavo are the Mzima springs - a real fragrant oasis in the middle of a lifeless and dusty savannah; Growling rocks, from where the most beautiful panoramic views of the park open; volcanic block and crater of Chaumu volcano; Kanderi swamps - natural spring fresh water; Lugard Falls and rapids on a raging river, disappearing from view in a narrow gorge.

Amboseli - a beautiful ancient park, located near the slope of Mount Kilimanjaro, which offers the best views of it snowy peaks. Most of the territory of Amboseli is occupied by lakes, so the flora and fauna here are quite diverse: 425 species of birds, more than 50 species of mammals (lions, hippos, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses, buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes, rhinoceroses and others). There are many types of acacia growing in the park - such a variety of them is not found anywhere else.

One of the most breathtaking sights to witness here is the tranquil stroll through the savannah of huge herds of elephants. Also lives in Amboseli rarest species The most critically endangered rhinoceros is the black rhinoceros.

Located close to the financial and economic center and capital of Kenya, Nairobi, this fact, in turn, contributes to its popularity among foreign tourists. The park was opened earlier than other similar parks and is considered the oldest in the country. It incomprehensibly combines the beauty of untouched wild nature and the silhouettes of tall office buildings visible from afar.

On the territory of Nairobi there are many savannas, steep gorges, plains, forests in which live different kinds animals and birds. In addition, it is famous for being the site of ivory burning. In order to stop the extermination of elephants by poachers, President Moi ordered the burning of 10 tons of ivory in Nairobi.

Located in the Aberdare mountain range, rich in picturesque landscapes. Its views are amazing: forests of huge trees, picturesque rocks with crystal clear waterfalls erupting from them; bamboo jungle; cascades of icy rivers; moorlands. Aberdare has a very diverse flora and fauna. He is listed world heritage UNESCO.

National parks of Tanzania

The Serengeti is the world's most famous wildlife sanctuary., located in the Great African Gorge area at an altitude of 1800 meters above sea level, covering an area of ​​​​about 30 thousand square meters. km. Its name translated from the Maasai language means “elongated platform.” The park is characterized by a changing landscape: from short and long grass to hills covered with green forests. Africa's Serengeti National Park has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site. It is rightfully considered the main treasury of wild nature.

Representatives of the local fauna thanks to their unique climatic conditions are very diverse: more than one million large animals live on endless savannas, plains, lakes and rivers. These are leopards, crocodiles, buffalos, lions, rhinoceroses, hyenas, giraffes, baboons, foxes, antelopes, zebras; more than 300 species of reptiles; about 450 species of birds. It was in this park that the world's largest flock of lions, consisting of 41 individuals, was discovered. One of most interesting events In the life of the Serengeti is the annual migration of artiodactyl animals, in particular wildebeest and zebra, moving from the hilly northern regions to the plains of the south.

Every year attracting the attention of millions of tourists from all over globe. It is also called the “eighth wonder of the world” and is rightfully considered a world heritage. Most of this giant tropical park is located in the huge volcanic crater of the same name. The diameter of the volcano's funnel is 20 km, and the area of ​​the crater is 265 square meters. km. The uniqueness of this crater is that over the course of several years, many species of animals have formed their own habitat there. More than 30 thousand species of fauna live on its territory.

At the very bottom of the crater is the alkaline Lake Magami, a favorite habitat of flamingos. The area also contains pastures for zebras, antelopes and gazelles.

Another attraction of the Ngorongoro Nature Reserve is the Olduvai Gorge, famous for the fact that excavations were constantly carried out on its territory. Thus, archaeologist Jonathan Leakey discovered the remains of Homo Hablis (“handy man”). Also in the area of ​​this gorge there is a 100-meter high rock, Nazara Rock, known for the presence of man there in the prehistoric period.

Other African countries

Zambia

Kafue is the largest and oldest park, the largest in Zambia. Its area is 2.24 million hectares, which is comparable to the area of ​​Wales. Almost the entire park area is a large strip of forest savannah. Kafue is striking for its lush dambos; the beautiful grass plains of Busanga; ancient savannas; the amazing rivers Lafuta, Kafue and Lunga with hydropower facilities; teak forests with a variety of insects.

Africa's Kafue National Park, like other parks, provides habitat for huge populations of animals: 150 species of mammals, 480 species of birds, 70 species of reptiles.

Congo

Verunga is a national park located in north-eastern Congo, characterized by an outstanding diversity of natural habitats: alpine meadows, peat swamps, snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori and Verunga mountains, grassy and tree savannas, bamboo thickets, vast lava plateaus, low-mountain rain forests. Its area is 7800 sq. km. The park has a fairly diverse flora - about 2000 plant species. And its fauna is represented by 110 species of reptiles, 197 species of mammals and 89 species of amphibians.