National Parks in Africa
Parks by country — from the Serengeti to Tsavo.
30,500 kilometers of coastline does the black continent have, which stretches from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean.
A land of contrasts
No wonder, then, that this continent is home to such a diverse and therefore fascinating flora and fauna, which is more varied than anywhere else in the world. Its protection cannot be overestimated; numerous national parks in Africa have been established to preserve the magnificent African wildlife.
From desert to tropics
Almost every country has declared unique landscapes as protected areas; the national parks could not be more different. A glance at the world map shows how diverse the nature on the African continent is. The Sahara, at nine million km², is the largest dry desert on Earth, covering all of North Africa. In Central Africa, there is the tropical rainforest, which transitions into grass and bush savannas towards the south and becomes the Kalahari Desert in the far south. Just as varied as the climate zones are the richness of species on the continent. No matter how harsh the conditions in each area are, the wildlife has adapted perfectly.
From fish to predators
The wildlife of the continent is very diverse. Along the protected coastal areas, the most varied whale species and dolphins live, which can be observed in their natural habitat from the national parks on the coast. The dry savanna is home to large herds of animals; elephants, antelopes or buffalo graze here. They live closely alongside some of the world's most dangerous predators. After all, Africa is also home to lions, cheetahs, hyenas or jackals. In the tropical rainforest in Central Africa, various primate species are native, including well-known genera such as the chimpanzee or the endangered colobus monkey. However, special protection is given to species threatened with extinction, which unfortunately are numerous in Africa. The grey crowned crane is one of the lesser-known endangered animals; species such as the lowland gorilla or the forest elephant are better known.
Very famous national parks
Some of the most famous national parks in the world are located on the African continent. In South Africa lies the Kruger National Park, the largest protected area for wild animals on Earth. The national park itself covers an area of more than 20,000 km², which is roughly equivalent to the entire area of the German state of Hesse. Over 800 different mammal, bird and reptile species live here, in addition to numerous fish and amphibian species. The area has been protected since the 19th century and is therefore one of the oldest protected areas in the world. No less well-known is the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. It is slightly smaller than its counterpart in South Africa but is home to larger animal populations. The Serengeti is the most complex ecosystem on the continent. It was protected from poachers and hunters very early on, so it is still in excellent condition.
From north to south
It is not necessary to fly to Central Africa to see unique landscapes. The northernmost states of Africa also have recommended national parks. In Egypt, for example, there is the Ras Mohammed National Park in Sharm El-Sheikh. The park in the Red Sea is a popular destination for diving trips; impressive reefs bear witness to the fascination of African nature. In Ivory Coast, there is the Taï National Park, one of the last areas of tropical rainforest in West Africa. It is home to rare forest and round-eared elephants, the endangered zebra duiker and African buffalo. Since the early 1980s, like many national parks on African soil, the park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Balance between protection and tourism
The protection of flora and fauna is the top priority in all national parks. However, people around the world should not be denied the chance to experience this fascinating nature, so many parks are open to the public. Both parties benefit from controlled tourism. The park becomes more well-known and earns important money, which is needed for the expansion and maintenance of the national park. Through tours, so-called safaris, visitors get a unique insight into what may be the most impressive wildlife and flora on Earth.
Far from mass tourism, backpacking/individual tourism is feasible. In particular, the quality of the equipment contributes significantly to a relaxed holiday. For example, breathable clothing is a must for Africa. Read more here to find out more. You should definitely not skimp on outdoor clothing and equipment.
