Hiking routes where you can spot rare wildlife
What's the story
Exploring Africa's varied landscapes opens up an opportunity to see some of the rarest wildlife on our planet. Adventure trails across the continent lead you to habitats where the animals thrive. From thick forests to sprawling savannahs, every trail gives you a chance to see the creatures in their natural habitat. Here are five adventure trails known for sightings of rare African wildlife, and what makes them special.
Trail 1
Serengeti National Park trail
The famous annual migration of over a million wildebeest and zebras at Tanzania's Serengeti National Park makes this trail a great opportunity to witness predators such as lions and cheetahs in action. Apart from its expansive plains, the park also shelters elephants, giraffes, and hundreds of bird species. You can either take guided tours or self-drive safaris to explore the area for an amazing wildlife experience.
Trail 2
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest trek
Located in Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is famous for its population of mountain gorillas. Trekking through this dense forest gives you a chance to witness these majestic primates up close. The forest also houses other wildlife such as chimpanzees, and a number of bird species. Guided treks are also offered, giving insights into the behavior and conservation efforts of these endangered animals.
Trail 3
Okavango Delta safari
Botswana's Okavango Delta is a one-of-a-kind ecosystem where water channels form lush habitats for a variety of wildlife. This safari trail enables you to witness elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of birds flourish in their natural habitat. Traversing the delta by traditional mokoro canoe or on foot with expert guides makes the expedition all the more adventurous while keeping the impact on nature minimum.
Trail 4
Kruger National Park drive
Africa's one of the largest game reserves, South Africa's Kruger National Park features various ecosystems supporting a range of animal life. The park features the Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffaloes. With self-drive routes or guided tours, you could explore different areas within the park at your own pace. You could also increase your chances of spotting some rare animals.
Trail 5
Etosha National Park expedition
Namibia's Etosha National Park boasts expansive salt pans that draw large herds during dry seasons when other water sources run dry. Tourists can spot black rhinos along with giraffes and zebras congregating around waterholes dotting this barren land. This makes it the perfect setting to witness cross-species interactions. They do so without disrupting them too much from a distance through designated viewing points along predetermined paths within Etosha's premises.