Africa's largest nature reserve. Top 10 national parks and nature reserves in Africa

Africa has the largest reserve in the world. It's called the Cavango Zambezi. The complex is located on the borders of five states: Angola, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe. The total area of the reserve exceeds 44 million hectares. The protected territory united 36 reserves and lands surrounding them. Almost half of all elephants of Africa, more than 600 species of various plants and about 300 species of birds live in the Kavang Zambezi.

With the formation of such conservation complexes as the transnational reserve of Africa, called Kavango Zambezi (abbreviated KAZA), endangered species of animals that are prone to migration (elephants and rhinoceroses) feel completely safe in a vast territory the size of Sweden.

Tourist paradise

There are many world famous landmarks on this land. For example, Victoria Falls. Despite the fact that this reserve in Africa was founded quite recently (2011), one of the main tasks that the five states set themselves was the creation of conditions for free migration of all kinds of animals. In addition, for these countries, the nature reserves and national parks of Africa are the most important tourist sites. Every year thousands of tourists from all over the world come to this unique transboundary reserve.

Animals

Undoubtedly, the main representatives of the animal world, living in the complex - are elephants. Probably, it's hard to believe, but in the protected area, almost half of these giants live from the total number of elephants in Africa. In these vast areas, 600 plant species grow. There are many unique ones among them. In the most picturesque regions of the region, 300 species of birds have found their home.

South Africa is a land where the incongruous combination is surprisingly combined. Striking in its beauty landscapes are concentrated in the reserves and national parks of the country.

Kruger Park

Cross-border territory, covering an area of 20 thousand square kilometers, is located between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Here, the elephant and the lion, the buffalo and rhinoceros, the leopard feel quite comfortable.

The statistics confirm the uniqueness of these places. The area occupied by this nature reserve of Africa can be compared with the territory of Wales. It represents countless picturesque meadows and pastures, coastal forests, which are home to about 150 species of mammals, including the largest population of rhinoceroses.

Five hours drive from the largest metropolis of South Africa - Johannesburg, you can see the inhabitants of the wild and get an unforgettable experience. For example, in Kruger Park you can watch the fight between a lion and a crocodile.

The most fearless tourists can go on a guided tour, accompanied by armed guards. Reserves and national parks of Africa are best visited in winter. At this time, the vegetation does not grow so rapidly and does not obstruct the view. Animals can be seen at numerous reservoirs, besides at this time the risk of infection with malaria is minimal.

Royal Natal

One of the most picturesque mountain chains in Africa is Drakensberg. The name translates as the Dragon Mountains. Sharp tops of the mountains here smoothly pass into the green slopes, which are covered with irregularities and hillocks.

The Royal Natal National Park is located on a not too large territory (2500 sq. Km.), Part of the Ukhalamba complex, a World Heritage site. Despite this, Drakensberg is one of the most famous mountain formations on Earth.

Sedeberg Nature Reserve

This mountain range is located 200 km north of Cape Town. The reserve of Africa Sedeberg consists of many hills of sandstone, thick thickets of finbos and the magnificent Mount Saint Rock. Excursion routes last from one hour to several days.

During such a walk you can enjoy the wild nature of these places. You can climb the steep slopes to the picturesque hills - the Arch Wolfberg or the Maltese Cross. Tourists prefer to stop at the Sanddrif base. There is an observatory and a huge vinotheque. The best time to travel is from April to August. At this time, the weather for walks will be the best.

Mapungubwe

National reserves of Africa amaze tourists with the beauty of the pristine nature. Mapungubwe is not an exception. It is located along the borders of Botswana and Zimbabwe, in the valley of the Limpopo River. In these places giraffes and elephants, baboons and leopards slowly walk among the trees.

Mapungubwe is a part of the World Heritage List and is a historical value, so if you are in Johannesburg, be sure to come here.

In ancient times in this territory was the center of the South African kingdom. In 1300 BC. In these places lived nine thousand people. Archaeologists managed to find hills with graves, in which unique values were buried, for example, a gold figurine of a rhinoceros. Come here better in June-August.

Blade River

Reserves and parks of Africa differ from each other in a natural landscape. This canyon deserves to be seen with his own eyes. It rises above the Blyde River, and it seems that it is breaking off the peaks of the Drakensberg Range with the magnificent crowns of thousands of beautiful trees.

Even more beautiful this place is made by green gentle slopes, above which rise hills of sandstone and limestone. The most famous of them is the Triple Rondavel rock, with its huge vaults and semicircular peaks, which resemble the roofs of the Ronda (African houses).

It is better not to visit the nature reserves of Africa from January to March. At this time to travel here is not very comfortable - from the mountains humid air descends, and there is a danger of infection with malaria.

Isimangaliso

This place is like created for ecotourism lovers. The name of this wetland park in the language of Zulu means "miracle". You can not say more about this place. The national park covers an area of 3320 square meters. Km is an ecosystem of world importance. The territory of Isimangaliso is covered with lakes, marsh forests, coral reefs. It is the largest on the continent delta river and about 220 km of beaches located on the shores of the Indian Ocean.

The nature reserves of Africa are large and not very much, mainly prepared for the meeting of tourists. For example, in Isimangaliso Park, there are excellent conditions for diving and horse riding. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, it is possible to hold an alloy on kayaks and observe the wild nature.

Within one day in these places you can see a whale and a rhinoceros. This park, located 375 km from Durban, is especially good from June to October, when there is no exhausting heat, and the risk of contracting malaria is minimal.

Namakua

Not all nature reserves in Africa can boast of such unique vegetation as Namakuvaland located along the coast of South Africa. It is often called an African garden, a thousand colors blooming in the spring. This is a true decoration of an arid continent. From the beginning of August to the end of September, this beauty can be seen with my own eyes.

The park is located near Cape Town. This true treasure has the richest flora. What is worth blooming daisies in this park - this spectacle is fascinating.

Transboundary park of Kgalgadi

"Wild island" of land, located on the hot sands of the Kalahari desert. Kgalgadi Park is located in the transboundary zone between Botswana and South Africa - it is the world's largest conservation area. There are a lot of animals here - lions and ostriches, leopards and cheetahs that survive in these arid lands.

Ktugalgadi Park is a great place to watch big cats. However, you must be careful - at any time you can be with a lion on one path.

Table Mountain

The National Park, which has such a strange name, is located on the territory of the Cape Peninsula. From here you can admire the amazing view of Cape Town, the oldest city in South Africa.

In this park there are many excellent opportunities for active recreation. Here you will be offered to fly on a paraglider from the rock Lion's head. You can climb on the highest slope of Table Mountain, take a walk along picturesque paths. Local residents recommend to climb up the mountain through the meadows of the Kirstenbosh Botanical Garden.

Golden Gate

The mountains of Maluti are 300 km north-east of the city of Bloemfontein. Early in the morning you can see herds of grazing antelopes. A magnificent view of the mountains in the rays of the setting sun, when the slopes are covered with golden color, gave the name to this park. Particularly beautiful is Mount Brandwag - it can be seen from any point.