When I travel, I like to think in terms of ecoregions, not political borders. It’s a way of seeing the world that feels more natural to me—focusing on the landscapes, the ecosystems, and the wildlife that define a place, rather than the lines we’ve drawn on maps. And if there’s one ecoregion that has captured my heart more than any other, it’s the African Savannas.
As a wildlife artist, I’ve spent years exploring and painting some of the most incredible places on Earth, but the savannas of Africa hold a special place in my soul. There’s something about the vast, open grasslands, the golden light at sunset, and the constant hum of life—from the smallest insects to the mightiest elephants—that feels both grounding and exhilarating.
If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing this incredible part of the world, let me share with you what makes the African Savannas so unique, why you should visit, and how to make the most of your journey.
What Makes the African Savannas Unique?
The African Savannas are one of the most iconic and biodiverse landscapes on the planet. Stretching across much of sub-Saharan Africa, this ecoregion is defined by its endless grasslands, scattered acacia trees, and seasonal rains that bring the land to life. But it’s not just the scenery that makes the savannas special—it’s the wildlife.
This is the land of the “Big Five”—lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo—but it’s also home to so much more. Giraffes nibble on treetops, zebras and wildebeest migrate across the plains, and cheetahs stalk their prey with breathtaking speed. The savannas are also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 500 species recorded in some areas, from vibrant lilac-breasted rollers to majestic martial eagles.
What I love most about the savannas is the sense of balance. It’s a place where life thrives in harmony, where every creature, from the smallest termite to the largest elephant, plays a role in the ecosystem. It’s a reminder of how interconnected and resilient nature can be.
If you’re curious about other ecoregions I’ve explored, check out my Ecoregions page for a deeper dive into the world’s most fascinating ecosystems.
Why You Should Visit the African Savannas
Visiting the African Savannas isn’t just a trip—it’s an experience that stays with you forever. Here’s why I think everyone should experience this incredible place at least once:
- Wildlife Spectacles: The savannas are home to some of the most dramatic wildlife events on Earth. The Great Migration, where over a million wildebeest and zebras move across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, is a sight you’ll never forget. And then there are the predator-prey dramas—lions stalking their prey, cheetahs sprinting across the plains, and hyenas scavenging in the shadows. If you’re planning your trip around the Great Migration, I’ve got a handy guide on when the Great Migration occurs.
- Cultural Richness: The savannas aren’t just about wildlife—they’re also home to vibrant cultures that have lived in harmony with this landscape for centuries. The Maasai people of Kenya and Tanzania, for example, are known for their deep connection to the land and their traditional way of life.
- Unmatched Beauty: The landscapes here are breathtaking. Whether it’s the golden plains of the Serengeti, the baobab-studded savannas of Tarangire, or the dramatic escarpments of the Ngorongoro Crater, every corner feels like a painting waiting to happen.
Best National Parks and Countries to Explore
If you’re planning a trip to the African Savannas, you’re in for a treat. This ecoregion spans multiple countries, each offering its own unique slice of savanna magic. Here are some of the best places to experience the African Savannas, along with a few insights and interesting facts to help you plan your adventure:
1. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The Serengeti National Park is the crown jewel of the African Savannas, and for good reason. This vast, sprawling ecosystem is the stage for one of nature’s greatest spectacles: the Great Migration. Every year, over a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the plains in search of fresh grazing, followed closely by predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
What many people don’t realize is that the Serengeti isn’t just about the migration. It’s a year-round wildlife haven. The park’s diverse habitats—from open grasslands to riverine forests—support an incredible array of species. You might spot a leopard lounging in an acacia tree, a family of elephants bathing in a mud wallow, or a pride of lions resting in the shade.
One of my favorite things about the Serengeti is its sense of timelessness. Standing on the plains, with the wind rustling through the grass and the distant roar of a lion, you feel like you’ve stepped into a world that’s existed exactly like this for millennia.
2. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Adjacent to the Serengeti, the Maasai Mara National Reserve is another iconic savanna destination. It’s best known for its role in the Great Migration, particularly the dramatic river crossings along the Mara River. Picture this: thousands of wildebeest and zebras plunging into the water, while crocodiles lurk below and lions wait on the banks. It’s nature at its most raw and unfiltered.
But the Mara isn’t just about the migration. It’s also one of the best places in Africa to see big cats. The reserve has one of the highest densities of lions in the world, and it’s not uncommon to spot cheetahs and leopards as well. The open grasslands make it easier to spot wildlife, and the golden light at sunrise and sunset is a photographer’s dream.
Another thing I love about the Maasai Mara is its cultural richness. The Maasai people, who have lived in this region for centuries, offer a unique perspective on the land and its wildlife. Many lodges and tours include visits to Maasai villages, where you can learn about their traditions and way of life.
3. Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest and most accessible game reserves, and it’s a fantastic place to experience the savannas. What sets Kruger apart is its incredible diversity. The park is home to over 500 bird species, 100 reptile species, and nearly 150 mammals, including the Big Five.
One of the things I appreciate about Kruger is its flexibility. Unlike some parks that require guided tours, Kruger allows self-drive safaris, which means you can explore at your own pace. The park’s well-maintained roads and clear signage make it easy to navigate, even for first-time visitors.
Kruger is also a great place to spot rare and elusive species. African wild dogs, for example, are one of the most endangered predators in Africa, but Kruger has a relatively healthy population. You might also see black rhinos, which are critically endangered, or the smaller, lesser-known antelopes like the nyala and the sable.
4. Okavango Delta, Botswana
While not a traditional savanna, the Okavango Delta is a unique and fascinating ecosystem that blends savanna, wetland, and forest. During the annual flood, water from the Angolan highlands flows into the delta, creating a lush, green oasis in the middle of the Kalahari Desert.
The Okavango Delta is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. The waterways are teeming with hippos and crocodiles, while the surrounding grasslands are home to elephants, giraffes, and buffalo. It’s also one of the best places in Africa to see sitatunga antelopes, which are adapted to life in the wetlands.
One of the most unique ways to explore the delta is by mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe. Gliding silently through the water, you’ll get up close to birds, frogs, and other aquatic life. It’s a completely different perspective on the savanna ecosystem and one of my favorite experiences in Africa.
5. Etosha National Park, Namibia
Etosha National Park is a bit different from the other parks on this list, but it’s just as fascinating. The park is centered around the Etosha Pan, a massive salt flat that shimmers in the sunlight. During the dry season, the pan becomes a magnet for wildlife, as animals gather around the few remaining waterholes.
What I love about Etosha is its stark, otherworldly beauty. The landscape feels almost lunar, with its white salt flats and sparse vegetation. But despite the harsh environment, the park is teeming with life. You’ll see herds of zebras and springboks, as well as predators like lions and hyenas. Etosha is also one of the best places in Africa to see the endangered black rhino.
6. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest national park and one of the best places to experience the African Savannas. The park is known for its large elephant population—over 40,000 elephants call Hwange home—but it’s also a great place to see lions, leopards, and African wild dogs.
One of the things that sets Hwange apart is its waterholes. During the dry season, these waterholes become hubs of activity, attracting everything from elephants to antelopes to birds. Many lodges in the park are built near waterholes, so you can watch the wildlife from the comfort of your veranda.
For more inspiration, check out my list of the Top 10 Wildlife Destinations in the World, which includes some of these incredible parks. Each of these destinations offers a unique perspective on the African Savannas, and I guarantee you’ll come away with memories that last a lifetime.
When to Visit the African Savannas
Timing is everything when it comes to visiting the savannas, and I’ve learned this firsthand through my travels. The African Savannas are a dynamic ecosystem, and the experience you’ll have depends greatly on when you go.
Here’s my take on the best times to visit, along with some personal insights and opinions:
Dry Season (June to October)
If you’re looking for the classic safari experience, the dry season is the time to go. This is when the savannas are at their most dramatic, with animals congregating around shrinking water sources, making wildlife easier to spot. I’ve spent countless mornings during this season watching elephants gather at waterholes, their reflections shimmering in the early light, or tracking lions as they stalk their prey across the golden plains.
One of the highlights of the dry season is the Great Migration in Tanzania and Kenya. I’ll never forget the first time I witnessed a river crossing in the Maasai Mara—thousands of wildebeest and zebras plunging into the water, crocodiles snapping at their heels, and the air thick with tension and excitement. It’s a spectacle that feels almost otherworldly, and it’s one of the reasons I keep returning to the savannas.
The dry season also offers ideal conditions for photography. The skies are clear, the light is golden, and the lack of vegetation makes it easier to spot and photograph wildlife. Plus, the cooler temperatures make game drives more comfortable.
Wet Season (November to May)
While the dry season gets most of the attention, I have a soft spot for the wet season. This is when the savannas come alive in a different way. The rains transform the landscape into a lush, green paradise, and the air is filled with the sounds of birds and the scent of fresh grass.
One of the things I love most about the wet season is the birdlife. As a wildlife artist, I’m always drawn to the vibrant colors and unique behaviors of birds, and the wet season is a birdwatcher’s dream. From the striking lilac-breasted roller to the majestic martial eagle, there’s no shortage of subjects to draw or photograph.
The wet season is also calving season for many herbivores, which means plenty of predator action. You can spend hours watching cheetahs teaching their cubs to hunt or lions stalking young wildebeest.
That said, the wet season does come with its challenges. The rains can make roads muddy and difficult to navigate, and some areas may be inaccessible. But for me, the trade-off is worth it. There’s something magical about seeing the savannas in their greenest, most vibrant state, and the smaller crowds make it feel like you have the place to yourself.
My Personal Recommendation
If it’s your first time visiting the African Savannas, I’d recommend going during the dry season. The wildlife viewing is unparalleled, and the weather is more predictable. But if you’re a repeat visitor or someone who loves birds and lush landscapes, don’t overlook the wet season.
How to Visit the African Savannas
There are several ways to experience the savannas, depending on your budget and travel style:
- Guided Safaris: These are the most popular option and offer the best chance to see wildlife. Many tours include knowledgeable guides who can track animals and share fascinating insights about the ecosystem.
- Self-Drive Safaris: If you’re an experienced traveler, parks like Kruger in South Africa allow you to explore at your own pace. Just make sure you’re comfortable driving on rough roads and navigating wildlife areas.
- Luxury Lodges: For a more indulgent experience, stay at a luxury lodge with stunning views and top-notch service. Many lodges offer guided game drives, bush walks, and even hot air balloon safaris.
If you’re curious about other wildlife destinations, I’ve written about some amazing spots, like the Wildlife of the Kinabatangan River and Native Animals in Kenya.
Final Thoughts
The African Savannas are more than just a destination—they’re a reminder of how interconnected and beautiful our planet is. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a photographer, or just someone who loves adventure, this ecoregion has something for everyone.
If you’re planning your trip, don’t forget to check out my African Savannas guide for more tips and insights. And if you’re curious about other ecoregions, like the Himalayas or the Amazon Basin, I’ve got you covered.
So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. The African Savannas are waiting for you.