Hi everyone! So I’m finally looking into arranging a safari in Africa, but there are so many different national parks and countries to choose from. I really want to see Lions, Elephants, Giraffes and Zebras. I’m open to where and when I go (2026), but I’m looking for some inspiration about the different national parks/countries and what everyone’s experience was here. Are there any that stand out above the rest? Are there specific parks where you see specific animals? Thanks for your advice!
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Hi @kristen!
As a South African I might be a little biased, but my suggestion would be to go on Safari in the Kruger National Park. It is a massive national park in the northern part of South Africa and there is a lot to see. It holds the Big Five: Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Elephant, and Rhino. Getting to see them is like playing safari bingo! 
The Kruger, as locally referred to, not only has the Big Five but you are sure to see giraffes and zebras there too. (I did!) It is located 4-5h outside of Johannesburg, so that would be the city you should fly to when planning a visit.
A little further south in South Africa there is another one of my favourite parks, Addo Elephant National Park. It is the third largest park in the country and offers just as diverse wildlife to see and experience. The closest biggest airport to fly to is Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).
Hope this helps!
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I feel like you can’t lose with any national park. I did the Masa Mara and then Arusha National park because I was in the area. I would say it depends on what else you may want to do. After Arusha we flew to Zanzibar and it was the best way to relax after such a fun filled adventure.
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