The idea of protecting large tracts of lands as national parks took off in Africa in 1925 with the establishment of Virunga National Park in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo. Soon after that – and in ever increasing numbers after the second world war – many other African countries followed suit, leading to the creation of some of the world’s largest national parks. Although Africa doesn’t boast the first or the largest national parks in the world (Yellowstone, USA and Northeast Greenland national parks repectivley), it can lay claim to a selection of unparalleled national parks – several of which dwarf many European countries in size…and of course, unrivaled wildlife viewing opportunities. So, without further ado, here are the 50 largest national parks in Africa:
Africa’s 50 Largest National Parks (sq. km)
1. Mudumu National Park, Namibia: 85,000
2. Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania: 55,000
3. Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana: 52,000
4. Namib-Nankluft Park, Namibia: 49,768
5. Kafue National Park, Zambia: 22,400
6. Etosha National Park, Namibia: 22,270
7. Kruger National Park, South Africa: 19,455
8. Luvushi Manda National Park. Malawi: 15,000
9. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: 14,763
10. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe: 14,651
11. Ruaha National Park, Tanzania: 13,000
12. Gemsbok National Park, Botswana: 12,800
13. Chobe National Park, Botswana: 10,566
14. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia: 9,050
15. Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania: 8,288
16. Lake Kariba Recreational Park, Zimbabwe: 5,200
17. Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe: 5,053
18. Uwanda National Park, Tanzania: 5,000
19. North Luangwa National Park, Zambia: 4,636
20. Fish River Canyon National Park, Namibia: 4,347
21. Nxai Pan National Park, Botswana: 4,000
22. Makgadikgadi National Park, Botswana: 3,900
23. Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda: 3,885
24. Kaudum Game Park, Namibia: 3,800
25. Liuwa Plain National Park, Zambia: 3,660
26. Mkomazi National Park, Tanzania: 3,600
27. Mikumi National Park, Tanzania: 3,230
28. Mweru Wantipa National Park, Zambia: 3,134
29. Nyika National Park, Malawi: 3,134
30. Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana: 3,000
31. Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia: 3,000
32. Lukusuzi National Park, Zambia: 2,720
33. Tarangire National Park, Tanzania: 2,600
34. Khutse Game Reserve, Botswana: 2,600
35. Katavi National Park, Tanzania: 2,253
36. Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe: 2,190
37. Nsumbu National Park, Zambia: 2,020
38. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda: 2,000
39. Kasungu National Park, Malawi: 2,000
40. Chizarira National Park, Zimbabwe: 1,910
41. Nkhorakota Game Reserve, Malawi: 1,802
42. West Lunga National Park, Zambia: 1,684
43. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya: 1,672
44. Skeleton Cost National Park, Namibia: 1,600
45. Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania: 1,577
46. Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe: 1,407
47. Kidepo National Park, Uganda: 1,334
48. Mt. Elgon National Park, Uganda: 1,145
49. Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Tanzania: 1,000
50. Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Uganda: 996
Source courtesy of Africa Alamanac.
Interested in reading more about national parks in Africa? We have a section on the website dedicated to both reviews of individual national parks, and overviews of national parks in all countries across East and Southern Africa. Read on for more relevant information.
