Africa: National Parks vs Private Reserves

​When going on safari in Africa, you have choices between visiting or staying in a national park, a private reserve or conservancy. 
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What are the differences?  

National Parks are large areas with a range of landscapes and habitats, run by the government and open to the public.   Because they are open to all, you will most likely encounter more vehicles and visitors.

A private reserve is an area that is private or community owned and managed, usually located adjacent to or near a national park, smaller in size and not open to the public.

A conservancy is similar to a private reserve but is managed for conservation purposes, often to protect wildlife, natural habitats, and biodiversity while promoting sustainable use of natural resources. Conservancies are typically managed by local communities, private landowners, or partnerships between governments and private entities.  The idea is to balance wildlife conservation with the economic needs of the local population, such as through eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and other activities that generate income without harming the environment.

Pros and Cons of National Parks

• Because of their size, national parks will generally have a higher population (and variety) of wildlife.  Because of the size, however, it could be more difficult to locate wildlife and viewing is generally from a distance.  Safaris are generally restricted to designated roads and tracks and have stricter rules around off-road driving, night drives or walking safaris.
• National parks tend to be more affordable with lower entry fees and offer a variety of accommodations.  Because parks are public you may encounter larger crowds. 
• In summary: National park safaris offer vast landscapes, a diverse range of animals and lower costs but tend to be more crowded and stricter rules. 

Examples of amazing National Parks include the Maasai Mara, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, the Serengeti and Kruger National Parks.  

Pros and Cons of Private Reserves and Conservancies

• Reserves and conservancies are smaller in area and may not have the same wildlife density.  However, you still see a wide variety of species as animals roam freely between parks and reserves/conservancies.
• Reserves and conservancies do not have the same restrictions as national parks, offering more flexibility including off-road driving to get closer to the animals, guided walks and night drives – a more immersive wildlife experience.
• Private reserves and conservancies tend to be more luxurious – fewer guests, exclusive accommodations, personalized service and tailor-made experiences like private game drives and sundowners.
• In summary: Private reserves and conservancies provide more intimate experiences, are more flexible and are often more luxurious, but can be more expensive.  

Both options offer incredible safari experiences and both should be part of your experience.  The choices largely depends on your priorities—whether you're looking for exclusivity and flexibility, a more traditional, accessible adventure or a combination of both.

I work with amazing African operators and destination specialists. 
​Reach out HERE to get started on learning more about the possibilities!