This article discusses the largest national parks in Africa.
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 (these are Yellowstone, USA, and Northeast Greenland national parks respectively), 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.
This page lists national parks across sub-Saharan Africa only (areas for experiencing classic wildlife safaris), so leaves out some of the large national parks found in Northern Africa. For a broader list check out our post on the largest national parks in the world.
So, without further ado, here are the 50 largest national parks in Africa:
Africa’s 50 Largest National Parks (sq km)
1. Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania: 55,000
.
2. Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Botswana: 52,000
.
3. Namib-Nankluft Park, Namibia: 49,768
4. Niassa Reserve, Mozambique: 42,000
.
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

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
10. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe: 14,651
.
11. Tsavo National Park, Kenya: 13,747
.
12. Ruaha National Park, Tanzania: 13,000
.
13. Gemsbok National Park, Botswana: 12,800
.
14. Chobe National Park, Botswana: 10,566
.
15. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia: 9,050
.
16. Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania: 8,288
.
17. Virunga National Park: Democratic Republic of Congo: 8,090
.
18. Lake Kariba Recreational Park, Zimbabwe: 5,200
.
19. Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe: 5,053
.
20. Uwanda Rukwa National Park, Tanzania: 5,000
.
21. North Luangwa National Park, Zambia: 4,636
.
22. Fish River Canyon National Park, Namibia: 4,347
.
23. Nxai Pan National Park, Botswana: 4,000
.
24. Makgadikgadi National Park, Botswana: 3,900
.
25. Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda: 3,885
.
26. Kaudum Game Park, Namibia: 3,800
.
27. Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique: 3,770
.
28. Liuwa Plain National Park, Zambia: 3,660
.
29. Mkomazi National Park, Tanzania: 3,600
.
30. Mikumi National Park, Tanzania: 3,230
.
31. Mweru Wantipa National Park, Zambia: 3,134
.
32. Nyika National Park, Malawi: 3,134
.
33. Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana: 3,000

Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
34. Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia: 3,000
.
35. Lukusuzi National Park, Zambia: 2,720
.
36. Tarangire National Park, Tanzania: 2,600
.
37. Khutse Game Reserve, Botswana: 2,600
.
38. Katavi National Park, Tanzania: 2,253
.
39. Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe: 2,190
.
40. Nsumbu National Park, Zambia: 2,020
.
41. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda: 2,000
.
42. Kasungu National Park, Malawi: 2,000
.
43. Chizarira National Park, Zimbabwe: 1,910
.
44. Nkhorakota Game Reserve, Malawi: 1,802
.
45. West Lunga National Park, Zambia: 1,684
.
46. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya: 1,672
.
47. Skeleton Cost National Park, Namibia: 1,600
.
48. Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania: 1,577
.
49. Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe: 1,407
50. Kidepo National Park, Uganda: 1,334
Interested in reading more about more national parks in Africa? We have a section on the website dedicated to reviews of individual national parks, and overviews of national parks in all countries across East and Southern Africa.
And that’s your lot for the largest national parks in Africa. What do you think – any surprises or parks you think should be added to the list? Let us know in the comment section below!
Latest safari articles
When To Go On Safari
Time of year can play a big part in what animals you’ll see on safari, and how accessible certain National Parks are. When’s the best time to go?
National Parks Guide
Known for their natural beauty and diverse wildlife, Africa’s national parks are the world’s premier safari destinations.
Inspirational Safaris Ideas
After inspiration? Browse a range of specialist safari types, from self drive to fly in safaris and walking safaris to ballon safaris.
Hello,
You forgot the national park of the Hoggar in Algeria with 450,000 km², the biggest in Africa , second in the world after the Groenland.
Also the Tassili national park also in Algeria with 72,000 km².
Hi Karim, agree these parks are very large… but this list really focusses on the national parks in sub-Saharan African for safaris and game viewing.
Your list leaves Tsavo National Park (East & West) which cover over 20,000 sq. kilometres in SouthernEast of Kenya.
Hi James, Tsavo National Park is in there at #11
You don’t mention any of the national parks in Kenya including Tsavo which is approximately 22,000 square kilometres and of course The Mara
Thanks for reading Nereah. Both Tsavo and the Masai Mara are on the list :)
What about parks in Mozambique? There are some enormous ones like Niassa which is 42 000 square kilometers and Gorongosa at over 4 000 square kilometers.
You forgot Serengeti which is the biggest so far in East Africa
Hi Sam, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania is in there at #10, 14,763 km sq.
BEUTIFUL EXPLENATION,VERY GOOD I LIKE YOUR WEB SIDE,WELL DONE BRAVO!!!
Thanks Sasha, the kinds words are appreciated ;)
Thanks Ed, good informative listing, your patience is commended, some people don’t see what’s printed
Makes the travel bug bite. I have been fortunate enough to have visited 13 of the Nation Parks you have listed.
Wonderful stuff… only 37 to go :)