best national parks?

I'm going to be in East and Southern Africa soon. My budget
is very tight so I doubt I'll do a safari. What do you
think are the best national parks (from Kenya to South
Africa) in terms of beauty/nature/value for your money?
Thanks a lot!

[There are 6 posts - the latest was added on Fri 21 May, 23:12]

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1. Parks Added by: Mike K (mkap@hotmail.com)
   [Timestamp: Thu 20 May, 3:29 Tasmanian Standard Time]

   Although the Serengetti and Masai mari are great, I felt
   they were like a zoo with all the tour buses everywhere.
   Plus, the cheapest we found was $50USD/day.
   If you have your own wheels, Etosha is the best place.
   every animal, great campsites and not costly (upto 8
   campers per site). Its very dry such that the animals are
   always near the watering holes.
   I found Hwange had too many elephants. Kruger is super,
   every animal but the bush is denser and the animals harder
   to spot.
   For an adventure, try Mana Pools.

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2. independently... Added by: shirlita (shirlita@hotmail.com)
   [Timestamp: Thu 20 May, 15:05 Tasmanian Standard Time]

   thanks Mike and those who emailed me...
   one other question: how possible is it to get to and around
   these parks independently? I won't have my own vehicle, but
   could I use public transport and do the experience without
   hiring a guide?

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3. Independently Added by: Michael (Seyfun@aol.com)
   [Timestamp: Fri 21 May, 2:29 Tasmanian Standard Time]

   In my experience, you may as well forget about doing it
   independently, unless you want to spend half your trip
   waiting in front of the gate of some national park. It's
   just to difficult getting transport into the parks.
   One option to explore is to get to the nearest town, and
   then look at hireing a guide with a (4WD) vechicle to take
   you. We did that in Uganda at Queen Elizabeth NP (or
   whatever the new name is) and it went very well.
   Michael

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4. of course independently Added by: heidi (heidi.s@village.uunet.be)
   [Timestamp: Fri 21 May, 8:14 Tasmanian Standard Time]

   It's OK in zimbabwe.I always go on my own. Not using a 4X4,
   just a mazda 323 - in hwange, matopos, at Lake chivero,
   mutirikwi national park, etc...
   always felt safe, no trouble at all.

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5. S. Luangua Added by: Lengai (malawiman@altavista.net)
   [Timestamp: Fri 21 May, 8:38 Tasmanian Standard Time]

   Go to S. Luangua in Zambia. Don't tell everyone about it
   though!

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6. tight budget Added by: shelley
   [Timestamp: Fri 21 May, 23:12 Tasmanian Standard Time]

   As you are on a v.tight budget you can't do any better than
   visiting Hwange in Zim, with a tent, and talk or hitch your
   way into the park with friendly campers. And for sheer
   beauty don't miss Sinamatella camp in Hwange.

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