best wildlife safari in the world

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The Best Safari Destinations in the World (Updated 2022)

From seeing animals in their natural habitats to camping under the stars in open plains, discover the best safari destinations in the world!

A safari is an incredible way to encounter nature and wildlife in Africa or Asia . From seeking out the big five on a safari in Africa to immersing yourself in grassy plains in Sri Lanka and jungle terrain in India , it’s the experience of a lifetime. We share the best safari destinations in the world.

Travel on: a safari tour

1. Okavango Delta, Botswana

Head to northern Botswana for one of the world’s largest inland river deltas, the Okavango Delta . The wildlife encounters visitors will experience here are remarkable. Amid the grassy plains, the cry of hyenas, the roar of lions, the growl of leopards, giraffes, and rhinos will become the melody of your safari. The wetter pastures are home to hippos, elephants, and crocodiles. This is one of Africa’s most epic safari destinations.

2. Ranthambore National Park, India

Ranthambore ‘s wild jungle scrub is home to many creatures from the animal kingdom, but the fiercest by far is the tiger. You’ll be blown away by the crocodile-filled lakes, the ancient temples and mosques, the beautiful remnants left behind by maharajas that used to hunt here, once upon a time. But nothing will leave you as breathless than seeing as seeing a tiger in the wild for the first time.

Travel on: a Tiger safari

3. Kruger National Park, South  Africa

As one of Africa’s largest game reserves, Kruger National Park tends to get crowded, but there’s a reason for that. This stunning park in northeastern South Africa is one of the best destinations to live out your safari dreams. From big five animals like lions, leopards, and elephants to exotic birds soaring down from the sky, there are plenty of opportunities to spot beasts in their natural habitat here.

Travel on: a Big Five safari

4. Serengeti, Tanzania

The Serengeti is considered to be the land that inspired Disney’s Lion King, and it’s not hard to believe. From proud lions stalking across the open plains to beautiful breeds of birds flying above you, this national park is the quintessential safari destination. Every year, the Serengeti becomes the place of migration for over a million wildebeest and zebras in the hundreds of thousands. You won’t forget this trip in a hurry.

Travel on: a Serengeti safari

5. Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

There are many things in this beautiful conservation area of Tanzania that will take your breath away. Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of Africa’s many wonders. When you are seeking out lions or marvelling at the spectacle of thousands of wildebeests and zebras migrating, the rest of the world will fade away. Among the many things you will experience in this epic safari destination, the massive Ngorongoro Crater and Olduvai Gorge fossils are a must-see.

Travel on: a Ngorongoro safari

6. Yala Park, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s most famous park is located next to the Indian Ocean. Comprised of dense forest, lush grasslands, and blue lakes along with fascinating beasts like leopards, elephants, monkeys, and crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species, Yala Park is a dream safari destination alright. Travellers who go deeper into the park will be rewarded with a chance to explore pilgrimage sites, caves marked with century-old rock paintings, and the ancient Buddhist ruins of Magul Maha Viharaya. 

Travel on: a Yala safari

7. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s largest safari destination doesn’t disappoint. Sprawled across 14,651 square kilometres, you’ll encounter elephant herds, lions, and African wild dogs in the grasslands and mopane woods found in the area. While there’s plenty of wildlife to feast your eyes on (107 animal species and 400 breeds of bird), elephants are what make Hwange so magical; the park is home to one of the largest populations on the planet.

Travel on: a Hwange safari

8. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

There are lots of places to discover the wildlife in Africa, but the sheer density of animals makes South Luangwa one of the continent’s best safari destinations. The open plains are home to marching elephants, impalas, pukus, and buffaloes, meanwhile hippos take dips in the river and leopards hunt for their next meal. If that doesn’t delight, look up to the sky, and you’ll see hundreds of birds flying above you.

See Also: First Time Safari Tips: How to Get the Most Out of Your Trip

9. Masai Mara Reserve, Kenya

The wilderness of Masai Mara is stunning. The Mara and Talek rivers snake through grasslands, river woodlands, and acacia trees, while the animal kingdom’s finest go about their day. Lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, and hippos can be found in their natural habitat, and wildebeest too, as they pass through these lands for their annual migration. Along with the wildlife, visitors can explore the nearby Masaai villages and learn about their customs from locals.

Travel on: a Masai Mara safari

10. Etosha National Park, Namibia

Even if you’ve been on a safari in Africa before, Etosha National Park is a different experience altogether. Firstly, Namibia’s landscape in vivid colours is incredible as it is, but the sight of hundreds of animals flocking to the watering holes is spellbinding. In other parks, visitors go looking for animals, but here, they will make their way to you, lions, elephants, and other creatures will all come out to play.

Travel on: an Etosha safari

11. Chobe National Park, Botswana

Chobe is Botswana’s first national park and famed for being biologically diverse. Picture antelopes galloping across the plains, hippos seeking cool respite in the lagoons of Linyanti Marsh, and herds of elephants and Cape buffalo flocking to the Chobe riverfront. Even when you’re not watching for animals in the wild, camp under the stars and you have different ways to immerse yourself in the wilderness.

Travel on: a Chobe safari

12. Bwindi Impenetrable National  Park, Uganda 

Bwindi’s mountainous terrain is home to many of the world’s remaining gorillas. In this biodiverse region, this endangered species has some much-needed peace and can be observed feeding off ancient roots and trees native to the region. Make your way to the dense forests of Bwindi for a rare chance to experience something out of this world: gorillas in the wild.

13. Kalahari Desert, Botswana

Spread across three countries, a considerable mass of Botswana, parts of Namibia and South Africa , the Kalahari is an amazing and surreal safari destination. It’s home to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, which is one of the last unspoiled ecosystems on the planet. It may be arid, but it’s brimming with wildlife, roaring lions and cackling hyenas are just some of the creatures found here.

See Also: Last minute safari deals

Based in Toronto, Sahar is a full-time content editor for Days to Come and part-time travel junkie.

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Six of the biggest and best safari parks around the world

From spotting tigers in india to watching elephants in africa, here are some of the best places to witness wildlife in its natural habitat.

A lion roams the Masai Mara game reserve.

It's hard to find a travel bucket list that doesn't contain a safari of some kind, and rightly so. There are few travel experiences that can top seeing wild animals roam freely in their natural habitat.

From spotting tigers in India to watching the great migration in Africa, there are myriad ways to experience a safari. If you are looking for inspiration, here are some of the biggest and best safari experiences from around the world.

Ranthambore National Park, India

Located near the town of Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan, northern India, Ranthambore is one of the best places in the world to spot tigers. The area, which spans about 1,335 square kilometres, is bounded to the north by the Banas River and to the south by the Chambal River, with the historic Ranthambore Fort, after which it is named, located within the park.

The park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including Indian leopard, Indian elephant, wild water buffalo, gaur (Indian bison), wild boar, spotted deer, striped hyena and Bengal fox. Its biggest draw, however, is its Bengal tiger population. Thanks to Project Tiger, an initiative started by the Indian government in 1973, the area has a designated tiger sanctuary. The year 2021 was a record one for breeding at the park, with 21 new tiger cubs born.

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Covering an area of about 979 square km, Yala is Sri Lanka’s most visited national park. The area, which was first designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, is made up of six separate national parks and three wildlife sanctuaries. Among the animals that can be found there are sloth bears, saltwater crocodiles, wild water buffalo and more than 215 species of birds. The park is also important for the conservation of Sri Lankan elephants and Sri Lankan leopards, both of which reside at Yala in strong numbers.

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Measuring about 14,600 square km, Hwange National Park is the largest nature reserve in Zimbabwe. Founded in 1929, the park, which sits to the north-west of the country, close to Victoria Falls, is home to 100 mammal and 400 bird species, including 19 large herbivores and eight large carnivores.

The park has a particularly high number of elephants, thanks to successful breeding programmes, and also has two national protection programmes, one for leopards and one for African wild dogs. Within the national park, there are dozens of public and privately operated camp areas, to accommodate the hundreds of thousands of tourists who flock here each year.

Masai Mara, Kenya

Located in the south-west of Kenya, Masai Mara is one of the best-known wildlife conservation areas in the world. It spans about 1,510 square km and is home to spectacular diversity in terms of wildlife. Large numbers of lions, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras and more can be found in the park, unconfined and free to roam the vast wilderness that stretches for miles on end.

The Pantanal, Brazil

The Pantanal is part national park, part Unesco World Heritage site, and covers about ​​195,000 square km in Brazil. It competes with the Amazon as the premier wildlife destination in South America. However, as the world’s largest tropical wetland, it also boasts the highest concentration of wildlife on the continent. Expect to see everything from birds to jaguars and giant anteaters to green anacondas.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger National Park is located in north-eastern South Africa and is one of Africa’s largest game reserves, known for its high density of wild animals, including lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffaloes. It spans 19,633 square kilometres and has 21 rest camps, two private lodge concessions and 15 private safari lodges on site. Kruger Park offers something for everyone; from budget-friendly accommodation to luxury safari lodges in private concessions.

Read more: Sharjah Safari park opens: everything you need to know

Sharjah Safari covers an area of eight square kilometres. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National

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15 Best Destinations for Wildlife Safari in World

Today, safaris are firmly focused on animal conservation and biodiversity preservation. However,  there are some overwhelming sights that leave visitors with goosebumps at the incredibility of the wildlife safari .  Also, a vast variety of mammals and birds and close encounters with leopards, buffaloes, and gazelles makes the best wildlife safaris in the world.

Best Jungle Safaris in the world

Here is a list of the Best Jungle Safaris in the world :

1. Okavango Delta, Botswana

Popularly known as one of the world’s best safari destinations, the Okavango Delta is famed for its sheer diversity of wildlife. Here visitors can explore a glittering oasis dominated by dryness and drought where animals migrate in thousands of numbers making for an unrivaled density of game.

Apart from this, visitors can explore the water aboard the Kubu Queen houseboat from a dugout canoe, before heading to a luxury lodge in the Moremi Game Reserve, such as Wilderness Safaris Mombo Camp.

Best time to visit:  The best time to visit them is from May to September, during the Dry season and winter, resulting in more moderate temperatures.

2. Ongava Park, Namibia

Designated as one of the best safari destinations in Africa, Ongava Park is a place that offers fantastic experiences to its visitors. Here visitors can spot lions, rhinos and elephants, and many other wildlife biodiversities. Also, visitors can enjoy the most exclusive trip, by staying in the three-room Little Ongava Camp. With its elevated perch, it allows visitors to spy on all the reserve’s wildlife and enjoy the unrivaled luxury of its lodges, accompanied by infinity pools and log fires.

Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit the park is during the winter months. This is when many of the animals are concentrated at waterholes and the grass is low, allowing for a better viewing experience.

3. Ranthambore Park, India

The home of majestic Tigers, Ranthambore National Park in the Indian state of Rajasthan is one of the fantastic safari spots in India. Here visitors can have a true luxury stay at Sher Bagh Hotel, set right on the edge of the Ranthambore National Park or you can also choose the neighboring Aman-i-Khas. But visitors have to use the private jeep to make a trip to the park with guides who can sniff out a tiger from miles away.

Best time to visit: The best months to visit the Ranthambore are from October to April as the chances to spot tigers are high. Summers are hot but exciting to explore. Monsoon is prohibited as the sanctuary remains closed.

4. Kruger, South Africa

With some of the world’s best luxury safari lodges,  Kruger National Park is the largest national park in the country where the Big Five are all on show alongside plenty of other mammals and birdlife. Here visitors can have a stay at the Lion Sands Reserve and enjoy a night perched under the stars.

Best time to visit: May to September is the best time to visit.

5. Yala Park, Sri Lanka

Also known as Ruhunu National Park, Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka, bordering the Indian Ocean.  It is home to a large number of wildlife species such as leopards, elephants, and crocodiles, as well as hundreds of bird species that can be easily explored by visitors. For a distinctive stay, visitors can opt for Chena Huts on the fringes of the Yala Park, which offers luxury pavilions complete with their own pools and majestic views of the parkland including the sea turtle.

Best time to visit Yala National Park: It’s best to visit Yala from February to June. With the water levels lower, it’s easier to spot animals coming out to the lagoons to drink. The park normally closes each year for the month of September for maintenance.

6. Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is located in eastern Rwanda, hugging the border with Tanzania. The main attraction in the park includes woodland, swamps, low mountains, and savannah. It also encompasses the varied terrain shelters wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, elephants, lions, and hundreds of bird species, such as the rare shoebill stork. Also, in the southern part of the park, is the vast Lake Ihema which is home to hippos and crocodiles. Visitors can have a stay at the open Bisate Lodge, a luxury dwelling in the eroded crater of a volcano.

7. Canoe Safari, Zambia

Canoeing down the Zambezi is a truly unique experience with various adventurous activities including exploring two national parks with overnight accommodation in old-school pitched tents, covering roughly 24 km a day on the water with your own guide, and as well as canoeing over gorges and rapids. It is worth mentioning that visitors have to keep their eyes peeled for games lurking in the bushes. Otherwise, visitors can also opt for a normal land safari with a one-day canoe excursion.

Best time to visit: Canoe safaris in Lower Zambezi National Park are great from June to October.

8. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Ahead of the anticipated decline of Mugabe’s influence, Hwange National Park is now experiencing some of the country’s best guides on home turf and safari lodges. Visitors can enjoy the fantastic Linkwasha Camp that lies in its own private section of Hwange National Park and offers vast plains and game viewing to travelers. Tourists can also enjoy a luxurious stay at the revamped Victoria Falls Hotel.

Best Time to visit: You can visit between July to October for the best experiences.

9. Patagonia, South America

Far away from the crowd and subvert the traditional safari connotations, Patagonian adventure encompasses everything ranging from mountainous peaks, enchanted woodlands, and mirrored lakes. Here Visitors can explore the ever-elusive puma, as well as an abundance of native birds, flora, and fauna, then they can head to the coast for orcas, elephant seals, and penguins, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and many more.

10. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India

Spread across the Vindhya Hills of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh National Park is enriched with the highest density of tigers in India. Ranging from thick forests to tall grasslands, Bandhavgarh National Park is a perfect destination for the habitation of a great variety of animals and birds. Also, Bandhavgarh is designated to be the first place in India where the majestic white tigers were found.

Best time to visit: For best experiences visit Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve from October to June months.

11. Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Encompassing an area of 63,000 hectares Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve is the number one safari destination in South Africa. Here visitors can enjoy the game and wildlife watching with fantastic sights around every turn. With an array of animals, particularly the safari ‘Big 5’, it is also one of the best locations in the world to catch a sight of the normally elusive leopard.

Best time to visit: The dry season/winter months of May to September is the best time to visit the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

12. Masai Mara Reserve, Kenya

The Masai Mara is one of the most spectacular and beautiful locations on Earth where visitors can have majestic views of the Golden sunsets,  bathe in the quintessential African landscape of rolling savanna grasslands. It is worth mentioning that the Masai Mara reserve welcomes the awe-inspiring wildebeest migration every year with millions of animals flocking the area from July onwards resulting in the most abundant concentration of wildlife anywhere in Africa. Visitors can also explore hyena, cheetah, baboons, crocodiles, hippo, gazelle, zebra, impala, and most of the Big 5 animals in an extended stay.

Best time to visit: The best wildlife viewing months are during the Dry season from late June to October.

13. The Pantanal, Brazil

Covering an area of about 195,000 square kilometers, THE PANTANAL rivals the Amazon as a wildlife destination.  Here visitors can explore big cats such as jaguar and ocelots, quirky mammals like the tapir, 650 species of colorful birds including toucans and hyacinth macaws and much more.  Visitors can also explore the Pantanal on walking and horseback safaris, on canoe trips or on the nocturnal spotlight.

Best time to visit: It’s best to go during the dry season (May to September) as the wildlife concentrates around the reduced water.

14. Northern Territory’s Bamurru Plains

Australia has plenty of wildlife experiences to discover, ranging from the Up in the Top End and exploring the floodplains to dwindling forests and savannah visitors can have face to face interaction with animals such as buffaloes, Brumbies. Also, visitors can head to the Mary River area adjoining Kakadu National Park for one of the world’s largest populations of saltwater crocodiles as well as huge flocks of migrating magpie geese.

Furthermore, with just 10 luxury tents, Bamurru Plains is an off-the-grid experience and visitors explore river cruises, guided walks, open-top game drives, and even quad bikes.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit is between April and October.

15. Nairobi National Park, Kenya

Located seven kilometers from the capital city of Kenya, Nairobi National Park is a unique destination famed for an array of wildlife including lions, cheetahs, black rhinos, leopards, buffaloes, hippos, zebras, giraffes, gazelles, and more.

The Nairobi National Park encompasses over 400 species of birds. The main attraction, here is the endangered black rhinoceros. Visitors can also explore cute hippo babies and baby elephants along with other animals. Also, Nairobi National Park is a part of the historic wildebeest and zebra migration.

Read More, Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Washington DC – A Complete Guide

These are the Best Destinations for Wildlife Safari in World that you can visit if you are an animal lover. You will love these places as a holiday destination.

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17 unforgettable African safaris

Set off into the wild and see the world like never before with this guide to the best experiences in 11 countries.

Chobe National Park in Botswana holds one of Africa’s largest elephant populations.

What images come to mind when you hear the words “African safari”? Sitting in the bush on a moonlit night, so close to a lion that you can feel the rumble of its roar in your chest?

Many travelers might conjure up visions of tented camps, gourmet meals under a baobab tree, game drives through golden savanna, and sundowners at the end of the day. But safaris can also involve self-guided rental cars , game walks, and fly-fishing. Safaris can be as varied as the continent of Africa itself.

One recent trend: expeditions that enlist travelers in the fight to save endangered wildlife. Tourists make a difference by joining rhino or lion conservationists at work in South Africa or accompanying researchers working on a chimpanzee habituation project in Kibale National Park in Uganda . ( Read about the dark truth behind wildlife tourism. )

Three zebras line a waterhole in South Africa's Kruger National Park.

No matter where you go and what type of safari you choose, timing is key. Once you’ve narrowed your options, look into the best time to visit. South Africa’s summer (December through February), for example, is prime safari season in that region. You’ll still see wildlife if you go during South Africa’s winter (June through August), but pack a jacket, as temperatures can be chilly, especially before the sun rises.

Set off into the wild and see the world like never before with our guide to top safari experiences in 11 African countries.

Spot animals in these natural wonders.

South Africa

Kruger National Park: South Africa ’s largest game reserve, Kruger National Park makes a perfect home base for self-guided and first-time safaris. Stay in one of the park’s fenced camps, such as the Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp on the northern bank of the Crocodile River. Head into the bush early to explore the Southern Circle, famous for its competing lion prides and their varied hunting practices. Don’t miss the nearby hippo pool, but be sure to stay in your car outside of the camp. ( Take a solo safari through South Africa’s wild grasslands. )

Hazyview: Not far from Kruger’s southwestern Phabeni Gate, Hazyview is a family-friendly hub for horseback safaris, zip-lining, safari golf, and trout fishing. Check in to one of the lodges, such as Hippo Hollow Country Estate , and then head out into the Kruger before sunrise on a self-guided game drive to scout lions and white rhinos. Break for lunch in the town of Skukuza.

Timbavati Private Nature Reserve: The rugged Timbavati is one of the private nature reserves that make up the greater Kruger area. Guests can choose from eight lodges there. An upscale chalet at fence-free Simbavati Safari Lodges , for example, is perfect for families. Wake up early for game drives, perhaps to search for African wild dogs . Mid-morning, kids head into the bush for a scavenger hunt with a guide.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve: Animals aren’t the only sights to track on safari. In South Africa’s Western Cape region, wildflowers provide the dazzle. The two lodges at Grootbos , part of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World , sit amid the smallest of the world’s six floral kingdoms, home to some 800 plant species. Watch for sharks and southern right whales from your suite’s deck. ( See the world’s best places for flowers. )

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, located in South Africa’s Western Cape, offers a "flower safari" to guests.

Hlane Royal National Park: Head to Swaziland , a country landlocked between South Africa and Mozambique , to see Hlane ’s fiercely protected rhinos and marabou storks. Stay in one of the park’s two lodges, Ndlovu Camp or Bhubesi, and enjoy self-guided drives on the safe game-viewing roads that crisscross the park’s flat terrain. Spot lions, hyenas, giraffes, and vulturess, then picnic at the Mahlindza water hole.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve: Black-maned Kalahari lions roam this reserve in central Botswana . Stay just north of the reserve at Deception Valley Lodge , where you can watch magical sunsets dip into the horizon from the deck of your chalet.

Chobe National Park: To the north of Central Kalahari, Chobe National Park is home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations. And Chobe Game Lodge boasts the only all-female safari guide team in Africa. ( Meet the all-female anti-poaching unit saving rhinos and other wildlife. )

Elephants enjoy a sunny day in Botswana’s Chobe National Park.

Hwange National Park: All aboard the Elephant Express to tour the Ngamo Forest Area and Hwange National Park, known for its pachyderms and 400-plus species of birds. The two-hour safari rail trip is easily accessible to Imvelo Safari Lodges’ Bomani Tented Lodge or Camelthorn Lodge . Check out the game-viewing underground hide at nearby Stoffie’s Pan. North from Hwange, a four-hour drive or a one-hour flight gets you to regal Victoria Falls, a thundering natural wonder you can hear long before you first catch sight of it.

Mana Pools National Park: Try a river-based safari in a kayak at this remote park. The best time to go may be in April, when large herds of elephants, buffalo, kudu, and the elusive eland return to the four (or mana in the local language) large permanent pools along the south bank of the Zambezi River after the rainy season. Accommodations in the park include lodges, thatched chalets, and campsites.

Namib Desert: A safari here means brilliant stargazing, silky sand, age-old views, and resilient desert animals such as oryx, bat-eared foxes, Burchell’s zebras, and loads of lizards. Stay at & Beyond’s Sossusvlei Desert Lodge , located at the desert’s eastern edge. Explore the Namib dunes on a quad bike, and hike a craggy slope to see ancient rock paintings in a nearby cave, making sure to pack water, a hat, and sunscreen. ( See eerie photos of a Namibian ghost town. )

Gorongosa National Park: Located in central Mozambique , Gorongosa has been brought back to life after suffering the devastations of many years of civil conflict. Today, when you visit, you become a part of one of Africa’s most successful wildlife restoration stories. Home to floodplains and preserved palm forests, Gorongosa has an amazing diversity of wildlife, from antelope to primates and huge Nile crocodiles, as well as lions, elephants, and hippos.

A female crocodile guards her nest of eggs beside the Mussicadzi River in Mozambique's Gorongosa National Park.

Selous Game Reserve: Visit this off-the-beaten-track and tranquil reserve in southern Tanzania for walking safaris and traditional game drives. Then cruise the Rufiji River to watch for elephants, hippos, lions, leopards, and brindled gnu. Stay at Beho Beho , a hilltop lodge that also has secluded tree-house accommodations for the extra adventurous.

Serengeti National Park: At Asilia’s Namiri Plains camp in northern Tanzania, visitors become part of the migration as they travel in a luxury mobile camp alongside herds of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles. Walking safaris get you closer to the action, with veteran Serengeti safari guides giving the play-by-play. The animals—often stalked by big predators, such as lions and cheetahs—follow one of Earth’s most ancient routes. And if you come too close to an animal, never run. Move away quietly.

Olare Motorogi Conservancy: Cross the border from Tanzania into southern Kenya for an iconic East African lodge experience at the Mara Plains Camp. About a 2.5-hour drive from the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, the eco-friendly camp was built by National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Dereck and Beverly Joubert with their partners at Great Plains Conservation . From camp, you’ll head out on safari to watch migrating zebras and wildebeests make exciting and risky river crossings. You may even see a few big cats. ( Experience an air safari through Kenya. )

A lioness takes in the view of Kenya's Olare Motorogi Conservancy.

Ragati Conservancy: Kenya may be a great place to see the migrations, but it’s also a surprisingly fantastic spot for fly-fishing. On the southern slopes of Mount Kenya (Africa’s second highest peak), the Ragati Conservancy has mountain streams stocked with glistening rainbow trout. What makes the Ragati worth the trip? Nat Geo photographer and fly fisherman Pete Muller says that while Idaho fishing is amazing, “anglers won’t encounter an elephant along the Lochsa!” Fishing in Kenya, he says, also gives fishing enthusiasts the chance to visit locations such as Aberdare National Park.

Rwanda/Uganda

Volcanoes National Park/kalinzu Forest Reserve: Rwanda ’s Volcanoes National Park allows a limited number of visitors per day to hike into the jungle to view endangered mountain gorillas up close, as they groom each other, play, and eat bamboo shoots and fruits. Keep your eyes open for golden monkeys too. Nat Geo Expeditions offers an itinerary that includes a gorilla trek, then heads north into Uganda for a chimpanzee trek through the lush Kalinzu Forest Reserve near Queen Elizabeth National Park. ( Here’s how to visit the endangered mountain gorillas of Uganda and Rwanda. )

Zakouma National Park: Intense wildlife experiences await at this park known for the number of animals that make it their home. A herd of more than 500 elephants and flocks of birds, such as the black-crowned crane, in the tens of thousands, congregate here. Zakouma had a tremendous comeback after enduring civil unrest in the region. Visit between December and April, and stay at traditional Camp Nomade, its tents decorated with local carpets and brass bells.

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Wildlife & Safari Exploration Tours

Top wildlife expeditions & safari tours for 2024-2025, south africa snapshot, journey to antarctica: the white continent, spitsbergen photography: in search of polar bears, west & central islands + genovesa, wildlife odyssey, tahiti & the society islands, luxury amazon discovery, alaska bear-viewing lodge, exploring alaska's coastal wilderness, top wildlife destinations, south pacific, get inspired to go on a wildlife safari, wildlife viewing, rainforest exploration, whale watching, scuba diving, 10 best africa safaris for 2024-2025, tanzania trails, hidden zimbabwe, botswana family safari, namibia adventure, highlights of malawi and zambia, highlights of namibia, diverse namibia, east africa trails, north zimbabwe adventure, types of africa safari trips, classic african safaris, luxury african safari, africa river cruises, active african trips, helpful tips for africa wildlife safaris, south africa tours: 7 amazing destinations.

• South Africa
• Seychelles Islands

Africa Safari Guide to Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife guide for zimbabwe and zambia, what to expect on a south africa safari: a how-to guide to help you prepare for your trip, south africa safari: 10 zany creatures you never even knew existed.

• Hyenas 
• Wildebeests 
• Serengeti National Park in Tanzania . Visit the park for a chance to view "Africa's Big 5"—lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinoceros.
• Kruger National Park in South Africa . Sightseeing by day and relaxing in a luxurious safari lodge at night are both possible.
• Botswana's Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta . Luxurious safari camps and lodges surround them, where elephant, buffalo, giraffe, and hippo sightings are common.
• Hwange National Park , Zimbabwe safari resorts and camps. 
• Kafue National Park also has bush camps and safari lodges , as well as the Busanga Plains, which is an area that floods at different times of the year and attracts a lot of wildlife.
• Isalo National Park in Madagascar has extensive gorges, steep bluffs, and protruding rock formations, creating natural lakes and Jurassic landscapes. The native fossa is among the endangered species found in Isalo.

Best Times to Visit Africa

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Top 10 Polar Arctic & Antarctica Wildlife Tours for 2024-2025

Guide to polar arctic & antarctica wildlife, antarctica wildlife & polar travel guide.

• Antarctic Peninsula
• South Georgia Islands
• Falkland Islands
• South Shetland Islands
• Weddell Sea
• Macquarie Island
• Peter I Island
• Neko Harbor

Whales of the Antarctic

Penguins of antarctica, 200,000 king penguins, gold harbour -- elephant seal paradise, seals of antarctica, birds of the antarctic, best time of year to travel to antarctica, wildlife guide to polar regions, comparing the two polar regions: antarctica and arctic cruising, antarctica wildlife encounters video.

Best Marine Wildlife Tours for 2024-2025

Travel guide to marine wildlife, galapagos wildlife, galapagos island guide, most popular ports to visit in australia, the best time to cruise tahiti, bora bora and french polynesia, when to visit the south pacific, videos of galapagos islands animals.

Our Favorite Costa Rica and Amazon Rainforest Tours

Guide for costa rica & amazon rainforest exploration, best time of year to travel to the amazon, tropical rainforest animals, top amazon river & tributaries cruise ports, about rainforests: by the numbers, costa rica travel info, best time to travel to costa rica.

• hummingbird species
• Quetzal en vogue
• Motmot rufo
• Kingfishers
• Toucans & Aracaris
• Manakin White Collar

Amazon Rainforest Tours Video

6 Best Alaska Wilderness Tours for 2024-2025

Last frontier adventure, alaska's inside passage sojourn, remote alaska adventure, tutka bay wilderness lodge, alaska wildlife guide, the wildlife of alaska, alaska cruise: when to go, alaska grizzly sighting video.

Safari & Wildlife Expedition Travel Guide

Animal lovers rejoice! If you choose an Adventure Life wildlife or safari experience, you are guaranteeing yourself a front-row seat to the fascinating displays of animals in their wild and natural habitats. Our wildlife tours visit all corners of the globe, so no matter which animals intrigue you, we have a tour to match your interests:

• African Safaris take you across the plains and grasslands of the world's biggest continent, tracking the likes of lions, hippos, giraffes, gazelles, kudus , and more! Witness the Great Migration of zebras and wildebeests in Tanzania on a Serengeti Safari . Track gorillas deep in the jungles of Rwanda  and enjoy lemur sightings in  Madagascar .
• Trek across glaciers and navigate icebergs and fjords in dinghies to see humpback whales, King Penguins, and other rugged wildlife that thrives in the great white continent of the Polar Arctic and Antarctic . 
• Immerse yourself in the vibrant marine wildlife and coral reefs of the tropical beaches of the Galapagos Islands , the  Caribbean , and the South Pacific   as you snorkel and kayak in the crystal clear turquoise waters.
• Spot  pirhanas, caiman crocodiles, pink river dolphins, and anacondas​ in the  Amazon . Explore the rainforests of Costa Rica to observe jaguars, monkeys, bats, Jesus Christ lizard ,  tapirs, and Scarlet macaws​ .
• Witness the wild creatures that populate Canada and Alaska , like orcas, humpback whales, bears, and moose!
• Visit sanctuaries in Asia where pandas are protected, bred, and rescued.

Top 5 Wildlife Destinations

Wildlife viewing tips for your adventure tours, wilderness lodge exploration, traveler stories: wildlife safaris, our african adventure, kevin's galapagos trip, why travel with adventure life, recognized by.

The best safaris for every kind of traveller

Recently updated on July 19th, 2023 at 09:23 am

There are few travel experiences as extraordinary as the African safari . From the thrill of a game drive to spot incredible animals to the stunning landscapes, a safari travel experience is truly special. The best part is that there are dozens of unique safari destinations across Africa, with something to suit almost everyone from first-timers to experienced safari-goers and budget travellers to luxury seekers. In celebration of World Elephant Day and World Lion Day in August, we’ve put together your complete guide to the best safaris for every kind of traveller. 

Luxury safaris

Looking for a slice of safari luxury? There are plenty of options at all the best safari destinations in Africa from the Masai Mara, Kruger and the Serengeti, to some of the lesser-known gems like Samburu. Get inspired by some of our favourite luxury safari accommodations below, or speak to our friendly team to discover our full range of luxury safari accommodations.

Aberdare National Park, Kenya

When you go on safari in Kenya with Trafalgar, we’ll spend the night in The Ark Lodge, one of our most incredible ‘Stays With Stories’. This wildlife sanctuary is filled with all kinds of animals like zebras, impala and warthog and you’ll see them grazing nearby from your luxury room. There’s also plenty of activities here, so whether you want to relax in the pool or go on a thrilling night game drive through the park, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience at The Ark.

GET INSPIRED BY: Wonders of Kenya

Karongwe Private Reserve, South Africa

While we love our luxury resorts in the Kruger National Park – like the stunning Sabi River Sun Resort – you also can’t miss spending the night in the private game reserves near Kruger. We’ll take you to one of our favourite ‘Stays With Stories’, Becks Safari Lodge in the Karongwe Private Reserve. It’s the perfect place to kick back and relax in the gorgeous wilderness by the pool. Or get in on the action with game drives and evening sundowner drinks where you can spot wildlife emerging. 

GET INSPIRED BY: Essence of South Africa

Samburu National Reserve, Kenya

Dreaming of a lavish camping experience on safari? You’ll find it at Ashnil Samburu, a luxury tented camp in the Samburu National Reserve of Kenya. Set on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, you’ll be surrounded by pristine wilderness. You’ll have the chance to spot the ‘Samburu Special 5’ on a game drive or go on a guided nature walk with an expert naturalist. Whether you want to enjoy a luxury sundowner experience or dig into a private barbecue in the bushveld, Ashnil Samburu is one of the best luxury safari destinations.

RELATED CONTENT: On Safari: Africa’s most luxurious lodges

Cost-effective safaris

The best places for a cost-effective safari experience include all the most famous destinations such as the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Kruger National Park in South Africa, and Etosha National Park in Namibia. You’ll find a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, including camping and basic lodge-style accommodations. Speak to our friendly team to learn more about the best options for cost-effective safaris with Trafalgar.

Best safaris for first timers

Wondering where to go on a safari in Africa for your first time? There are dozens of fantastic safari travel experiences to choose from! Here are some of the best destinations you can’t miss, complete with game drives, scenic lodges and the chance to spot the Big Five. 

Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

As one of the most iconic safari destinations, the Maasai Mara is a highlight on any safari adventure. When you travel to the Maasai Mara with Trafalgar, we’ll spend our days exploring the stunning wilderness in search of the Big Five, or relaxing at our lodge’s watering hole where hippos roam. You’ll also get to visit a local Maasai village and learn about their daily life and traditions. 

RELATED CONTENT: Life in the Maasai Mara: 5 things you didn’t know about this extraordinary culture

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

The UNESCO-listed Serengeti offers up some of the best safaris in the world. Home to all of the Big Five and more, not to mention the greatest show on Earth – The Great Migration – the Serengeti is truly extraordinary. We’ll take you on a 4×4 safari game drive through the vast plains dotted with Acacia trees. If you travel at the right time, you might even get to watch some of the millions of wildebeest thundering across the Mara River in their annual migration. 

RELATED CONTENT: 7 of the best safari destinations in the world for spotting the Big 5

Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

Neighbouring the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is another UNESCO-listed safari wonder in Tanzania. We’ll take you down hundreds of metres to the floor of the massive Ngorongoro Crater, where you’ll explore its grassy plains, soda lakes and lush forests, filled with all kinds of animals including lions, elephants, zebras, wildebeest, pink flamingoes and more. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the crater, then relax in your nearby accommodation with spectacular views of the greenery. 

GET INSPIRED BY: African Safari Adventure

Etosha National Park, Namibia

Exploring Etosha is like stepping into another planet, and you’re sure to experience one of your very best safaris here. We’ll climb aboard a safari vehicle as we go in search of the park’s abundant wildlife around the watering holes. See large herds of elephants and big cats like lions and leopards lounging in the shade. Etosha is also one of the best places to catch a glimpse of the endangered black rhino. After all that wildlife spotting, it’s time to relax at your lodge and watch the beautiful sunset as you toast to an unforgettable day.

GET INSPIRED BY: Namibia Adventure

Best safaris for experienced safari-goers

So you’ve seen the most iconic safari destinations… where next? Here are some of our favourite places where you can get off the beaten track on safari in Africa:

Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania

From massive elephant herds and rare tree-climbing lions to pink flamingoes and more than 400 bird species lining the lake shores, Lake Manyara is a real hidden gem of Tanzania. Located nearby well-known icons like the Serengeti, it’s definitely worth making a detour to Lake Manyara for some otherworldly scenery. 

RELATED CONTENT: 9 once-in-a-lifetime things to do in Tanzania with Trafalgar

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

Tarangire serves ups landscapes unlike anything you’ve seen in Tanzania. Imagine flat-topped acacias, giant baobabs, and lush rivers and forests. The animals are also incredible and it’s one of the best places to spot elephants, along with giraffes, zebras, warthogs, gazelles and over 550 bird species. You can even meet the curious tree hyraxes that climb around when you go on safari with Trafalgar.

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, South Africa

Set in the KwaZulu Natal Regine of South Africa, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park is the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa. This legendary park is home to an abundance of wildlife including all of the Big Five, giraffes, zebra, cheetah, African wild dogs, hyenas, wildebeest, jackals, hippopotamus, Nile crocodile, warthog, mongoose and more. The park is also world-renowned for its conversation efforts in bringing the white rhino back from the brink of extinction. We’ll take you on a 4×4 game drive through the beautiful landscape, where you’ll spot the incredible animals and learn all about animal movements and habitats from expert guides.

RELATED CONTENT: What to pack for a safari adventure in South Africa

Best safaris for senior travellers

Most safaris can be customised to meet your preferred activity level. You might like to head out on a game drive in the morning and enjoy a siesta in the afternoon… Or you can enjoy a sleep in and go on a thrilling evening game drive. There are also low impact options like boat cruise safaris. Here are some of our best safaris experiences for senior travellers:

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger National Park is one of the very best national parks in South Africa. It’s home to all of the Big Five plus many more unique animals and bird species. You won’t have to go far to spot some incredible animals with our Local Specialists Plus with 22,000 square kilometres of space in the park, you’ll have enough room to have a private wilderness experience. 

GET INSPIRED BY: Best of South Africa

Chobe National Park, Botswana

If a river cruise is more your speed, there’s no better place to do it than Chobe National Park in Botswana. This is where some of the world’s largest herds of elephants are found, and you’ll have the chance to see them gathering at the river bank on your Chobe River cruise. From buffalo to kingfishers, you’ll spot all kinds of fascinating creatures, before enjoying lunch at the Chobe Safari Lodge.

GET INSPIRED BY: Victoria Falls Experience

Best water safaris

Think the best safaris happen on the water? Here are some of our best picks… 

Okavango Delta, Botswana

This watery wonderland is best seen by boat – specifically, a makoro (a traditional dugout canoe). You’ll glide through the delta with a guide, spotting all kinds of birds and wildlife just inches from the water. The Okavango is also one of the few places left in the world where traditional makoros are still used, making this an extra special place for a water safari.

RELATED CONTENT: In conversation with: Dedan, a Maasai safari guide for Trafalgar

Swakopmund, Namibia

So you’ve heard of the Big Five and even the Samburu Special Five… What about the marine Big Five? You’ll have the chance to spot all of the marine Big Five – whales, dolphins, seals, mola molas, and leatherback turtles – in Walvis Bay when we take you on a catamaran cruise with local experts. You’ll see some 60,000 resident Cape Fur Seals around Pelican Point and if you travel between July and November, you’ll have the chance to spot many different species of whales and dolphins, along with leatherback turtles and mola molas.

Lake Saint Lucia, South Africa

You’ll have the chance to board a cruise on Lake St. Lucia in South Africa, where you’ll come face to face with hippos, crocodiles and all kinds of birdlife. If you’re lucky, you might even hear the cry of the fish eagle or watch one catch a fish.

Best bird-watching safaris

Everyone loves spotting the Big Five mammals… But what about the bird enthusiasts? Here are some of our favourite destinations for the best bird-watching safaris.

Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya

If you’re an avid twitcher, you can’t miss visiting Lake Nakuru. It’s a true bird watcher’s paradise, with more than 400 species recorded here. Not only will you spot hundreds of bird species lining the lakeshore, you’ll also have the chance to spot lions and leopards on your game drive. When you travel with Trafalgar, you’ll also spend the night in the park and enjoy an early morning bird-watching session. You’ll meet your guide at sunrise on the lakeshore to spot flamingos, pelicans and more. You can even spot zebra, buffalo and rhino grazing nearby. With the call of the birds and the damp scents of the bush filling the air, this is a truly magical safari experience.

RELATED CONTENT: The 7 best experiences you can enjoy in Kenya with Trafalgar

Lake Naivasha, Kenya

We’ll also take you to Lake Navaisha, another bird watcher’s utopia in Kenya. You’ll board a boat to cruise across the lake and keep your eyes peeled to spot hippos. There’s also more than 400 bird species such as the African Fish Eagle and the Greater Swamp Warbler, along with flamingoes, pelicans, storks, bee-eaters and more. After getting your fill of birds, you’ll stop at Crescent Island and join a local specialist to walk among wildlife like giraffes, zebra and impala.

Best responsible safaris

At Trafalgar, we only participate in ethical wildlife experiences that show respect for the wellbeing of all animals. Here are some of our best safaris showcasing conservation and responsible safari travel in Africa:

Ol Pejeta Conservancy , Kenya

We’ll take you to Ol Pejeta , a not-for-profit wildlife conservancy in Kenya, as part of our Make Travel Matter experience. It’s the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, and you’ll learn about their efforts to stop poaching and save the rhinos. During your visit, you’ll have the chance to take a horseback ride through the 600-acre Endangered Species Enclosure, dedicated to the recovery of the northern white rhinos species. You’ll even get to spot the last two that remain in the world, along with other animals like the endangered Grevy’s zebra, Jackons’ hartebeest, gazelle and antelope.

You can also join an expert game ranger for a fascinating guided bush walk. Your guide will share their intimate knowledge of the land and animal habitats, including how to identify animals tracks. For something extra thrilling, you can also join the Ol Pejeta team on a lion tracking experience, as they undertake their regular monitoring of the lions in the conservancy. 

RELATED CONTENT: 9 incredible Make Travel Matter Experiences you can enjoy with Trafalgar

Solio Game Reserve, Kenya

This privately-owned wildlife conservancy is internationally renowned for its successful rhino breeding program. Founded in the 1970s to protect the black and white rhino, the reserve is home to the world’s largest population of white rhino. Although Solio is a well-kept secret on the safari circuit, we’ll take you on a game drive here for a special safari experience. You’ll have the chance to spot large numbers of rhino, giraffe, zebra, leopard, lion and buffalo with few other safari vehicles in sight. You can even opt to go for a nature walk within the sanctuary or snap some gorgeous photos with Mount Kenya as the backdrop. 

RELATED CONTENT: 7 incredible ways you support local people and communities when you travel to Africa with Trafalgar

Which safari destinations are at the top of your bucket list? Let us know in the comments below!

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• Adventure Travel

8 Amazing Walking Safaris Around the World for Adventurous Travelers

Track gorillas in Rwanda, shadow polar bears in Canada, and more on these incredible walking safaris around the world.

For most travelers, a safari is a once-in-a-lifetime trip , an epic splurge underscored by ultra- luxurious lodging , sublime food, sundowners, and guided wildlife viewing from the comfort of an oversized 4x4. But this classic narrative is changing in select destinations as game drives compete with a growing number of action-packed walking safaris, inviting travelers to become one with the animal kingdom.

Relying on highly skilled naturalists, the adventurous can now engage in mindful encounters with some of world's most incredible animals beyond the confines of a Land Rover. From tracking gorillas in Rwanda to shadowing polar bears in Canada, here are eight amazing experiential walking safaris around the world.

Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

In Rwanda 's northernmost reaches, 10 habituated gorilla troops dwell within the mystical, mist-shrouded mountains of Volcanoes National Park. Through special permits, visitors can embark on guided treks in search of Earth's largest living primates, ultimately resulting in one-hour of face time with these critically endangered animals.

With newborns in some troops, multiple silverbacks in others, each family is unique in size and dynamic. And given the gorillas' constant movement within this land of plenty, hikes range from an easy two-hour journey along the foothills to a half-day near-vertical climb through dense forest, blanketed in stinging nettles — no two are alike.

Count on luxury outfitter M icato Safaris , which received top marks in Travel + Leisure 's 2021 World's Best Awards, to handle all the minutia required in making this life-changing safari possible, including accommodations, internal transportation, and requisite advance permits, plus the guidance of a personal safari director.

African Icons in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Zambia's South Luangwa National Park is regarded as the birthplace of the African walking safari, pioneered circa the early 1960s, and it arguably remains the best location for partaking in adrenaline-filled days of communing with elephants, spotting lions, roaming among giraffes, and lunching with zebras.

Of note, The Bushcamp Company operates six intimate tented camps across the national park — Bilimungwe, Chamilandu, Zungulila, Kapamba, Kuyenda and Chindeni — where safaris by foot headline the daily agenda. What's more is that guests can journey between five of the camps as extended walking safaris, thus traversing as much of South Luangwa's diverse terrain as possible while maximizing wildlife sightings.

Polar Bears in Hudson Bay, Canada

Though climate change has taken a toll on polar bears globally, there's still one region where the Arctic's most famous residents still thrive: western Hudson Bay, north of Churchill, Canada. Here, a healthy resident population of approximately 1,000 polar bears rule the tidal flats and prairies, and one outfitter, Churchill Wild , holds the exclusive permits to track these apex predators on foot (versus Tundra Buggy). From a trio of fly-in lodges, Churchill Wild offers twice-daily walking safaris to spot the furry white giants. Though the bears have a reputation of being ferocious, there hasn't been a single injury for either human or bear, thanks to the smarts and skills of seasoned guides.

Meerkats in the Kalahari Desert, Southern Africa

Brimming with personality and cuteness, meerkats are every bit the superstars in real life as they are on television. Among the prolific colonies scattered throughout the Kalahari Desert (which transcends Botswana and South Africa), a handful have grown accustomed to human presence over the decades, allowing us to observe their daily routines of foraging, burrowing, babysitting, and scouting for predators, all while enjoying the symphony of their vocalizations (meerkat chatter is so mesmerizing, it deserves a podcast).

At Tswalu in South Africa, discover one of three habituated colonies on a guided walk, and anticipate complete immersion in meerkat mayhem. In the early morning hours at Jack's Camp in Botswana, look forward to resident "meerkat whisperer," Blake, organizing an interactive morning with his four-legged companions. If timed and positioned right — and it usually is — Blake will have you seated or reclined outside the meerkats' burrow before they wake. This way they'll simply use you as a mound for scanning the otherwise flat terrain for predators, often going to the top of your head for the best views. The experience is simply unreal.

The Big Five at andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Conceived in 1991, conservation-led company andBeyond started off as an ambitious project to revitalize 32,311 acres of overgrazed farmland in KwaZulu-Natal, reintroduce the region's original biodiversity, and develop a new archetype for ecotourism.

Fast-forward to modern day, and this pilot project, andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve , has blossomed into a veritable African Garden of Eden, rife with the Big Five and the rest of the "Lion King" cast. From any of Phinda's six, design-driven game lodges, set out on riveting walking safaris, tailored to personal species goals, fitness levels, and approximate duration. Choose from lighter "nature walks" or more rigorous "big game viewing walks," delicately trailing the likes of elephants and rhinos, often with a heart-stopping big cat encounter along the way.

Primates in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda

The forested highlands of western Rwanda stun as the mist rolls in at sunrise and the sounds and sights of nature ambush the senses. Here, the enchanted and biodiverse Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to 13 primate species, including the elusive chimpanzee and gregarious Angolan colobus monkey, both of which can be seen through walking safaris.

Chances of seeing the chimps are best as they feed in trees during the early morning hours. To access their home deep in the forest interior, visitors must wake up by 3:45 a.m. and prepare for a highly challenging yet deeply rewarding hike alongside park rangers and trackers. Far easier are the treks to see the photogenic Angolan colobus monkeys. Base yourself at the forest's edge at One&Only Nyungwe House , one of the most extraordinary and thoughtfully designed lodges in today's safari circuit, and balance endurance with downtime (and spa time) in the magical surroundings.

Greater One-horned Rhinoceros in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

In the early 1970s, Nepal established its first national park, Chitwan National Park, to prevent the country's dwindling one-horn rhino population from disappearing entirely. Since then, staunch conservation efforts have helped the park's numbers rebound from less than 200 to over 600 individuals and counting. While gaining praise from the conservation community, this trailblazing park also caught the attention of Taj Safaris, which had successfully pioneered a luxury tiger safari circuit in neighboring India. In 2017, the brand debuted a lodge on the outskirts of Chitwan, Meghauli Serai, A Taj Safari , focused primarily on rhino spotting. Nowadays, you can embark on daily adventures in search of these leviathans — by jeep, canoe, boat, or foot — with excellent chances of sightings every time.

Great Migration in the Northern Serengeti, Tanzania

Many wildlife enthusiasts time their East Africa safari to witness the drama of the annual Great Migration, during which millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the Mara River in search of fresh grass and water. While vehicle overcrowding remains an issue in much of Kenya's Masai Mara, the Tanzanian side of the Mara River typically reveals a more intimate migration experience (read: less people and cars).

Even better? Located near this waterfront action in the northern Serengeti, Asilia Africa's Sayari Camp allows guests to achieve a completely different point of view of the Great Migration (June to October): the rare chance of exploring the banks of the Mara River on foot.

Related Articles

The 25 Best Wildlife Experiences in the World

March 5, 2020

From the red dust of the savannah, to the craggy cliffs of Europe, here’s our guide to the best wildlife experiences in the world. Get your travel bucket list ready for these top wildlife travel destinations.

Table of Contents

The Best Wildlife Experiences in the World

I thought it went without saying that ethical tourism is important. But the level of exploitation around the world reminds me that it’s not.

So. Here are responsible, ethical wildlife experiences. Ones that will set your heart on fire and leave you feeling good about it afterwards. After all, responsible animal tourism is one of the best ways to help save endangered animals.  

In other words, it’s important to make animals worth more alive than dead. 

So, bookmark this article and start planning a wildlife holiday of your own. It’s time to talk about the best animal encounters in the world.

In a rush? Simply skip straight down to the top 25 wildlife holidays list.

Disclosure – if you book or buy through any of the links on this page, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Cheers and enjoy your wildlife adventure!

A Big Five Safari in Africa

“The plane trembles like a bumblebee with vertigo as it lilts and lifts through the sky cavity around Joburg. The ground, a blurred marble of ochre and olive, continues on. And on. And on.

It’s only a short hop by air from Johannesburg to the  Madikwe  Game Reserve in African terms, but of course, for those of us from smaller isles, it’s hard to believe just how much space there is out there on the ground.”

Searching for the big five in Africa surely rates as one of the most thrilling wildlife adventures in the world. The red dust of the savannah and the silent stillness. The flicker in the lion’s eyes right before the kill. 

When it comes to wildlife travel destinations, Africa comes up top trumps with so many different wildlife holiday options. But where should you go?

The Best African Safari Spots:

• Tanzania – combine a wildlife holiday with the snows of Kilimanjaro and the flamingo-flecked lakes of the Ngorogoro Crater.
• South Africa – mix city life and wildlife by heading to   Cape Town first to fill up on the history of Mandela and the stunning silhouette of Table Mountain before heading on safari. 
• South Africa – combine a trip to Joburg with a malaria-free safari at the Madikwe Game Reserve (you’ll need to take a short flight to get there.)
• Kenya -take short flights between protected rhino sanctuaries, hotels where giraffes join you for breakfast and even visit the place that inspired Pride Rock.

Top Tips for A Safari Trip

• Safaris usually take place at dawn and dusk on a vehicle.
• It can get cold! Wear layers.
• You need to stay quiet for long periods of time.
• There are age limits for children for safety and viewing (typically 8, sometimes 12 years old.)
• Luxury and budget options abound.

The Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is the largest delta in the world. Home to elephants, impala, giraffe, hippos and warthogs, its watery nature means that there are virtually no roads.

The only ways of getting around are by boat or by plane – or by mokoro, the traditional wooden carved canoe. What makes this one of the best wildlife experiences in the world is the beauty of the water itself, the calmness in the reeds, and the elephants that wander past at sunset.

What to know about visiting the Okavango Delta

• Okavango Delta safaris take place either on foot or in a mokoro (canoe) instead of a jeep.
• The age limits for children are stricter than jeep safaris.
• Botswana’s high cost, low volume tourist policy means that few budget options are available and it’s a good idea to arrange your trip in advance.
• To arrange this independently, travel to Maun in Botswana and take a short flight to whichever safari village has a vacancy. I would highly recommend the luxury safari village Gunn’s Camp.
• You won’t see the big cats here, but you will see hippos, elephants, warthogs and giraffes. 

Chameleons and Lemurs in Madagascar

Forget (if you can) the Karma-chameleon song and embrace the real thing in this jewel of an island on the east coast of Africa. Chameleons range in size from thumbnail to forearm-size, changing colours with remarkable authenticity to suit their surroundings. As for this cheeky fellow? He just strolled along our hotel balcony railing in Madagascar’s second largest city, Diego Suarez. 

Madagascar’s unique flora and fauna combination stems from its split with mainland Africa many, many, many years ago.

In addition to chameleons, you’ll also find lemurs flying through the air and rock formations like cathedrals in the midst of the jungle.

What to know about wildlife experiences in Madagascar

• You won’t see the big game here but you will see plenty of wildlife.
• Madagascar’s infrastructure and dense forestry means that travel times can be long.
• In addition to the wildlife, Madagascar has some of the best beaches in the world.

Orangutans in Borneo

Malaysian Borneo is one of the few places that provides shelter for the endangered, lovable orangutan (the Malay word for man of the forest.) Numbers are in decline, thanks to the destruction of their rainforest habitat for palm oil plantations, but places like the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre are doing their best to turn things around. Next door, you can find the cute but dangerous sun bear, and almost everywhere else in the jungle, you’ll find monkeys. 

Night safaris swoosh along the river, following the shadows and looking for the curiously-nosed proboscis monkey amid smaller but still biting crocodiles. 

What to know about seeing Orangutans in Malaysian Borneo

• Numbers are so fragile that you are unlikely to find orangutans by yourself. Instead, head to a recognised and reputable sanctuary like the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre.
• Check the latest travel advice as there have been some disturbances in the region. 
• Our guide on where to stay in Sabah talks through the various rainforest lodges and city-beach hotels. 
• Don’t miss the other highlights of Sabah, like her cooking classes, turtle rescue and underwater world.

Tigers in Ranthambore National Park, India

  Ranthambore National Park in India counts as one of the world’s success stories when it comes to saving endangered species. A former hunting ground for maharajahs, this Rajasthan park has worked hard to make tigers worth more alive than dead.

The park itself consists of golden long grasses and tall, willowing trees and dry leaf-laden earth that crunches underfoot.

Tigers are still scarce but most visitors will see one during a 3 day safari trip. 

What to know about seeing tigers in Ranthambore, India

• Like the big safaris in Africa, you’ll need plenty of patience and warm layers. 
• Safaris leave in the early morning and again at dusk. It can get very cold in the morning and sweltering by mid-day. Pack appropriately!
• Ranthambore Park is only 130km from the key city of Jaipur, making it reasonable to fit into a trip around northern India, including the Taj Mahal.
• Even if you don’t see a tiger, enjoy the monkeys and pelicans and look out for the snakes.

Panda Bears in China

The good news is that panda bears are no longer critically endangered. The bad news is that they are still vulnerable to extinction.

The Chengdu Research Base for Giant Panda Breeding is just one part of China’s successful efforts to save the cuddly looking bear and WWF Icon. Through a well organised programme to end deforestation, promote breeding and ban hunting, nearly 2000 panda bears now live in the wild. 

But for travellers to find them, it’s best to head to a sanctuary, and the most accessible one is in Chengdu. There you’ll find plenty of pandas, and cubs, chewing bamboo in their natural environment. You’ll also be able to learn more about the ecosystem in which they live, from the red pandas to local birds. 

What to know about seeing panda bears in China

• Follow the instructions at the Chengdu sanctuary carefully. The place exists primarily to save pandas, not to serve you. 
• Have a well charged camera or phone (and don’t use flash.) 

Puffins on Skomer Island, Wales

Roam around the raw and rugged cliffs of Britain’s only Coastal National Park in Pembrokeshire, West Wales.

There, puffins mingle with manx shearwaters and seals splash around the shore. 

For an alternative look at this explosion of British wildlife, try coasteering along the Preseli Hills. To the uninitiated, coasteering involves putting on a wetsuit and climbing along a cliff. It doesn’t matter if you fall off, that’s all part of the fun. If that sounds a little on the dangerous side, I should probably point out that you need to do it with a trained instructor and, obviously, listen to every word they say. 

What to know about seeing puffins in Wales

• Puffins are surprisingly sociable creatures. You will walk through fields of them, they’ll dive bomb from overhead and pose for photos. 
• You need to join a group to take the short boat trip out to Skomer Island. The rest of Pembrokeshire can easily be explored independently.
• Stick VERY closely to the paths. Nesting birds dig holes on the island and it’s easy to slip into one and break an ankle if you’re not careful. Not that the staff will care. They will be furious that you may have hurt one of the nesting birds. Don’t risk it.

Whales Around the World

When it comes to whale watching, you have a choice between fields of icebergs or sweaty sunshine and  topping up your tan. The key thing for whale watching wildlife holidays or vacations is to check the season: whales migrate and in many places in the world, you will only be able to see them for a few months of the year. Watching the tail of a mighty wale sink and splash down beneath the waves is one of the best wildlife adventures in the world. And, happily, you can see this in many places on earth. 

Whale-watching hot spots

• Cruising through Alaska is the perfect icy setting for whale watching.
• Between the popular beach resort area of Nosby and Madagascar’s further flung islands is a key whale migration route. Great for people who love warmer weather. 
• The Canary Islands in Spain have many pilot whales along their coast.
• Moby Dick was inspired by the whaling capital of the world: Nantucket. Sadly, the whaling industry decimated numbers around this picturesque part of Cape Cod but numbers are returning. Recent reports place whales visible from even Manhattan again now. 

Piranhas in the Amazon

Visiting the Amazon rainforest is one of the best wildlife adventures I’ve ever experienced. Sure, I didn’t get to see the reclusive big cats (think panthers and jaguars) but I did see plenty of other wildlife.

In a way, the trees are the star of the show here, along with the birds and insects they maintain and the way that local natives and tribespeople (they’re not the same thing – and both terms were the one chosen by the people I spoke to) live and work in harmony on the river. 

Monkeys, toucans, egrets and armadillos live beneath the leaves but it was the piranha that made the biggest impact on me. Not literally, thankfully. Nor the anaconda. Read more on the wildlife experiences of the Amazon rainforest here.

What to know about visiting the Amazon rainforest

• The Amazon Rainforest itself crosses nine countries but the vast majority (over 60%) lives in Brazil. Manaus is the easiest gateway city with easy flight connections to Sao Paulo and Brasilia. 
• It goes without saying (?!) that you will need a knowledgable guide, bug spray and long sleeved tops and trousers. Find a full list on what to wear in the Amazon rainforest here.

The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The pristine ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands barely needs an introduction. This is the land that inspired Charles Darwin to pull together his theory of evolution with a fervour that changed the world. 

It’s also one of the best wildlife experiences in the world on account of the variety of land and sea based creatures you’ll find. Seals, turtles, giant tortoises and pelicans galore. 

But the star of the show in this top travel wildlife destination is the characterful blue-footed booby. 

What to know about visiting the Galapagos Islands

• Shore excursions are strictly limited for conservation reasons. Unfortunately, this means you’ll rarely have the place to yourself and will be in groups of 10 – 30.
• You will need to board a boat to cruise the Galapagos, although you can spot the blue footed booby by hopping in a kayak near the big town of Puerto Ayara on the main island of Santa Cruz. 
• It’s definitely worth visiting more of Ecuador, from Quito to her cloudforests.

Swimming with Manatees in Florida

Somewhat unflatteringly known as the “cows of the sea,” manatees are gentle sea giants who cause little to no harm. While they range over a wide area in the Americas, they cluster into one place during their migration: Crystal River in Florida. 

The area has drastically increased the numbers of manatees in their water through one simple measure: instituting a speed limit for local boats. Manatees navigate through echolocation and the noise and disruption from the faster motors confused them, leaving many to become lost at sea. 

Florida itself is a haven for marine wildlife, with refuges and sanctuaries dotted across the state. 

But swimming with the manatees in the wild is still an approved educational practice, as long as it’s done right. 

Travel Tips for swimming with manatees in America

• You don’t really swim. You float with a snorkel and wait for them to reach you. 
• Manatee numbers are seasonal, so check before you book. 
• Make sure you head out with a reputable company and travel guide (as with all these wildlife adventures.) The Crystal River Plantation runs eco-approved excursions and also makes for an interesting place to stay. 

The Top Wildlife Experiences in the World: A Summary

What makes these the best wildlife experiences in the world.

Like all such lists, this one has its flaws. There is an open bias towards wildlife experiences and holidays that I’ve actually completed myself so that I can provide you with honest information.

However, you may also want to look into the following trips and ideas. I certainly will be!

• Polar bears in Churchill, Canada.
• Swimming with whale sharks.
• Catching up with Yogi bear in Yellowstone National Park.
• Tracking down brown bears and grizzlies in Canada (I did try but no luck!)
• Trekking through the National Parks of Sri Lanka, Costa Rica and Thailand. 
• Trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda in their natural habitat.

So, what do you think? Which do you believe are the best wildlife experiences in the world? Share below or bookmark for later.

21 thoughts on “The 25 Best Wildlife Experiences in the World”

I once visited a remote islet off NW Scotland specifically for puffin-spotting. Handa Island is so remote that you have to wave frantically, arms overhead, on the beach for the boat man to come and get you. Suffice it to say, I saw only 2 puffins on the island but saw loads on the water next to the boat on the way back to the mainland.

clementinebuttercup.blogspot.co.uk

That’s kind of the experience I expected on Skomer…I was AMAZED when there were puffins in every direction and zooming straight past my head. Incredible stuff.

Hey Abi! Great compilation and good suggestions. I haven’t been out of my country. Just waiting for my kids to grow…so I can pull them too….when we plan on a tour abroad sometime sooner, I’ll make sure my husband includes at least one of these destinations so I can come back to you with profound memories and a new- found love for travel.

Good luck! I wonder where your home country is? Plenty of chances to travel there?

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Exploring the World’s Best Jungle Safari: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re looking for an adventure that will take you deep into the heart of nature, then a jungle safari is the way to go. From the dense forests of Africa to the steamy rainforests of South America, there are countless jungle safaris to choose from around the world. But which one is the best? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top jungle safaris from around the globe, highlighting the unique wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences that each offers. So pack your bags, and let’s set off on an adventure of a lifetime!

The Top Destinations for Jungle Safaris

Africa: home to the big five.

Africa is a dream destination for many adventure seekers, and for good reason. The continent is home to some of the world’s most magnificent wildlife, including the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. The jungles and savannas of Africa offer a unique and unforgettable experience for those looking to explore the world’s best jungle safaris .

Kenya is one of the most popular destinations for jungle safaris in Africa. The country is home to some of the world’s most iconic wildlife, including the Maasai Mara National Reserve, where visitors can witness the great migration of wildebeests and zebras. Other popular destinations in Kenya include the Amboseli National Park, known for its elephant population, and the Samburu National Reserve, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Grevy’s zebra.

Tanzania is another top destination for jungle safaris in Africa. The country is home to the Serengeti National Park, which is famous for its annual migration of wildebeests and zebras. The Ngorongoro Crater is another popular destination, known for its dense population of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and rhinos. Visitors to Tanzania can also explore the Tarangire National Park, which is known for its beautiful landscapes and large elephant population.

Botswana is a less crowded but equally stunning destination for jungle safaris in Africa. The country is home to the Okavango Delta, a beautiful wetland area that is known for its abundant wildlife, including elephants, lions, and hippos. The Chobe National Park is another popular destination, known for its large population of elephants and the beautiful Victoria Falls, which is shared with Zambia.

In conclusion, Africa is a top destination for jungle safaris , offering visitors the opportunity to witness some of the world’s most magnificent wildlife in their natural habitats. From the Serengeti to the Okavango Delta, the jungles and savannas of Africa are sure to leave a lasting impression on any adventure seeker.

Asia: From Tigers to Elephants

India is home to some of the world’s most diverse and spectacular wildlife, making it a top destination for jungle safaris . One of the most popular national parks for jungle safaris in India is Ranthambore National Park, located in the state of Rajasthan. This park is famous for its tigers, and visitors can take guided safari tours to spot these majestic animals in their natural habitat. Other popular national parks for jungle safaris in India include Kanha National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park.

Thailand is another top destination for jungle safaris , with its lush rainforests and diverse wildlife. One of the most popular national parks for jungle safaris in Thailand is Khao Yai National Park, located in the western part of the country. This park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and gibbons. Visitors can take guided safari tours to spot these animals, as well as explore the park’s many hiking trails and waterfalls.

Borneo is a tropical island located in Southeast Asia, and it is home to some of the world’s most diverse and fascinating wildlife. One of the top destinations for jungle safaris in Borneo is the Sabah Wildlife Department, located in the state of Sabah. This department offers guided safari tours to spot a wide variety of animals, including orangutans, elephants, and tigers. Visitors can also explore the island’s many rainforests and national parks, such as Kinabalu National Park and Maliau Basin Conservation Area.

South America: Unique Wildlife Encounters

Amazon rainforest.

The Amazon Rainforest, located in South America, is considered one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. Spanning across nine countries, this vast rainforest is home to an incredible array of plant and animal species. Visitors can embark on jungle safaris to explore the dense vegetation, crystal-clear rivers, and exotic wildlife that the Amazon has to offer. Some of the unique species that can be spotted here include the pink river dolphin, anaconda, and the critically endangered Amazonian manatee. Additionally, the Amazon Rainforest is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including the iconic scarlet macaw and the magnificent quetzal.

Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean about 906 kilometers (563 miles) west of Ecuador, are a unique destination for jungle safaris. The islands are best known for their diverse array of endemic species, including the famous Galapagos giant tortoise, sea lions, and the distinctive blue-footed booby. Visitors can explore the lush forests, pristine beaches, and mangrove lagoons that make up the Galapagos’ diverse ecosystems. The islands are also home to a wide variety of bird species, including the critically endangered Galapagos petrel and the magnificent frigatebird.

Costa Rica is a small country located in Central America, but it packs a big punch when it comes to jungle safaris. The country boasts an impressive array of national parks and protected areas, including the famous Corcovado National Park and the Arenal Volcano National Park. Visitors can explore the dense rainforests, cloud forests, and mangrove swamps that make up Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems. Some of the unique species that can be spotted here include the resplendent quetzal, the endangered green macaw, and the elusive jaguar. Additionally, Costa Rica is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including the striking scarlet macaw and the majestic bald eagle.

Planning Your Dream Jungle Safari

Choosing the right destination, factors to consider.

When choosing a destination for your jungle safari, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, you should consider the type of wildlife you hope to see. Different destinations offer unique opportunities to view different species, so it’s important to research which locations offer the best chances to see the animals you’re most interested in. Additionally, you should consider the climate and weather patterns of the region, as well as the accessibility and logistics of traveling to the destination.

Recommended Itineraries

There are countless jungle safari destinations around the world, each with their own unique offerings and challenges. Some popular destinations for jungle safaris include:

• Amazon Rainforest: The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, home to a vast array of wildlife including monkeys, jaguars, and toucans. Many travelers opt to take a cruise down the Amazon River, which offers the opportunity to see the forest from a different perspective and to visit remote villages and indigenous communities.
• Kruger National Park: Kruger National Park is located in South Africa and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and leopards. The park offers a variety of safari options, including self-drive safaris, guided game drives, and walking safaris.
• Costa Rica: Costa Rica is a popular destination for eco-tourism and offers a variety of jungle safari options, including zip-lining, hiking, and wildlife watching. The country is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and toucans.
• India’s Tiger Reserves: India’s tiger reserves, such as Ranthambore National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park, offer the opportunity to see Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. These parks also offer the chance to see other wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and crocodiles.

These are just a few examples of the many jungle safari destinations available around the world. When choosing a destination, it’s important to consider your own interests and priorities, as well as the logistics and accessibility of the location.

Selecting the Best Safari Tour

Types of safari tours.

When selecting the best safari tour, it is important to understand the different types of safari tours available. The three main types of safari tours are:

• Self-Drive Safaris: These safaris allow you to drive yourself through the park, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. This type of safari is ideal for those who want to explore the park on their own terms and have a more independent experience.
• Guided Safaris: Guided safaris involve a professional guide who will take you on a tour of the park. This type of safari is ideal for those who want to learn more about the park’s wildlife and history, and have a more structured experience.
• Photographic Safaris: Photographic safaris are designed specifically for photographers, with a focus on capturing the best shots of the park’s wildlife. This type of safari is ideal for those who are serious about photography and want to get the best shots possible.

Researching Tour Operators

Once you have a good understanding of the different types of safari tours, it is time to start researching tour operators. There are many tour operators to choose from, so it is important to do your research to find the best one for your needs.

Here are some things to consider when researching tour operators:

• Reputation: Look for tour operators with a good reputation, both online and offline. You can check online reviews, ask for recommendations from friends or family, or check with your travel agent.
• Experience: Look for tour operators with experience in the park you are visiting. This will ensure that they have a good understanding of the park’s wildlife and can help you get the most out of your safari.
• Price: Compare prices from different tour operators to find the best value for your money. Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best value, as it may not include everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable safari experience.

Reading Reviews and Recommendations

Once you have narrowed down your options, it is time to start reading reviews and recommendations from other travelers. You can find reviews on websites such as TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Google, as well as on travel forums and blogs.

It is important to read both positive and negative reviews, as they can give you a good idea of what to expect from the tour operator. You should also ask for recommendations from friends or family who have been on safari, as they may have valuable insights to share.

In conclusion, selecting the best safari tour requires research and consideration of the different types of safari tours, researching tour operators, and reading reviews and recommendations from other travelers. By taking the time to plan your dream jungle safari, you can ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Preparing for Your Adventure

Health and safety precautions.

Before embarking on your jungle safari, it is essential to take certain health and safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Some of these precautions include:

• Obtaining necessary vaccinations: Depending on the destination of your jungle safari, you may need to obtain certain vaccinations before traveling. It is advisable to consult with a medical professional to determine which vaccinations are necessary for your specific destination.
• Bringing necessary medications: You should also bring any necessary medications you may need during your trip, such as prescription medications or over-the-counter medications for illnesses like motion sickness or allergies.
• Protecting against mosquito-borne illnesses: Mosquitoes can be a significant health risk in many jungle environments. It is important to take steps to protect yourself against mosquito-borne illnesses, such as wearing insect repellent and using mosquito nets.

What to Pack

Packing the right gear is crucial to making the most of your jungle safari. Here are some essentials to consider:

• Comfortable clothing: Bring comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing that can be easily washed and dried. Avoid wearing cotton, as it can become heavy and uncomfortable when wet.
• Sturdy footwear: Bring sturdy, comfortable footwear that can handle rough terrain and water. Hiking boots or sturdy sneakers are ideal.
• Waterproof gear: Bring waterproof bags or covers to protect your gear from rain and humidity.
• Personal hygiene items: Bring personal hygiene items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and shampoo. It is also a good idea to bring biodegradable soaps and shampoos to minimize environmental impact.

Respecting Local Cultures and Wildlife

Respecting local cultures and wildlife is an essential part of any jungle safari. Here are some ways to show respect:

• Respect local customs: Learn about the local customs and traditions before your trip and try to respect them during your visit.
• Support local economies: Support local economies by staying in locally-owned accommodations and eating at local restaurants.
• Minimize environmental impact: Minimize your environmental impact by using sustainable tourism practices, such as using eco-friendly products and avoiding activities that may harm the environment.
• Follow guidelines for wildlife viewing: Follow guidelines for wildlife viewing, such as staying on designated trails and avoiding feeding or touching wildlife. Respect the animals’ space and allow them to move freely.

Enhancing Your Jungle Safari Experience

Immersive activities and experiences, birdwatching.

Birdwatching is a popular activity among jungle safari enthusiasts. It involves observing and identifying various species of birds in their natural habitat. Jungle safaris offer a unique opportunity to spot a wide range of exotic birds, including colorful parrots, toucans, and hornbills. To enhance your birdwatching experience, it is recommended to hire a local guide who is knowledgeable about the various bird species found in the jungle. They can provide insight into the behavior, habitats, and migration patterns of different bird species, making your birdwatching experience more informative and enjoyable.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife photography is another immersive activity that can be enjoyed during a jungle safari. The diverse array of wildlife found in the jungle, including majestic elephants, graceful giraffes, and elusive leopards, provides ample opportunities for capturing stunning photographs. To improve your wildlife photography skills, it is important to invest in a good camera with a telephoto lens to capture clear and detailed images of animals from a distance. Additionally, learning about the behavior and habits of different animal species can help you anticipate their movements and capture unique photographs.

Jungle Survival Skills

Developing jungle survival skills is an essential aspect of enhancing your jungle safari experience. Jungle survival skills include identifying edible plants, building shelter, starting fires, and navigating through dense vegetation. Many jungle safari operators offer survival skills training programs that provide hands-on experience in these essential skills. Participating in these programs can add an exciting element to your jungle safari experience and equip you with valuable survival skills that can be used in future wilderness adventures.

Supporting Conservation Efforts

Eco-tourism and sustainable tourism.

Eco-tourism and sustainable tourism are important ways to support conservation efforts while enjoying your jungle safari. By participating in these forms of tourism, you can help preserve the natural habitats and biodiversity of the areas you visit.

• Look for tour operators and lodges that are committed to sustainable practices and environmentally responsible tourism.
• Choose activities and tours that have a minimal impact on the environment, such as hiking and birdwatching, rather than activities that may disturb wildlife or damage habitats, such as off-road driving or hunting.
• Support local communities by using their services and purchasing souvenirs from them, rather than from large corporations.

Donating to Conservation Organizations

Another way to support conservation efforts is by donating to organizations that work to protect wildlife and their habitats. There are many reputable organizations that work in the areas where you may be visiting, and your donation can make a real difference in their efforts.

• Research organizations that work in the areas you will be visiting and that align with your values and priorities.
• Consider making a donation in honor of your jungle safari experience, or in memory of a loved one.
• Ask the tour operator or lodge if they have a partnership with any conservation organizations and if they offer a donation program.

Volunteering on Conservation Projects

If you are looking for a more hands-on way to support conservation efforts, consider volunteering on a conservation project. Many organizations offer opportunities for individuals to get involved in conservation efforts, from data collection and research to habitat restoration and community outreach.

• Look for organizations that offer volunteer opportunities in the areas you will be visiting.
• Consider your skills and interests when choosing a project to volunteer on.
• Keep in mind that volunteering can be a rewarding but also challenging experience, and may require a significant time commitment.

Creating Unforgettable Memories

Capturing stunning photos and videos.

Embarking on a jungle safari is an exhilarating experience that promises adventure, excitement, and the chance to connect with nature. As you explore the dense forests, encounter fascinating wildlife, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world, it’s essential to capture these unforgettable moments to cherish forever. Here are some tips to help you capture stunning photos and videos during your jungle safari:

• Use a high-quality camera or smartphone with a good camera system
• Invest in a zoom lens or binoculars to get up close and personal with wildlife
• Choose the right settings, such as a higher ISO for low-light conditions or a faster shutter speed to freeze motion
• Consider using a tripod or monopod for stability and better composition
• Experiment with different angles and perspectives, such as shooting from a boat or a treetop platform

Sharing Your Adventure with Friends and Family

Sharing your jungle safari adventure with friends and family is an excellent way to relive your experiences and inspire others to embark on their own wildlife adventures. Here are some ways to share your memories:

• Create a photo album or slideshow to showcase your best photos
• Share your photos and videos on social media platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter
• Write a blog post or article about your experience, complete with stunning visuals and detailed descriptions
• Make a short video or vlog to share your adventure in a more dynamic format
• Host a presentation or event to showcase your photos and tell the story of your jungle safari

Reflecting on Your Experience and Planning Future Adventures

A jungle safari is an experience that can profoundly impact your life, offering a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature. As you reflect on your adventure, consider the following:

• What were the most memorable moments of your jungle safari?
• How did the experience change your perspective on the natural world?
• What lessons did you learn about yourself and your place in the world?
• How can you use your experience to inspire others to connect with nature and support conservation efforts?

By reflecting on your jungle safari experience, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world and use your memories to inspire future adventures.

1. What is a jungle safari?

A jungle safari is a guided tour through a jungle or rainforest, often conducted in a vehicle or on foot. It allows visitors to experience the beauty and diversity of the natural world, as well as the opportunity to observe and learn about the wildlife and plants that inhabit the area.

2. Which is the best jungle safari in the world?

The best jungle safari in the world is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Some popular destinations for jungle safaris include the Amazon rainforest in South America, the Congo Basin in Africa, and the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. Each destination offers unique experiences and opportunities to see a wide range of wildlife and plant species.

3. What should I consider when choosing a jungle safari?

When choosing a jungle safari, consider the location, the type of wildlife you want to see, the level of comfort and accommodation available, and the cost. It’s also important to research the reputation of the tour operator and read reviews from previous customers to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

4. What is the best time to go on a jungle safari?

The best time to go on a jungle safari depends on the location and the time of year. Some destinations offer year-round opportunities for jungle safaris, while others may be more seasonal. It’s important to research the best time to visit based on the specific location and the wildlife you want to see.

5. What should I pack for a jungle safari?

When packing for a jungle safari, it’s important to consider the climate and the activities you’ll be participating in. Pack comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy footwear, insect repellent, sunscreen, and any necessary medications or personal items. It’s also a good idea to bring a waterproof bag or case to protect your belongings from the elements.

6. How long does a typical jungle safari last?

The length of a typical jungle safari can vary depending on the destination and the tour operator. Some jungle safaris can last a few hours, while others may last several days. It’s important to research the specific tour and its itinerary to determine the length of the safari.

7. Are jungle safaris safe?

Jungle safaris can be safe if you choose a reputable tour operator and follow all safety guidelines. It’s important to research the tour operator and read reviews from previous customers to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Additionally, it’s important to follow all safety instructions provided by the tour guide and to stay with the group at all times.

Team Top X – World’s top 10 safari parks

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12 best animal experiences in the world: wildlife safaris, fairy penguins, and more

There’s something magical about viewing animals in their natural habitat. Whether it’s penguins marching home, or a lion laying down for a nap, nothing beats the thrill of watching wildlife going about their day…especially if you’re right next to them.

We found 12 of the best animal encounters and experiences in the world that are worth traveling for. Here’s a tip: have a good camera on hand to capture these wondrous creatures as they roar, snore, or glide.

1. Spot puffins in Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland is home to most of the world’s puffins, and Reykjavik is a great place to catch these iconic birds in action. Hop on an express cruise to Akurey, a protected nature reserve that puffins use as their nesting ground. The tour also provides binoculars so you can get a better look.

Book fast though. Puffin watching is incredibly popular, and the cruise only runs during the peak viewing season from May to August. Depending on the sea conditions and tide, the small boat can get right up close to the island. Just come prepared with a good zoom camera.

2. Meet camels and falcons in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Think about Dubai and the animal that likely springs to mind is the camel. Sure, you can find a few on Jumeirah Beach , but there are many more incredible wildlife encounters waiting outside the city.

On this Travelers’ Choice award-winning desert tour , you’ll get to hop on a camel and travel across sand dunes. Don’t miss your chance to hold a majestic falcon too (it’s the national bird of the UAE!). The tour runs throughout the year, but temps are much cooler from November to April.

If you prefer a more relaxing experience, explore the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve on this half-day tour . The guide will take you around the massive nature reserve in a comfy Range Rover to spot gazelles and rare Arabian oryxes.

3. Embark on a wildlife safari in Nairobi, Kenya

Located on the outskirts of Nairobi , the world-famous Nairobi National Park offers one of Kenya ’s most accessible safari game drives. From zebras to most of the Big Five, there are tons of wild animals to see up close. At certain spots, you can even see the skyscrapers of Kenya’s capital city in the background. Impressive, right?

While you can self-drive, going on a safari tour can help to maximize wildlife sightings in the park. The guide will also take you to the Giraffe Center and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to feed giraffes and observe elephants. Try visiting during the dry season, between July and October, when the vegetation is less dense and it's easier to spot animals.

4. Swim with green sea turtles in Maui, Hawaii

Three miles from Maui lies Molokini Crater , a crescent-shaped islet teeming with marine life all year round. Think eels, sea urchins, schools of colorful fish, and of course, Hawaiian green sea turtles.

This snorkeling tour will take you to the crater on a powerboat and includes a stop at Turtle Town, where you can get up close to beautiful green sea turtles. While visibility isn’t as great during the rainy season from November and March, you might be able to spot humpback whales.

5. Catch the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island, Melbourne

Every evening, thousands of fairy penguins emerge from the ocean and waddle back to their burrows on Phillip Island . Known as the Penguin Parade , it’s one of the cutest animal encounters in Australia (and possibly the world). Get there early to secure a good spot for the show.

Make the most of your Melbourne trip with this full-day Phillip Island tour . Besides the Penguin Parade, you’ll get to hand-feed kangaroos, hang out with wallabies, and see the elusive Tasmanian devil.

6. Get up close to penguins in Cape Town, South Africa

Yep, South Africa has penguins too! They frolic freely on Boulders Beach in Cape Town all year round, but the best time to visit is during nesting season (February and August) when thousands of African penguins swarm the beach. It’s quieter from September to October, as many of them go hunting for food in the ocean.

This small-group tour will take you to Boulders Beach, as well as other scenic spots like the Cape of Good Hope . Keep your eyes peeled along the way—you might see ostriches and baboons too.

7. Go whale watching in Juneau, Alaska

If you love whales, Juneau is the place to be. From April to September, over 600 colossal humpback whales return to the waterways to feed. Against a backdrop of mountains, you’ll watch them roll, blow, or slap their tails. And that’s not all—orcas, dolphins, and sea lions make an appearance too.

Travelers highly recommend this whale-watching & glacier tour , complete with passionate guides and a hike to the breathtaking Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls . If you’re lucky, you might also spot black bears and bald eagles along the way.

8. Befriend manatees in Crystal River and Naples, Florida

Fun fact: manatees are nicknamed ‘sea cows’ for their slow-moving and grazing nature. They live in shallow coastal waters in some parts of the United States , and Florida is a fantastic spot to see them.

For an up-close encounter, head to Crystal River to swim with the manatees . Don’t be surprised if some of them come up to you for a kiss (yep, they’re that curious). No wonder travelers say this is one of 2023’s best bucket list experiences .

This wildlife boat tour down in Naples is another great way to meet these aquatic animals. You can see manatees all year round, but there’s a better chance of spotting them when the tide is low and the sun is at its highest. See if you can spot alligators and bull sharks too.

9. Spot sloths in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Sloths are Costa Rica ’s national animal, and while they’re fairly common, spotting them in rainforests can be a challenge as they tend to hide high up in the trees.

To up your chances of seeing these slow-moving animals, join this full-day tour departing from Tamarindo . It includes a stop at Finca Verde , an organic farm and wildlife sanctuary nestled in a valley. As you roam around the rainforest, your guide will point out sloths and other critters like toucans, snakes, and frogs.

Not into hiking? Kick back on this Tamarindo estuary safari cruise instead. The eagle-eyed guide will help you spot crocodiles, howler monkeys, and a variety of birds.

10. See Komodo dragons on Komodo Island, Indonesia

Growing up to almost 10 feet, Komodo dragons are the largest lizards in the world. And there’s no better place to encounter them than on Komodo Island in eastern Indonesia . Here, hundreds roam freely, often basking in the shade. Remember to keep a safe distance, though—they can be aggressive (and fast) if provoked.

Accommodation on Komodo Island is limited but you can stay at a hotel in Labuan Bajo and visit the island on this day trip . Activities include seeing Komodo dragons, snorkeling with majestic manta rays and sea turtles, and exploring the gorgeous Pink Beach .

11. Find flamingos and more on Isabela Island, Galápagos, Ecuador

There’s a lot more to Isabela Island than pristine beaches and stunning volcanic landscapes. All sorts of wildlife thrive here, including vibrant flamingos, blue-footed boobies, and giant tortoises. The best part? There aren’t many predators on the island, so the animals aren’t shy of humans. In fact, sea lions relaxing at the ferry terminal are a common sight.

You can explore the island on a small-group tour that departs from Santa Cruz , the main hub of the Galápagos . Expect a full day of animal adventures, from sunbathing with marine iguanas to swimming with sharks and sea turtles.

12. Look out for sea eagles in Tromsø, Norway

White-tailed eagles, playful dolphins, and majestic reindeer. Those are just some of the amazing animals that you’ll see on this sightseeing cruise in Tromsø . Together with a friendly crew, you’ll sail across Arctic waters, seeking out stunning wildlife and fjords. You can even try deep-sea fishing.

Visiting in December? Lucky you—it’s the peak time to catch the Northern Lights in Norway , and you can pair your experience with a relaxing reindeer sleigh ride . That’s two bucket list items checked off!

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Natural World

We operate in over 40 destinations worldwide, from the iconic savannahs of africa to earth's ice-bound polar fringes..

The range of experiences we offer in the natural world covers a variety of stunning worldwide destinations each with their own unique habitats and characteristics. From expeditions to the extreme polar regions, to tracking animals in the steamy rainforests of Asia, or safaris to explore the arid deserts and savannah plains of Africa, whatever is on your travel radar, we can take you to the heart of the action

Browse the regions below to find your ultimate safari vacation destination.

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At Natural World Safaris, we are former wildlife safari guides and specialists in the Natural World, ensuring you get up close and personal with the wildlife in question whilst promoting responsible travel and supporting local conservation projects. Whilst comfort is essential, our focus is on experiential luxury rather than crisp white linen and crystal glassware. We can do both, but there is no point in staying in a luxury lodge if there is nothing to see! Whilst the majority of our safaris are tailored to your specific requirements - whether you are a family looking for adventure or honeymooners looking for some relaxation - we also excel in specialist set departures. To have a chat with one of our specialists and for your ultimate wildlife vacation.

How much does a safari cost?

At Natural World Safaris our mission is to put you in the right place at the right time for the best wildlife experiences and this can obviously come at a price, and staying in some of the most loved and iconic camps and lodges can add to that too. Each destination has its own price point, so whilst it is best to decide your destination, we recommend a starting price of $8,500 per person. Some can be cheaper and others more expensive depending on the location and experience you are after.

Where to go when

If you are looking for the ultimate in luxury, then Botswana has it all, from the safari chic of Mombo to elephant walks at Abu Camp, whilst enjoying some of the best wildlife on the African continent. For family safaris, Kenya is hard to beat; with private family safari houses, conservancies set up for activities more varying than just game drives (to keep everyone entertained!), and some great beach relaxation for a few days to unwind. Madagascar is one of our personal favourites, great for families, wildlife enthusiasts or those just wanting to relax for a few days on the beach – the weird and wonderful wildlife of Madagascar however will not disappoint. If it’s up close and personal wildlife you want then gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is pretty unbeatable and whilst an experience not to forget, can be combined perfectly with a few days on safari in Kenya or Tanzania.

For those that want something a bit cooler, then head to Canada or the polar regions. Track the King of the Arctic in Churchill or based from Seal River Heritage Lodge, spend time on foot with the grizzlies of British Columbia, or set off on an expedition to the Antarctic to check out the emperor penguins or coast alongside whales.

If it’s the Latin effect you desire then why not explore the rainforests of Brazil or Ecuador or the turquoise waters of the breath-taking Galapagos Islands. For those wanting a little bit of everything – rainforests, beaches and adrenalin – then Costa Rica has to be your final destination.

Finally, you have the option of heading to the Indian subcontinent in search of the elusive Bengal tigers and snow leopards of India or the old man of the forest (orang-utan!) and pygmy elephants of the tropical island of Borneo.

As all of our safaris can be tailor-made to your specific requirements, we are confident that we will be able to provide you with the ultimate in safari travel.

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The World’s Best Safari Parks

Which safari park is your pick for best ever.

Always wanted to take a real African safari but never had the time or money to do it? Safari parks are the next best thing, and give people of all ages the chance to see African wildlife up close – with no bars or cages to ruin the views.

In this piece, we’ve picked out the top seven safari parks in the world for a traditional African safari experience. Whilst a safari park can never be as immersive as a real African safari, a day or overnight trip to a great safari park might at least get you in the mood to save up for the real thing!

Read on below for our pick of the world’s seven best safari parks along with a map showing the location of all safari parks worldwide:

Safari West, California, USA

Set in the middle of California’s wine country, Safari West styles itself as a “Sonoma Serengeti” with savannah-style landscape. The 400-acre safari park has 800 free-roaming animals from herds of kudu , zebra , antelope, Cape buffalo , and gazelle , to huge African rhinos and giraffe .

Safari West offers “the ultimate private safari” excursions where a private group of up to 10 people is taken on an exclusive safari ride with a guide, and like some true luxury African safaris you can add wine, cheese, and chocolate to your safari should you need an appetitive whilst game viewing. The private safari is essentially a 3-hour guide-led drive through the safari park in an authentic safari vehicle.

For a complete safari experience, you can spend a night on site with views over a lake or nestled in the woods with a true bushveld feel. The accommodation is in authentic African safari tents with a luxury twist, built on wooden platforms with large decking areas for lounging and taking in the views. If tents aren’t your idea of luxury then cottages are available too.

Visit the Safari West website >>

Wildlife reserves singapore, singapore.

The Singapore night safari is rightly a world-renowned safari experience. The safari park has eight geographical regions – linked by three walking trails and a tram route – to observe the primarily nocturnal animals from around the world. The reserve has an “Equatorial Africa” section of the park, which fits nicely with Singapore’s warm and moist climate throughout the year. Ample sunlight and rain support luxuriant tropical forests. In this part of the safari park you can expect to see Cape giraffe , serval , and bongo – the largest of Africa’s forest antelopes.

Visit the Singapore Night Safari website >>

Book your singapore night safari now:, disney’s wildlife kingdom, florida, usa.

Disney don’t bill their Wildlife Kingdom as a safari park, but rather the largest animal-themed park in the world. And with 250 species made up of more than 1,700 animals roaming 2 km sq they may well be right.

The entire park is split into seven areas, one of which is “Africa” themed. One adrenalin-pumping safari offering in this area is the “Wild Trek Africa” experience – a privately guided expedition which features close encounters with Nile crocodiles and huge hippos whilst hanging from a harness 10 feet in the air! If that’s a bit too hair-raising you can always take a more traditional open-sided safari vehicle for a game ride through acres of replica savanna, rivers, and rocky hills. Expect to see elephant, giraffe, pelican, cheetah, lion, oryx , black and white rhino , and just about any other wildlife you’d hope to spot in Africa.

Visit Disney’s Wildlife Kingdom website >>

The wilds, ohio, usa.

The Wilds safari park in Ohio offers a fairly authentic safari experience. You can buy a “Safari Transport Pass” to get shuttled around a selection of enclosures (Lake Trail, Mid-Sized Carnivores, Wetland, Pasture and Outpost), each with a selection of impressive African wildlife. The game highlights are the giraffe, rhino, zebra, cheetah and African wild dog.

In the “Pasture” area dozens of grazing species of African animals roam free, whilst the predators are kept separately for obvious reasons! A guided open vehicle safari gets you immersed in the rolling countryside and gives you the best opportunity to view all of the game on offer.

Visit The Wilds website >>

West midlands safari park, west midlands, uk.

The American-run “West Midland Safari and Leisure Park” has been in operation since 1973. Here you can drive yourself around the “Africa Reserve”, a large open area that is home to a group of Southern white rhinos, along with plenty of other savannah grazers including giraffe, zebra, waterbuck, eland and the swamp-dwelling red lechwe. Other enclosures containing fabulous wildlife you can drive through include cheetahs , a large pack of the very endangered African wild dog, African elephants, and of course the mighty white lion.

Longleat Safari & Adventure Park, Wiltshire, UK

Whilst Africa will always be the home of the safari drive, the first drive-through safari park outside of Africa opened in 1966 at Longleat as a 100-acre reserve for 50 lions. Set within the grounds of the Longleat House stately home, the safari park has grown and is now home to dozens of African animal species. There’s still a large pride of lions, now complemented by cheetah , rhino, elephant, giraffe, zebra and a plethora of African monkeys.

Whilst you can choose to drive yourself around a number of large enclosures, Longleat also offers a range of VIP guided tours – from a couple of hours to a full day. These take the form of being driven around the safari park by an expert guide in one of the specialised safari vehicles.

Visit  the Longleat Safari & Adventure Park website >>

Taman safaris, various destinations, indonesia.

Taman Safari Indonesia are safari parks in East Java, West Java and Bali, known as Taman Safari I, II and III respectively. Taman Safari I is the most popular and largest of the three safari parks and has over 2,500 animals, the majority of which are Indonesian and include tigers, orangutans, elephants, sun bears and komodo dragons.

It’s a drive-through safari park where you can get very close to the wildlife. Those on the hunt for an authentic African safari experience won’t be disappointed and can keep an eye out for the resident hippo, zebra, cheetah and giraffe. There are both camping and bungalows available to those who’d like to stay in the safari park overnight to soak up the atmosphere.

Taman Safari III is also known as Bali Safari and Marine Park – more of a theme park than a safari park, but highly popular with tourists none-the-less.

Visit the Taman Safari website >>

Book your taman safari now:, find each safari park on the map:, what is a safari park.

The biggest draw of a safari park is that game animals roam free in large enclosures which you can take a safari drive through – either on your own or with a guide. There are also options for walking safaris in some safari parks.

Safari parks are generally much larger than zoos, though they cover only a minuscule area when compared to the game reserves and national parks in Africa ( which can be up to 55,000 km sq ).

What’s your take on safari parks – decent African safari alternative, or little more than glorified zoos? Get involved in the comments below and let us know your thoughts on our list of the world’s best safari parks.

Top countries for safaris

• Botswana safaris
• Kenya safaris
• Namibia safaris
• South Africa safaris
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• Uganda safaris

Safari basics

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• When to go on safari
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Africa’s best game reserves

• Chobe National Park, Botswana
• Etosha National Park, Namibia
• Kruger National Park, South Africa
• Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
• Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
• Okavango Delta, Botswana
• Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

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Visit These 9 Iconic Wildlife Safaris In The World

From camping under the stars to watching wildlife in their natural habitat, Safaris are a whole ‘another planet’ experience. Where else can you get to disconnect from the everyday mundane of living in concrete jungles or following the same routines? The overwhelming sights of a majestic lion in his hunting grounds, hundreds of elephants dawdling across the open plains or close encounters with a rather notoriously elusive leopard can be experienced only with these wildlife safaris. Nowadays, many of the safaris you can experience are actually biodiversity preservations or wildlife protection centres. With high chances of spotting some rare animal species and rejuvenating under open skies, wildlife safaris are surely worth all the money.

Here are some of the iconic wildlife safaris in the world, you ought to visit;

1. masai mara national reserve, kenya:.

The better half of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, the Masai Mara National Reserve is the most famous of all the wildlife safaris in the world. Located in Kenya, the captivating vistas of this area comprise of a Savannah ecosystem, the most glorious sunsets, unimaginably huge diversity in wildlife and the highly hospitable Masai tribe.

This place hosts the highest chance of seeing the Big five of Kenya. Apart from them, you can also see animals like Gazelles, Zebras, cheetahs, baboons, crocodiles and birds like vultures, eagles and buzzards. Millions of animals flock to the region during annual migrations.

Night safaris and hot-air balloon wildlife safaris are some unique prospects here. Witness all this wild glory in person by getting your Kenya Visa and choosing among our best Kenya Tour Packages .

Best time to visit: June-October

2. Ranthambore National Park, India:

The Ranthambore National Park is one of the most popular jungle wildlife safaris in India. Located in Rajasthan, the park attracts visitors from all over the world. This park displays a huge chunk of the Indian biodiversity and also sparks hints of the royal history around it. The green landscapes of the area combined with some luxurious accommodation options , right from tents to resorts, outside the park are a perfect getaway from the busy city life.

The main attraction of Ranthambore is the tigers but you will also come across Sloth bears, leopards, Indian wolves, Jackals, Chital, Sambar, etc. The Aravalli hills in the background form a huge part of the landscape along with the lakes and rivulets. With our Rajasthan tour packages , experience wildlife along with the palaces and forts.

Best time to visit: October-June

3. Kruger National Park, South Africa:

The Kruger National Park is arguably the oldest and one of the best safaris in Africa. Located in the northeastern region of South Africa, it has some of the world’s best luxury safari lodges and private reserves. The density of animals, especially the large ones, is high here due to the Savannah vegetation.

The chances of spotting the Big Five – lion, leopard, African elephant, rhinoceros and Cape buffalo are pretty high at the private game reserves. You will also spot some exotic birds and reptiles across the 2 million hectares of land. Lastly, along with wildlife, you can also learn the traditions of the Shangaan tribe.

With our South Africa tour package that includes the South Africa Visa , enjoy the world-famous safari destination.

Best time to visit: May-October

4. Yala National Park, Sri Lanka:

Also known as Ruhunu National Park, the Yala National Park is the most visited national park in Sri Lanka due to the diversity of wildlife it holds. The famous Yala National Park is located next to the Indian Ocean, hence contributing to the biodiversity. The dense and lush landscapes of Yala are home to beasts like leopards, elephants, monkeys, crocodiles and also several bird species.

For a distinct experience, you can also try going deeper into the forest to explore century-old rock paintings, caves, pilgrimage sites and Buddhist ruins. Or else, you can choose to stay in one of the luxury accommodations with private pools. Can’t wait to chill in the lap of nature, book your flights to Sri Lanka now and also get your Sri Lanka Visa in time for your vacation.

Best time to visit: February-June

5. Nairobi National Park, Kenya:

The Nairobi National Park is uniquely famous for being quite close to human civilization. It is only seven kilometres from Kenya’s capital city Nairobi. Yet, it greatly displays one of the best safaris in Africa with some of the rarest wildlife. The wildlife here includes lions, cheetahs, leopards, hippos, zebras, giraffes, gazelles and about 400 species of birds. The main attraction here is the endangered black rhinoceros.

If you visit here in the mornings, you are most likely to spot baby hippos and baby elephants being fed or going for their mud bath.

Best time to visit: July-February

6. The Pantanal, Brazil:

Located in the world’s largest tropical wetland area in Brazil, the Pantanal lands sprawl over 1,95,000 sq. kms. of land. For wildlife diversity, you will find jaguars, tapirs, giant anteaters, toucans, hyacinth macaws and some other mammals. Apart from the traditional jeep safaris, the Pantanal can also be explored by walking, horseback safaris, canoe trips and the nocturnal spotlight.

In the dry season, you can see wildlife up close gathering around the reduced water. To experience these one-of-a-kind safari parks around the world, get a Brazil Visa and plan your vacation with the best of our Brazil Tour Packages .

Best time to visit: July-October

7. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania:

Located in Northern Tanzania, the Serengeti National Park is not only a further extension of Masai Mara but also a UNESCO-listed heritage site. It is easily one of those quintessential safari parks around the world full of green pastures and meandering rivers. Here you will encounter almost every animal right from majestic lions to African Wild Dogs.

However, the park’s popularity single-handedly comes from the ‘great migration’ wherein over 2 million animals set off towards Masai Mara around July and come back in October. This massive migration along with the beautiful landscapes of the park is truly a sight to behold. Planning to visit Tanzania from India? You will have to get a Tanzania Visa beforehand and plan a wild time with our Tanzania tour packages .

Best time to visit: May-December

8. Kaziranga National Park, India:

There are several jungle safaris to experience in India and the Kaziranga National Park is one of them. Another UNESCO-listed Heritage site, this place offers an inviting landscape paired with the Brahmaputra River, grassland and pastures.

This place is home to the most endangered rhino species in the world- the One-Horned Rhinoceros. One can also see Bengal Tigers, Asiatic Elephants, Wild Water Buffaloes and other migratory birds here. Plan your India trip as soon as possible and get great deals on flight options to India. You can also plan a trip to visit the other jungle safaris in India.

Best time to visit: November-February

9. Etosha National Park, Namibia:

Located in Northwestern Namibia, the Etosha National Park is a different kind of safari due to the desert landscape and biodiversity of the region. Out of the abundant wildlife, you will find lions, elephants, leopards and rhinos (both the critically endangered white and black rhinos).

The most spellbinding sight here is hundreds of animals flocking around waterholes to drink and bathe. The Etosha National Park is truly one of the unique safari destinations in the world. Can’t wait to explore this national park, get your Namibia Visa and choose among our Namibia tour packages for the best experience.

Now that you have learned about some of the enchanting wildlife safaris in the world, how do you plan to spend your holidays? Laying in your bed at home or under the blanket of stars in a stay at one of the safari parks in the world. Tell us in the comments below which safari destinations are surely going to be on your bucket list.

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The 20 Best Wildlife Parks & Wildlife Tours in the World

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Global interest in nature-based tourism, which includes wildlife tourism, has grown rapidly over the last decade.

At the same time, wildlife has become increasingly under threat from issues such as habitat loss, poaching, and a lack of funding for conservation.  

Richard Damania, lead economist for the World Bank , succinctly explains the intrinsic connection between economy and ecology in tourism destinations: “Provide jobs and (you’ll) save the environment.”  

But of course it’s not quite that simple, as a National Geographic cover story on the dark truth behind wildlife tourism illustrated.

When managed irresponsibly, wildlife attractions may involve abuse, exploitation, drugged animals, and even death. And unless visitors are well-informed about these issues, they’d probably never know the difference.  

Fortunately, there are hundreds (if not thousands) of examples of wildlife tourism attractions that get it right.

These sustainably-run operations have led to improved well-being for the animals, increased investments in protected areas and reserves, a reduction in poaching, and increased benefits for local communities in the form of jobs, co-management of resources, and revenue-sharing.  

Here’s a look at 20 of the world’s best wildlife parks , as well as wildlife tours specifically designed for animal lovers.

READ MORE: The 25 Best National Parks in Africa for Wildlife Safaris

WILDLIFE PARKS IN AFRICA

1. ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK (Namibia)  

The utterly unique wildlife park encompasses 8,600 square miles of expansive desert landscapes .

At the heart of Etosha National Park are its expansive salt pans. In the wet season they fill with water and attract a bevy of beautiful birds , while in the dry season they blow saline dust out towards the Atlantic Ocean.

The otherworldly park is also home to lots of big game animals, including giraffes , lions, black and white rhinos, and endemic mountain zebras, as well as a wide variety of birds.

Many Namibia wildlife tours include visiting Etosha National Park , looking for desert elephants in Skeleton Coast National Park, seeing the massive Cape fur seal colonies at Swakomund, and much more.  

READ MORE: The 20 Safest Countries in Africa to Visit

2. KRUGER NATIONAL PARK (South Africa)  

Covering more than 7,500 square miles in the eastern part of South Africa , Kruger National Park ranks alongside Etosha among the largest wildlife reserves in all of Africa.

Established in 1926, it’s South Africa’s oldest national park and part of a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve .

Although the region has been struggling to deal with the rise in poaching of elephants, rhinos, and other animals for the illegal wildlife trade over the past decade, Kruger National Park remains a remarkable place.

The park is home to an exceptional range of wildlife, including 517 bird species, 147 species of large mammals, 114 reptile species, and rare, endangered wildlife including black rhinos and the gorgeous African wild dog (a.k.a. painted dog).  

READ MORE: Tips for Visiting Kruger National Park, South Africa

3. MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE (Kenya)

The Masai Mara should need no introduction as the northern stop of Africa’s Great Migration of wildebeest, zebras, and other ungulates, which is arguably one of the world’s greatest wonders for wildlife lovers.

But the 583-square-mile reserve is just part of the Greater Mara Ecosystem, which also includes numerous Maasai-owned wildlife conservancies .

The area is home to 25% of Kenya’s wildlife , including an incredible population of Big Cats (cheetahs, lions , and leopards), as well as their prey (gazelles, impala, wildebeest, etc).

Eco-tour operators like Gamewatchers Safaris  and the Elewana Collection offer an exceptional opportunity to explore the area in depth, covering much of the same epic journey the migration follows each year.

READ MORE: Masai Mara Conservancies: A Model for Community Conservation in Kenya

4. OKAVANGO DELTA (Botswana)

One of the newer UNESCO sites on this list, Botswana’s Okavango Delta earned World Heritage Site status in 2014 for its incredibly diverse wildlife and expansive wetlands ecosystem.

Spreading across 5791 square miles, the region’s vast network of canals and swamps are best explored via traditional canoes , which are known as mokoro .

In the winter, the water draws some 200,000 large mammals (cheetahs, lions, elephants, rhinos, etc.) and 400+ bird species to the area. Thanks to Botswana’s anti-poaching measures, the number of animals here is growing.

Luxury Botswana safaris (such as those offered by Great Plains Conservation ) offer guests an exclusive experience exploring different regions of this fertile landscape, including areas rarely visited by most wildlife tours of the Okavango.

READ MORE: 55 Interesting Facts About Elephants

5. SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK (Tanzania)

The southern starting point for the annual Great Migration from Tanzania to Kenya in search of water and fresh grass, this 5,700-square mile UNESCO World Heritage Site was named after the Maasai word for “the place where the land runs on forever.”

It’s an apt moniker, and the Serengeti’s seemingly endless grasslands, riverine forest, bushy savanna, and open woodlands are home to a staggering array of wildlife (not to mention the welcoming Maasai people ).

In just a few days of exploring the area, you can see lots of lions, elephants, giraffes, Nile crocodiles, colobus monkeys, and huge herds of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and buffalo crowding the plains.

Numerous tour operators offer immersive excursions that explore this excellent East African wildlife park in depth.

READ MORE: The Top 10 Tanzania National Parks & Reserves

6. VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK (Rwanda)  

Made famous by primatologist Diane Fossey ’s groundbreaking work with mountain gorillas back in the 1970s and ‘80s, Volcanoes was the first national park on the african continent.

The park is home to five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountain range, with up to 80 tourists a day paying for pricey permits to spend an incredible hour with one of the 10 habituated gorilla families that make their home here.

The park also offers treks to see habituated groups of endangered golden monkeys, visit Fossey’s grave, and climb Bisoke (a one-day tour) or Karisimbi Volcano (a 2-day trek with overnight camping ) .

We also recommend a visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village , which provides alternative employment opportunities for former poachers and their families. It’s a model for community-based conservation.

READ MORE: 50 Interesting Facts About  Gorillas

7. WILDLIFE PARKS IN ANTARCTICA

Ok, so technically there are no national parks in Antarctica .

But because the entire continent is protected by the Antarctic Treaty System, the coldest, driest, and windiest place on the planet is basically like one giant wildlife reserve. And small ship cruises are a great way to explore it.

The best Antarctic wildlife tours include plenty of Adelie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins on the Antarctic mainland; Magellanic and rockhopper penguins in the Falkland Islands; and vast colonies of king and macaroni penguins (not to mention elephant and fur seals) on South Georgia Island.

Of course, there will also be plenty of whales , seals, and other wildlife sightings during your time at sea as well!  

READ MORE: 30 Antarctic Animals You Can See on an Antarctica Cruise

WILDLIFE PARKS IN ASIA  

8. BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK (India)

Located in Madhya Pradesh, the 431-square-mile Bandhavgarh National Park & Tiger Reserve boasts one of the highest densities of Bengal tigers in the world.

Thanks to conservation initiatives here and at tiger reserves such as Kanha and Kaziranga National Parks, the Bengal tiger is one of the few endangered species whose population is growing.

But the fearsome cat is hardly this wildlife park’s only attraction: There are also 36 other species of mammals (including leopards, Asian elephants, and nilgai, or “blue bulls”), more than 250 species of birds, and around 80 species of butterflies.

There are three zones in this former maharaja’s hunting grounds that are open to tourists: The Tala zone is considered the best for tigers and also the most photogenic, while Khitauli is great for birdwatching .  

READ MORE: Indian Animals: A Guide to 40 Species of Indian Wildlife 

9. KOMODO NATIONAL PARK (Indonesia)

There are less than 5,000 Komodo dragons left in the world, and most of them are found on two small islands in Indonesia , Komodo Island and Rinca Island.

Along with Padar and 26 smaller islands, this entire archipelago has been protected since 1980 as Komodo National Park .

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, the park was originally designed to protect the world’s largest lizard, which can grow up to 10 feet long.

But it’s also home to remarkable marine life, including whale sharks , manta rays, eagle rays, blue-ringed octopus, and quite a few cetaceans (including dolphins, blue whales, and sperm whales).  

READ MORE: How Fires in Indonesia & Palm Oil Are Killing Orangutans

10. TUBBATAHA REEFS NATURAL PARK (Philippines)

If you enjoy snorkeling and Scuba diving and have a deep appreciation for marine life, a visit to the islands of the Philippines is truly a must.

Located within the South China Sea’s famed “Coral Triangle,” the Philippines is home to some of the world’s most picturesque beaches, colorful coral reef systems, and a dazzling assortment of ocean animals .

Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park covers 374 square miles and includes two large atolls and a smaller reef system.

Small ship expedition cruises give guests chances to dive and/or snorkel this ecotourism hotspot in the Palawan province, where they may see some of the reef’s 600 fish species, 13 species of cetaceans, 11 types of sharks, and several species of sea turtles.  

READ MORE: Top 15 Things to Do in Coron, Palawan

11.YALA NATIONAL PARK (Sri Lanka)

Sri Lanka may not be nearly as well known as neighboring India in terms of tourism, but in the last few years its number of international visitors has been gradually on the rise.

The island nation’s oldest and most renowned national park is also home to the greatest concentration of Sri Lanka wildlife , including leopards, Sri Lankan elephants, sloth bears, jackals, buffalo, crocodiles, and monkeys.

The uncrowded wildlife park also boasts over 150 bird species, and the adjacent Yala East (a.k.a. Kumana National Park) is a notorious nesting site for waterbirds.

Yala is a huge factor in the recent rise of Sri Lanka ecotourism , with an array of incredible natural wonders you won’t see anywhere else in the country.

READ MORE: Endangered Asian Animals: The 10 Best Wildlife Conservation Programs

WILDLIFE PARKS IN AUSTRALIA

12. GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK (Australia)  

Stretching more than 133,000 square miles, the Great Barrier Reef of Australia is easily the world’s largest coral reef system.  

The area is home to at least 30 species of cetaceans, over 1,500 species of fish, six species of sea turtles, and around 125 different species of sharks and stingrays.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site also includes mangroves and salt marshes, which provide fertile breeding grounds for frogs and saltwater crocodiles, and around 1.5 million birds (215 species) use its 900 islands to nest or roost.

The Australian National Park ’s reefs are currently being threatened by climate change, with ocean acidification leading to increased coral bleaching. But some cruises take guests to its most pristine places, including Osprey Reef and Lizard Island.

READ MORE: 20 Weird & Cute Australian Animals

WILDLIFE PARKS IN NORTH AMERICA/CENTRAL AMERICA

13. BANFF NATIONAL PARK (Canada)  

Established in 1885, Banff National Park encompasses around 2,564 square miles, and is packed with towering mountains, dense coniferous forest, glaciers, and ice fields.

It’s bounded by Yoho National Park to the west, Kootenay National Park to the south, and Kananaskis Country to the southeast, so the entire region feels like one massive nature area.

The park is home to a wonderful array of alpine animals, including grizzly bears, cougars, moose, elk, bighorn sheep, wolverines, and hundreds of bird species.

If you visit, make time for a road trip along the impressively scenic Icefields Parkway, which extends from the world-renowned Lake Louise to neighboring Jasper National Park .

READ MORE: Polar Bears in Churchill, Manitoba 

14. CORCOVADO NATIONAL PARK (Costa Rica)

Located on the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica,  Corcovado National Park has been referred to by  National Geographic  as “the most biologically intense place on Earth in terms of biodiversity.”

At 164 square miles, it’s one of the world’s few remaining large areas of lowland  tropical rainforests , with a diverse range of ecosystems providing home to more than 500 different tree species.

During our three days of hiking in the park we spotted a dizzying array of wildlife, including the endangered Baird’s tapir, the rare harpy eagle, all four Costa Rica monkey species, sloths, giant anteaters, collared peccaries, and more.

Scuba divers and snorkelers can also enjoy a day trip to Caño Island, which is 40 minutes away by boat.  

READ MORE: 40 Amazing Costa Rica Animals

15. DENALI NATIONAL PARK (USA)

If you’re interested in wildlife tours, central Alaska’s Denali National Park is arguably the best place in the USA to take one.

With six million acres of pristine wilderness and just one 92-mile road through it (which is only open to private vehicles four days a year), Denali is about as wild as national parks get.

The shuttle bus drivers double as engaging naturalist guides, allowing visitors to sit back, relax, and drop their jaws at the stunning scenery and– if you’re lucky– breathtaking views of the massive mountain for which the park is named.

The prodigious wildlife here includes lots of grizzly bears, moose, caribou, bald eagles, and even wolves. So if you’re planning on hiking or camping here, make sure to familiarize yourself with backcountry safety.

READ MORE: 40 Species of Alaskan Animals You Can See on Vacation

16. YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK (USA)

If Alaska’s a bit too remote for your budget, the world’s first national park is the next best thing.

Yellowstone National Park has been in the news often in recent years due to overtourism and the misbehavior of some irresponsible visitors .

But don’t let a few bad apples spoil your enjoyment of the inherent beauty of its natural attractions, including Mammoth Hot Springs, Lamar Valley, the Upper & Lower Geyser Basin, and Grand Prismatic Spring.

Though traffic can be frustrating in peak summer, the shoulder seasons are great for spotting wildlife such as bald eagles, bighorn sheep, bison, elk, grizzly bears, wolves, and much more.

If you want to explore Yellowstone with almost no other tourists, visit in winter, when everything is blanketed in white.  

READ MORE: List of US National Parks By State: an EPIC  Guide

WILDLIFE PARKS IN SOUTH AMERICA

17. GALAPAGOS NATIONAL PARK (Ecuador)

Located 563 miles off Ecuador’s coast, this volcanic archipelago is a must-see for anyone who loves nature and wildlife, especially avid birdwatchers .

Named the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, the Galapagos Islands have fascinated mankind ever since they influenced Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution during his voyage there in the early 1800s .

The landscapes are remarkably diverse, from the lush green flora of the Santa Cruz highlands to the harsh lava fields on Bartolomé.

It’s also home to some of the world’s most fascinating wildlife, from ocean-feeding Marine Iguanas and comical Blue-Footed Boobies to diminutive Galapagos Penguins and massive Galapagos Tortoises.

READ MORE: 30 Amazing Galapagos Islands Animals

18. PACAYA-SAMIRIA NATIONAL RESERVE (Peru)

Encompassing around 8,000 square miles in remote Loretu, Peru, the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve was easily our favorite part of the Peruvian Amazon .

The protected area includes low hills and portions of the Amazon rainforest that are flooded during the wet season.

So while there are 19 ranger stations, 15 authorized campsites, and five wilderness huts available, the best/only way to explore the reserve for much of the year is by boat.

Eco-friendly Amazon River cruises provide heartwarming cultural exchanges with the indigenous Ribereños, as well as exceptional opportunities to see wildlife like the Amazon river dolphin, Amazonian manatee, a variety of monkeys, and countless colorful birds.

READ MORE: 25 Beautiful Birds in the Amazon Rainforest

19. PANTANAL MATOGROSSENSE (Brazil)

Though Brazil ’s portion of the Amazon forest is currently under serious threat due to fires designed to clear forest, its Pantanal remains one of the world’s truly great destinations for wildlife lovers.

The Brazilian Pantanal is one of the largest tropical wetlands in the world, covering approximately 54,000-75,000 square miles.

The region is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, and around 80% of its floodplains are underwater during the rainy season, making it one of the planet’s richest and most biodiverse ecosystems.

Animal aficionados will have a field day here, as the Pantanal is home to 400 fish species, 300 species of mammals (including the ever-elusive jaguar), and 480 species of reptiles. There are also over 1,000 different bird species in the Pantanal.  

READ MORE: 21 Incredible Animals that Live in the Amazon Rainforest

20. TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK (Chile)

Part of the National System of Protected Forested Areas of Chile, this gem of Patagonia  is among the country’s largest (around 935 square miles) and most popular wildlife parks.

In terms of attractions, Torres del Paine National Park has plenty, from the archaeological history of the Milodon Caves and ancient wall art along the Fauna Trail to the expansive Grey Glacier, part of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field (the world’s second largest contiguous ice field outside of the poles).

There’s plenty of wildlife, such as foxes, huemul deer, guanacos, pumas, and the massive Andean Condor.

But the park’s most distinctive features are the three towering granite peaks of the Paine Massif itself, which rises some 9,350 feet above sea level.   –Bret Love

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The 25 Top Wildlife Destinations in the World

LAST UPDATED: 2/4/24 – Top Wildlife Destinations in the World

There is some absolutely beautiful, amazing, and overall fantastic wildlife in this world that most people will never see outside of a zoo.  Each wildlife destination offers its own unique sets of animals and landscapes to explore.  Whether it be on the plains of Southern Africa, the mangrove swamps of India, or the jungles of South America or Southeast Asia, this world has so much wonderful wildlife and so many great places to view it.  With so many wonderful options, it was really, really difficult to narrow this list down to just the Top 25 wildlife destinations in the world.

My Criteria for Evaluating Wildlife Destinations

When composing my list of the Top 25 wildlife viewing destinations in the world, I used several different factors to choose and ultimately rank my choices for the best destinations.  These criteria included the following:

• The quantity of wildlife
• The diversity of wildlife
• The scarcity of the wildlife
• The ease of seeing the wildlife

In my opinion, what makes a destination a great wildlife viewing destination isn’t just the amount of wildlife that lives in that area.  While that is important, the diversity and the scarcity of wildlife are equally as important.  If a destination is the last place on Earth where you can see a particular animal, that makes that destination special.  Just as having a large diversity of wildlife can really set a wildlife destination apart from other destinations.

It is also important to have a reasonable opportunity to see wildlife when you visit a wildlife destination.  Getting to most of these destinations isn’t cheap.  If you are going to invest the time and money to travel to one of these destinations, you want to have a reasonable chance of seeing the animals you came to see.  Most of us understand that nothing is guaranteed, but having a reasonable chance to see amazing wildlife will set one destination apart from others.  So without further ado, here is my list of the top wildlife destinations in the world.

25.  Everglades National Park, USA

In addition to being one of the most unique ecosystems found in North America, the Everglades is also one of North America’s best wildlife-viewing locations.  Found in the very Southern part of the state of Florida, the Everglades National Park is home to a wide range of unique and interesting animals. 

In addition to the North American Crocodiles and Alligators that the park is famous for, Florida Panthers, American black bears, and lynx can also be found in the forests surrounding the wetlands.  Off the state’s shores, the loveable manatees are another big attraction for wildlife enthusiasts.

Wildlife You Might See

Best Time to Visit

The best time of year to visit the Everglades National Park is during the dry season, which lasts from December until April each year.  During this time the temperatures are very comfortable, with highs in the upper 70’s and lows in the mid-’50s.  During the summer and autumn months of June thru October, there is a great chance of rain and it can be stifling hot during the summer months of June thru August.

24.  Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

Mana Pools National Park , which has been named a World Heritage Site, is a beautiful wildlife park that is located on the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe. With some of the best guides in Africa and tours available on foot or in a canoe, it offers some truly unique wildlife viewing activities that are especially attractive to adventure seekers. The park is home to four of the Big Five animals of Africa and would be ranked higher on my list if the Black rhino wasn’t extinct within the park.

The best time to visit Mana Pools to see wildlife is during the dry season, which is between June and October each year.  During this time, animals are easier to spot because the vegetation isn’t as thick and the wildlife tends to congregate around the Zambezi River.  It is also much nicer weather with sunny and you typically run into fewer malaria-carrying mosquitos.

During the wet season, especially between January and March, the vegetation can be quite thick, which makes it more difficult to spot wildlife.  Because of the abundance of water during this time of year, the wildlife is also typically more spread out.  The roads can also get quite muddy and sometimes unpassable when the rains get especially hard.  Much of the accommodations around the park are also closed between January and March each year.

23. Rainforests of the Atsinanana, Madagascar

The Rainforests of the Atsinanana is a world heritage site that consists of 13 specific wildlife areas and 6 national parks in Eastern Madagascar. These rainforests are critically important ecosystems for Madagascar’s unique and wonderful wildlife, which has evolved in isolation over the past 60 million years.  Visitors to the parks will get to see animals that can be found nowhere else in the world.  This includes several species of lemur, fossa, chameleons, tenrec, and brookesia, among other species.

The best time to visit the rainforests of Madagascar is during August thru December each year.  Between July and September, Humpback Whales can be seen off the coast and the weather is typically sunny and dry.  Between October and November, the lemurs begin having their babies, so this is the prime time to visit to see the babies being born.  The weather is typically warm and dry up until January when the wet season arrives.  While wildlife can be viewed year-round, the dry season is typically the most comfortable time to visit during the year.

22. Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia

Ujung Kulon National Park is located about 185 miles from the Indonesian capital of Jakarta and about 85 miles from Serang, which is the capital city of Banten Province.  This beautiful park stretches across the Kulon Peninsula, as well as several neighboring islands and the Honje Mountain Range.  It is most well known for its endangered Javan rhinos, which are critically endangered.  In addition to the rhinos, the park is also home to Javan leopards, Sumatran dholes, Silvery gibbons, Javan Rusa, and several species of monkeys.

The best time to visit Ujung Kulon National Park for wildlife viewing is during the dry season, which is between April and October each year.  During this time of year, the weather is typically the warmest and driest, which makes trekking thru the park much easier.  The ocean is also much calmer during this time of year, which makes wildlife viewing near the coast much more enjoyable.

21. Lone Pine Sanctuary, Australia

Like Madagascar, Australia is also home to several species of animals that are found nowhere else in the world.  When visiting Australia, one of the best places to go to see all of this wildlife in one location outside of a zoo is the Lone Pine Sanctuary .  Located in the suburbs of the city of Brisbane in Eastern Australia, the Lone Pine Sanctuary is Australia’s oldest and biggest koala sanctuary.  In addition to the adorable koalas, the sanctuary also includes kangaroos, wombats, dingos, platypus, Tasmanian devils, and the dangerous Southern cassowary bird for visitors to see.

While wildlife viewing in the sanctuary is good all year-round, the best time of year to visit Brisbane, in general, is during March thru May, which is autumn in the Southern Hemisphere.  During this time of year, the temperatures typically reach the mid-80s and there is very little rainfall. 

The most popular times to visit are during the winter months of June thru August and the spring months of September thru November, but accommodations are typically sold out during this time of year and the sanctuary is typically very busy.  Visiting during the summer months of December thru early March isn’t ideal because it is the wet season.  It rains most days, and the temperatures can be brutally hot and humid during this time of year.

20. Jim Corbett National Park, India

As one of India’s most famous wildlife parks, the Jim Corbett National Park is probably most famous for its rich population of Bengal tigers.  In addition to its tigers, this forested wildlife sanctuary in Northern India is also home to an impressive array of other wildlife. 

This includes Indian elephants, Asiatic black bears, Indian leopards, and a wide variety of other animal species.  The park has five different zones, and each zone is known for different species of animals that can be seen within those zones.  With so much wildlife to see, visiting the Jim Corbett National Park in India is a great choice for any wildlife adventure.

The best time to visit the Jim Corbett National Park for wildlife viewing is during the winter months of October thru February.  During this time of year, there is the highest number of birds in the park and the Bengal Tiger is the most active and easiest to spot.  Because the weather is typically very nice during this time of year, it is easy to spot animals laying out in the sun and foraging for food.

19. Bandhavgarh National Park, India

The famous Bandhavgarh National Park in central India is the wildlife destination where you probably have the best chance to spot a wild Bengal Tiger.  No other park in India, let alone the world, gives you a better opportunity to spot these beautiful and elusive creatures.  A combination of the healthy population of tigers and a conducive habitat for spotting the tigers gives visitors a better than not chance of leaving the park after having a tiger viewing experience.

In addition to a healthy population of Bengal tigers, the park is also home to some other amazing wildlife.  This includes Indian dholes, Indian wolves, Indian leopards, sloth bears, and the unique striped hyena.

When planning your visit to Bandhavgarh National Park, the time of year that you will absolutely want to avoid is the Monsoon season which starts in mid-June and lasts until mid-October.  From November until February, the park is much drier, but the temperatures can become quite cold in the park. 

In fact, low temperatures can drop to around freezing during this time of year.  For that reason, the summer months of March thru May are the best time of year to visit the park.  Temperatures are quite pleasant, and the weather is typically dry, which makes wildlife viewing much easier and your visit much more comfortable.

18. Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa

Bordering the nearby Kruger National Park in South Africa, the Sabi Sands Game Reserve has all of the Big Five animals of Africa (elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, and rhinoceros), as well as some of the best safari guides in the world to help you locate and view them. 

In fact, this may be one of the best places in Africa to spot the elusive leopards.  Because the reserve allows off-road driving, the guides can get you up-close to the animals while on safari.  If there is any drawback to this destination, it’s that accommodations can be quite expensive, and the focus of most safaris is limited to just the Big Five animals.

The best time to visit Sabi Sands for wildlife viewing is during the winter months of May to September.  This is the dry season and also the low season from a visitor standpoint.  This translates into more comfortable weather and fewer other tourists to deal with.  Because it is the dry season, it is also much easier to spot animals as the vegetation is less dense and the animals gather around the rivers and waterholes to get water.

During the wet season of October thru April, animals are much more difficult to spot because the vegetation is denser and the animals are more dispersed.  This is also the high season for visitors so it can get crowded.  In addition, the days are much more hot and humid, with more malaria-carrying mosquitoes to have to deal with.

17. Okavango Delta, Botswana

As one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations, I guess it is no surprise that it made my list of the top wildlife destinations in the world.  In addition to the Moremi Game Reserve, which also made my list, the Okavango Delta is comprised of several game reserves that offer excellent wildlife viewing as well as beautiful landscapes to enjoy.

The park offers both walking safaris as well as mokoro (or dugout canoe) trips, which are great additions to supplement the wonderful game drives within the park.  Rhinos cannot be found in the Okavango Delta, but you should have no problem spotting the other four of the Big Five animals of Africa. 

And because off-road driving is allowed, your guide will be sure to get you up-close to see the wildlife.  The only drawbacks to this destination are that lodging can be quite expensive and wildlife viewing is limited to several water-based camps.

Although the Okavango Delta in Botswana is a great place to visit any time of year, the best time to visit for wildlife viewing is between July and October each year.  During the wet months of January thru March, parts of the delta become inaccessible because of flooding.  This makes the wet season less than ideal for visiting. 

While there is less wildlife in the delta during the wet season, there are more baby animals, which attracts predators.  If you are looking to see some predation, then the wet season might be the time of year you are looking for. 

During the dry season, wildlife viewing is typically much better.  Water levels are the highest, so it is the best time of year for mokoro (or dugout canoe) trips.  Some lodges close from January to March each year, so this is typically the worst time of year to visit the Okavango Delta.

16. Kruger National Park, South Africa

As one of the most famous wildlife parks in Africa, Kruger National Park is very much deserving of a spot on any list of the top wildlife destinations in the world.  The park is both beautiful and absolutely enormous and is home to all five of the Big Five animals of Africa, which makes it a favorite choice for wildlife enthusiasts looking to take an African Safari.

Kruger also offers a great choice of lodging for all budgets, which makes going on safari a relatively affordable adventure for any traveler. The only drawbacks to this destination are that the park can get quite busy during the high season and the paved roads aren’t exactly conducive to a wild safari feel.

The best time of year to visit Kruger National Park is during the dry, winter months of May to September.  During this time of year, the vegetation thins out and animals tend to congregate around water holes and rivers.  This makes it easier to find and spot.  The weather is also typically sunny and the temperatures are very comfortable. 

During the wet season of October thru April, it is typically much hotter and more humid.  The vegetation is also much thicker, making it more difficult to spot the animals.  Because water is much more plentiful, the animals are also much more spread out, which makes it harder to find them.

Learn More:

If you would like to learn more about Kruger National Park, make sure you check out my Ultimate Kruger Safari Planning Guide for more information.

15. Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica

Corcovado National Park is one of the world’s most impressive wildlife destinations. In addition to having some of the only remaining old-growth rain forests on the Pacific coast of Central America, it is also home to an impressive array of wildlife.  The park is comprised of a staggering 13 different major ecosystems including lowland rainforest, cloud forest, Jolillo palm forest, and mangrove swamps.  In Corcovado, you have a decent chance of seeing endangered animals such as tapir, jaguar, and a wide range of monkeys that call the tree-top canopies their home.

The best time of year to visit Corcovado National Park is during the dry season, which is between December and April each year.  During this time of year, the temperatures aren’t as hot and it isn’t as humid and wet.  This makes it much easier to navigate through the park during the dry season than during the wet season, which lasts from July through October.  In fact, during October the park typically receives so much rainfall that many of the lodges on the Osa Peninsula temporarily close.

14. Yellowstone National Park, USA

Yellowstone National Park in the United States isn’t called the Serengeti of North America for no reason.  Of all the national parks in North America, visiting Yellowstone National Park is about as close as you can get to a safari-like experience in North America.  Large numbers of grazing animals including American bison, Roosevelt elk, and Pronghorn antelope graze in the park’s large valleys. 

Meanwhile, predators such as the grey wolf, grizzly bear, and mountain lion stalk the valleys and forests in search of prey.  Not to mention, the Yellowstone Caldera, which encompasses most of the national park, is one of the most active geothermic areas in the world.  The result is a seemingly endless number of geysers, hot pools, and other thermal features to explore.

The best times of year to visit Yellowstone National Park are either during the spring months of May and June or the autumn months of September and October.  During these months the temperatures are quite mild and the crowds aren’t as thick as they are during the summer months.  If you visit in the spring, you will get to see the baby elk, bison, bears, and other baby animals around Yellowstone.  This is also the best time of year to see animal predation as the park’s grizzly bears tend to prey on the baby elk and bison.

During the fall months, you will get to see the elk, bison, and other grazing animals in their rut.  This is when the animals typically fight for breeding privileges, which can be remarkable to see in person.  During the summer months of July and August, the park is typically very crowded, which can make it more difficult to get around the park and find accommodations. 

While the park is much less crowded during the winter months of December through March, the temperatures in the park can drop to well below freezing and snowfall can make certain parts of the parks inaccessible.  However, this is typically the best time of year to spot Grey Wolves within the park as this is typically their most productive hunting season.

If you would like to learn more about Yellowstone National Park, make sure you check out my Yellowstone National Park visitor’s guide for more information.

13. Katmai National Park, USA

The state of Alaska in the United States has a lot of beautiful national parks and a lot of amazing wildlife, but one park stands above all of the others in terms of its wildlife viewing.  Katmai National Park and Preserve is located on the Katmai Peninsula in Southern Alaska.  With a beautiful mix of tundra, forests, lakes, and mountains, the landscapes in the park are breathtaking. 

However, it isn’t the park’s landscapes that make it world-renown.  Instead, the park is known the world over because of the large numbers of Alaskan brown bears that are attracted to the park to fish for the masses of salmon that migrate up the park’s rivers.

Witnessing this spectacle of nature is one of the most amazing wildlife-viewing experiences a traveler can have.  In addition to seeing the fishing brown bears, visitors to the park also have a chance to see some of the park’s other amazing wildlife.  This includes grey wolves, moose, caribou, wolverines, and humpback and killer whales off the shores of the peninsula.

When visiting Katmai National Park, you will want to coordinate your visit for a time of year when you will be able to see brown bear activity.  After all, they are the biggest wildlife draw within the park. The best times to see Brown Bear activity are during the late spring and early summer when mothers and cubs emerge from hibernation and during the late summer months when the salmon run is happening.

My favorite time of year for brown bear viewing in Katmai is during the salmon run because you can see the bears fishing for salmon in the rivers. The times of year you will want to avoid are during the early spring months of April through mid-May when the bears are fighting and during the winter months of November through March when the bears are in hibernation.

12.  Etosha National Park, Namibia

In the world of African safaris, the country of Namibia is a relative newcomer.  However, that hasn’t stopped the country from garnering some serious attention as one of the premier safari destinations in the world.  With rugged coastlines, abundant and diverse wildlife, and constantly changing landscapes, Namibia is a safari lover’s paradise.  In Namibia, no other place encapsulates this excitement like Etosha National Park .

Home to some of Africa’s tallest elephants, the endangered black rhino, an abundant population of cheetahs, as well as healthy herds of zebra, wildebeest, and African buffalo that can be found throughout the park.  The park also has some of Africa’s most unique accommodations, including some tree-top camps that give you a birds-eye perspective of all the wonderful wildlife around you.

The best time to visit Etosha National Park is during the dry winter season, which stretches from July to October.  It is much dryer during this time of year, so the animals tend to gather around the remaining water sources in the park.  This makes them much easier to find.  The weather during this time of year is also fantastic, but the park can be fairly crowded.

During the wet summer season, water becomes more available, so animals tend to disperse throughout the park.  This can make them much more difficult to spot.  It also tends to be very hot during the summer, so you need to make sure to wear proper sun protection.

11. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

When it comes to wildlife destinations in Africa, few, if any, destinations are as well-known and celebrated as the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.  Home to part of the great wildebeest migration, which is one of the single largest animal migrations in the world, the Serengeti National Park delivers an absolutely fantastic wildlife viewing experience to its visitors. 

Not surprisingly, the park is home to some of the biggest herds of grazing animals in Africa, which in turn attracts some of the largest numbers of predators in sub-Saharan Africa.  The best part about the Serengeti National Park is that it offers accommodations and viewing experiences to accommodate people at all price points, which makes it one of the most accessible safari locations in Africa.

Wildlife viewing in the Serengeti National Park is good throughout the year, but it is best during the dry season between June and October.  Not only is the weather dryer, which means animals tend to congregate around the water holes, but the Wildebeest migration also happens during June and July, which is absolutely magical to witness.

During the wet season between November and May, the weather can be much hotter and wetter, but the park is also far less crowded.  If you visit during late January and early February, you can witness the Wildebeest calving season, which is the prime time of year to witness predation in the park.

If you would like to learn more about the Serengeti National Park, make sure you check out my Serengeti National Park Safari Guide for more information.

10. Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Yala National Park is one of the most spectacular, and also one of the most underrated and somewhat unknown, wildlife viewing destinations in the whole world. Encompassing a huge expanse of forest, grassland, and crystal blue lagoons in Southeast Sri Lanka, it is home to a mind-boggling array of spectacular wildlife.

This includes Sri Lankan leopards, Sri Lankan elephants, Sri Lankan sloth bears, and a variety of other mammals, reptiles, and birds.  The wonderful thing about Yala National Park is that whether you are a returning visitor, or you are visiting the park for the first time, you are almost assured of having a wildlife experience you have never had before.

For the most reliable wildlife viewing, it is best to visit Yala National Park during the dry season between February and June.  During this time of year, the animals are forced to visit the lagoons to drink, which makes them much easier to find. 

Temperatures are pretty reliably warm year-round, with high temperatures typically reaching the mid-80s.  However, during September until December, the Northeast monsoon typically hits the island and brings a lot of rain.  During September, the park typically closes down for maintenance.

9. The Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galápagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador is another wildlife destination that doesn’t need much of an introduction.  Ever since Charles Darwin made his visits to the islands in the early 1800s, the world has known the ecological significance of the Galápagos Islands. 

The collection of marine and land-based habitats on and around the islands is home to some of the most amazing creatures you will find on this planet.  In fact, it is the uniquely fast evolution of some of these species that made Charles Darwin’s research so important to our understanding of how species of plants and animals evolve.

One of the best ways to explore the Galápagos Islands is to take a LiveBoard cruise around the islands and do some snorkeling or scuba diving.  You will have a chance to see some of the amazing marine wildlife that calls the Galápagos Islands their home.  This includes the gigantic whale sharks, Galápagos sea lions, Galápagos sharks, scalloped hammerhead sharks, and the unique Galápagos penguin.

There really isn’t a bad time to visit the Galápagos Islands to view wildlife, but the best time to visit is typically the wet season between December and June each year.  During the wet season, the air and water temperatures are typically warmer, which makes it the prime season for snorkeling and scuba diving. 

However, you will need to deal with short, daily rainstorms and cloudier skies.  During the dry season from July to November, the water temperature gets colder because of the Humboldt current, which can make a wet suit necessary for snorkeling.

If you would like to learn more about visiting the Galápagos Islands, make sure you check out my Galápagos Islands visitor’s guide for more information.

8. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

With some of the very best guides in all of Africa, and amazing array of safari options that include some of the best night safaris you can find in Africa, and an almost guaranteed opportunity to see four of the five animals in the Big Five of Africa, South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is truly an amazing wildlife viewing destination.  With one of the densest populations of leopards in Africa, South Luangwa is one of the best places to spot the most elusive of the Big Five of Africa.

The best time to visit South Luangwa National Park for wildlife viewing is between July and November.  During this dry season in the park, water is less plentiful and animals are forced to congregate around the water holes and rivers, which makes them much easier to find.  However, keep in mind that October and November and typically very hot and humid.

During the wet season of November through April, there are typically fewer tourists and rates are typically cheaper.  However, animals are much more dispersed throughout the park because water is more readily available.  When the rains are the hardest, it can make some of the dirt roads in the park impassable, which can restrict your access to certain parts of the parks.  Because of the lower number of tourists during this time of year, some lodges closed between December and March, which means your selection of lodging may be more limited.

7.  Gir National Park, India

As it is the last remaining stronghold in the world for what remains of this world’s Asiatic lions, it should come as no surprise that the Gir National Park in India is ranked so high on my list of the top wildlife destinations in the world.  This is the last place in the world where you can visit and see these magnificent animals in the wild. 

In addition to seeing Asiatic lions, visitors also have a good chance of seeing Indian leopards, striped hyenas, golden jackals, and the infamous Indian cobra.  With such an array of beautiful wildlife, the Gir National Park should be a destination on every wildlife enthusiast’s bucket list.

The best time to visit Gir National Park is typically in December through March when the weather is the driest, but temperatures typically aren’t too hot.  However, the months of April and May are typically the best wildlife viewing months, but the average high temperatures can be brutally hot.  Between mid-June and mid-October every year, the park is closed because of the Southwest monsoon.  The area typically gets a lot of rain during this period and navigating within the park can be near impossible in places.

6. Gunung Leuser National Park, Indonesia

For a park that has such an amazing and diverse array of wildlife, it absolutely baffles me how Gunung Leuser National Park in Indonesia has managed to slip underneath most wildlife travelers’ radars all of these years.  Unlike the nearby Bukit Lawang National Park, Gunung Leuser offers visitors a much more authentic wildlife experience. 

This is about as close to a real jungle experience as you can find in the region.  With the endangered Sumatran rhino, the Sumatran elephant, and the Sumatran Tiger still accessible for visitors to see in the park, that authentic wildlife experience couldn’t be more amazing.

Several other amazing animals can be seen in the park, including the elusive clouded leopard, but the star of the park is undoubtedly the Sumatran Orangutan.  These lovable apes can still be seen in their natural habitat within the park and are reason enough to rank this park so high on this list.  Add in all of the other amazing animals you can see and the Gunung Leuser National Park is a hidden gem for wildlife enthusiasts to discover.

The best time to visit Gunung Leuser National Park for wildlife viewing is between January and July, which is the dry season of the year.  Although this is also the busiest season of the year for the park, the weather is much more comfortable than it is during the wet season.  You also won’t have to worry about the dirt roads in the park becoming too muddy and impassible, which can be an issue during the wet season.

5.  Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

No bucket list for a wildlife enthusiast is complete without adding a trip to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda to the list.  As one of the last remaining refuges for the mountain gorillas of Africa, Volcanoes National Park is an absolute must-see for travelers who love wildlife. 

Made famous by Dian Fossey during her studies of gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is one of the best places left to view these beautiful creatures.  If you want to visit this park, you will need to make sure you book your trip well in advance.  Only 64 visitors are allowed to trek to see the gorillas daily, so getting the spots is very competitive.

Although you can trek to see the gorillas throughout the year, and seeing gorillas is almost guaranteed no matter when you visit, the trails you have to hike do become slippery during the wet season.  For this reason, visiting during the dry season of June through August is considered the best time to visit to see the gorillas. 

However, it can also be more difficult to obtain a permit and lodging is typically more expensive during the dry season.  If you visit during the wet season of September through May, it will be easier to obtain a permit to see the gorillas and you will likely have to pay less for lodging.  However, you will likely have to deal with slick trails and rainstorms that can last for days.

If you would like to learn more about visiting Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, make sure you check out my Trekking to See Gorillas in Rwanda article to learn about this adventure.

4. The Amazon Basin, Brazil

As one of the last truly wild places left on this planet, the Amazon Rainforest is a place that has mystified and amazed human beings for centuries.  With such a wide variety and sheer volume of wildlife, it can be argued that it is the premier wildlife destination in the world.  The only reason it doesn’t rank higher on this list is the fact that it can be so difficult to spot wildlife.

For wildlife enthusiasts who would like to experience this unique and amazing place, your best bet is to visit the Amazon Basin in Brazil.  In addition to the jaguar, the South American tapir, Brown-throated sloths, green anacondas, black caiman, and a seemingly endless list of other animal species, the Amazon rainforest is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream. 

If you are planning a visit, I would recommend you do your research on guides.  In a place where wildlife is so abundant, yet so difficult to find, having a good guide can mean the difference between having the trip of a lifetime or feeling like you missed out.

In the Amazon Basin in Brazil, there is typically a Low Water Season (July through December) and a High Water Season (January through June).  During the Low Water Season, there is typically better trail access, fewer mosquitos to deal with, and less precipitation.  However, temperatures are typically very hot.  During the High Water Season, the temperatures are much cooler, but there are typically intermittent daily rain showers, which can be heavy at times.  These rains also bring an abundance of mosquitos and can make some of the trails impassable.

3. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Neighboring the Serengeti National Park in the North, the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is a continuation of what has become known as one of the top wildlife viewing areas in all of Africa.  Like the Serengeti, the Masai Mara offers visitors a chance to see the great wildebeest migration. 

However, in the areas the Serengeti is famous for, the Masai Mara is even better.  You are almost guaranteed to see the three big cats of Southern Africa (the African lion, the African leopard, and the African cheetah), as well as elephants, giraffes, and seemingly endless herds of buffalo, antelope, and zebra.  If you are planning your first safari in Africa, the Masai Mara in Kenya is a great choice.

Like the neighboring Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the south, wildlife viewing in the Masai Mara is good throughout the year, but it is best during the dry season between June and October. 

Because the weather is dryer, animals are forced to congregate around the watering holes and rivers for water, which makes them much easier to spot.  While the Wildebeest migration is difficult to time exactly, your best shot at seeing the Wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara is to visit in late September and October.

During the wet season between November and May, the weather can be much hotter and wetter, but the park is also far less crowded.  If you visit during late January and early February, you can witness the birth of newborn animals, which also means that there will be more easy-to-view predation in the park.

2. Kaziranga National Park, India

Although it may not be as famous as some of the others, out of all of the parks in India, the Kaziranga National Park is my absolute favorite.  The park has the largest number of remaining Indian rhinos, which is reason enough to love this park.  However, it also has an abundant supply of Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, Asiatic black bears, Indian leopards, sloth bears, and an amazing array of other wildlife. 

If that isn’t enough, if you are lucky enough to get out on the rivers in the park, you might be lucky enough to spot a South Asian River dolphin, which is always a treat for visitors to see.  For anyone planning their first safari in India, I could not recommend the Kaziranga National Park enough.

The best time to visit Kaziranga National Park is during the winter season, between December and March, which also happens to be the dry season in India.  During the winter the park roads are much easier to navigate and the temperatures are much milder.  The park is closed each year from May 1st until the end of October because of the heavy monsoon season and the flooding of the Brahmaputra River.

1.  The Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania

If you were to check the lists of the top safari locations in Africa, chances are that you wouldn’t see the Ngorongoro Crater at the top of many lists.  It isn’t that the crater isn’t widely considered a great wildlife destination.  Most people recognize it as exactly that.  However, in my opinion, most lists are comprised of valuing the sheer number of animals ahead of the quality of the experience.  What the Ngorongoro Crater may lack in sheer numbers of animals, it more than makes up for with the likelihood of seeing the animals you would like to see.

In my opinion, nowhere else in Africa are you as close to assured of seeing the Big Five animals of Africa as you are in the Ngorongoro Crater.  With water available in the crater year-round, the animals in the crater have no need to migrate.  They are there year-round.  In fact, it is such a plentiful environment that you often see some of the biggest bull elephants in Tanzania inside the crater feeding. 

The only downside to this destination is that safari vehicles are not allowed to leave the roads, which may mean that you aren’t able to get as close as you may like to some of the animals.  Either way, if you are looking for a sure-fire, yet authentic, wildlife viewing experience, there are few destinations in this world as good as the Ngorongoro Crater.

With an ample supply of water inside the crater year-round, the animals inside the Ngorongoro Crater have no need to migrate.  Because of this, and the fact that they are enclosed within the crater, there is excellent wildlife viewing inside the crater year-round.  No matter which time of year you choose to visit, you are almost guaranteed to see all of the animals found within the crater.

If you would like to learn more about the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, make sure you check out my Ngorongoro Crater Safari Guide for more information.

Honorable Mentions

Some absolutely spectacular wildlife destinations around the world didn’t make my list, especially in Africa. I wanted to take a moment to recognize two additional African wildlife parks that I think are amazing and definitely worth visiting.

Chobe National Park in Botswana

While it sometimes gets overshadowed by the incredible Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park in Botswana is an absolutely amazing wildlife park in its own right. Located on the infamous Chobe River, the park offers a variety of different ways to view the park’s wildlife. In addition to the traditional land-based safaris, visitors can also see the wildlife from the river on a boat safari.

This is a great way to safely view hippos, Nile crocodiles, wading elephants, and other grazing animals feeding along the banks. If you venture further into the park, you will find the renowned Savuti region of the park.

This remote section of the park is famous for having some of Africa’s largest lions and biggest elephant herds. In fact, the lions in this area have become expert elephant hunters. It is one of the few regions in Africa where you will see lions hunt elephants regularly.

By far, the best time of year to visit Chobe National Park is during the dry season of July through October. During this time of year, water is scarce, so animals tend to congregate around the river. This is one of the best times to see predator activity near the Chobe River. Not only are the animals harder to spot during the wet season, but the roads in the park can be harder to travel on after heavy rains. This makes some of the more remote regions of the park harder to reach.

If you would like to learn more about the Chobe National Park, make sure you check out my Chobe National Park Safari Guide for more information.

Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe

If you plan on visiting the spectacular Victoria Falls on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, I strongly recommend checking out the nearby Hwange National Park . Located in Zimbabwe, roughly 2.5 hours South of Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest national parkland.

The park is renowned for having some of the largest elephant herds in all of Africa. It is also a great place to spot predators like lions, hyenas, leopards, and even the critically endangered African wild dog. In fact, the park is home to the African Painted Dog Conservation Center. This incredible organization is dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing wild dogs to help grow their population.

Like other parks in this area of Africa, the best time to visit is during the dry season of July through October. The park has several man-made water holes that are fed water to keep them full during the drier parts of the year.

When water is scarce during the dry season, the animals tend to congregate near these water holes. This makes them much easier to spot than during the wet season when water is plentiful. Hwange is a very large park, and the animals can be difficult to find when water is more readily available.

If you would like to learn more about the Hwange National Park, make sure you check out my Chobe National Park Safari Guide for more information.

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Published by Josh Hewitt

Avid traveler and photographer who loves to see new places, meet new people, and experience new things. There is so much this world can teach us, we just need to explore! View all posts by Josh Hewitt

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9 comments ›.

This was actually so helpful! I’ve been wanting to find some destinations for ages, thank you!

Thank you for reading! 😀

A wonderful post! I had no idea there were this many safari locations around the world. Great to know so many of them are best seen during my most convenient months of June-August! Thanks for an amazingly thorough post!

Thank you so much for the kind words! 😀

Such a comprehensive post of the different wildlife parks and habitats to visit around the world. Really like the recommendations on the weather and best times to visit throughout the year. Definitely comes in hand when deciding on where to travel to see wildlife. Amazing photography too 🙂

Thank you so much for the kind words!! 😀

No worries, Josh. Look forward to more photos and travels from you 😀

it’s actually disappointing how most of the subsaharan region or East African countries mentioned & not see Uganda any where…readers, visit Uganda. Thank me later!!!

So true!!!! Such an underrated wildlife destination for sure!!! It is on my list of places to visit!

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Thank you so much for your kind words!!

Wonderful & very informative article. Good you explained everything in detail it has been a great help.

Gibraltar is so beautiful, I never thought of visiting this place, your always adorable photography has made Gibraltar even more…

Thank you so much for the kind words!!

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Go Wild: The Top 10 Safaris in the World

• 1 June, 2017

01 June, 2017

We’ve got affiliate links to our experiential friends at Nemo Travel in this article in case you feel inspired to book your trip now.

K haki-clad, Khaki-clad, binocular wielding safari-goers are perhaps some of the smuggest travellers out there, returning home with tales of spotting the Big Five and never-ending photo slideshows to prove it. But there’s no denying there are few things cooler than observing wild animals in their natural habitat, which also means safaris are one of the most expensive holidays there are. With that in mind, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting this once-in-a-lifetime experience right – here are our favourite safaris in the world.

Ongava Park

Namibia, Africa

Namibia may not be the most obvious choice of safari destination, conjuring up images of the ramshackle skeleton coast and sweeping red desert dunes, but the Ongava and Etosha National Parks are two of Africa’s best-kept secrets. The result is a safari experience that feels authentic and pretty trailblazing – you’re unlikely to jostle for space to spot the many lions, rhinos and elephants. For the most exclusive trip, stay in the three room Little Ongava Camp, with its elevated perch allowing you to spy on all the reserve’s wildlife while enjoying the unrivalled luxury of its lodges, which come complete with infinity pools and log fires.

Okavango Delta

Botswana, Africa

The Okavango Delta is lauded one of the world’s best safari destinations for the sheer diversity of wildlife. A glittering oasis in an area dominated by dryness and drought, animals migrate here in their thousands making for an unrivalled density of game. Also setting Okavango apart is the option to conduct your safari on horse or elephant, allowing for access to flooded areas impossible to reach by jeep. Spend time on the water aboard the Kubu Queen houseboat from which you can explore via a dugout canoe, before heading to a luxury lodges in the Moremi Game Reserve, such as Wilderness Safaris Mombo Camp .

Ranthambore Park

Rajasthan, India

While safaris are synonymous with Africa, India has something different to offer. Rather than the famed Big Five, the main event here is the tiger. Head to Sher Bagh Hotel set right on the edge of the Ranthambore National Park and revel in colonial-themed tented bedrooms, a secluded pool and candlelit dinners around the camp fire. With a cap on daily visitors to the park, most tourists are carted around on giant open-sided trucks, which can’t stray from the main paths. A stay at Sher Bagh or the neighbouring Aman-i-Khas bypasses this and allows you private jeep tours of the park with guides who can sniff out a tiger from miles away.

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Rwanda, Africa

Shunning jeeps and horses, a safari in Rwanda has you trekking through thick jungle on the lookout troops of gorillas. Further your primate knowledge with a trip to Nyungwe Forest where chimpanzees and monkeys are found. And just in case you get tired of all the monkeying around, Akagera National Park is home to plenty of elephants, giraffes, hippos, and so on. If you’re brave enough, stay at the soon to open Bisate Lodge , a luxury dwelling in the eroded crater of a volcano.

Kruger National Park

South Africa, Africa

With some of the world’s best luxury safari lodges, you’re spoilt for choice in South Africa. Our pick is the Kruger National Park, the country’s largest, where the Big Five are all on show alongside plenty of other mammals and birdlife. Stay in one of the lodges that hug the edge of the main reserve allowing for a more secluded game experience. We’re big fans of the Lion Sands Reserve , where you can book into one of their three treehouses for a night perched under the stars.

Zambezi River

Zambia, Africa

For a truly unique perspective, it can’t get better than canoeing down the Zambezi. Itineraries depend on which operator you book with but on the whole cover two national parks and a total of 160km, with overnight accommodation in old-school pitched tents. This isn’t a trip for the fainthearted; you’ll cover roughly 24km a day on the water with your own guide and as well as canoeing over gorges and rapids, you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled for game lurking in the bushes. If all that sounds a bit strenuous, opt for a normal land safari and book in for a one-day canoe excursion.

Hwange National Park

Zimbabwe, Africa

After years of political isolation, Zimbabwe, once a firm Africa safari favourite, is getting back on the map. Ahead of the anticipated decline of Mugabe’s influence, some of the country’s best guides are heading back to work on home turf and the first of what is sure to be many safari lodges have launched. Linkwasha Camp lies in its own private section of Hwange National Park, with access to its vast plains and game viewing to rival Africa’s other hotspots but without the crowds. Gonarezhou National Park, for years off limit due to the presence of Mozambican troops, is back in business with Singita lodge offering another option for undisturbed game viewing. Complete your trip with a visit to Victoria Falls and a stay at the revamped Victoria Falls Hotel .

Tanzania, Africa

A safari rite of passage is witnessing the annual migration of wildebeest across the plains. For a front-row seat book into one of Singita’s Grumeti camps, located on a private but vast 350,000-acre estate. With four properties in total, time not spent in a jeep can be whiled away playing billiards, trying your hand at archery or seeking respite in the rejuvenating spa. But if watching the migration is your ultimate goal, book into Singita Explore, a mobile camp that follows the best game viewing by popping up and immersing you in remote locations.

Chile, South America

If you really want to break away from the crowd and subvert the traditional safari connotations, head to deepest, darkest South America and embark on a Patagonian adventure. Straddling Chile and Argentina , this rugged terrain encompasses everything from mountainous peaks, enchanted woodlands and mirrored lakes. Go inland to track the ever-elusive puma, as well as an abundance of native birds, flora and fauna, then head to the coast for orcas, elephant seals and penguins, with plenty of opportunities to hike hiking, kayak or horse ride along the way.

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How to have an incredible safari experience without leaving the US

Dec 2, 2021 • 5 min read

These safaris get up-close and personal to America's coolest wildlife; An elk herd in the Grand Tetons, Wyoming © kwiktor / Getty

Watching elephants roaming the grasslands of Kenya ’s Maasai Mara nature reserve, spotting lions in South Africa ’s Kruger National Park, stargazing from a remote lodge in Namibia —for many, an African safari is a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket-list adventure. As new variants delay safari trips abroad, some safari tour operators turn to destinations closer to home.

After COVID hit, and many countries' borders shuttered (including those in Africa) Elizabeth Gordon, co-founder and CEO of Extraordinary Journeys , decided to draw on her intimate knowledge of New Mexico to plan epic, once-in-a-lifetime adventures in the US.  She made North America a bookable experience on her itineraries that had focused on Africa, Antarctica and India. Born and raised in Kenya, her mother and co-founder, Marcia Gordon, is originally from New Mexico , and much of her family still lives in the southwestern state. For Gordon, the two locales share similarities.

“New Mexico is so wild, you don’t have as many people and it’s not touristy,” she says. “A lot of the scenery is similar – Africa is desert, or has cool formations. It always makes me laugh because when I’m in New Mexico, I feel like it's not the United States. It’s just something different.”

“If you wanted to go to Patagonia , why don't you see the Tetons this year?” Gordon says. “There are other alternatives – is everything you’re looking for abroad actually right here?”

Below, find the best US safaris that transport you to the depths of this country's stunning national parks, mountain ranges and other iconic terrains.

The rustic, natural wonders of New Mexico

The award-winning luxury travel company specializes in custom, off-the-beaten-path African safaris, so it’s no surprise that while borders were closed, Extraordinary Journeys applied those same planning sensibilities to its newly-offered US destinations. Touting its new domestic safaris, the company’s website notes, “Even though we might be itching to stamp our passports, now is time for a great reminder that our own country has some of the most diverse, isolated, dramatic and beautiful terrains in the world.”

Those terrains include the American Southwest, with an 8-night itinerary spent exploring New Mexico’s natural wonders. Highlights include traversing Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks and Bandelier national monuments, and Taos Pueblo, a Unesco World Heritage Site. The trip concludes with three nights at Vermejo , the Ted Turner-owned, 550,000-acre wildlife reserve in Northern New Mexico, where guests get a front-row seat to see herds of bison, prairie dogs, elk, deer, wild turkeys and horses.

Yellowstone and Jacksonhole: Glamping in the Old West

In the first half of a 6-night adventure in the Rocky Mountain region, travelers stay in a private luxury camp in Yellowstone , where they can see bears, wolves, otters, moose, and elk while on hikes and privately-guided geyser tours. The second half of the trip is set in Jackson Hole , exploring Grand Teton from a home base at the Amangani resort. From the secluded luxury property, guests take a guided wildlife safari through the region’s majestic terrain, and look for moose, bears, coyotes, elk, wolves and mountain lions.

A wintery Yellowstone retreat

The tour operator known for its tailor-made trips recently added a roster of US tours – several with wildlife-viewing highlights.

“Our travelers still want to get out and explore, perhaps now more than ever,” says Audley ’s Head of Sales and Service, Marc Dolman. “We’re privileged to have access to these beautiful wilderness areas, scenic drives, mountains and rivers right in our backyard, and we’ve been working diligently to do them justice, by creating a selective portfolio of stand-out excursions and accommodations that promise to create travel memories, like any of our trips abroad.”

The company’s Yellowstone in the Winter package fosters those memories with excursions like the tour of Grand Teton National Park at sunrise, where travelers can use a scope to scan for herds of elk and moose, bald eagles and sometimes, coyotes.

Day four of the 13-day trip takes the small group to snowy Yellowstone National Park to explore the terrain, including Old Faithful , via snowshoe or cross country ski. The guide-led snow coach ride spotlights otters, bald eagles, and wolves among the frozen waterfalls and misty geysers, while a sunrise trek through the Lamar Valley showcases an area dense with wildlife like moose, coyotes, bighorn sheep and bison.

Over breakfast of fresh fruit and hot oatmeal, expert wolf-tracking guides lead an excursion to see wolves playing and feeding. Several lodging options are available, but for a more genuine safari feel, Audley works with Under Canvas, offering luxe safari tents with hot running water, organic bath products and private decks, near Yellowstone and other National Parks.

The best wildlife experiences in the USA

Discover the grizzlies and wolves of Yellowstone

Natural Habitat Adventures , the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007, has organized trips with a focus on conservation, sustainability, and wildlife viewing for 35 years. Last spring, the company added the Hidden Yellowstone and Grand Teton Safari . Small groups – limited to 14 travelers, divided between two North American safari trucks – can spend the week with expert naturalist guides, discovering elk, bison, bighorn sheep, grizzlies, wolves, and more. One highlight is the serene float down Jackson Hole’s Snake River, watching for moose, beavers, osprey, and pelicans, surrounded by sweeping views of the Tetons.

You might also like: How the pandemic threatens rhino conservation How to be a responsible wildlife tourist These nine wildlife webcams offer access to your favorite animals

This article was first published Nov 1, 2020 and updated Dec 2, 2021.

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• 10 Top Wildlife Safaris Around The World

10 Top Wildlife Safaris around the World

Family vacations always bring out the fondest memories. From the 90s to the 2019s, a lot has changed in how we take holidays but family time just brings you back to happy and simpler times.

Not sure which national park is right for your family? We’ve rounded up the ten best wildlife safari in the world. From educational activities based on the park’s topography and biology to the tall trees, caves and animals in their natural habitat, this one makes for an incredible family getaway. Start planning now!

1. Ranthambore National Park

Where: Rajasthan, India

Let’s start with a place closer home. The Ranthambore wildlife safari in India is one of the most adventurous safaris. This National Park is located in Rajasthan and was previously a famous hunting ground for the Maharajas. Now a wildlife conservation park, this park is most famous for its Tiger trails and Bird watching tours. Bakula has a lot of waterholes and hence is crowded with wildlife. The Raj Bagh ruins are ancient ruined structures, domes and arches. The Padam Talao is another lake worth visiting. You can see species like Tigers, leopards, Hyenas, Jackals, Jungle cats, Indian Foxes and a wide range of birds like Pelicans, Ibis, Flamingos, Egrets, and Parakeets.

The park is open from October to June and does two trips – one in the morning, another in the evening.

2. Yosemite National Park  

Where: California, USA

Known for its waterfalls, granite cliffs, and clear streams, Yosemite National Park covers 747,000 acres of eastern California, bordering Nevada, and was the third most-visited national park in 2014 with 3.8 million visitors. The park goes above and beyond in welcoming families, namely with their customized Great Yosemite Family Adventure. Families team up to navigate three miles of trails throughout the park with a hand-held GPS, uncovering history and stories from the past and secret treasures set within the mountains along the way. Even if you don’t partake, Yosemite’s gushing waterfalls and scenic valleys will keep you occupied.

Yosemite National Park is open 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, and no reservations are required to visit. But if you are visiting in the winters, please do a snow check because it usually blocks the way.

3.  Yellowstone National Park  

Where: Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, USA

Established in 1872, Yellowstone is America's first national park, signed into law by the then President Ulysses S. Grant. Located in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho, Yellowstone is home to Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon — both icons of the American West. The park is also home to a variety of animals native to the Rocky Mountain region like bison. While the bison are a rare and majestic mammal, most visitors to Yellowstone come to see the bears. At Yellowstone, bears can be seen between March and November, and should be viewed from a distance as they roam freely in the park. In addition to these 2 large mammals, Yellowstone is home to gray wolves, wolverines, lynx, elk, moose and numerous other small mammals. Yellowstone family vacations are one of the most sought-after owing to its various activities and tours for families and children.

4. Grand Canyon National Park  

Where: Arizona, USA

There’s a reason this age-old family favorite is the second most visited National Park in America, attracting over 5 million people each year.

It’s vast - 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, a mile deep– encompassing over 1900 square miles. Considered one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, its resplendent colors are the result of 5-6 million years of geologic history revealed by the mighty Colorado River.

Tourists crowd the rim in summer, but hiking into the canyon reveals ecosystems ranging from desert to forest. In addition to wildlife such as Black Bear, Elk and California Condors, the canyon has historically been home to the Pueblo people, who consider it a sacred site.

The Grand Canyon National Park is also a photographer’s delight with those artistic formations giving an aesthetic appeal to your Instagram feed.

5. Great Barrier Reef National Park  

Where: Australia

Considered one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, the planet’s largest coral reef system is also one of its most endangered. This is in large part due to accelerated coral bleaching caused by global warming, and an increase of tourists eager to see it while it’s still relatively healthy. The Great Barrier Reef is actually composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretched out across an area of around 133,000 square miles. Located in the Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland, it’s home to 30 species of cetaceans, over 1,500 species of fish, six species of sea turtles, and around 125 species of sharks and stingrays.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site also includes mangroves and salt marshes on the coast, which provide fertile breeding grounds for saltwater crocodiles and frogs. Australia is a beautiful country for a family vacation and the Great Barrier Reef National Park is not to be missed. You can check out wildlife safari tours that can help you choose the best for your next trip.

6. Volcanoes National Park

Where: Hawaii

Experience some of nature’s most awe-inspiring wonders at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Two celebrated volcanoes—one of them very tall, the other very active—frame this large national park. While volcanism rules the day, pockets of rainforest and grassland shelter rare Hawaiian flora and fauna on the Big Island. Erupting since 1983 and more than 4,000 feet high and still growing, Kilauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. On the slopes of Kilauea, lush green rainforest borders stark, recent lava flows. This national park displays all stages of forest regeneration—from early regrowth of lichens and ferns to dense forest. This is one of the best national parks to visit with the kids – the United Nations has also named the park both an international biosphere reserve and a World Heritage site.

7. Manú National Park  

Where: Peru

Located just 3 hours from Cusco, this 11,800-square mile park is rapidly emerging as a world-renowned hotspot for birdwatchers. The biosphere reserve, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, contains over 1000 different species of birds like Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Hoatzin, Macaws, Spix’s Guan – more than the United States and Canada combined! With ecosystems ranging from tropical rainforests to vast grasslands at elevations of nearly 14,000 feet, it’s also home to exotic wildlife such as Jaguars, Pumas, Giant Otters, Brazilian Tapir, Capybaras, Spectacled Bears, two species of sloths, and 14 species of monkeys.

8. Kruger National Park

Where: South Africa

Want to see wildlife at its best? Kruger National Park in South Africa is the place to be! One of Africa’s largest game reserves, Kruger National Park covers over 7,500 square miles. It’s part of the UNESCO-recognized Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Reserve (3rd largest in the world). South Africa’s oldest national park is home to an exceptional array of animals, including 517 bird species, 147 species of large mammals, 114 reptile species, and plenty of rare wonders including Black Rhinos and the gorgeous, but Critically Endangered, African Wild Dog.

With 9 main gates allowing access to the various camps within the park, it’s easy enough to visit for a day. But with over 28,000 Buffalo, 10,000 Elephants, 5,000 Giraffes, 3,000 Hippos, 2,000 Hyenas, 150,000 Impalas, 2,800 Lions, 2,000 Leopards, 6,000 Rhinos and 17,000 Zebras in the Kruger Park area, you can easily spend a week or more and never get tired of exploring its vast expanse. Best National Park trip for families, hands down!

South Africa is a heaven for wildlife aficionados. Check out the special packages to this country here.

9. Corcovado National Park

Where: Costa Rica

This one’s by far the most biologically intense national park in terms of biodiversity, on this list. This 164-square mile national park on the Osa Peninsula is Costa Rica’s largest. Within its borders are diverse ecosystems, including montane forest, cloud forest, prairie and mangrove swamp. All four Costa Rican Monkey species, two kinds of Sloths, two types of Anteaters, Collared Peccary, Caiman, Crocodiles, Poison Dart Frogs and hundreds of colorful bird species have called the Corcovado National Park their home. It’s also know for rare species such as the Baird’s Tapir, Jaguars and Harpy Eagles.

Just off the coast of the park you’ll find Caño Island, which offers exceptional snorkeling and Scuba diving opportunities. The protected waters are home to countless Sea Turtles, Dolphins, Sharks, Rays and even Humpback Whales, who come there to breed each winter. Aqua lovers, this is the place to be!

10. Jim Corbett National Park

Where: Uttarakhand, India

We started the list with India’s majestic tigers at Ranthambore, why not end with the Royal Bengal Tiger commonly seen in the Kaziranga National Park in Uttarakhand. Established in 1936, India’s oldest national park was created to protect the endangered Bengal tiger. Named after the British/Indian hunter-turned-conservationist, the park was the first to come under the Indian government’s Project Tiger initiative. The park’s 201 square miles includes diverse landscapes such as hills, rivers, marsh, grassland and a lake, with elevations ranging from 1,300 to 4,000 feet. Dense forest covers nearly 75% of the park, with 110 types of tree, 50 species of mammals, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species.

Corbett National Park is one of 13 areas in India and Nepal protected by WWF’s Terai Arc Landscape Program. In addition to the Bengal Tiger, the program aims to preserve flagship species such as the Asian Elephant and the Indian Rhinoceros by restoring forest corridors for improved migration between parks.

Don’t have much time on hand to plan a trip abroad? This one’s going to give you a quick adventure of thrill and tête-à-tête with wildlife.

Written by: Aashima Kadakia

Creative ninja and a true follower of ‘Work, Save, Travel, Repeat’, I love to travel, experience places and bring back stories for a lifetime. Born and brought up in Ahmadabad, I like to visit the same old places, the same cliched tourist spots and destinations, but choose to see the unexplored in the old places. Always inclined towards the mighty mountains in their debate with the beaches!

We are an Indian travel company founded in 2013 and excel at domestic and international tour packages including guided group tours, specialty tours, customized holidays, corporate MICE travel, inbound travel and destination weddings.

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The 12 Best Water Safaris Around the World, From Antarctic Cruises to Botswana River Journeys

Waterborne safaris extend far beyond africa, to the amazon, borneo, alaska and the antarctic. here are the best ways to access exotic wildlife by boat., gemma harris, gemma harris's most recent stories.

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The term safari typically evokes images of dusty African savannahs and bouncy 4×4 rides in pursuit of the iconic Big Five—lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo. While this classic game-drive ritual has its place, a different breed of water-based adventures is gaining momentum.

In Africa, swapping wheels for hulls can save time. In Rwanda, for instance, traveling aboard the Kivu Queen uBuranga , the first motorized houseboat on Lake Kivu, cuts travel time for gorilla trekking jaunts in the Volcanoes National Park or searching for chimpanzees in the Nyungwe Forest National Park. Both would take many hours by car. Plus it’s just a much more pleasant way to travel.

In other parts of the world, the only way to see marine wildlife is by boat. “Cruises are great for visiting more areas and seeing a variety of landscapes,” Allie Almario, the Galapagos and Amazon safari expert at Philadelphia-based Premier Tours, told Robb Report. “ Going by boat in the Amazon, for example, allows you to navigate the tributaries easily for access into some of its most remote areas.”

We’ve curated our favorite water trips to animal-laden lands, whether it’s traveling in a houseboat or go-anywhere expedition vessel, drifting along rivers or cruising to the world’s most remote polar regions. Accommodations range from intimate five-star island hideaways to brand-new superyachts to more communal, high-end river boats. What they share: A wildlife-focused itinerary that not only provides opportunities to witness water-dwelling species but also the diversity of fish and underwater mammals and wide-ranging bird species, all from the comfort of a luxurious floating camp.

Here are 12 of our favorites.

Botswana, Sitatunga Island

The latest in Great Plains’s water-based reserve collection, this private island camp is surrounded by waterways can be accessed only by boat or helicopter. Sitatunga Island blends traditional safaris with boating, thereby elevating the freedom and peacefulness of observing the Okavango Delta’s primal residents. Gliding along in the 22-footer motorboat or mokoro—a traditional dugout canoe—covers more ground, while delving deeper into the landscape. In the new five-star resort, four opulent wooden suites (one a very large double) are equipped with poster beds, open screened sides that offer exceptional wildlife viewing, espresso machines, wine and liquor, plunge pools, and Peloton bikes. Each suite also has a professional camera for capturing hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and hundreds of exotic bird species. Add to that gourmet meals, exceptional service, and halcyon sunsets over the Okavango River, and this could be the most exclusive water safari in Botswana. Surrounding camps from other providers such as Jao, Xigera, and Vumbura, also embrace a similar ethos, combining land and water safaris. Best time: low season (October through February). Cost via Premier Tours : $13,690 per person, including all internal flights and helicopter trips to and from the island. Travel to/from Botswana not included.  

Costa Rica, Cocos Island, ‘SuRi’

Cocos Island, flung 340 miles off Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, has lush mountainous landscapes, countless waterfalls, intriguing cloud forests, and an ocean full of incredible diving. It’s so wild, in fact, that it inspired Jurassic Park. While you won’t find any T-Rexes, park rangers keep an eye on the several species that call the island home. But most of the wildlife is in the ocean, including marine mammals such as humpback whales, sea lions, and bottlenose dolphins. The shark-infested UNESCO waters are best explored aboard the 208-foot explorer SuRi , which offering a nature-themed itinerary from diving with marine biologists alongside the sharks, manta rays, and turtles to kayaking with dolphins to secluded beach hikes among vast bird species. Outfitter Cookson Adventures  also offers hands-on involvement with conservation projects, such as geotagging whale sharks. Best time: June-December. Cost without airfare: Private charter. from $350,000 per week.

Antarctica, ‘Hanse Explorer’

Uninhabited by humans but filled with wildlife, the vast white continent provides an incomparable polar experience. Bypassing a long cruise through Drake Passage, EYOS offers the option to fly in to join the 156-foot, ice-classed Hanse Explorer for traversing the continent’s most remote waters. The vessel’s six staterooms allow a group 12 to venture into the ice with expert guides. Penguin colonies, whales breaching across the yacht’s bow, and herds of seals offer some of the best polar experiences available. After excursions and, of course, the requisite polar plunge, guests can warm up in the Finnish sauna and then enjoy more sea views from the sundeck Jacuzzi. Best time: November-March. Cost without airfare: Private charter from $235,000 per week. 

Galapagos Islands, ‘Stella Maris’

Straddling the equator, the Galapagos Islands promise year-round, water-based wildlife adventures. The volcanic archipelago is home to species found nowhere else on Earth, from blue-footed boobies and giant land iguanas to Galapagos penguins and hundreds more. A visit aboard superyacht  Stella Maris will let any visitor realize how Charles Darwin came up with his theory of evolution by natural selection. The 164-footer has seven well-appointed cabins for relaxing between island visits. Cruising amid the wild things—which change dramatically from island to island—offers a slew of activities, from trekking alongside giant tortoises to tender rides through mangroves to hanging out underwater with boisterous sea lions and hammerhead sharks. The yacht’s guides understand the diversity of the islands, unveiling each creature’s history. Best time: December-May. Cost without airfare: Aqua Expeditions can arrange a full-yacht charter from $218.500 per week.

Norway, Svalbard, ‘Scintilla Maris’

Frozen for months but passable from April to August under 24-hour daylight, this archipelago is abundant with Arctic wildlife. The unusual 150-foot Scintilla Maris , recently converted from a Damen trawler vessel, is the ideal launch pad for Svalbard. Its seafaring capabilities let it weave into the ice floes of this archipelago. Wildlife highlights include seals, reindeer, arctic fox, and the main attraction, the polar bear. They can be viewed up close from the Zodiacs or from heated seating in the yacht’s dedicated observation area, 39 feet above the water. The boat’s vibration-free hybrid propulsion extends the comfort while in electric-only mode, creating a tranquil environment for wildlife encounters. These waters are also a crossroads for multiple whale species, making whale watching one of the highlights. Best time: May-August. Cost without airfare: Pelorus-arranged private charter starting at $160,000 per week. 

Australia, Great Barrier Reef, ‘Beluga’

The world’s largest coral-reef system reveals an aquatic ecosystem that is best explored by water, thanks to 9,000 species below the surface. Though the Great Barrier Reef is experiencing significant environmental challenges, much of it remains a treasure trove for snorkelers and divers. The 113-foot Beluga takes up to 10 guests throughout June and July to the only place one can swim with dwarf minke whales. The yacht has a 40-foot chase boat, aptly named Minke, with ten sets of dive gear. The crow’s nest at the top of the yacht is the perfect place for more whale watching under way. Best time: November-April. Cost without airfare: Ocean Alliance charter from $75,000 per week. 

Borneo, Sabah, ‘Kudanil’

Teeming with life, Sabah’s east coast is one of Southeast Asia’s top wildlife-watching destinations. Superyachts aren’t just for the ocean here: An animal-centric itinerary onboard the 164-foot Kudanil , cruising into the navigable Kinabatangan River, presents some of the world’s rarest species. The river bank includes wild orangutans, the almost extinct Borneo pygmy elephant, the proboscis monkey, and many reptiles and birds. Back in the ocean, as a dive and surf vessel, Kudanil can extend the trip, heading to Sipadan for world-class scuba diving. Best time: May-October. Cost without airfare: Pelorus -arranged private charter from $140,000 per week. 

Alaska Inside Passage, ‘La Datcha’

Along the scenic, remote Inside Passage, wildlife encounters in Alaska are the norm, from wild mink, brown bears fishing for salmon, and harbor seals to pods of orcas and humpback whales. The 252-foot expedition yacht La Datcha offers flexible itineraries through these waters, focusing on the wildlife but also showing the best of the fjords, dramatic island bays, and remote areas that would be otherwise inaccessible except for an explorer vessel of this caliber. Its designated expedition room is filled with specialized gear for onshore and tender excursions. La Datcha ‘s helideck and enclosed hanger also allow exceptional wildlife-viewing far above water levels. Best time: June-August. Cost without airfare: Private charter from $940,000 per week.

Botswana, Chobe River, ‘Zambezi Queen’

Winding through Africa’s wilderness is the Chobe River, this tributary of the Zambezi gives a different perspective of life on the plains. Especially if you’re aboard the Mantis Collection’s 138-foot Zambezi Queen houseboat. If it isn’t impressive enough to see Africa’s wild creatures on land, this vessel lets you wake to leopards drinking and elephants bathing from one of the 14 suites’ private balconies. Tenders bring the action closer for water-based game viewing and, if you’re so inclined, the vessel offers angling for local gamefish. A birder’s paradise, this area of Botswana is home to over 450 bird species. After a day of wildlife spotting, the vessel offers gourmet African-themed dinners. Best time: June-October. Cost without airfare: Luxury suite (per person, per night sharing) $932.

Botswana, Chobe River, ‘Chobe Princess’

Mantis also offers smaller vessels within its portfolio for a more intimate experience of the Chobe River. Moored on the Namibian side, Chobe Princess is part of a trio of similar houseboats available exclusively for families or private parties, with two offering four suites and five in the third. Cruising along the Chobe National Park, the floating safari provides ideal viewing of this game-dense area, with fishing, photographic safaris, birding, and cultural tours. The boat also has a plunge pool and beautiful views. Best time: June-October. Cost without airfare: Luxury suite (per person, per night sharing) $716.

Peru, Amazon, ‘Delfin I’

Aboard the 67-foot Delfin 1 , eight guests gain exclusive access to the world’s largest protected flooded forest—Peru’s Pacaya Samiria National Reserve—accessible only by boat during the rainy season. Navigating through the watery wilderness, the basin’s showstopper is the mystical pink river dolphin found only in these waters. From the shaded observation deck or one of the four plush private-suite terraces, the land also reveals sloths, capybaras, and pygmy marmosets. Night-time safaris via tender reveal the jungle’s nocturnal transformation with black caimans, bats, frogs, and other nocturnal creatures lining the shores. Delfin Cruises partners with local guides to benefit Amazonian communities. Best time: November-May. Cost without airfare: 5 days/4nights, Deluxe suite, $6,500. 

Rwanda, Lake Kivu, ‘Kivu Queen uBuranga’

The Kivu Queen uBuranga has recently pioneered motorized yachting on Lake Kivu’s waters. The lake is a gateway to Rwanda’s kaleidoscopic biodiversity, though it won’t have the big game like northern Botswana. Besides the overarching sense of tranquility, exploring by boat considerably reduces travel times for gorilla trekking jaunts in the Volcanoes National Park or searching for chimpanzees in the Nyungwe Forest National Park. Going by boat is also much more pleasant than having to wander on dusty, remote backroads. Onboard, one can relax in one of the 10 cabins, kick back in the lounge, or unwind in the wellness center. Best time June-September: Cost without airfare: Mantis -arranged travel: 2/3 night stays (per person/per night/sharing) from $1,500.

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Explore the Top 15 Countries for Wildlife Sightings

Posted: March 7, 2024 | Last updated: March 7, 2024

If you are an animal lover, you might find the opportunity to go on a safari or hike through a lush rainforest as a life-changing opportunity. Wildlife tourism is becoming increasingly popular due to people wanting to get up close with some of the world’s rarest animals. If you are looking to see lions in Africa or brown bears in Canada, these are some of the best countries to learn and observe wildlife in their natural habitat.

The South American country of Brazil is home to numerous national parks, such as Iguacu and Jau National Park. Visitors can catch a glimpse of native wildlife like jaguars, ocelots, foxes, and anteaters. Venture into the Amazonian Jungle, and you can find spider monkeys, sloths, and over 300 species of reptiles, including the Caiman alligator.

2. Australia

Take caution when you venture into the outback to observe wildlife. Australia is home to some of the deadliest animals on the planet, like the eastern brown snake and Redback spider. Instead, head to Kangaroo Island to watch kangaroos, wallabies, and penguins. You can also book a safari to check out some cuddly koalas and freshwater crocodiles.

China’s famous animal, the Giant Panda, is a huge tourist attraction for people wanting to glimpse the cute mammals. The Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda near Chengdu attracts travelers worldwide to experience a panda up close and personal. In the southern region of the country, tourists can feel the thrill of seeing wild tigers in the Hunan and Jiangxi provinces.

4. Costa Rica

The Central American country of Costa Rica has a diverse ecosystem offering a variety of wildlife for tourists to enjoy. A hike through the jungle can give you a peek at sloths, monkeys, jaguars, and tapirs. The amazing beaches of Costa Rica are also home to some sun-bathing sea turtles as well as dolphins and eagle rays swimming just off the shore in the clear blue waters.

Booking an Indian safari can allow you to view a variety of breathtaking animals like Indian tigers, Asiatic lions, Indian elephants, Indian rhinoceros, and Indian leopards. For a more up-close viewing, tourists can head over to the Khana Tiger Reserve, where they can take tours and learn about these beautiful creatures.

6. Botswana

This country in the southern part of Africa is home to some of the world’s more endangered species. The Chobe National Park offers adventurers to take in views of elephants, water buffalo, and endangered species like the African wild dog and rhinoceroses. Make sure you stay in your safari vehicle because it is also home to tree-climbing leopards and black-manned lions.

7. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is home to many national parks like Yala National Park and Wilpattu National Park, both offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences to see elephants in the wild. These gentle giants are also available to get up close and personal with at sanctuaries such as Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and Millennium Elephant Foundation. Both places allow elephant lovers to interact and learn about these massive mammoths and how the foundations aim to protect them.

8. New Zealand

New Zealand has some amazing and unique experiences for animal lovers. New Zealand has some of the best whale-watching experiences, offering sights of sperm, humpback, and orca whales. Thrill-seekers can take aquatic life viewing to the next level by cage diving with some man-eating sharks. After you get back on land, you can enjoy some exotic birds like the kiwi and alpine parrot, as well as some adorable penguins.

9. Lithuania

This northern European nation is a hot spot for people looking to observe some beautiful wildlife. The country is home to bison, elk, foxes, eagles, and wolves. Visitors can snap pictures of these elegant creatures by visiting national parks like Aukstaitija, Dzukija, and Kursiu Nerija National Park.

10. Tanzania

Sitting on the coast of Eastern Africa, this country allows visitors to see exotic animals like elephants, zebras, hippos, leopards, lions, and wildebeests. All of the animals you would love to see in Africa live in Tanzania. The country has so many animal tourists that almost 16% of photos taken in the country involve animal pictures.

11. Namibia

On the other side of the African continent sits another country famous for its wildlife. Namibia caters to their animal tourist. Customers staying at the Omaruru Game Lodge can sip champagne and enjoy delicious meals while watching zebras and giraffes graze in the distance. The Etosha National Park allows self-guided bush tours where adventurers can enjoy the sights of elephants, cheetahs, rhinos, lions, and wildebeests.

12. South Africa

Just south of Namibia is the nation of South Africa. South Africa has many of the same experiences as Namibia as well as other aquatic animals. The country is home to sea lions and African penguins. It is also home to some of the deadliest sharks brave enough to dive with great white sharks. The country is doing its part in wildlife preservation with locations like Pilansberg National Park, allowing visitors to experience animals in the wild.

13. United States

The United States has vastly different ecosystems and climates, offering diverse wildlife. Visitors on the West Coast can experience migrating humpback whales. At the same time, hikers in the North can spot giant brown bears, elk, eagles, wolves, and American Bison. Head south to the Gulf of Mexico, and you can get up close with alligators up to 12 feet long. No matter what part of the country you are in, you will find some beautiful wildlife to observe.

Our neighbor to the North has some amazing wildlife for travelers to enjoy. Due to the mostly barren landscape of Canada, large mammals like grizzly bears, elk, moose, and bison. Beavers are such a common sight the country adopted them as their mascot. For those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime sight, heading up to the Artic Circle can give adventurers a chance to see a polar bear or an elusive arctic fox.

Kenya is the number one country in the world for wildlife and nature lovers. The country is home to 25,000 species of animals and 7,000 unique species of plants. Many people flock to the Masai Mara reserve for the many types of animals that call the reserve home. Sitting at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, this landscape offers the perfect spot for amateur and professional photographers alike. You will be sure to spot roaming elephants, zebras, giraffes, and lions while enjoying a safari in Kenya.

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