If you’re planning to head out on safari in Africa, Asia, or South America over the next year, take some time to make sure you know which one to choose first! That’s why we’ve put together this list of iconic wildlife safaris that every avid traveler should experience in their lifetime. By the time you’re done reading about all of these amazing destinations, you won’t have to worry about making your decision—you’ll already know where you need to go!
1) The Okavango Delta, Botswana
One of the most iconic safaris you should experience is the Okavango Delta. The habitat is composed of Jungles and Wild Animals, like elephants, lions, giraffes and many more. The delta has a great biodiversity which gives it a special place for animals. It’s one of the last few places where you can see this type of habitat. During your safari, you’ll be able to interact with many different kinds of wild animals up close because they are used to people coming around. As such, they don’t act like they’re afraid or even intimidated by humans anymore. So if you want to get up close with wild animals, the Okavango Delta is one of the best places for that. Seeing these types of animals in their natural habitat will give you an opportunity to enjoy them and understand why we need to keep them safe.
2) The Masai Mara, Kenya
The Masai Mara is home to some of the most iconic wildlife safaris, with a seemingly endless amount of wild animals. With the expansive plains and dense jungles, you will never run out of things to see. This beautiful park holds numerous different species including zebras, lions, giraffes, hippos and elephants. The best time for viewing is during the dry season from July through October when predators are on the move and competing for food sources. Other than this, there is always plenty to see as Kenya has one of the highest animal populations in Africa.
It’s also home to some of Africa’s most well-known safari lodges and camps. A luxury lodge is a great way to treat yourself while you experience one of nature’s wonders. The luxury camp is not only an opportunity to relax and enjoy, but also it gives you more interaction with wild animals such as walking safaris or game drives on foot through thick bushland.
3) Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Serengeti National Park is a large game reserve which is home to an abundance of wild animals. The national park covers an area of over 19,000 square kilometers, making it one of the largest game reserves in the world and one that guarantees you’ll see plenty of wildlife during your visit.
The Serengeti is famous for its annual migration where wildebeest travel across the park’s vast plains and grasslands as they search for fresh grazing land. This breathtaking event attracts visitors from around the world and offers one of the most incredible natural spectacles you’ll ever witness.
This serene safari destination also offers some great bird watching opportunities with more than 500 species recorded within its boundaries. Lions are often seen roaming the savannah at night and there’s even a chance of spotting other predators like cheetahs, leopards or wild dogs if you’re lucky.
4) Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa and has the most diverse population of wild animals on Earth. It is also the oldest park in Africa, first established back in 1898 and now spanning over 20,000 square kilometers. The best time to visit Kruger National Park is during July through October when there are fewer mosquitos. The park has campsites available for guests who wish to spend a night at one of them before continuing their journey. There are more than 500 different types of mammals living in this protected area, making it one of the best places in the world to see these wild animals up close.
5) The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Many people have heard of the Galapagos Islands and how they’re a natural paradise. However, many travelers don’t realize that this archipelago is home to many different types of wildlife. The Galapagos Islands are home to a wide variety of animal life from penguins, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, giant tortoises and so much more. Visitors can also see rare wild animals such as the red land iguana (only found on Isabela Island), the marine turtle (found on Española Island) and even the fur seal (found on San Cristobal Island).
The islands also boast an impressive array of birds including some endemic species like flamingos, pelicans, Nazca boobies and more. A trip to the Galapagos Islands promises visitors one of the most memorable safari experiences in their lifetime!
6) Yellowstone National Park, USA
Yellowstone National Park is one of the most iconic wildlife safaris you can experience. This national park has a large amount of wild animals roaming freely and it’s just waiting for you to come and take a look. From bears, to wolves, elk, bison, deer and even more exotic animals like moose and mountain lions – Yellowstone is a sight to behold. This national park will make you feel like you’re right in the middle of Africa with all the wild animals roaming around freely. So if you want an adventure of a lifetime this is where you need to go! With over 2,000 square miles (5,200 km2) worth of land to explore there’s so many hidden gems you’ll be able to find. From the Old Faithful Geyser which shoots water high up into the sky every hour or so, to Grand Prismatic Spring which has vivid colors that give off such vibes that you won’t know what to do with yourself when you see it. And don’t forget about those wild animals either! Yellowstone is home to one of the largest populations of grizzly bears in North America.
7) Kanha National Park, India
Kanha National Park is one of the most iconic safari destinations in India. Located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, this national park has had a long and colorful history that dates back to the early 1900s. One of the earliest accounts of Kanha is by Jim Corbett, who hunted tigers on behalf of local rulers during colonial times. Today, Kanha is best known for its population of wild animals such as leopards, wild boar, chital deer, barking deer and sambar. It’s also home to a number of birds like black partridges and blue jays. The best time to visit Kanha is between November and March when there are no monsoons or snowfall. Apart from wildlife, Kanha is rich in biodiversity with over 900 species of plants. Birds like owls, hornbills, eagles and kingfishers are found here too. Kanha provides ideal habitats for many different wild animals due to the thick vegetation it offers. The best way to explore the jungle is either by elephant or on foot with a forest guard accompanying you at all times.
8) Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Komodo National Park is home to Komodo dragons, giant lizards, and other wild animals. It was the first protected area in Indonesia and one of the largest national parks in the world. The park has a diverse ecosystem that consists of beaches, coral reefs, mangrove forests, wetlands, savannahs and rainforests.
The park is popular for diving because it offers a variety of marine life including sea turtles, manta rays and dolphins. It’s also known for its rich marine life which includes bright-colored tropical fish like clownfish (Nemo), angelfish (Pikachu) and butterflyfish (Flounder).
9) Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Chitwan National Park is located in the south-western part of Nepal and covers an area of over 932 square kilometers. The park is situated at the foothills of Himalayas, and has a number of natural habitats including grasslands, rainforests, wetlands, and riverbanks. Home to wild animals such as elephants, rhinoceroses, tigers, leopards and sloth bears among others; Chitwan National Park is one of the best places to see all kinds of wild animals roaming around freely.
