Best Destinations for a Safari

A safari holiday offers the unique opportunity to view animals in the wild and is often described as one of life’s great adventures. In Africa, safaris often revolve around spotting the ‘Big Five’ (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and cape buffalo), whereas a safari in Asia can provide the opportunity to see tigers in the wild. Safaris can also be a feature of another holiday, for example, a beach escape combined with game drives makes for a wonderful adventure. Whatever type of holiday you fancy, we’ve listed some of the best destinations in the world to take a safari, just don’t forget to take your camera!

South Africa

Home to the world-famous Kruger National Park, South Africa is renowned for its incredible safari opportunities. A must for wildlife fans on holiday in South Africa is the legendary Kruger National Park, home to the Big Five, plus many more animals including cheetahs, hippos, zebras and giraffe. The park also boasts over 500 species of bird and with over 12,000 square miles to explore, it’s entirely possible to avoid the crowds.

Kenya

Boasting the Masai Mara Game Reserve and the beautiful Lake Nakuru National Park, wildlife in Kenya has long attracted worldwide attention. The Masai Mara is the place to see the Big Five and the park also boasts hundreds of amphibians and birds. Or, if you want a safari with slightly fewer tourists, Lake Nakuru National Park has stunning mountain scenery with black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, hippopotamus and the endangered Rothschild's giraffe. For the ultimate Kenya holiday combine Kenya’s stunning beach destinations with safari drives in the National Parks.

Sri Lanka

As well as beautiful beaches, Sri Lanka is a country awash with wildlife. Beachside you can spot turtles, dolphins and whales, whereas inland the National Parks have an array of fascinating mammals to view by Jeep. Head to Yala National Park for the chance to see bears, elephants, wild boar, deer, peacocks and the elusive leopard in their natural habitat. Alternatively, Minneriya National Park boasts the largest known wild Asian elephant population at one place in the world. Many Sri Lanka tours include safaris as part of the package and provide the opportunity to see the country’s many highlights. 

India

India might not be your first thought when it comes to safari, but this incredible country offers visitors the chance to spot tigers in the wild. Ranthambore National Park in Northern India boasts a wide array of wildlife including leopards, hyenas, jackals, bears, bats, Indian flying foxes and mongoose- but it is most famous for its tiger population. A fantastic addition to any India tour, spotting a tiger in the wild deserves the crown of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Botswana

Botswana is a country with a healthy wildlife population and is home to the most prolific wetlands on the African continent. The unique landscape of the Okavango Delta, much of which is waterways and swamp, makes for an interesting alternative when it comes to a wildlife safari. Home to the Big Five and more, the Okavango Delta deservedly makes the UNESCO World Heritage List and unlike other African safaris, is best done by plane or boat.