20 Best Destinations for Wildlife Safaris
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with these top 20 wildlife safari destinations. From the vast savannahs of Africa to the dense jungles of Asia, these national parks offer incredible opportunities to witness diverse wildlife in their natural habitats.
1. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Best Time to Visit: July to October
Best Animals to See: Wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes
Maasai Mara is famed for the Great Migration, where over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles journey across the plains. This spectacle occurs between July and October. The reserve is also home to the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. Maasai Mara’s open savannahs make wildlife viewing spectacular, with plenty of opportunities for close encounters. Hot air balloon safaris provide a unique aerial view of the landscape and its inhabitants.
A lone hot air balloon over a herd of zebras at Maasai Mara National Reserve, Narok County, Kenya
(C)sutirta budiman
2. Kruger National Park, South Africa
Best Time to Visit: May to September
Best Animals to See: Lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes
Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest game reserves. It boasts a high density of wildlife, including the Big Five, and many more species. Visitors can enjoy self-drive safaris, guided tours, and walking safaris. The park’s extensive road network makes it accessible for all types of travelers. Kruger also features luxury lodges and campsites, catering to different budget levels.
(C) Joss Woodhead
3. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Best Time to Visit: June to October
Best Animals to See: Wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, lions, cheetahs, hyenas
Serengeti National Park is renowned for its annual migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles. The park’s vast grasslands are also a haven for predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. Visitors can experience the drama of predator-prey interactions. Besides the migration, the park offers year-round game viewing and is home to diverse bird species.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
(C) Helena Pfisterer
4. Chobe National Park, Botswana
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Best Animals to See: Elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, hippos
Chobe National Park is famous for its large elephant population. The Chobe Riverfront area offers spectacular wildlife viewing, especially during the dry season when animals flock to the river. Boat safaris provide a unique perspective on the park’s wildlife. Besides elephants, Chobe is home to a variety of predators and bird species. The park’s diverse ecosystems range from lush floodplains to dense forests.
5. Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Best Time to Visit: February to June
Best Animals to See: Sri Lankan Leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, bird species
Yala is famous for its high density of leopards. The park’s diverse ecosystems range from dense jungles to sandy beaches. Visitors can spot elephants, sloth bears, and various bird species. Safaris in Yala offers a chance to explore its rich biodiversity. The park’s coastal location adds a unique element to wildlife viewing.
A Sri Lankan Leopard at Yala National Park
(C) Damith Danthanarayana
6. Okavango Delta, Botswana
Best Time to Visit: June to August
Best Animals to See: Hippos, crocodiles, elephants, lions, leopards
The Okavango Delta is a unique inland delta that floods seasonally, creating a lush habitat for wildlife. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beauty and biodiversity. Visitors can explore the delta through traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) or guided walking safaris. The delta has many wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Lodges and camps in the delta offer an immersive wilderness experience.
7. Etosha National Park, Namibia
Best Time to Visit: May to September
Best Animals to See: Elephants, lions, giraffes, black rhinos, zebras
Etosha National Park is centered around a vast salt pan, visible even from space. The park is known for its excellent waterhole game viewing, where visitors can see various animals congregate. Etosha’s diverse wildlife includes elephants, lions, giraffes, and rare black rhinos. The park’s arid landscape provides a stark contrast to other safari destinations. Accommodation options range from luxury lodges to budget campsites.
8. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Best Time to Visit: June to August, December to February
Best Animals to See: Mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, bird species Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its mountain gorilla population. Gorilla trekking is the main attraction, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these gentle giants up close. The forest’s dense vegetation provides a habitat for many other species, including chimpanzees and a variety of birds. Bwindi’s mist-covered hills create a magical atmosphere. Trekking permits support conservation efforts and local communities.
9. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Best Time to Visit: June to September
Best Animals to See: Mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, bird species
Volcanoes National Park is famous for its mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The park’s lush, mountainous landscape offers stunning scenery and diverse wildlife. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is a highlight, with limited permits ensuring an intimate experience. The park is also home to the Karisoke Research Center, established by Dian Fossey. Visitors can hike to the gravesite of this legendary primatologist.
Portrait of an African Gorilla at Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
(C) Jeremy Stewardson
10. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Best Time to Visit: June to December
Best Animals to See: Giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, sea lions
The Galápagos Islands are a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. This archipelago is home to unique species found nowhere else on Earth. Visitors can see giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. Snorkeling and diving reveal vibrant underwater life, including playful sea lions and colorful fish. The islands’ volcanic landscapes provide a dramatic backdrop for exploration.
11. Yellowstone National Park, USA
Best Time to Visit: April to May, September to November
Best Animals to See: Bison, grizzly bears, wolves, elk, bald eagles
Yellowstone is the oldest national park in the world. It offers diverse wildlife, including bison, grizzly bears, and wolves. The park’s geothermal features, like geysers and hot springs, add to its unique charm. Visitors can enjoy hiking, wildlife watching, and exploring the park’s stunning landscapes. Winter brings opportunities for snowshoeing and spotting wildlife against a snowy backdrop.
12. Ranthambore National Park, India
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Best Animals to See: Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, bird species
Ranthambore is one of the best places to see Bengal tigers in the wild. The park’s landscape features lakes, ruins, and dense forests. Visitors can also spot leopards, sloth bears, and various bird species. Safaris in Ranthambore offers a chance to explore its rich history and vibrant wildlife. The park’s ancient fort provides a cultural touch to the adventure.
13. Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa
Best Time to Visit: May to September
Best Animals to See: Lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes
Sabi Sands is renowned for its luxury lodges and exceptional wildlife viewing. The reserve shares an unfenced border with Kruger National Park. Visitors can spot the Big Five and enjoy close-up encounters with leopards. Guided safaris offer insights into animal behavior and conservation efforts. Night drives reveal the park’s nocturnal creatures, adding to the excitement.
14. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Best Time to Visit: June to October
Best Animals to See: Lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, flamingos
Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera, hosting diverse wildlife. Visitors can see the Big Five and flamingos in the crater’s alkaline lake. The lush crater floor offers rich grazing for herbivores. Safari drives provide breathtaking views and opportunities to spot rare black rhinos.
15. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Best Time to Visit: July to October
Best Animals to See: Leopards, elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras
South Luangwa is known for its walking safaris. The park’s diverse habitats support a variety of wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and hippos. The Luangwa River is a lifeline for the park’s animals. Visitors can enjoy night drives to see nocturnal wildlife.
16. Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka
Best Time to Visit: February to October
Best Animals to See: Leopards, elephants, sloth bears, bird species
Wilpattu National Park, located in Sri Lanka, is renowned for its unique “willus” or natural lakes and its rich biodiversity. Spanning over 1,300 square kilometers, it is home to leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and various bird species. This park offers a serene and less crowded wildlife experience.
Leopards at Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka
(C) Damith Danthanarayana
17. Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka
Best Time to Visit: May to September
Best Animals to See: Asian elephants, water buffalo, bird species
Udawalawe National Park is famous for its large population of Asian elephants. Situated in southern Sri Lanka, it features open grasslands, marshes, and the scenic Udawalawe Reservoir. The park is a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike.
18. Bandhavgarh National Park, India
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Best Animals to See: Bengal tigers, leopards, deer, bird species
Located in Madhya Pradesh, India, Bandhavgarh National Park is celebrated for its high density of Bengal tigers. The park also boasts ancient ruins, lush forests, and grasslands, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
19. Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Best Time to Visit: April to December
Best Animals to See: Komodo dragons, marine life, bird species
Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Indonesia, is the natural habitat of the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard. With its rugged landscapes, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life, the park is a hotspot for both wildlife enthusiasts and divers.
20. Jim Corbett National Park, India
Best Time to Visit: November to June
Best Animals to See: Bengal tigers, leopards, elephants, bird species
Jim Corbett National Park, located in Uttarakhand, India, is the oldest national park in the country. It is famous for being the first under Project Tiger and offers diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and elephants, set amidst dense forests and rivers.
An Elephant in Jim Corbett
(C) Gautam Arora
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