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7 places to go on safari outside of Africa

20.08.2023
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Most people associate safaris with Africa, where you can spot wild, majestic animals on the savannah. However, the true meaning of the word “safari”, which comes from Swahili, is “journey”. Therefore, there are many other destinations around the world that offer unique and exciting safari experiences.

In this entry, we will take you out into the world to experience the varied animal life and natural wonders that await you beyond the African savannah.

Here are 7 places to go on safari outside of Africa.

1. Sri Lanka: the tropical safari paradise

A group of wild elephants at a jungle watering hole in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Going on safari in Sri Lanka means that you can experience everything from impressive elephants to elegant leopards and colourful peacocks. The magnificent wildlife in Sri Lanka also includes curious monkeys and large water buffaloes. What’s more is that Sri Lanka is one of the only places where you can spot the world’s largest living creature, the blue whale.

Sri Lanka’s lush jungles, calm lakes, and beautiful beaches makes it an ideal safari destination. Yala National Park, Minneriya National Park, and Udawalawe National Park are just a few of the notable places where visitors can see animals in their natural habitats.

Experience breath-taking wildlife and lush national parks with us in Sri Lanka:

2. Brazil: Pantanal and Bonito – a wonderland for animal life

Aerial photo of nature areas in the Brazilian Pantanal

Situated at the heart of Brazil, Pantanal is a vast wetlands area that teems with animal life, making it an unsurpassed paradise for nature enthusiasts.

Go on exciting safaris and spot armadillos, tapirs, anteaters, and capybara. Gorgeous and vibrant bird species such as hyacinth macaws, toucans, and hummingbirds paint the sky with their vivid colours. Explore the open wetlands, go on boat rides, and see the incredibly diverse animal life that calls this region home.

Bonito, a small town in Brazil, is renowned for its crystal-clear rivers, magnificent grottos, and lively underwater ecosystems. Dive into the turquoise water and go snorkelling amidst schools of colourful fish. Experience Buraco das Araras, where the calls of scarlet macaws offer a unique mix of adventure and natural beautify, making it an ideal addition to your South American safari tour.

Take a deep dive into the gorgeous animal life of Brazil:

3. Costa Rica: The land of biodiversity

Wild sloth hanging from a tree with a happy and relaxed expression in the rainforests of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica, one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, is dedicated to preserving its uniquely rich nature.

This means that animal lovers can enjoy truly spectacular safari experiences in this lush paradise.

In Costa Rica’s protected regions, including Tortuguero National Park, Corcovado National Park, and Manuel Antonio National Park, you can admire an impressive selection of animal species. Listen for the howler monkeys, who mark their territory with powerful calls, or spot the slowly moving sloths, who hang from the trees. Keep a lookout for the colourful toucans flapping through the air, and see the enchanting colours of the poison dart frog.

You can also encounter tapirs, jaguars, capuchin monkeys, iguanas, hummingbirds, crocodiles, parrots, and many other wonderful animals. Costa Rica truly is a paradise for animal enthusiasts who wish to explore the untamed beauty of nature.

Discover Costa Rica’s unique wildlife:

4. Sumatra: Exploring the Indonesian wilderness

Orangutan in the wilderness of Sumatra

Sumatra is an untamed paradise for those who want a unique safari experience.

The lush rainforests of Sumatra are home to the rare Sumatran orangutan. Here you will have the opportunity to see these incredible creatures beautifully swing between the treetops in search of fruit.

Visit Bukit Lawang in the Gunung Leuser National Park and have unforgettable encounters with orangutans, elephants, monkeys, and hornbills.

Come with us to Sumatra and see the cheerful giants of the jungle:

5. The Galapagos Islands: Enchanting endemic wildlife

Sea iguanas and blue-footed boobies in Galapagos, Ecuador.

Experience an enchanting safari among the Galapagos Islands.

This volcanic island group is renowned for its peerless biodiversity and utterly unique animal life. Snorkelling alongside sea iguanas, swimming with sea lions, and watching giant tortoises are just some of the extraordinary experiences that await you here.

Watch as the adorable blue-footed boobies waddle along, or see the charming Galapagos penguins, who mate for life. And don’t miss the colourful Sally Lightfoot crabs in their vivid red, orange, and blue colouration as they crawl along the volcanic cliffs of the coastline.

Experience the utterly unique animal life and peerless biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands:

6.Thailand: Magnificent nature and wildlife in Khao Sok

Macaques in the wild jungles of Khao Sok, Thailand.

Khao Sok National Park is an enchanting destination at the heart of Thailand, promising unique and enthralling wildlife experiences in spectacular landscapes.

Boasting one of the world’s oldest rainforest, this untouched wilderness is a paradise for a variety of plant and animal species. Towering limestone cliffs, emerald-green lakes, and lush vegetation make for an enchanting backdrop to your Khao Sok safari.

Here, you can encounter wild elephants, agile gibbons, and playful macaques in their natural surroundings. The park is also home to many colourful bird species, including hornbills and kingfishers. Join guided treks, river cruises, or spend the night in a floating bungalow to really take a deep dive into this wonderful wildlife.

Explore the wonderful nature and wildlife of Khao Sok:

7. Peru: Safari amidst the wild wonders of the Amazon

Tambopata National Reserve, Madre de Dios, Peru

Peru, which is best known for its ancient ruins and spectacular landscapes, is also home to one of the most incredible safari experiences in the world: the Amazon rainforest. A safari in Peru gives you the unique opportunity to take a closer look at the wild wonders of the Amazon.

Situated in south-eastern Peru, Puerto Maldonado serves as a gateway to the Amazon, and it is a hub for unforgettable safari adventures. From here, you can go on expeditions to the heart of the rainforest and experience its impressive biodiversity.

When you go deep into the Amazon, you will find yourself surrounded by a lush paradise. Navigate the winding waterways of the Madre de Dios river with the help of your skilled guides and see a fascinating selection of wildlife. Keep an eye out for the vividly colourful macaws soaring through the air, the playful river otters diving in the water, and the squirrel monkeys sitting in the treetops.

One of the highlights of a safari in Puerto Maldonado is a visit to the Tambopata National Reserve. This protected area is a wildlife paradise, offering you the chance to spot animals such as jaguars, capybara, butterflies, and howler monkeys.

See unique nature and wildlife in Peru and the Amazon:

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