How to choose the best safari destinations in the world

I’m sure most of you will agree with me when I say going on a safari is the epitome of an adventurous holiday. It’s the go-to for many travellers, including families, couples, groups, and even solo travellers. Yes, a safari holiday is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and one of life’s greatest adventures; we decided to help you how to choose the best safari destinations in the world for you.

Our guide on how to find the best safari destinations in the world

The world is your oyster when it comes to the available choices of endless safari destinations. From self-drive safaris and fly-in safaris to guided safaris, each experience is diverse in its own way.

There are many steps to consider when planning and choosing the best safari destinations in the world. This includes many elements, such as deciding what you want to see, your mode of travel, and your budget.

Keep reading this article to find out the different options on offer so you can decide on the best safari destinations in the world that suit your personal preferences.

✔ Choose the right time of the year to go

Although going on safari is an all-year-round activity, you may want to do some thorough research about the best time to visit the best safari destinations in the world. As you may learn, certain seasons in certain countries or regions are better than others for encountering diverse wildlife.

✔ Decide what you want to see

There are plenty of safari destinations in the world with the natural habitats of so many types of wildlife. If you’re determined to tick off a particular type, such as the Big Five, from your list, you’ll have the best chance in Kruger National Park, one of the best safari destinations in Africa, or Masai Mara, one of the best safari parks in Kenya. Or if you want to witness the great wildebeest migration in Serengeti, Tanzania.

✔ Decide which part of the world is the best place for a safari

Countries across the world are rife with incredible natural landscapes, giving you a vast range when it comes to choosing the best safari destinations in the world with stunning scenery and fascinating wildlife.

✔ Make a to-do list of experiences when you’re at these safari destinations

There’s so much to see and do when it comes to going on a holiday at the best safari destinations in the world. To make your holiday a success, you have to decide exactly what kind of experience you need before you book your holiday.

✔ Decide on your mode of transport

The most traditional way to safari is, of course, in an open-sided 4×4 Jeep. However, if you’re looking for a unique way to travel, try out a water safari which is usually conducted in a small boat or canoe. Maybe you could even choose a walking safari, which is a wonderful way of experiencing the wilderness up close and personal. However, this may become a factor in choosing the best place for a safari.

✔ Decide on how you are going to travel or with whom

It all boils down to this, whether you are travelling solo, as a part of a group, as a couple or as a family. You have to decide on your level of independence while on a safari getaway. There are plenty of benefits and drawbacks to each option, and deciding which option suits you are a crucial matter when choosing the best safari destinations in the world.  

The best safari destinations in the world

So, you want to go on a safari getaway at one of the top safari destinations in the world while experiencing the thrill of getting up close and personal with wild animals in their natural habitat.

But what safari destinations should you choose?

With a plethora of species of birds and mammals in more than 6,000 national parks across the globe, choosing the best safari destinations in the world can be a daunting task.

So, to make things easy for you, we’ve come up with a list of top safari destinations in the world where you can have your ultimate wildlife adventure.

Let’s dive in

What are the best safari destinations in Africa?

Haven’t you dreamed of going on a safari in Africa? The African continent has inspired many travellers (including myself) to want to see wild animals on their own turf and to experience the cultural diversity Africa has to offer.

Let’s take a look at the best safari destination in Africa that you could choose from:

1. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Maasai Mara is always at the top of the list of safari destinations when talking about the best safari destination in Africa. This premier national park offers everything you could want in a safari. It is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream come true. It’s also one of the best places to visit in Africa if you want to see the Big Five and is considered one of the best safari parks in Kenya.

2. Chobe National Park, Botswana

One of the best safari destinations in the world, Chobe National Park is Botswana’s first and most diverse national park sits in Africa. Commonly known as the “Land of the Giants,” this beautiful park is home to over 120,000 elephants, which is Africa’s largest elephant population. But, that’s not all; there are many other species you can see in their natural habitat too.

3. Kruger National Park, South Africa

To me, Kruger National Park is definitely one of the best safari destination in Africa as it is renowned for having the best safaris in South Africa with lush views and is also one of Africa’s largest game reserves.

4. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

An African wildlife safari? It has to be the Serengeti. Well, at least for many of us! This is the place where you’ll find the most varied collection of wildlife on earth and one of the places where the great migration of over one million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras come south for the rain before heading northwest. This crown jewel is the ultimate safari destination and one of the best safari destinations in the world, without a doubt.

Best places for a safari in Asia

Apart from the gargantuan African continent, some other parts of our planet offer a range of unique flora and fauna. And Asia, being the largest continent, is definitely home to thousands of species of wildlife, on land and water! Speaking of, Asia hosts a number of National Parks and Reserves to ensure a natural habitat for animals, making it one of the best safari destinations in the world.

If you’re thinking of jumping on the next plane to one of the best places for a safari in Asia, take a pick from these safari destinations in Asia and prepare to be fascinated!

1. Cardamom Mountains 

The Cardamom Mountains, located in Cambodia, are one of the most plentiful rainforests in entire Southeast Asia and one of the best safari destinations in the world. You’ll be completely impressed by the Indochinese tigers, clouded leopards, black bears, wild Asian elephants, and over 450 species of birds.

Next on our list of the top safari destinations in the world is the Komodo National Park in Indonesia, one of the best places for a safari that is unique.

2. Komodo National Park

Indonesia is a gorgeous country rich in culture and wildlife, such as giant lizards or “Komodo Dragons,” which are seen only on this part of the island. This makes it one of the most unique and best safari destinations in the world!

For the best safari in the world, check out this next destination.

3. Taman Negara National Park

The largest park in Malaysia, Taman Negara National Park, is absolutely one of the best places for a safari. With untouched rainforests, a range of flora and fauna such as rhinoceros, tigers, Asian elephants, macaques, clouded leopards, and more! This destination also has many other activities such as hiking and rock climbing.

Now, we’ll take a look at Ba Be National Park in Vietnam, undoubtedly one of the best safari destinations in the world.

4. Ba Be National Park

Nature-lovers rejoice! This is yet again one of the most unique and best safari parks in the world, where you’ll be allured by the lushness of the evergreen forests of Ba Be National Park. This place has the lowest human contact, which means that the wildlife here flourishes in its natural habitat. Here you can witness a rare variety of animals like the Vietnamese Salamander, Chinese pangolins, red giant flying squirrels, and Tonkin snub-nosed langur monkeys. That’s not all; you’ll be able to see a varied species of bats in the caves!

5. Yala National Park

Sri Lanka is home to many beautiful landscapes and many safari destinations. Renown as the largest and most popular as one of the best safari destinations in the world. This place is the ideal spot to see the Sri Lankan leopard, 32 other species of mammals, 125 species of birds, and even elephants.

There’s no way you should miss this on your next wildlife adventure in Asia. Kanha National Park, in India. One of the best safari parks in the world!

6. Kanha National Park

With a diverse landscape that includes thick evergreen forests, ravines, lush meadows, and Kanha gorges, this place is touted as the most scenic safari destination in Asia. Home to several species of birds and unique animals such as the barasingha and swamp deer.

7. Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve

The Shuklaphanta Wildlife reserve in Nepal is a vast and open grassland covered by the Sal Forest. However, this place is still widely off the radar for travellers, making it the perfect place if you want to see animals in their natural habitat. But, if you should make it here, you might be lucky to get close encounters with the royal Bengal tiger, the great one-horn rhinoceros, hog deer, barking deer, and more!

Which is the best safari park in UK?

Which is the best safari park in the UK? Well, that’s an easy question (or is it?) Finding the best safari park in the UK is no easy task. While an African or Asian safari may be on most people’s travel bucket lists, there are places for wildlife viewings closer to home.

1. Longleat Safari Park

Located in the South West of England, this top-tier park offers a wonderful experience. There is a variety of animals, including wolves, rhinos, cheetahs, tigers, lions, an elephant, gorillas, and more!

Next on the list of the best safari park in the UK is ..

2. Blair Drummond Safari Park

Blair Drummond Safari Park is an unforgettable attraction that is home to many animals, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and meerkats. This has been one of the top safari destinations in the UK since it opened in 1970.

Up next for the best safari park in the UK is..

3. Port Lympne Wild Animal Park

Get up close and personal with a range of animals, that’s more than 90 species who thrive across 600 giant acres. Here, you’ll see endangered species, the black rhinos, the documented single largest herd.

That’s not all; you will see three more popular safari parks in the UK :

• West Midland Safari Park
• Knowsley Safari Park
• Woburn Safari Park

Which is the best safari park in the UK? Well, you decide!

BONUS

The best safari destinations in the world: South America, North America, and Australia

➜ South America

• Reserva Natural Zacambú in Colombia
• The Amazon Rainforest
• Canaima National Park in Venezuela
• The Pantanal in Brazil
• Utría National Park in Colombia

➜ North America

• Safari West, California
• Lion Country Safari, Florida
• Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour, South Dakota
• Denali National Park
• Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve

➜ Australia

• Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve
• Uluru and the Outback
• Great Otway National Park
• Kakadu National Park
• Tasmania

There you have it, our guide on how to choose the best safari destinations in the world, plus the best places for a safari, each providing amazing opportunities to see and learn more about wildlife and admire the scenery. So, if you have taken a pick, call or drop a line to us at Travel Center UK and we’ll provide you with all the necessary details needed to experience the best wildlife getaway; a great adventure-seeker should never miss.