Many people like to participate in safaris around the world and get in touch with local wildlife. It’s not that hard to book a ticket for such safaris, but you need to be cautious about the time and date. People like to be with others when going on safaris in areas that are far away from civilization.
Most of these safari locations are in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. You can find them close to big cities, and that’s why it’s easy to get there through international airports. This short article is about the ten most prestigious safaris to see wildlife. You will be thrilled to know that only a few people have managed to visit them all during their lifetime. You better be prepared to know about them and try to put them in your life schedule. That way, you will know more about wild animals and their preservation.
List of the 10 Most Popular Wildlife Safaris in the World:
1. Masai Mara Safari in Kenya
When we talk about the Kenyan safari, there is no way to omit the Masai Mara Safari. You need to take the plane to Nairobi and then take the bus or car for a 3-hour ride on the wild roads of Kenya. That’s where you enter the restricted Masai area. It’s a place where the Masai tribe has lived for more than three thousand years and gives people another attitude toward life. Masai is very close to their land and the wild animals.
It’s better to get there with a guide that speaks their language. Masai is very friendly to foreign tourists as long as they don’t criticize their way of life and try to adapt as long as they are there with them. The wild animals include tigers, elephants, pumas, lions, and giraffes, which are all there in the Masai Mara National Park.
You will need to pay a fee as you enter the National Park that the Kenyan government uses to fund the Masai tribe and give them more incentive to continue cultivating their land and keep the wildlife the way it was several thousand years ago. It’s the best place to be when you are in Kenya and the one that will make you proud of being there.
Location: South-western Kenya
Highlights: The Great Migration, Big Five sightings, hot air balloon safaris, Maasai culture
Best Time to Visit: July to October for the Great Migration
Activities: Game drives, bush walks, cultural visits to Maasai villages
Tips: Bring binoculars, a good camera, and layered clothing. Book accommodations in advance during peak season.
2. Ongava Park, Namibia
Ongava park is a huge place in Namibia and may be the best destination there. Apart from the nearby beaches that look at the Atlantic Ocean, the national park has many species that are endangered, like the African buffalo and the pelican. There you can see many lions and tigers who breed by themselves.
As you understand, it’s illegal to kill anything there, and you need to be in the special car all the time alongside your dedicated guide. You don’t have to pay anything to visit the park, but you certainly need to avoid feeding the wildlife and take all the necessary safety precautions.
Location: Adjacent to Etosha National Park, Namibia
Highlights: Rhino tracking, diverse wildlife including lions, elephants, and leopards
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Activities: Game drives, guided walks, bird watching
Tips: Stay at Ongava Lodge for luxury accommodations. Carry sun protection and sufficient water.
3. Ranthambhore National Park, India
Perfectly placed in the region of Rajasthan, this national park is the most reputable in India. You can easily reach the place by train, and you can find nearby locations to stay with your family. The guides are easy to find, and you can get to the national park either by foot or by car.
In the park, you can find lions, tigers, hyenas, jackals, jungle cats, and other endangered species that you can only find in the Indian wilderness. The place used to be a hunting space for the Indian kings, so you better come there humble and with great respect.
Location: Rajasthan, India
Highlights: Bengal tigers, ancient Ranthambhore Fort, diverse flora and fauna
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Activities: Tiger safaris, bird watching, fort tours
Tips: Opt for morning safaris for better chances of tiger sightings. Carry a hat and sunscreen.
4. Kruger National Park, South Africa
South Africa has many tribes that reside close to the wildlife. One of the best safaris you can take when you are in South Africa is the one held in the Kruger National Park. People, there are very strict with the protection of wildlife and forests. That’s why you need to pay attention to your movements and ensure that you know when you need to exit the car and go after some lions and tigers.
Safaris in South Africa cost more than anywhere else in the world but tend to be more organized. Also, you see more animals when you get to the Kruger National Park, and you have many more chances to get the best weather since the Park is closed when it’s raining.
Another better national park to visit by car would be the biggest in South Africa. It’s the Kruger national park that is famous for the road quality and the great safety of all passengers. You need to pay a fee to the local government in order to come and check the wildlife. However, you will be remunerated by the great elephants and the lions and tigers you are about to meet there. Antelopes and other animals like zebras are also there in the park giving you a good glimpse of the wildlife in South Africa.
Location: Northeastern South Africa
Highlights: Big Five, diverse ecosystems, scenic landscapes
Best Time to Visit: May to September
Activities: Self-drive safaris, guided game drives, bush walks
Tips: Book accommodations within the park. Use a 4×4 vehicle for better access.
5. Nairobi National Park in Kenya
Another national park that will make you proud being there would be the National Park in Nairobi Kenya. When you are going back home from the Masai Mara park then it’s better to pay a visit to the Nairobi one. It may not be as big as the Masai one but it has several species of monkeys and chimpanzees that you can see nowhere else in the world.
People who come here can stay in Nairobi hotels and spend the day in the National Park. You need to enter the Park using a car, and then you should have your distance from wild animals. You can see many elephants and tigers walking around you but never hurting you. It’s mandatory to stay in the car and don’t try to exit and walk. Many people lost their lives when they decided that the wild animals were friendly.
There is a small fee to enter the Nairobi national park, but it’s not that expensive to be there. You will have no more than twenty minutes of waiting in line to check your IDs, and then you are ready to proceed to the Park.
Location: Just outside Nairobi, Kenya
Highlights: Close proximity to the city, black rhinos, lions, giraffes
Best Time to Visit: July to October and January to February
Activities: Game drives, picnic spots, walking trails
Tips: Ideal for a day trip from Nairobi. Arrive early to maximize wildlife viewing.
6. Zambezi River Safari, Zambia
One of the most famous rivers in Africa is the Zambezi one that flows through many countries until it finds its way to the Indian Ocean. The current national park in Zambia is easy to find as it is in close proximity to the international airport.
You will have to get there on foot and follow your guide to see all the lions and tigers or pumas you can find there. There is also the chance to stay inside the park for several days in lodges that they have created for tourists. It’s one of the best experiences you can have in that African country.
Location: Zambezi River, Zambia
Highlights: Hippos, crocodiles, birdlife, Victoria Falls nearby
Best Time to Visit: June to September
Activities: Boat safaris, fishing, canoeing
Tips: Wear light, breathable clothing. Stay hydrated and protect against mosquitoes.
7. Kanha National Park in India
Kanha National Park is located in Madhya Pradesh county, and it’s one of the few parks where you can see tigers in great populations. It has two distinct areas, Hallon and Banjar, and you can visit it either on foot or by car. It’s a lot better to visit the Kanha national park using one of the certified guides that are anywhere in India. Just ensure you negotiate the right price and take this guide close to you to become one of the prime visitors to this beautiful area.
There is great scenery in the Kanha national park, where you can view everything that matters. Except for the tigers, you can see other animals like lions and monkeys or gorillas that reside there. It’s one of the best national parks in India, and there is not such a big fee to pay when you visit as a tourist. Some hotels offer the Kanha safari as an attraction to their customers who come and live in New Delhi.
Location: Madhya Pradesh, India
Highlights: Bengal tigers, barasingha deer, dense forests
Best Time to Visit: October to June
Activities: Jeep safaris, bird watching, nature walks
Tips: Book safaris in advance. Early morning and late afternoon are best for wildlife sightings.
8. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
You may expect more from your Africa tour only when you include Tanzania in your destination. That tour is always great when you have a company that knows how to distinguish and admire the wildlife. People from all parts of the world come to Tanzania to admire the ancient forests and the sources of the great rivers that go through Africa.
The Serengeti park goes from Tanzania to Kenya and has the largest population of lions and tigers to admire. You can also see many elephants and hyenas that remain some of the best cats you can see in the world. It is also one of the biggest national parks in the world, where you cannot stay there the night. You should have made some arrangements to stay close to the Park and get back in the morning to ensure you are close enough at the right time to track the lifestyle of the animals.
Another famous national park that is ideal for safari is Serengeti Park in Tanzania. Within the park, you may find the best possible moving around that will give you the chance to admire all the wild animals without any physical injury. The Serengeti park is home to an ancient tribe that lives there in peace with the surrounding environment. People in this park like to go take pictures with the wildlife and are very keen on the cleanliness, and of course, they never feed the wild animals. It’s one of the most extraordinary national parks for a safari in Africa.
Location: Northern Tanzania
Highlights: The Great Migration, vast savannahs, diverse wildlife
Best Time to Visit: June to October
Activities: Game drives, balloon safaris, cultural tours
Tips: Pack warm clothing for early morning drives. Use a reputable tour operator for guided safaris.
9. Patagonia Safari Park, Chile
Chile is the final frontier for Antarctica and the place where you can see the most impressive wildlife of all time. The Patagonia Safari park is home to some of the most endangered species in the world, like the white tiger and the lions.
It’s the only place where you can see lions in South America and especially on the southern tip of the Andes. The place is cold enough for you to be there, and you can easily get close to the wildlife taking all the safety precautions before doing so. When you are in Chile, you better get there.
Location: Southern Chile
Highlights: Pumas, Andean condors, dramatic landscapes
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Activities: Wildlife trekking, photography tours, hiking
Tips: Dress in layers due to varying weather. Bring a high-quality camera for capturing stunning vistas.
10. Yosemite National Park, United States
Californians know better than their national park in Yosemite valley is among the best safaris in the world. That is because you can see ancient trees that only exist there in America and the wildlife that they preserve under strict federal laws.
There you will find the coyotes and the wild jackals alongside the bald American Eagles that is the trademark of America. You need to pay a fee to enter Yosemite National Park, and there is no chance you can reside there through the night. However, Yosemite is great for daily safaris and coming back to busy Los Angeles at night.
Location: California, USA
Highlights: Black bears, diverse wildlife, iconic landmarks like El Capitan and Half Dome
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Activities: Wildlife viewing, hiking, rock climbing
Tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds. Follow park guidelines to ensure safety, especially regarding bear encounters.
11. Yellowstone National Park, United States
If you want to travel far enough in America, then you better go to Idaho and find the Yellowstone National Park. It has almost the size of Greece, and it’s one of the most emblematic safaris you will ever have in your lifetime.
There you can find tons of wildlife that is protected under federal law. There you can find wolves, wolverines, bears, and bison. It’s one of the best national parks in the world, and you can drive through it on special vehicles that are approved for such use.
Location: Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, USA
Highlights: Bison, grizzly bears, geothermal features like Old Faithful
Best Time to Visit: April to May and September to October
Activities: Wildlife watching, hiking, geyser tours
Tips: Stay on designated trails. Be prepared for sudden weather changes.
12. Chobe National Park in Botswana
Botswana is the motherland for elephants. If you are an elephant lover, then you better make the commitment and come to Botswana. Especially the Chobe National Park is the place to go and find a gigantic population of 160,000 elephants being there in a natural stage.
There are also many buffalos, lions, and tigers there to attract your attention. The price for the guided tours is a lot more affordable and gives you the incentive to visit the park multiple times during your stay in Botswana.
Safaris are the best thing to do when you are in a country like India where the natural wildlife is everywhere. However, you need to respect such a life and ensure that you take protective measures for yourself. Otherwise, safaris could be deadly for any person who wants to be a hero and doesn’t take into account the reaction of animals that are free in their natural environment.
Location: Northern Botswana
Highlights: Elephants, lions, Chobe River cruises
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Activities: Boat safaris, game drives, bird watching
Tips: Book river cruises for a unique perspective on wildlife. Carry binoculars for bird watching.
13. Great Barrier Reef National Park, Australia
People who love snorkeling would definitely like a Safari in northern Australia. There in close proximity to the shore, you can find a shallow land of reefs that are alive and home to more than 5,000 endangered sea species. That way, you can start scuba diving there and see the Ocean waves over the great barrier reef, which is the longest reef existing in the world and is still preserved.
The safari there requires you to know how to stay underwater in safety and will give you access to wildlife that you have never seen again, like fish and sharks that are there to spook your dreams!
Location: Queensland, Australia
Highlights: Marine wildlife, coral reefs, underwater biodiversity
Best Time to Visit: June to October
Activities: Snorkeling, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat tours
Tips: Use reef-safe sunscreen. Take guided tours for the best experience.
14. Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
Finally, if you are a volcano lover, you would like to come to Hawaii and go to the relevant national park. Hawaii islands are made from volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. That’s how you can go on and explore the wildlife in the volcanic national park, where you can find coyotes and other nocturne animals.
It’s the place to admire the active volcanoes and the trees that remained there from the previous forest and have adapted to the environment. It’s worth getting there if you make the trip to Hawaii and want to see scorched earth like never seen before.
Location: Big Island, Hawaii, USA
Highlights: Hawaiian hawks, unique flora and fauna, active volcanoes
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but avoid rainy seasons
Activities: Hiking, bird watching, lava viewing
Tips: Wear sturdy hiking boots. Stay updated on volcanic activity and follow safety guidelines.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the famous 1000-year-old Shiva temple in Kanyakumari?
The famous 1000-year-old Shiva temple in Kanyakumari is the Thirunanthikarai Cave Temple.
2. What are the 12 Sivalayam temples in Kanyakumari?
The 12 Sivalayam temples in Kanyakumari are a group of ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, scattered across the district.
3. What is the Adikesava Perumal Temple in Kanyakumari known for?
The Adikesava Perumal Temple is known for its beautiful architecture and ancient history. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and located in Kanyakumari.
4. Which is the most famous Shiva temple in Kanyakumari?
The most famous Shiva temple in Kanyakumari is the Thiruchendur Murugan Temple.
5. Can you name a famous temple near Nagercoil?
A famous temple near Nagercoil is the Nagaraja Temple, dedicated to the serpent deity Nagaraja.
6. What is the main temple in Kanyakumari?
The main temple in Kanyakumari is the Kanyakumari Devi Temple, dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanya Kumari.
7. What are the darshan timings of the Kanyakumari temple?
The Kanyakumari Devi Temple is open for darshan from 4:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
8. Which temple in Kanyakumari is dedicated to Lord Vishnu?
The Adikesava Perumal Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
9. What is the history of the Kanyakumari temple?
The Kanyakumari temple has a rich history, dating back to ancient times. It is associated with the legend of the goddess Kanya Kumari, who is believed to have performed penance here to marry Lord Shiva.
10. Which famous temple can be visited near Kanyakumari beach?
The Kanyakumari Devi Temple is located near the beach and is a major attraction for visitors.
