When we talk about the world’s greatest safari destinations, we tend to think of Africa by default. Home to the mighty Serengeti, Africa has dominated the market for decades, luring wildlife enthusiasts from across the globe with the promise of seeing “the Big Five.” It’s true that there are spectacular flora and fauna to be seen there, as the list below attests. Fortunately, with 6,000 national parks around the world today boasting tens of thousands of bird and mammal species, safari excursions are no longer restricted to Africa.
From Polar bears in the Arctic to the clouded leopards of Borneo, we explore six unique safari destinations and the unforgettable sights they have to offer.
1. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Only a thousand mountain gorillas are left in the tropical rainforest in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda. This means that observing silverbacks and their families in their natural habitat ranks highly on the bucket list of many nature enthusiasts. On arrival at Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, visitors are divided into small groups, each of which are allocated experienced guides and assigned their own gorilla family to track.
Just 96 permits are allocated daily at a cost of $1,500 each, making it essential to book in advance. The local community, which has adapted considerably to accommodate mainstream tourism, receives 10 percent of permit revenue. A large percentage of the remainder funds anti-poaching efforts and forest conservation.
2. Kaktovik, Alaska, United States
A remote village bordering the Beaufort Sea, Kaktovik is so isolated it is not connected to the Alaskan road system. Located on the northern shore of Barter Island, it is accessed by ferry, with a permanent population of approximately 300 people living within a single square mile. Here, winters are harsh, and summers short and cold. In spite of its forbidding climate, Kaktovik is a nature lover’s paradise, located deep in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. It is one of the top locations in the United States to observe polar bears, with young males and females with cubs gathering in late fall, awaiting the sea ice’s return.
Between mid-August and early October each year, around 2,000 visitors arrive to watch polar bears via boat in small groups. Observing by boat minimizes human impact on the bears, enabling visitors to watch these majestic creatures while maintaining a safe distance. There are few other animals, but a bear spotting is spectacular enough to be worth going there all on its own.
3. Ranthambore National Park, India
Ranthambore National Park is one of few places on Earth where tigers can still be observed in the wild. The park is home to “the Queen of Ranthambore,” a female tiger who has been proclaimed the most photographed tiger in the world. Indeed, in recognition of her vast contribution to economic and ecological causes, the Indian Government distributed a commemorative stamp in her honor.
In addition to its tigers, Ranthambore is also famous for its ancient fort, which spreads across the park, and its ornate Ganesha temple. The park is also an excellent location to spot sloth bears, panthers, crocodiles, and many other incredible species.
4. Shark Reef Marine Reserve, Fiji
One of few marine sanctuaries where humans can meet wild bull sharks head-on, Shark Reef Marine Reserve in Fiji has been a source of data for biologists since 2004. Here, experts work alongside the local community to defend the region’s no-fishing area, preserving its spectacular reef system for generations to come.
As a result of conservation efforts, today visitors can observe 400-plus tropical fish species at Shark Reef Marine Reserve, as well as eight species of shark. Bega Adventure Divers offers the opportunity for experienced scuba divers to observe these spectacular creatures feeding at depths of 25 meters through organized dives.
5. Danum Valley, Borneo
Deep in the depths of the Borneo rainforest lies one of the world’s most spectacular safari destinations. The Danum Valley is one of a handful of surviving untouched jungle habitats in Borneo, supporting a wide range of fascinating endangered species. Here, visitors can stay at the sumptuous Borneo Rainforest Lodge, enjoying escorted night drives and daytime hikes.
The canopy walk provides a unique perspective, and it is one of the finest locations on the planet to observe orangutans in the wild. There are also numerous other reclusive animals, including macaques, giant red flying squirrels, monitor lizards, flying frogs, and the elusive clouded leopard.
6. Etosha National Park, Namibia
For ardent wildlife enthusiasts, nothing beats the thrill of observing the Big Five—elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino—in their natural habitat. Etosha National Park in Namibia is one of few locations on Earth where visitors can see four out of five, and visitors seeking the full set can easily observe Cape buffalo at the nearby Waterberg Plateau.
Etosha’s landscape is far removed from any other national park in Africa, comprising sand dunes as well as the vast Etosha Pan, Africa’s largest salt pan. Namibia boasts the largest population of wild cheetah in the world, so the species is frequently spotted. There are also abundant bird species, including the world’s heaviest flying bird, the kori bustard, as well as vultures, flamingos, the bare-cheeked babbler, and the ostrich.