When we think about going on safari, the first continent to pop into our collective heads is Africa. It's the home of the Big Five, and famous for its incredible savannahs. But it’s not just the national parks of Africa where you’ll find amazing animals stalking the countryside. Oh no; you’ll find them in places all over the world. Sri Lanka has its elephants. Borneo has its monkeys. Brazil has its jaguars.
It begs the question: if you did want to go on safari outside of Africa, where would you go?
On the African savannah, the “big five” are lions, rhinos, elephants, buffalo, and leopards. But Africa isn’t the only place that boasts such a wide range of interesting species. Perhaps the best place outside of Africa to go on safari is the island nation of Sri Lanka. This island, just south of India, is home to some of the world’s most unusual species. Operators, like Serendivus Travel & Tours, take guests on safaris of the island’s very own big five. Here, you’ll see blue whales, sperm whales, elephants, leopards and sloth bears.
The country has some of the best national parks in the world. One of the biggest is Yala National Park. Species here are rigorously protected, and it is claimed that Yala has the highest concentration of elephants in the world.
Brazil
Brazil is an amazing country from the perspective of wildlife. Here you’ll find some of the world most exotic creatures, including tapirs and giant anteaters.
It’s worth noting that Brazil isn’t just a giant rainforest. There are varied habitats here, including the Pantanal region. Pantanal is the world’s largest wetland. And, as far as Brazil goes, it’s about the closest that you can get to the savannahs of Africa. Here you’ll find many of the world’s best known and interesting species. There are macaws, pumas, giant otters and jaguars. If you’re a bird spotter, there is an abundance of bird species to enjoy. The wetlands are seasonal, and the best time to visit is during the dry season, running from July to October.
USA
Safari in the USA? You’d better believe it. The US is a much wilder land than most imagine. What’s so good about the US isn’t necessarily the range of wildlife, it’s the accessibility and preservation. The Yellowstone National Park is America’s most famous. Here, you’ll find elk, bison, deer and other temperate megafauna. You can also pay a visit to the Denali National Park in Alaska. Here, if you’re lucky, you’ll bump into grizzlies. There’s also the Rocky Mountain National Park, home to a significant chunk of the US alligator population.
Nepal
Most people think of Nepal as being a country high up in the Himalayas. But the jungle of Nepal called Terai plays host to all sorts of tropical animals. You can traverse the region on the back of an elephant if you want. And you’ll be able to spot all kinds of animals, like boar, bison and sloths. Make sure to visit while it is dry, from September to December.
