Safari destinations outside of Africa: Most often, when we think of a safari, we imagine Africa and visiting its vast plains with majestic elephants and roaring lions. However, for those who want to experience something different, there are plenty of amazing alternative safari destinations. From bird-infested forests to frozen tundra, home to elusive arctic animals and birds. Here are four exciting safari options that are out of Africa.
Four of the best safari destinations outside of Africa
- Exploring marsupials: Kangaroo Island, Australia.
Located 15 km off the south coast of Australia, Kangaroo Island is a tranquil destination teeming with natural beauty and native wildlife.
Its relative isolation has allowed the animals to thrive, and today the island has 24 amazing protected areas, 19 national parks, and reserves. On excursions, you will definitely be able to see many rare animals, but even just going on a walk deep into the island, there is a great chance to meet one of them.
Head to Seal Bay to wander among a colony of around 800 endangered Australian sea lions, or take a tour of Hunson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary to get up close and personal with some of the marsupials. Here you have the opportunity to see charming local animals such as koalas, opossums, and wallabies. Not forgetting, of course, kangaroos, which form their own sub-species and are slightly shorter and stockier than other Australian kangaroos.
- For polar expeditions: Arctic archipelago, Canada
The word “safari” tends to conjure up an image of a grassy savanna under a hot sun, but there are plenty of other fascinating places you can explore on a wildlife tour. For a new experience, you can go to the Canadian Arctic. Nunavut is the northernmost settlement on the planet and is home to many different animals that thrive in cold climates. Due to the harsh conditions and deserted terrain, the best way to explore is by joining an organized tour.
On an Arctic safari, you can spot majestic polar bears in their natural habitat, as well as stunningly beautiful Arctic foxes. You can also go sailing on a small boat and see seals, beluga whales, and narwhals.
- Wonders of the Wetlands: Pantanal, Brazil
Brazil’s remote Pantanal region is the largest inland wetland in the world, covering an astonishing 230,000 square kilometers. Wildlife combined with open landscapes makes it an ideal place to observe animals in their natural habitat.
This region is home to a huge number of birds, many of which are endangered. Including hyacinth macaws (the largest parrots in the world) and the striking black and white jabiru stork. Caimans, giant anteaters, square-nosed capybaras, tapirs, swamp deer, and river otters can also be found in this region. However, the highlight is the elusive and elegant jaguar, which comes out of hiding early in the morning and at dusk to drink and hunt.
The best time to visit the Pantanal if you want to see mammals is during the dry season from June to October, while the rainy season from December to April is best for spotting aquatic animals such as piranhas and green anacondas.
- Jungle Diversity: Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is well known for being one of the most biologically diverse places in the world, and the Corcovado National Park is one of the best places to spot nature.
Located on the Osa Peninsula on the Pacific coast, it includes a wide range of ecosystems such as rainforests, beaches, swamp forests, rivers, lagoons, swamps, and cloud forests. It is also home to more than half of all animal species living in the region. This list includes more than 350 species of birds, which include the largest population of scarlet macaws in the country, as well as more than 100 species of butterflies and about 40 species of frogs.
As for mammals, look out for the large eyes of the long-tailed cat, the slow sloth, and several species of monkeys. The park’s numerous and extensive hiking trails make it a great place for outdoor activities. It is recommended to travel with a local guide for the best (and safest) experience.
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