One of the world’s greatest holiday adventures – the safari holiday – is the ultimate wildlife experience. Whether you want to be involved in the animal action from start to finish, or you’d prefer to break up your holiday with some relaxing beach time, there are plenty of great safari breaks to choose from. Simply exchange your foreign currency, pack your safari hat and begin a holiday you’ll never forget.
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
With thousands of hippos, crocodiles, wildebeest and zebras to see, as well as a very good chance of spotting the Big 5 (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinos), it’s hardly surprising that Kenya is the most popular safari destination in Africa. A relatively small park, the Masai Mara National Reserve is home to an abundance of wildlife, which can be experienced with the guidance of the Masai tribesmen, who offer cultural tours of the reserve. Complete your holiday with a short flight to Mombasa’s beautiful beaches for some well earned relaxation.
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Considered one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world, South Luangwa National Park in Zambia has an intense concentration of game inhabiting the riverside and over 400 different species of bird occupying its skies. Take a map and explore the park in your own vehicle to pass antelope, hippos and baboons up close, or take a walking safari and stride amongst the wildlife to experience nature like never before.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
If you’ve ever dreamed of watching lions in their natural habitat, Serengeti National Park offers the opportunity to witness lions sprawling amidst the grasslands, sleeping the day away or scanning the plains for prey. A less touristy alternative to other safari destinations, the Serengeti plains provide a classic safari setting for viewing the incredible migration of millions of zebra and wildebeest. With such a vast concentration of large mammals inhabiting this space, make sure you have plenty of space on your camera to catch them all on film.
Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica
You don’t have to head to Africa to experience a safari; animal adventures are available throughout the world, showcasing some of nature’s most incredible wildlife. Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica is the perfect spot to catch a glimpse of Latin American wildlife, encompassing a network of canals and lagoons occupied by scurrying monkeys, iguanas and colourful dart frogs. Head towards the verdant Monteverde cloud forest and Arenal volcano where you might be lucky enough to spot the almighty jaguar.
Corbett Tiger Reserve, India
When it comes to Indian safaris, you may want to base your destination around what wildlife you want to see; for Asiatic lions head to Sasan-Gir Wildlife Sanctuary; for snow leopards go to Hemis National Park. But for tigers and wild elephants, venture on to Corbett Tiger Reserve. Seven hours drive from Delhi, Corbett Tiger Reserve was India’s first national park and offers a fantastic range of wildlife that can be experienced by car or even elephant.
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