12 Adventure-Filled Safaris Beyond Africa

When anything to do with adventure-filled safaris comes up, chances are high that every avid explorer would be thinking in the direction of Kruger National Park in South Africa, Okavango Delta in Botswana, Maasai Mara in Kenya or Serengeti in Tanzania. You, however, do not have to fly to Africa to enjoy the excitement of going on a wildlife safari.

These out-of-Africa excursions promise equally adventurous safaris, with chances to spot a vast array of wildlife inhabiting different ecosystems. In fact, depending on the destination you choose, you can spot some mighty cats like tigers, jaguars, and pumas, which cannot be spotted in Africa.

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Yala National Park is the most popular safari destination in Sri Lanka. Located in Southeast Sri Lanka, this 979 square kilometers (378 sq mi) park is covered in forests, grasslands, and lagoons and borders the Indian Ocean. 

Yala National Park is home to many wild animals, including leopards, elephants, sloth bears, deer, antelope, and a rich birdlife. It is also home to some endangered species, such as the black-necked stork and Sri Lanka junglefowl.

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This park is known for its high population of leopards, making it a great destination for spotting these cats, which are the most elusive of the Big 5. 5The stunning coastline also allows you to enjoy ocean views during your safari.

Read also: Surreal Landscapes on Earth

Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia

The Cardamom Mountains are a perfect destination for adventurers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in a remote and pristine region. Due to their remote location, the Cardamom Mountains are known for their many rare and endangered species. 

Take wildlife excursions to spot Asian elephants, clouded leopards, gibbons, macaques, langurs, and birdlife such as Cambodian tailorbirds and giant ibis.

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Besides the rich wildlife, a safari to the Cardamom Mountains is a chance to enjoy views of lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, pristine rivers, and rugged terrain. You can spot wildlife in their natural habitat while immersing yourself in tranquil and undestroyed landscapes.

Read also: Amazing Adventure Destinations

Jim Corbett National Park, India

Jim Corbett National Park was named after the British hunter-turned-conservationist famous for tracking down and killing leopards and tigers. The park is located in the state of Uttarakhand in northern India and is one of the country’s oldest and most popular destinations for wildlife excursions. 

It is one of the best places to spot the elusive Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, leopards, deer, antelope, eagles, vultures, and numerous species of water birds.

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This park also boasts dense forests, grasslands, the Ramganga River, and its tributaries, all adding to its scenic beauty. 

The park is known for its efforts in saving endangered Bengal tigers and different crocodile species, including freshwater, saltwater, and gharial crocodiles. If you want to get involved in conservation, Jim Corbett National Park would be a great place.

Read also: Incredible National Parks Around the World

Bundala National Park, Sri Lanka

Bundala National Park is designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a Ramsar Wetland of National Importance. Wildlife excursions in Bundala National Park involve jeep safaris led by park drivers and experienced naturalists through wetlands, scrublands, and coastal dunes.

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If you are a birdwatcher, you will love Bundala National Park, known for its vast birdlife. Some species you will likely spot include Greater Flamingos, spoonbills, pelicans, herons, and egrets. The park is also home to various reptiles, including monitor lizards, snakes, and crocodiles. You could also spot wild buffalos, monkeys, deer, civet cats, and giant squirrels.

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Komodo National Park, Indonesia

As its name suggests, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the best places to see Komodo dragons. 

Exploring Komodo National Park typically involves guided boat tours and trekking excursions conducted by experienced park rangers and guides. The excursion takes tourists to the park’s various islands, beaches, and hiking trails to observe wildlife and enjoy the area’s natural beauty. Besides komodo dragons, tourists can spot colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, manta rays, and sharks.

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Apart from the wildlife, explorers can spend their time at Komodo National Park admiring the pristine beaches, volcanic hills, rugged coastlines, and lush forests. It is also an excellent destination for snorkeling, diving, and hiking.

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Kanha National Park, India

Remember how breathtaking the Jungle Book’s scenery was? Well, Kanha National Park is widely considered to be the inspiration behind the book and the movie. Why not make the fantasy a reality by visiting the park?

Located in Madhya Pradesh state in central India, Kanha National Park is renowned as one of India’s top wildlife sanctuaries.

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Take a safari to Kanha National Park to spot Bengal tigers, panthers, chital, sambar, jackals, sloth bears, wild dogs, swamp deer, leopards, songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors. 

The park is also known for its vast reptile population, which includes pythons, Indian Cobras, Russell’s Vipers, Indian Kraits, and Indian Monitors.

Read also: Hidden Gems Across the World

Gir National Park, India

Gir Forest is the only place in the world where you can see the severely endangered Asiatic lions in their natural habitat, the only place out of Africa where lions can be found in their natural habitat, and the only place where lions and tigers coexist. Aren’t these good enough reasons to book that trip to this Gujarat-based park?

While the lions are definitely the stars of the show, a safari through this park is a chance to spot leopards, Sambar deer, Nilgai, Chital (spotted deer), striped hyenas, Bengal foxes, and jungle cats.

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While visiting, take the park’s land landscapes, including rugged hills and dense foliage, which are the perfect backdrop for wildlife viewing and photography.

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Canaima National Park in Venezuela

Canaima National Park in southeastern Venezuela is home to Angel Falls, the world’s tallest uninterrupted waterfall. This UNESCO World Heritage site also offers other scenery, such as table mountain formations, smaller waterfalls, cliffs, and expansive savannahs, all of which would be a dream to outdoor enthusiasts.

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Besides exploring the park’s diverse landscapes, visit Canaima National Park to see its numerous bird species, such as macaws, hummingbirds, parrots, and toucans. You could also spot mammals such as jaguars, pumas, different monkey species, capybaras, and anteaters.

Read also: Breathtaking Waterfalls

Ranthambore National Park, India

A perfect blend of history and stunning natural scenery? Bring it on! Ranthambore National Park is known for its iconic Ranthambore Fort, which dates back to the 10th century. The park also served as a preferred hunting ground for Jaipur’s Maharajahs until India’s independence. 

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Other than its historical significance, Ranthambore is a great place to spot tigers, jackals, leopards, sloth bears, and different species of deer. 

While visiting, go up the fort for unbeatable panoramic park views.

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Denali National Park, Alaska, USA

Denali National Park is renowned for its stunning wilderness, majestic landscapes, and abundant wildlife. To explore Denali National Park, you can take guided bus tours, hiking trips, or backcountry camping, which are typically conducted by park rangers. 

Denali National Park is one of the best places in the world to see grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Other animals you can spot in the park include moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, and many bird species.

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Visiting this park is also an opportunity to have up-close views of towering peaks, including Denali, the highest peak in North America.

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Amazon River Safari, Brazil

The Amazon Rainforest spreads across nine countries, nearly 60%  of it in Brazil. An Amazon River safari in Brazil is an excellent opportunity to explore one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems.

These safaris typically involve guided boat tours on the Amazon River and its tributaries. While this rainforest is home to an astonishing variety of wildlife, some of those tourists are likely to spot include jaguars, anacondas, giant river otters, red howler monkeys, toucans, macaws, and sloths.

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The Amazon rainforest is the largest in the world, and visiting it is an excellent opportunity to explore its impactful role in regulating the Earth’s climate and biodiversity. It may also be a great chance to examine the rich cultural traditions of the indigenous communities that inhabit the forest.

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Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica

Tortuguero National Park is located on Costa Rica’s northeastern Caribbean coast. Wildlife excursions in Tortuguero National Park involve guided boat tours along its extensive network of canals, rivers, and lagoons. This park is one of the most important nesting sites of the endangered green sea turtle. These guided tours are an excellent opportunity to witness nesting and hatching events, typically between July and October.

Tourists could also spot over 300 bird species and mammals in the park, such as spider monkeys, jaguars, and sloths.

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Keep a keen eye on the park’s diverse ecosystems, including lowland rainforests, mangrove swamps, coastal beaches, and freshwater wetlands, which complement the park’s scenery.

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