More than 30 million people a year visit Africa, with many of these visiting for tourist reasons. It’s fair to suggest that the safari industry is spearheading tourism in Africa, and brings billions of dollars into the continents coffers every year. But it’s not just Africa where you can find safari adventures – they are available all over the world.
Though I have been lucky enough to enjoy a variety of exciting and fulfilling holidays over the years, such as skiing with the family, going on safari is still something on my bucket list. I guess I just want to get the right experience!
So, I have decided to do some research and look at the different safari experiences that can be had. I feel like, if you’re going to do something like this, it’s good to get a more unique adventure out of it, and this requires a little planning. This is why I have come up with these 5 unique safari experiences, for your consideration (and mine!).
- Borneo
Borneo is an absolute safari gem and a place with plenty of diverse safari experiences to be had. Don’t make the mistake of thinking Africa is the be all and end all for safaris. Borneo has wonderful thick jungles, raging rivers, and dense valleys. Places like the Danum Valley and Bako National Park offer a unique and fascinating glimpse into the paradise lying just beneath the surface of this Asian island.
- Tanzania
The heart of the African safari wonderland, Tanzania offers one of the best and most unique adventures in the world. There are so many wonderfully diverse African safari trips to choose from, and Tanzania offers you exactly what you need. Whether it’s the Great Migration of the Serengeti or the chimpanzees of Western Tanzania, it’s clear this is a must-have safari experience. I would suggest checking out the luxurious and game-changing Greystoke Mahale, for one of the best and most unforgettable experiences while you’re here.
- India
India is a magical place, and allows for a delightful safari adventure, in amongst all the other stuff too. There is plenty to see and experience here, and India has some truly wonderful safaris. I would pay close attention to the highly-recommended Hemis National Park, on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, as well as Ranthambore National Park, for a more intimate experience (only 15 jeeps per day permitted). India is fast becoming one of the most popular safari destinations, and could definitely surpass some African countries.
- Sri Lanka
Okay, so Sri Lanka is small compared with some of the other names on this list, but I wouldn’t write it off just yet. This is an island teeming with life and the opportunity for adventure. Yala National Park and the Natural Wonders tour provide opportunities for a unique safari experience in a place so few people have discovered these days. Sri Lanka has plenty to offer and could be a good choice for a gateway safari, before taking on India and some of the African nations.
- Kenya
We’ve all heard of the Masai Mara, right? So, what makes this unique enough to make the list? Well, it has one of the best hot air balloon safaris in the world, and that is not something you’re likely to forget in a hurry! Imagine floating high across the sprawling, open savannahs of the Masai Mara, getting a balloon’s eye view of some of the most stunning creatures ever to walk the Earth. This is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one you need to make the most of right now.
I don’t know about you guys, but I am greatly looking forward to sampling some of these unique and original safari adventures as soon as possible. If you think there are any that I have missed off the list, please let me know in the comments below.
I have never been on a safari before and these pictures look incredible! I think I would move love to go to Sri Lanka
I have wanted to do an African Safari for a long time as I love the idea of seeing animals in their natural habitat so I’d love to do one of the African ones here x
We did a safari in S. Africa for our honeymoon, most amazing experience ever!! I so want to do one again, I’m thinking Sri Lanka 🙂
I would absolutely LOVE to go on a safari one day, but there are so many to choose from. I think safety and ethical concerns would really factor into my choice.
I’d love to go on a Safari some day, it would be magical.
Katie xoxo
I have always wanted to go on a safari – especially to Kenya. What an experience. Kaz
Safari has never been one of those things that have appealed to mey, these do look amazing though x
A big yes to all of these! I love to see animals in their natural habitat xx