Consider a Safari for Your Next Holiday
Going on safari is something that tops many peoples’ bucket lists and for good reason. A safari is a nature lover’s dream because it allows you to experience the natural world in a completely different way, allowing you to engage with the landscape and all the creatures that live there safely and without causing the animals any harm. The safari industry is becoming an increasingly important part of the ecotourism industry because people are looking for ways to experience the natural world without causing pollution, ecosystem degradation and other negative impacts.
When you think of a safari the chances are you first think of riding in a Jeep or Land Rover, your eyes cast over the horizon as the setting sun illuminates a herd of wildebeest against the amber sky. While you certainly can see things like this on safari, it is far from the only experience you can have, and not all safaris take place on the African plains. With all that being said, let’s take a look at some of the best destinations in the world for a safari holiday. Some might surprise you!
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Northern Botswana is home to one of the largest inland river deltas in the world and where there is abundant water there is also abundant life. The grassy plains surrounding the delta offer excellent opportunities to see wildlife as it should be seen; wild, unapologetic, and undisturbed by humans.
On the dry plains you will hear the unmistakable yipping of hyenas, the roar of lions, and you will get to experience leopards, giraffes and rhinos as nature intended. The delta itself has a different dynamic and here you will be treated to elephants, hippos, crocodiles and herds coming in to wallow and drink.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park is one of the biggest game reserves on the African continent and it is extremely popular among tourists. One reason for the park’s enduring appeal is the fact that it is home to the ‘big five’ as well as being home to thousands of other species from exotic birds to fascinating insects and reptiles. If you want to cross the big five off your list then Kruger National Park is probably going to be your best shot so make use of the car parking at Glasgow Airport and don’t forget to pack your camera.
Serengeti, Tanzania
Possibly the world’s favourite safari destination, Tanzania has it all. Prides of lions patrol the landscape as flocks of exotic birds wheel and weave above. This is a fantastic place to experience some of the world’s most dramatic and beautiful natural sights including the always inspiring migration of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebras. If you can only choose one destination for a safari holiday then Tanzania will guarantee you have the trip of a lifetime with a truly unforgettable experience.
Yala Park, Sri Lanka
For something a little different, you could look into taking a safari holiday in Asia rather than Africa. Sri Lanka is located in the Indian Ocean and the species of animals that call it home are quite different from anything you’ll see on an African safari. For example, the elephants in Sri Lanka are Asian elephants rather than the larger African elephants and their behaviours are very different due to where they live. Other unique animals you can enjoy in Yala Park include leopards, sloth bears, slender loris, and countless jewel coloured bird species.
The Arctic
This one might not have crossed your mind before, but think about it. When you picture the arctic, which animals come to your mind? What does the landscape look like in your imagination? You have probably seen a lot of footage from documentaries in the Arctic and will probably have a good idea of the kinds of things you would expect to see during an Arctic safari.
The truth is, no amount of video or images can truly prepare you for the sheer scale and complexity of the Arctic landscape. Here you can experience polar bears first hand, as well as a huge range of seabirds you can’t see anywhere else on the planet, as well as whale species that pass through at various points in the year.
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