Khaki-clad, binocular wielding safari-goers are perhaps some of the smuggest travellers out there, returning home with tales of spotting the Big Five and never-ending photo slideshows to prove it. Seeing the wilds animals in their natural habitat, are some overwhelming sights indeed will leave you with goose bumps. Here is a list of our favourite Safaris in the world.
Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve Oman
Oman’s natural reserves and wildlife sanctuaries protect important coastal and desert habitats totalling almost 30,000kms. The sheer diversity of Oman’s landscapes will astonish and inspire you. If you time your visit carefully, you can witness an enchanting sight: from June to September, the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is one of the best places in the world to see green turtles nesting, hatching, and escaping to the sea. Oman’s coastal waters are haven for dolphins, whales, and birds. Close to the coast, coral gardens teem with colourful fishes; protected coves act as crucial breeding grounds for endangered marine turtles; mountains and deserts are home to rare land mammals including wild goats, sand cats, Nubian ibex, and Arabian Oryx.
Kanha, Madhya Pradesh, India
Kanha National Park is nestled in the Maikal range of Satpuras in Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India that forms the central Indian highlands.The national park is being popularized as the Tiger reserve and interestingly is being declared as one of the finest wildlife areas in the world. A heightened attraction within the Park is Bamni Dadar, popularly known as Sunset Point that offers the most awe-inspiring backdrop of the sunset against grazing Sambhars and Gaurs, magnifying the natural splendor of the area. Aside from its diverse wildlife and bird population, the frequent sightings of Tigers roaming in the wild at Kanha Wildlife Sanctuary remain the most popular draw.
Al Ain Zoo in Abu Dhabi
Home to the 4,000 animals, Al Ain Zoo, is said to have at least 30% of its 180 species considered endangered. Designed in the style of a local farm, the ‘Elezba’ petting zoo lets families feed and play with sheep, goats, camels, llamas, chicken, and ducks enjoy camel riding or picnic in a designated area. Giraffe feeding, camel riding, and ‘Elezba’ petting zoo are the latest interactive activities. Visitors can enjoy feeding the giraffe treats such as carrots or lettuce five times daily in a special area.
Ongava Park, Namibia
The Ongava Game Reserve is an exclusive 68,000-acre private game reserve situated along the southern boundary of Etosha National Park, Namibia’s premier wildlife reserve. Etosha offers good comprehensive game-viewing, as well as expansive views across the vast salt pans which dominate the centre of the Park. Ongava is one of the few reserves in southern Africa where you will have the chance to see both Black and White Rhino as well as the opportunity to track White Rhino on foot with an experienced guide. The reserve also offers bird watching, 4×4 guided game drives and guided game walks. With plenty of waterholes on site, the wildlife activity is endless, so be sure to have your camera equipment on standby!
Maasai Mara, Kenya
Masai Mara National Reserve also known as Masai Mara is situated within the Great Rift Valley in the southern part of Kenya. Maasai Mara derives its name from the indigenous people of Kenya – the Maasai tribe – and the Mara River that cuts through the park. The Masai Mara provides the best view of the famous wildebeest migration, with predators in hot pursuit. It’s one of the most awesome sights in nature, and you can see it at Masai Mara in south-western Kenya. The Mara is also home to the richest concentration of wildlife, including the “Big Five” (elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo), zebras, antelope, gnus, Oribis, hyenas, giraffes, warthogs, gazelles, hartebeests, hippos, crocodiles, and others. The park has the largest concentration of African lions, including the black-maned lion.
