
When people think of safaris, Africa usually comes to mind—and for good reason. The continent’s vast savannas and legendary game parks are unmatched in scale and variety. But what if you’re looking for something different or planning a trip beyond Africa? You might be surprised to learn that some of the world’s most exciting and unique wildlife safaris exist outside of Africa, offering rare encounters with exotic species and breathtaking landscapes.
From tropical jungles to Arctic tundras, here are the top wildlife safari experiences outside of Africa that deserve a spot on your travel list.
1. Ranthambore National Park, India
Spotlight animal: Bengal tiger
Located in Rajasthan, Ranthambore is one of the best places in the world to see wild Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. The park also boasts ancient ruins, lakes, and a diverse range of wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, and crocodiles.
Why it’s unique: The chance to see majestic tigers roaming freely among 1,000-year-old fort ruins makes for a cinematic safari experience.
2. Pantanal, Brazil
Spotlight animal: Jaguar
Often overshadowed by the Amazon, the Pantanal is the world’s largest tropical wetland and one of the best places to see jaguars in the wild. This vast and open ecosystem also hosts capybaras, caimans, giant otters, and hundreds of bird species.
Why it’s unique: Wildlife sightings are easier here than in the dense rainforest, offering excellent photography opportunities.
3. Yellowstone National Park, USA
Spotlight animals: Bison, wolves, grizzly bears
America’s first national park is also a fantastic safari destination, especially for spotting large mammals in wide-open settings. Lamar Valley is known as the “Serengeti of North America” for its wildlife abundance.
Why it’s unique: See iconic North American species while surrounded by geysers, hot springs, and dramatic mountain landscapes.
4. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Spotlight animals: Giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies
The Galápagos Islands offer a marine-focused safari where the wildlife is incredibly tame due to a lack of natural predators. Visitors can snorkel with sea lions, walk among massive tortoises, and observe birds found nowhere else on Earth.
Why it’s unique: Nowhere else can you get so close to such a diverse and fearless array of endemic species.
5. Sri Lanka Wildlife Reserves
Spotlight animals: Elephants, leopards, sloth bears
Sri Lanka is home to several wildlife-rich national parks, including Yala, Udawalawe, and Wilpattu. These offer an excellent chance to see Asian elephants, leopards, and a variety of birds in lush, coastal, and forested environments.
Why it’s unique: Compact and accessible, Sri Lanka’s parks offer African-style safaris with tropical scenery.
6. Tasmania, Australia
Spotlight animals: Tasmanian devil, wombats, wallabies
Australia is well-known for its unique wildlife, and Tasmania offers a safari-style experience in a cooler, greener environment. Night safaris and guided walks reveal animals like the elusive Tasmanian devil and other nocturnal marsupials.
Why it’s unique: Wild, rugged terrain and endemic species you won’t see anywhere else in the world.
7. Arctic Safari – Svalbard, Norway
Spotlight animal: Polar bear
An Arctic safari may be chilly, but it’s undeniably thrilling. In the Svalbard archipelago, you can embark on boat expeditions to spot polar bears, walruses, reindeer, and Arctic foxes against a stark and icy backdrop.
Why it’s unique: It’s one of the few places where you can observe polar bears in the wild—on glaciers, not grasslands.
8. Borneo (Malaysia and Indonesia)
Spotlight animals: Orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys
The rainforests of Borneo offer a jungle-style safari experience filled with rare and endangered species. Take a river cruise through Kinabatangan or visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre for up-close encounters.
Why it’s unique: It’s one of the last places on Earth where you can see orangutans in the wild.
9. Canadian Rockies, Canada
Spotlight animals: Grizzly bears, moose, elk, mountain goats
Venture into Banff or Jasper National Park and you’ll find a safari experience with a dramatic alpine twist. Join guided wildlife tours or explore independently while keeping an eye out for large mammals in meadows and along hiking trails.
Why it’s unique: Incredible wildlife against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes.
10. Madagascar
Spotlight animals: Lemurs, chameleons, fossas
Though geographically close to Africa, Madagascar offers a safari experience all its own. Over 90% of its wildlife is endemic, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
Why it’s unique: Lemur watching in lush rainforests, with bizarre and beautiful creatures you won’t find anywhere else on Earth.
Final Thoughts
While Africa is the gold standard for traditional safaris, the world is full of alternative wildlife adventures that offer different species, landscapes, and experiences. From the icy Arctic to tropical jungles, these destinations prove that the thrill of the safari can be found in every corner of the globe—no matter what kind of adventure you’re seeking.