The Safari was originally a Swahili concept and most of the world's best Safaris holidays are in Africa. However there are also other countries such as India which offer safari excursions to tourists, especially if they want to see tigers. Here is a list of the top 5 worldwide Safaris taking into account the quantity of wildlife on view and the uniqueness of the experience.
1) The Kruger National Park in South Africa is home to all of the big five animals - rhinos, lions, elephants, leopards and buffaloes. But there are also around 500 bird species and 300 tree species. South Africa is one of the more stable countries on the African continent and the vast demand for tours means that you can get very reasonable prices. Kruger Park also has some of the most experienced African guides.
2) The Virunga Range in Rwanda is home to one of the largest surviving colonies of Mountain Gorillas. These magnificent beasts live in the misty forests of Rwanda and Uganda but severe poaching means there are not many of them left. Make a journey up these thick slopes for a memory that will always stay with you. These two countries are also home to chimpanzees and other impressive primates.
3) The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania hosts one of the world's 10 natural wonders. See thousands of wildebeest, antelopes and zebras during the Annual Great Migration. Most of the animals are born between December and March. Although the migration starts in April and May, heavy rains do not make this a good time to visit. By June you may be lucky enough to see their spectacular crossing of the Mara River.
Exotic safari holidays in other parts of the world
4) The Chitwan national park in Nepal may be off the beaten track but this is an excellent place to see the rare Bengal tiger. There is a diverse range of wildlife which includes clouded leopards, golden jackals, honey badgers and various jungle cats. This UNESCO World Heritage listed park is growing in popularity for both jeep and rafting safari tours.
5) The Wolong Conservation Area in Sichuan, China, is home to the incredible giant panda. Tourists can trek through bamboo forests to see these peaceful animals in their natural habitat. Pandas are a highly endangered species due to the destruction of their environment, the violence of poachers and the difficulty that they have in breeding. Given China's record on animal issues you should take a chance to see these animals while they still exist.
What to Pack on a Safari Holiday
Packing for your Safari is a surprisingly challenging task. Even if you are heading to warm climates such as Kenya or South Africa, most camps and lodges will get very cold at night which means that you need warm clothing and a sleeping bag. During the day you should treat the sun as an enemy rather than a friend by bringing a hat, long-sleeved T-shirt and plenty of sun cream.
The biggest risks on a safari holiday are not to do with the animals but rather insects and the risk of dehydration. Anti-insect cream, a water bottle and rehydration sachets are a must when packing your washbag. Also take antiseptic cream, aspirins, plasters, Imodium and laxatives as well as any of your day to day medications. Although the tap water in most African safari destinations is safe to drink there is still the risk of stomach upsets. Under no circumstances drink tap water in India. A camera and binoculars are also a must-have on Safari.
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