Waking up before dawn and setting off at sunrise on a land cruiser to see lions, elephants, and even leopards is an exciting and iconic travel experience. But it is a misconception that all hunting takes place on the African savanna-or even in Africa.
“People are often surprised when I recommend wildlife safariing experiences in Southeast Asia,” says leading travel consultant Jack Tiedeman. “But one of my favorite lesser-known places to see wildlife is an eco-campsite in Cambodia’s Cardamom rainforest.”
There are unique safaris around the world, from tracking wild chimpanzees in Tanzania to exploring the Pantanal wetlands of Bolivia and Paraguay. Travel + Leisure’s top travel consultants share their favorite places and experiences.
The Yala National Reserve in Sri Lanka
“I’ve sent a lot of tourists here, and they all loved the experience. While you won’t see all of the Big Five, you can spot elephants and leopards and stay at boutique luxury hotels such as Uga Chena Huts and Wild Coast Tent Lodge. Private game drive available… You can also ride in a hot air balloon. February to June is the best time to visit.” — Kemi Wells, Wells Luxury Travel
Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservation Society in Kenya
“This substantial private estate is home to most of the remaining rhinos. It includes an extensive conservation program that provides guests with plenty of hands-on experience. This reserve is the best lesser-known destination in Africa, with an excellent helicopter experience, whimsical decor, and an exciting history.
The Pantanal wetlands of Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay
The Pantanal is the world’s largest wetland and South America’s premier wildlife habitat. Yet, few people have ever heard of it, let alone visited it. The area is incredibly diverse, with nearly 700 species of birds, such as hyacinth macaws and Jabiru storks, and more than 200 mammals, including rare large animals such as giant anteaters, tapirs, and jaguars. Although the accommodation in the Pantanal doesn’t match some African safari lodges, there are many charming family-run hostels and lodges with dedicated and talented nature guides.”
Mahal National Park in western Tanzania
“A visit to this national park and its legendary camp, Greystoke Mahal, fits the bill. Located in one of the most inhospitable regions of Africa, Mahal is one of the few places on Earth where wild chimpanzees can be tracked. The adventure begins with a flight to the sun-bleached airstrip on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, where guests are greeted, then a wooden show ride to Greystoke, where elegant hippo “escorts” beneath the gin-clear waters. Turning a corner and catching a glimpse of white sand beaches and thatched huts rising from the jungle, you know you’ve arrived at a special place. The chimpanzees at Mahal were part of a scientific study that lasted more than 50 years, and following and observing their experiences here was a cornerstone of the visit. Primates aside, Lake Tanganyika is the world’s second oldest and second deepest freshwater lake, offering extraordinary snorkeling, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and some of the most spectacular scenery imaginable.”
Guadiana Valley Natural Park, Portugal
Close to the Portuguese-Spanish border and the eastern region of the Algarve, this park is home to the Bustard. This bird rarely flies (it prefers to run when in danger). Anyone lucky enough to see one – the numbers are small, only 1,150 were counted in 2002 – will be in the company of Portugal’s fattest bird. Females can have wingspans up to 7 feet long, and males have more enormous wingspans. For nearby accommodation, head a bit further south to Fazenda Nova Country House in the coastal town of Tavira for a beautiful weekend with perfect wine and Algarvia fish.”
The Cardamom Rainforest in Cambodia
“One of my favorite hidden wildlife parks is the Sails and Orchids Resort, an eco-luxury campsite with only 13 luxury tents. Some tents sit on floating platforms on the Tatai River, and private sundecks face the Peam Krasaop Wildlife Reserve on the opposite bank. You can swim, take a boat trip to a waterfall, go on a guided jungle hike and nature walk, and visit a fishing village to learn about local life. In addition to hundreds of bird species, the area is home to wild monkeys, cats, crocodiles, and even wild Asian elephants.”
Conservation project in Samburu National Reserve, Kenya
“I would recommend spending a day with conservationists working on save the elephants or Ewaso Lion conservation projects in Samburu National Reserve.”
Iberá Provincial Reserve in Argentina
“I arrange for visitors to participate in a rewilding experience in the Iberian wetlands, where projects include releasing jaguars and reintroducing anteaters and red macaws. (You can also swim to secluded islands with horses.) Patagonia also has many lesser-known safari experiences, from snorkeling with sea lions in the Punta Loma Wildlife Reserve on the Valdes Peninsula to vulture viewing in the Andes, where you can watch them glide and learn about their habitat and life from world expert Lorenzo Simpson.”
