Gorillas to Whales: Unforgettable Safaris Around the World
The word “safari” comes from the Swahili safiri, meaning journey, with its roots in the Arabic safar. Once tied to epic expeditions across East Africa — and later colonial hunting trips — the word today has evolved into something far more meaningful: travelling into the wild to witness nature on its own terms.
Of course, the classic safari image still holds true — jeeps rolling across the savannah, lions resting beneath acacia trees, and elephants marching through the dust. But the beauty of safari is that it goes far beyond Africa’s open plains. From trekking through Uganda’s misty forests in search of mountain gorillas, to drifting alongside whales off Sri Lanka, to exploring coral reefs beneath the ocean’s surface, a safari can take many different forms.
What unites them is the thrill of being face-to-face with the natural world in its rawest state — a humbling reminder of our place within it. This guide brings together the ultimate safari bucket list from across the globe, highlighting the adventures that deserve a place on every traveller’s radar.
Masai Mara, Kenya
Overview
If there’s one place that embodies the spirit of safari, it’s Kenya’s Masai Mara. This vast ecosystem is a continuation of Tanzania’s Serengeti, with golden savannahs rolling to the horizon and acacia trees breaking the skyline. The reserve is home to an extraordinary density of wildlife — it’s one of the best places in the world to spot big cats, from lions lounging in the shade to cheetahs sprinting after gazelle and the elusive leopard draped across a branch.
The Mara’s most famous spectacle is the Great Migration, when over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles make the perilous journey from the Serengeti into Kenya, crossing crocodile-infested rivers along the way. This natural drama, with predators waiting at every turn, is a once-in-a-lifetime event that defines the bucket-list safari experience.
But the Mara is more than its wildlife. The land is also home to the Maasai people, who have lived here for centuries. Spending time in a Maasai village — learning about their traditions, beadwork, and way of life — adds a cultural depth to your safari that makes it truly unforgettable.
Best time to visit
The Masai Mara can be visited year-round, thanks to its consistently high wildlife numbers. However, timing your trip with the Great Migration is the ultimate prize. Between July and October, the herds arrive, bringing with them thrilling predator-prey encounters and the legendary river crossings.
If you prefer fewer crowds, consider the shoulder seasons in November and February, when the plains are lush and green, birdlife is abundant, and big cats are still easy to find. The short rains may fall during these months, but they only add to the dramatic skies and vibrant landscapes.
Highlights
The Great Migration: Witnessing wildebeest hurl themselves across the Mara River as crocodiles wait below is one of the most dramatic natural spectacles on Earth.
Big Cat Encounters: The Mara is often dubbed “The Kingdom of Lions,” with large prides spread across the reserve. It’s also one of the best places in Africa to see cheetahs hunting in open terrain.
Hot Air Balloon Safari: At sunrise, float silently above the savannah as the light spills across the plains and herds move below — an unforgettable perspective.
Cultural Encounters: Visit a Maasai village to learn about traditions, stories, and rituals that have shaped life here for generations.
Photography: The Mara’s wide-open landscapes, golden sunsets, and abundance of wildlife make it one of the world’s most photogenic safari settings.
Masai Mara, Kenya.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Overview
Kruger National Park is one of the most famous and accessible safari destinations in the world. Stretching across nearly 20,000 square kilometres — roughly the size of Wales — it’s home to an astonishing diversity of wildlife. Here you’ll find the legendary Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), along with over 500 bird species, countless antelope, giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles. Unlike more remote reserves, Kruger offers a range of safari experiences, from self-drive adventures on well-maintained roads to luxury lodge stays deep in the bush.
The park’s landscapes are just as varied as its wildlife, shifting from mopane woodlands and open savannah to river valleys and rocky outcrops. This diversity ensures every game drive feels fresh, with new habitats and species around each corner. Kruger is also renowned for its commitment to conservation, with dedicated anti-poaching units working to protect endangered rhinos and maintain the park’s delicate balance.
Best time to visit
Kruger is a year-round destination, but the dry winter months (May to October) are the best for wildlife viewing. With vegetation sparse and animals gathering around waterholes, spotting game is much easier. For birdwatchers, the summer months (November to March) are spectacular, as migratory species arrive and the park bursts into lush greenery after the rains.
Highlights
The Big Five: Few places in the world offer such reliable opportunities to see all five in a single trip.
Self-Drive Safaris: Unlike many African reserves, Kruger allows self-driving, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Luxury Private Reserves: Adjacent to the park, areas like Sabi Sands offer exclusive game drives with some of the best leopard sightings in Africa.
Diverse Birdlife: With over 500 species, including colourful lilac-breasted rollers and rare ground hornbills, Kruger is a paradise for birdwatchers.
Accessibility: With well-connected airports, budget-friendly camps, and luxury lodges, Kruger caters to every style of traveller.
Kruger National Park, South Africa.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Overview
If the Masai Mara is iconic, the Serengeti is legendary. Covering nearly 30,000 square kilometres, this vast wilderness is the stage for the Great Migration, where over a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles follow the rains in one of the planet’s most dramatic wildlife spectacles. The name “Serengeti” comes from the Maasai word Siringet, meaning “endless plains” — and standing here, with the horizon stretching farther than the eye can see, you’ll understand why.
The Serengeti is not only about the migration. It’s home to Africa’s highest concentrations of large predators — lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas — as well as elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and hundreds of bird species. Its landscapes range from the iconic flat-topped acacias and grassy plains to rocky outcrops known as kopjes, where lions bask in the sun. Visiting the Serengeti feels like stepping into a wildlife documentary — except you’re living it firsthand.
Best time to visit
The Serengeti is a year-round safari destination, but timing your visit with the Great Migration makes it truly unforgettable.
December to March: Calving season in the southern plains, when thousands of wildebeest are born and predators are everywhere.
June to July: The western corridor river crossings, a thrilling and dramatic spectacle.
August to October: Northern Serengeti crossings into the Masai Mara.
Even outside migration times, the Serengeti teems with wildlife, and fewer crowds make for a more intimate safari experience.
Highlights
The Great Migration: Watching thousands of animals on the move, pursued by predators, is one of nature’s grandest events.
Big Cat Country: The Serengeti is one of the best places in Africa to see lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Balloon Safaris: Rise with the sun and float over the plains as herds graze below, the silence broken only by the occasional roar of a lion.
Kopjes: These dramatic granite outcrops are favourite haunts for lions, leopards, and hyraxes, and give the park a unique, cinematic feel.
Ngorongoro Crater Connection: Many Serengeti safaris include the nearby Ngorongoro Crater, another natural wonder with astonishing wildlife density.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.
Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta, Botswana
Overview
Botswana offers a safari experience unlike anywhere else. In Chobe National Park, the lifeblood of the landscape is the Chobe River, which attracts staggering concentrations of wildlife — particularly elephants. In fact, Chobe is home to one of the largest elephant populations on Earth, with tens of thousands gathering along the riverbanks, especially in the dry season. Add in lions, leopards, giraffes, buffalo, and hippos, and you have a safari experience that feels both intimate and wild.
But the real jewel of Botswana is the Okavango Delta, a vast inland delta where seasonal floods transform the arid Kalahari into a watery paradise. Here, the safari is as much about the waterways as the wildlife. Gliding silently in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) through reed-lined channels, with elephants splashing nearby and colourful birds darting overhead, is an experience that feels worlds apart from a classic game drive.
Botswana has also earned a reputation as one of Africa’s leaders in low-impact, high-quality tourism. Visitor numbers are carefully managed, lodges are often eco-conscious, and the focus is firmly on conservation. This makes for a safari that is both exclusive and sustainable.
Best time to visit
Chobe National Park: The dry season (May to October) is the best time to see huge herds of elephants gathering by the river, along with excellent predator sightings.
Okavango Delta: The floodwaters typically arrive between June and August, creating perfect conditions for water-based safaris. This is when mokoro trips and boat excursions are at their most magical.
Highlights
Elephant Herds in Chobe: Watching hundreds of elephants gather to drink and bathe along the riverbanks is an awe-inspiring sight.
River Safaris: Instead of just jeeps, experience game viewing by boat on the Chobe River — hippos, crocs, and waterbirds up close.
Mokoro Excursions in the Okavango: Drift through serene waterways surrounded by reeds, lilies, and abundant wildlife.
Predator Action: Both Chobe and the Delta offer fantastic chances to spot lions, leopards, and packs of endangered African wild dogs.
Exclusive Lodges: With a strong emphasis on conservation and privacy, Botswana’s camps offer one of the most luxurious safari experiences in Africa.
Okavango Delta, Botswana.
Namib Desert and Etosha National Park, Namibia
Overview
Namibia delivers a safari unlike anywhere else on Earth. In the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world, wildlife has adapted in extraordinary ways to survive one of the harshest environments imaginable. Picture desert-adapted elephants trekking across ochre dunes, lions prowling dry riverbeds, and oryx silhouetted against a backdrop of towering red sand dunes at Sossusvlei. This isn’t your typical savannah safari — it’s raw, surreal, and utterly breathtaking.
A different but equally compelling experience awaits in Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves. Centred around the vast Etosha salt pan, this park is famous for its dramatic waterholes, where animals gather in astonishing numbers. During the dry season, it’s not unusual to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, and even rhinos all sharing the same water source while lions lurk nearby. For photographers, Etosha is paradise, with stark white pans and clear desert light creating unforgettable backdrops.
Best time to visit
Namib Desert: The desert is accessible year-round, but May to October (Namibia’s dry winter) offers cooler temperatures and clearer skies.
Etosha National Park: The dry season (June to October) is best for wildlife viewing, when animals concentrate around waterholes. After the rains (November to April), the landscape turns green, and migratory birds arrive in huge numbers.
Highlights
Desert-Adapted Wildlife: Elephants, lions, and rhinos that have learned to survive in one of the world’s harshest habitats.
Sossusvlei Dunes: Climb the towering red dunes at sunrise for surreal views over the desert.
Etosha’s Waterholes: Park your vehicle near a waterhole and watch as wildlife comes to you — a theatre of nature unfolding all day long.
Rare Species: Etosha is home to the endangered black rhino and rare antelope species like the black-faced impala.
Astro-Safari: Namibia’s skies are some of the clearest in the world, making stargazing a magical part of the safari experience.
Namib Desert, Namibia
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi, Uganda and Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Overview
Few safari experiences are as moving as coming face-to-face with a mountain gorilla. Hidden deep in the mist-shrouded forests of central Africa, these gentle giants live in small family groups, led by a dominant silverback. Gorilla trekking isn’t about driving across open plains — it’s an adventure on foot, hiking through dense jungle, crossing streams, and climbing steep slopes until, suddenly, you find yourself just metres away from one of our closest relatives.
Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park are the two best places in the world for this extraordinary encounter. Both parks are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, protecting not only gorillas but also rich biodiversity, from colourful butterflies to hundreds of bird species. Encounters are strictly regulated to ensure minimal disturbance, with only a small number of permits issued each day — making the experience all the more rare and special.
Best time to visit
Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, but the dry seasons (June to September and December to February) offer the most comfortable conditions. Trails are less slippery, and access to the forest is easier, though the gorillas themselves can be found in any season.
Highlights
Close Encounters: Spending an hour in the presence of a gorilla family is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — watching youngsters play, mothers nurture, and the silverback keep watch.
The Trek Itself: The hike through dense jungle is part of the adventure, immersing you in one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in Africa.
Conservation Success: Mountain gorillas were once critically endangered, but thanks to conservation efforts, their numbers are slowly increasing. By visiting, you directly support these initiatives.
Cultural Depth: In Rwanda, combine your trek with visits to local communities and cultural centres that celebrate resilience and heritage.
Photographic Moments: Few images are as powerful as a gorilla’s steady gaze meeting your own, deep in the forest mist.
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
Amazon Rainforest, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador
Overview
The Amazon isn’t your traditional safari of open plains and big cats — instead, it’s an immersion into the most biodiverse ecosystem on Earth. Spanning nine countries and covering over five million square kilometres, the Amazon is alive with sound: howler monkeys roaring at dawn, parrots screeching overhead, and the rustle of unseen creatures in the undergrowth. Safaris here are often by boat, drifting along tributaries or the mighty Amazon River itself, where you might spot pink river dolphins surfacing beside your canoe or caimans sliding silently into the water.
On land, guided jungle walks reveal troops of monkeys swinging through the canopy, colourful poison dart frogs, and the elusive jaguar, the apex predator of the forest. Birdwatchers are in heaven, with species ranging from scarlet macaws to the prehistoric-looking hoatzin. Unlike Africa’s sweeping savannahs, the Amazon’s allure lies in its sheer abundance and density of life — every branch and waterway hides a story.
Best time to visit
The Amazon can be visited year-round, but conditions differ:
High-water season (December to May): Rivers are swollen, making it easier to access remote parts of the forest by canoe. Wildlife disperses, but water safaris are spectacular.
Low-water season (June to November): Easier trekking and higher chances of spotting larger mammals along riverbanks. Fishing and birdwatching also peak during this time.
Highlights
River Safaris: Glide in small boats or canoes to spot pink dolphins, giant otters, and caimans.
Jungle Treks: Walk beneath towering kapok trees and learn about medicinal plants with local guides.
Birdwatching Paradise: Over 1,300 bird species, from harpy eagles to macaws.
Nocturnal Safaris: Night walks reveal the forest’s secretive residents — from glowing insects to stealthy predators.
Cultural Encounters: Visits to Indigenous communities offer insights into traditions, crafts, and sustainable living within the rainforest.
Amazon Rainforest, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Overview
Safaris don’t always have to be on land — beneath the waves of the Great Barrier Reef lies a wilderness every bit as wild and dramatic as Africa’s savannahs. Stretching for over 2,300 kilometres along Australia’s northeast coast, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest coral reef system in the world and home to an astonishing diversity of marine life.
Slip beneath the surface and you enter a world of colour and movement: parrotfish crunching coral, sea turtles gliding effortlessly, reef sharks patrolling the blue, and clouds of tropical fish weaving through branching corals. On the outer reefs, you might encounter manta rays sweeping past or even swim alongside a dwarf minke whale during their seasonal migration. For divers and snorkellers, it’s the ultimate underwater safari.
The reef also carries a fragile beauty. Climate change and coral bleaching have made conservation efforts vital, and many tours focus on eco-friendly practices, giving travellers a chance to witness the reef while contributing to its protection.
Best time to visit
The Great Barrier Reef can be visited year-round, but conditions vary:
June to October: Peak season with clear waters, calm seas, and great visibility for diving and snorkelling.
November to May: Warmer water and fewer tourists, but it’s stinger season, so protective suits are essential. This is also the time for mass coral spawning, one of nature’s most spectacular events.
Highlights
Snorkelling and Diving: Swim among vibrant corals and thousands of fish species in one of the most biodiverse marine environments on Earth.
Minke Whale Encounters: Between June and July, the outer reef hosts dwarf minke whales, offering rare chances to swim alongside them.
Turtle Watching: Green and loggerhead turtles are commonly spotted, with nesting season between November and March.
Scenic Flights: Take to the air for breathtaking views of the reef’s turquoise mosaics and the famous Heart Reef.
Eco-Tours: Learn about reef conservation and participate in citizen science projects while exploring responsibly.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
Arctic Safari, Svalbard, Norway
Overview
At the edge of the world, where the sun doesn’t rise for months in winter and doesn’t set in summer, the Arctic delivers one of the most extraordinary safari experiences imaginable. The Svalbard archipelago, located halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, is a frozen wilderness of glaciers, mountains, and drifting pack ice. Here, the ultimate prize is spotting the polar bear, often called the “King of the Arctic,” as it prowls the ice floes in search of seals.
But polar bears are only part of the story. Walruses haul themselves onto icy shores, Arctic foxes prowl the tundra, reindeer graze the mossy valleys, and seabirds nest in towering cliffs. Out at sea, you might see beluga whales, narwhals, or even the mighty blue whale, the largest animal ever to have lived. Exploring the Arctic feels more like an expedition than a holiday — often by ship, zodiac boat, or snowmobile — and every sighting feels hard-earned and unforgettable.
Best time to visit
May to September: The best window for Arctic safaris, with 24-hour daylight, milder temperatures, and accessible seas for expedition cruises.
June to August: Peak wildlife season, with polar bears hunting on the ice, bird colonies in full swing, and whales in the fjords.
Winter (November to February): Though brutally cold and dark, this season offers a chance to see the Northern Lights over the icy wilderness.
Highlights
Polar Bears on the Ice: Watching a polar bear move silently across the ice is one of the world’s greatest wildlife encounters.
Walrus Colonies: Massive herds lounging on beaches, bellowing and jostling for space.
Whale Watching: Spot belugas, bowheads, narwhals, and blue whales in Arctic waters.
Bird Cliffs: Seabirds such as puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes nest in staggering numbers.
Arctic Landscapes: Towering glaciers, floating icebergs, and endless daylight create an atmosphere of raw, untouched beauty.
Svalbard, Norway.
Whale Safaris, Sri Lanka, Baja California and South Africa
Overview
If the savannah is about lions and elephants, then the ocean’s version of safari is surely the whale migration. Around the world, these giants of the deep follow ancient routes across the seas, and witnessing them up close is as moving as any land-based encounter. From the sheer scale of a blue whale surfacing beside your boat to the acrobatics of humpbacks breaching in unison, whale safaris offer moments of wonder that stay with you forever.
Some of the best places to experience this are scattered across the globe. Off the coast of Sri Lanka, Mirissa is one of the world’s top spots to see blue whales, the largest creatures to have ever lived. In Baja California, Mexico, grey whales migrate thousands of miles to calve in sheltered lagoons, where curious mothers sometimes bring their young right up to the boats. And in South Africa, the Cape coast comes alive each winter as humpbacks and southern right whales migrate close to shore — often visible even from clifftop viewpoints.
Best time to visit
Sri Lanka: November to April is peak blue whale season in Mirissa and Trincomalee.
Baja California: January to March, when grey whales give birth in the warm lagoons.
South Africa: June to November, when southern right and humpback whales migrate along the coast.
Highlights
Blue Whales in Sri Lanka: Marvel at the scale of the largest animal on Earth as it breaks the surface.
Grey Whales in Baja California: Witness one of the longest migrations on the planet, with calves often approaching boats curiously.
Breaching Humpbacks: South Africa’s humpbacks are famous for their acrobatics, with multiple breaches often in a single encounter.
Coastal Viewing: In South Africa, you don’t even need a boat — towns like Hermanus offer world-class whale watching right from shore.
Diversity of Species: Depending on location, you might also spot orcas, sperm whales, or pilot whales.
Humpback Whale.
Tiger Safaris, India
Overview
While Africa has lions, India is the realm of the tiger — the world’s largest and arguably most majestic big cat. Spotting a tiger in the wild is one of the most electrifying safari experiences imaginable. Moving silently through dense forests and tall grass, the tiger embodies stealth and power, and when it finally appears — striped coat glowing in the dappled light — it’s a moment that takes your breath away.
India offers several world-class reserves for tiger tracking. Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is one of the most famous, known for its dramatic landscapes dotted with crumbling forts and lakes where tigers often come to drink. Bandhavgarh has some of the highest tiger densities in the country, while Kanha and Pench inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. In the northeast, Kaziranga National Park is not only home to tigers but also one-horned rhinos, elephants, and swamp deer, making it a true biodiversity hotspot.
Best time to visit
The best time for tiger safaris is during the dry season (March to June), when water is scarce and big cats are more likely to be spotted near rivers and lakes. Cooler months (November to February) are more comfortable for travellers, though sightings can be less frequent as tigers roam more widely.
Highlights
Tiger Sightings: The thrill of spotting a tiger on patrol, resting by a waterhole, or even hunting.
Diverse Parks: From Ranthambore’s fort-studded landscapes to Kaziranga’s wetlands, each reserve offers a unique backdrop.
Other Wildlife: Leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, rhinos, elephants, and countless bird species add to the safari experience.
Cultural Add-Ons: Combine your safari with India’s rich heritage — from palaces and forts in Rajasthan to tea plantations in Assam.
Conservation Impact: India’s Project Tiger has been a success story, helping tiger numbers slowly rebound after decades of decline.
Kahna National Park, India.
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Overview
Nowhere else on Earth offers a safari quite like the Galápagos Islands. Scattered across the Pacific Ocean, 600 miles off Ecuador’s coast, this volcanic archipelago is a living laboratory of evolution. The wildlife here has no fear of humans, which means encounters are up-close, intimate, and unforgettable. You can snorkel with playful sea lions, walk among giant tortoises, and watch blue-footed boobies perform their quirky mating dances — all in the same day.
The islands are home to species found nowhere else: marine iguanas that dive into the sea to feed on algae, flightless cormorants that have adapted to swimming, and the famous finches that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution. Whether exploring by boat, kayak, or on foot, a Galápagos safari is less about ticking off “big game” and more about celebrating the sheer uniqueness of life.
Best time to visit
The Galápagos are a year-round destination, but the experience changes with the seasons:
June to December (cool, dry season): Cooler waters bring rich nutrients, attracting seabirds and making marine life especially active.
January to May (warm, wet season): Calmer seas, warmer water, and lush green landscapes — great for snorkelling and spotting land species.
Highlights
Giant Tortoises: See these ancient reptiles lumbering across highland meadows.
Marine Iguanas: The only sea-going lizards in the world, basking on lava rocks before diving into the waves.
Snorkelling Encounters: Swim alongside sea turtles, penguins, rays, and even reef sharks.
Blue-Footed Boobies: Famous for their comical courtship dances, complete with sky-pointing displays.
Darwin’s Legacy: Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation and the islands’ role in the history of science.
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador.
“From gorillas in misty forests to whales breaching in the open ocean, safaris come in many shapes and sizes — but at their heart, they’re all about the same thing: connecting with the wild in a way that feels raw, humbling, and unforgettable. While Africa’s savannahs will always be the classic image of safari, the world is full of other landscapes where nature writes the script, from icy Arctic shores to jungles alive with sound, or coral reefs teeming with colour.
What makes a safari truly special isn’t just the animals you see, but the perspective it gives you. Standing metres from a silverback, drifting silently beside elephants in the Okavango, or watching a polar bear pad across the ice reminds us of our small place in something much bigger. These journeys are not just bucket list ticks — they’re experiences that stay with you, shaping how you see the natural world.
Whether you dream of big cats on the Serengeti, whales in Sri Lanka, or giant tortoises in the Galápagos, there’s a safari waiting to change the way you travel — and perhaps even the way you see life itself.”
