For adventure enthusiasts, discovering a wildlife safari is a thrilling quest. From close encounters with a variety of mammals and birds to the exhilarating presence of leopards, buffaloes, and gazelles, safari parks offer an unmatched experience for wildlife buffs. Check out the following 12 greatest safari parks all over the world.
1. Masai Mara Nature Reserve, Kenya
The Masai Mara (or Maasai Mara) claims the top spot on Africa's list of safari parks. Its expansive and lush landscape offers uninterrupted views of various animals, including wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, elephant, antelope, lion, and hyena.
Additionally, the park serves as a sanctuary for approximately 60 white and black rhinos, heavily guarded by armed rangers.
Coming here, don't miss out on the spectacular sight of the Murchison Waterfall, where the Victoria Nile plunges 43 meters into the depths. Be aware that some areas of the park are known for tsetse fly activity, so insect protection is essential.
2. Phezulu Safari Park, South Africa
Phezulu Safari Park is all about celebrating the natural abundance of KwaZulu-Natal, as well as the cultural and historical diversity of this South African province.
Phezulu conducts scenic drives every hour, offering visitors many opportunities to see the wildlife and vegetation that makes this part of the country so beautiful.
Those embarking on one of these safari drives should look out for the many bird species, as well as blesbok, impala, wildebeest, giraffe, and more. So, keep your eyes open and your camera ready.
3. Virginia Safari Park, USA
Spanning 180 acres, Virginia Safari Park offers a unique experience highlighted by its main attraction, the 3+ mile Safari Drive-thru. In addition, visitors can explore the Safari Village, reminiscent of a traditional zoo where you can leisurely walk and observe the animals.
To enhance your adventure, you can drive your own vehicle through the park or opt for a captivating ride on a tractor-drawn wagon. As if the opportunity to interact closely with free-roaming animals is not thrilling enough, the park also features an aviary, a giraffe-feeding station, a petting area, and a kangaroo walk-about, all of which are highly recommended attractions.
Other safari parks that you should check out on your trip to the US are Safari West, Tennessee Safari Park, Alabama Safari Park, San Diego Safari Park, Everglades Safari Park, and more.
4. West Midlands Safari Park, UK
West Midlands Safari Park is one of the most beautiful UK safari parks, featuring a spacious open area that is home to Southern white rhinos, giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, and more.
Taking safari park rides around, visitors will have a chance to admire some of the world’s greatest hunters, such as tigers and African lions. Don’t forget to see the clever African elephants, which are the largest land animals in the world.
Some other famous safari parks in the UK you can visit with your family are Longleat Safari Park, Woburn Safari Park, Knowsley Safari Park, Blair Drummond Safari Park, and Port Lympne Safari Park.
5. Serengeti Park, Germany - The largest safari park in Europe
Serengeti Park Hodenhagen is divided into three main areas: Petting, Jungle, and Serengeti Safaris. The Serengeti Safari is where visitors can witness the majestic lions, bison, giraffes, tigers, and zebras roaming freely, all from the comfort and safety of their own vehicle or the safari bus.
However, for the Jungle Safari, exploring the habitat of 200 monkey species and the newly introduced Bennett's tree-kangaroos is exclusively on foot, with no vehicles permitted. The Petting Safari offers a delightful chance for visitors to interact with and feed alpacas, donkeys, and goats.
Also, this safari park stands as a leading breeding facility for elephants and white rhinoceroses in Europe.
6. Selwo Aventura, Spain
Selwo Aventura in Spain offers a remarkable opportunity to engage with animals from around the world. With a diverse collection of over 2,000 animals, including cheetahs, buffaloes, hyenas, and bats, this park has become their thriving habitat.
To provide an intimate experience, the park offers wildlife tours conducted in open-top, all-terrain vehicles that allow you to get up close and personal with the animals. Accompanied by knowledgeable tour guides, these tours provide not only an unforgettable experience but also a deeper understanding of your favorite animals.
Divided into distinct sections, Selwo Aventura features the Bird Canyon, where you can encounter storks, ibises, hornbills, and other captivating wild birds. The Central Village is home to remarkable African mammals like giraffes and wildebeest, while Nature's Portico serves as a habitat for lemurs, meerkats, gazelles, and more.
7. Monarto Safari Park, Australia
Monarto Safari Park is rapidly establishing itself as one of the largest safari parks in the world outside of Africa, promising an expansive experience that goes beyond the traditional notion of a wild safari. This park has over 500 animals of 50 species from around the globe, including native Australian wildlife.
Located in the picturesque Coorong region, Monarto Safari Park offers a wealth of activities and attractions. A visit to this park will bring many interactive experiences, leisurely animal spotting, scenic bushwalks, delightful dining at the park’s café, and idyllic picnics.
8. Ranthambore National Park, India
Formerly the hunting grounds for the Maharajas of Jaipur, Ranthambore has transformed into one of Northern India's largest national parks, earning its reputation as the country's most renowned wildlife sanctuary.
While the Royal Bengal tigers captivate the majority of visitors here, it is wise to keep your binoculars at the ready to observe other fascinating creatures, ranging from sloth bears to Indian wild boars, which seek respite in the park's abundant lakes and water bodies.
Additionally, Ranthambore is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, boasting a remarkable diversity of over 320 bird species. Make sure not to miss the captivating sunset from Ranthambore Fort, where you can marvel at both the impeccably preserved Rajasthani architectural marvels and the breathtaking panorama of the park itself.
9. Fuji Safari Park, Japan
At the base of Mount Fuji, Fuji Safari Park is where approximately 900 animals of 70 different species freely roam amidst expansive natural surroundings.
Here, the Safari Zone provides animals with an environment that closely resembles their natural habitats. For a more intimate encounter, the Fureai Zone allows you to observe the animals up close and even participate in feeding them.
In addition to exploring the Safari Zone in your own vehicle, you can embark on a Jungle Bus ride. This unique bus, devoid of windows but covered with sturdy steel mesh, allows you to feed lions, bears, and other animals in the herbivore area.
10. Bali Safari & Marine Park, Indonesia
Bali Safari & Marine Park stands as a premier wildlife sanctuary in Indonesia, boasting a remarkable collection of over 100 unique animal species, including rare and endangered creatures such as the Komodo dragon, orangutan, and the precious Bali Mynah bird. With a population of over 1,000 animals, this safari park offers a captivating and diverse ecosystem to explore. Beyond its rich wildlife, Bali Safari is renowned for providing visitors with a range of engaging activities. The park even offers a convenient shuttle service for its visitors.
Here, experience the thrill of wildlife encounters with the Jungle Hopper package, a highly sought-after safari adventure offered by Bali Safari. This package immerses you in a captivating journey through diverse habitats, allowing you to observe a wide range of animal species, including those that are endangered. Alongside this incredible wildlife experience, the package also offers a unique blend of traditional Balinese culture, granting you access to a fascinating aquarium and captivating special shows.
11. Dubai Safari Park
The vast Dubai Safari Park accommodates a diverse and thriving community of approximately 3,000 animals. Within its expansive 119-hectare grounds, the park has an impressive array of wildlife, including 78 mammal species with 10 distinct carnivores and 17 primates.
Additionally, visitors can encounter 50 varieties of reptiles, 111 species of birds, as well as a multitude of amphibians and invertebrates. The park's diverse collection of animals creates a rich and vibrant ecosystem, offering a captivating experience for visitors to explore and appreciate the wonders of the animal kingdom.
Besides animal watching, some interesting experiences that tourists can enjoy here are bird feeding, giraffe feeding, watching stunning shows, and learning about the park’s extensive research and wildlife protection programs.
12. Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Located in Ganh Dau Commune, Phu Quoc Island, Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc offers a refreshing departure from the conventional zoo experience where animals are confined to cages and visitors simply walk around observing them.
Spanning an expansive 380 hectares in its initial phase of development, Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc is a sanctuary to over 150 rare animal species sourced from various regions across the globe. This safari park provides a unique and exhilarating adventure for animal enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.
Spend a day immersed in the natural wonders of the animal kingdom, accompanied by family or friends. Seize the opportunity to let your kids be animal caretakers for a day at the Kid Zoo or feed majestic giraffes at the Giraffe Restaurant. The park offers a diverse range of activities and performances to ensure your entertainment throughout the day.
Besides Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc, don’t miss out on visiting some of the most famous destinations in Vietnam. From admiring the sunsets at Da Nang and Nha Trang, immersing yourself in the peaceful atmosphere at Hue and Hoi An to cruising to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam offers numerous once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Opting for accommodations with excellent services is recommended to ensure that your journey is hassle-free and memorable. Vinpearl, a top-rated brand for high-end accommodations in Vietnam, stands out as the ultimate choice for discerning travelers seeking exceptional stays.
Vinpearl's properties include Vinpearl Phu Quoc, Vinpearl Nha Trang, Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An, and Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long. All of them stand out for their exquisite designs, professional staff, top-of-the-line services, and diverse dining options. Guests can expect a range of top-notch experiences every time they stay at Vinpearl.
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The world is home to an array of breathtaking safari parks that offer unrivaled opportunities to witness the wonders of wildlife. From the majestic Serengeti Park in Germany to the sprawling Maasai Mara in Kenya, these 12 stunning safari parks promise awe-inspiring landscapes, thrilling encounters, and a chance to connect with nature in its purest form. So, pack your bags and immerse yourself in the beauty and grandeur of these remarkable places.