Many travellers are becoming more conscious about the welfare of animals, and this is probably the reason why more people are eschewing zoos and would rather go on wildlife safaris even if they cost considerably more.
Some can argue that zoos can actually protect a species from going extinct, while some maintain animals the moment you take them away from their natural habitat.
However divided the opinion about this matter is, safaris are becoming more favoured especially as combining adventure with luxury is certainly becoming a more popular way to travel.
If you’re looking for safari destination ideas, here are our picks:
TOP 5 LUXURY SAFARI DESTINATIONS
1.BOTSWANA
Located in Southern Africa, Botswana is a landlocked country whose landscape is defined by the Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Okavango Delta is a vast inland delta in northern Botswana and is known for its sprawling grassy plains.
In all of Africa, Botswana has the largest elephant population, and the best place to see them in the country is Chobe National Park. Many travellers come here for bespoke Botswanan Safari holidays because the country is heavily committed to safeguarding its wildlife heritage.
Out of Botswana’s total area of 581,730 sq km, approximately 40 percent of this is within a wildlife-protected area.
2. MALAWI
Malawi (official name: Republic of Malawi), is a country found in the southeastern region of Africa, surrounded by Mozambique (east, south and south-east), Zambia (west), and Tanzania (east / north-east).
Despite it being a land-locked country, the 350-mile long Lake Malawi can be found here. Lake Malawi is the 9th largest lake in the world and is home to more species of fish than any other lake on the planet.
It is known that the Big Five (Lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) can be seen in Malawi. This is why many travellers opt for a luxury safari holiday in Malawi.
3.SRI LANKA
One of the things that Sri Lanka is known for is its abundant wildlife and National Parks. Outside of Africa, Sri Lanka is the only country where you can find the Big Five– the largest and mightiest mammals on earth.
Bordering the Indian Ocean, Yala National Park is the most visited national park in Sri Lanka. It is here where you can see Sri Lanka’s Big Five: The Blue Whale, Sperm Whale, Asian Elephant, Leopard and the Sloth Bear.
4. BRAZIL
Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world and occupies half the land mass of South America. Stretching roughly 4,350 kilometres from north to south, Brazil contains most of the Amazon river basin, which as the world’s largest river system.
Brazil is also home to the world’s most extensive rainforest. Land-based safaris in Brazil will allow visitors to see wildlife that can be found only in Brazil: Brazilian tapirs, maned wolves, capybaras, giant river otters, marmosets, marked titi monkeys, and the very elusive jaguar.
5. AUSTRALIA
The smallest continent in the world , (and the sixth largest country), Australia is home to the largest eco-system in the world, the Great Barrier Reef. Those who prefer an underwater kind of safari (after all, Safari means an expedition to observe animals in their natural habitat), can go snorkelling or scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef.
The reef is home to more than 1,500 species of fish, 411 types of hard coral, 134 species of shark and rays, 6 of the world’s 7 species of threatened marine turtles and 30 species of marine mammals (source).
Unfortunately, global warming is causing extensive damage to the Great Barrier Reef. So if this is in your destination bucket list, it’s best to visit soon rather than later.
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