When you are looking for holidays that offer a blend of adventure and knowledge you can opt for safari holidays. This is one of the best ways to disconnect your devices, head out in the wilderness and learn about the nature that surrounds you. Safari holidays also provide you with an experience of witnessing wildlife in its raw and unfiltered form as you track elephants and mountain gorillas and enjoy game drives.
While there are different types of safari experiences the most captivating of all are big cat safaris. This is where you can enjoy the presence of tigers, lions, leopards, cheetahs and jaguars as they dominate the region they are in and as apex predators command respect and fear. For this, you can look out for big cat safari holidays around the world that would ensure that you can have a great time spotting these majestic creatures that symbolize beauty and power. Choosing the right destinations can make a difference and offer you the best experiences.
Let’s take a look at 7 destinations around the world that offer the ultimate big cat safari experience.
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India
If you are thinking of tiger safaris India has to be on top of your list. This is one of the best destinations where you can spot this majestic creature in the wilderness. With more than 100 national parks and 50 tiger reserves, you can make the most of your big cat safaris here in India. Here you can explore various national parks like Panna National Park, Ranthambore National Park and Kanha Tiger Reserve where you can easily track and spot these big cats. The good thing about choosing India for your tiger safari holidays is that you can find ample options when it comes to accommodations and food. Apart from this, you can also look out for various resident and migratory birds that make these national parks their home. This would ensure that you can have a great time spotting these majestic cats along with other wildlife.
South Africa
South Africa has always remained one of the top destinations for those interested in wildlife and nature. With some of the renowned national parks like Kruger and Pilanesberg, you can have a great time spotting these magnificent creatures out in the wild. Kruger National Park is certainly one of the biggest draws where visitors get the opportunity to spot Africa’s Big Five. However, if you are interested in watching lion prides in the open this is where you should go. For an immersive experience, you can opt for Kruger’s private game reserves like Sabi Sands or Timbavati where you get fewer crowds and better chances to spot these cats from a distance. Hence, South Africa is a great destination if you are interested in lions and leopards in the wild.
Kenya
When you are thinking of wildlife holidays you would want to consider Kenya as one of your preferred destinations. This is where you can spot the big cats and enjoy game drives as a part of the experience. The Maasai Mara National Reserve remains one of the top national parks in Kenya where you can spot these majestic creatures in the wild. Here you can spot lions, leopards and cheetahs dominating the landscape. Kenya is also one of the best places in the world where you can witness the Great Migration. For a memorable experience, you can choose early morning game drives as that would allow you to see these big cats in action as they are active at these times. If you are ready to indulge you can opt for hot air balloon rides and helicopter rides that provide you with a bird’s eye view of the landscape.
Tanzania
On the other side of the Kenyan border, Tanzania is where you can spot these big cats as well. Hence, if you are looking for destinations that offer stunning scenery and magnificent wildlife you can choose Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. When you are exploring this popular national park you will witness lions taking centre stage along with leopards and cheetahs that take advantage of the huge influx of zebras and wildebeests. You can hire an experienced guide who will take you closer to the predator-prey action and offer you the best safari holiday moments. Visiting Tanzania during the dry months allows you to stay close to waterholes where animals congregate and you can spot these big cats easily.
Botswana
This landlocked country in the southern part of Africa has quickly become one of the popular destinations for luxury tourism. Hence, if you are willing to spend money on big cat safaris you can do that in Botswana. Here you can stay at various lodges and resorts in the Okavango Delta which is a UNESCO-listed site. Known for its unique ecosystem of wetlands and wildlife here you can spot these big cats in action. Leopards, lions and cheetahs thrive in this rich environment, especially during the dry season when the seasonal flood is over and draws an array of animals to various waterholes. You can also visit the Okavango Delta right after the monsoon season to enjoy traditional mokoro rides and boat rides in the Chobe River. With all the options and choices, Botswana offers among the best safari experiences in Africa.
Nepal
If you are interested in spotting tigers in a less crowded situation you can head to Nepal’s Bardiya National Park. This national park is home to Bengal tigers and you can have a great time exploring the quiet environment this park has to offer. Located in the Terai region, Bardiya offers dense forests and river systems which ensures that you can see a lot more than just Bengal tigers. If you are into birdwatching you can spot different birds that thrive in this park. Also, you can spot additional wildlife here including elephants, rhinos and wild boar. You can look out for various jeep safaris here that allow you to track tigers and other animals through the jungle and make the most of your big cat safari holidays.
Zimbabwe
When it comes to spotting big cats you can also include Zimbabwe in your list. With ample leopards to spot this can offer you the thrills and adventure you expect from a big cat safari holiday. The Hwange National Park is the largest in the country and can provide you with plenty of encounters with the local lion and leopard population. Hwange’s landscape includes open plains, dense forests and seasonal waterholes that attract predators and prey making it one of the best spots in Zimbabwe to spot big cats. You can stay here in a lodge which is close to a seasonal waterhole and that allows you to spot these big cats up close as they explore these locations for water sources.