Africa may be the first place that comes to mind when you think of safaris and wildlife adventures. The sprawling savannahs, regal elephants and fearsome lions and elusive leopards — Africa’s wild core has ensnared explorers for generations. But what if we told you that you don’t have to travel all the way to the African continent to see incredible wildlife, unspoiled territory and vast natural landscapes? There are amazing safaris and nature expeditions around the world to plunge you into nature’s marvels, from tropical rainforests to icy tundra, many of which offer experiences to rival those in Africa.
Here’s a guide to some of the most amazing wildlife and wilderness destinations outside Africa, and a whole new world of adventure and natural beauty.
Costa Rica: A Wildlife Epicenter
A wildlife lover’s paradise, Costa Rica is home to more than 5 percent of the world’s biodiversity, which flourishes in itsor lush rainforests, cloud forests and coastal wetlands. The tiny but fierce Central American country is host to an astonishing variety of animals, including howler monkeys, sloths and toucans, making it a dream location for a nature trip.
For an almost unbelievably immersive wildlife experience, head to the Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula, frequently referred to as one of the most biologically intense places on Earth. Here, you can encounter endangered species such as the scarlet macaw, as well as elusive jaguars, tapirs and pumas. Costa Rica’s rainforests also provide opportunities for birdwatching, by-boat wildlife safaris and guided hikes through tropical landscape.
Why Go? From rainforests to cloud forests and beaches, Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems offer unparalleled access to its vibrant wildlife in their natural habitats.
India: Elephants, Tigers and Sacred Wildlife
India is a land of spiritual and cultural richness, and its wild spaces provide an opportunity to engage with some of the world’s most iconic fauna. Although the Bengal tiger is the star of the show in India’s renowned national parks — including Ranthambhore, Bandhavgarh and Jim Corbett — you’ll also spot elephants, leopards and rare species of antelope in a variety of habitats throughout the country.
Go to the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, to see the elusive Bengal tiger in its native ecosystem, or visit the forests of the Western Ghats to spot the endangered lion-tailed macaque and Indian bison. There is a deep connection between India and its wildlife, closely tied to its culture — to this day, sacred animals such as elephants play an integral part in Hindu rituals and traditions.
Why Go? India’s wildlife offers encounters with rare and threatened species across a variety of spectacular landscapes, from jungles to wetlands, making it as diverse as its culture.
Canada: The Great White North
Wilderness — a seemingly limitless sea of forests dotted with tundras and snow-capped mountains — covers six time zones in Canada. It’s an expansive outdoor playground for anyone looking to hug a tree. Here, wildlife is often at its most majestic and untamed.
You can observe polar bears in the Arctic parts of Manitoba, travel into British Columbia for some of the best whale-watching tours in the world, or head to the northern forests of Ontario to see moose, wolves and bears in their natural environments. For a more remote experience, you can visit the rugged wilderness of the Yukon, where you might spot herds of caribou or the occasional elusive grizzly bear.
Why Go? In Canada, you can see wildlife in either the boreal forests or the Arctic tundra, with the chance of experiencing pristine, untouched landscapes.
Australia – The home of Unique Wildlife
Australia is a country of extremes: from sun-baked deserts, to tropical rain forests, to wild coastlines, and its wildlife is as varied as the landscape. Whether it’s the iconic kangaroos and koalas or the more obscure platypus and quokka, Australia has some of the most unique wildlife experiences you will ever experience.
Head to the Outback, where you may see wild camels and dingoes, or visit the rain forests of Queensland, where you might catch a glance of tree kangaroos and hundreds of species of parrots. For underwater fun, the Great Barrier Reef offers a home to sea turtles, reef sharks and rainbow-hued marine life, while the marine waters of Western Australia offer some of the world’s best whale-watching.
Why Go? Australia is home to some of the most unique wildlife on the planet, along with a vibrantly diverse range of ecosystems, making this a must-do fascinating wildlife adventure.
New Zealand: An Oasis of Unique Species
Although New Zealand is a small country, its wildlife encounters are as exhilarating as they are top-of-the-world unique. New Zealand’s isolation led to some of the rarest and oddest species: the kiwi, the world’s smallest dolphin (Hector’s dolphin) and the endangered yellow-eyed penguin.
The landscapes of New Zealand run the gamut from snow-capped mountains and glaciers to rain forests and geothermal lands, providing an ideal setting for wildlife safaris. Go on a guided tour to spot the world-famous kiwi bird in the wild, or delve into the Fiordland National Park to watch alpine birds such as the kea. You can also travel to Stewart Island to observe New Zealand’s indigenous wildlife in their native habitat.
Why Go? New Zealand also features some of the world’s rarest and most endangered species, not to mention amazing natural beauty.
Norway: Arctic Escapades in the Wild North
Norway’s Arctic regions — the Lofoten Islands and the Svalbard archipelago are two — are among the world’s most pristine wilderness areas. A journey to Norway presents an opportunity to encounter Arctic wildlife in stunning, out-of-the-way locations — from the snowy heights of the fjords to the frigid stretches of the Barents Sea.
You can watch polar bears patrolling the tundra in Svalbard, head to the Lofoten Islands to look for sea eagles and reindeer or take a whale-watching tour through Norway’s fjords, where you might see orcas, humpback whales or even the elusive narwhal. Norway is also home to the once-in-a-lifetime ability to view the Northern Lights in the snowy wilderness of its winter months.
Why Go? Norway’s Arctic wilderness is home to rare and unforgettable wildlife sightings, complemented by stunning landscapes and the chance to view the Northern Lights.
MADAGASCAR: A BRIEF HISTORY OF A MYSTERIOUS ISLAND
Savvy Traveler: Madagascar, the island off Africa’s coast, is a wildlife wonderland. Madagascar’s long isolation from the mainland means that the island boasts an incredible number of species not found anywhere else in the world, including lemurs, chameleons and the cat-like predator known as the fossa.
Trek the island’s national parks, such as Andasibe-Mantadia and Ranomafana, to spot its endemic wildlife, from the ring-tailed lemur, to the gaudy chameleon, to the critically endangered aye-aye. From the otherworldly Tsingy de Bemaraha to the Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar’s unique landscape creates a surreal backdrop for these infrequent glimpses of wildlife.
Why Go? Due to its seclusion, Madagascar has some of the most unique vegetation and is one of the most amazing places for nature lovers.
: The Whimsical Wonders of Our World Are Waiting
Africa may be the epicenter of classic safari experiences — the wildlife-spotting, lodge-based adventures that are since a long time ago a dependable vacation choice — however what exists beyond its national borders gives pasture’s carpet enterprises you could see yourself repeating. From the tropical jungles of Costa Rica to the frozen lands of Norway to the exotic animals in Madagascar, there is a whole new world of wild beauty to explore. [Sabbatical, hibernation or reunion? [6 fall activities to do if you are no longer a student] These destinations are just right — whether you’re looking for unusual plants, remote landscapes or thrilling wildlife experiences — for an unforgettable adventure in nature. So, pack up your bags and explore on your next outdoor adventure — fauna outside Africa is ready.
