When most people think of a wildlife safari, Africa instantly springs to mind—and for good reason. The Serengeti, Kruger, and the Maasai Mara have earned their places on bucket lists worldwide. But beyond the plains of Africa lies a world brimming with extraordinary safari experiences that offer something different: snow leopards in the Himalayas, tigers in India, jaguars in Brazil, and orangutans in Borneo.
In this 2025 guide, we explore the most breathtaking wildlife safaris beyond Africa, opening up a world of untamed beauty and thrilling encounters that remain under the radar for many travelers.
Why Look Beyond Africa for Your Next Safari?
- Diverse ecosystems – From rainforests and tundras to deserts and mountains.
- Unique wildlife – Tigers, bears, leopards, orangutans, wolves, and more.
- Less-crowded experiences – Enjoy the wild without the safari jeep convoys.
- Cultural immersion – Many of these destinations offer deep interactions with local and indigenous communities.
- Conservation impact – Your visit can contribute to preserving critically endangered species.
1. India: The Land of Tigers and Beyond
Top Spots:
- Ranthambore National Park
- Bandhavgarh National Park
- Kanha Tiger Reserve
- Sundarbans Mangrove Forest
India’s national parks offer one of the world’s most iconic non-African safaris. The Royal Bengal Tiger is the star of the show, but you’ll also encounter leopards, sloth bears, Indian bison (gaur), wild elephants, and crocodiles.
Unique Experience:
Explore the Sundarbans by boat, navigating the world’s largest mangrove forest, where tigers swim between islands and crocodiles bask in the mud.
Conservation Tip:
Choose eco-lodges that actively contribute to anti-poaching efforts and community-based tourism.
2. Brazil: Into the Heart of the Pantanal
Top Spot:
- Pantanal Matogrossense
Forget the Amazon—the Pantanal is the best place to see wildlife in South America. This vast tropical wetland is the world’s largest, offering incredible opportunities to see jaguars, giant otters, capybaras, and hyacinth macaws.
Unique Experience:
Embark on a jaguar-spotting river safari where sightings are far more likely than in dense rainforests.
Best Time to Visit:
July to October (dry season), when animals congregate near water sources.
3. Sri Lanka: Elephants, Leopards, and Whales
Top Spots:
- Yala National Park
- Udawalawe National Park
- Wilpattu National Park
- Minneriya (for the Elephant Gathering)
This island nation offers a compact yet diverse wildlife safari. You can go from leopard tracking in Yala to watching blue whales off the southern coast—all in one week.
Unique Experience:
Witness the annual “Elephant Gathering” at Minneriya, the largest meeting of Asian elephants in the world
.
Add-On:
Combine your safari with cultural and spiritual exploration of ancient cities and Buddhist temples.
4. Canada: Grizzly Bears, Wolves, and the Northern Lights
Top Spots:
- Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia
- Churchill, Manitoba (Polar Bears)
- Banff and Jasper National Parks
Canada offers epic wilderness safaris, especially for bear and wolf enthusiasts. Kayak through inlets while watching grizzlies fish for salmon or trek with indigenous guides through forests echoing with the howls of timber wolves.
Unique Experience:
Visit Churchill in October–November to see polar bears waiting for sea ice to form—one of the only accessible places in the world to do so.
Bonus:
Combine with Aurora Borealis viewing for a surreal experience.
5. Nepal & Bhutan: Snow Leopard & Red Panda
Expeditions
Top Spots:
- Annapurna and Langtang regions (Nepal)
- Jigme Dorji National Park (Bhutan)
For the truly adventurous, trekking in the high Himalayas in search of the elusive snow leopard or the charming red panda is an unforgettable experience.
Unique Experience:
Participate in a citizen science expedition with local trackers and conservationists.
Important Note:
Requires physical fitness and tolerance for altitude, but the rewards are immense.
6. Indonesia & Borneo: Orangutans in the Wild
Top Spots:
- Tanjung Puting National Park (Indonesia)
- Danum Valley (Malaysian Borneo)
The rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra are some of the last refuges for wild orangutans. Watching them swing freely through the canopy is a profound experience.
Unique Experience:
Stay at a jungle eco-lodge and explore the forest by canoe and foot with indigenous guides.
Responsible Travel Tip:
Avoid tours that promote animal interaction or visit questionable sanctuaries. Choose experiences that focus on observation and conservation.
7. United States: Yellowstone and Beyond
Top Spots:
- Yellowstone National Park
- Denali National Park (Alaska)
- Everglades (Florida)
The U.S. offers safaris in its own right, from bison herds in Yellowstone to grizzly bears and moose in Alaska and alligators and panthers in the Everglades.
Unique Experience:
Join a wolf-tracking tour in Lamar Valley, Yellowstone—the best place to observe wild wolves in the lower 48 states.
Bonus:
In Florida, paddle through mangroves and spot manatees, alligators, and exotic birds.
8. Mongolia: Wild Horses and Snow Leopards
Top Spots:
- Altai Mountains
- Hustai National Park
Mongolia offers vast, open landscapes where wild Przewalski’s horses, ibex, and snow leopards roam. Safari here means embracing traditional nomadic culture, camping under the stars, and traveling by horseback.
Unique Experience:
Join a nomadic herder family on a wildlife expedition across Mongolia’s grasslands and mountains.
9. Iran: Persian Leopards and Asiatic Cheetahs (Highly Regulated)
Top Spots:
- Touran Biosphere Reserve
- Golestan National Park
Iran is home to Persian leopards, Asiatic cheetahs (critically endangered), wild goats, and more. Wildlife tourism here is still emerging but offers a frontier-style adventure with high conservation potential.
Note:
Travel logistics can be complex; always go with licensed eco-tour operators.
10. Australia: Safaris Down Under
Top Spots:
- Kakadu National Park
- Tasmania Wilderness
- Daintree Rainforest
Australia offers its own take on the safari, with kangaroos, koalas, crocodiles, platypuses, and Tasmanian devils.
Unique Experience:
Take a night safari in the Daintree Rainforest to witness the nocturnal magic of this ancient ecosystem.
Tips for Planning a Safari Outside Africa
- Research seasonal timing – Dry seasons generally offer the best wildlife viewing.
- Choose eco-certified operators – To ensure ethical wildlife viewing and conservation.
- Respect local customs and wildlife – Don’t disturb, feed, or get too close to animals.
- Pack smart – Neutral clothing, quality binoculars, insect repellent, and waterproof gear.
- Vaccinations and health precautions – Some regions require specific vaccines.
Final Thoughts: The World Is Your Safari
While Africa remains the gold standard for traditional wildlife safaris, the rest of the world is rich with diverse, thrilling, and often more intimate wildlife experiences. From the snowy ridges of the Himalayas to the flooded plains of the Pantanal, your next great adventure may lie far beyond the savannahs of Kenya.
Step off the beaten path in 2025 and explore a wildlife safari beyond Africa. You’ll not only witness rare and exotic species but also contribute to their preservation by supporting sustainable tourism in lesser-known destinations.