Top Safari Destinations Worldwide: From Africa to Borneo

For many, the word “safari” conjures up grand, cinematic visions—majestic animals posing perfectly at sunrise, the distant roar of a lion echoing across the savanna, and a scene so magical it feels straight out of a movie. In reality, safaris are less choreographed spectacles and more raw, unpredictable adventure. They can be hot, dusty, and require patience, with no guarantees beyond the thrill of nature unfolding on its own terms.

Yet, despite the heat and the waiting, safaris remain one of the most sought-after travel experiences. They top bucket lists year after year, outshining river cruises and quirky roadside attractions alike. Part of their enduring appeal lies in their evolution. Once synonymous with big-game hunting in Africa, modern safaris have transformed into immersive wildlife experiences available across the globe.

From tracking jaguars in the Amazon to spotting orangutans in Borneo, the spirit of safari is no longer confined to the African plains. If there’s wildlife to observe, chances are there’s a safari for it—yes, even if that means searching for armadillos in the heart of Texas.

Here are some of the top safari destinations worldwide.

East Africa: Tanzania and Kenya

No. 1 on the list is the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, which spans Tanzania and Kenya. It’s one of the cradles of life, worthy of a top spot on our list.

If you visit Tanzania's Serengeti National Park between July-October or January-February, you’ll likely witness the Great Migration, where more than 2 million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles take their annual circular journey. You’ll also be able to watch from a safe distance as lions stalk their prey and elephants drink at watering holes.

Kenya's Masai Mara offers similarly spectacular viewing, with the option of visiting traditional Masai villages.

Both destinations feature a variety of accommodations, including lodges and glamps. Each has its advantages. Tent camps can have more of a family feel, while lodges can offer breathtaking views and up-close wildlife encounters.

Southern Africa: Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa

Botswana's Okavango Delta, an oasis in the Kalahari Desert, gives visitors the opportunity to take a guided mokoro (dugout canoe) through lily-padded waters to watch hippos wallow and crocodiles sun themselves.

In Namibia, the drier landscapes with their constantly changing colors are something to see by themselves, though there are plenty of zebras, giraffes, elephants, and other big game to be seen within the confines of the remote NamibRand Nature Reserve, especially around the luxurious Kwessi Dunes resort.

Another private reserve, South Africa’s Sabi Sand Game Reserve, is renowned for its leopard sightings and luxurious lodges, including Leopard Hills and Elephant Plains. Nearby Kruger National Park is no slouch in the wildlife department, either.

African safari considerations

Whether you choose a safari in East Africa or South Africa, you need to consider how you’re getting around and the wildlife you’d like to see.

Do you prefer open-top Land Rovers? They’re typically only found on South African safaris. Enclosed vehicles or Jeeps? Those are the vehicles of choice for East African adventures.

Maybe you don’t want a vehicle at all but prefer to travel via bicycle, on foot, or in a bush plane. These are African-safari options, too.

As for wildlife, do you want to be in the bush looking for small herds, or would you rather be on the savannah watching the Great Migration? Are the Big Five (lion, elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, and white/black rhinoceros) must-sees? Are you into birding? Do you want to see gorillas?

You can’t do and see everything; you need to make choices. Working with a safari expert is highly recommended for anyone considering an African safari.

Also Read: What to Look for in a Luxury Trip: Comfort, Convenience, and Costly Experiences

India: Tiger Territory

Maybe you’re not feeling an African safari. Maybe seeing tigers in India is your thing.

You’re in luck. From October through June Ranthambore National Park, a former royal hunting ground in Rajasthan, southwest of New Delhi, provides some of the world’s best tiger viewing.

Safaris in Ranthambore are three and a half hours long with two safari times – early morning and late afternoon. Both give you great opportunities to snap a photo of a Bengal tiger while trekking through the park’s ancient ruins.

Further east, Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh is another top tiger-spotting location that also lets visitors get close up with leopards, sloth bears, elephants, and other wildlife.

Also read: Top 8 Asian Travel Destinations with Travel Guide Videos

Brazil: The Pantanal

The Brazilian Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland, offers South America's premier safari experience.

While the Amazon gets more press, the Pantanal's open landscapes make wildlife spotting easier. In this region near the country’s borders with Bolivia and Paraguay you can glide over flooded grasslands and see jaguars, giant river otters, giant anteaters, tapirs, and hundreds of bird species.

The dry season (July-October) is the best safari time, with comfortable lodges for guests and tour operators offering boat safaris and hiking treks.

Also read: From Spas To Safaris, Find Your Luxury Travel Style

Borneo: Jungle Safaris

The massive island of Borneo, split between Malaysia and Indonesia, is one of the top destinations for rainforest safaris.

The Kinabatangan River in Malaysian Borneo and the wildlife sanctuary along its banks are the places to see wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and pygmy elephants.

Meanwhile, the Danum Valley Conservation Area offers guided, floodlit night safari drives to observe slow lorises and clouded leopards.

The dry season, March to October, is typically the best time to visit.

Tips for Planning Your Safari Adventure

Regardless of where you go on safari, you should:

• Work with a safari expert.
• Book through a reputable operator if you book yourself.
• Plan your safari for the peak viewing season.
• Pack appropriate clothing – generally earth tones, with no red.
• Bring quality binoculars and camera equipment.
• Get the necessary vaccinations and medications.
• Match a safari to your fitness level.
• Buy travel protection.

Why travel protection matters for safari adventures

Safari destinations often combine remote locations with adventure travel. Plus, they’re not cheap. This combination makes them prime candidates for travel protection.

When you choose travel insurance with assistance services from Generali Global Assistance, you’ll get coverage for these and more:

And if you choose the Premium Plan, you may qualify for coverage of pre-existing medical conditions if the requirements are met.

Safaris are truly the trip of a lifetime. They’re trips to be dreamed about, planned for, savored … and protected. And Generali Global Assistance is here for it all. See what it would cost to get travel protection for your safari.

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