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Safari vehicle with wildlife in East Africa

Safari Experiences Around the World

Discover safari experiences around the world, from classic African game drives to jaguar tracking in Brazil and tiger safaris in India.

What is a safari?

A safari traditionally refers to a wildlife journey focused on observing animals in their natural habitat, most commonly associated with Africa. Today, the concept has expanded to include different types of wildlife experiences across a range of ecosystems worldwide.

Today, safaris can take many forms, from vehicle-based game drives across open savannahs to boat safaris along river systems or guided tracking in more remote environments.

Classic African safari landscape with wildlife

Types of safari experiences

Not all safaris are the same. The experience varies depending on the landscape, wildlife, and how you explore the environment.

While African safaris remain the most recognized, similar wildlife experiences now exist across different ecosystems worldwide.

African safaris

African safaris are the most well-known and widely accessible, typically taking place in countries like Kenya and Tanzania.

These wildlife safari experiences are centered around game drives in open landscapes, offering the chance to see a wide variety of animals in a single trip.

Start with Kenya or Tanzania for the most recognizable safari format.

Jaguar safaris

In Brazil’s Pantanal, safaris take place along river systems rather than roads. Boat-based exploration allows for close encounters with wildlife, including one of the highest chances in the world to see jaguars in the wild.

Tiger safaris

Tiger safaris in India focus on tracking animals through dense forest environments. These experiences require patience and skilled guides, with sightings often happening in more secluded settings.

Best safari destinations

The best safari destination depends on what kind of experience you are looking for, from high wildlife density to more specialized tracking.

Safari destinations vary widely, but a few regions consistently stand out based on wildlife visibility and overall experience.

East Africa

Kenya and Tanzania remain the benchmark for classic safari experiences, combining open savannahs, strong wildlife density, and straightforward game-drive logistics.

See more on Kenya and Tanzania.

Southern Africa

Botswana and South Africa are among the best safari destinations for travelers prioritizing varied ecosystems, strong guiding standards, and comfortable lodges.

See more on South Africa.

Brazil

The Pantanal offers a very different type of safari, built around rivers and wetlands with exceptional jaguar viewing potential.

For the leading South American safari format, compare jaguar safari experiences.

India

Tiger reserves in India deliver a more specialized safari focused on patient tracking, forest habitat, and one of the world’s most iconic predators.

How to choose the right safari

Choosing a safari depends on your priorities. Some destinations offer frequent wildlife sightings, while others focus more on immersion and exploration.

The clearest way to compare safari experiences is to think about how you want to move through the landscape, how visible the wildlife is likely to be, and how much comfort you want built into the trip.

Consider

  • Visibility of wildlife
  • Type of landscape
  • Travel style: vehicle, boat, or walking
  • Level of comfort

Browse safari tours from our partners, then open a listing for full itineraries, pricing, and travel dates.

Frequently asked questions

What is a safari?

Where is the best place for a safari?

Are safaris only in Africa?

What animals can you see on a safari?

Start planning your safari experience

Use this page as your starting point, then compare classic African safaris in Kenya and Tanzania, jaguar safaris in Brazil, and broader safari tours across FaunaExplore.