CLASSIC SAFARI: OUR TOP 5 WORLDWIDE
Classic Safari / Image: Mike Arney
What would it be like if a friend invited you on a classic African safari? Most people imagine driving for miles across the dusty African plains in search of lions, leopards, and elephants. But there are many different types of safaris, and not all are the same.
Going on a classic safari is an ideal experience. It offers you a well-rounded adventure in a diverse region of the world. You get an authentic wildlife viewing experience with comfortable, traditional transportation and professional guides.
You can experience a variety of classic safaris across the globe and in every corner of the world. If you're looking to plan a safari with a difference, you have come to the right place. Become the globetrotter you've always dreamt of being!
In this guide, we put together five of the most exciting safari locations, some of which may surprise you. We hope these locations inspire you to enjoy a classic safari with a unique twist.
Keep reading and get ready to plan your next classic safari adventure:
AFRICAN LION SAFARI
Discover An African Safari With A Unique Perspective. Bridging Lion Conservation With Adventure Travel.
Classic Safari / Image: Connor Scheidler
Classic Safari / Image: Thomas Millot
Gorilla Safari
A gorilla safari is one of our top picks for an authentic classic safari experience.
Rwanda and Uganda are the world's leading destinations for gorilla safaris. However, both countries have more to see than on a typical classic safari than gorillas. Rwanda and Uganda are home to various primates like Olive baboons, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys.
We suggest incorporating gorilla trekking into your safari. These treks are either conducted in Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga National Park.
You must book your gorilla safari with an expert guide company. Never wander through the region on your own. Permits are required for gorilla safaris to protect wildlife. Book your gorilla safari tour at least two months in advance because permits sell quickly.
On a classic gorilla safari, you usually go on an early morning trek through the dense jungle habitat to look for signs of mountain gorillas. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that gets your heart racing! This sunrise trek also allows you to spot lions, leopards, elephants, and other amazing primates throughout the lush jungle.
Which country has the most gorillas?
Rwanda has the most gorillas. One of the world's largest populations of endangered mountain gorillas lives in the Volcanoes National Park.
Good news! The endangered mountain gorilla population has increased thanks to conservation efforts. This inspirational news brings hope for the future of mountain gorillas.
Classic Safari / Image: Andy Brunner
African Lion Safari
Lion safaris are definitely one of our top picks when it comes to planning a classic African safari. Who wouldn't want to witness the King of the Jungle in all his splendor?
Many different types of lions roam the earth, from maneless to tree-climbing species. They are such incredible animals! The appeal to observe and learn more about these creatures is usually why people book a classic safari.
Most lions live in Africa, but a small population of about 600 Asiatic lions exists around Gir Forest National Park in western India. Asiatic lions are endangered. Yet, their population has increased over the last few years thanks to lion conservation achievements.
African lions thrive in the hot temperatures of the African bush. Lions are adaptable creatures and can live in the driest of deserts with very little water. They are mighty, prominent predators in the animal kingdom. If you can go on a lion safari, jump at the chance!
BornWild’s African Lion Safari
On BornWild's African Lion Safari, we bridge lion conservation with adventure travel to create the trip of a lifetime. BornWild exposes travelers to unique resources and experiences only found through this unforgettable safari trip.
With our African Lion Safari, you experience lion conservation in action! You get to accompany some of the world's best lion conservation experts on this adventure. There's no better way to help conservation charities while broadening your classic safari experience above and beyond your wildest dreams.
Where is the best place in Africa to see lions?
The best place to see lions in Africa is in the Serengeti. You can visit the Serengeti on our African Lion Safari and come face-to-face with the famous lion prides of Tanzania.
Classic Safari / Image: Kimberly Genest
Sand dune Safari
Sand dune safaris are a marvelous type of adventure and a great way to incorporate into your next classic safari. It’s an ideal way to witness the dry landscapes and animals of the region. What's great about exploring sand dunes is their vast open spaces, beautiful views, and unique ripples the dunes create.
If you're looking for a classic sand dune safari in Africa, head to Namibia. A few species living in the Namibia desert's sand dunes are springboks, gemsboks, ostriches, bat-eared foxes, and aardwolves. In other parts of Namibia, you can spot the black rhino, white rhino, desert lion, cheetah, leopard, wildebeest, and hartebeest.
When you're done observing the incredible animals that survive in this arid habitat, hop on a quad bike or go sandboarding in the dunes. Sand dune safaris make for a fantastic adventure!
If you're looking to go global and experience other sand dune safaris outside of Namibia, check out our top 4 picks:
These locations make for an ideal epic classic safari of a lifetime!
Classic Safari / Image: Keyur Nandaniya
Indian Tiger Safari
If you want to see a real wild tiger in its natural habitat, head to India for an Indian tiger safari.
India is home to nearly half the world's remaining wild tiger population. It's one of the best places to see this big majestic cat in action.
You can spot these silent hunters on an authentic classic safari if you look in the right places. The best National Parks to observe tigers and ensure you get good sightings are:
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, India
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, India
Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve, India
India's tigers live in over more than 40 national parks. There are different types of tigers throughout Southeast Asia, too. Amur, Siberian, Sumatran, and Bengal tigers are all various subspecies you can spot if you take a classic safari in their specialized habitats.
If you decide to head deep into the jungles of India, you may catch a glimpse of the silent, mythical Bengal tiger. The Bengal tiger is India's national animal. It is a creature that simultaneously captivates and instills fear because of its strength and beauty. As a result, the Bengal tiger has appeared in stories of gods and legends for centuries.
If you love The Jungle Book, head to Pench National Park for inspiration. During your Indian tiger safari, you can find varied landscapes, from jungles and meadows to thick forests. In addition, you will discover an abundance of other wildlife, hidden temples and opportunities to meet with conservationists.
When going on a classic safari to observe tigers, we strongly suggest you book with a tour operator that does not promote any human interactions with tigers. Tigers are wild animals. They should only be seen from afar, undisturbed by human interaction and living in freedom within their wild habitat. Trust us; the photo-op is not worth it.
What makes a Bengal tiger different?
Each Bengal tiger has its own distinctive set of stripes. Like a human's fingerprints, a Bengal tiger's stripes are one-of-a-kind and make them unique.
The Bengal tiger has plenty of other characteristics that make it stand out. The Bengal tiger is smaller than the Siberian tiger but is considered more intimidating. It has the most prominent canine teeth of any wild cat, and its claws are perfect for climbing trees. Some Bengal tigers are also entirely white.
Walking Safari
Sometimes the best way to observe wild animals on your classic safari is by foot. A walking safari gives you a closer glimpse of animals and reptiles you may miss while in a safari vehicle. The opportunity to safely get up close makes a walking safari one of our top picks!
Many places across the globe offer walking safaris. Whether you are tracking gorillas in Uganda or spotting elephants with local indigenous guides in Masai Mara, a walking safari can offer a multitude of remarkable sightings.
Walking Safari / Image: Gabriel P
You're in for a treat when you go on an African walking safari. The experience will allow you to learn about local plant life and foliage. You also discover some of the smaller creatures Africa has to offer when exploring wildlife on foot. African birds, reptiles, and insects are all detectable on a walking safari!
This classic safari gives you a new way to connect with your surroundings. Being out in the open gives you the thrill and excitement of being exposed to the wildlife around you. Make sure never to go on an African walking safari without a licensed and certified guide and ranger.
On our African Lion Safari, we include a fascinating walking safari in Tanzania to spot all varieties of wildlife on foot.
Are walking safaris dangerous?
Although you may feel more exposed on a classic walking safari, it's not extremely dangerous. If armed rangers accompany you on your walking safari, you are more protected than in a vehicle. A safari of any kind can never be considered 100% safe. Make sure to prepare and follow the proper guidelines your safari guide provides.
