Going on safari involves seeing some of the world’s largest species of mammals roaming freely across wide-open spaces.
Across the globe, there are several destinations where watching these animals in glorious surroundings can probably not be matched as a holiday experience.
From lions and tigers, to herds of zebras and Wildebeest, there is always something to see that captures the imagination.
So if you’re considering a safari in the near future, what destinations should you be thinking about?
The Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The Serengeti is widely regarded as one of the best safari destinations, with the famous Serengeti Migration being one of the major attractions.
It occurs on a scale that is seen nowhere else in the world, with more than a million Wildebeest making the journey while hundreds of thousands of other animals also make the trip.
The sheer scale of the Serengeti makes it so staggering and vast seasonal differences result in an environment which changes constantly throughout the year.
Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is quickly becoming a hugely popular Safari destination, thanks to the nature of the animals found across the country.
The Yala National Park has the highest reported leopard density in the world, while Asian Elephants and sloth bears can also be viewed in their natural habitats.
Currently, the region is experiencing its dry season, marking the period up until the beginning of May as the perfect time to visit on safari.
Masai Mara, Kenya
For those wishing to see big cats, there are few destinations better than the Masai Mara – as prides of lions, cheetahs and leopards are all visible on these plains.
It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kenya, with the majority of the Rift Valley – where the reserve is located – made up of lush, open grasslands.
Nearly 100 different types of mammals and reptiles, as well as 400 species of birds, have been recorded in the reserve – nowhere else in Africa offers such an abundance of wildlife.
Bandhavgarh National Park, India
While India is not home to zebras or giraffes, visitors can find tigers, elephants and rhinos in great quantity.
The remote Bandhavgarh reserve in the state of Madhya Pradesh provides an excellent setting for seeing Tigers in their natural surroundings.
There are 80 National Parks spread across India and all provide opportunities to see some of the region’s finest wildlife up close, although it is best to visit before the rainy season begins in June.
Managing finances while travelling
Wherever somebody chooses to go on Safari – from the plains of Africa to the rainforests of Brazil – managing expenditure will play an important role.
Travelling with a prepaid travel card can provide money to spend without the need to carry lots of travellers’ cheques or foreign currency.
With a prepaid card you can only spend the amount which is on it at any given time, making budget management easier, although it can be topped up if you wish at a later date.
Additional security exists on these cards, while the exchange rate seen will be the one when the original transaction took place – providing protection should the exchange rate vary dramatically during a trip.
