If you’re looking for your next big adventure as a couple, nothing quite tops a wildlife safari. This type of trip offers a perfect way to explore a new country and create unforgettable memories. There’s a sprawling array of fantastic destinations, from Africa to Asia, that will give you a real taste of the wild side.
In this blog post, we’ve rounded up some of the best places for spotting animals in their natural habitat.
Serengeti in Tanzania
The vast East-African country of Tanzania is home to the world-famous Serengeti National Park. Literally translated, ‘Serengeti’ means ‘endless plains’ in the Masai language and it certainly lives up to its name, spanning 12,000 square miles.
Across these sprawling savannahs lives the largest lion population in Africa, along with herds of Thomas’ Gazelle, 250,000 zebras, elephants, giraffes and many more creatures, great and small. It’s here where you can also witness the largest annual animal migration in the world, of over 1.5 million blue wildebeest.
The best time to visit the Serengeti is between January and February or from June to October. Early in the year is when you’ll see the Serengeti at its finest; a lush expanse of emerald green with clear skies ideal for game drives. February is also when the wildebeest calving season takes place and the Great Migration happens between July to September.
Masai Mara in Kenya
Top of any wildlife-loving couple’s list is the ‘Big Five’ and there’s no better place to find them than in the Masai Mara National Reserve. The preserved grasslands of the savannah are home to lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras and hippos.
Depending on when you choose to travel, you may witness the Great Migration. It’s during this mass exodus when you’re likely to see dramatic struggles across the Mara River or thrilling encounters with Africa’s top predators on the open plains. Wildlife is abundant all-year round but high-season tends to be between June and October.
Kruger in South Africa
As the biggest national park in South Africa, Kruger offers an impressive array of wildlife-spotting opportunities all year round. The park covers approximately 7,500 square miles and is home to the Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos. Here you’ll also find plenty of birdlife, with over 500 different species including vultures, eagles and storks. The landscape is varied, punctuated by mountains with bush plains and tropical forests, making it ideal for all kinds of wildlife sightings. Kruger National Park is widely considered a year-round destination. However, the best time to visit if you want fantastic game viewing tends to be from May to October.
Central & South America
From whale watching in the Valdes Peninsula to spotting monkeys in the Amazon or a giant tortoise in the Galapagos Islands, the wildlife in Central and South America is magnificent. There are almost too many highlights to mention but if you’ve already ticked off the ‘Big Five’ then make Galapagos Islands’ Big 15 your next experience as a travelling couple.
Modest in size, these biodiverse islands are home to some incredible species, including Darwin’s finches, flamingoes, marine iguanas and seal lions. What’s more, the island mostly comprises national parkland so you’re practically guaranteed to see animals roaming around freely. The best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is dependent on the type of wildlife you want to see so it’s worth a little bit of further research. As for climate, June to November is considered dry and warm and the wet season is December to May.
Asia
Asia comprises some truly epic natural wonders. The continent spans 11 timezones, with the highest and most revered mountain ranges, perilous deserts, sprawling tropical jungles and extreme climates. With this much geographic diversity it’s no surprise that Asia also offers a wealth of opportunities for seeing wildlife.
For a glimpse of the rare giant panda, consider visiting the bamboo forests in South Central China or for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, go in search of the Sumatran tigers in Indonesia. There are plenty of guided wildlife tours that provide intimate knowledge and tracking skills to help bring you closer to these endangered species and having patience will certainly help.
Conclusion
There are opportunities to see amazing wildlife in all four corners of the globe. Before booking your big adventure, consider which animals you want to see and the best time to see them.
Perhaps you’re looking to tick off the Big Five in Masai Mara. Maybe you want to go in search of exotic bird species in Thailand or explore native plants in the foothills of the Himalayas. Wherever you choose, you’ll never forget the experience of discovering the world together as a couple.
For more information
If you have any further questions about which destination is best for your wildlife adventure, we’re here to help. Book your wildlife loving holiday by calling our Silver Travel Advisors on 0800 412 5678.
