When it comes to planning the best vacation for your family or friends, nothing can beat the thrill of safaris. From seeing wild animals in their natural habitats to camping under the stars in open plains to various other activities, there is a lot one can do on a safari trip. It is a once-in-a-lifetime holiday experience that you’ll forever cherish. 

Thus, let’s check out the best safari destinations that you can visit in 2022.

Top Safari Destinations to Visit

1. Okavango Delta in Botswana

Okavango Delta is one of the world’s largest inland river deltas located in northern Botswana. It is considered Africa’s most epic safari destination, and the best time to visit here is from May to August (during the dry season). 

Amid the grassy plains, the roar of lions, the cry of hyenas, and sights of giraffes, leopards, and rhinos will feel thrilling. Moving on to the wetter pastures, you will get to see hippos, elephants, and crocodiles around the lake.

2. Ranthambore National Park in India

Ranthambore is home to various creatures of the animal kingdom, with Tiger being the most famous and fiercest of all. Besides tigers, the lake is filled with mugger crocodiles. There are also the ruins of an ancient fort and a temple within the park. 

Other animals to see, includes Indian leopard, sloth bear, striped hyena, nilgai, rhesus macaque, sambar, among others. The best time to visit Ranthambore is April to June (summer months) and November to March (winter months). 

3. Serengeti National Park in Tanzania

Located in Tanzania, this park is easily one of the most famous parks in Africa with its beautiful and endless savannah grasslands. Serengeti National Park has the highest concentration of mammals on earth. From lions proudly stalking across the green plains to beautiful birds flying in the sky, it is a view to behold. 

Also, every year the Serengeti plains witnesses the largest wildebeest migration for over a million wildebeests, Thomson’s gazelles, and zebras – a view you wouldn’t want to miss out on. 

4. Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya

Maasai Mara is the most-sought after African safari destination that is home to abundant wildlife species, including the Big Five – elephants, African lions, leopards, rhinos, and Cape buffaloes. Located in southwest Kenya, this national park has vast grasslands and river woodland surrounded by acacia trees. Along with the untamed wildlife, travelers can also visit the nearby Maasai village and learn about the customs and culture of the local tribe. 

Looking for other destinations in Kenya? Read about Nairobi City Escapades

5. Yala National Park in Sri Lanka

Yala National Park is Sri Lanka’s most famous park located next to the Indian Ocean. Comprised of dense forests, lush grasslands, and blue lakes with fascinating wildlife, this place is a picturesque landscape filled with adventures. 

Leopards are the ‘Lords of the Jungle’ here, with the leopard density higher than anywhere else on the planet. These menacing predators are a usual sight in Yala, while elephants are seen in huge herds along with sloth bears, jackals, blue-tailed bee-eaters, spotted dear, sambars, monitor lizards, and wild peacocks. 

If you go a little deeper into the park, you can explore various pilgrimage places, caves engraved with century-old rock paintings, and ancient Buddhist ruins. 

6. Baja California in Mexico

Baja California is the Galapagos of Mexico with diverse marine wildlife stretching from the shores of the Pacific coastline to the pleasant blue waters on the sea of Cortez. It is an excellent destination for whale watching and seeing dolphins flipping in the sea. 

On land, you can spot brown pelicans, cormorants, and frigate birds. Also, do not forget to explore a variety of landscapes among the national parks, bays, and desert towns which are home to vibrant and abundant flora. 

7. Guilin Lijiang National Park in China

Located in the north-eastern region of Guangxi Zhuang, China, the park presents an astounding view of the Li River alongside the most charming karst scenery in the world. It is declared as one of the World Heritage Irrigation Structures. 

The park is home to rare wild animals and more than 1,400 species of wild plants. New species are continually found in caves, with over 200 species unable to survive outside their respective subterranean homes. 

It is best known for its karsts – the Fengcong and Fenglin karsts. Also, the limestone mountains are an awe-inspiring spectacle that you won’t forget easily. At this park, you can also cruise on the Li River on traditional-made bamboo rafting.

8. Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio National Park is termed one of the most beautiful parks in the world. It has verdant forests, mangrove swamps, vibrant coral reefs, beaches and is surrounded by mountains. 

Wildlife in the park comprises howler monkeys, endangered white-faced capuchin monkeys, three-toed sloths, anteater, etc. You can also occasionally get a glimpse of ocelots (spotted wild cats) and hundreds of bird species. 

The park also offers various fun activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, and swimming.

9. Mole National Park in Ghana

The largest wildlife refuge, this park is rich in flora and fauna. Over 93 species of mammals, about 400 species of birds, 9 amphibians, 33 reptiles & insectivorous species, and five endemic butterfly species have been recorded here. 

The most popular animals at this park are roan antelopes, elephants, duikers, buffaloes, waterbuck, hartebeest, and others. The best time to visit this park is during the dry season; mid-December through mid-April. 

To sum up

These are just a few of the best places to visit for a safari trip. Africa is the top safari destination for most travelers, followed by Asia, primarily India and Sri Lanka. For an off-beat safari experience, you can visit the national parks in Costa Rica and Mexico. Whereas, for a solo safari trip, Africa and India are the top choices.

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