Four Alternative Safari Destinations Apart From Africa For Wildlife Lovers

Safari illustration. (Wikimedia Commons / Matt Scobel)

JAKARTA - Africa is synonymous with safaris. Visiting its vast plains to admire majestic elephants and roaring lions, is sure to be on any wildlife enthusiast's bucket list.

However, for those looking to experience something a little different, there are many amazing alternative wildlife destinations to choose from. From forests teeming with bird life to frozen tundra that is home to elusive Arctic creatures.

Launching Euronews, here are four exciting options for your next wildlife viewing expedition.

Kangaroo Island, Australia

Kangaroo Island. (Wikimedia Commons / Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble)

Located 15 kilometers off Australia's southern coast, Kangaroo Island is a relaxing destination filled with native wildlife and beautiful nature. Its relative isolation allows the animals to reproduce. That's why the island has 24 amazing protected areas, 19 National Parks and Conservation, and five Wilderness Protected Areas to make homes.

While guided tours are the best way to guarantee finding the animal you want to see, the island's easy accessibility and abundance of wildlife mean guided walks are also a great option.

Head to Seal Bay to roam among a colony of some 800 endangered Australian sea lions, or take a tour of the Hanson Bay Wildlife Refuge for an up-close and personal look with some of the marsupials. Here, you have the opportunity to see adorable native animals such as koalas, possums and wallabies.

Lastly, of course don't miss the island's eponymous kangaroo, which forms their own sub-species that is slightly shorter and stockier than the rest of the Western Gray kangaroos.

Arctic Islands, Canada

Arctic bear illustration. (Wikimedia Commons / US Fish and Wildlife Service)

The word safari tends to conjure up images of a grassy savanna in the scorching sun, but there are many other interesting environments you can experience on a wildlife tour.

However, for something completely different, take a trip to the Arctic in Canada. Nunavut is the northernmost inhabited place on the planet, and is home to a wide variety of animals that breed in cold weather. Due to the harsh environment and remote nature of the area, the best way to explore is on an organized tour.

On an Arctic safari, you can see majestic polar bears in their natural environment, including bear cubs if you're lucky, as well as the incredibly beautiful arctic fox. You can also explore the icy waters by boat, kayak or even snorkel to spot cute seals, Beluga whales to Narwhals with their distinctive tusks.

The Pantanal, Brazil

Jaguar in Pantanal. (Wikimedia Commons / Leonardo Ramos)

The remote Pantanal region of Brazil is the largest inland wetland area in the world, covering an astonishing 230,000 square kilometers. The high concentration of wildlife is combined with the open landscape, making it an ideal location for viewing animals in their natural environment.

The region is home to a wide variety of bird species, including the endangered hyacinth macaw (the world's largest parrot) and the striking black-and-white jabiru stork. You can also find caimans, giant pangolins, square-nosed capybara, tapirs, marsh deer and river otters in this nature-rich region. The highlight, however, is the elusive and elegant jaguar, which comes out in the morning and at dusk to drink and hunt.

The best time to visit the Pantanal if you want to see mammals is during the dry season from June to October. While the rainy season in December to April is best for seeing aquatic animals, such as piranhas and green anacondas.

Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica

Beaches in Corcovado. (Wikimedia Commons / José R)

Costa Rica is renowned as one of the most biodiverse locations in the world. And, Corcovado National Park is one of its top wildlife destinations.

Located on the Osa Peninsula on the Pacific coast, it includes various ecosystems such as rainforests, beaches, swamps, rivers, lagoons, swamps and cloud forests. It is also home to half of all species found in Costa Rica. That includes more than 350 bird species, among them the largest population of red macaws in the country, as well as more than 100 types of butterflies and some 40 species of frogs.

When it comes to mammals, pay attention to the wild margay cat's big eyes, the sloth's slow smile, plus a few different species of naughty monkeys.

The park's many and extensive hiking trails make it a beautiful place for an active vacation. We recommend that you travel with a local guide for the best experience.