We here at Natural World Safaris love to push the boundaries when it comes to offering our wildlife-loving clients new safaris!
Whether it be newly accessible locations, stunning accommodations that wouldn’t spring to mind as safari destinations or parks with access to endangered creatures, we want to offer you unusual yet unforgettable experiences.
Did you know that Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo lies within the second-largest area of tropical rainforest in the entire world? This relatively undiscovered park is home to western lowland gorillas as well as a range of buffalo, elephants and giant forest hogs. Not your traditional African safari destination, the Republic of Congo offers African enthusiasts something vastly different to the rolling plains of the Masai Mara or Kruger National Park. The "bais" are marshy grasslands which draw animals in with their constant water supply, so are perfect for wildlife encounters.
All of our Republic of Congo safaris feature a number of days in Odzala-Kokoua National Park, where you can come face to face with wild gorillas who have been habituated to the presence of humans. Many travellers include at least two gorilla treks in their itinerary, allowing them to capture memorable photos on the first trek while putting the camera away on the second, an experience which can truly connect you to these great apes.
The rugged landscape of Zakouma National Park in Chad is one of Africa’s true remaining wildernesses. It is a real privilege to explore this park and on our Wildlife and Wilderness in Zakouma National Park safari you have the opportunity to stay at the unique Camp Nomade. Enjoy sundowners overlooking the large waterhole beside your camp before retiring to your Bedouin-style tent. Lion populations are healthy in Zakouma, as are crocodile, buffalo and elephant; this alongside a wide variety of other wildlife ensures regular encounters. Arriving at the park by Cessna Caravan you swoop over the plains in search of wildlife before you even touch down! If you’re a bird-lover Zakouma is a real paradise – just read Will Bolsover’s blog detailing his group’s numerous sightings!
Lying so high up in the Indian Himalayas, one may not think of Ladakh as a safari destination. However, it is in fact one of the only remaining habitats of rare snow leopards. Ladakh can form either the centrepiece of one of our Indian safaris or part of a larger itinerary. During your time in this remote region you will travel with your expert guide, following the tracks and trails of the snow leopard’s prey, in an effort to locate these elusive big cats and perhaps even other predators, such as the Tibetan wolf. A trip to the mountainous region of Ladakh will be a truly unforgettable experience: the scenery surrounding your campsite is astounding; keeping your eyes peeled for the camouflaged snow leopards is thrilling; and learning about the important snow leopard conservation that is helping to protect this rare species will ensure you return home enriched.
This remote region of Canada just south of the Arctic Circle is home to a natural wildlife phenomenon that occurs nowhere else on earth: the “ice grizzlies”. Venture to the area surrounding Bear Cave Mountain Camp at the optimum time of year to explore the breathtaking Yukon Territory, while watching and photographing these unique grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Thanks to the drop in temperature during Canada’s autumn/winter months (with water continually flowing due to thermal springs below the river), the wet fur of these huge bears freezes into icicles, providing fantastic photography opportunities. Although this is an extremely remote safari destination, the experience will be worth it! Join the Ice Grizzlies of Bear Cave Mountain safari to gain access to a wildlife encounter like no other.
Another remote yet unforgettable safari destination is the Durminskoye Reserve near Khabarovsk, a Siberian city in Far East Russia, just a few miles from the Chinese border. This obscure part of the world may not seem to lend itself to flora and fauna; however, this region bordering the Sea of Okhotsk is the only place in the world that the rare Siberian tiger can be found. Conservationist Alexander Batalov has spent his life researching and protecting Siberian tigers, and he now leads our Siberian Tiger Safari in order to teach others about his vital conservation efforts. Roam through the snowy reserve setting up camera traps and looking for notable markings, and enjoy the thrill of knowing you are standing in the habitat of the world's largest feline!
The Caribbean country of Dominica may not be the most well-known of safari destinations, but it does offer wonderful wildlife opportunities. Its lush forested interior is reason enough to visit, but the true jewel of the "Nature Island of the Caribbean" is its marine life. Offshore, sperm whales live year-round in the turquoise waters, sharing this rich marine environment with pilot whales, spinner dolphins, green sea turtles and many more species. You can travel out by boat with our expert marine and photography guide, Patrick Dykstra, on our Swimming with Sperm Whales in Dominica Safari to spend time with these majestic whales and even get in the water alongside them! After your day at sea, continue your adventurous experience with a hike through the island's mountainous landscape, sculpted by millennia of volcanic activity.
The Seychelles are often synonymous with luxurious beach honeymoons, and although we know they are fantastic for this, we also rate them highly as a safari destination for those who are looking for a bit more than just sea and sand during their relaxing break. The impeccable North Island resort allows you to stay in pristine accommodation while enjoying wildlife encounters that are suitable for all the family. Not only can you swim with stunning marine wildlife among the coral reefs, see giant tortoises wandering around the site and spot huge numbers of birds in the trees, but the owners also take it into their own hands to nurture endangered animals and reintroduce them to the wild! This is a truly unique place to combine wildlife and relaxation.
Mentioning Tanzania as a safari destination may not seem unusual at all; however, there is more to a Tanzanian safari than the classic Serengeti game drive. Although we love looking for wildlife on the rolling plains of Tanzania’s better-known national parks, for more seasoned travellers or those just looking for something a little different, Mahale Mountains National Park offers something altogether alternative. The Mahale Mountain Range is a ruggedly beautiful area in the west of the country home to large populations of chimpanzees. Trek deep into the range in search of habituated families of chimpanzees and enjoy observing their cheeky characteristics and family dynamics! After a somewhat strenuous trek to find the chimpanzees, relax back at your luxurious camp, Greystoke Mahale, or go out onto Lake Tanganyika, the world’s longest freshwater lake.
Go further than the usual Arctic Canada expeditions as you travel to the remote area of Baffin Island to experience the "great migration" of the Northwest Passage, far from anything you will experience in Africa! Staying on the floe edge in safari-inspired, tented camps, you can kayak alongside hundreds of belugas and narwhals – unusual whales that many don’t even realise exist – as they migrate with their young. Transfers to and from the camp are provided by light aircraft and qamutik (Inuit sled) which gives you a fantastic opportunity to see this extraordinary landscape from above as well as experience traditional transportation methods. Take a look through our Arctic Canada safaris and make sure to contact us to find out the current availability for these kinds of trips.
Djibouti is located on the “Horn of Africa” on the continent's northeastern coast. This tiny country, seldom frequented by foreign travellers, is home to healthy populations of whale sharks (as well as other intriguing marine life) which makes it the ideal location for a marine safari. As you explore off the coast of Djibouti, you will know you are one of very few to visit this region and to experience swimming with whale sharks up close in the Gulf of Tadjoura. Not only is this marine experience unusual, the topography surrounding Djibouti City is unique too! Visit Lake Assal, a crater lake which happens to be Africa’s lowest land depression. The saline lake lies at 155m below sea level and is a vital part of the local community.
Speak to one of our Destination Specialists to begin planning an off-the-beaten-path adventure.