Safaris are amazing. You get to see animals in their natural habitat and view beautiful landscapes while enjoying an adventurous mode of travel. When most people think of ideal safari destinations, it is usually South Africa and Kenya that are top of mind, but there are many other places in the world that offer unique safari experiences.
From the United Arab Emirates to India, Qatar, and Malaysia, here are some off-the-beaten-track safari destinations that offer something special.
Are you wondering how we found these unique destinations? See what locals said about them on Crowdsourced Explorer.
1. Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
The first is in Dar Es Salaam, that is in Tanzania in case you did not know. The amazing Mikumi National Park has options for day and night adventures, allowing you to enjoy the nocturnal wildlife.
During the day, you’ll see lions lounging, elephants grazing, and giraffes roaming. You can relax by the ponds while taking a lunch break, then hop back on the tour vehicle to see some zebras running or hyenas on the prowl.
Another great location for safaris is Ruaha National Park, is smaller and even less well-known but offers the same type of wildlife.
2. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
(c) Shravan Acharya
Yes! Dubai is not just a shopping destination. If you are looking for a desert safari that’s often overlooked, you should check out those in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
Some safaris offer camel rides, BBQ’s and much more! As one local put it, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to “experience the beauty of the Arabian Desert!”
There are many other types of safaris you can take, too, such as on a quad bike or dune buggy. Or you can enjoy the beautiful red sand landscape from inside an air-conditioned vehicle.
3. Gaborone, Botswana
(c) Fatima Meer
In Botswana, you can explore the city of Gaborone and check out their unique safari options. One is a hunting safari, guided by the local bushmen. If you’re into big game hunting, that might be the safari for you.
If you’d prefer to simply view the animals in their natural habitat, you might opt for a different type of local safari. These safaris take you out into the remote wilderness of Botswana where you camp overnight.
Yo will get the benefit of being out among the animals all day and night, with expert guides as your companions. While camping, you’re more likely to see rare wildlife that you wouldn’t see on other African safaris.
4. Churu, Rajasthan, India
Lions, tigers, and oh my! In the area around the city of Churu you can go on several different types of safaris. One is a desert safari to see the famous local sand dunes, but another is to go on a safari through a local park. There, you’ll see tigers, birds, and all kinds of local Indian animals.
5. Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, India
As the city of white tigers, Rewa offers a unique safari you won’t find other places: the white tiger’s safari. The white tiger is a beautiful, powerful, and rare animal. On the safari, you can ride through the park and see the white tiger in a natural environment. You’ll see some other rare animals, too.
6. Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
(c) Arjun MJ
In Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, India, you’ll find plenty of lesser-known safari parks that are home to indigenous reptiles, such as the king cobra and Indian cobra, and birds such as the rosy pelican and painted stork, as well as mammals such as lions and tigers.
There are also great wildlife sanctuaries, such as the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can view elephants and lions.
In this area, you can take a crocodile safari, which includes a boat ride through water that is teeming with crocodiles! There are also great water features at many of these popular safari sites, such as big lakes, waterfalls or man-made reservoirs.
If you’d really like to see some amazing natural features, you can enjoy the stunning mountains overlooking the sparkling lakes and forests filled with tigers, elephants, and more at the Periyar National Park.
7. Doha, Qatar
Have you flown through Doha and wondered what Qatar has to offer as a country? why not make a stopover during one of your trips and take a beautiful, breathtaking journey through the dunes and savor some of the many desert safaris in Doha. It is sure to take your breath away.
Along the way, there are many locations to stop and eat, enjoy the local culture, or take a quick dip in the water. There are camping options, too, if you want to get the full desert experience.
8. Gambang, Pahang, Malaysia
In Gambang, Pahang in Malaysia, you will find several types of safaris that were not on the travel brochures. One is Bukit Gambang Safari Park, home to many types of animals, including four types of bears and other animals from around the world.
You can walk along the path and over a bridge that offers a great, close-up view
of the bear and jackal enclosures. Alternatively, you could take a shuttle and listen to the tour guides as they teach you about each animal you pass.
Another popular spot is the Berkelah waterfall. You can hike through a beautiful forest, then watch the sun glint off the magnificent falls. You can camp out or swim at the bottom of the falls. If you’re a water and nature lover, this might just be the place for you!
If you want to know more about these and other safari locations, check out what locals said about them on Crowdsourced Explorer!
Let me know in comments if you have had a chance to explore any of these safari spots or if there are others that should be on the list.
And, if you loved this article and are set to embark on your safari adventure and are wondering what to wear while on safari, read this article on the ultimate guide to looking chic while on safari.
Doing a safari would be such an incredible experience. I’d love to visit Africa of course, but Thiruvananthapuram sounds really awesome, too!
Author
I am biased but I do think African safaris are the absolute best
I’ve never been on a safari but always have wanted to go! Thanks for all the recommendations on the best spots to go!
I would love to go on an animal safari in Africa. I would also suggest the Sahara in Morocco out towards Merzouga / Erg Chebbi. It would be similar to your Dubai option.
Author
Thanks for that suggestion Rhonda, I’m headed to Morocco in December, I will look into Merzouga for some safari action
I love underrated places and I have never been to Safari, so I am going to save this list!! Tanzania would be my first choice ????
Author
Tanzania is definitely a good choice
Some good suggestions here! I’m most attracted to the desert safari in Dubai & I didn’t know you go on safari in Malaysia! I’ll definitely save this article for future reference. Thankyou!
Author
Malaysia was new for me too, definitely one to watch
This is amazing – and great especially when you’re looking for some place that might not be THAT crowded. Thanks for sharing!
Author
Exactly underrated is the key word here
Quite a bit of inspiration to choose from for a safari. Thank you.
Author
Indeed, there is quite a bit out there
I just came back from Zanzibar and now I am regretting it so much I wasn’t able to do a safari! Next year for sure! Would love to do it in Africa but thank you for showincasing all the other destinations.
Author
All the more reason to go back to Tanzania to go on a safari
Dang, I missed the safari in Dubai during my visit. All these look amazing and you sure had me add a lot of safaris to my list.
Author
That’s great
This is such a great post! I did the safari in Dubai and loved it! Thanks for sharing!
Author
yes that’s a very accessible one
Dang! I never had thought about India being a place to go on a safari. (Not to mention Dubai, Qatar, or Malaysia.)
Author
Yea they are not the usual suspects
This looks like an awesome adventure. I would love to go on safari one day. 🙂 Thank you for sharing.
Author
I hope you make it to go on one Gail
Safari experience is still on my travel bucket list! would love to visit Tanzania and Botswana the most! Thanks for the inspiration
These all look amazing!! India is on my list and I never thought about going on a safari there! Thanks for this great guide!
Wow, these all look fantastic. Dubai has been on my list for years to see and didn’t even think of taking a safari while there. Great suggestions!
Going on a safari sounds like so much fun. For me, it is SUCH a long plane ride to get there so it’s been hard to plan a big trip like that but one day I’d like to make it happen. Thank you so much for sharing!
I would love to go on a safari in Dubai!
I’ve always wanted to visit Africa and try a safari. Thanks for sharing all your recommendations. I’ll be using your tips for a future trip.
These are some really cool suggestions, I would never have considered somewhere like Dubai or Doha, but those sounds like really fun experiences!
We did a safari in the Masai Mara, so it was super famous…but I was still blown away. I loved every moment of seeing all the amazing animals! Still, I love the idea of visiting less obvious spots. 😀
Author
I am 100 convinced that Maasai Mara is the ultimate safari, but I am biased seeing as I am Kenyan 🙂