6 amazing safari experiences that are not in Africa
Want your fill of adventure, wildlife and nature without the long flight? Here are epic trips that still provide the thrills
Animals and adventure in Costa Rica
Green, serene, wild and wondrous, tropical Costa Rica is full of diverse landscapes and awash with rare animals and birds, so safaris are plentiful, varied and unparalleled. See green sea turtles in Tortuguero National Park and explore canals looking for monkeys, birds, crocodiles and caiman. Visit Arenal volcano and a world of spider and howler monkeys, sloths and birds, and raise your heart rate with some exhilarating white-water rafting, kayaking, biking or caving. Journey to the majestic Monteverde Cloud Forest for cool weather, nature trails and boat trips. Lastly, swap wildlife adventures for winding down on a slice of perfect sand in the Gulf of Papagayo. Four Seasons Costa Rica sets the laid-back bar high with its lush landscape, sumptuous villas, sprawling spa and swimming pools.
Orangutans in Borneo
If you have a penchant for long-limbed, pot-bellied, auburn-haired types, Borneo will not disappoint. As one of the last places in the world where you can watch orangutans in their natural habitat, head for the rainforests and embark on a trek to witness them playing, feeding, and sometimes blowing kisses to their audience. Don’t miss the Tree Top Canopy Walkway, 30 metres above the ground in the conservation area of Danum Valley, which propels you up close to flying frog, soft shelled turtles, vipers, butterflies and more than 40 species of fish. Come back down to earth with a stay at Borneo Rainforest Lodge, a comfortable eco-property.
Snow leopards at Ladakh
The snow leopard likes to make sightings tricky. The most elusive and mysterious of all the big cats cannot be seen on a traditional safari. Instead, you have to visit the remote Indian region of Ladakh, high up in the Himalayas, to catch a glimpse. Spend your days with an expert tracker scouring the terrain for paw prints in the snow, scent marks left on rocks, and listening for their calls echoing through the peaks and valleys. While here, you’ll also explore Ladakh’s austere landscape, discover its ancient Buddhist monasteries, learn about the local way of life, and spot other wildlife including the sure-footed ibex, Himalayan wolves and Tibetan sand foxes.