Going on a traditional African safari is a wonderful experience. Getting to see some of the world’s rarest and most incredible animals up close is a unique moment in anyone’s life. However, a new kind of safari in a different part of the world offers opportunities to see even rarer animals in landscapes that can really astonish. Asian safari adventure holidays offer all the thrills of a traditional safari with the added excitement of remote exotic locations and a real sense of adventure
With varied climates, vegetation and wildlife, there is an amazing array of Asian safari adventure holidays to enjoy. Here is a selection of some of the 5 bestAsian safari adventure holidays.
Snow leopards in Nepal
The term ‘snow leopard safari’ might yield a slightly different internet search than the kind we’re thinking about. All of which is good news, as it means fewer people are likely to find out about adventures searching for one of the rarest animals on earth.
Tracking these rare and reclusive animals is certainly a challenge. You’ll need an expert guide to have any chance of spotting them in the Nepalese Himalayas. But if you are lucky enough to see one it will be an experience you’ll never forget. These isolated mountain ranges are also home to the Bengal tiger, the sloth bear and believe it or not, the rhinoceros.
Orang-utan safari in Borneo
Only found on the islands of Sumatra (Indonesia) and Borneo (Indonesia and Malaysia) the Orang-utan is one of the most endangered species on the planet. Thanks to man’s activities, much of the natural habitat has been destroyed, forcing many orang-utans into captivity simply for their own protection.
However, you can still see them in the wild and it makes for a truly magical experience. The name orang-utan derives from the old Malay for ‘person of the forest’, a term which sums up our fascination with these remarkable animals. So similar to humans, it is all the more shocking what we subject them to. Seeing them safe in their natural habitat is an indescribable feeling.
Komodo dragons in Indonesia
Most of us find dinosaurs fascinating, just look at the success of Jurassic Park. Birds and crocodiles are more closely related to dinosaurs then Komodo Dragons but Komodo Dragons certainly look more like dinosaurs than either of them. Surely it is appealing to see the largest lizard on the planet roaming it’s natural habitat and knowing that they have been known to eat people?
Located in the Indonesian Archipelago between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores is the Komodo National Park. Founded in 1980 to provide shelter for these unique creatures, it’s a stunning backdrop for marvelling at the Komodo dragon and walking with ‘ahem’ dinosaurs.
Chinese panda safari
With only around 1,500 pandas left in the wild and thanks to the notorious difficulties of breeding, Pandas are exceedingly rare. They may have become the poster animal for the global conservation movement but glimpsing them in their natural habitat is a true natural phenomenon. The Wolong nature reserve in central China is one of the few places on earth where you can go to see the panda as it should be.
Kyrgyzstan safari
One of the few remaining wildernesses left on earth, Asian safari adventure holidays let you explore the mountains of this vast country. Search for the Siberian ibex and roe deer and if you’re really lucky you might spot wolves, foxes and even glimpse the reclusive snow leopard. Fly into the capital Bishkek and drive to the base camp ten hours away at Tien Shan.
