Most people dream of going on an African safari, try an American safari for wildlife watching closer to home (and at a fraction of the expense). You can view zebras and giraffes wandering huge grasslands from an open-air vehicle, thanks to a few US safari parks. Consider a self-guided tour across South Dakota to see buffalo, or choose a great location in the Great Smoky Mountains to see elk in their natural environment. Here are some of the most incredible American safaris, whether you want to observe bobcats, moose, or bighorn sheep on your own or with a guide.
Safari West
Safari West, a 400-acre wildlife reserve, is located near Sonoma, primarily known for its vineyards. Cheetahs, gazelles, wildebeest, and giraffes are permitted to wander freely, with the objective of conservation and propagation. While on safari in an open-air vehicle, visitors may see lemurs and flamingos. It’s also possible to spend the night in an elevated safari-style tent.
Alley of the Moose
Maine is home to the second-largest moose population in the United States, after only Alaska. Maine has roughly 70,000 moose, and the most fantastic time to observe them is in the spring when they come out to lick the salt off the roadways. Sign up for a guided trip with Maine Moose Watching Tours in Greenville or the New England Outdoor Center in Millinocket to see these massive critters.
Serengeti in the United States
Because of the abundance of animals, including wolves, bison, elk, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and foxes, Lamar Valley is known as the “American Serengeti.” Xanterra Parks & Resorts provided a photo safari and guided trips around twilight, the optimum time to see wildlife.
Spotting Wolves
Northeastern Minnesota is the finest site in the United States to observe timberwolves since it houses all but around 75 of the continental United States’ timberwolves. Go to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) or Voyageurs National Park if you want to see wolves. The BWCAW covers 1.2 million acres in northeast Minnesota’s Superior National Forest and is home to over 1,000 lakes, rivers, and streams. Self-guided tours of Voyageurs National Park, which can only be accessible by watercraft or canoe, are also available for wolf watchers.
Jeep Safari in Buffalo
Visit Custer State Park to see the park’s 71,000 acres, which are home to various species such as buffalo, pronghorns, and elk. Guests may take a guided tour in an open-air jeep or drive the 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road on their own.