When we think of a safari, we picture vast swathes of savannah with gently swaying grass and some of the world’s most captivating species roaming about. But what if you don’t have the cash – or the time – to fly halfway around the world in pursuit of the perfect safari? Well, the good news is you don’t have to miss out. Here are four places where you can safari without leaving the U.S.
The Wilds, Ohio
Cumberland, Ohio, is the home of The Wilds, said to be the largest conservation center in the United States. The park was once land blighted by strip mining, and the first animals to be released onto the newly-reclaimed pasture were Przewalski’s wild horses in 1992. Since then, the park has grown, with annual visitor numbers now in excess of 120,000. Partnered with the Columbus Zoo since 2001, wildlife roam free across the massive site. Plain dwellers like antelope, oryx, zebra, and giraffe thrive here, and the park not only has a significant rhino population, it has a successful breeding program too.
Moose Safari, Maine
Instead of taking your chances with these magnificent but road-hogging beasts by trying to catch sight of one on a backroad adventure, leave it to the pros. It’s easy to arrange a tour of the Moosehead Lake area by car or by kayak with a qualified guide. As Maine has the second-highest population of moose after Alaska, you’ll have decent odds of a sighting. As well as moose, you can expect to see beaver, deer, otter, and, if you're lucky, bobcats and black bears on this safari.
Kilimanjaro Safari, Florida
The kids’ pick for a U.S. safari will be Disney’s Animal Kingdom, for sure, but before you write it off, hear us out. Think of The Kilimanjaro Safari attraction as an Indiana Jones-meets-Lion King kind of way. If you want to test out whether your children have the attention span of a gnat or an elephant, you can try out this 18-minute teaser of a ride. The Florida park’s Harambe Wildlife Reserve is home to 34 species and your guide will offer humorous yet educational commentary as you spot hippos, rhinos, cheetahs, crocodiles, elephants, hyenas, zebras, and even a lion. Night safaris are now available, as are private “Wild Africa Trek” packages for a three-hour, bespoke experience.
Point Reyes, California
Conveniently located a short drive north of San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore has more to offer than sea birds and marine mammals. With 71,000 acres of park, there are great opportunities for spotting wildlife. Some of the more popular residents are the bobcats, which make themselves known throughout the day despite being known for their nocturnal habits. Tule elk, native to the park, are also a common sight, as are coyotes. Occasionally, visitors even spot notoriously elusive mountain lions. Off the coast, there’s a good chance of seeing elephant seals, as well as harbor seals, sea lions, orcas, and whales.
