Want to see lions, tigers and jaguars? Big cats can be found all across the world, but some countries are particularly worthwhile visiting if you want to catch sight of one of these majestic animals. Below are 5 of the best countries for big cat spotting.
India
India tours are excellent for big cat enthusiasts due to the sheer diversity of these animals that you can find within this country. Perhaps the most famous of India’s big cats is the Bengal tiger – which can be sighted in national parks like Ranthabore and Bandhavgarh. The rare Asiatic lion can also be found in Gir National Park in Gujarat. Meanwhile, various leopards can be spotted throughout the country including snow leopards up in the Himalayas and Indian leopards in the south. Hire a local private guide or join a group tour for the best chance of seeing these animals.
Botswana
While South Africa is a more popular destination for big cat safaris, the neighbouring nation of Botswana provides more pure untouched wilderness, and is sometimes regarded as one of the best countries in Africa for seeing big cats. In the Okavango Delta and Central Kalahari, you have a good chance of spotting lions and leopards. This includes the unique black-maned Kalahari lion. You can stay in luxury lodges and enjoy less busy tours than you might experience south of the border. May to September is generally the best time for booking a safari.
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Namibia
Namibia has the highest population of cheetahs of any country – one third of the world’s cheetah population are found in this country. Etosha National Park has several waterholes where you can commonly spot these beautiful animals, while Okonjima Nature Reserve offers the opportunity to get closer up with cheetahs. The country is also home to lions and leopards, which can be sighted at many of the same national parks. You should visit Namibia in the dry season between May and October. There are many choices of hotels where you can stay from which you can take safari expeditions.
Tanzania
Which country has the most lions? Tanzania by quite a large margin – almost 40% of Africa’s lion population lives within this country’s borders. This is due to huge amounts of land in Tanzania being protected including the famous Serengeti. If you want the best chance of eyeing a pride of lions, make sure to book a safari in this country. Leopards and cheetahs are also commonly sighted within Tanzania. The neighbouring country of Kenya is also an excellent choice for big cat sightings offering even more safari experiences than Tanzania, but also more crowds.
Brazil
Brazil is sometimes overlooked when people think of big cats. You won’t find lions or tigers or cheetahs here – however you can spot jaguars and pumas here. The Pantanal Wet Land is a common place to sight jaguars and can be accessed via boat safari tours. If you want a chance of seeing a puma, consider the Pampas of Rio Grande do Sul. Make sure to book tours in advance as they can often be very popular.
