Visa-free wildlife safari destinations: There’s no better way to witness the wild than a safari adventure. Indians have hassle-free access to some of the most stunning safari destinations in the world, with the added bonus of easy visas. This means you can travel to the grasslands of Africa or the ochre dunes of the Middle East without the bother of applying for a visa beforehand, or simply seeking one on arrival. These pockets on the planet hide ample natural beauty and biodiversity, with everything from elusive wildlife to picturesque landscapes on display. Here are the best visa-free safari destinations for Indians:
Visa-free wildlife safari destinations
- Bolivia, South America
Visa: on arrival
Spot flamingos on the Bolivian Altiplano, take a 4×4 safari to catch a glimpse of jaguars in the Pantanal, or book the Pampas Safari in Rurrenabaque.
2. Gabon, Africa
Visa: on arrival
A less obvious safari choice, Gabin has 13 national parks that offer everything from gorilla treks and mandrill spotting, to coastal safaris and watching buffaloes on white-sand beaches.
3. Madagascar, Africa
Visa: on arrival
In this East African country, spot rare species found nowhere else on the planet. The world’s fourth largest island has everything from beach biodiversity to highlands and the botanical wonderland of Ifotaka town.
4. Rwanda, Africa
Visa: on arrival
One of Africa’s best safari destinations with easy visa access, Rwanda is the place for gorilla trekking. It’s also great for spotting big cats and enjoying the stunning landscape dotted with tea plantations as well as craters.
5. Tanzania, Africa
Visa: on arrival
Tanzania’s popular northern safari circuit mustn’t be missed, for it includes the Serengeti and is the hotspot for migratory crossings in the wildlife corridor. The country is also home to marvellous crater lakes and volcanic peaks, including Mount Kilimanjaro.
6. Zimbabwe, Africa
Visa: on arrival
Take the safari train through Hwange National Park, strike the iconic Victoria Falls off your bucket list, and safari through the road less travelled into the Eastern Highlands and the Southern Lowveld.
7. Indonesia, Asia
Visa: on arrival
At Komodo National Park, book a kayaking and snorkelling safari, or head out on a trek to spot the biggest lizard in the world.
8. Laos, Asia
Visa: on arrival
The remote Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park in Laos is ideal for a safari under the stars, with late-night boat rides seeking out leopards, lions, aardwolves, honey badgers and other wildlife.
9. Sri Lanka, Asia
Visa: on arrival
Visit Yala National Park—probably Sri Lanka’s most visited park—or spot hundreds of elephants at Udawalawe National Park.
10. Mozambique, Africa
Visa: on arrival
Head out on ocean safaris in the UNESCO-protected waters of Mozambique, teeming with dugongs, giant sharks, manta rays and whales.
11. Oman, Middle East
Visa: not required
Take a break from Muscat’s cosmopolitan lifestyle to enjoy a dune safari on the Wahiba Sands to meet the Bedouins.
12. Qatar, Middle East
Visa: not required
Take a desert safari in a 4×4—and perhaps try your hand at dune bashing—for a sojourn across Qatar’s dramatic dune landscapes.
13. Mauritania, Africa
Visa: on arrival
Take a desert safari across the Mauritanian Sahara for a taste of the nomadic life, ancient ruins and colourful cityscapes.
