June 29, 2025, 5:55 am | Read time: 6 minutes

When we think of safaris, various African countries such as South Africa, Botswana, or Angola come to mind, where you can drive through the savannah in a jeep and observe the Big Five and their many animal neighbors in their natural environment. There are also great opportunities outside the African continent to discover wildlife on a (sustainable) safari, such as in Brazil and on the island of Borneo.

Why are we highlighting these five travel destinations? It’s simple. We asked our community on Facebook and Instagram which is the best travel destination in the world for a sustainable safari. The five destinations that made it to the final voting are Iona National Park in Angola, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, the Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa, the Pantanal National Park in Brazil, and the Tabin Wildlife Reserve in the Malaysian part of Borneo.

Now it’s your turn: Which of the five destinations do you think is the best for a sustainable safari? Scroll down to vote.

The Top 5 Destinations for a Sustainable Safari at a Glance

Iona National Park in Angola

Located in southwestern Angola, the Iona National Park spans about 15,150 square kilometers. Situated at the northern tip of the Namib Desert, it borders the Skeleton Coast National Park in Namibia. The Iona National Park is home to mountain zebras, oryx antelopes, black-backed jackals, hyenas, as well as a few cheetahs, caracals, and leopards. Additionally, there are 75 species of amphibians and reptiles, as well as migratory and wading birds. Since 2023, giraffes have once again been living in the park.

Although the Angolan protected area was established in 1964, the people, wildlife, and plant life suffered for decades due to wars and extinctions. It wasn’t until 2019 that the Angolan government agreed to collaborate with the African NGO African Parks, leading to renewed efforts to protect the national park and its inhabitants, as well as to reintroduce previously extinct species. Following the giraffes, lions, elephants, and black rhinos are also expected to return to Iona National Park in the future.

With a new focus on the national park’s sand dunes, mountains, and cliffs, tourism is expected to be boosted in the long term. To ensure tourism helps rather than harms, travelers should opt for sustainable safaris offered by local tour operators. These operators work closely and respectfully with local tribes, use eco-friendly vehicles with small groups, and promote sustainable travel, such as using solar power.

Okavango Delta in Botswana

The Okavango Delta in northern Botswana is known for its diversity of fascinating animal species. Lions, elephants, leopards, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles–all these and many more live in this vast inland delta. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2014 and is therefore under special protection.

Protecting the Okavango Delta is also the focus of many Botswanan tour operators, who must adhere to strict rules to protect the animals and environment. Small lodges and camps in Botswana often rely on renewable energy and local resources, with many focusing specifically on ecotourism. This is also evident in the safaris themselves, which are designed not to disturb the animals, such as by using dugout canoes to navigate the delta and observe the animals from the water.

Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa

In neighboring South Africa, near the border with Botswana, lies the Madikwe Game Reserve. The wildlife reserve northwest of Johannesburg is malaria-free and home to about 12,000 animals, including the popular Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. Additionally, rare wild dogs can be observed here. At 750 square kilometers, it is the fifth-largest and one of the lesser-known wildlife reserves in the country.

It is considered a model project for sustainable tourism. Madikwe offers safaris exclusively for guests of the lodges and camps; day visits are prohibited. As a result, the nature is intended to remain largely untouched, with only lodge vehicles allowed in the reserve. Many of the accommodations themselves focus on sustainability and low ecological footprints.

Pantanal National Park in Brazil

Brazil is also a fantastic travel destination for sustainable safaris. The Pantanal Biosphere Reserve is particularly popular. This vast wetland is located near the border with Bolivia in the west of the country and is protected by UNESCO.

And who lives in Pantanal National Park? The wildlife reserve with its impressive wetlands is home to jaguars, anacondas, crocodiles, deer, capybaras, jabiru storks, piranhas, giant catfish, and many others. These can be discovered on various safaris in the Pantanal, such as on foot, horseback, by water, or from a safari vehicle.

Tabin Wildlife Reserve on Borneo/Malaysia

In the Malaysian northeast of the island of Borneo, which is divided between Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei, lies the fifth travel destination we propose as the best for a sustainable safari: the Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Its animal inhabitants include the Borneo pygmy elephant, the Sumatran rhinoceros, the wild cattle species Tembadau, nine primate species, three cat species, and numerous bird species.

Visitors can discover the reserve and its animals on various jungle hikes and other safaris. The reserve itself promises sustainable and responsible tourism, with minimal impact on nature, such as limiting group sizes to five people plus a guide.

Vote Now: What is the Best Travel Destination in the World for a Sustainable Safari?

Angola, Botswana, South Africa, Brazil, or Borneo? Which of the featured destinations do you like best for a sustainable safari? Vote now:

The best travel destination in the world for a sustainable safari will be officially awarded in September as part of the TRAVELBOOK AWARD 2025. More information will follow shortly.

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