Why Your Next Safari Should Be in Asia
When people think of going on safari, Asia might not be the first place that comes to mind—but it should be. This vast continent offers surprisingly diverse and authentic wildlife experiences, from the rainforests of Borneo to the dry salt flats of India. Think wild elephants, leopards, flamingoes, rhinos, and even tigers—yes, tigers—roaming freely in their natural habitats. And the best part? Many of these encounters unfold far from the crowds, in intimate, lesser-known settings where nature still writes the rules.
The Secret Lives of Rhinos and Flamingoes
Rhinos? In Asia? Absolutely. Diphlu River Lodge, nestled beside Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India, offers access to one of the world’s most important sanctuaries for the one-horned rhinoceros. It’s also home to wild elephants and a significant tiger population. Meanwhile, in Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch, Rann Riders gives travelers the chance to see flocks of flamingoes painting the salty marshlands pink during seasonal migrations—a spectacle often overlooked by mainstream tourism.
Wild Elephants in Thailand’s Vertical Paradise
Beyond its famous beaches, Thailand offers unforgettable wildlife experiences. Khao Sok National Park, home to 160-million-year-old rainforests and soaring limestone cliffs, is a haven for gibbons, hornbills, and wild elephants. At 500 Rai Floating Villas, nestled in the Cheow Lan Lake, you can take longtail boat safaris at dusk and watch elephants swim between forested islands or hear gibbons call across the misty hills.
Tigers in India’s Wild Heart
India remains one of the last strongholds for wild tigers, and the thrill of spotting one in its natural habitat is unmatched. For those drawn to the magic of the jungle, Utsav Camp Sariska, a member of the Secret Retreats collection, offers a serene and immersive base just minutes from Sariska Tiger Reserve. Nestled in the Aravalli Hills, the camp pairs glamping comfort with rich wildlife encounters—expect not only tigers but also leopards, sloth bears, and over 200 species of birds.
And far to the north in the high-altitude wilds of Ladakh, Lchang Nang Retreat offers something even rarer—the chance to track the elusive Eurasian lynx. This snow-adapted feline is rarely seen elsewhere, and the retreat’s expert-led Lynx Watch program gives travelers a rare glimpse into the rugged and magical world of Himalayan wildlife.
Wildlife and Orangutan Kingdoms of Borneo
Deep in the jungles of Malaysian and Indonesian Borneo, orangutans swing through ancient rainforest canopiesAnd over in the dense rainforests of Borneo, the wildlife takes on a gentler, more mysterious form. Cruise the Kinabatangan River with Wow Borneo or stay at Rimba Ecolodge or Borneo Rainforest Lodge, where you might spot wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and the rare and charming Bornean pygmy elephants wandering the riverbanks and jungle trails—a uniquely intimate wildlife experience unlike anywhere else in the world.
Leopard & Elephant Encounters in Sri Lanka
If you dream of seeing leopards in the wild, Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park delivers. At Leopard Safaris, a Secret Retreats camp at the edge of the park, guests sleep in tented luxury and embark on guided drives to spot elusive leopards and wild elephants in their natural setting. The experience is raw, authentic, and deeply connected to the rhythms of the land.
Asia’s Nocturnal Magic
In places like Pench and Kanha in India, night safaris unveil a different world. Flying squirrels glide silently from tree to tree, leopards prowl in near-invisible silence, and the forest seems to breathe with mystery. Veteran trackers help interpret the eerie chorus of night creatures while you scan the darkness for a pair of glowing eyes.
A Safari, But Make It Asian
From rhinos in the grasslands of Assam to flamingoes in Gujarat, from gibbons in the misty karst cliffs of Thailand to leopards slipping through the Sri Lankan scrub—Asia’s wildlife is not just diverse, it’s magical. And thanks to the carefully curated Secret Retreats collection, you don’t have to rough it to get close to nature. These handpicked stays combine meaningful encounters with local culture and responsible conservation, making them ideal bases for travelers who seek more than just a checklist of animals.
Safari in Asia isn’t just a substitute—it’s a different kind of wild. One that’s intimate, immersive, and, best of all, still largely undiscovered.
