Animal instincts? The top five must see wildlife parks to get your safari on span the globe in terms of variety of species and geography. But whether it's a ferocious feline or furry friend, we are fascinated by animals in their natural habitat. The call of the wild may be closer than you imagined.

Sundarbans National Park, India

The Sundarbans National Park neighbors Bangladesh as a must see wildlife park. This mangrove jungle is a one of a kind sanctuary for tigers, deer, monkeys, wild boar, reptiles and birds. To get to this beautiful sanctuary you need to travel either by train or road and then by boat.

 

Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

If you think you've seen it all in your lifetime, take a deep breath because you haven't seen anything yet. Travel to Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya for the most famous safari destination in the world. The big game reserve on the southwestern tip of Kenya has lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, wildebeests, buffalos, zebras, elephants, crocodiles and hippos.  Take a safari vehicle, a walking hike or a hot air balloon for this gorgeous once in a lifetime experience to track the "Big Five."

 

The Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve, Cape York, Australia

You may want to buy another memory card before visiting this wildlife parks. The Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve in Queensland's Cape York Peninsula has over 333,500 acres dedicated to the late great crocodile hunter, Steve Irwin. Home to 154 native bird, 43 reptile, 18 amphibian, 15 mammal, and 43 freshwater fish species, with 35 different ecosystems this reserve provides the experience of natural savannah woodlands, rainforests, rivers, creeks and wetlands and is preserved by Irwin's family and friends in honor of his legacy.

 

Glacier National Park, Montana

Though not as exotic as a safari, stay closer to home for some of America's most sought after creatures. Head to the northwest United States to have a close encounter with the largest population of grizzly bears in the country.  Glacier National Park in West Glacier, Montana has over 60 native species in just 2,000 square miles. You may even get the once in a lifetime opportunity to spot a gray wolf, on the endangered list. Use the park's hiking guides to know what to look for where so you don't miss any wildlife.

 

Channel Islands, California

Channel Islands off the southern coast of California offers visitors a glimpse into the beauty of life underwater- marine life. Experience the gray, humpback and blue whales as they pass by on their way to breed in Baja. Watch the sea lions and seals at play, or explore the tide pools with sea urchins and sea anemones. You may even catch a glimpse of an island fox if you keep your eyes peeled.

 

by Rachel Jimenez, Contributing Author