Observing wildlife within their natural habitat has to be one of the most satisfying and inspiring experiences where ever it is. Most countries through all the continents have a mixed variety of different national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to visit. A quick research online will quickly show endless amounts of safari wildlife oriented websites, and photographic wildlife workshops who compete with one another. This is excellent for those who plan a quick two week trip for the soul purpose of doing a wildlife safari, as it caters for different budget levels. However, this is unnecessary if you are travelling overland through a continent, thus picking up much cheaper deals en route. 

It's easier and cheaper when arriving at a particular wildlife location to contact locals who offer their services as a guide or as a driver. There's never an issue finding these guys in villages bordering close to sanctuaries and national parks. Negotiating a price is like bartering on steroids - especially when locals are trying to cut a deal all at the same time. The outcome generally results in an offer that can't be refused.

Another alternative is to hire some wheels yourself, and to share the cost of the rental between one or two other visitors for a few days. If sharing a vehicle as a passenger, then ensure any itinerary planned for the day is agreed on beforehand - like arriving at certain locations as early as possible, and returning to home base when it becomes dark. Personally, on a few occasions, it would of been easier to rent my own vehicle so that  I could stop at random locations for as long as necessary before speeding off elsewhere. Whatever deals are made - don't rush into any agreement unless you're totally satisfied that it works in your favour.

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A Red List of threatened species can be researched here at IUNC (Int. Union of Conversation and Nature) 

Don't get lost inside a Wildlife Park - Grab a Map  

Some wildlife national parks issue good maps with a complete layout of roads, watering holes with an identification chart of animals. 

Getting up close to any wildlife depends on the region and season. The migration runs are spectacular, but to fully appreciate something like this can only be seen from the air. Renting a chopper - with no door, or a fixed wing isn't cheap, but if it's a one time splurge - then go for it, and don't hesitate. The best locations on the ground are always at watering holes or near a freshly killed carcass during the early morning or late afternoons. These spots will almost guarantee many different types of wildlife. There are usually more animals sharing watering holes at sun rise or just before dusk. 
There's no guarantee of capturing close up shots of wildlife in certain game parks. For example, Kruger national park in South Africa is so vast that one needs to have plenty of time and patience to track down wildlife - which can amount from days to weeks of monitoring where herds are located. The bigger the park, the more time it takes to spot wildlife. Watering holes are always the best location - animals need a daily intake of water.
A local guide can pay off big time with their experience and knowledge of animal movements and locations from their daily movements. Spotting animals within small game parks is much easier, and are generally accustomed to the 1000's of visitors driving in close range everyday which will get you up close. Many wildlife sanctuaries and parks prohibit private vehicles for all different reasons which I personally avoid - good luck.       Overland Photo Gear   

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Wildlife Safety & Risks 

How many times have you heard of tourists being injured and mauled by wildlife? This scenario goes both ways when certain wildlife are starteled by those wanting to photograph subjects as close as possible. Keeping space and having enough distance should be adhered to for both wildlife and visitors to lesson the chances of injury. For example, the sea lion above may look docile, but they hold their territory and will attack if provoked. Deb, who at the time was holding on to most of our photo-gear kept a safe distance just incase this critter was going to move in her direction.      

A Jackal Buzzard commonly spotted in bushland regions - South Africa.  A Spotted Owl capture within a forested marshland - India

An early morning capture of painted storks and spoonbills feeding in an estuary - India 

A Steppe eagle devouring a carcass - north west India 

White Rhino image captured within the wildlife game reserve of Hluhluwe - KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

An Egyptian vulture busy feeding on a carcass - India 

Eurasian, Egyptian vultures, and Steppe eagles sharing the same tree - India 

Guanacos within their lush habitat in Torres el Paine national park - Patagonia, Chile 

A wolf rearing his canines as a threat and warning before attacking or defending itself - South Africa  

A tree top nest of young Grey Herons waiting for the return of their mother with a food supply  - India

A snap of a Duiker captured within the Addo elephant park - South Africa 

An alpha male Baboon captured in the wild - the Craigs region, South Africa

A greater Coucal from the family of cuckoos and roadrunners - India

Zebra are commonly spotted throughout Africa in the majority of wildlife parks and reserves 

A female Jackal feeding on a carcass - India

Flamingo scouring mud flats on the Bolivain Altiplano  

A female black Kite preparing a nest - image captured in the wild in the Assam region - Assam, India  

Black backed Jackals feeding on a zebra carcass  - Addo elephant park, South Africa 

Steepe Eagles in the wild  - north western India

Vervet primates have their own hierarchy order and typically seen clashing with one another over basic principles to keep the troop in check.  

A Sea Lion within its natural habitat - Lower South Island, Catlin region, New Zealand

Sarus Cranes within their own habitat environment - Nepal  

A snap of a female rhino and cub within an estuary on the north eastern coast close to the Mozambique and South African border 

Springbok peacefully grazing within the red desert environs - Namibia 

A juvenile Egyptian vulture camouflaged among carcasses - India 

A  Rhesus primate which are commonly seen throughout the Asian continent  - image capture India 

A Kite in flight captured over Gondar - Ethiopia 

A long distant morning snap of a Sarus Crane together with a brown deer feeding in harmony - India

King of the jungle, a male lion waking from a nap - South Africa 

An alpha male baboon exposing his canines - South Africa 

The marabou are easily photographed, and are usually found fossicking near dump sites or piles of rubbish - Tanzania  

Wild water buffalo, classified as one of the big 5 wildlife animals to be the most dangerous if approached - Africa 

A native Tui searching for berries on a podocarpus totara tree - New Zealand

This particular black backed jackal wasn't roaming together in a pack as they usually do when hunting for prey or carcass.    

A full grown predator wolf showing a very healthy set of k9's and thick fur - this breed still roams freely in Ethiopia 

The large tusks on this wart hog show this particular specimen to be at a prime adult age. 

llamas feeding on highland altiplano grass at 3400 metres altitude above sea level - Bolivia

 Himalayan griffon vultures and ravens in the mountainous region of India

A shaggy long coat Bald Uakari - Peruvian Amazon  

A spotted deer (spiker) crossing a subdued forest lane way in the late afternoon - India 

A grey heron in take off mode - India

After dusk Hyena are normally spotted in packs - Ethiopia   

A  jackal buzzard - commonly spotted in in bushland and savannah perching on treetops through the southern regions of Africa 

A large male elephant from Krugar national park sanctuary - South Africa  

A close-up snap of a marabou - Uganda 

Early morning captures of Spotted owls within their habitat - India 

Amazonian primates within their natural habitat - the Amazon basin, Peru 

Background Image: white heron - Asia