Take the wheel for an exhilarating one-hour, 7-km journey along tracks winding through three continents—Africa, America, and Asia. Elephants, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, Somali donkeys, and Watusi oxen roam freely across the African plains. Keep windows closed and stay in your vehicle—no petting the animals! www.safari-peaugres.com.
This park stands out with a 4-meter-high footbridge over the African plain, letting you feed giraffes at eye level. Don't miss the lion hut—a 13-meter-diameter, fully glazed structure built into the ground for stunning views of the lions. Extend your adventure with a stay in one of 26 safari lodges on stilts. Wake to terrace views of antelopes, pelicans, monkeys, and Indian rhinos wandering below. www.cerza.com.
Arrive after closing to camp in tents surrounded by zebras, wildebeest, and antelopes. Join keepers on a 4x4 'animal return' tour, then dine around a campfire. The next day, explore post-breakfast. Highlights include the 10-km safari track in a 4x4 bush truck amid rhinos, tigers, elephants, and giraffes, or the VIP 'safari excellence' in the vet's Land Rover for close encounters with elephants, tigers, lions, and more. www.planetesauvage.com.
Navigate nearly 8 km in your own vehicle through the African reserve, North American reserve, and Eurasian plain, where animals roam freely. Watch for giraffes that might surprise you! www.thoiry.net.
For an African lodge stay in Auvergne's heart, check the May issue of BIBA, on sale now.
