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Safari – the term conjures up a visit to deepest darkest Africa. You wander through jungles and across savannas, jostling around in the back of an open truck or jeep, peering through binoculars. Excitedly, you await your first glimpse of one of Africa’s “Big Five”: lion, elephant, leopard, rhino and buffalo. But, in a very different kind of safari, from the comfort of a family hotel, Florida, too, allows you to explore its wildlife safari-style.

Wildlife Zoos and Sanctuaries

Florida lays claim to one of the country’s earliest ‘open’ zoos. At Lion Country Safari, the tables are turned as the visitors sit confined while the animals roam free. On site are lions, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, ostriches, antelopes and water buffalo. This same open-cage philosophy is adopted and adapted by many zoos around the world. In Florida, in some instances, such as the Pensacola Zoo, you can observe animals in their natural environment behind protective fences and glass. You can also take a ride on the Wild Safari Line, a train that chugs through 30 acres where more than 100 animals roam free.

For another, very unique, type of safari, consider setting sail! The Sea Life Safari operated by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium will get you up close and personal with small and larger marine life. Their goals are simple – to introduce you to local species and educate you about them while you enjoy the ride. To understand further about marine life, you might want to visit the Manatee Observation and Education Centre at Fort Pierce, or Manatee World at Fort Myers. Both allow you to see the wonderfully gentle “sea cows” up close.

For a taste of local wildlife, consider heading to Merritt Island. The National Wildlife Refuge is in Titusville and offers miles of trails. You can observe the wildlife from strategically placed observation platforms. The Refuge offers protection to a variety of species including rare turtles, birds and manatee. It is also possible to see American alligators, green sea turtles, eastern loggerhead turtles, Florida scrub jays and eastern indigo snakes.

If primates are more your thing, easily accessible from your family hotel, Florida has the perfect place – Monkey Jungle in Miami. Here, it is possible to see more than 30 species – from Asian macaques to Brazilian golden tamarins, and gorillas to lemurs, all wandering free over 12 hectares (30 acres) of land. Watching them play in the Wild Monkey Swimming Pool is a very popular pastime for both children and adults.

While staying at a family hotel, Florida provides you ample opportunities to go on a safari in search of local and exotic wildlife. For the less adventurous, or those with younger children, traditional zoos are located in Miami, Melbourne (Brevard Zoo), Palm Beach (Palm Beach Zoo) and Tampa (Lowry Park Zoo).

Wandering the Everglades

If you decide to safari in the Everglades, you have a number of options. The Everglades comprise 97 km (60 mi.) of the most amazing ecosystem in the United States. An enormous amount and diversity of wildlife comprises this region of water, saw grass, sedge and cypress. It is easily reached from many a comfortable local family hotel. Florida encourages visitors to visit this World Heritage Site to promote awareness, and learn all about its important role in the environment.

You can also take part in guided tours at various venues. You may want to check out Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge for an introduction to the Everglades, or spend some time at the Everglades Holiday Park. At Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, you can stroll the Cypress Swamp Boardwalk, walk any of the various trails or go by canoe. This refuge is home to the rare American alligator and snail kite. The Everglades National Park also offers you the opportunity of viewing their animals up close. You can arrange for a guided tour or explore the park on your own. Walk, bike or canoe your way through this national treasure with the entire family.

Looking for the best family hotel, Florida ? Roberta Stuart is the Travel Manager for World Hotels, a company offering the best Florida family hotels and a selection of unique and four and five star hotels around the world.

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