Call of the Wild: Best American Wildlife Vacations

Instead of hopping a plane to Africa or India, embark on a wild animal adventure much closer to home. Although the big cats and jungle animals aren't native to the U.S., various sanctuaries and zoos across the country offer family-friendly safari experiences.

Here are six great options for some of the best animal watching in America:

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Indulge your African safari dreams with the "Roar and Snore" adventure. This overnight campout takes place in the Safari Park at San Diego Zoo. Program activities include after-hours animal sightings and guided tours. With approximately 1,800 acres of protected habitat, the park provides shelter for almost 3,000 animals. Additionally, the zoo's Rhino Rescue Center gives special guests the opportunity to work with animal caretakers.

• Nearest Airport: San Diego International Airport
• Drive Time: Approximately one hour

Yellowstone Forever Institute

An affiliated associate of the iconic national park, this institute focuses on programs that showcase the area’s amazing wildlife and wilderness. Sign up for courses on wildlife photography, wolf and bear tracking, conservation efforts, and more. Program lengths vary year-round from one-day experiences to three-week adventures, complete with stays in rustic cabins in Yellowstone National Park.

• Nearest Airport: Jackson Hole Airport (Jackson Hole, Wyoming)
• Drive Time: 1-2 hours, depending on the season

National Bison Range

Theodore Roosevelt established this 18,500-acre sanctuary in 1908 when fewer than 100 bison existed in the wild. Located one hour north of Missoula, Montana, the refuge is now home to approximately 500 bison in addition to elk, whitetail deer, mule deer, black bears, and pronghorn antelope. Take a drive on one of the gravel road routes, which take from 30 minutes to two hours, to enjoy amazing views of the natural grasslands and forest. You may also see many of the animals that roam free across them.

• Nearest Airport: Missoula International Airport
• Drive Time: One hour

National Elk Refuge

Approximately 5,000 majestic antlered elk spend winters along the Snake River in this amazing refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. For the most atmospheric and memorable experience take the horse-drawn sleigh ride at feeding time. Be sure to also visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art that’s located on the hillside overlooking the refuge. Opened in 1987, today it houses one of the nation's best collections of wildlife paintings and sculptures. It also features works by Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Robert Kuhn and John James Audubon,

• Nearest Airport: Jackson Hole Airport
• Drive Time: 15 minutes

Safari Wilderness Ranch

Orlando, Florida may be most famous for its theme parks, but this is where you’ll find a truly authentic safari experience. The free-roaming wildlife includes zebra, kudu, water buffalo, ring-tailed lemurs, and many other species. There’s even the choice of touring the ranch’s 260 acres in a guided canopied safari vehicle or by riding on camel-back.

·       Nearest Airport: Orlando International Airport

·       Drive Time: 45 minutes

Whale Watching in Massachusetts

From April to October, enjoy the awe-inspiring experience of seeing majestic whales in the wild. You can expect regular sightings of humpbacks, which grow to 55 feet and almost 37 tons, and even the larger finbacks. You may also be accompanied by dolphins swimming alongside your boat while seabirds soar above you. Three-hour whale watching trips leave from Boston, Plymouth, Gloucester, and Cape Cod ports.

·       Nearest Airport: Boston Logan International Airport

·       Drive Time: Approximately two hours

So whichever of these amazing experiences you decide to enjoy, be sure to pack a good camera to capture all the amazing sights. Make sure to share your best shots with us by tagging @Hertz on Instagram.