Craving an exhilarating expedition that'll get you face-to-face with wondrous wildlife right on their own turf? There’s no need to trek to the wilds of Africa or the Amazon (and empty out the lion’s share of your savings in the process) – these vast and great United States offer up close encounters with a wide range of exotic critters and creatures. We’ve rounded up 10 stateside safari hot spots with fantastic fauna and flora that will have you saying "boo" to the blah zoo in no time. Discover breathtaking biodiversity, from the buffalo of the Great Plains to the creepy crawlers of the Western deserts, and from the alligators in the Everglades to the grizzlies of Alaska. Planning an encounter with these amazing animals is easier than you might think – in fact, we’ve laid out here what to expect, when to go, and even where to sleep. All that’s missing is that wide-angle-lens camera, a pair of binoculars, and you!