When it comes to herping, most herpers dream of visiting world-renowned locations like the Amazon Rainforest, the Everglades, or the Australian Outback. But the world is full of hidden herping gems that don’t get nearly enough attention. If you’re looking for a fresh adventure off the beaten path, check out these underrated yet incredible destinations for finding reptiles and amphibians.

1. Gabon – Africa’s Underrated Rainforest Wonderland

While Madagascar gets all the glory, Gabon is a treasure trove for herpers seeking rare and exotic species. This Central African nation is home to stunning herpetofauna, including the black tree monitor (Varanus beccarii), the Gaboon viper (Bitis gabonica), and the African dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis). The country’s dense rainforests and savannas make it a perfect location for both night and daytime herping.

Best Spots: Loango National Park, Ivindo National ParkWhy It’s Special: Pristine rainforest habitats with minimal human disturbance

2. Iran – The Desert Herping Paradise

Iran might not be the first place that comes to mind for herping, but its diverse landscapes make it a hotspot for reptile enthusiasts. From the dry deserts to the lush Caspian forests, Iran is home to some of the most unique species in the world, including the Persian horned viper (Pseudocerastes persicus) and the Iranian newt (Neurergus kaiseri), one of the most vibrantly colored amphibians on Earth.

Best Spots: Lut Desert, Zagros MountainsWhy It’s Special: A mix of arid and temperate ecosystems with high endemism

3. Sri Lanka – The Hidden Amphibian Capital

Although its neighboring India gets more recognition, Sri Lanka has an astounding number of endemic reptiles and amphibians. With over 100 species of frogs alone, Sri Lanka is a paradise for those interested in tree frogs, caecilians, and elusive lizards like the Sri Lankan kangaroo lizard (Otocryptis wiegmanni).

Best Spots: Sinharaja Rainforest, Horton Plains National ParkWhy It’s Special: One of the highest concentrations of endemic amphibians in the world

4. Montenegro – Europe’s Undiscovered Reptile Haven

While Spain and Greece are often praised for their reptile diversity, Montenegro remains an underappreciated hotspot. Its mix of Mediterranean and alpine ecosystems makes it home to rare vipers, Dalmatian Algyroides lizards (Algyroides nigropunctatus), and European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis).

Best Spots: Durmitor National Park, Lake SkadarWhy It’s Special: A rich variety of herpetofauna in a compact, easily accessible region

5. Laos – Southeast Asia’s Herping Secret

While Thailand and Vietnam are well-known in the herping world, neighboring Laos remains relatively unexplored. The country’s vast karst landscapes and tropical forests make it a fantastic place for finding rare species like the Laotian newt (Laotriton laoensis) and the psychedelic rock gecko (Cnemaspis psychedelica).

Best Spots: Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area, Nam Et-Phou Louey National ParkWhy It’s Special: An untouched paradise with newly discovered species still being documented

6. Ecuador’s Chocó Rainforest – The Forgotten Rainforest

Ecuador is famous for the Amazon and the Galápagos, but the Chocó Rainforest is just as remarkable for herping. This biodiversity hotspot is home to rare snakes like the emerald palm viper (Bothriechis schlegelii), bizarre amphibians like the Pinocchio rainfrog (Pristimantis appendiculatus), and countless other species.

Best Spots: Mindo Cloud Forest, Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological ReserveWhy It’s Special: One of the most biodiverse but least explored rainforests in the world

7. Papua New Guinea – An Evolutionary Wonderland

With its extreme isolation and rugged terrain, Papua New Guinea harbors some of the world’s most unique reptiles and amphibians. From Boelen’s python (Morelia boeleni) to the blue-tailed monitor (Varanus doreanus), this island is packed with species found nowhere else.

Best Spots: Mount Wilhelm, Sepik River BasinWhy It’s Special: One of the last frontiers for herpetological discovery

These underrated herping destinations prove that adventure and discovery aren’t limited to the world’s most famous hotspots. Embark on a herping tour to seek out vibrant amphibians, elusive snakes, and bizarre lizards in these lesser-known locations.