Final Up to date on June 9, 2023 by Nellie Huang
From the jungle of Madagascar to the icy realm of Antarctica, I carry you a round-up of the very best wildlife locations on the earth.
As a serious wildlife buff, I like touring to locations which can be brimming with wild animals. There’s one thing particular about coming nose to nose with animals within the wild. In right this moment’s world, such encounters are sadly turning into increasingly more uncommon.
I’ve been fortunate sufficient to have had many intimate wildlife encounters world wide, from the savannas of Zimbabwe to the the Galapagos Islands off Ecuador and tundra of the Arctic. Based mostly on my private expertise, I’ve compiled a listing of the very best wildlife locations and nationwide parks on the earth.
Finest Wildlife Locations within the World
1. Antarctica
Antarctica stands sturdy as my #1 wildlife vacation spot. From the second we crossed the Drake Passage into the Antarctic waters, we have been actually surrounded by pods of whales, fur seals, elephant seals and hundreds of penguins.
Antarctica is distant, harsh and actually far past. One can actually get a way of being on the fringe of the world right here – there’s hardly any signal of humanity, solely animals roaming freely. Antarctica makes you’re feeling such as you’re the primary particular person ever to have arrived, even on a ship with 120 different passengers.
I traveled to Antarctica on an expedition cruise with G Adventures and up to now, it’s nonetheless the most epic journey I’ve carried out. Every day of our Antarctic expedition introduced it with totally different experiences: whether or not that was watching leopard seals feeding, strolling amongst hundreds of penguins, or cruising alongside playful orca.
2. Galapagos Islands
Among the best locations on the earth for wildlife watching is unquestionably the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador. This group of islands fashioned tens of millions of years in the past from volcanoes, and have been separated from the mainland since then. Via the years, wild animals slowly arrived to the islands by air and by sea. These creatures finally tailored to the situations of the tiny islands, and developed into endemic species which can be discovered right here and no the place else on Earth.
Due to how remoted the Galapagos Islands are, Galapagos wildlife by no means developed a worry of people. Don’t be shocked to seek out sea lions mendacity by the streets and big lizards swimming round your boat within the Galapagos. They don’t seem to be in the slightest degree afraid of us. Examine my expertise touring the Galapagos Islands with children.
Immediately, over 97 % of the land is nationwide park, and Ecuador limits who might stay there and what number of vacationers might go to. The Galapagos Islands are among the most unspoiled locations on Earth due to safety legal guidelines and conservations efforts.
3. Kenya
Kenya is the preferred journey vacation spot in East Africa, receiving round 2 million worldwide guests per yr. It’s straightforward to see why: the extraordinarily numerous nation is filled with wildlife, from the Large 5 that roam its savannas to the marine animals that inhabit its shoreline.
I’ve traveled throughout Africa (to round 30 international locations within the continent) and the Maasai Mara undoubtedly ranks as one of many greatest safari parks on the earth. Possibilities of seeing the Large 5 are very excessive, particularly when you time your journey to the annual migration. You don’t even must go far to see animals: in Nairobi, you may feed child elephants on the orphanage or hang around with giraffes on the Giraffe Centre. And if that’s not wild sufficient, head into the Nairobi Nationwide Park and also you’ll be driving subsequent to wild rhinos and wildebeest very quickly.
4. Costa Rica
One other place I’ve discovered to be probably the greatest locations to see wildlife is Costa Rica. The Central American nation actually has all of it: lush rainforests, volcanoes, seashores, and distinctive wildlife (assume howler monkeys, anteaters, inexperienced tree frogs and sloths). The Central American nation can also be residence to among the world’s most protected nationwide parks, the place animals are literally ensured of a shiny future.
On our household journey to Costa Rica, we have been blown away by the biodiversity and environmental consciousness throughout the nation. Costa Rica has gone to nice lengths to guard its nationwide parks and wildlife reserves. Regardless of receiving round 1.7 million vacationers every year, the nation has carried out such an amazing job in making certain that tourism right here is sustainable and helpful to native communities.
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5. Madagascar
Distant and remoted, Madagascar is a hidden paradise little recognized to the skin world – making it all of the extra fascinating and alluring. We selected to honeymoon in Madagascar and I fell head over heels for this distinctive island.
Positioned within the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is situated 250 miles (400 km) off the east coast of mainland Africa. Having been remoted from the African continent 165 tens of millions years in the past, Madagascar’s weird wildlife have been evolving ever since. Immediately, there are over 70 species and sub-species of lemurs in Madagascar, and they’re really easy to identify you may actually see them in all places.
The most well-liked and well-known lemur species is the ring-tailed lemur. It’s thought of to be probably the most clever of them as properly. Different lemur species that I like are the Verraux sifaka (that may dance sideways) and the tiny gray mouse lemur (smallest primate in Madagascar).
6. Svalbard
One of many world’s northernmost inhabited areas, Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole. Svalbard is the polar bear’s kingdom: there are extra polar bears than people residing right here.
In addition to polar bears, Svalbard’s rugged, distant terrain of glaciers and frozen tundra additionally shelter seals, whales, Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes. My expedition cruise was filled with thrilling wildlife encounters: at one level, I noticed 11 polar bears feeding on a whale carcass, a harp seal floating on an ice sheet with its calf, and over 100 walruses, piled atop each other, lounging about beneath the solar. My Arctic cruise in Svalbard was actually probably the greatest wildlife experiences I’ve ever had.
7. South Africa
South Africa is likely one of the most numerous international locations I’ve been — with cosmopolitan cities alongside dramatic coastlines that fringe wild savannas and rugged mountain vary. You may simply go from game-driving within the African bushveld to browsing on the seashore or wine-tasting at lush vineyards in a matter of hours. Plus it’s residence to many historic websites which have witnessed some main turning factors in world’s historical past.
I like South Africa a lot that I’ve been 4 instances! For wildlife lovers, it’s paradise on Earth. From the sealions off V&A Waterfront in Cape City, to the lovely African Penguin colony at Boulders Seashore, cage shark diving in Gaansbai, and wildlife safari in Kruger, the most important and hottest nationwide park in South Africa.
8. Australia
House to among the most unusual animals on the earth, Australia is undoubtedly probably the greatest locations to see animals. About 50 million years in the past, Australia break up from Gondwana, the massive super-continent of the southern hemisphere. Since then, adjustments in land formation and local weather led to the distinctive wildlife that we all know in Australia right this moment. Greater than 80% of our crops, mammals, reptiles and frogs are distinctive to Australia and are discovered nowhere else on the earth.
It’s straightforward to see wildlife in Australia: in lots of parks and reserves, you’ll discover kangaroos hopping freely, koalas hanging onto eucalyptus timber, wombats snoozing in bushes, and emus sauntering leisurely on their very own turf. Kangaroo Island and Rottnest Island are among the greatest spots to see Australian wildlife.
9. Uganda
Mountain gorillas are among the world’s most endangered animals on the earth, with simply over 1000 left on Earth. Being of their presence is an absolute privilege, and a once-in-a-lifetime expertise. There’s something humbling and shifting about coming so near an animal of this dimension and stature within the wild — with no fence or cage between you.
Mountain gorillas can solely be discovered within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, and Uganda. In accordance with the 2019 gorilla census, there are 1063 mountain gorillas left on the earth. Uganda holds 60% of the whole mountain gorillas left on the earth, with Bwindi Impenetrable Forest being the preferred alternative for a gorilla trekking tour.
Gorilla trekking is an costly expertise — with permits costing upwards of $500. However when you lock eyes with a gorilla, you’ll comprehend it’s properly definitely worth the cash. Sure you solely spend one hour with the gorillas, but it surely’s an intense, exhilarating and deeply soul-stirring hour.
10. Mexico
Mexico is likely one of the world’s most biologically numerous international locations. The nation’s location offers a plethora of climates and habitats, thus the world’s second highest variety of mammal species for its dimension (round 500) and greater than 1,000 species of birds.
There’s a formidable myriad of wildlife to be seen right here: from the gray whale migration of Baja California to swinging spider monkeys of the rainforests and inexperienced iguanas within the Yucatan Peninsula, hundreds of turtles that nest in Puerto Escondido and whale sharks that move by Holbox Island yearly.
We presently stay in Playa del Carmen within the Riviera Maya, and virtually on a regular basis we spot the coati (a ring-tailed shut relative to the racoon), the sereque (guinea pig relative), and spiny tailed iguanas in our neighborhood.
11. Tanzania
When most individuals consider an African safari, they consider the Serengeti in Tanzania – and rightly so, because it has impressed many movies and books.
Over 25% of Tanzania is designated to wildlife sanctuaries and nationwide parks. The entire space is larger than the scale of the entire Germany because the nation. Between the Serengeti Nationwide Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Space, they defend the best and most different assortment of land animals on Earth.
Each October and November, over a million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras come south for the rain earlier than heading northwest about six months later. It’s additionally an amazing place to catch cheetahs and lions in motion as they prey on the herbivores within the space.
12. Palau
Positioned within the western nook of the Pacific Ocean, Palau is an archipelago nation within the Federated States of Micronesia, sprinkled with lots of of world-class dive websites. It’s probably the greatest scuba diving locations on the earth, with a mind-blowing array of marine animals inhabiting the waters surrounding Palau.
Within the week that I spent exploring Palau, I did loads of dives and noticed lots of of sharks, hawksbill turtles, and big bumphead parrotfish. Let’s not neglect the distinctive jellyfish lake, the place I swam amidst tens of millions of translucent white jellyfish. This lake was probably the most magical locations I’ve ever been — as there isn’t any the place else fairly like this on the earth.
13. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a landlocked nation in southern Africa recognized for its dramatic panorama and numerous wildlife, a lot of it unfold over 11 nationwide parks. With the tip of controversial President Robert Mugabe’s 37-year reign in 2017, Zimbabwe welcomed a brand new chapter within the nation’s tourism trade and it’s now thriving as safari vacation spot.
Throughout our time in Victoria Falls Personal Sport Reserve, we have been actually shocked by what number of spectacular wildlife sightings we had: from herds of zebras grazing on the grasslands, to kudus galloping amidst the bush, and vultures eyeing the savanna from the highest of the Acacia timber. Out of the six black rhinos that decision this reserve residence, we noticed 4 of them, as they linger simply inches away from our jeep, oblivious to our presence.
14. Sri Lanka
Lush jungles, rural villages and wild seashores — Sri Lanka is the Backyard of Eden of southern Asia, quietly tucked away in secrecy away from the vacationer path. It’s only a leap away from the chaos and insanity of India, and but it looks like a world away.
The island could also be small in dimension, however it’s bought an extremely wealthy wildlife, together with a few of Asia’s final remaining leopard, bear and elephant populations. Simply 197km away from Sri Lanka’s largest metropolis, Colombo, is the Kaudulla Nationwide Park the place you may see wild elephants and different wildlife.
The very best time to go on an elephant safari in Kaudulla is between August and December, when as much as 200 congregate on the tank for the annual “gathering”. In addition to elephants, there’s a slew of different wild animals that may be discovered within the park – together with Sri Lankan sambar deer, Sri Lankan axis deer, chevrotain, wild boar, Sri Lankan leopard, and sloth bear.
15. Botswana
Botswana stands out for its numerous ecosystems: on a wildlife safari in Botswana, you’re by no means restricted to only one transport mode. In addition to game-tracking by 4WD, you’ll be exploring Botswana’s combination of salt pans and savannahs by mokoro (dugout canoe, Botswana specialty) and riverboat.
Locations to not miss embody the Chobe Nationwide Park, residence to the world’s largest herds of elephant, and the Okavango Delta, an beautiful wetland space. Gliding by the calm waters of the Okavango Delta, watching hippos and crocodiles from afar, is an extremely surreal expertise.
16. Brazil
Taking over half of South America’s landmass, Brazil is likely one of the most biodiverse international locations on the earth. It’s residence to the world’s largest rainforest – the Amazon and the world’s largest wetland – the Pantanal. Along with the Atlantic rainforest and cerrado grasslands, these ecosystems include an astonishing abundance and variety of wildlife.
Plan your total Brazil itinerary round recognizing wildlife and exploring Brazil’s jaw-dropping pure landmarks. In the event you do, make certain to incorporate a Pantanal jaguar safari; Caraça Sanctuary to see maned wolves; Paraty to see spectacular range of birds; and Iguazu Falls – one of many most lovely waterfalls on the earth.
17. Borneo
As the most important island in Asia, Borneo is politically divided amongst three international locations: Malaysia and Brunei within the north, and Indonesia to the south. Borneo is likely one of the world’s nice biodiversity hotspots, boasting an intriguing array of species together with; frogs that ‘fly’, fish that ‘stroll’, monkeys that ‘dive’, crops that eat bugs, lizards, snakes and, in fact, orangutans and plenty of different mammals.
A number of the greatest spots for watching wildlife on the island are situated within the state of Sabah: Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley and Deramakot Forest Reserve. Whether or not you dream of seeing Orangutans, Pygmy elephants, flying frogs or the elusive wild cats of Borneo, take a tour to one among these locations and also you gained’t consider what number of animals you may spot.
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My High Journey Sources
Through the years (and touring to 140+ international locations), I’ve discovered a factor or two about journey planning. I’ve put collectively this checklist of journey sources that I personally use to seek out the very best offers and e book journey! For extra particulars, take a look at my journey ideas useful resource web page.
- Reserving Flights: Kayak is good for locating the very best dates to fly because it lets you seek for the bottom airfares inside a 3-day interval. Then I exploit Skyscanner as they’ve persistently given me the bottom airfares.
- Lodging: I all the time use Reserving.com to e book inns, primarily due to the versatile cancellation coverage and good customer support. You can even discover short-term rental residences there (I desire to not use Airbnb as a result of further expenses).
- Journey Insurance coverage: It’s vital to have journey insurance coverage, no matter whether or not you’re touring for a couple of days or months. Security Wing is the preferred journey insurance coverage firm for COVID19-coverage. I exploit their Nomad Insurance coverage plan, which covers any healthcare bills I could have worldwide. Consult with my journey insurance coverage information for extra particulars.
- Well being Recommendation: I all the time confer with the journey guides on the CDC web site for advisable drugs and vaccines. You may get them at your journey physician’s workplace or a walk-in pharmacy.
- Excursions: In the event you’re on the lookout for all-encompassing excursions, I like to recommend small-group journey tour clothes shop, G Adventures. I’ve traveled with them to Antarctica, Mongolia, Svalbard, and Nepal, and cherished each single journey. For day excursions, I all the time e book with Viator and GetYourGuide; they’ve straightforward reserving programs and free cancellations.
- Automobile Rental: I all the time e book automobile leases on Uncover Vehicles, as they’ve persistently given us the very best charges and customer support (with free cancellations). We’ve used them in Seychelles, South Africa, Spain, Peru, and Mexico.
- Transportation: Each time attainable, I e book native transportation on-line utilizing Bookaway and Busbud. They’re extra dependable than many native transport web sites and canopy trains, buses, and automobile rent.
- Eating places: TripAdvisor is my go-to useful resource for restaurant evaluations and bookings. I additionally make restaurant reservations on OpenTable.
- Web/Knowledge: Get an eSIM on Airalo earlier than your journey to remain linked wherever you go. Simply obtain the app earlier than your journey, buy a knowledge package deal and voila! No want to alter SIM playing cards or go to a telco retailer.
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