Enjoy captivating moments with iconic species at these top ten wildlife viewing destinations from around the world.
For adventurous travellers and wildlife enthusiasts, the world is brimming with opportunities to witness extraordinary creatures in their natural habitats. Here’s a handpicked selection of the top 10 destinations for unique wildlife encounters, along with the iconic species that define each locale.
READ: New Walking Itinerary for Uluru-Kata
There’s little doubt that today we travel to view wildlife more than at any time in our history and the world’s wildlife hotspots are often on the bucket lists of intrepid travellers looking to see it all. Here are some of our favourites.
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galápagos Islands, located a short flight from Ecuador, are famed for their unique biodiversity and played a crucial role in Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Here, travellers can observe the majestic Giant Tortoise and the vibrant Blue-footed Booby. Snorkelling in the crystalline waters reveals an underwater paradise filled with marine iguanas and playful sea lions.
READ: Galapagos: The Land Before Time
In addition to conventional hotels and land tours, there are several companies that offer insightful cruises through the islands, ranging from larger vessels operated by Celebrity and Silversea to smaller yachts from Ecoventura and Aqua Expeditions.
Masai Mara, Kenya
The Masai Mara National Reserve offers one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth—the Great Migration. Witness massive herds of wildebeest and zebra crossing the plains, while the African lion embodies the essence of the savannah. With rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, this destination is a must-visit for safari enthusiasts thanks to its rich wildlife, which includes everything from birds of prey and leopards to cheetahs, warthogs, elephants, antelope and Cape buffalo.
READ: Windstar Adds New Itinerary to Canada & New England Lineup
The Mara, as it is fondly known, has a wide array of accommodation options, ranging from tented camps that move with the herds of the Great Migration to more established game lodges and safari camps that are located in wildlife hotspots. You can even do multi-day tours through the national park to ensure you see all of its wild residents, or make for the many adjacent private concessions for night and walking safaris.
Borneo, Malaysia/Indonesia
Immerse yourself in the lush jungles of Borneo (also known as Kalimantan), home to the critically endangered Sumatran orangutan. Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre for a chance to see these remarkable creatures up close. The island also boasts unique wildlife, such as the Bornean pygmy elephant and the iconic proboscis monkey, as well as myriad insect and bird species, which are best spied from guided jungle treks or river cruises.
READ: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Welcomes Ilma
While Malaysian Borneo has a more developed tourism infrastructure and the opportunity to combine your orangutang reviewing with visits to Indigenous communities, the majority of untouched Borneo rainforest is within Indonesia’s borders and boutique river cruises offer visitors access to the depths of the jungle.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only the world’s largest coral reef system but also a haven for marine wildlife. Snorkel or dive among vibrant coral gardens to encounter an amazing diversity of coral fish, including colourful clownfish, as well as sharks, dolphins, majestic sea turtles, and if you’re lucky, even the migrating minke whales during their annual visit.
READ: &Beyond Reopens Acclaimed Gala Tented Camp
The Great Barrier Reef can be accessed at several points, including in Cairns and Port Douglas in the North, and as far south as Bundaberg. Combine your day trips out on the reef with stays at the many island resorts, including Hamilton, Lizard and Daydream, each of which helps to protect this vital ecological resource.
Pantanal, Brazil
The Pantanal, one of the largest tropical wetland areas in the world, is a dazzling destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Spanning approximately 150,000 square kilometres across Brazil’s western states, primarily Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, the Pantanal is known for its unparalleled biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and unique ecosystems.
READ: 6 Must-Do Experiences in the Pantanal, Brazil
The Pantanal is also a premier destination for observing wildlife. Its abundant ecosystem is home to the elusive jaguar, the largest cat in the Americas, and the playful capybara, the largest rodent in the world. Bird watchers will delight in spotting the vibrant hyacinth macaw, a true jewel of the region.
Komodo Island, Indonesia
For thrill-seekers, Komodo Island presents an opportunity to see the infamous Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard. These prehistoric creatures roam freely in their natural habitat, offering a unique and slightly exhilarating encounter.
READ: 5 Reasons To Choose Komodo National Park As Your Next Nature Excursion
The surrounding waters also teem with marine life, including migrating whales and dolphins, making this an excellent destination for diving, while the pink beaches and coral reefs are great for snorkelling. You can easily access Komodo National Park on day or multi-day boat excursions from the port town of Labuan Bajo, on the island of Flores.
Antarctica
One of the most coveted destinations in the world, Antarctica, also known as the White Continent, is the ultimate frontier for wildlife enthusiasts. One of the most closely protected ecosystems in the world, Antarctica now enjoys sustainable tourism, with a host of small closely-regulated cruise lines allowing travellers to venture to the far south.
READ: The North Face Launches New Hiking Collection
Cruise through icy waters to witness the charming chinstrap, Adele and Gentoo penguin colonies (or delve inland to meet Emperor penguin populations) and observe leopard, crab-eating, elephant and fur seals resting on ice floes. The nutrient-rich waters attract orcas, creating jaw-dropping moments as these intelligent predators hunt.
Yellowstone National Park, USA
Established in 1872 as the first national park in the world, Yellowstone is a spectacular wildlife travel destination that draws nature lovers, adventure seekers, and wildlife enthusiasts from around the globe.
READ: How to Capture Stunning Photos on Safari
This expansive national park is home to diverse wildlife set against stunning geothermal landscapes. American bison roam the plains, while grizzly bears grace the mountain slopes. Visitors can enjoy solitude while observing elk in the park’s vast wilderness—an unforgettable experience in the heart of nature.
The Okavango Delta, Botswana
The Okavango Delta is renowned for having one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa. A sprawling delta made up of thousands of channels and tributaries, the region receives seasonal water from mountains in Angola and offers a truly unique take on the African safari experience.
READ: Adventures in Indonesia’s Far East
A river safari along the Delta’s Chobe River offers intimate wildlife encounters with elephants bathing and cooling off. The Delta, with its many stunning safari camps and lodges, is also home to the endangered African wild dog and many other fascinating species, including lions, leopards, zebras, giraffes, and hippos, making it a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise.
The Amazon Rainforest, South America
Spanning Peru, Brazil Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname, the Amazon Rainforest is a treasure trove of biodiversity and one that regularly welcomes travellers looking to spy its unique wildlife.
Home to the slow-moving sloth and the enchanting Amazon River dolphin, as well as caymens, jaguars, giant otters, electric eels, harpy eagles, squirrel monkeys and anacondas, it is an unparalleled destination for wildlife observation. Explore the lush foliage to find the brilliantly coloured poison dart frog and a plethora of unmatched flora and fauna.
For more Destination stories click here
