Amazing wildlife encounters around the world

Many of us dream of combining our love of travel with our love of animals – and who can blame us? Diverse ecosystems across the world teem with wildlife, from the adorable Arctic fox to the majestic lion, and without travel, we’d miss out on it.

Whether you’re an animal lover or not, wildlife travel has plenty of draws. Immersing ourselves in nature not only does wonders for our wellbeing, but can also help us appreciate more of the world’s natural beauty. Here, we reveal the best destinations for amazing wildlife encounters, from the large lakes of North America to the sweeping savannahs of Africa and beyond.

Before you travel: carve out time to research travel requirements and etiquette for observing wildlife in its natural habitat. For example, being respectful of the animals and their surroundings includes maintaining a safe distance from them and keeping the environment clean. 

1. Algonquin Park, Canada

Embark on a wild moose safari around the lakes of Algonquin Park, wading, swimming and paddling aboard a canoe to spy on the world’s largest species of deer. Voyageur Quest Adventures offers a guided moose safari experience with a focus on photography and providing a “comfortable wilderness vacation”; this includes a stay inside a classic log cabin complete with a massive stone fireplace, as well as a night spent camping under the stars. During your time in the park, you may also spot other wildlife, from beavers building their dams to wolves and even bears. The park is just over three hours from Toronto by car.

2. Kruger National Park, South Africa

Head out on a wildlife safari across Kruger National Park in search of lions and leopards – the most social and secretive of the big cats, respectively – as well as the rest of the Big Five (buffalo, elephants and rhinos). As you chug over grasslands or through woodland in an open-top four-by-four vehicle, passing watering holes and low shrubs, keep an eye out for other forms of wildlife. From herds of grazing giraffes and zebras to the slender jackal and the distinctive spoonbill, there’s no shortage of animals to marvel at. Chill under a canopy of stars before you turn in for the day, then do it all over again the next morning.

3. Pembrokeshire, Wales

Less than six hours from London by train, the Pembrokeshire coast and its surrounding waters are home to grey seals, dolphins, and numerous seabirds – making it an ideal destination for marine animal lovers. Board a boat to Skomer Island , just 20 minutes away from the mainland, for a day trip that’ll bring you different sightings throughout the year: seals and their pups lazing on the beach in autumn, puffins peeking out from the sloping cliffs from mid-spring to mid-summer, and the world’s largest colony of breeding Manx shearwaters during the first half of the year. In late spring, the island is also beautifully carpeted with drooping bluebells. 

4. North Sumatra, Indonesia

Observe the endangered Sumatran orangutan in its native rainforest home over the course of a one, two or three-day guided trek through well-established trails in Gunung Leuser National Park, operated by Sumatra Ecoventures. With an emphasis on responsible jungle trekking – which means keeping a safe distance from the animals and not feeding them – this tour will take you up and down hills to glimpse gibbons or Thomas’s leaf monkeys swinging from the treetops, with the chance to rest in a treehouse nestled high up in the lush canopy.

5. Ranthambore National Park, India

Scout for the elusive Bengal tiger basking in the sun or taking a dip in the water on an Indian safari , operated by Ranthambore National Park between October and June. Split into several zones, the nature reserve offers plenty of space for tigers to roam freely, with designated areas where deforestation and commercial activities are prohibited. Apart from these majestic cats, you may also spot wild foxes, deer, desert monitor lizards and a number of birds in the park. Plenty of accommodation is available in the vicinity, from budget to high-end options.

6. KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Travel to the beautiful coast of South African province KwaZulu-Natal between November and February and you can sign up for a turtle tracking tour. Led by an expert, you’ll search for leatherback and loggerhead sea turtles laying their eggs under the cover of darkness – or, if you visit later in the season, to see their youth hatching. The moment is made even more magical knowing that these female turtles navigate thousands of kilometres of ocean to reach the same beach they were born on to continue the cycle of life. Various lodges offer this viewing experience, including Thonga Beach Lodge and Kosi Forest Lodge . 

7. Moreton Island, Australia

Snorkel among colourful fish as they dart among the coral reefs, scuba dive to manmade shipwrecks to spot small sharks, or line up to feed the wild dolphins that come to shore every evening at Moreton Island, just off the coast of Brisbane. Marine wildlife afficionados will have plenty of adventures to choose from on this idyllic island, including some activities on land as well. Be sure to catch an early-morning ferry, though, as many activities and facilities on Moreton Island wrap up and close in the afternoon.