When it comes to traveling, some people pick their destinations according to their secret passions such as food, hiking, photography, etc. Some others prefer to choose their next holiday destinations because of the animal scene. Confession: although I’m not really a dog person, I do enjoy admiring the wildlife when I’m abroad.
I had the privilege to see a bunch of very cool animals during my travel adventures. I remember driving in the Australian outback and seeing hundreds of kangaroos in one day. Australia was a great destination for unique species.
But, I have a secret passion for monkeys. I do love these cheeky animals. They are so fascinating. I could basically spend hours observing them in their environment.
That being said, the only place I traveled to see the monkey was Japan. I did encounter many monkeys in other countries too, of course.
If you’re planning a unique holiday that involves wildlife experiences, here are 10 best wildlife holiday destinations you could consider for your next trip abroad. If you’re like me, you might want to start checking flights to book a trip to one of these places.
With so many cool destinations to pick from, it’s going to be a hard one! If you’re not sure about how you can make this dream come true, you could also join a group or tailormade wildlife holidays.
Find your perfect Naturetrek wildlife holidays now!
What is it going to be? … And more importantly, what’s your favorite animal?
Indonesia
The country of Indonesia is one of the best wildlife holiday destinations for any variety of animal lover. Famous for a range of land, jungle and sea animals — each Indonesian island offers a unique wildlife encounter.
For reptile lovers, visit Komodo National Park during its dry season from April to December and come face-to-face with the world’s largest lizard, the Komodo dragon. Indonesia is also known for its manta rays, cheeky monkeys as well as orangutans.
Antarctica
Bring a toasty winter jacket (or three) and head down to Antarctica for one of the best wildlife holidays you take on! Antarctica is home to nine species of penguins, three species of whales, six species of seals and four species of seabirds.
One of the most memorable wildlife interactions you can have in Antarctica is watching majestic humpback whales and orcas as they splash at the top of the arctic surface. For the best whale watching time, go between February and March.
We recommend you pick one of the best Antarctica cruises to experience a unique wildlife trip.
Canada
Canada is a land of vast wilderness and home to some of the world’s greatest wildlife. For one of the best wildlife vacations of your life, visit the northern tundra during the months of October and November to experience majestic polar bears or head to British Columbia to witness giant 790 lb. (358 kg) grizzly bears in their natural habitat.
If bears aren’t what you’re looking for, take a trip to the coast of British Columbia from March to mid-October to witness the journey of 20,000 gray whales as they migrate to Alaska.
Australia
Australia, the wild and mysterious land down under. A grand and expansive land, perfect for wildlife adventures and close animal encounters.
Australia is full of furry critters such as the koalas and Tasmanian devils and larger mammals such as the iconic kangaroo.
For sea lovers, snorkel with whale sharks in Exmouth or Coral Bay from April to July or dive into the Grand Barrier Reef to experience an extensive range of ocean life. For the wildlife thrill-seeker, cage dive with Great White Shark off the coast of Port Lincoln for the ultimate adrenaline high.
New Zealand
If you’re looking for wildlife adventure tours that involve bats, dolphins and penguins in one — New Zealand should be on your list.
New Zealand is home to the world’s smallest dolphins, adorable furry seals and the kiwi bird. Visit the blue penguins (the world’s smallest penguin) in their natural environment in Oamaru in the south island with the largest amount gathered from September to February.
Iceland
A country known for its breathtaking landscapes, Iceland is home to few native wildlife species while most now living in the country are non-native.
If you’re on the lookout for one of the most unique wildlife adventure holidays — visit the narwhals, the unicorns of the sea, from May to June where the sea meets the arctic ice. You can also find some of the cutest birds in Iceland – ever heard of the puffins?
Malaysia (Borneo)
An unassuming location for unique wildlife trips, Malaysia is home to about 20% of all the world’s animal species! For the ultimate wildlife adventure holiday, visit the tropical island of Borneo.
Enjoy its natural, serene beauty and the wildlife that fills the island. Borneo is home to orangutans, pygmy elephants and leaping leaf monkeys. Visit between April and October as it’s the best chance at staying dry and the optimal time for wildlife viewing.
India
The vibrant country of India is also home to a vibrant amount of exotic wildlife species. The national animal of the country, the Bengal tiger can be visited in one of the many national parks across India.
Along the west coast of India, the mountains of Western Ghats is where you can hopefully spot the rare Lion-Tailed Macaque, one of the most endangered species in the world.
Galapagos
Full of unusual animals, the islands of the Galapagos are the ideal holiday for wildlife enthusiasts. Experience giant tortoises up close on the islands of Isabela, Floreana, Pinta or Santa Cruz. Spot the unique and clumsy Blue-footed booby with its contrasting bright aqua feet.
Visit during their mating season in June through August to experience the entertaining dance the males perform for the females. Diving in Galapagos is also a great way to explore and see the underwater world. In fact, it’s one of the best destinations for diving in the world.
Tanzania
Last but not least on our list of best wildlife holiday destinations, we’re heading to the African country of Tanzania. Home to the famous Serengeti Plains where the largest migration of mammals occurs around the months of June and July.
Migration is one of the ten wonders of the natural world. This large migration is a unique chance to experience millions of animals thundering across the plains, including wildebeests, zebras and gazelles.
Are you wildlife adventure travel-ready?
You booked your flights. Now what? It’s time to pack your stuff!
If you’re planning your next wildlife adventure abroad, make sure you packed everything you could possibly need! Here are a few things you should bring with you on your next wildlife holiday!
- Universal adapter: make sure you can charge your devices wherever you go!
- Travel insurance: did you get your travel insurance already?
- Waterproof bag: make sure to keep your electronics and valuables safe.
- Action camera & selfie stick: get some cool selfies while traveling the world.
- Portable charger: keep your devices charged… while adventuring.
