Wildlife

Wildlife Vacation Destinations Call for Adventurer Travellers

For the adventure-seeking souls among us, watching a pride of lions meander over the plains, hand-feeding a monkey, and bathing a baby elephant can be the ultimate bucket list experiences. A wildlife holiday allows you to get up and personal with some of the world’s most spectacular creatures. When you’re experiencing their world through your eyes instead of some camera’s lens, you can feel the splash of a whale’s tail in a marine wildlife holiday or be awed by a bear’s snowy footprint as you stroll along the wilderness. Truth be told, nothing rivals the rush of being within the hair’s length of some of the world’s most powerful and beautiful creatures, and with the correct wildlife holiday package deal, you can do just that.

What to Consider When Going on a Wildlife Vacation

Let’s address the elephant in the room before we explore the real ones later on: Wildlife tourism can be harmful if not done correctly. The phrase “take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints” should be your motto. To achieve it, first, you’ll need a strong understanding of eco-tourism to explore the world responsibly with the most negligible impact. Then, if you can afford it, you can even participate in wildlife conversation projects to make a difference. With that out of the way, here comes the moment of truth. Do you want to see elephants on an African safari? Or would you instead feed an alpaca on a farm in Australia? Wherever you look on the map, you’ll find beautiful wildlife worth seeing, which makes decision making the most challenging part. Numerous best wildlife vacations await, so don’t forget that there is always the next trip.

How to Get Ready for a Wildlife Vacation

Whether this will be your first time on a wildlife holiday or not, you’ll need to do some planning first. Arranging your itinerary three months in advance of your vacation is essential: From must-see locations to once-in-a-lifetime activities, you’ll be researching and picking your best options for the ultimate wildlife holiday package deal once you decide where to go first. The essentials you’ll need will vary depending on your destination, but your health and safety should always come first. Finding information about health risks and safety issues relating to your trip is a good place to start, and then you can begin packing on anti-bug sprays and perhaps medication. Bringing a basic first aid kit is a smart idea, too. Also, as a general rule, never do something your guide tells you not to do when in the presence of wild animals, as you might find yourself in unfavourable situations otherwise. You’ll also need to be mentally and physically prepared for this type of journey, as it probably won’t be an evening walk through Central Park. If you’re planning on walking and hiking or doing anything that requires swimming for an extended period, exercising beforehand is a must to avoid being quickly exhausted when the time comes. The better prepared you are, the more delightful the experience will be—don’t forget that the wildlife has been wild for the longest time.

Top 10 Wildlife Destinations Worldwide

Each wildlife destination has its own distinct set of animals and landscapes to explore, so it all comes down to personal preference and whether you’ll be travelling alone, with children, with a partner, or with a group of friends. Nevertheless, we’ve narrowed down our best recommendations here so you can choose the best wildlife vacation for your dream nature adventure.

1. Drive through Knowsley Safari Park, UK

Want to cross visiting Britain and going on a safari off your bucket list at the same time? You can opt for an adventure at Knowsley Safari Park, not far from Liverpool. This one-of-a-kind venue in Merseyside, England, is famous for its boisterous baboons and allows you to start the day with a tour of the 550-acre safari drive and meet over 700 exotic animals, ranging from camels to lions, all from the comfort of your car. But, of course, if you prefer being on foot, you can always take a walk on the dark side through its bat forest, which is home to many birds of prey. The venue is one of the best wildlife vacations for a group of friends or children, who can get their adventure hat on, thanks to the interactive activities filled with interesting facts to read and evidence to discover. You’ll be astonished how quickly time passes in this safari park. If you’re planning a long vacation, you can start your route with a couple of days in London, drive to Liverpool to enjoy the enchanting English countryside along the way, then, visit Knowsley Safari Park. You can customise your package easily according to your plan with vacation packages—your flight tickets, car rental or transfers, and accommodation in each city.

2. Watch Polar Bears in Their Habitat, Canada

Polar bears are majestic creatures that many people will never see outside of zoos, but for those who brave the cold, Canada is home to roughly 17,000 polar bears. Churchill, in northern Manitoba, is by far the most fantastic spot to watch them, as their presence is nearly certain every year. Here you can join six or seven-day tours to see them but bear in mind that these tours are only available from July to August and October to November. In summer, you may get to see some polar bears while rocking a t-shirt and not freezing, but the winter months promise polar bears in large numbers, with dozens of them pacing the shore on most days. Moreover, the darker evenings of the winter mean you could see the northern lights dance across the sky on an auspicious night. On the other hand, a visit in summer could have you gazing in awe at beluga whales as you kayak out on the bay or snorkel beside them. Whatever you pick, you can’t ever be disappointed.

3. Walk with Tigers in Ranthambore National Park, India

When it comes to a front-show experience to the world of the tigers, the Ranthambore National Park in India ranks first with its exceptional track record of maximum tiger visibility. This has made the place one of the best wildlife vacations for individuals such as photographers, film and documentary makers, and the likes of you. In addition to its diverse range of wild flora and fauna and endangered wildlife species, the park is one of the most accessible to tourists, thanks to its easy to reach location. The Ranthambore provides an unforgettable wildlife viewing experience through the insides of the forest. Although the tiger is the main attraction for most jungle safaris, you can also spot animals such as deer, bears, and countless birds. If you fancy a road trip before getting to see the elephants, you can book your ticket to New Delhi or Jaipur and include a car rental in your package vacation.

4. Bathe Elephants in Elephant Nature Park, Thailand

The Elephant Nature Park in Thailand is widely regarded as one of the best and most-renowned elephant sanctuaries in Thailand, and for a good reason. Numerous elephants walk free here, each with its own tragic backstory. Many of them have been rescued from camps that exploit and abuse elephants for tourism or logging purposes, and today, they have a life of love, safety, and leisure. This elephant rescue and rehabilitation camp lets visitors know the majestic creatures intimately—you could even feed and bathe one if you were to go here! Adopted cats, dogs, horses, warthogs, water buffalo, and other creatures also make their home at the sanctuary. Thanks to the park’s pay-to-volunteer program, you can see them all by visiting for a few hours or staying for several days or even a week.

5. Bird Watching in Manyas “Bird Paradise” National Park, Türkiye

Without a doubt, every birdwatcher must-visit Manyas “Bird Paradise” National Park in Balıkesir, Türkiye. The park, located in the mild climate of the Marmara region, is between the international migration routes, so it’s estimated that 2 to 3 million birds from 239 different species frequent it, which should have you packing right away. Visit the park between March to July or September to October. This way, you’ll be able to observe numerous birds such as spoonbills, herons, cormorants, bulbuls, pelicans, swans, geese, and ducks, so make sure you have your camera ready. Furthermore, the area is home to around 118 plant species and approximately 20 fish species, including carp and catfish, which means you’ll also find plenty to look at when your eyes are on the ground. Flying to Bursa or Çanakkale, then, driving to Manyas may add a few other attractions to your trip. So you can consider adding an overnight or two-day stay in one of these cities and a car rental while you’re personalising your package.

6. Witness Caretta Carettas Laying Eggs in İztuzu Beach, Türkiye

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the cradle of marine conservation and see some of our planet’s oldest creatures in their natural habitat, visiting the İztuzu Beach in Muğla, Türkiye, is an experience you can’t miss. Caretta carettas, also known as loggerhead sea turtles, are an endangered species of oceanic turtle that has become synonymous with this beach since, every year around May, they start coming to the shore to lay their eggs. The cubs hatch after around 60 days and begin on a perilous journey to meet the sea against all odds as volunteers guard the beach to help their chances of survival. The İztuzu Beach is so beautiful that it’s easy to see why the turtles keep coming back year after year. Thanks to its relatively remote location, it’s perfect for individuals wishing to get away from the cacophony of the hotspots. It’s also one of the best wildlife vacations for couples since it’s impossible not to feel more in love on a beach escape in the lap of nature. Best of all, if you go snorkelling in the beach’s warm turquoise waters, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter turtles and other marine creatures swimming around the bottom. With a trip to the İztuzu Beach, you’ll be experiencing the wonderful world of Caretta Caretta while enjoying a slice of paradise. İztuzu is easily accessible from Marmaris and Dalyan, so you can book your hotel in or around one of these areas.

7. See Brown Bears in Lovćen National Park, Montenegro

Most people visit Lovćen National Park because it’s a terrific place to see some of Montenegro’s most beautiful scenery. However, for the wildlife-seeking individuals, it’s a paradise filled with foxes, rabbits, deers, wolves, bears, and boars galore. It’s extremely unlikely that you’ll encounter any dangerous animals, so there is no need to worry. The park is home to over 200 different bird species, including robins, woodpeckers, nightingales, jays, and grasshoppers, all of which make appearances during migrations or nest in the park. This diversity means you can rest assured that you’ll come upon one stunning species after another. For those chasing a diverse range of experiences, this slice of heaven offers everything from historical landmarks, picnics, and relaxation to hiking and biking against an all-green backdrop of 1,300 diverse plant species. Also, be on the lookout for tortoises and boar tracks because chances are, you’ll see plenty of them.

8. Visit a Wolf Sanctuary in the USA

The United States is home to numerous wolf sanctuaries dedicated to the lifetime care of the rescues, providing unforgettable and informative experiences where visitors can interact with wolves in a safe environment for both. Unfortunately, all wolves come from tragic backgrounds, with some being rescued from the movie industry, private owners, and breeders. The Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania is definitely worth a visit: The displaced wolves and wolf dogs live on a vast woodland, and the revenue from the tours goes directly to the wolves’ care. We recommend you to visit these beautiful creatures in the fall or winter. Because of their fur, wolves aren’t very active in hot weather, but a visit on a cooler day will ensure you see them in their most energetic and playful mood.

9. Befriend Seals in Orkney, UK

With their curious nature and cuddly appearance, seals can be incredibly fun to watch, and one of the best places to do so is definitely Orkney, Scotland, where seals can always be counted on to put on a good show. Around 15% of the world’s seal population calls Orkney home, and the Brough of Birsay is an excellent place to see them frolicking in the shallows or relaxing on the skerries when the tide is out. If you’d like to watch a seal colony at its busiest, make sure you plan your trip in the fall months when the pups are arriving. However, as a general rule, stay at least 20 metres—about the length of two London buses—away from seals and never get between a seal and her youngster. Also, keep your eyes peeled for whales, porpoises, and dolphins, as well as otters which you might see if you’re patient and lucky.

10. Hop with Kangaroos, Australia

There is something about kangaroos: From their awkward stances and curious faces to ridiculously muscled bodies that somehow gracefully leap through the air, they are simply captivating. Thankfully, they are one of Australia’s most easily spotted native animals since around 50 million of them are hopping around the country. The best time to spot kangaroos are dawn and dusk on flat, grassy plains and wide-open spaces, and you can find them everywhere from national parks and sanctuaries to beaches and even golf courses. Just outside the city, hundreds of kangaroos roam at Namadgi National Park, but for those looking for inner-city options, the Australian National Botanic Gardens is a great option, too. Whatever your decision will be, one thing is sure: You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into an Australian postcard as you watch the kangaroos hop across the golden plains.