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9 Best Trips for Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters Around the World, According to Travel Experts

For a life-changing, ethical animal encounter, book one of these expert-approved travel experiences.

Nature travel helps us appreciate the scope of our planet and our place in it. In the last few years, many of America's national parks set new records for visitation , with travelers seeking not just beautiful landscapes, but meaningful wildlife encounters.

So, with international borders reopening, we asked Travel + Leisure's A-List of expert travel advisors for their favorite animal experiences around the world. Whatever your passion (photography, conservation , research) or geographic interest (jungle, savannah, deep sea), these ethical and enriching trips will make lasting memories.

Helping Baby Elephants in Kenya

" Reteti Elephant Sancutary is my children's favorite place on earth. This center is dedicated to rescuing baby elephants, and visitors can interact with the babies during their daily feedings. However, being the primary animal orphanage in the Northern Rangelands of Kenya, many other species also end up here. During our last visit, my daughter bottle-fed a baby rhinoceros, Loijipu, who was only four weeks old. The center also has a pet gerenuk, Gilby, who goes on walks with you like a dog. You can hand feed the small family of hand-reared giraffes, and you never know if there will be a baby zebra, kudu, or porcupine. This is a nature-sensitive place to interact with African rescue animals of all shapes and sizes." — Teresa Sullivan, Mango Safaris

Spotting Rare Birds and Lizards in New Zealand

"New Zealand is filled with unique creatures, like the prehistoric tuatara, an animal that looks like a lizard and is the closest relative to the dinosaur. Another rare species found here is the kea, the world's only alpine parrot. While the kea is easily seen in alpine areas — and the cheeky bird isn't afraid to say hello — the tuatara is trickier to spot. I suggest going to Southland Museum , where you can meet Henry, a tuatara who is over 110 years old, or spotting them in the wild on Tiritiri Matangi Island." — Corinne Goodman, Down Under Endeavours

Looking for Beluga Whales in the Northwest Passage

"For travelers who want a truly unique wildlife experience, a cruise can be the best option. On a 16-day trip aboard Ponant's Le Commandant Charcot, you'll venture to the Southern Ocean and view emperor penguins. Even more impressive is a 22-day trip to the Northwest Passage on the National Geographic Resolution to see a pod of beluga whales or, if you are particularly fortunate, even a group of narwhals. — Mary Curry, Adventure Life

Researching Manta Rays in the Maldives

"The Marine Life Discovery Center in the Maldives at the Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru is a wonderful place to learn about a variety of marine creatures, like manta rays. You can participate in the marine biologists' research projects and help rebuild reefs — plus, the center runs a rehabilitation program for sea turtles." — Amalia Lazarov, Travelicious

Rhino Conservation in South Africa

"The best new animal experience in 2022 are the two new Marataba Conservation Camps. The activities offered are run by conservationist, vets, and researchers, and they want guests to participate in all the projects. Guest will see wildlife but also get to monitor, track, and collect data. Rhino conservation is at the heart of Marataba, and clients will engage with Dr. Andre Uys, the managing director of Marataba Conservation. I think this is one of the most innovative and exceptional conservation experiences in Southern Africa right now. It is also a plus that the area has gorgeous views of the Waterberg Mountins (the oldest red oxidized sandstone mountains in the world — some people come here just for the geology)." — Elizabeth Gordon, Extraordinary Journeys

Watching Snow Monkeys in Japan

"Seeing the snow monkeys bathing in an onsen in Jigokudani in Nagano Prefecture is a divine experience, as is seeing the cranes on the northern island of Hokkaido." — Scott Gilman, JapanQuest Journeys

Learning From Horses in New Mexico ... or Italy

" Equus in Sante Fe , walkable from the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado , has an incredible equine-assisted transformational coaching program." — Michelle Murré, Azurine Travel

"One of my favorite things to book for clients is an experience with Tuscan Cowboys (Buttero) in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. It's a beautiful way to spend time in one of Italy's most famous regions, but also to learn something new." — Andrea Grisdale, IC Bellagio

Going All Out in the Galápagos

"If you are a photographer, a handful of Galápagos ships offer cruises with some of the best wildlife photographers in the world. You are on intimate luxury ships, some with only 20 guests on board. You'll be side by side with sea lions and blue-footed boobies, learning photography tips and skills that'll turn your ordinary vacation photos into National Geographic-style shots. And best of all, the animals in the Galápagos are known for their lack of fear of humans. You are guaranteed to be just inches away from most of the iconic wildlife in the archipelago." — Allie Almario, Premier Tours

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The 25 Top Wildlife Destinations in the World

LAST UPDATED: 2/4/24 – Top Wildlife Destinations in the World

There is some absolutely beautiful, amazing, and overall fantastic wildlife in this world that most people will never see outside of a zoo.  Each wildlife destination offers its own unique sets of animals and landscapes to explore.  Whether it be on the plains of Southern Africa, the mangrove swamps of India, or the jungles of South America or Southeast Asia, this world has so much wonderful wildlife and so many great places to view it.  With so many wonderful options, it was really, really difficult to narrow this list down to just the Top 25 wildlife destinations in the world.

My Criteria for Evaluating Wildlife Destinations

When composing my list of the Top 25 wildlife viewing destinations in the world, I used several different factors to choose and ultimately rank my choices for the best destinations.  These criteria included the following:

• The quantity of wildlife
• The diversity of wildlife
• The scarcity of the wildlife
• The ease of seeing the wildlife

In my opinion, what makes a destination a great wildlife viewing destination isn’t just the amount of wildlife that lives in that area.  While that is important, the diversity and the scarcity of wildlife are equally as important.  If a destination is the last place on Earth where you can see a particular animal, that makes that destination special.  Just as having a large diversity of wildlife can really set a wildlife destination apart from other destinations.

It is also important to have a reasonable opportunity to see wildlife when you visit a wildlife destination.  Getting to most of these destinations isn’t cheap.  If you are going to invest the time and money to travel to one of these destinations, you want to have a reasonable chance of seeing the animals you came to see.  Most of us understand that nothing is guaranteed, but having a reasonable chance to see amazing wildlife will set one destination apart from others.  So without further ado, here is my list of the top wildlife destinations in the world.

25.  Everglades National Park, USA

In addition to being one of the most unique ecosystems found in North America, the Everglades is also one of North America’s best wildlife-viewing locations.  Found in the very Southern part of the state of Florida, the Everglades National Park is home to a wide range of unique and interesting animals. 

In addition to the North American Crocodiles and Alligators that the park is famous for, Florida Panthers, American black bears, and lynx can also be found in the forests surrounding the wetlands.  Off the state’s shores, the loveable manatees are another big attraction for wildlife enthusiasts.

Wildlife You Might See

Best Time to Visit

The best time of year to visit the Everglades National Park is during the dry season, which lasts from December until April each year.  During this time the temperatures are very comfortable, with highs in the upper 70’s and lows in the mid-’50s.  During the summer and autumn months of June thru October, there is a great chance of rain and it can be stifling hot during the summer months of June thru August.

24.  Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

Mana Pools National Park , which has been named a World Heritage Site, is a beautiful wildlife park that is located on the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe. With some of the best guides in Africa and tours available on foot or in a canoe, it offers some truly unique wildlife viewing activities that are especially attractive to adventure seekers. The park is home to four of the Big Five animals of Africa and would be ranked higher on my list if the Black rhino wasn’t extinct within the park.

The best time to visit Mana Pools to see wildlife is during the dry season, which is between June and October each year.  During this time, animals are easier to spot because the vegetation isn’t as thick and the wildlife tends to congregate around the Zambezi River.  It is also much nicer weather with sunny and you typically run into fewer malaria-carrying mosquitos.

During the wet season, especially between January and March, the vegetation can be quite thick, which makes it more difficult to spot wildlife.  Because of the abundance of water during this time of year, the wildlife is also typically more spread out.  The roads can also get quite muddy and sometimes unpassable when the rains get especially hard.  Much of the accommodations around the park are also closed between January and March each year.

23. Rainforests of the Atsinanana, Madagascar

The Rainforests of the Atsinanana is a world heritage site that consists of 13 specific wildlife areas and 6 national parks in Eastern Madagascar. These rainforests are critically important ecosystems for Madagascar’s unique and wonderful wildlife, which has evolved in isolation over the past 60 million years.  Visitors to the parks will get to see animals that can be found nowhere else in the world.  This includes several species of lemur, fossa, chameleons, tenrec, and brookesia, among other species.

The best time to visit the rainforests of Madagascar is during August thru December each year.  Between July and September, Humpback Whales can be seen off the coast and the weather is typically sunny and dry.  Between October and November, the lemurs begin having their babies, so this is the prime time to visit to see the babies being born.  The weather is typically warm and dry up until January when the wet season arrives.  While wildlife can be viewed year-round, the dry season is typically the most comfortable time to visit during the year.

22. Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia

Ujung Kulon National Park is located about 185 miles from the Indonesian capital of Jakarta and about 85 miles from Serang, which is the capital city of Banten Province.  This beautiful park stretches across the Kulon Peninsula, as well as several neighboring islands and the Honje Mountain Range.  It is most well known for its endangered Javan rhinos, which are critically endangered.  In addition to the rhinos, the park is also home to Javan leopards, Sumatran dholes, Silvery gibbons, Javan Rusa, and several species of monkeys.

The best time to visit Ujung Kulon National Park for wildlife viewing is during the dry season, which is between April and October each year.  During this time of year, the weather is typically the warmest and driest, which makes trekking thru the park much easier.  The ocean is also much calmer during this time of year, which makes wildlife viewing near the coast much more enjoyable.

21. Lone Pine Sanctuary, Australia

Like Madagascar, Australia is also home to several species of animals that are found nowhere else in the world.  When visiting Australia, one of the best places to go to see all of this wildlife in one location outside of a zoo is the Lone Pine Sanctuary .  Located in the suburbs of the city of Brisbane in Eastern Australia, the Lone Pine Sanctuary is Australia’s oldest and biggest koala sanctuary.  In addition to the adorable koalas, the sanctuary also includes kangaroos, wombats, dingos, platypus, Tasmanian devils, and the dangerous Southern cassowary bird for visitors to see.

While wildlife viewing in the sanctuary is good all year-round, the best time of year to visit Brisbane, in general, is during March thru May, which is autumn in the Southern Hemisphere.  During this time of year, the temperatures typically reach the mid-80s and there is very little rainfall. 

The most popular times to visit are during the winter months of June thru August and the spring months of September thru November, but accommodations are typically sold out during this time of year and the sanctuary is typically very busy.  Visiting during the summer months of December thru early March isn’t ideal because it is the wet season.  It rains most days, and the temperatures can be brutally hot and humid during this time of year.

20. Jim Corbett National Park, India

As one of India’s most famous wildlife parks, the Jim Corbett National Park is probably most famous for its rich population of Bengal tigers.  In addition to its tigers, this forested wildlife sanctuary in Northern India is also home to an impressive array of other wildlife. 

This includes Indian elephants, Asiatic black bears, Indian leopards, and a wide variety of other animal species.  The park has five different zones, and each zone is known for different species of animals that can be seen within those zones.  With so much wildlife to see, visiting the Jim Corbett National Park in India is a great choice for any wildlife adventure.

The best time to visit the Jim Corbett National Park for wildlife viewing is during the winter months of October thru February.  During this time of year, there is the highest number of birds in the park and the Bengal Tiger is the most active and easiest to spot.  Because the weather is typically very nice during this time of year, it is easy to spot animals laying out in the sun and foraging for food.

19. Bandhavgarh National Park, India

The famous Bandhavgarh National Park in central India is the wildlife destination where you probably have the best chance to spot a wild Bengal Tiger.  No other park in India, let alone the world, gives you a better opportunity to spot these beautiful and elusive creatures.  A combination of the healthy population of tigers and a conducive habitat for spotting the tigers gives visitors a better than not chance of leaving the park after having a tiger viewing experience.

In addition to a healthy population of Bengal tigers, the park is also home to some other amazing wildlife.  This includes Indian dholes, Indian wolves, Indian leopards, sloth bears, and the unique striped hyena.

When planning your visit to Bandhavgarh National Park, the time of year that you will absolutely want to avoid is the Monsoon season which starts in mid-June and lasts until mid-October.  From November until February, the park is much drier, but the temperatures can become quite cold in the park. 

In fact, low temperatures can drop to around freezing during this time of year.  For that reason, the summer months of March thru May are the best time of year to visit the park.  Temperatures are quite pleasant, and the weather is typically dry, which makes wildlife viewing much easier and your visit much more comfortable.

18. Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa

Bordering the nearby Kruger National Park in South Africa, the Sabi Sands Game Reserve has all of the Big Five animals of Africa (elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, and rhinoceros), as well as some of the best safari guides in the world to help you locate and view them. 

In fact, this may be one of the best places in Africa to spot the elusive leopards.  Because the reserve allows off-road driving, the guides can get you up-close to the animals while on safari.  If there is any drawback to this destination, it’s that accommodations can be quite expensive, and the focus of most safaris is limited to just the Big Five animals.

The best time to visit Sabi Sands for wildlife viewing is during the winter months of May to September.  This is the dry season and also the low season from a visitor standpoint.  This translates into more comfortable weather and fewer other tourists to deal with.  Because it is the dry season, it is also much easier to spot animals as the vegetation is less dense and the animals gather around the rivers and waterholes to get water.

During the wet season of October thru April, animals are much more difficult to spot because the vegetation is denser and the animals are more dispersed.  This is also the high season for visitors so it can get crowded.  In addition, the days are much more hot and humid, with more malaria-carrying mosquitoes to have to deal with.

17. Okavango Delta, Botswana

As one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations, I guess it is no surprise that it made my list of the top wildlife destinations in the world.  In addition to the Moremi Game Reserve, which also made my list, the Okavango Delta is comprised of several game reserves that offer excellent wildlife viewing as well as beautiful landscapes to enjoy.

The park offers both walking safaris as well as mokoro (or dugout canoe) trips, which are great additions to supplement the wonderful game drives within the park.  Rhinos cannot be found in the Okavango Delta, but you should have no problem spotting the other four of the Big Five animals of Africa. 

And because off-road driving is allowed, your guide will be sure to get you up-close to see the wildlife.  The only drawbacks to this destination are that lodging can be quite expensive and wildlife viewing is limited to several water-based camps.

Although the Okavango Delta in Botswana is a great place to visit any time of year, the best time to visit for wildlife viewing is between July and October each year.  During the wet months of January thru March, parts of the delta become inaccessible because of flooding.  This makes the wet season less than ideal for visiting. 

While there is less wildlife in the delta during the wet season, there are more baby animals, which attracts predators.  If you are looking to see some predation, then the wet season might be the time of year you are looking for. 

During the dry season, wildlife viewing is typically much better.  Water levels are the highest, so it is the best time of year for mokoro (or dugout canoe) trips.  Some lodges close from January to March each year, so this is typically the worst time of year to visit the Okavango Delta.

16. Kruger National Park, South Africa

As one of the most famous wildlife parks in Africa, Kruger National Park is very much deserving of a spot on any list of the top wildlife destinations in the world.  The park is both beautiful and absolutely enormous and is home to all five of the Big Five animals of Africa, which makes it a favorite choice for wildlife enthusiasts looking to take an African Safari.

Kruger also offers a great choice of lodging for all budgets, which makes going on safari a relatively affordable adventure for any traveler. The only drawbacks to this destination are that the park can get quite busy during the high season and the paved roads aren’t exactly conducive to a wild safari feel.

The best time of year to visit Kruger National Park is during the dry, winter months of May to September.  During this time of year, the vegetation thins out and animals tend to congregate around water holes and rivers.  This makes it easier to find and spot.  The weather is also typically sunny and the temperatures are very comfortable. 

During the wet season of October thru April, it is typically much hotter and more humid.  The vegetation is also much thicker, making it more difficult to spot the animals.  Because water is much more plentiful, the animals are also much more spread out, which makes it harder to find them.

Learn More:

If you would like to learn more about Kruger National Park, make sure you check out my Ultimate Kruger Safari Planning Guide for more information.

15. Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica

Corcovado National Park is one of the world’s most impressive wildlife destinations. In addition to having some of the only remaining old-growth rain forests on the Pacific coast of Central America, it is also home to an impressive array of wildlife.  The park is comprised of a staggering 13 different major ecosystems including lowland rainforest, cloud forest, Jolillo palm forest, and mangrove swamps.  In Corcovado, you have a decent chance of seeing endangered animals such as tapir, jaguar, and a wide range of monkeys that call the tree-top canopies their home.

The best time of year to visit Corcovado National Park is during the dry season, which is between December and April each year.  During this time of year, the temperatures aren’t as hot and it isn’t as humid and wet.  This makes it much easier to navigate through the park during the dry season than during the wet season, which lasts from July through October.  In fact, during October the park typically receives so much rainfall that many of the lodges on the Osa Peninsula temporarily close.

14. Yellowstone National Park, USA

Yellowstone National Park in the United States isn’t called the Serengeti of North America for no reason.  Of all the national parks in North America, visiting Yellowstone National Park is about as close as you can get to a safari-like experience in North America.  Large numbers of grazing animals including American bison, Roosevelt elk, and Pronghorn antelope graze in the park’s large valleys. 

Meanwhile, predators such as the grey wolf, grizzly bear, and mountain lion stalk the valleys and forests in search of prey.  Not to mention, the Yellowstone Caldera, which encompasses most of the national park, is one of the most active geothermic areas in the world.  The result is a seemingly endless number of geysers, hot pools, and other thermal features to explore.

The best times of year to visit Yellowstone National Park are either during the spring months of May and June or the autumn months of September and October.  During these months the temperatures are quite mild and the crowds aren’t as thick as they are during the summer months.  If you visit in the spring, you will get to see the baby elk, bison, bears, and other baby animals around Yellowstone.  This is also the best time of year to see animal predation as the park’s grizzly bears tend to prey on the baby elk and bison.

During the fall months, you will get to see the elk, bison, and other grazing animals in their rut.  This is when the animals typically fight for breeding privileges, which can be remarkable to see in person.  During the summer months of July and August, the park is typically very crowded, which can make it more difficult to get around the park and find accommodations. 

While the park is much less crowded during the winter months of December through March, the temperatures in the park can drop to well below freezing and snowfall can make certain parts of the parks inaccessible.  However, this is typically the best time of year to spot Grey Wolves within the park as this is typically their most productive hunting season.

If you would like to learn more about Yellowstone National Park, make sure you check out my Yellowstone National Park visitor’s guide for more information.

13. Katmai National Park, USA

The state of Alaska in the United States has a lot of beautiful national parks and a lot of amazing wildlife, but one park stands above all of the others in terms of its wildlife viewing.  Katmai National Park and Preserve is located on the Katmai Peninsula in Southern Alaska.  With a beautiful mix of tundra, forests, lakes, and mountains, the landscapes in the park are breathtaking. 

However, it isn’t the park’s landscapes that make it world-renown.  Instead, the park is known the world over because of the large numbers of Alaskan brown bears that are attracted to the park to fish for the masses of salmon that migrate up the park’s rivers.

Witnessing this spectacle of nature is one of the most amazing wildlife-viewing experiences a traveler can have.  In addition to seeing the fishing brown bears, visitors to the park also have a chance to see some of the park’s other amazing wildlife.  This includes grey wolves, moose, caribou, wolverines, and humpback and killer whales off the shores of the peninsula.

When visiting Katmai National Park, you will want to coordinate your visit for a time of year when you will be able to see brown bear activity.  After all, they are the biggest wildlife draw within the park. The best times to see Brown Bear activity are during the late spring and early summer when mothers and cubs emerge from hibernation and during the late summer months when the salmon run is happening.

My favorite time of year for brown bear viewing in Katmai is during the salmon run because you can see the bears fishing for salmon in the rivers. The times of year you will want to avoid are during the early spring months of April through mid-May when the bears are fighting and during the winter months of November through March when the bears are in hibernation.

12.  Etosha National Park, Namibia

In the world of African safaris, the country of Namibia is a relative newcomer.  However, that hasn’t stopped the country from garnering some serious attention as one of the premier safari destinations in the world.  With rugged coastlines, abundant and diverse wildlife, and constantly changing landscapes, Namibia is a safari lover’s paradise.  In Namibia, no other place encapsulates this excitement like Etosha National Park .

Home to some of Africa’s tallest elephants, the endangered black rhino, an abundant population of cheetahs, as well as healthy herds of zebra, wildebeest, and African buffalo that can be found throughout the park.  The park also has some of Africa’s most unique accommodations, including some tree-top camps that give you a birds-eye perspective of all the wonderful wildlife around you.

The best time to visit Etosha National Park is during the dry winter season, which stretches from July to October.  It is much dryer during this time of year, so the animals tend to gather around the remaining water sources in the park.  This makes them much easier to find.  The weather during this time of year is also fantastic, but the park can be fairly crowded.

During the wet summer season, water becomes more available, so animals tend to disperse throughout the park.  This can make them much more difficult to spot.  It also tends to be very hot during the summer, so you need to make sure to wear proper sun protection.

11. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

When it comes to wildlife destinations in Africa, few, if any, destinations are as well-known and celebrated as the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.  Home to part of the great wildebeest migration, which is one of the single largest animal migrations in the world, the Serengeti National Park delivers an absolutely fantastic wildlife viewing experience to its visitors. 

Not surprisingly, the park is home to some of the biggest herds of grazing animals in Africa, which in turn attracts some of the largest numbers of predators in sub-Saharan Africa.  The best part about the Serengeti National Park is that it offers accommodations and viewing experiences to accommodate people at all price points, which makes it one of the most accessible safari locations in Africa.

Wildlife viewing in the Serengeti National Park is good throughout the year, but it is best during the dry season between June and October.  Not only is the weather dryer, which means animals tend to congregate around the water holes, but the Wildebeest migration also happens during June and July, which is absolutely magical to witness.

During the wet season between November and May, the weather can be much hotter and wetter, but the park is also far less crowded.  If you visit during late January and early February, you can witness the Wildebeest calving season, which is the prime time of year to witness predation in the park.

If you would like to learn more about the Serengeti National Park, make sure you check out my Serengeti National Park Safari Guide for more information.

10. Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Yala National Park is one of the most spectacular, and also one of the most underrated and somewhat unknown, wildlife viewing destinations in the whole world. Encompassing a huge expanse of forest, grassland, and crystal blue lagoons in Southeast Sri Lanka, it is home to a mind-boggling array of spectacular wildlife.

This includes Sri Lankan leopards, Sri Lankan elephants, Sri Lankan sloth bears, and a variety of other mammals, reptiles, and birds.  The wonderful thing about Yala National Park is that whether you are a returning visitor, or you are visiting the park for the first time, you are almost assured of having a wildlife experience you have never had before.

For the most reliable wildlife viewing, it is best to visit Yala National Park during the dry season between February and June.  During this time of year, the animals are forced to visit the lagoons to drink, which makes them much easier to find. 

Temperatures are pretty reliably warm year-round, with high temperatures typically reaching the mid-80s.  However, during September until December, the Northeast monsoon typically hits the island and brings a lot of rain.  During September, the park typically closes down for maintenance.

9. The Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galápagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador is another wildlife destination that doesn’t need much of an introduction.  Ever since Charles Darwin made his visits to the islands in the early 1800s, the world has known the ecological significance of the Galápagos Islands. 

The collection of marine and land-based habitats on and around the islands is home to some of the most amazing creatures you will find on this planet.  In fact, it is the uniquely fast evolution of some of these species that made Charles Darwin’s research so important to our understanding of how species of plants and animals evolve.

One of the best ways to explore the Galápagos Islands is to take a LiveBoard cruise around the islands and do some snorkeling or scuba diving.  You will have a chance to see some of the amazing marine wildlife that calls the Galápagos Islands their home.  This includes the gigantic whale sharks, Galápagos sea lions, Galápagos sharks, scalloped hammerhead sharks, and the unique Galápagos penguin.

There really isn’t a bad time to visit the Galápagos Islands to view wildlife, but the best time to visit is typically the wet season between December and June each year.  During the wet season, the air and water temperatures are typically warmer, which makes it the prime season for snorkeling and scuba diving. 

However, you will need to deal with short, daily rainstorms and cloudier skies.  During the dry season from July to November, the water temperature gets colder because of the Humboldt current, which can make a wet suit necessary for snorkeling.

If you would like to learn more about visiting the Galápagos Islands, make sure you check out my Galápagos Islands visitor’s guide for more information.

8. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

With some of the very best guides in all of Africa, and amazing array of safari options that include some of the best night safaris you can find in Africa, and an almost guaranteed opportunity to see four of the five animals in the Big Five of Africa, South Luangwa National Park in Zambia is truly an amazing wildlife viewing destination.  With one of the densest populations of leopards in Africa, South Luangwa is one of the best places to spot the most elusive of the Big Five of Africa.

The best time to visit South Luangwa National Park for wildlife viewing is between July and November.  During this dry season in the park, water is less plentiful and animals are forced to congregate around the water holes and rivers, which makes them much easier to find.  However, keep in mind that October and November and typically very hot and humid.

During the wet season of November through April, there are typically fewer tourists and rates are typically cheaper.  However, animals are much more dispersed throughout the park because water is more readily available.  When the rains are the hardest, it can make some of the dirt roads in the park impassable, which can restrict your access to certain parts of the parks.  Because of the lower number of tourists during this time of year, some lodges closed between December and March, which means your selection of lodging may be more limited.

7.  Gir National Park, India

As it is the last remaining stronghold in the world for what remains of this world’s Asiatic lions, it should come as no surprise that the Gir National Park in India is ranked so high on my list of the top wildlife destinations in the world.  This is the last place in the world where you can visit and see these magnificent animals in the wild. 

In addition to seeing Asiatic lions, visitors also have a good chance of seeing Indian leopards, striped hyenas, golden jackals, and the infamous Indian cobra.  With such an array of beautiful wildlife, the Gir National Park should be a destination on every wildlife enthusiast’s bucket list.

The best time to visit Gir National Park is typically in December through March when the weather is the driest, but temperatures typically aren’t too hot.  However, the months of April and May are typically the best wildlife viewing months, but the average high temperatures can be brutally hot.  Between mid-June and mid-October every year, the park is closed because of the Southwest monsoon.  The area typically gets a lot of rain during this period and navigating within the park can be near impossible in places.

6. Gunung Leuser National Park, Indonesia

For a park that has such an amazing and diverse array of wildlife, it absolutely baffles me how Gunung Leuser National Park in Indonesia has managed to slip underneath most wildlife travelers’ radars all of these years.  Unlike the nearby Bukit Lawang National Park, Gunung Leuser offers visitors a much more authentic wildlife experience. 

This is about as close to a real jungle experience as you can find in the region.  With the endangered Sumatran rhino, the Sumatran elephant, and the Sumatran Tiger still accessible for visitors to see in the park, that authentic wildlife experience couldn’t be more amazing.

Several other amazing animals can be seen in the park, including the elusive clouded leopard, but the star of the park is undoubtedly the Sumatran Orangutan.  These lovable apes can still be seen in their natural habitat within the park and are reason enough to rank this park so high on this list.  Add in all of the other amazing animals you can see and the Gunung Leuser National Park is a hidden gem for wildlife enthusiasts to discover.

The best time to visit Gunung Leuser National Park for wildlife viewing is between January and July, which is the dry season of the year.  Although this is also the busiest season of the year for the park, the weather is much more comfortable than it is during the wet season.  You also won’t have to worry about the dirt roads in the park becoming too muddy and impassible, which can be an issue during the wet season.

5.  Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

No bucket list for a wildlife enthusiast is complete without adding a trip to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda to the list.  As one of the last remaining refuges for the mountain gorillas of Africa, Volcanoes National Park is an absolute must-see for travelers who love wildlife. 

Made famous by Dian Fossey during her studies of gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is one of the best places left to view these beautiful creatures.  If you want to visit this park, you will need to make sure you book your trip well in advance.  Only 64 visitors are allowed to trek to see the gorillas daily, so getting the spots is very competitive.

Although you can trek to see the gorillas throughout the year, and seeing gorillas is almost guaranteed no matter when you visit, the trails you have to hike do become slippery during the wet season.  For this reason, visiting during the dry season of June through August is considered the best time to visit to see the gorillas. 

However, it can also be more difficult to obtain a permit and lodging is typically more expensive during the dry season.  If you visit during the wet season of September through May, it will be easier to obtain a permit to see the gorillas and you will likely have to pay less for lodging.  However, you will likely have to deal with slick trails and rainstorms that can last for days.

If you would like to learn more about visiting Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, make sure you check out my Trekking to See Gorillas in Rwanda article to learn about this adventure.

4. The Amazon Basin, Brazil

As one of the last truly wild places left on this planet, the Amazon Rainforest is a place that has mystified and amazed human beings for centuries.  With such a wide variety and sheer volume of wildlife, it can be argued that it is the premier wildlife destination in the world.  The only reason it doesn’t rank higher on this list is the fact that it can be so difficult to spot wildlife.

For wildlife enthusiasts who would like to experience this unique and amazing place, your best bet is to visit the Amazon Basin in Brazil.  In addition to the jaguar, the South American tapir, Brown-throated sloths, green anacondas, black caiman, and a seemingly endless list of other animal species, the Amazon rainforest is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream. 

If you are planning a visit, I would recommend you do your research on guides.  In a place where wildlife is so abundant, yet so difficult to find, having a good guide can mean the difference between having the trip of a lifetime or feeling like you missed out.

In the Amazon Basin in Brazil, there is typically a Low Water Season (July through December) and a High Water Season (January through June).  During the Low Water Season, there is typically better trail access, fewer mosquitos to deal with, and less precipitation.  However, temperatures are typically very hot.  During the High Water Season, the temperatures are much cooler, but there are typically intermittent daily rain showers, which can be heavy at times.  These rains also bring an abundance of mosquitos and can make some of the trails impassable.

3. Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Neighboring the Serengeti National Park in the North, the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is a continuation of what has become known as one of the top wildlife viewing areas in all of Africa.  Like the Serengeti, the Masai Mara offers visitors a chance to see the great wildebeest migration. 

However, in the areas the Serengeti is famous for, the Masai Mara is even better.  You are almost guaranteed to see the three big cats of Southern Africa (the African lion, the African leopard, and the African cheetah), as well as elephants, giraffes, and seemingly endless herds of buffalo, antelope, and zebra.  If you are planning your first safari in Africa, the Masai Mara in Kenya is a great choice.

Like the neighboring Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the south, wildlife viewing in the Masai Mara is good throughout the year, but it is best during the dry season between June and October. 

Because the weather is dryer, animals are forced to congregate around the watering holes and rivers for water, which makes them much easier to spot.  While the Wildebeest migration is difficult to time exactly, your best shot at seeing the Wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara is to visit in late September and October.

During the wet season between November and May, the weather can be much hotter and wetter, but the park is also far less crowded.  If you visit during late January and early February, you can witness the birth of newborn animals, which also means that there will be more easy-to-view predation in the park.

2. Kaziranga National Park, India

Although it may not be as famous as some of the others, out of all of the parks in India, the Kaziranga National Park is my absolute favorite.  The park has the largest number of remaining Indian rhinos, which is reason enough to love this park.  However, it also has an abundant supply of Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, Asiatic black bears, Indian leopards, sloth bears, and an amazing array of other wildlife. 

If that isn’t enough, if you are lucky enough to get out on the rivers in the park, you might be lucky enough to spot a South Asian River dolphin, which is always a treat for visitors to see.  For anyone planning their first safari in India, I could not recommend the Kaziranga National Park enough.

The best time to visit Kaziranga National Park is during the winter season, between December and March, which also happens to be the dry season in India.  During the winter the park roads are much easier to navigate and the temperatures are much milder.  The park is closed each year from May 1st until the end of October because of the heavy monsoon season and the flooding of the Brahmaputra River.

1.  The Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania

If you were to check the lists of the top safari locations in Africa, chances are that you wouldn’t see the Ngorongoro Crater at the top of many lists.  It isn’t that the crater isn’t widely considered a great wildlife destination.  Most people recognize it as exactly that.  However, in my opinion, most lists are comprised of valuing the sheer number of animals ahead of the quality of the experience.  What the Ngorongoro Crater may lack in sheer numbers of animals, it more than makes up for with the likelihood of seeing the animals you would like to see.

In my opinion, nowhere else in Africa are you as close to assured of seeing the Big Five animals of Africa as you are in the Ngorongoro Crater.  With water available in the crater year-round, the animals in the crater have no need to migrate.  They are there year-round.  In fact, it is such a plentiful environment that you often see some of the biggest bull elephants in Tanzania inside the crater feeding. 

The only downside to this destination is that safari vehicles are not allowed to leave the roads, which may mean that you aren’t able to get as close as you may like to some of the animals.  Either way, if you are looking for a sure-fire, yet authentic, wildlife viewing experience, there are few destinations in this world as good as the Ngorongoro Crater.

With an ample supply of water inside the crater year-round, the animals inside the Ngorongoro Crater have no need to migrate.  Because of this, and the fact that they are enclosed within the crater, there is excellent wildlife viewing inside the crater year-round.  No matter which time of year you choose to visit, you are almost guaranteed to see all of the animals found within the crater.

If you would like to learn more about the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, make sure you check out my Ngorongoro Crater Safari Guide for more information.

Honorable Mentions

Some absolutely spectacular wildlife destinations around the world didn’t make my list, especially in Africa. I wanted to take a moment to recognize two additional African wildlife parks that I think are amazing and definitely worth visiting.

Chobe National Park in Botswana

While it sometimes gets overshadowed by the incredible Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park in Botswana is an absolutely amazing wildlife park in its own right. Located on the infamous Chobe River, the park offers a variety of different ways to view the park’s wildlife. In addition to the traditional land-based safaris, visitors can also see the wildlife from the river on a boat safari.

This is a great way to safely view hippos, Nile crocodiles, wading elephants, and other grazing animals feeding along the banks. If you venture further into the park, you will find the renowned Savuti region of the park.

This remote section of the park is famous for having some of Africa’s largest lions and biggest elephant herds. In fact, the lions in this area have become expert elephant hunters. It is one of the few regions in Africa where you will see lions hunt elephants regularly.

By far, the best time of year to visit Chobe National Park is during the dry season of July through October. During this time of year, water is scarce, so animals tend to congregate around the river. This is one of the best times to see predator activity near the Chobe River. Not only are the animals harder to spot during the wet season, but the roads in the park can be harder to travel on after heavy rains. This makes some of the more remote regions of the park harder to reach.

If you would like to learn more about the Chobe National Park, make sure you check out my Chobe National Park Safari Guide for more information.

Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe

If you plan on visiting the spectacular Victoria Falls on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, I strongly recommend checking out the nearby Hwange National Park . Located in Zimbabwe, roughly 2.5 hours South of Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest national parkland.

The park is renowned for having some of the largest elephant herds in all of Africa. It is also a great place to spot predators like lions, hyenas, leopards, and even the critically endangered African wild dog. In fact, the park is home to the African Painted Dog Conservation Center. This incredible organization is dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing wild dogs to help grow their population.

Like other parks in this area of Africa, the best time to visit is during the dry season of July through October. The park has several man-made water holes that are fed water to keep them full during the drier parts of the year.

When water is scarce during the dry season, the animals tend to congregate near these water holes. This makes them much easier to spot than during the wet season when water is plentiful. Hwange is a very large park, and the animals can be difficult to find when water is more readily available.

If you would like to learn more about the Hwange National Park, make sure you check out my Chobe National Park Safari Guide for more information.

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Published by Josh Hewitt

Avid traveler and photographer who loves to see new places, meet new people, and experience new things. There is so much this world can teach us, we just need to explore! View all posts by Josh Hewitt

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9 comments ›.

This was actually so helpful! I’ve been wanting to find some destinations for ages, thank you!

Thank you for reading! 😀

A wonderful post! I had no idea there were this many safari locations around the world. Great to know so many of them are best seen during my most convenient months of June-August! Thanks for an amazingly thorough post!

Thank you so much for the kind words! 😀

Such a comprehensive post of the different wildlife parks and habitats to visit around the world. Really like the recommendations on the weather and best times to visit throughout the year. Definitely comes in hand when deciding on where to travel to see wildlife. Amazing photography too 🙂

Thank you so much for the kind words!! 😀

No worries, Josh. Look forward to more photos and travels from you 😀

it’s actually disappointing how most of the subsaharan region or East African countries mentioned & not see Uganda any where…readers, visit Uganda. Thank me later!!!

So true!!!! Such an underrated wildlife destination for sure!!! It is on my list of places to visit!

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Thank you so much for reading and for the kind words!

Nice blog information with well narrative information. Thank you for sharing

Thank you so much for the comment and the suggestions! I didn’t get a chance to explore the trails to…

Great tip!! Thank you so much for your insightful comment!

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Wildlife Vacations: The 10 Ultimate Trips for Animal Lovers

Sarah Schlichter

Deputy Executive Editor Sarah Schlichter's idea of a perfect trip includes spotting exotic animals, hiking through pristine landscapes, exploring new neighborhoods on foot, and soaking up as much art as she can. She often attempts to recreate recipes from her international travels after she gets home (which has twice resulted in accidental kitchen fires—no humans or animals were harmed).

Sarah joined the SmarterTravel team in 2017 after more than a decade at the helm of IndependentTraveler.com. Sarah's practical travel advice has been featured in dozens of news outlets including the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Budget Travel, and Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor .

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A journal. Even years later, reading my notes from a trip can bring back incredibly vivid memories."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Road tripping and hiking through the rugged mountains of Patagonia."

Travel Motto: "'To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.'—Freya Stark"

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle. I get restless on long flights and like to be able to move around without disturbing anyone else."

Email Sarah at [email protected] .

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From tracking polar bears across the Arctic tundra to swimming with sea lions in the Sea of Cortez, the world is full of incredible wildlife adventures to experience. If you’re an animal lover, you won’t want to miss these unforgettable wildlife vacations.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

This remote archipelago off the coast of Ecuador just might be the ultimate wildlife vacation destination. You don’t need special photo equipment or giant zoom lenses to get close-up wildlife shots; because there are no natural predators here, the animals are unafraid of people, and you’ll often find yourself within a few yards of sea lions, giant tortoises, waved albatrosses, and iguanas. Keep an eye out for the world’s only tropical penguins.

How to get there: There are a few dozen hotels and inns in the Galapagos, including the cozy Semilla Verde Boutique Hotel on Santa Cruz Island, but to see as many animals as possible you’ll want to hop on a boat. Vessels here can carry no more than 100 passengers by law, and many are much smaller, creating an intimate experience. Popular operators include International Expeditions , Celebrity Cruises , and Metropolitan Touring .

There are few sights more magnificent than a 400-pound Bengal tiger stalking across the grass, muscles rippling under its sleek striped coat. Tigers are most easily spotted in a string of parks across India, including Corbett and Bandhavgarh National Parks. The most appealing, though, may be Ranthambore National Park; once the hunting grounds of Jaipur’s maharajas, the park features not only plenty of tigers but also temple ruins and other wildlife such as leopards and sloth bears.

How to get there: Tiger Safari India offers a variety of tiger-spotting packages ranging from four nights to three weeks. The ultra-luxe Oberoi Vanyavilas is located right outside Ranthambore National Park and can help you arrange excursions.

For many travelers, Antarctica is the wildlife trip of a lifetime. The climate is hostile and the journey to get there is long, but the rewards are many: Picture elephant and fur seals, humpback and orca whales, and thousands of penguins, all set against a backdrop of ice in every possible shade of white and blue. If you have the time and budget, consider booking a trip that includes a stop in South Georgia to see its massive penguin population (including king penguins, which are more difficult to find on the Antarctic Peninsula).

How to get there: Quark Expeditions specializes in polar journeys and even offers fly-in options for travelers who want to skip the notoriously rough Drake Passage between South America and Antarctica. For luxury cabins and food, consider a cruise with Silversea .

Best Vacations for Wildlife Lovers

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Rwanda and Uganda

Imagine crouching in a dense green forest just a few yards away from a mother gorilla cradling her baby or a 400-pound silverback foraging for food. There are only about 880 mountain gorillas left on the planet, and Rwanda and Uganda are the best and safest places to view them. Uganda is a better option for travelers on a budget, as permits and accommodations tend to be cheaper; it’s also easy to add other adventures onto your wildlife trip such as spotting lions and elephants in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Meanwhile, Rwanda has better infrastructure, shorter driving distances, and the chance to see playful golden monkeys.

How to get there: In Rwanda, consider basing yourself at the high-end Virunga Lodge , which boasts lake and volcano views and will arrange treks in search of gorillas and golden monkeys. In Uganda, the recently renovated Bwindi Lodge features butler service for all guests and grounds where gorillas often roam. Both lodges are operated by Volcanoes Safaris , which offers four- to seven-day tour packages in Uganda and Rwanda.

Svalbard, Norway

Located halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, this cluster of icy islands is one of the few places on the planet where you can see polar bears stalking across the ice in their natural habitat—along with reindeer, Arctic foxes, puffins, walruses, and seals. Most people visit in the summer, when the midnight sun shines all night long.

How to get there: You can base yourself at a hotel such as Funken Lodge , which can arrange wildlife excursions, but the most convenient and far-reaching way to discover Svalbard is on a cruise ship. Quark Expeditions , Lindblad Expeditions , and G Adventures are among the operators that can take you there.

The Pantanal, South America

Sprawling across parts of Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, the Pantanal is the planet’s largest system of freshwater wetlands. The Pananal has an even denser concentration of wildlife than the Amazon; visitors can spot jaguars, caimans, macaws, river otters, monkeys, egrets, anteaters, and many more in the region’s broad floodplains.

How to get there: Pantanal Nature runs wildlife tours, including jaguar-focused excursions, in the northern part of the region. Ecolodges such as Araras Pantanal Ecolodge and SouthWild Pantanal Lodge also arrange wildlife trips around the region.

Alaska, U.S.A.

With bald eagles soaring overhead, humpback whales flashing their flukes in the water, and hungry bears stalking rivers in search of salmon, Alaska offers a feast of wildlife travel adventures. Denali National Park is a good place to spot Alaska’s version of the African Big Five: moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, and grizzly bears. Many visitors come on cruise ships through the Inside Passage, where you can often see marine animals such as sea otters, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and various types of whales.

How to get there: This list of bear-viewing tours is a good place to start your research if viewing black, grizzly, or polar bears is a must-do for you. Numerous cruise lines offer Alaska voyages, including big-ship lines like Princess and Holland America , and smaller expedition companies like Alaskan Dream Cruises and UnCruise Adventures . For stays in Denali National Park, consider booking a lodge or cabin room at McKinley Creekside Cabins .

Borneo, Southeast Asia

Covered in old-growth rainforest and split among the nations of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, Borneo entices travelers with the chance to spot orangutans swinging through the trees or catch a glimpse of Asia’s smallest elephant. Love monkeys? Don’t miss a trip to Kinabatangan Wildlife Reserve, home to a whopping 10 different primate species including proboscis monkeys, orangutans, and multiple variants of macaques and langurs. Keep an eye out for the elusive Malayan sun bear and its distinctive white or gold patch of chest fur.

How to get there: Intrepid Travel and G Adventures run a number of small-group Borneo tours with various price points and activity levels. If you’d rather travel independently, you can book a multi-night package at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge , located in the Danum Valley Conservation Area; past guests report seeing red leaf monkeys, orangutans, macaques, and various colorful birds around the grounds.

No wildlife lover should pass up a chance to see Africa’s legendary Big Five: lions, rhinos, elephants, leopards, and Cape buffalo. In Tanzania you’ll find them all plus many more, including hippos, giraffes, and zebras. The country is most famous for the Great Migration, when millions of wildebeest move en masse from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in neighboring Kenya; June and July are the best months for viewing the migration in Tanzania.

How to get there: Bright African Safaris is one well-regarded local operator. Nomad Tanzania runs luxurious safari camps across the country. Intrepid Travel offers a number of Tanzania packages, many that also include time in Kenya.

Sea of Cortez, Mexico

Also known as the Gulf of California, the Sea of Cortez is the body of water between the Baja California peninsula and the mainland of Mexico—and it’s teeming with wildlife. Blue, gray, sperm, fin, and humpback whales migrate through these waters at various times of year, while dolphins and orcas are year-round inhabitants. You can even go swimming alongside playful sea lions and gentle whale sharks.

How to get there: You can base yourself in Los Cabos and take whale watching and snorkeling excursions to see the local wildlife. For a more in-depth look at the region, book a small-ship expedition cruise with operators such as Lindblad Expeditions or UnCruise Adventures .

More from SmarterTravel:

• 7 Once-in-a-Lifetime Safaris That Aren’t in Africa
• How to Spot Animal Cruelty While Traveling
• 8 Ways to See Wildlife Responsibly When You Travel

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16 Best U.S. National Parks for Wildlife Watching

By: Author Bram Reusen

Posted on Last updated: June 15, 2024

You don’t need to venture too far from your front door to see animals. Even at home, you can see a wide variety of animals going about their daily lives.

Whether you live in a big city or small town, there’s usually a bunch of different birds flying around, while squirrels play in trees and deer forage in verges.

Watching wildlife in America is easier than you might think. If, however, you’d like to really focus on the “wild” in wildlife, you should consider visiting the following best national parks in USA for wildlife viewing.

This best national parks for wildlife viewing post contains affiliate links. You can read more about our  Terms of Use / Disclosure here .

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana

Grand teton national park, wyoming, channel islands national park, california, katmai national park, alaska, theodore roosevelt national park, north dakota, isle royale national park, michigan, virgin islands national park, u.s. virgin islands, denali national park, alaska, everglades national park, florida, shenandoah national park, virginia, olympic national park, washington, glacier bay national park, alaska, great smoky mountains national park, north carolina and tennessee, glacier national park, montana, rocky mountain national park, colorado, mount rainier national park, washington, do your research, give wildlife room, watch the road, don’t disturb, know what to do during an encounter, stash your trash and store your food, see something, say something, be responsible, other best national parks… posts, 16 best national parks for wildlife watching in the usa.

Yes, the USA has its huge cities and historic towns , but the vast majority of the country still consists of rugged mountain ranges, empty deserts and deep forests.

You don’t have to try hard to get away from America’s urbanity and the time-pressured stress that comes with city life. Wildlife, too, finds refuge in the wild lands in America’s national parks .

From the deserts of California to the coral reefs of the Virgin Islands, from the forests of the Blue Ridge Mountains to subarctic Alaska , the spectrum of America’s habitats is incredibly wide.

Diversity is, after all, the trademark of the country—not only in natural terms but also when it comes to cities, cultures, wealth, opinions and music.

This immense variety of habitats and biotopes results in a truly phenomenal biodiversity.

Dolphins and whales frolic in oceans, while buffalo roam plains, eagles soar the skies, and bears and mountain lions wander through forests. Wolves howl at the moon and rattlesnakes sunbathe on rocks, manatees bask in tropical waters and alligators lounge on riverbanks.

The number of iconic American mammals , birds and other creatures is virtually endless.

Interested in seeing America’s most famous animals in the wild? Visit one of these fantastic national parks for wildlife watching.

Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is the oldest national park in America (although Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas can claim that it’s the first protected land set aside by the federal government. In 1832 that was, decades before the concept of national parks was invented).

This is a logical choice for a first national park, though, encompassing a wide variety of natural features, from geysers to mountains and forests.

Yellowstone is also one of the most wildlife-rich areas in North America, arguably the number one of all U.S. national parks for wildlife watching. Many consider it to be the greatest place to see North American megafauna , the park being home to nearly 60 mammal species.

Those include basically all of the continent’s most iconic species, from wolves , black bears and grizzly bears to elk, moose, bighorn sheep and American bison , arguably the park’s main wildlife attraction.

Additionally, Yellowstone is also home to several of the most iconic national park birds . Those include bald eagles, trumpeter swans, ravens and sandhill cranes.

If you ever want to go on a national parks wildlife safari, it’s impossible to find a better place to do so than Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone offers some of the best wildlife viewing experiences in North America.

• Look for these: American bison, wolves, black and grizzly bears, elk, bighorn sheep and moose, and bald eagles, trumpeter swans and sandhill cranes
• Do this: hiking, horseback riding, cycling and, in winter, snowmobiling and snowshoeing

More About Yellowstone National Park

• Park Website
• Travel Guide
• Topographic Map
• Top Places to Visit in Yellowstone National Park
• Best Things to Do at Mammoth Hot Springs (Yellowstone)
• Where to See Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park
• Best Spring Hikes in Yellowstone
• Accommodation

One of the great joys of spending time in  Grand Teton National Park  is the amazing opportunity to see wild animals. From bison, elk and moose to black and grizzly bears, yellow-bellied marmots and countless birds, the wildlife watching in Grand Teton National Park is among the best in the national park system.

Yellowstone’s smaller neighbor to the south, Grand Teton is also part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which absolutely bustles with wildlife. The species of animals you can see in Grand Teton National Park are similar to Yellowstone, with one major exception: moose.

Grand Teton National Park is one of the country’s top places to see moose in the wild. Look for them in swampy areas and along riverbanks. Lucky hikers might also see them near alpine lakes and stands of willows.

Additionally, this park also encompasses habitats ideal for bison, pronghorn and elk, as well as gray wolves and bears. Visit one of the scenic overlooks in Grand Teton in the morning, especially Oxbow Bend, Blacktail Ponds and Willow Flats, for the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

• Look for these: bison, moose, elk, pronghorn, grizzly bears, black bears, river otters, beavers and bald eagles
• Do this: hiking, scenic driving, kayaking and canoeing

More About Grand Teton National Park

• Best Grand Teton Hikes
• Top Things To Do in Grand Teton National Park
• Where to See Wildlife in Grand Teton National Park

With a nickname that says it all, “the Galapagos of North America”, California’s Channel Islands are a major biodiversity hotspot.

This mountainous archipelago lies just off the coast of Santa Barbara and is a refuge for numerous marine and land animals.

Over 2,000 species of plants and animals live in Channel Islands National Park , including three endemic mammals—the Channel Islands fox, deer mouse and spotted skunk—and one reptile—the island fence lizard.

The greatest diversity, however, is found in the surrounding waters. Located at the meeting point of warm subtropical and cool northern ocean currents, these waters burst with life, from micro-plankton to blue whales.

On a boat ride from the mainland, you’re almost certain to spot common dolphins, while California sea lions, harbor seals, gray whales and humpback whales are regular sights as well. Sharks are common in these waters, too.

Orcas, blue and fin whales are less common, but can occasionally be spotted in summer.

• Look for these: Channel Island foxes, whales, dolphins, seals and sea lions
• Do this: boating, kayaking, scuba diving and hiking

Can you remember a wildlife documentary you watched, perhaps as a kid, in which big brown bears fish for salmon in a waterfall?

Almost certainly, that footage was shot in Alaska’s Katmai National Park, arguably the world’s best place for bear watching .

This is, however, not the cheapest place to get to. No roads lead into the park, so you have to fly into a nearby town, where you would then charter a floatplane to drop you off in the park.

It does require a bit of dedicated saving to make this trip happen, but if you can make there, it’s obviously sensational. This is, after all, one of the best national parks for wildlife photography vacations.

In addition to watching some of the world’s biggest brown bears at Brooks Falls, Katmai also offers amazing canoeing and kayaking, hiking and wilderness camping. Fishing, too, is a popular thing to do here.

Note that the park has only on 5 miles (8 kilometers) of designated hiking trails, but you’re free to explore beyond the trails as you please.

Make sure to know what you’re doing, though. This is one of the wildest and remotest regions on earth, offering a phenomenal national parks experience without the crowds .

• Look for these: brown bears and salmon
• Do this: boating, flightseeing, and backcountry hiking and camping

Comprising three separate sections of badlands in North Dakota—the North Unit, South Unit and Roosevelt’s Elkhorn Ranch—, Theodore Roosevelt National Park was obviously named after America’s most adventurous president.

Teddy R. came to the badlands in 1883 to hunt bison, but soon fell in love with the freedom and roughness of the American West.

It was that early passion for the outdoor lifestyle that, later, during his presidency, influenced his groundbreaking conservation policies. (He singlehandedly created five national monuments that became national parks later on, including Grand Canyon and Olympic.)

While that presidential history is certainly fascinating, nature lovers will find delight in the numerous wild animals that live in this rugged park.

Both the North and South Units have a scenic drive as well as about 100 miles (160 kilometers) of trails for hiking and horseback riding.

Whatever activities in Theodore Roosevelt National Park you choose, you’re virtually guaranteed to spot American bison grazing in the plains. Backed by the imposing badlands and basking in later-afternoon sunlight, this is an epic, all-American sight.

Its vast herds of wild bison make Theodore Roosevelt National Park one of the best places to see wildlife in the USA. But it’s not only bison that live here, though.

The prairies are home to a number of other large grazing animals , too, such as elk, white-tailed deer, mule deer and wild horses—aka mustangs.

With cunning coyotes roaming these lands and prairie dogs calling loudly when they spot one, it really doesn’t get more “cowboy” than this.

• Look for these: American bison, elk, mustangs, coyotes and prairie dogs
• Do this: scenic driving, hiking and horseback riding

More About Theodore Roosevelt National Park

• Top Things To Do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

One of the least visited national parks in the lower 48 states, Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park is one of those places where it’s still possible to really get away from it all.

For people who are looking for wild nature, remote adventures and world-class national park wildlife viewing, Isle Royale National Park, located in the northwestern corner of Lake Superior, the world’s largest freshwater lake, is absolute bliss.

Backpackers, campers, hikers and kayakers alike will find excitement here. Numerous hiking trails zigzag across the island, while various campgrounds offer wilderness accommodation.

Only accessible by boat and seaplane, this isolated island is home to wolves and hundreds of moose . The numbers vary greatly from year to year, though.

Especially the wolf population has struggled recently—there were only two left at the end of 2017—and a relocation project to add more individuals is now underway.

Nevertheless, both species are common sightings in Isle Royale National Park and part of the longest running predator-prey study in the world .

• Look for these: moose and wolves
• Do this: kayaking, hiking and camping

More About Isle Royale National Park

Quite possibly the most tropical place in the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands in the eastern Caribbean are a phenomenal place to go snorkeling, swimming and scuba diving. As you may expect, this region has more than its fair share of coral reefs and palm tree-lined beaches .

Virgin Islands National Park , one of the greatest island national parks in the USA , covers almost all of Hassel Island and about 60% of St. John, as well as thousands of acres of surrounding waters.

With about 50 species of coral and more than 300 fish species, this is one of the world’s best snorkeling and diving destinations.

A major highlight in this tropical national park is its underwater snorkeling trails, among the first of their kind in the world. Beginning snorkelers are advised to start with the self-guided Underwater Trail in Trunk Bay.

• Look for these: green and hawksbill turtles, dolphins, tropical fish, stingrays, octopuses, pelicans and hummingbirds
• Do this: snorkeling, scuba diving and hiking

More About Virgin Islands National Park

• Most Beautiful Beaches in Virgin Islands National Park
• Best Views in Virgin Islands National Park
• Best Hikes in Virgin Islands National Park

A national park of epic proportions, Denali National Park encompasses six million acres (25,400 km 2 ) of deciduous taiga, tundra, glaciers, forests and mountain ranges, including North America’s highest peak and the park’s namesake—Denali.

Bisected by only one road, this vast wilderness houses wild animals large and small .

The park’s “big five”—caribou, moose, grizzly bears, Dall sheep and wolves—are its main attraction.

In fact, this is probably the only national park in the U.S. where you can spot all five in just one day, making it one of the absolute best parks for wildlife watching in Alaska . That’s not to say some of the best wildlife viewing in the world.

In addition to these five icons of nature, the park is also home to 34 other mammals, 169 bird species and 14 species of fish.

Wilderness characterizes this rugged park and the best way to really experience it is on a long hike, a bicycle ride, a snowmobile excursion (in winter) or a flightseeing trip.

• Look for these: grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, moose and Dall sheep
• Do this: cycling, (overnight) hiking, flightseeing and, in winter, mushing and snowmobiling

More About Denali National Park

Learn what to do when encountering a grizzly bear while hiking.

The vastness of Everglades National Park is difficult to put in words. All I can say is that it’s the third-largest national park in the contiguous United States, after Death Valley and Yellowstone.

It’s also the largest tropical wilderness in the country and the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere.

Additionally, as one of the three great national parks around Miami , it’s super-accessible, too. The park’s main visitor center is only about an hour from downtown Miami .

One of the greatest wildlife parks in the U.S., its biodiversity is just sensational, highlighted by the fact that this is one of only three places on Earth that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve and a Wetland of International Importance.

While most American national parks protect specific geographic characteristics of a landscape, Everglades was the very first that was created to preserve an ecosystem.

Its immense network of wetlands, waterways and forests is unique in the world, a hugely important nesting area for countless water birds , a habitat for fresh- and saltwater fish, and a last refuge for threatened animals such as the West Indian manatee, the Florida panther and the American crocodile .

The best way to spot wildlife in Everglades National Park is hiking, kayaking and going on guided tours on those iconic airboats.

• Look for these: alligators and wading birds
• Do this: canoeing, kayaking, airboat touring, hiking and fishing

More About Everglades National Park

• Where to See Wildlife in Everglades National Park
• Top Attractions on the Everglades Main Park Road
• Best Things to Do in Flamingo Everglades
• Best Things to Do in Shark Valley Everglades
• Best Everglades Bike Trails

In central Virginia, along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park protects an area of historic pioneer country that’s been returned to nature.

Once home to Appalachian farming communities, these ridges and valleys are now once again the territory of thriving wildlife populations.

Water and time have shaped these glorious, rolling mountains—among the oldest in the world—for eons, creating a landscape of bubbling streams, roaring waterfalls , wooded hollows and rocky summits . This lush environment is one of sheer abundance.

Various animals thrive here. It’s one of the best places to see black bears in the U.S., but the park also has large populations of white-tailed deer, coyotes, beavers and raccoons.

Additionally, there are 32 fish species found in the park’s rivers and ponds, and more than 200 species of birds, 30 of which live in the park year-round.

The best way to go wildlife watching in Shenandoah National Park is a combination of driving along Skyline Drive , the park’s only road and among the greatest national park roads in the country, and hiking its numerous trails.

Always keep an eye out for wildlife , whether driving or hiking. Deer sightings are basically guaranteed, while spotting a black bear or two is not unusual at all.

This is also one of the most dog-friendly national parks in the country . You can take your pet on most Shenandoah hiking trails , provided it’s on a leash. Make sure, though, that it’s well-behaved and listens to you in case of a black bear encounter .

• Look for these: black bears and white-tailed deer
• Do this: hiking, scenic driving, cycling, waterfall hunting and camping

More About Shenandoah National Park

• Best Shenandoah Hikes
• Top Things To Do in Shenandoah National Park
• Where to See Wildlife in Shenandoah National Park

The many different landscapes in Olympic National Park , ranging from snowcapped mountains to sandy beaches and temperate rain forests, provide a home to a wide variety of animals .

In the mountains, you have a relatively good chance to spot deer and bears, while the meadows are prime viewing areas for the majestic Roosevelt elk. The park has the largest unmanaged Roosevelt elk herd in the Pacific Northwest.

One of the park’s most exceptional animals, however, is not a huge mammal, but rather the opposite—the banana slug, which can grow almost a foot (25 centimeters) long.

Additionally, the Olympic torrent salamander, Olympic snow mole and Olympic marmot can’t be seen anywhere else in the world.

Along the coast, marine life thrives. On coastal hikes or scenic boat tours, sightings of sea otters, seals and sea lions are pretty common. Dolphins, orcas and whales regularly pass by the park’s shores as well.

All this, combined with exceptional diversity and a bunch of attractions , makes Olympic National Park one of the top national parks for wildlife watching in the USA. Its location near Seattle makes it super-accessible as well, and a great Pacific Northwest road trip destination .

• Look for these: Roosevelt elk, bears, deer, banana slugs, sea lions, sea otters, seals, whales and dolphins
• Do this: boating, hiking and camping

More About Olympic National Park

• Best Olympic Hikes
• Top Things To Do in Olympic National Park

Situated in the Alaskan panhandle, to the west of Juneau , Glacier Bay National Park is a superb place for marine life watching. Characterized by huge glaciers, imposing coastlines, forests and deep fjords, it is part of a much larger, binational UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Limitless adventure opportunities await you in these wild lands and seas, including but not limited to hiking, mountaineering, camping, kayaking, and fishing.

What draws most visitors to this remote park, however, is its world-class wildlife watching , truly some of the best wildlife viewing in the USA.

Basically, everything that lives in Glacier Bay National Park is in some way or the other tied to the nutrient-rich ocean or the fertile shores. About 20% of the park consists of marine waters, while on land, everything is within 30 miles (50 kilometers) from the coast.

The park itself is large and so is its wildlife. This is where you can see brown bears and moose roaming the coasts and forests, and bald eagles soaring overhead.

But it is the waters, however, that house the biggest wildlife spotting spectacle in this park. Orcas, minke whales, sea otters, seals, sea lions, humpback whales, and many other marine animals are present in the region, depending on their migration seasons.

• Look for these: orcas, whales, sea otters, seals and sea lions
• Do this: kayaking, hiking, mountaineering, flightseeing and camping

A UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its enormous biodiversity, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the greatest national parks for wildlife watching in America.

A subrange of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which in their turn are part of the much larger Appalachian Mountains, the Great Smokies encompass some of the most expansive wilderness areas in the East.

Wildlife thrives in its deep forests, picturesquely undulating mountains and many streams and rivers. The park is home to more than 200 bird species, 67 native species of fish, over 80 reptiles and amphibians, and about 65 mammals.

The most famous resident of Great Smoky Mountains National Park has to be the black bear.

In fact, this park boasts the largest protected black bear habitat east of the Mississippi, providing a comfy home to about 1,500 individuals. With approximately two bears per square mile, the area has one of America’s densest concentrations of black bears .

Learn What to Do When Encountering a Black Bear While Hiking

Other often-spotted animals include white-tailed deer, groundhogs, squirrels and chipmunks—all the classic forest species of the American East, in other words.

• Do this: hiking, camping and waterfall hunting

More About Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Tip: When you visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can get to Shenandoah National Park via the magnificent Blue Ridge Parkway , another unit in the extensive national parks system.

This allows you to visit the two best national parks for wildlife watching in the eastern United States in one epic road trip.

In northern Montana, bordering Canada, lies Glacier National Park , a large wilderness of towering mountains, deep valleys, beautiful glacial lakes and wildflower-covered meadows.

Nicknamed the “Crown of the Continent”, it borders Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park. Together, these two parks are known as the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park , established in 1932 and the first of its kind in the world.

These wild lands are home to the healthiest grizzly bear population on the North American continent. So, if you’ve always wanted to see these mighty animals in the wild, Glacier National Park is where your chances are highest.

In addition to grizzlies, if you’re lucky, you might also see gray wolves, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, moose, mule deer, elk and mountain goats , the park’s official mascot.

Just like most similar U.S. national parks for wildlife watching, Glacier offers a plethora of outdoor activities, from epic hiking and cycling to fishing, boating, landscape photography and camping. Truly one of the best places to see animals in the wild in America.

• Look for these: grizzly bears, black bears, bighorn sheep, moose, elk and mountain goats
• Do this: cycling, hiking, canoeing, kayaking and camping

More About Glacier National Park

• Best Glacier Hikes
• Top Attractions on Going-to-the-Sun Road
• Where to See Wildlife in Glacier National Park

As the nearest national park to Denver , only about 1.5 hours from the city, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of America’s most accessible wildlife national parks.

There’s plenty to see and do in this spectacular mountain park. From scenic car touring on epic Trail Ridge Road to hiking, camping, cycling and enjoying colorful fall foliage , Rocky Mountain is amazingly diverse.

Naturally, this also means there’s a huge variety of wildlife that calls the park home. Thanks to its extraordinary populations of large animals, it’s often considered as one of the best places in America for wildlife viewing.

Those large animals include countless mule deer, a population of about 350 bighorn sheep, a small number of moose, and an elk herd of 600 to 800 individuals.

Just like many other national parks, Rocky Mountain National Park also has its fair share of black bears and mountain lions.

Other, less high-profile animals in Rocky Mountain National Park are numerous bird species, pikas and marmots, bats and beavers.

• Look for these: elk, bighorn sheep, moose, black bear
• Do this: cycling, hiking, scenic driving and rock climbing

More About Rocky Mountain National Park

Situated in central Washington, Mount Rainier National Park is centered on the state’s highest mountain: Mount Rainier.

Comprised of deep glacial valleys, pristine old-growth forests, towering mountain peaks and various lakes and rivers, it’s a super-varied park, much more diverse than many people think.

Thanks to its 13,000-foot elevation changes, there are various different climate zones and habitats at Mount Rainier, all of which are home to their own set of fauna and flora.

You’ll find basically all typical Pacific Northwest land animals here. Among the park’s most prominent and visible wildlife are Stellar’s jays, common ravens, Columbian black-tailed deer and Douglas squirrels.

Some more high-profile and popular wild animals in Mount Rainier National Park, although (much) less often seen, are black bears, elk, Cascade red foxes and mountain goats. Mountain lions also call the park home.

• Look for these: elk, black-tailed deer, black bears, Cascade red foxes and mountain goats
• Do this: hiking, wildflower viewing, camping

More About Mount Rainier National Park

• Best Mount Rainier Hikes
• Top Things To Do in Mount Rainier National Park

Wildlife Viewing Safety Guidelines

Most of this section comes straight from the National Park Service website . I couldn’t have worded it any better than this.

You can help keep yourself and other visitors safe and wildlife wild by setting a good example and following the rules of hiking etiquette . Remember to treat wildlife with proper caution and respect.

The safety of these animals, as well as your own safety, depends on everyone using good judgment and following these eight simple guidelines while viewing wildlife in national parks.

All U.S. national parks are unique in their own way and have specific wildlife viewing regulations. These are include minimum wildlife watching distances and food storage requirement.

Before hitting the trail, please take a moment to read the park’s rules.

The best way to stay safe when watching wildlife in national parks is to give animals room to move.

Many parks require you to stay a minimum distance of 25 yards (or meters) from most wildlife and 100 yards from predators like bears and wolves. (Check with your park: for example, Olympic National Park requires a minimum distance of 50 yards no matter the animal.)

Parks provide a unique opportunity to view animals’ natural behavior in the wild. Generally speaking, whenever an animal reacts to your presence, that’s a clear sign you’re too close.

If you’re close enough for a selfie, you’re definitely too close. Don’t be an irresponsible Instagram or Facebook fool.

Use binoculars or a zoom lens and move back if wildlife approach you. Let wildlife be wild and observe from a distance. It’ll benefit both of you.

Vehicle strikes are one of the deadliest types of encounters with wildlife in national parks. Always remember that all roads run through their habitats or migration routes—they were here first, people are just visitors.

Be sure to always follow the speed limits and watch for wildlife that may dart into the road.

When you want to stop to see wildlife, make sure the four wheels of your vehicle are completely off the road. Better yet, park in a designated pull-out. This keeps both wildlife and other motorists safe.

Even when you’re farther away, leaving wildlife alone can greatly enhance your viewing experience. Also, it’s simply the law.

It’s illegal to feed, touch, tease, frighten or intentionally disturb wildlife. Remember that wildlife in national parks are wild. No matter how docile, cute or friendly they look, all animals can be unpredictable when they’re disturbed or surprised.

Therefore, it is recommended that you make noise regularly when venturing into the backcountry. Whistle, sing, talk, clap .

Moreover, interacting with wildlife can also cause harm to both people and wildlife, including injury and disease.

Stay on trails to help keep human presence in predictable areas. In national parks that allow dogs , keep them on-leash (most parks have a 6-foot leash policy), pick up fecal matter and ensure they are vaccinated.

Absolutely do not use bird calls or wildlife calls and attractants.

If you do happen to unexpectedly come across a wild animal while hiking or any other outdoor activity, it’s very important to know how to behave.

I’ve written a number of wildlife safety guides for a variety of wild animals. Please read them and take that information with you on the trail or into the water.

• Bison Safety
• Black Bear Safety
• Grizzly Bear Safety
• Mountain Lion / Cougar Safety
• Rattlesnake Safety
• Shark Safety

It’s also smart to always have a first-aid kit with you when venturing out into wildlife country.

Feeding wildlife in parks can make them come looking for more. To national park animals, anything that smells like food is treated like food. Access to trash, and even crumbs left on picnic tables can attract them.

Once they have learned that people are a source of food, wildlife can become aggressive toward people. This puts you at risk of injury and the wildlife at risk of being removed and humanely killed by wildlife managers.

Don’t be responsible for the death of wildlife.

Keep a clean picnic area or campsite, store your food and dispose of garbage in the proper containers. Use wildlife-resistant food storage or trash containers where available or required and make sure they’re securely closed.

Tell a ranger if you come into physical contact with national parks wildlife. Also, tell a ranger if you see animals that are sick, dead, or acting strangely, including animals that approach you.

And when you see people who aren’t following these guidelines, let them know what they can do to be a smart wildlife watcher, too, and contact a ranger if necessary.

Ultimately, staying safe and keeping wildlife wild is up to you!

When you visit one of these awesome national parks for wildlife watching, it’s your responsibility to keep yourself, your family, and the wildlife safe.

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Have You Ever Been to Any of These National Parks for Wildlife Watching in the USA? Which Animals Did You Spot?

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The 15 Best Places to See Wildlife Up Close

African Bush Elephant, South Africa

Elephants impress in any habitat, but there’s something extra special about observing them in Madikwe Game Reserve, home to South Africa’s “red elephants.” At Mateya Safari Lodge , meet the elephants that have adjusted to the imposing terrain of the country’s northwest, where the giants coat themselves in red clay as a cooling method. The herds near Mateya are impressive in size and personality—watching them play, wrestle, and bathe near the watering holes is endless entertainment.

Galápagos Giant Tortoise, Ecuador

More than 500 nautical miles west of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean, the Galápagos Islands comprise a living museum of evolutionary biology, where The Land Before Time lives in the present. Roaming this Darwinian dreamland are the world’s largest living species of tortoise, the Galápagos giant tortoise. Conservation efforts are restoring populations of various subspecies across the Galápagos' many islands, but your best bet for one-on-one time with these gentle giants is in the western highlands of Santa Cruz at Reserva El Chato. A visit here is standard on itineraries of most upscale Galápagos cruise ships, like La Pinta yacht.

Wildebeest Migration, Kenya and Tanzania

Each year millions of wildebeest in search of lush grasslands migrate between Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and the contiguous Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Capturing this inspiring—and dramatic—spectacle is all about timing. July to October, for example, base yourself at Governor's Camp to catch the wildebeest parade into and out of the Mara; but December to April, head to the southern Serengeti and go glamping with andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas to witness calving season. For the ultimate vantage of the migration, opt for a hot-air ballon safari.

Atlantic Puffin, Maine, United States

Atlantic puffins were declared locally extinct in Maine in 1901, but thanks to the life work of Dr. Stephen W. Kress and major donors like Barbara’s, maker of Puffins Cereal, these charismatic, clown-faced birds have made a major comeback. Dr. Kress’s Project Puffin has fostered a seasonal bird-watching industry to visit the project’s bird haven, Eastern Egg Rock, by boat. To gain access to the island by foot, you’ll need to donate a serious sum to the project, after which Dr. Kress will likely personally escort you to see his Audubon-affiliated life's work.

African Lion, Tanzania and Botswana

Insider’s tip for lion-spotting in Tanzania and Botswana: Skip the national parks and head to more remote lodges on private concessions, where off-roading and night driving are permitted, and the number of vehicles is limited to the number of guests on the land. At andBeyond Klein’s Camp in Tanzania and Wilderness Safari’s Vumbura Plains camp in Botswana, for example, you’re likely to get hours-long encounters with huge prides of lions—not just one solitary female, and not just a quick five minutes—without another vehicle in sight.

Hippos, Tanzania

“River horses,” as their name translates from Greek, may be common sightings on an African safari , but find a colossal herd (or a “crash” in safari lingo) and be entertained for hours with highly photogenic hippo shenanigans: fighting, snuggling, bobbing, territory marking (which includes whipping the tail in a helicopter-like fashion), and herding in almost artistic formations. Watch the best-of mayhem at the hippo pools near the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti .

Black Rhino and White Rhino, South Africa

Thanks to staunch protection efforts, Sabi Sand Game Reserve , west of Kruger National Park, and andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve , a 100-square-mile swathe of South Africa’s Kwazulu-Natal province, is home to the critically endangered black or hook-lipped rhinoceros and its larger sibling, the white, or square-lipped, rhinoceros. These are some of the few places on earth where the rhino population has not been completely decimated by poachers. Safari in style on Sir Richard Branson’s private safari concession, Ulusaba , and prepare to saturate memory cards with plenty of rhino photos.

Cheetah, South Africa

There’s no denying Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve is a haven for big cats, but as a safari-goer, you’re more likely to get those prized shots of a cheetah in South Africa. AndBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve sits on prime cheetah real estate, where you’ll encounter—and photograph—them daily.

Polar Bear, Manitoba, Canada

With all the distressing news about melting ice caps and starving polar bears, it's encouraging to see that one polar bear sub-population is thriving, as are its natural surrounds. Welcome to Canada’s west Hudson Bay coast, home to nearly 1,000 plump polar bears, and where outfitter Churchill Wild runs three fly-in lodges—Seal River Heritage Lodge, Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, and Dymond Lake Ecolodge—to track these endangered species on foot (yes, you read correctly).

Gray Whale, Mexico

Don’t bother packing the zoom lens when whale watching off Puerto Adolfo López Mateos in Magdalena Bay, Mexico. The gray whales here readily approach small skiffs, bobbing in and out of the water at close range to study the scene of awe-struck humans snapping their cameras at a rapid-fire pace. You can join a group by purchasing tickets at the port kiosks or pre-arrange a private journey through a hotel concierge in Los Cabos or La Paz. One catch: This phenomenon is seasonal, so make sure to book anytime between mid-January and late March.

Bengal Tiger, India

While the semi-habituated tigers of Ranthambore National Park in northern Indian make for an easy photo shoot, go off the beaten path to Madhya Pradesh in central India to capture the elusive, wild tigers in a more natural setting. Check-in to Taj Safari's Banjaar Tola on the riverbanks adjacent Kanha National Park, and prepare to snap curious langurs, peacocks in full bloom, multi-colored Indian rollers, and, of course, magnificent Bengal tigers.

Mountain Gorilla, Rwanda

Coming face-to-face with a mountain gorilla—a creature that shares 97 percent of our DNA composition—is arguably the ultimate wildlife encounter. In the mist of Rwanda’s lush, mountainous north, you can observe them at close range, with all the excitement and awe the interaction will bring. Begin your journey by obtaining a coveted national park permit—they’re often sold out months in advance—through your chosen outfitter or lodge. (We recommend Micato Safaris and Bisate Lodge ).

Leopard, Botswana and Sri Lanka

Leopards tend to be especially elusive (and hard to spot), but in the Okavango Delta, you’ll find leopards more common than not. Sightings at Wilderness Safari’s Abu Camp and Vumbura Plains camp tend to be excellent. Over on the island of Sri Lanka, venture into the thicket of Yala National Park in search of the daintier cousin to the African leopard, the Sri Lankan leopard. Yala’s density of leopards is one of the highest in the world, and Yala offers a departure to those looking beyond the African safari.

Great White Shark, Massachusetts, United States

A massive rebound in the gray seal population off Massachusetts’s coast means we no longer need venture to South Africa for amazing encounters with the ocean’s most intriguing—and feared—animal: the great white shark. With such an abundance of prey, this supreme predator has steadily returned to its former home along the Cape . Take part in scientific research and get super close to these misunderstood creatures with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy , which runs a program to shadow shark researchers as they tag and identify the great whites.

White Lion, South Africa

White Lions are a genetic rarity of Panthero leo , endemic to eastern South Africa. Sadly, their striking beauty is a curse—all but 13 individuals have been stripped from the wild in the name of circuses, zoos, Las Vegas shows, and hunting. Miraculously, it’s still possible to see this hyper-rare big cat in its natural habitat. Near the South Africa-Mozambique border, the sublime Singita Lebombo Lodge and Singita Sweni Lodge have exclusive rights to a 33,000-acre tract of Kruger National Park, where several of the lions happen to carry the recessive white gene. Last year, a white male cub was born, and, ever since, he’s been frequently seen—and photographed—on game drives.

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10 places to get up close and personal with America's largest animals

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These are the 10 best U.S. national parks to see wildlife

From a New Mexico bat cave to a Florida archipelago teeming with coral and sharks, here’s where the wild things are.

The chance to spot a bear, bison, or bald eagle in the wild is one of the major reasons travelers visit the United States’ 63 national parks . You might assume that a megafauna mecca like Yellowstone National Park would offer the best odds of seeing multiple animals.  

But a recent report from vacation rental site Casago crunched each park’s total number of species and its size, resulting in surprising news about which parks offer the best wildlife viewing. Hint: To see the highest number of critters, think small, as in places rife with tiny insects or flocks of migrating birds. Here’s where to see the widest variety of animals, from spiders to raptors to bears.

1. Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Number of species per 100 square kilomet er: 362 Life of all kinds, from tiny synchronous fireflies to 160-foot-tall loblolly pines , crowds this park ’s bottomland hardwood forest ecosystem 18 miles from Columbia, South Carolina ’s capital. Congaree is also laced with rivers and lakes that sustain its astonishing biodiversity.  

( See fireflies magically light up this national park .)

Paddling the Cedar Creek Canoe Trail is a great way to look for wildlife, says Billy Easterbrooks, owner of Carolina Outdoor Adventures , one of a handful of companies leading kayak or canoe trips in the park. “Most commonly you see what we call the creepy-crawlies,” he says, including fishing spiders with leg spans wider than your palm and red-bellied water snakes . Other residents you might encounter: barred owls, river otters, pileated woodpeckers, and, sometimes, alligators gliding on the water.

2. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Number of species per 100 square kilometer: 317 Located 20 miles southwest of Cleveland, Ohio , Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a mixed ecosystem of oak-hickory forest, meadows, and wetlands sheltering a variety of animals. From the boardwalk at Beaver Marsh, watch for water-loving mammals (river otters, muskrats, beavers) or snapping turtles that can weigh as much as 55 pounds each. “It’s neat to see the old-timers covered in moss,” says Gene Stepanik, a naturalist and longtime park volunteer.  

More than 200 bird species live or migrate through the park, including nesting peregrine falcons (near the Route 82 bridge) and bald eagles (hike the Towpath Trail north from Station Road Trailhead). Check the park website for occasional birding walks or ranger talks.

3. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

Number of species per 100 square kilometer: 286 “The poster child for Carlsbad Caverns is the Brazilian free-tailed bat ,” says bat biologist Debbie Buecher. Every summer, hundreds of thousands of the furry, big-eared creatures roost in these honeycombed limestone caves in southeastern New Mexico , attracting crowds at sunset with their spectacular outflight . “But it’s just as exciting to come just before dawn and watch the bats come back,” she says, noting that the bats tuck their wings and execute speedy dives back into the caverns.  

The Brazilians are one of 17 bat species that nest at Carlsbad. You might also encounter ringtails (a small, raccoon-like mammal), porcupines, peccaries (wild pigs), and cave swallows.

4. Pinnacles National Park, California

Number of species per 100 square kilometer: 255 Driven to the brink of extinction in the 1980s, the mighty California condor now soars again over this landscape of twisty volcanic peaks in central California . Intense recovery efforts , including a captive breeding program and the establishment of two distinctive wild-flying populations, have brought the population of the largest birds in North America from just 22 in in 1982 to 347 condors today.  

Eighty-nine of the birds are thought to live in and around Pinnacles. “If you have binoculars, you have a good chance of seeing condors flying over the ridge behind the main campground in the mornings and evenings,” says Alacia Welch, manager of the Pinnacles Condor Program .  

Other Pinnacles standouts include golden eagles, peregrine falcons, an exceptionally high density of prairie falcons, and more than 400 species of bees.

5. Acadia National Park, Maine  

Number of species per 100 square kilometer: 242 The Atlantic Ocean meets the cliff-lined Maine coast at this popular park on Mount Desert Island, providing habitat for wildlife with feet and   flippers. From the shore or a sea kayak (try Castine Kayak Adventures or Coastal Kayaking Tours ), scan the water for the dorsal fins of harbor porpoises and the sleek heads of harbor and gray seals.

( From blueberries to birdwatching, here’s what locals love about Maine . )

On land, you might spot beavers, snowshoe hares, or, if you’re lucky, a mink or bobcat. In between, in the intertidal zone, tide pools hold translucent anemones, sea urchins, snails, and sea stars. Acadia also draws loons and songbirds and, come fall, rangers and volunteers conduct an annual hawk watch from Cadillac Mountain, Acadia’s highest point.

6. Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota

Number of species per 100 square kilometer: 235   This park at the edge of South Dakota’ s Black Hills National Forest may be best known for its unique boxwork cave geology. But wildlife-watchers also come for the herds of American bison, elk, and pronghorns grazing above on the mixed-grass prairie.  

( Learn why South Dakota holds so many ‘maze caves.’ )

Wind Cave is part of an ecosystem restoration and species recovery program that’s been going since the early 20th century. Populations of all three ungulates have rebounded since then, and in 2007, biologists also returned the critically endangered black-footed ferret to the grasslands. Drive the 3.7-mile Bison Flats Road or hike the steep, challenging Boland Ridge Trail for the best chance to see animals.

7. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Number of species per 100 square kilometer: 223   Contrary to its name, water makes up 99 percent of this park located on and around a seven-island archipelago some 70 miles off the coast of Florida. Travelers must catch a seaplane or ferry from Key West to get to this remote part of the Florida Keys, but they’re rewarded with excellent coral reef and seagrass habitats.  

The part of the park’s name that does make sense: Five species of threatened or endangered sea turtles ( tortugas in Spanish) nest here; visitors might see them swimming or on the sandy beaches. Book a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion to explore the reefs, where green sea turtles, nurse sharks, barracudas, and decorator crabs live amid elkhorn and staghorn corals. Divers can also access the Windjammer wreck site, where an iron-hulled ship that sank in 1907 provides a home for marine life.  

8. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

Number of species per 100 square kilometer: 219 In western Colorado , the 2,722 vertical feet between this sparsley visited park’ s canyon rim and the Gunnison River below support multiple wildlife habitats. Experienced climbers and hikers who venture into the inner canyon find collared lizards and mule deer near the rim and bighorn sheep scampering along the middle of the cliffs. Trails are extremely steep, covered with poison ivy, and require a wilderness permit to use.

It’s easier to access the Gunnison River by driving down East Portal Road, where anglers fish for brown and rainbow trout and nature-lovers might run into river otters and ringtails.  

9. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

Number of species per 100 square kilometer: 217 In central Kentucky , this park holds the longest known underground cave system in the world. Mammoth’s 426 miles of caverns are home to 160 species, from animals that merely visit (think bats) to those that can’t live anywhere else. Long-legged cave crickets pick their way up the walls; eerily eyeless white cave fish swim the underground waterways; and black-spotted orange cave salamanders lurk under rocks.  

“If you’re going into the cave system, stop and slowly look around,” says Matthew Niemiller, a University of Alabama biologist who has studied aquatic species in the park. “You might see some of the small, inconspicuous vertebrates that are thriving in complete darkness.”  

10. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Number of species per 100 square kilometer: 215   The unmistakable glowing orange hoodoos and rocky walls of Bryce Canyon National Park might seem stark, but the arid Utah landscape actually teems with life. Scan carefully for short-horned and side-blotched lizards basking among the boulders, and look out for the venomous Great Basin rattlesnake under the canyon rim.  

( See hoodoos without the crowds at this New Mexico wonderland .)

Small, furry mammals like the golden-mantled ground squirrel, Uinta chipmunk , and Utah prairie dog are easy to see throughout the park, but you’re less likely to spot larger predators such as mountain lions and black bears.

Related Topics

• NATIONAL PARKS
• MARINE SANCTUARIES
• WILDLIFE WATCHING
• WILDLIFE REINTRODUCTION

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Wolves and gators and cranes, oh my! The best wildlife experiences in the USA

Apr 9, 2022 • 5 min read

The bears at Katmai National Park are one of Alaska’s most popular attractions oksana.perkins / Shutterstock

Experiencing wildlife in the United States is especially magical. Not only is the nation made up of incredibly diverse landscapes and environments, but the way these spaces historically have been preserved allows ecosystems to flourish.

Today we reap those benefits, both as members of these communities and as visitors to wild spaces filled with incredible North American species. From dinosaur-like alligators to magnificent birdlife, the US is full of wildlife experiences you will never forget. And with public lands at risk, the time to see the wild animals is now. Here are some of our favorite wildlife experiences.

Track wild wolves at Yellowstone

Where: Yellowstone National Park When: Anytime

If the US has anything close to an African safari, it’s found in Yellowstone National Park . Historic fauna like bison, mountain goats and cougars roam this valley, but no animal sighting quite matches up to that of the wolf.

Hunting almost removed wolves from the United States entirely, but a reintroduction program in the 1990s returned them to Yellowstone, making it the single best place in the country to see them roaming free.

A Yellowstone expert's top tips for 2022

Although they are visible during the summer, the winter provides exceptional viewing prospects, as wolves and their prey tend to congregate in the Lamar Valley. Plus, the white snow creates a contrasting background that makes wolves easier to spot, especially given that they are typically far from the roads. If you don’t know where to look, the folks at Wolf Tracker are some of the most skilled guides in the area.

Witness the sandhill crane migration in Nebraska

Where: Kearney, Nebraska When: Late February to early April

The sandhill crane migration is not only a bird lover’s dream come true, it’s also considered one of the most remarkable migrations of any kind on the planet.

Between February and April, some 600,000 cranes congregate along a limited stretch of the Platte River in Nebraska before continuing their journey north. You can take a guided tour or find a spot at a public viewing area to enjoy the annual spectacle. Bring some binoculars, a camera and get to know fellow bird lovers there for the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Thousands of Sandhill cranes flock to this spot Nebraska. Here's why and how to see it

Get up close to alligators in Florida

Where: Everglades National Park, Florida When: Anytime

With its uniquely subtropical weather and accompanying wildlife,  Florida could be a country unto itself. One of the many reasons visitors flock to this marshy peninsula is to explore the Everglades , particularly its living dinosaurs: the American alligators.

These intimidating predators freely roam the area, making them simple to spot with or without a guide. Some tours will take you out onto the water to search known hiding holes, but even perusing the boardwalks will likely reveal a good number of alligators. Although it’s impressive to watch them eat, it’s important not to feed them so they won't become conditioned to seek out humans as a food source.

How to build the perfect Everglades adventure

Go on safari with Alaska’s animals

Where: Katmai and Denali National Parks When: Late summer/early autumn

Perhaps the greatest treasure trove of wildlife in the US isn’t even on the mainland, it’s out in the expansive wilderness of Alaska . This relatively untouched state is a major draw for animal lovers, who can witness brown bears, moose, running salmon, orcas, coastal wolves and so many more.

Numerous tours exist for safari purposes, or for spotting specific species, but anyone visiting in late summer and early autumn – between the bears' hibernation periods – will undoubtedly be inundated with opportunities, whether it's in  Katmai National Park to the south or Denali National Park further north. It isn't even entirely necessary to visit a national park to see the fauna here – yet another reason why Alaska offers some of the best wildlife viewing, not just in the US, but in the world.

Alaska's best beaches for bears, bald eagles and natural beauty

Watch humpback whales in Hawaii

Where: Hawaii, especially Maui When: October to March, peaking in February

Every winter, another incredible migration brings tourists from across the globe to Hawaii , but the island of Maui in particular. Humpback whales winter in these warm waters, congregating in huge numbers and providing ample opportunity to see these gentle giants at play.

There are no shortage of tours available to witness them splashing about for yourself, though it’s encouraged to seek an option that respects the whales’ space and natural behaviors. The best part is that the whales are in Hawaii to breed and raise their calves, so it’s one of the few places where witnessing a baby whale is nearly guaranteed.

The best time to visit Maui for whale watching, hitting the beach or avoiding crowds

See the elephant seals in California

Where: Point Reyes National Seashore, California When: December through March

Elephant seals, with their wonky noses and brutal fights, are one of the more interesting species that call the United States home. They’re found on many California beaches, most notably at Point Reyes National Seashore in Marin County, where they congregate throughout the year, though their greatest numbers are found between December and March.

Drakes Beach is the best place to spot them, though it's occasionally closed to protect the animals' safety, so be sure to check the website when planning a trip. There is a parking lot at this beach, but the shuttle system is imposed when seal numbers are excessive. As with any wild animal, never approach these marine behemoths, the males of which are known to be fierce fighters.

You might also like:   How to visit all of California's national parks in one epic road trip At the wolf’s door: Yellowstone’s winter wildlife    The 5 best places to see wildlife with your kids   

This article was first published Mar 2, 2020 and updated Apr 9, 2022.

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11 Best Places to See Wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park

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Wondering where to see wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park ? You’ve found the right post.

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most beautiful and unique natural wonders in the United States. Located in Colorado, this iconic national park is home to a variety of wildlife, making it an ideal destination for animal enthusiasts.

We lived in Denver for three years and frequently visited Rocky Mountain. Almost every time we visited, we were lucky enough to see some type of wildlife.

From majestic elk and moose to smaller inhabitants such as chipmunks and foxes, Rocky Mountain National Park has a wide variety of animals. In this blog post, we’ll cover the best places to see wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park!

🌟 Plan on visiting more than two national parks this year? Save money with the America the Beautiful Pass here! 🌟

Table of Contents

Cub Lake and the trail is one of the best spots to see wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park. From small birds such as grouse to larger animals like deer, elk, and even moose, this trail offers a great opportunity to experience all kinds of wildlife within the park.

The lake itself provides a source of food and water, which attracts many different species to it. Additionally, due to its secluded location away from most of the other trails in the park, you can often find animals straying away from busy parts of the park.

Moraine Park

Moraine Park is one of the most popular spots to see wildlife in this national park. It’s one of the best places in the park for seeing elk since it’s a meadow surrounded by trees and mountains that provide cover for these majestic beasts.

The meadow is also ideal for photographers , as its vast grassy expanse provides plenty of opportunities for capturing stunning shots of the animals that roam it. Plus, there are several nearby camping spots if you’re looking to spend some time here to get a better look at the wildlife.

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Holzwarth Meadow

Holzwarth Meadow is one of the most popular locations for photographers looking to see wildlife. The meadow is especially known for its elk population, which you can easily spot with your camera any time of year!

In the fall, however, visitors are even more likely to have a unique photographic experience – not only due to the vibrant fall foliage but also because of the increased number of elk that congregate around the meadow.

Black bears and moose can also be seen in this beautiful area, as well as other birds and mammals. All in all, Holzwarth Meadow is a wonderful place to capture some incredible wildlife photos.

Upper Beaver Meadows

Upper Beaver Meadows in Rocky Mountain National Park is an amazing place for wildlife viewing. The meadows provide the perfect habitat for elk, and it’s often less crowded than other wildlife spots in the park.

It’s also a great spot to find wild turkey, which can sometimes be seen grazing in the meadows. The meadow is peaceful and provides plenty of opportunities to observe elk and other animals in their natural habitat.

With its abundance of wildlife and its peaceful atmosphere, Upper Beaver Meadows is definitely one of the best spots for animal watching in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Bear Lake Road

Bear Lake Road is one of the best places to go if you want to find wildlife on a trip to Rocky. From wild turkeys, elk, and more, you’ll be able to have a great time just driving along this road. Additionally, the beauty of the trees and snow-capped mountains in the background is breathtaking.

Wild turkeys are among the most popular animals visitors can spot here. The elk here are also a sight to behold – you may encounter them grazing on meadows or just in the green spaces along this busy road.

Drive carefully along this road because wildlife could be around any corner.

Kawuneeche Valley

Kawuneeche Valley in Rocky Mountain National Park is a prime spot to see wildlife in the area. This valley provides ideal habitat for many types of animals. Spring and summer are especially good times to visit as you’ll find larger concentrations of deer, moose, elk, and other wildlife in the area.

For visitors looking to spot more wildlife, there are ample trails through the valley that provide plenty of opportunity for animal sightings. Keep in mind that Kawuneeche Valley is on the western part of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Sheep Lakes

Sheep Lakes is an iconic landmark in Rocky Mountain National Park and a must-see for anyone visiting the area. One of the best features is that it’s one of the few places where you can see bighorn sheep herds in their natural habitat.

From late summer through fall , Sheep Lakes is home to these majestic animals, making it a great spot for wildlife viewing. When you visit Sheep Lakes, be sure to bring binoculars so you can get close-up looks of the bighorn sheep.

The area is also incredibly beautiful during this time of year, with picture-perfect golden aspen leaves and stunning snow-capped mountains providing a majestic backdrop for your experience.

Lake Haiyaha Trail

The Lake Haiyaha Trail is one of the best spots to see wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park for a variety of reasons. It offers incredible views of mountaintops, lakes , and other natural wonders.

The trail is home to a wide variety of wildlife, from birds and deer to foxes and elk. You can find animals anywhere along the trail – we’ve even seen deer right in front of us before! However, we’ve found that it’s more common by doing an early morning hike on this trail vs later in the day.

Sprague Lake

Sprague Lake is one of the best spots to see wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park because its location makes it one of the most accessible areas for wildlife spotting. It’s a common spot for elk, making it easy to spot the animals in their natural habitat.

The flat trail that goes around the outside of the lake also makes it easy to explore and observe wildlife without disturbing them too much. It’s a great spot to take pictures, especially on a sunny day when the water reflects beautifully off the lake’s surface.

Old Fall River Road

Old Fall River Road is only open seasonally, typically running from July to late October. During this time, it provides a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the beauty and wildlife that RMNP has to offer.

The road is near Horseshoe Park, offering stunning views of meadows and forests below. This makes it easy for visitors to access some of the more remote areas in the park with ease.

One of the major attractions here is the opportunity to observe bighorn sheep in their natural habitat. They tend to stay close to the rocky ledges along the road and can often be seen grazing on grasses during warmer months.

Trail Ridge Road

Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best spots to go if you are looking to find wildlife. This scenic drive is only open during the warmer months, from around late May to mid-October, so plan your visit accordingly.

Along this road, you’ll often find elk grazing near its edge and other animals roaming around. It’s truly a treat for any nature lover! But keep in mind that when driving on Trail Ridge Road, you should always be on the lookout for animals crossing the road and be prepared to slow down or stop if necessary.

Rocky Mountain National Park is a stunningly beautiful and diverse park, home to a wide range of wildlife. With its diverse landscape and abundant wildlife populations, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best spots for nature lovers looking to get up close with some of America’s most incredible creatures.

This post was all about the best places to see wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Visit colorado

Woohoo, you’re heading to Colorado! As Colorado locals, we have tons of posts for this state. Explore more below!

• 11 Spots to Watch the Rocky Mountain National Park Sunset
• 9 Great Towns Near Rocky Mountain National Park
• Where to See Fall Colors in Rocky Mountain National Park
• 16 Best Mountain Towns in Colorado for Outdoor Lovers
• Brunch in Denver: 9 Can’t-Miss Denver Brunch Spots
• 22 Best Things to do in Estes Park, Colorado
• 16 Best Affordable Restaurants in Denver, Colorado
• 7 Tasty Food Tours in Denver, Colorado
• 23 Terrific Places to Take Pictures in Denver, Colorado (by a local!)
• 13 of the Best Hikes in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
• Best Things to do in Golden Colorado in One Day
• How to Spend One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park
• 11 Best Places to Stay in Telluride

KP is the head blogger and founder behind Volumes & Voyages. After studying abroad in Dublin for a semester, KP got bitten by the travel bug. Now, she writes articles to help other travelers in between trips where she chases her wanderlust. KP has lived in many different places, including Boston MA, Denver CO, Las Vegas NV, southern VT, and Dublin IE.

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The best places to see wildlife around the world, according to the people behind Planet Earth III

David Attenborough ’s BBC Planet Earth series has been gracing our small screens for the last 17 years – and we’re still as obsessed now as we ever were. The first episode of Planet Earth II , featuring racer snakes chasing a baby iguana, has been hailed as one of the greatest wildlife moments humans have ever captured, and other sequences are equally awe-inspiring, from the hairy survival tactics of penguin chicks to decadent mating rituals of birds of paradise. To celebrate the release of Planet Earth III (on BBC One and iPlayer at 6.15pm on Sunday 22 October 2023), we asked the people behind the show – producers, directors, researchers and camera operators – about their favourite places in the world to see wildlife.

African National Parks in Zakouma, Chad

Kiri Cashell, Producer and Director, Deserts and Grasslands

"This has to be Africa’s most exciting safari destination – a place where you can see one of the most remarkable wildlife gatherings on the continent. Home to vast concentrations of game and birds, here you have the familiarity of the big 5, but with a variety seen almost nowhere else. One of the headline attractions is the giant herds of elephants, some of the biggest in central Africa . To see 550 individuals grouped together is a jaw-dropping moment for even the most seasoned safari traveller. We chose to film here for Planet Earth III to showcase this rare spectacle, but also to highlight the incredible place that is Zakouma – it has come from the brink of destruction to be a model of modern wildlife conservation. In 2010, the government of Chad invited NGO African Parks to take over management, as the poaching in the area was so out of control that Zakouma’s renowned elephant population was at risk of obliteration. Through a strong emphasis on security, stability and local communities, the park has become a stronghold for many species that are endangered or extinct in other parts of central and west Africa. It is a beacon of hope for conservation, and by taking a responsible holiday here, you too can become part of Zakouma’s success story.”

What you will see: Elephants, game and birds. Where to stay : Depending on your budget, there are two options. Stay at Tinga Camp for a more affordable trip, or make the most of their luxury fly camp, Camp Nomade – situated on the best viewing plains, chefs from Michelin-star restaurants cook for you under the stars every night. Remember that access to this park is only during the dry season (December – May), as it is inaccessible due to flooding for the rest of the year.

Pousada Trijuncao, Brazil

Tom Greenhalgh, Assistant Producer and Director

"This property sits in the heart of the Brazilian Cerrado, the most biodiverse savannah on earth. It is truly one of the most beautiful places I have ever filmed. Join expert guides from world-renowned ecotourism and research organisation Oncafari , and search for rare maned wolves using radio telemetry – the chances to see one are good! You can spot many of the 250 bird species that are found here, and you can kayak in search of dwarf caiman on a misty lake. Tapir can be seen during the cool early mornings, and the research team are now also tracking jaguars, including a large melanistic (black colour morph) male. A wildlife rehabilitation centre on-site aims to reintroduce tapirs, deer, rhea, peccary and other Cerrado creatures back into the wild. It is a good chance to get up close to these unusual creatures. Sustainable tourism is the main goal here and local produce is used to produce delicious meals. For a different and breathtaking wildlife experience, I can’t recommend this place more."

What you will see: maned wolves and black jaguar Where to stay: Pousada Trijuncao is stunning and you will be surrounded by colourful birds and marmosets. Maned wolves have even been spotted by the swimming pool !

The Okavango Delta in Botswana

Charlotte Bostock, Producer and Director, Freshwater

“For me, the best place to watch wildlife is the Okavango Delta in Botswana . Out of the places I have visited, it feels like the last remaining ‘true’ wilderness. What struck me the most was the utter peace – you can go a whole day without seeing many vehicles or hearing any anthropogenic noise. I was lucky enough to spend five weeks there filming the wild dog hunt for the Planet Earth III Freshwater episode and had the most incredible wildlife encounters. One memorable experience was lying in bed, looking through the canvas mesh of my tent to see a herd of elephants feeding in front of me under a full moon. Another was having the wild dogs chase an impala through our camp just before we were about to have our dinner. There is a huge diversity of wildlife due to the habitat – the birding is fantastic, as is the megafauna – huge herds of elephants and buffalo are encountered frequently, and we also had regular sightings of lions and leopards.”

What you will see : Wild dogs, elephants, impala, buffalo, birds, lions and leopards

Where to stay: Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge is an off-grid lodge in the private Chitabe concession, with twice-daily game drives good for regular sightings of lion, cheetah, wild dog, red lechwe and elephant.

The Maldives

Steve Greenwood, Producer and Director, Heroes

“If you want to see spectacular wildlife, go to a coral reef. My favourite destination of all is The Maldives . All life is there, from the psychedelic-coloured nudibranchs, the extraordinary shoals of fish and the divine manta rays to the incredible top predators: the sharks (but don’t worry – they are totally safe). If you don’t scuba dive, then snorkelling is also fantastic. Some people stay on resorts, others on liveaboard boats, but you can also stay on many of the islands. This lets you get a taste of village life (as long as you don’t mind doing without alcohol). We stayed on the island of Fulidhoo and when we weren’t diving we made some great friends with the people who live there."

What you will se e: Coral reefs, nudibranchs, shoals of fish, manta rays, whale sharks Where to stay: There are plenty of small eco-lodges across the islands, but if you’re looking for a fancier stay the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has a host of wildlife watching activities and excursions you can book.

Pembrokeshire, Cornwall, West Coast of Scotland

Matt Brandon, Series Producer

“We often overlook locations in the UK , yet they are amongst the most spectacular in the world. Of course, the weather can be changeable, but that’s part of the charm. On sunny days, the UK coast rivals anywhere in the world. As a family, we have spent many happy, rainy, windswept days playing in the surf during the day and then huddling up around the fire at a campsite or a cosy pub to refuel. When taking a break from our busy Planet Earth filming schedule, this is my favourite place to wind down, take some time out, and explore the landscapes."

What you will see : Beautiful beaches , coastal walks, seals and dolphins, basking sharks and sea birds. Where to stay: There are plenty of campsites you can book. If you'd rather not camp, look at some of the UK's loveliest Airbnbs , or consider renting a holiday home with friends to share the cost. Summer and early autumn (when the sea is at its warmest) are the best times to visit.

Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica

Abigail Brown, Assistant Producer

“We filmed the gliding tree frog sequence from the Planet Earth III Freshwater episode in the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica . I would love to go back for a holiday. It has been described as the most biologically intense place on Earth, and so if you love wildlife, this is the place to go. I can guarantee you will see frogs! But hopefully, you won’t have to stand chest-deep in a pond like me to see them…”

What you will see: Gliding tree frogs and sea turtles Where to stay: Osa Conservation Campus is the place to stay if you want to be immersed in nature and wildlife as it is surrounded by ancient old growth rainforest, mangrove forest, and miles of beaches where sea turtles nest.

Wild Camping in the French Pyrenees

Amy Cavender, Junior Researcher

“The French Pyrenees is abundant with wildlife and protected ecosystems. In the summer, you’ll see alpine valleys filled with rare mountain butterflies and, if you’re lucky, golden eagles and the rare Pyrenean Chamois. Hiking and camping is a great way to be fully immersed in nature and see lots of wildlife – in most regions of the French Pyrenees you are allowed to wild camp or ‘bivuoac’ for the night, allowing you to be flexible with your route. Ax-Les-Thermes, a town at the foot of the mountains, is a great starting point. From here, there are many walking routes to suit all abilities, and there is a chain of mountain refuges along the way where water and hot food are available if you need a break from camping stove meals. Camping means that the trip is affordable, and camping means you can keep your carbon footprint low.”

What you will see: Rare mountain butterflies, golden eagles and the rare Pyrenean Chamois. Where to stay: This mountain lodge is in the heart of the Wild Fauna National Reserve of Orlu, between the deep valleys of Ariège and the towering peaks of the Pyrénées Orientales.

Hang son Doong Cave, Vietnam

Theo Webb, Producer and Director: Extremes

“Of all the places I have travelled to while making wildlife documentaries, few have taken my breath away like Hang son Doong cave in Vietnam . Hidden by a thick jungle, this gargantuan cave is both intimate and awesome in equal measure. To reach the Hang son Doong, you must first travel through another cave, Hang En – the world’s largest cave opening. After a further trek, the mouth of Hang son Doong is just visible in the undergrowth. From here down, you’re in darkness. With the help of powerful torches, the scale is immediately evident, but remarkably, this cave gets bigger and bigger. In places, the darkness and deafening silence create an intimate, almost cosy feel, contrasting with the sections where you walk alongside a rushing, mighty river. The dolines – holes in the ceiling – allow a vibrant forest to grow and some exposure to light. At certain times of the year, the Earth’s tilt aligns the sun with one of these dolines to create a magnificent light show. It is truly breathtaking. Delve deeper still, and you pass by some of the world’s largest stalagmites before reaching a vast passage, often filled with water. It is a remarkable end to one of Earth’s greatest natural wonders."

What you will see: Spectacular geology Where to stay: Accommodation and cave tours are run by Oxalis Adventures .

Saturna Island, Gulf Islands, British Colombia, Canada

Estelle Cheuk, Assistant Producer

“Saturna Island is a mountainous island in the middle of the Salish Sea, between the coasts of Vancouver and Vancouver Island. More than 50% of this island is protected, making it a haven for wildlife. Off the coast of its most easterly point, the ocean often churns quite ferociously, even on the fairest and stillest days – this is because the tides force huge amounts of water across an underwater sill that sits just offshore and is the height of Niagara Falls. All this movement brings lots of plankton to the surface, which provides food for fish and, in turn, attracts birds and marine mammals, such as whales. East Point is one of the best places to whale watch from land in the Southern Gulf Islands. Killer whales swim past close to the island’s sandstone cliffs from May to November – so close, in fact, you often hear their blows before you see them! While the whales are perhaps the island’s most iconic visitors, the Planet Earth III team came to Saturna Island to film one of its more unusual residents – the wandering garter snakes. On hot summer days, these snakes make their way to East Point shores and, remarkably, dive into its cold waters to make the most of the ocean’s riches to feast on. The Saturna community is close-knit and very passionate about their island’s wildlife. A locally run community organisation, SIMRES (Saturna Island Marine Research and Education Society), conducts and supports scientific wildlife research here and education programmes for the island’s residents and beyond."

What you will see : Bald eagles, oystercatchers, killer whales, humpback whales, harbour seals, sea lions, garter snakes.

Monkey Bay, Malawi

Sam Lewis, Camera Operator

“Monkey Bay is located right on the shoreline of Lake Malawi and is a great access point for seeing the incredible Cichlid species that have evolved there and their unique behaviours. This is where we filmed the 'play dead' Cichlid sequence for the Planet Earth III Freshwater episode. Mouth brooding is another behaviour we regularly saw while filming – this is where the fish protect their young by using their mouths as shelter."

What you will see : Cichlid fish Where to stay: During the shoot we based ourselves at Mufasa Eco Lodge . This was a fantastic place to stay with incredibly knowledgeable owners and staff who can take you out to find whatever behaviour or Cichlid species you desire. They are also working hard to give back to the community in as many ways as they can and reduce their impact on the environment as much as possible.

Kri Island, Raja Ampat

Yoland Bosiger, Assistant Producer

“The Indonesian archipelago of Raja Ampat lies at the centre of the Coral Triangle, stretching from the Philippines to Timor to Papua New Guinea. Here, hundreds of jungle-covered islands meet some of the richest coral reefs in the world. The Planet Earth III team stayed at the Kri Eco Resort, a secluded and pioneering resort on the tiny island of Kri in Raja Ampat. A SCUBA diver’s dream, Kri’s reefs are filled with sharks, manta rays and an unimaginable number of fish. But Kri also provides access to a lesser-known habitat: blue water mangroves. While mangroves often grow on muddy beds, here their tangled roots give way directly to pristine coral reefs, providing a sanctuary for juvenile fish. One such fish, the archerfish, fascinated the Planet Earth III team because of their ability to dislodge insects from the mangrove’s leaves. Thanks to the crystal-clear waters, the team were able to film juvenile archerfish learning the technique of spitting water jets into the air from other more experienced fish. When their jets weren’t successful, the juveniles resorted to capturing insects by jumping over twice their body length into the mangrove canopy."

What you will see : Coral reefs, sharks, manta rays, fish, blue water mangroves, archerfish

Tambopata Nature Reserve, The Amazon Rainforest of Peru

Alex Walters, Assistant Producer

“For the Forest episode of Planet Earth III we, of course, wanted to feature footage of the stunning pristine Amazon rainforest. For this, I travelled with a team of camera operators and local crew to Tambopata Nature Reserve in eastern Peru, where we stayed in Tambopata Research Station with Rainforest Expeditions. It took three days to get there from the UK, but the journey was worth it. The Tambopata Research Station is one of the most remote eco-lodges in South America . Here, you are completely immersed in nature; if you can’t immediately see it, you can hear it all around you. Around the lodge, there are many rainforest trails to explore, and you can take guided tours if you wish. It’s worth an early morning wake-up call one morning to go on a river tour to watch flocks of macaws fly overhead (such as the bright scarlet macaw and blue-and-yellow macaw). As you leave the lodge, you will take away some hard-to-beat memories and, if you’re a keen photographer, camera cards jammed full of wildlife photographs.”

What you will see: Parrots, bright scarlet macaw and blue-and-yellow macaw Where to stay : Half the Tambopata Nature Reserve is luxurious, while the other half is a bustling wildlife research station (where we set up our base). The staff at the lodge are exceptional; you get the feeling that the forest wouldn’t take long to fully engulf the place, so the staff are constantly busy cleaning and tidying. The wildlife is always welcome, though – from the restaurant you will often see howler monkeys sitting in branches of the enormous emergent trees that tower above the lodge. The bedrooms are open on one side, looking out onto the rainforest, so you don’t even need to leave your bed to watch howler monkeys, spider monkeys, macaws and countless other animals.

Planet Earth III will begin on BBC One and iPlayer at 6.15pm on Sunday 22nd October

Protect Your Trip »

The 7 best u.s. national parks for wildlife spotting.

Catch a glimpse of sea lions, tiger sharks and bears – oh my!

(iStockPhoto) |

Visit these top spots to check out fascinating creatures.

(Getty Images) |

Denali National Park and Preserve

Yellowstone National Park

Channel Islands National Park

Everglades National Park

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

Katmai National Park and Preserve

Virgin Islands National Park

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

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The Best Wildlife Experiences in the US

When the thought of wildlife viewing arises, it often conjures images of exotic safaris in far-off lands, where adventurous explorers might track majestic lions in the sprawling savannas of Africa or venture into dense jungles teeming with colorful birds, vibrant insects, and mysterious mammals. These remote destinations seem to offer the epitome of wild encounters.

However, the truth is far more accessible and equally thrilling. Some of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences can be found much closer to home. Right here in the country’s vast and diverse landscapes, a wide array of stunning wildlife encounters await those willing to explore.

You don’t need a passport, a long-haul flight, or an expensive guide to feel the thrill of a safari. A world of natural wonder is accessible right at your doorstep, and it might be just a road trip away. From the arid deserts to the tropical wetlands, from the towering mountains to the endless coastlines, America’s landscapes showcase a rich tapestry of life waiting to be explored and appreciated. With some planning, a curious spirit, and perhaps a pair of binoculars, you can uncover the hidden beauty of wildlife viewing in the US.So next time the urge to connect with nature strikes, consider looking closer to home. 

Monterey Bay, California, for Humpback Whales

Monterey Bay boasts one of the richest marine environments on Earth and stands as an unparalleled destination for those seeking whale-watching adventures. The bay waters are teeming with humpback and blue whales, providing an opportunity to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Visitors can embark on boat tours specially crafted for whale watching, where knowledgeable guides assist in spotting and understanding these creatures.

Where to Stay : For those seeking accommodation to all the excitement, The Sanctuary Beach Resort offers a tranquil luxury experience set along a private stretch of beach — an ideal home base for your adventures.

Insider Tip : To increase your chances of spotting whales, plan your trip between May and December — that’s when they are commonly seen.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, for Bison and Bears

Yellowstone is renowned for its range of wildlife encounters in the United States. Here you can find bison roaming freely alongside elk, grizzly bears, and wolves. The park’s expansive open spaces and unique geothermal characteristics provide a unique environment for these animals, making it an exceptional destination for wildlife viewing in the US.

Where to Stay : Under Canvas West Yellowstone offers safari-inspired canvas tents with friendly amenities and an on-site restaurant. Guests can enjoy a nature-immersed experience along with access to an Adventure Concierge who can personalize activities.

Insider Tip : Consider hiring a guide through the hotel for personalized tours to known areas, ensuring you make the most of your wildlife encounter.

Hawaii for Sea Turtles and Sharks

Hawaii presents a destination for wildlife enthusiasts due to its variety of species. The lush landscapes of Kauai serve as a sanctuary for forest birds, while Maui’s Ho’okipa Beach is renowned for its green sea turtle nesting grounds. The warm waters surrounding the islands are home to humpback whales, dolphins, vibrant fish species, and an exhilarating assortment of sharks including reef, tiger, and hammerhead. If you want to explore the birdlife in Kauai, observe the turtles in Maui, or embark on a thrilling shark tour, Hawaii offers an opportunity to experience both land and marine wildlife. It’s undoubtedly one of the places for wildlife viewing in the US.

Where to Stay : The beaches near the Four Seasons Hualalai are perfect for witnessing Hawaiian green sea turtles basking in their glory. You can also catch glimpses of sharks thriving in the vibrant marine habitats surrounding these shores.

Insider Tip: If you plan your visit between May and September (summer season), you’ll have a chance to spot turtles and sharks. During this time, warmer waters lure these creatures closer to the shores guaranteeing sightings and exciting underwater encounters.

Denali National Park, Alaska, for Bears and Golden Eagles

Denali National Park in Alaska is a destination for those interested in bears and golden eagles. This remote wilderness is home to iconic wildlife such as moose, caribou, grizzly bears, wolves, and golden eagles. The untouched landscapes of Denali encompass terrains ranging from tundra to valleys — creating a complex ecosystem that makes it truly exceptional for wildlife viewing. What sets Denali apart is its combination of vastness and accessibility — it fully immerses visitors in a pristine environment.

Where to Stay : If you’re looking for luxury accommodation at the heart of Denali National Park, Sheldon Chalet offers an experience amidst this natural wonderland.

Insider Tip: Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the helicopter tours offered by the hotel. It’s an opportunity to witness the landscapes and wildlife from a unique perspective accessing areas that are typically out of reach on foot.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, for Elk and Moose

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is renowned for its wildlife, including elk, moose, bears, and eagles. Set against the Teton Mountain Range, this area offers a variety of habitats from plains to mountains and rivers, resulting in remarkable biodiversity. Throughout the year, Jackson Holes’s untamed landscapes provide an unspoiled environment for observing animals.

Where to Stay : For a wildlife viewing in the U.S., consider staying at Amangani . This extraordinary hotel is set amidst nature’s beauty. It provides unparalleled access to diverse habitats where guests can witness abundant wildlife in their natural setting.

Insider Tip: Plan your explorations around dawn and dusk when these magnificent creatures are most active. Additionally, visiting during the fall season aligns with their mating period, known as “the rut,” making them more visible and vocal.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, for Bears and Birds

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee is renowned for its forests that house a variety of wildlife, including bears, elk, white-tailed deer, and a wide range of bird species. This park’s diverse ecosystems are attributed to its varying elevations and earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its landscapes and accessible trails, it’s an ideal destination for wildlife viewing in the U.S..

Where to Stay : Blackberry Farm offers a blend of charm and luxury amidst this breathtaking environment teeming with wildlife.

Insider Tip: The hotel provides guided tours specifically designed for wildlife photography sessions. For a tranquil wildlife experience, consider planning your trip during the off-season in fall or winter.

San Juan Islands, Washington, for Orcas and Seals

The San Juan Islands in Washington are well known for their resident orca whales that frequently breach and play in the surrounding waters. Visitors can also observe seals, deer, and bald eagles alongside the orcas. The island’s unique location and marine environment create a microclimate that supports a diversity of marine and terrestrial life.

Where to Stay : When finding a place for wildlife viewing in the US, you can’t go wrong with Rosario Resort & Spa on Orcas Island. Its stunning waterfront location offers the backdrop for observing a range of marine and land species in their natural habitats.

Insider Tip: If you’re looking to glimpse Orcas, visiting the San Juan Islands is between April and September, with June and July being ideal. Alternatively, you can head to Lime Kiln Point State Park for land-based watching. Keep an eye out for seals during tide when they often rest on the rocks in peaceful coves.

Everglades National Park, Florida, for Alligators and Manatees

Everglades National Park in Florida is a must-visit for those seeking encounters with alligators and manatees. This extraordinary subtropical wilderness is home to species like American alligators, gentle manatees, and elusive Florida panthers, as well as an array of bird species, including herons, egrets, and ospreys. Exploring the network of wetlands and forests within the Everglades offers an opportunity to witness these incredible creatures thriving in their one-of-a-kind habitat found nowhere else in the United States.

Where to Stay : Consider checking in at establishments like the Faena Hotel Miami Beach . You’ll get the best of both worlds; a luxurious city escape with all the comforts and amenities of a high-end resort and the opportunity to venture into the Everglades for an adventure. Immerse yourself in this ecosystem’s beauty and diverse wildlife just 30 miles away.

Insider Tip: Plan your visit from November to March during the season. During this time, water levels are lower, making it easier to spot animals as they gather around water holes. For wildlife sightings, head out early in the morning or late in the afternoon when these creatures tend to be more active due to temperatures.

Featured image courtesy of Joris Beugels on Unsplash

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The Best International Trips for Wildlife Lovers

A curated list of ethical (and magical) experiences viewing wild animals around the world..

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Getting close to the animals. Really close.

Photo by Shutterstock

Encountering animals in their natural habitat is a sublime and unforgettable experience—and there are so many organizations angling to provide those moments for their guests. For every legitimate, ecofriendly operator, there are untold numbers whose practices are questionable, if not exploitive.

AFAR wants to help you find the best international trips to see wildlife in a responsible way. We have vetted a number of lodges and operators that embrace wildlife viewing practices that are ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible and offer close encounters—without getting too close. This is by no means an exhaustive list of destinations, but it can serve as inspiration for your next life-changing wildlife experience.

King penguins live in such South Atlantic places as the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Islands, and Antartica.

Famous wildlife: penguins, whales, seals, and other birds

Craggy crevasses of millennia-old glaciers and the Seussian shapes of electric blue icebergs are undeniably stunning. But penguins are often the major selling point for travelers to the White Continent. The often-anthropomorphized birds steal the show, from the tuxedo-clad emperor penguins to gentoo penguins with their red-orange, lipstick-like beak markings. They’re just the tip of the iceberg (pun!) when it comes to the countless other charismatic species that call Antarctica home. You may also see male elephant seals vying for the attention of potential mates, orcas in pursuit of a Ross seal, and humpback whales seemingly defying gravity as they hurl their massive bodies out of the water while breaching.

Travelers to Antarctica need to book their cruises through tour operators, and trips generally happen between October and March. Companies like Lindblad , Hurtigruten , and Ponant offer expedition-style sailings, ranging from a week to a month; guests disembark twice a day to get closer to the wildlife. Activities could include a hike to a penguin colony, a Zodiac ride among humpback whales, and a kayaking excursion to ice sheets where seals haul out. Each also offers unique citizen science projects and has on board conservationists to teach people about what they’re seeing—the hope is that their guests leave with a new appreciation of Antarctica and what it will take to protect it.

Red kangaroos are a frequent sight in grasslands of the Australian Outback.

Famous wildlife: kangaroos, koalas, wombats, platypuses, snakes, Tasmanian devils

You’ll find all manner of animals in Australia, from cuddly to deadly. On land you might marvel at the friendly quokkas, a type of small wallaby, on Rottness Island , which lies just offshore from the western city of Perth. Or you can observe koalas at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast; see sea turtle hatchlings on various Queensland beaches; hear the distinct cackle of the kookaburra in Berowra Valley National Park north of Sydney; or watch kangaroos hop across the horizon with Exceptional Kangaroo Island.

Some 70 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups have a continuing connection to the Great Barrier Reef, and in 2018, Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel launched trips led by Indigenous Sea Rangers who share cultural knowledge passed down from their ancestors. Visit the new pontoon base for Dreamtime’s day trips to Moore Reef, housing an on-site laboratory and underwater observatory.

If you’d prefer to put the planning in someone else’s hands, companies like G Adventures and Trek Tours Australia offer a variety of itineraries all over the continent that feature small-group (important, in terms of traveler footprint) tours with responsible wildlife encounters.

Capybaras are large semiaquatic rodents seen throughout Brazil.

Famous wildlife: jaguars, hyacinth macaws, tapir, capybara

“We had barely been in the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetlands contained mostly to the western edge of Brazil, for an hour when our safari guide got the call from the bush: Jaguars,” says AFAR digital content director Laura Dannen Redman. “Two of them, a mother and a cub. We had five minutes to gather our binoculars and our courage before clambering into the three-tiered jeep, stacked high like a theater on wheels—we didn’t want to miss the first wildlife sighting of our trip.

“That’s not quite true: We had already seen a family of capybara (which look like guinea pigs the size of Labradors) grazing at the entrance to our safari lodge and private reserve, Caiman . And then there were the pairs of hyacinth macaws—the largest parrots in the world, stunning in their size (a meter tip to tail) and color, an electric blue like their namesake flower—in the trees above the swimming pool. Only 1,500 of these beautiful birds existed here in the 1990s, but Caiman has made conservation a priority, partnering with nonprofit organizations like the Instituto Arara Azul (Hyacinth Macaw Project) to rehabilitate the species. Guests also get to participate by going on game drives with Institute guides, seeing how they monitor artificial nests and planting manduvi trees that will serve as future homes for the macaws.

“As for the jaguars? Travelers can race out with Oncafari (ironically founded by a former Formula 1 driver a decade ago) to witness the new cubs born on the reserve, habituated and growing steadily.”

Sweet, slow-moving sloths are everywhere in Costa Rica.

Famous wildlife: toucans, coatimundis, crocodiles, white-faced capuchin monkeys, scarlet macaws, two-toed sloths

Wildlife abounds in Costa Rica. From the cities to the beaches to the national parks, animals are everywhere.

One of the most popular places to scope out animals is Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio. Even though it’s Costa Rica’s smallest national park, it is teeming with wildlife. In about 7 square miles, you’ll find over 350 species of birds (including toucans, parakeets, hummingbirds, and aracaris), iguanas, sloths, coatis, pacas, anteaters, and monkeys (and if you’re fortunate, an ocelot). While you can walk around the park by yourself, you’ll learn a lot more if you book a tour with a park ranger who is familiar with the rain forest and the neighboring white-sand bay and can often lead you to areas where certain animals like to hang out.

The easiest way to tell the difference between a juvenile and mature blue-footed booby? Adults actually have blue feet.

Famous wildlife: marine iguanas, giant tortoises, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, flamingos, crabs, finches, magnificent frigates

Ecudor’s Galápagos Islands are a menagerie of endemic animals, and there aren’t many places that can beat it in terms of close encounters with wildlife. Due to the absence of predators on the islands, the animals of the Galápagos aren’t afraid of humans. If anything, they’re just as curious about humans as humans are about them, so don’t be surprised if a sea lion hops up next to you on a bench at one of the ferry terminals.

There are also tropical penguins, the only marine iguanas found on Earth, giant tortoises that can live up to 150 years, and more than 400 species of fish. However, one of the most famous inhabitants of the Galápagos is the blue-footed booby. Named for their vivid blue feet, the marine birds are known for their elaborate, and some might say goofy, mating dance .

Those who want to venture outside the islands’ few small towns will need to go with a certified Ecuadorian naturalist—it’s the law. Arguably the best way to experience the islands is by ship—there are few roads, so boats are really the only way to get around. Silverseas , Hurtigruten , and Lindblad are just three of the many expedition sailing companies that do the Galápagos well. These companies embrace sustainable practices like promoting conservation and keeping a respectful distance from the animals and their habitats.

The Bornean orangutan is a species of orangutan endemic to the island of Borneo.

Famous wildlife: elephants, orangutans, Sumatran tigers, sun bears, komodo dragons, giant squirrels, Javan rhinoceroses, black macaques

There are more than 17,000 islands in Indonesia, and of those, around 8,000 are inhabited only by animals. And the diversity is astounding. Roughly 12 percent of the world’s mammal species and 17 percent of its bird species live in Indonesia. New species are still being recorded: Tapanuli orangutans were only discovered in 2017 .

Wildlife experiences in Indonesia could include seeing a 10-foot-long Komodo dragon in Komodo National Park; spotting the world’s smallest primate, the pygmy tarsier, in Sulawesi; coming face to face with orangutans in Borneo; stalking tigers at night in Kerinci Seblat National Park; and perhaps even glimpsing one of the 60 Javan rhinos left in the world at Ujung Kulon National Park in Java.

For those interested in seeing Borneo’s tigers, rhinos, and elephants, Borneo Eco Tours offers an array of responsible, animal-focused tours. Travelers keen on spotting a Komodo dragon can book a trip with Aqua Expeditions , which has a seven-night cruise from Bali to Komodo National Park, wherein it teaches guests about marine conservation. Hoping to commune with orangutans? Audley Travel (a company with extensive animal welfare and carbon offset policies) has an 11-day trip through Java and Sumatra .

Lions at Maasai Mara live in prides of 15 to 20 members, with up to three males, several adult females, as well as some subadults and cubs.

Famous wildlife: lions, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, bat-eared foxes, rhinos, gazelles, impalas, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, flamingos

Kenya continues to do commendable work in wildlife conservation, and for that reason, safaris in this East African country are enormously popular.

A trip to Maasai Mara National Reserve might include watching prides of lions, elusive leopards, or a clan of hyenas follow great herds of wildebeests and zebras. In Amboseli National Park, travelers can photograph large-tusked elephants with the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. On the Lailipia Plateau it’s possible to view black rhinos, and at Samburu National Reserve blue-legged Somali ostriches roam. Along the Kenyan coast, divers can swim alongside whale sharks and humpback whales. And at Nairobi National Park visitors can view elephant calves.

You’d be remiss not to spend at least two weeks in Kenya—there’s so much to see and do. And even then, you’ll wish you’d stayed longer. Companies like Trafalgar, go2Africa , and Matriarch Africa can organize customized tours based on travelers’ interests. They can also take travelers to less crowded spots, where their tourism dollars will have a greater impact on the community.

Madagascar is the only place lemurs naturally call home.

Famous wildlife: lemurs, fossas, whales, chameleons, a variety of endemic bird species

For wildlife and nature lovers, Madagascar is hard to beat. Sometimes referred to as the world’s eighth continent, this island nation is home to a variety of plants and animals—90 percent of which live nowhere else . A trip to the island could mean swimming beside coral fish and turtles in the reefs off Nosy Be; exploring limestone pillars and bat-filled caves at Tsingy de Bemaraha; stumbling on the world’s smallest chameleon in the rain forests of Ranomafana; watching lemurs swing from baobab trees in the desert-like terrain at the Avenue des Baobabs; or bird-watching while hiking the mountains and rocky, moonlike plateaus of Andringitra or Isalo National Parks.

Limited domestic flights and rough roads off the RN7 (Madagascar’s main north-south highway) make traveling between parks a challenge. It’s easiest to go with a guide or tour group, such as Intrepid or G Adventures , which have naturalists on staff to explain how Madagascar’s rich, endemic biodiversity affects the rest of the world. Travel is best during the country’s dry season (roughly May through October) when dirt roads are far less likely to get washed out by heavy rains.

Gray whales give birth only in Baja California.

Famous wildlife: multiple species of whales, whale sharks, sea turtles, sea lions, ospreys, pronghorns, gray foxes, turkey vultures, various shorebirds

Mexico is wildly (see what we did there) diverse. Scientists estimate the country is home to about 12 percent of the world’s biodiversity, with roughly 1,000 bird species, more than 1,500 mammals, amphibians, and reptiles, upwards of 1,800 species of butterflies, and an untold number of fish and sea-dwelling mammals .

Wildlife lovers flock to Baja California because it’s one of the best places in the world to spot whales. Gray whales, blue whales, humpbacks, fin whales, and more gather off the Pacific coast’s warm, shallow waters to birth their calves from December to April. In fact, gray whales give birth only in Baja, so your chances of seeing a newborn calf are good. The peninsula also offers opportunities to spot whale sharks, turtles, dolphins, and seals in the water, as well as ospreys, pronghorns, gray foxes, and turkey vultures on land.

While myriad operators throughout the peninsula offer whale watching tours, some are better than others in terms of sustainable and responsible practices. Pachico’s Eco Tours , Adventures in Baja , and Whale Watch Cabo are among the operators that understand the importance of conservation—that manifests by staying a respectful distance from the whales, operating smaller, greener boats, and by using guides who can talk about why whale conservation is so important.

A variety of animals congregate around a waterhole in Etosha National Park.

Famous wildlife: lions, hippos, giraffes, ostriches, baboons, springboks, wild dogs, kudus, oryx

Etosha National Park is characterized by its otherworldly salt pans, which stretch for 1,900 square miles and are so substantial they are visible from space. Yet even in this arid landscape, wildlife is abundant because of the plethora of watering holes throughout the park. You’ll see herds of zebras, elephants, and springboks coming together at these vital pools over a drink. Lions, rhinos, hippos, and ostriches are also common. (More than 100 species of mammals live within the park limits.) Responsible safari outfitters and conservationists include Mushara Bush Camp , Mokuti Etosha Lodge , Onguma Tented Camp at Waterhole , and Little Ongava.

Namibia also has the most cheetahs of any country in the world. The fleet-footed cats can be seen throughout Namibia; perhaps your best chance of viewing them is at the 77-square-mile Okonjima Nature Reserve. Here you may also spot leopards, brown hyenas, and even elusive pangolins. Okonjima Lodge offers day, evening, and nocturnal game drives.

Highland cows live in wet and mountainous grassland in Scotland.

Famous wildlife: Highland cows, Scottish wildcats, golden eagles, pine martens, red deer, capercaillie, badgers, humpback whales, otters, puffins

Despite its small size, Scotland contains some of the largest wilderness areas left in Europe.

In its vast, water-logged moorlands, you’ll find red deer and red grouse, Britain’s only native endemic species. Its dense forests contain red squirrels, capercaillie, pine martens, and Scottish wildcats. Its mystical highlands are home to the classic Highland cow, famous for its shaggy red fur, and the fast and nimble golden eagle. And along its craggy coast, you’ll see gray seals, humpback whales, otters, puffins, and bottlenose dolphins.

One way to view wildlife is on a walking tour. Wilderness Scotland offers guided multiday hikes along single-track trails in sparsely populated Assynt , a region on the west coast of Scotland, between glistening lochs and dizzying mountains. If you’re not keen on lacing up your hiking boots, the company offers less demanding wildlife tours, such as a seven-day boat tour to the remote Atlantic islands of St. Kilda , where birds are abundant.

Famous wildlife: cheetahs, lions, wildebeests, gazelles, ostriches, elephants, giraffes, crocodiles, leopards

Picture 2 million wildebeests roaming the plains, elephants showing their young the seasonal migration routes, lion prides lounging on warm rocks, and crocodiles basking on the riverbank. That’s only a small portion of what makes the vast Serengeti National Park such an inspiring safari destination. Some eco-conscious safari camps (both in design and practice) that get guests up close to the action include andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp , Melia Serengeti Lodge , Namiri Plains , and Ubuntu Migration Camp .

Farther south, at Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), the scene is completely different. Because the climate is more tropical and the Rufiji River bisects the reserve, the landscape is greener. Beneath the shade of the Borassus palms, hippos graze on plant life, Goliath heron wade into shallow marshes in search of their next fish dinner, and African buffalo move in great herds. Thanks to the remoteness of the reserve, there aren’t as many safari lodges as in other places in East Africa. But fewer lodges mean higher chances of alone time with wildlife. A few ideal bases include Beho Beho Camp , Rufiji River Camp , and Roho ya Selous . Tour specialists, like go2africa can arrange itineraries that connect multiple national parks in Tanzania.

Sarah Reid and Jessie Beck contributed to this reporting.

>>Next: The Great Nebraska Migration of the Sandhill Cranes and the Birders Who Love Them

Best Places to Travel to Watch Wildlife

Check out the best places to travel to see wildlife in each continent according to travel bloggers!

[Updated April 2020]

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When trying to decide the best places to travel to see wildlife, the task can be daunting. Especially trying to decide the best time of year to go for each place!

Gaining inspiration and knowledge from those who have experience visiting various places around the world, we asked our fellow bloggers where their favorite places are to watch animals in the wild.

The responses were phenomenal, and each highlights a great diversity of wildlife. From sea to land, creatures great and small can be enjoyed from a safe and respectful distance.

When selecting a wildlife-watching destination, research that the location and guides exhibit ethical watching and touring practices. Always conduct ethical bird and wildlife watching practices in your travels.

When visiting the best places to travel, treat wildlife ethically! Read more about watching wildlife ethically here.

Here are some of the best wildlife-watching destinations around the world!

Jump ahead to your Continent of choice

Best Places to Travel to See Wildlife in…

South America

North America

Australia and Oceania

Click the Google Maps image to see all the sites listed in this post.

Best Places to Travel to See Wildlife in South America

Galapagos islands, ecuador.

Explored by Sheree at Winging The World

When it comes to wildlife spotting, very few places offer more opportunities than the magical   Galapagos Islands . Home to a whole manner of rare and exotic animals, this is one place where the animals outnumber the humans and reduce all mammals on two legs to mere paparazzi.

Depending on the islands you visit, be prepared to see everything from sea lions, marine iguanas, penguins and of course, the famous giant tortoises that roam these lands. There are two main options for visiting the Galapagos Islands, either a land-hop tour or a cruise.

The best time of year for a cruise is in December to January or June till August. These are the two high seasons and the seas will be calmer. If you are land-hopping and are willing to deal with cooler temperatures, visiting outside of high season yield cheaper accommodation and tours.

As well as the vast array of wildlife you can see on land, the surrounding ocean offers incredible viewing opportunities. A great spot for snorkeling is the Lava Tunnels trip, which can be arranged on Isla Isabela. It is even possible to swim with Hammerhead Sharks on a visit to Kicker Rock! As many know, the Galapagos are one of the best places to travel in the world!

Lake Sandoval, Peru

Explored by Shimona at Sidecar Photo

We visited the beautiful  Lake Sandoval  in Puerto Maldonado to   spend a few days viewing the wildlife . Lake Sandoval is a lake created off a tributary of the Amazon river. It is home to an amazing amount of wildlife, that has been kept safe by the Tambopata Reserve.

At dawn, hundreds of macaws collect at the chuncho clay lick in the reserve, though the reason is still not completely known by scientists. By day, you can view squirrels, spiders and howler monkeys in the trees. You’ll also see a huge variety of birds, including the Hoatzin, an unusual grunting bird with an enigmatic genetic background.

By night, the caimans can be found at the edges of the river banks – their eyes aglow in the water. And a night trek through the forest will reveal tarantulas, bullet ants and potentially some snakes. The whole experience brought us so close to nature, that we slept like our fellow animals at sunset, rose at dawn, and left with our minds rejuvenated at the end of the 3 days.

It is possible to see wildlife year-round at Lake Sandoval.  Note that the rainy season is from November to April, and the forests can be quite muddy.

Peninsula Valdes, Argentina

Explored by Erin at Sol Salute

The  Peninsula Valdes in Argentina  should be on every wildlife lover’s South American itinerary. This corner of northern Patagonia is  famous for its whale watching . However, there is so much more to see here. Southern right whales, sea lions, elephant seals and Magellanic penguins all come here to have their young, making the Peninsula Valdes the prime wildlife destination in Argentina . You’ll also see orcas, dolphins, guanacos (cousin to the llama), and much more.

It’s best to visit when the whales are there from April to December. The absolute best months are September through November. 

Try to spend at least two days at Peninsula Valdes, as the peninsula is much larger than you would expect and you’ll be grateful for the time. If you only have one day, there are day trips departing from nearby Puerto Madryn that take guests to all of the wildlife viewpoints. All of the animals can be seen at a safe distance from well-constructed viewpoints and decks. The one paid tour that is worth every penny is a whale-watching boat excursion. These tours depart throughout the day from the small town of Puerto Piramides.

Best Places to Travel to See Wildlife in Asia

Bukit lawang, sumatra.

Explored by Becki at Meet Me In Departures

Orangutans are native to the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Borneo. This is where you will find lots of tour agencies arranging trips to see these elusive animals.

Bukit Lawang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the northern jungles of Sumatra, offers Orangutan watching. This site is more difficult to get to than other more popular sites in Borneo, however. I chose this destination based on reviews from other travelers I had met during my time in Indonesia, and I wasn’t disappointed.

The journey through Bukit Lewang is done primarily for seeing Orangutans, but other species of monkeys, birds and lizards are also common in the jungle. The trips can be arranged over a single day, although I chose to overnight camp in the jungle. You can also do extended tours based on personal preference and how long you have to visit.   Seeing wild Orangutans was certainly one of the best wildlife highlights I’ve ever experienced. I would highly recommend adding this to your bucket list if you are a wildlife enthusiast.

March to October is the dry season in Borneo, making it the best time to visit,  however, tours operate year-round. Because Bukit Lawang is a rainforest, it is possible for it to rain throughout the year.

Ranthambore National Park, India

Explored by Sylvia at Wapiti Travel

Ranthambore National Park  is located in Rajasthan, India. A visit to the park can be easily combined with a   2-week Rajasthan itinerary  that takes you to other famous places like Jaipur, Udaipur and the world-famous Taj Mahal in Agra.

The tigers are the main stars of the park, and the rangers estimate that 62 tigers are living in Ranthambore.  There are only a few places left in the world where you can find tigers, so most visitors hope to catch a glimpse of at least one of them. We were lucky and spotted one on our 3rd safari.

The park can be visited year-round  with the exception of the Monsoon season that lasts from July to September. Your experience in the park will be completely different depending on the season you’re coming. In the post-monsoon months of October and November the park will be a lush green. We visited the park in October and loved the ravishing scenery, but the dense vegetation makes it very hard to spot wildlife.

If you want to increase the odds of spotting a tiger,  plan your visit for April  when the park is dry and the animals need to gather at the few remaining water holes.

Kinabatangan River, Borneo

Explored by James at Travel Collecting

The  Kinabatangan River  in the Sabah, Malaysia region of Borneo, is a prime wildlife viewing area. The reason there is such a concentration of wildlife here is not a good one. Palm oil plantations have spread across most of Borneo, leaving a thin strip of jungle on both sides of the river and effectively pushing more animals into this small area. It does, however, make the fact that this jungle exists even more precious and important.

Wildlife is viewed from small boats on the river, so it is very non-invasive. There are several river lodges upriver. They have programs of early morning, late afternoon and nighttime trips on the river with guides to see the wildlife.

We saw dozens of proboscis monkeys, with their large noses and long, straight tails; macaques playing on the banks of the river; crocodiles swimming in the river; and brightly colored hornbills flying overhead. The highlight, though, was an afternoon river safari we took further upriver  in search of  pygmy elephants . Seeing these rare animals, the smallest species of elephants in the world, as they came down to drink and eat by the river’s edge in the later afternoon, was a real treat!

The best time of year to visit is March – October  when it is driest. I went in May and the weather was great.

Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka

Explored by Bradley at Dream Big Travel Far

Lots of people don’t realize that Sri Lanka has one of the  highest densities of leopards in the world , providing you with a high chance to see these beautiful creatures in the wild.

There are around 500-650 leopards in the wild in Sri Lanka. The majority of these reside in Sri Lanka’s largest national park, which is the  Wilpattu National Par k . It’s a beautiful place to camp close by for a night after heading out on safari to spot leopards.

Of course, there is the chance to see other wildlife such as the Sri Lankan sloth bear, spotted deer and much more. However, people visit here for an awesome chance to spot the beautiful leopards. Sri Lanka’s other national parks, including Yala National Park (probably the most well known of them all) also has leopards. Don’t be disappointed if you don’t see them the first time out, as they’re difficult to find. Once you do spot one, it’s totally worth the wait!

There is a chance to see leopards year-round as Wilpattu is open all year, but  May to September is the dry season thus has a better chance of seeing leopards.

Khao Yai National Park, Thailand

Explored by Christa at Expedition Wildlife

Khao Yai National Park is an incredible wildlife watching   destination, just a few hours’ drive north of Bangkok. Animals such as wild Asian elephants, gibbons, macaques, hornbills, and many other birds can be seen in various places throughout the Park.

We highly recommend going with a guide to optimize the time spent exploring the rainforest. Khao Yai is massive in size, and having a knowledgeable local guide to assist in finding the best wildlife watching locations is essential. Jay at Khao Yai Jungle Tour , who can be booked directly or through Tontan Travel, was a phenomenal and knowledgeable guide. He provided us the opportunity to see animals we had only dreamed of seeing in Thailand! Khao Yai is easily one of the best places to travel to see Thailand wildlife.

The best time of year to visit Khao Yai National Park is between November and February , after the very wet and rainy monsoon season has passed in Thailand.

Bandipur, India

Explored by Sinjana at Backpack and Explore

Bandipur  is a beautiful and unapologetically wild terrain in Karnataka, a south Indian state blessed with stunning biodiversity. It is one of the 4 borderless national parks spread across three South Indian states. It’s also home to the largest population of tigers in India . Once the favorite hunting-ground of the Royals of Karnataka, Bandipur was turned into a protected area. It’s now a safe haven for the wild, including leopards, bears, Indian Sambar, spotted deer, elephants, peafowls and many other species, including the tigers.

It’s difficult to spot tigers in the dense forests, so the  best time to visit is during the summer . This is when leaves dry up from the scorching heat and animals come out of the dense forests to quench their thirst in the lakes and rivers.

Monkeys, peafowls, and deer can be spotted easily on a safari. You can also spot a group of wild elephants hiking in the forests. However, to see tigers and leopards you need luck and time. We booked a  6-hour Bandipur tiger safari  which was split into two sessions of 3-hours each, one in the afternoon and one in the early morning.

Other similar forests nearby are Nagarhole tiger reserve (closest), Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu and Wayanad tiger reserve in Kerala.

Best Places to Travel to See Wildlife in  Antarctica

Half moon island, antarctica.

Explored by Halef at The RTW Guys

Without a doubt,  Antarctica  is the one of the most unique wildlife watching destinations in the world. Dramatic landscapes, covered with snow and ice for millions of years. Thanks to the Antarctica Treaty, which, among other things, controls the human impact on this continent, wildlife thrives here. The Antarctic Peninsula and its surrounding islands are located just two days by ship from Ushuaia, the southernmost city in South America. It’s an adventure itself to cross the infamous rough seas of the Drake Passage.

During your trip to “The Last Continent,” you will find  several species of seals, whales, penguins, and other birds . My favorite excursion was a visit to  Half Moon Island , located next to Livingston Island. Here you will find (and closely observe) three different species of penguins: Chinstraps, Gentoos, and Macaronis. Although you are not permitted to approach wildlife in Antarctica, that rule doesn’t apply the other way around. So if you can find a good place to sit down and stay still, very often curious penguins may waddle your way to check you out (penguins don’t obey treaties.)

The tourist season in Antarctica begins during summer in the southern hemisphere  – between November to March. During this time, the temperature hovers around the freezing point, making it the most comfortable time to visit.   C heck out these affordable packing gear tips for Antarctica for your adventure there !  Antarctica is an epic destination, and one of the best places to travel to see wildlife.

Best Places to Travel to See Wildlife in Europe

Danube delta, romania.

Explored by Haley at Borderlass

The  Danube Delta in Romania is one of the top three biosphere reserves in the world. The Delta is where the Danube river ends its journey from Germany the Black Sea. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 350 different species of birds, such as the pygmy cormorant, various terns and herons, among others either resident or passing through. The elusive Dalmatian Pelican  also calls the Danube Delta home.

The best time to visit is in late April or May . I’d recommend skipping the summer months unless you want to be ravaged by mosquitoes.

Most visits to the Delta start from Tulcea, where there are numerous options for day trips or longer excursions deeper into the Delta, staying at places such as  Sfantu Gheorge  or Sulina.

Madeira, Portugal

Explored by Eniko at Travel Hacker Girl

Madeira  is a real paradise for outdoor and wildlife lovers. The island has gorgeous cliff edges, stunning coastline, impressive mountains and interesting fauna and flora. Being an island it is, of course, a place to observe marine life.

There are whale, seal and dolphin watching boat tours starting from Calheta, and there are different types of whales that you can see in Madeira throughout the year.  The best time to visit Madeira for wildlife is from May until October  since the most species are present at that time.

Birdwatchers will be pleased to know the island is home to some unique birds. Zino’s Petrel is an endangered species and breeding endemic to Madeira.  Between April and August, it’s possible to visit one of the island’s highest peaks on a tour to Zino’s Petrel breeding grounds.

If you go  hiking in Madeira   to the mountains of Pico Ruivo, you will most likely encounter red-legged partridges. They like to spend their time there and are not afraid of people. Some of the other birds you might see on your holiday in Madeira are gannets, herons, Eurasian kestrels, moorhens, oystercatchers, terns, gulls and even European bee-eaters.

For more bird watching destination inspiration, read more on the best bird watching destinations in Europe . These are some of the best places to travel to see birds!

Shetland Islands, Scotland

Explored by Suzanne at Meandering Wild

Shetland  is a small collection of islands off the north coast of Scotland.  It is wild and remote. While the town of Lerwick is bustling, the rest of the islands are relatively uninhabited.

In the south at  Sumburgh Head there is a large colony of puffins. Meanwhile, the far north at Hermaness  is one of the largest gannet colonies in the UK.  From the cliffs it is possible to see them diving and there are some areas where you can watch from water level.

Shetland also has sea otters, which are shy and reserved. With patience these otters can be watched from a distance.  Given its position in the North Atlantic, Shetland also sees passing whales and orca as well as has numerous resident dolphins and porpoises.

The islands are great for wildlife all year round but it is cold and dark in the winter months with unpredictable storms.   In the summer there are 20 hours of daylight, making wildlife watching an almost full time occupation.

Lake Skadar, Montenegro

Explored by Leo at Safari Nomad

Today,  Lake Skadar  features a special ecosystem and an incredible range of wildlife, with about 20 endemic animal and plant species. What makes this site so unique is that it is  one of the most important birding sites in Europe  with more than 280 species of birds to see. One of them includes the rare  Dalmatian pelican , which is also a symbol of the National Park. You can see storks, herons, and egrets, as well as snakes, wild boar, and tortoises. Furthermore, this is also a place rich in wild and medicinal herbs.

This natural gem is surrounded by dramatic mountains, old traditional fishing villages, special architecture and islet monasteries.

The best time to  visit Lake Skadar  is spring or early summer  when the lake will impress you with blooming water lilies. When visiting do not forget to take a unique boat ride around the lake and explore the wild beauty of Montenegro.

Best Places to Travel to See Wildlife in  North America

Anse noire, martinique.

Explored by Francesca at One Girl One World

Martinique , a French island in the Lesser Antilles, is a  prime destination for spotting sea turtles . The warm Caribbean sea is a snorkeler’s paradise because the water is warm and crystal clear. That means you can spot all kinds of native wildlife from abundant coral reef, to black and white sea urchins, to tropical fish and sea turtles.

The  best beaches   in Martinique for spotting sea turtles are in the south of the island. If you go out into the water far enough you may spot more than one! You’ll be amazed at how big they are in person. They are also much faster than they look!

There are certain times in the year where they hatch their babies on the shore, which is a spectacular treat. If you witness this miracle of life,  please do not touch them ! They are sensitive creatures. Another tip, please remember that it may be your vacation, but this is their home.  Take all trash, especially broken glass and plastic, back with you when you leave . If you want to be especially kind, feel free to pick up any additional trash that others may have left behind.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States

Explored by Sara at Our Kind of Crazy

If you’re looking for the best place to see roaming wildlife in the United States,  Yellowstone National Park  is the spot for you. Depending on the season, you can find everything from large elk, herds of bison, brown bears and black bears with their cubs, mountain goats, fox, wolves, and so much more.

Just driving around Yellowstone will allow you to see some great wildlife. The elk were lounging around in the city center as soon as we pulled in, and the bison roam around and like to hang out near the streets.

We recommend trying to  visit Yellowstone in the Spring , as that’s when the wildlife starts coming back out from their winter slumber. The weather is better, and animals will tend to show themselves more during this time of year. The Summer and Fall seasons also have some good viewing as well, so if you can’t make it during the Spring, you’ll still be able to see lots of animals. Yellow stone is known for its wildlife, and is one of the best places to travel in the USA!

Don’t forget your spotting scope or binoculars, and be patient while looking for them all around.

Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

Explored by Darah at Not About the Miles

The  Canadian Rockies offer wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities! Whether you are driving along the Icefields Parkway, or exploring the National Parks in the region, you will almost certainly see wildlife. If you visit in the spring, summer, or fall, and venture out in the early morning or late evening , you’re bound to see wildlife.

One of the  best things to do in Lake Louise  Village  in Banff National Park is to ride the ski lift to the top of the mountain. The lift passes directly over the roaming grounds of the  grizzly bear , and almost daily sightings are common. When we rode the lift we saw several grizzlies, some with cubs. It was wonderful to view them below us, feeding and wandering freely.

Other wildlife you will likely see here are black bear, elk, moose, coyote, deer, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep, as well as small creatures like pika and marmot. We saw all of these species when driving the  Icefields Parkway in June .

Be sure to follow park regulations!  View animals from the recommended distance or from the safety of your car, and watch for traffic when you pull over to view wildlife.

Skagit Valley, Washington, United States

Washington is an incredible place to see wildlife , and the  Skagit Valley  is one of the best for spotting all variety of bird life. Throughout the year, different species can be admired from the region’s marshy waterways and expansive agricultural fields.

The  winter is a fabulous time to spot snow geese in the thousands . Snow geese overwinter in the region and forage on the remains of agricultural till. This time of year is also best for spotting Bald Eagles  in the region, especially near Rockport, where eagles flock to capture salmon running in the rivers.

At other times of the year, the marshes teem with all manner of marsh, shore, and sea birds. They are all easily viewed from areas such as the Skagit Wildlife Area . If you’re patient, owls can be seen foraging for food at dawn and dusk over the fields. This is, hands down, one of the best places to travel for birders!

Need a hand figuring out how to select the best places to travel to go birdwatching? Get our free birdwatching destination guide!

Best Places to Travel to See Wildlife in Africa

Chobe national park, botswana.

Explored by Fiona at Passport and Piano

If you’re looking for a top wildlife watching destination,  Chobe National Park  in Botswana is one of the best. You can find out more about planning a   self-drive itinerary around Chobe and other National Parks within Botswana here .

The peak season for Chobe is from June to August, but during this time the game drives can be overcrowded.  A good time to visit is between April to May when the daily temperature is lower, and there’s still plenty of wildlife to see.   If you can stand the 40-degree heat the best time to spot wildlife though is during September and October.

No matter when you visit Chobe you’ll almost definitely spot  large herds of elephants . The park is home to over 120,000 of them and watching elephants bathe in the river is spectacular. You’ll also find a plethora of other wildlife, including the big 5, giraffes, zebras, antelope and over 500 species of birds.

For the best wildlife watching experience make sure you go on a game drive either in the early hours of the morning or in the late afternoon .  While you’re in the area, I’d also recommend taking a cruise down the river Chobe, where you can get up close to the hippos and some spectacular birds.

Etosha National Park, Namibia

Explored by Claudia at My Adventures Across the World

Namibia is one of the best wildlife watching destinations around the world. The entire country is populated with a wide variety of animals. While on the Skeleton coast you get to see one of the largest colonies of sea lions in the world, one of the unmissable things to do in Namibia   is visiting  Etosha National Park , in the north of the country.

Etosha National Park is a great place to see the Big Five . In some cases (including leopards) you really have to be lucky. Giraffes and zebras are easily spotted, as well as elephants – especially as they all go to the many water holes to drink and bathe. Lions can often be heard roaring at night, and at times even mating. Hyenas are harder to spot but not impossible. Rhinos have a taste for crossing the road in front of cars. And when the season is right, you even have a chance of seeing a female cheetah with her cubs.

Etosha can be visited throughout the year. Keep in mind that the  winter season (between May and October) is dry, and it may be easier to see animals at water holes .

Etosha National Park is massive, and you can visit it on guided safaris or independently if you rent a SUV. You can sleep at either lodges or the very well equipped camping sites.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Explored by Martin at Breaking Barriers

Seeing the  wildlife of the Serengeti National Park  is one of the most beautiful things to do in Tanzania.

The best time of year to visit the Serengeti is during the dry season, which runs from June to October . The wildebeest migration also occurs in June, making this an optimal time to visit.

Use a tour company that will give you a guide and a safari jeep with a pop-up roof. Having your own guide and jeep is essential for the maximum viewing experience and comfort. Ensure you bring a pair of good binoculars or a camera with a large telephoto lens as some of the animals are well camouflaged against the scenery. Spotting them with the naked eye if they are not close is virtually impossible.

The primary wildlife you will encounter are lions, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, elephants, buffalo, ostriches, hyenas, jackals, crocodiles, hippos and many more.

Bwindi National Park, Uganda

Bwindi National Park in Uganda  is one of the few countries where you can meet our closest relatives in the animal kingdom face to face in their natural environment.

The best time of year to visit Bwindi is during the dry seasons, which are June to August and December to February.

It is possible to self-drive through Uganda, but the easiest way is to organize through a company. This way, they can arrange permits for you. The permit cost is around $600 for the gorilla trek and $150 for the chimpanzee tracking.

Good hiking boots, long socks to tuck your trouser legs into, walking sticks are all essential pieces of gear. These are also available at the parks for sale.

To do the  gorilla trek , your fitness level   needs to be good. It’s advisable to hire a local porter to help you, plus it supports the local community. Also note that if you have a cold or other contagious illness you will not be allowed to go to the gorillas. You may also encounter chimpanzees, red colobuses, black and white colobuses, and forest elephants.

Best Places to Travel to See Wildlife in Australia and Oceania

Wilsons promontory national park, victoria, australia.

Explored by Audrey at Gumnuts Abroad

Is there anything more thrilling than watching animals in the wild? Hands down, it’s better than seeing them in a zoo or wildlife park. And for us one of the  best wildlife watching destinations is  Wilsons Promontory National Park . Located at the southernmost point of mainland Australia, it’s the  largest coastal wilderness area in Victoria .

Wilsons Promontory is a remote wilderness area filled with a labyrinth of walking tracks that range from gentle strolls to more demanding multi-day hikes. The park is a pristine natural haven that offers the chance to spot kangaroos, wallabies, emus, wombats and even spiky echidnas . But the fun doesn’t end there, as the water and islands surrounding the Promontory is a protected area. Visitors can expect to see penguins, Australian fur seals, dolphins, and, in winter, Humpback Whales!

Tidal River Caravan Park  is the only accommodation available within the national park. It gets crazy busy in summer and school holidays and it’s essential to book ahead – overall,  Wilsons Promontory can be enjoyed year-round . And  keep an eye out for animals when driving through the park as it’s not uncommon to see wombats and echidnas on the road .

Maria Island, Tasmania

Explored by Taryn at Happiest Outdoors

If you want to see  Australia’s unique wildlife , head to  Maria Island  just off the east coast of Tasmania. Although it used to be home to a prison, some farms and a small town, the entire island is now inside Maria Island National Park and has had no permanent residents since the 1960s.

That means that  the Island is teeming with kangaroos, wallabies, pademelons, possums, wombats, echidnas and many different species of birds year-round.  Since 2012, Maria Island has also been an important part of the efforts to save endangered Tasmanian devils. Captive-bred devils are released into the wild on the island!

To get to Maria Island you need to take a passenger-only ferry from Triabunna. It runs all year but there is reduced service in the winter. You can go over for a day trip and explore the historic buildings and trails. However,  for your best chance of seeing wildlife, stay overnight since most of the wildlife is nocturnal . You can book a basic dorm room in the former penitentiary or bring a tent for the campground. Once the sun starts to set, the grassy fields near the campground are overrun with pademelons and wombats. If you are lucky you might even spot a Tasmanian devil! Maria Island is well-known as one of the best places to travel in the world – don’t miss it!

Kangaroo Island is another ultimate wildlife watching destination in Australia. And one of the best places to travel in the world . Read more about Kangaroo Island here !

Have you been to any of these incredible wildlife watching destinations? What others around the world are you favorite? Let us know in the comments!

Happy travels!

Nathan and Christa

About the Author: Christa

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17 Best Countries To See Wildlife

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How To Plan A Visit Around Yellowstone's Wildlife Mating, Migration Patterns, and More

Costa rica wildlife guide: see sloths (& other exotic animals), 10 tips for respecting wildlife when hiking in national parks, read update.

• Wildlife enthusiasts can fulfill their dreams of seeing magnificent creatures in their natural habitats by visiting the best countries for wildlife, such as Uganda, Madagascar, and Brazil.
• These countries offer unique opportunities to see endangered species, colorful coral, lemurs, and other captivating wildlife.
• From mountain gorillas in Uganda to penguins in Australia and tigers in India, these countries provide unforgettable experiences for nature and wildlife lovers.

Some travelers are obsessed with wildlife, but sometimes a visit to the best zoos just doesn't cut it. These nature and wildlife lovers want to go out into the world to experience these magnificent creatures firsthand rather than from behind bars. This desire is often the only thing guiding one's travel plans as animal enthusiasts scour the internet for places with the best wildlife.

Yet, with so many options, it can be daunting to find something for every taste, nature preserves open to the public, or destinations that guarantee up close and personal views of your favorite wild beasts. So to help you plan the safari of your dreams, here are the best countries for wildlife seeing in their natural habitats.

UPDATE: 2023/10/24 15:29 EST BY MARIA BOU INK

Zoos do not match the experience provided by a safari or a visit to a national park in one of the best countries for wildlife watching. The top 10 countries with the most wildlife and top experiences are not enough. Therefore, this list was updated to include more countries with the best wildlife.

10 Destinations All Animal Lovers Should Visit

All animal lovers need to visit the destinations on this list. Hang with the koalas in Australia, Llamas and Alpacas In Peru and more!

Wildlife seekers can go through Uganda's steamy and wet forest, climbing steep trails and wading through muddy ravines in the hopes of seeing the critically endangered mountain gorillas. As they fight their way through the appropriately titled Impenetrable Forest, tension rises. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, the rangers show them a bunch of gorillas munching bamboo shoots and scaling trees—a surreal sight that will stay with them forever.

• Best places to see wildlife in Uganda: Kidepo National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park

16 Madagascar

Madagascar is one of the best countries to see wildlife. To get up close and personal with a variety of lemur species, the Lost Continent is the place to go. Lemurs are endearing creatures with large, piercing eyes and striped tails. The sound of their characteristic vocalizations reverberates throughout the rainforest. Travelers will explore Ranomafana National Park on foot to see the colorful coral and brilliant underwater displays of tropical fish, as well as the Madagascar boa constrictor, black parrot, chameleon, and cuckoo roller. They can also visit the immaculate golden-sand beaches of Anakaoon.

• Best places to see wildlife in Madagascar: Indri, Lokobe Nature Special Reserve, Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Natural Reserve...

There are many creatures you can see during your Brazilian travels if you know where to look. You can witness jaguars, ocelots, foxes, anteaters, otters, and so much more. You can even watch turtle hatchlings at some of their beaches or spot Caiman alligators in the Amazon. It is a good idea to take a tour to ensure your safety from some of the more dangerous species, but the sights are unique and will give you a new appreciation for the wildlife and their homes.

• Best places to see wildlife in Brazil: Jau National Park, Amanã Sustainable Development Reserve, Pantanal...

14 Australia

A journey down under to Australia will leave you with plenty of wildlife memories. You could fill albums of selfies with a cute little quokka, or maybe you hope to see a family of kangaroos. No matter where you go, there will be something for you to see that will make your entire trip one you'll never forget.

Visitors can venture into the Daintree Rainforest to catch a glimpse of some saltwater crocodiles or visit Phillip Island to see a few penguins. There is something for everyone and a trip based on finding these animals will be well worth the long flight.

• Best places to see wildlife in Australia: Murray River Safari, The Great Barrier Reef, Kangaroo Island...

Sleep With A Kangaroo Thanks To New Hotel At Australian Zoo

The Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia now has a wildlife retreat where you can sleep in a modern room right next to the kangaroos.

Wales has a good mix of everything from birds and forest animals to underwater mammals. Most people recommend you head to Skomer Island to see some adorable puffins. A bonus while there, you can witness several nesting ospreys at the Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve .

Travelers can also head to the shore to look for dolphins and to catch a glimpse of Grey seals on Ramsey Island. This is the dream vacation of any birder, but it is also something everyone would enjoy as you immerse yourselves into the natural world around you.

• Best places to see wildlife in Wales: Skomer Island, Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve, Ramsey Island...

12 South Africa

South Africa is full of wildlife preserves, as well as endangered species you won't see anywhere else. The best animals to see are the African elephant, buffalo, lion, rhinoceros, and leopard, which explorers shouldn't look for on their own. Instead, there are several highly recommended tours available for anyone who wants to see these animals in the wild safely.

Visitors can also visit one of their national parks or nature preserves, such as Addo Elephant Park or Pilanesberg National Park , which are known to house hundreds of animals to protect them from poachers. A picture doesn't do them justice, as you have the opportunity to witness firsthand how they react in their natural habitats.

• Best places to see wildlife in South Africa: Addo Elephant Park, Kruger National Park, Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, Madikwe Game Reserve...

Related: 10 Biggest Zoos In America, Ranked By Number Of Animals

11 United States

The United States is yet another great destination for adventurers dreaming of diverse wildlife. Of course, your intended destination will determine what kinds of wildlife you can see. For instance, for visitors headed to Utah, herds of bison are the animal of choice to look for. Alternatively, if you're traveling to Alaska, then a chance to watch grizzly bears meander through the forest is a must.

A short drive from most cities will immerse you in the natural landscape and give you the opportunity to see some pretty amazing things.

• Best places to see wildlife in the United States: Katmai National Park & Preserve, Yellowstone National Park, and Everglades National Park...

10 Scotland

It may surprise many wildlife lovers to know that Scotland is the best place to see wildlife list. But, with no natural predators, visitors can witness a wide array of magnificent creatures, from large birds of prey, like golden eagles and red kites, to ocean mammals, such as the minke whale.

There is also plenty to see and do in the countryside, as well as tours and nature preserves that will give you the lay of the landscape. One of the best places to spot some wildlife is Cairngorms National Park , where you can see these creatures on your own terms.

• Best places to see wildlife in Scotland: Blair Drummond, Isle of Mull, St Abb's Head National Nature Reserve...

A guide to when you can see Yellowstone's most diverse wildlife and flora, according to the season.

When you think of China, you think of the giant panda, which is precisely what you will see when you travel to the Conservation & Research Centre for the Giant Panda near Chengdu. Here visitors can learn all about their conservation efforts as well as witness some of these beasts in the wild.

But that's not all; if mountains are your thing, you can take to the trails to try and spot the endangered Yunnan snub-nosed monkey near the Tiger Leaping Gorge. Visitors can also take a short trip to South China to see some tigers. But that is definitely one beast you will want to observe from a safe distance via a professional tourist organization.

• Best places to see wildlife in China: Black Snub-Nosed Monkey National Park, Sanjiangyuan National Park, Laohegou Nature Reserve...

8 Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a lush travel destination brimming with biodiversity and ecosystems, which means it's definitely a wildlife lover's paradise. Here, visitors can embark on breathtaking jungle journeys to see sloths, white-faced capuchin monkeys, jaguars, bats, tapirs, and flashes of emerald-green resplendent quetzal birds. What's more, if you're planning a trip to Costa Rica in the summer or early fall, then make sure to get a glimpse of the sea turtles nesting on Tortuguero's sandy shores , dolphins swimming, and eagle rays doing whatever it is that they do.

• Best places to see wildlife in Costa Rica: Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, Osa Peninsula, Nicoya Peninsula...

In Costa Rica, sloths reign supreme - and this is where animal loves can see them and other exotic Costa Rican wildlife.

India is home to the Kanha Tiger Reserve , where you can take a tour to see these magnificently striped predators at work in the wild. Tigers aren't the only thing to see in this beautiful country, as variations of some of your favorite South African species can be found here. Visitors can see Asiatic lions, Indian elephants, Indian rhinoceros, Indian leopards, and so much more. Overall, a mini-Safari in India is almost a guaranteed fantastic experience that visitors can enjoy by simply taking a short drive into the beautiful and thriving countryside.

• Best places to see wildlife in India: Kanha Tiger Reserve, Gir National Park, Ranthambore National Park...

Just north of South Africa, Botswana is another excellent option for wildlife lovers. Chobe National Park is filled with elephants that will open your eyes to a new and more wonderful world. Here visitors have a good chance of seeing some cape buffalo and even spotting some endangered species, including the African Wild Dog or a rhinoceros. That said, Botswana isn't predator-free, so make sure you keep an eye out for tree-climbing leopards or black-maned lions because no one wants to, you know, get eaten on vacation.

• Best places to see wildlife in Botswana: Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, Central Kalahari Game Reserve...

5 Sri Lanka

Of course, no one would miss the opportunity to see some elephants. So if you were looking for a sign to add Sri Lanka to your bucket list, here it is. Sri Lanka is by far the best place to visit if you want to see these massive mammals in their natural habitat. Wildlife enthusiasts can witness these magnificent creatures roaming about grassy plains, red roads, or at the local elephant rehabilitation center. While visiting, a stop at Wilpattu National Park is also a must if you want to spot the elusive leopard—another popular animal in Sri Lanka.

• Best places to see wildlife in Sri Lanka: Yala National Park, Wilpattu National Park, Udawalawa...

Stay safe while hiking and protect the local wildlife in national parks simultaneously by following these simple practices.

Animal fans can also add Borneo to their list of wildlife-watching hotspots. Even if this is your first time hearing about this haven for wildlife, trust us when we say one trip here, and you will likely be hooked. Here, along the lower Kinabatangan River, visitors will find a diverse ecosystem filled with a variety of primates and several species of birds. Borneo is also home to a plethora of nocturnal creatures and other interesting animals like the adorable pygmy elephants, endangered flat-headed cats, and Western tarsiers.

• Best places to see wildlife in Borneo: Deramakot Forest Reserve, Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley Conservation Area...

Lastly, Thailand is overflowing with beautiful creatures as its unique climate allows for several different species to call this country home. Visitors can expect to see some standard beasts like bears and tigers, but they have some more interesting characters like the binturong and pangolin. Much of the wildlife here, you won't find anywhere else on the planet—making this place a highly valued spot for environmentalists. Plus, there are plenty of tours to show you what you want to see, which is why no place is better for wildlife than this country.

• Best places to see wildlife in Thailand: Khao Yai National Park, Kui Buri National Park, Huai Kha Khaeng, Thung Yai...

Namibia is not only one of the best countries in the world to see wild animals, but it is also one of the best countries to go on a self-driven tour and safari all around the massive (but sparsely populated) desert African country. Anyone visiting Namibia should stay at the Omaruru Game Lodge where people can wine and dine while watching giraffes , zebras, and all manner of African animals. The largest and most popular national park in Namibia is Etosha National Park (and it is a trip of a lifetime).

• Best places to see wildlife in Namibia: Etosha National Park, Okonjima Nature Reserve, NamibRand Nature Reserve...

1 New Zealand

New Zealand is an odd country to make the list - after all, the only native species of mammals in New Zealand are three species of bats. But New Zealand has other wildlife to see. New Zealand has some of the most unusual birds in the world (including alpine parrots and the iconic kiwi bird). Where New Zealand is particularly special is that people can see three species of penguins, a rare example of a mainland albatross nesting colony, and one of the best places in the world to go sperm while whale watching (at the seaside resort town of Kaikoura). Adventurous tourists can also go cage shark diving in New Zealand.

• Best places to see wildlife in New Zealand: Bay of Islands, Tiritiri Matangi Island, Zealandia...
• Destinations

Every weekend is an adventure

See wildlife in australia: our top 30 spots to visit.

• Post published: 29 September 2021
• Post category: Australia / Oceania/South Pacific

A trip to Australia isn’t complete without seeing its wildlife. Of course, you could head to a sanctuary or a zoo to see iconic Australian animals, but it is a lot more exciting to actually spot them in their natural habitat. And it’s not too hard! I’ve been living in Australia for more than 10 years, and here’s what I think are the best places to see wildlife in Australia.

The list is in clockwise order, starting from the top of Queensland . The numbers refer to the map at the end of the article.

Responsible travel tip : It is tempting but for their safety, it is better not to feed wildlife. It can change their behaviour, make them sick and also unbalance the entire ecosystem. New South Wales Parks even write, “feeding native animals is the worst thing you can do”. Click here to know why .

The best places to see wildlife in Queensland

1. great barrier reef.

Do I even need to introduce the Great Barrier Reef? It’s obviously a fantastic place to spot fish, sharks and even minke whales.

Do you find scuba diving scary? I know the feeling. I have now done more than 200 dives, so I’ve shared my experience about overcoming my fear of scuba diving in this article ; I hope it can help!

2. Daintree forest

A trip on the Daintree River gives visitors the opportunity to see crocodiles, birds and bats in their natural habitat. You may also meet a cassowary while driving or hiking.

3. Mission Beach

Mission Beach is on the Cassowary Coast. Do I need to write more details on why it made it to the list? Cassowaries, and their babies, are regularly spotted in the town and nearby national parks.

4. Magnetic Island

If you want to see koalas during your trip around Australia, Magnetic Island is a must-visit destination. We also spotted rock wallabies and many marine critters during our day trip.

5. Mackay Region

Broken River near Mackay is one of the best places to see a platypus in Australia . North of Mackay, in Cape Hillsborough , you can see wallabies on the beach and get a perfect shot at sunrise.

6. Great Keppel Island

We didn’t see as much native wildlife as we had hoped while hiking Great Keppel Island (but we did see many goats, unfortunately). However, it was a great place to see echidnas (they even have a resident echidna at the resort!), dugongs and all the reef inhabitants too.

7. Heron Island

Most islands on the Great Barrier Reef are great places to see wildlife in Australia, but Heron Island is my favourite. If you visit early in the year, you can see turtles nesting, hatchlings, baby sharks and shovelnose rays, and so many birds… just from the beach!

8. Bundaberg

From December to March, turtle hatchlings can be spotted at many beaches on the coast of Queensland and on the islands. But you often need to be lucky to see them. At Mon Repos near Bundaberg, they organize tours with rangers to take you to the beach at night.

9. Hervey Bay

You can spot humpback whales migrating along the coast of Australia from many places, but in Hervey Bay, they often stop to rest for a while, making it the best place to see them in Australia.

10. K’gari (Fraser Island)

K’gari is one of the best places in Australia to spot wildlife. You’ll get to see dingoes, which are usually hard to spot. If you’re camping, you’ll also see a few marsupials at night. Indian’s Head is a great place to spot marine wildlife.

11. Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island)

Minjerribah is an easy day trip from Brisbane and a fantastic place to see wildlife. On one trip, you can spot some of the most iconic Australian animals: kangaroos, koalas, dolphins, whales (in winter), and manta rays (in summer). The North Gorge Walk is perfect for spotting wildlife and enjoying stunning views.

12. Coombabah Lake Conservation Park

This reserve near the Gold Coast is easy to reach, and we spotted kangaroos straight away from the car park. We had to be a little bit more patient to see koalas, but we ended up seeing a couple.

13. Natural Bridge

A trip to Springbrook National Park Natural Bridge at night will give you a chance to see rare glow worms in a natural cave. Bats also live further down in the cave. It’s a unique experience.

The best places where to see wildlife in New South Wales

14. blue mountains.

We took our friends touring the world to the Blue Mountains for their only weekend in Australia. During our quick visit to Jenolan Caves, we spotted a cute rock wallaby and a platypus in Blue Lake. We could see them much closer than at Bombala (New South Wales), the capital of the platypus.

15. Bendeela Recreation Area

Wombats aren’t as easy to find as many other iconic Australian wildlife. But only 2.5 hours south of Sydney, you’ll have the joy of finding wombats around the Bendeela Recreation Area. Remember, they are nocturnal animals, so your chances will be higher if you walk in the area closer to sunset.

16. Barunguba (Montague Island)

If you want to see little penguins up close, Barunguba (Montague Island) is a fantastic option. The number of people is limited to avoid having a crowd. Earlier in the day, we had fun in the water with the seals.

The best places where to see wildlife in Tasmania

17. maria island.

You’re guaranteed to see a lot of wildlife during a road trip around Tasmania, sometimes more than you wished for, as it can make driving quite stressful. There are no cars on Maria Island, so you can fully enjoy watching wildlife without worrying. It’s one of the best places where to see wombats in Tasmania . Even though they’re nocturnal animals, you still have a high chance of seeing them on a day trip to Maria Island. You’ll also see many wallabies and birds.

18. Bruny Island

You’ll see wallabies on Bruny Island, and if you’re lucky, you may spot a white wallaby at Adventure Bay. From there, you can join a cruise to explore the southeast of the island and see seals and birds in a stunning setting.

19. Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain is famous for its magnificent hikes, but it is also a fantastic place to see wildlife. If you go for a short walk at the end of the afternoon near Ronny Creek in Cradle Mountain , you will see wombats close to the boardwalk. Echidnas are often spotted in the park too.

20. Lillico Beach

Bicheno might be the most famous place to see penguins in Tasmania, on the east coast, but I much preferred our experience on Lillico Beach, near Devonport. They have created a boardwalk around the penguin rookery with red lights. It makes it easy for visitors to see penguins at night without disturbing them. There are other similar boardwalks at Burnie and Stanley. I’ve listed all the best places to see penguins in Tasmania here .

The best places where to see wildlife in Victoria

21. wilsons promontory .

National Parks are always a good choice to try to see wildlife. We hiked all day when we visited Wilsons Promontory. But it was back at the campground that I got very excited by our wildlife encounter: a wombat walked just past my tent!

22. Phillip Island

Phillip Island is famous for the Penguin Parade, so no list of places to see wildlife in Australia would be complete without it. However, there are so many people attending that it sometimes feels like you’re not in the wild! I haven’t seen them during my visit, but I’ve heard echidnas live there too.

23. Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is not only one of the most beautiful roads to drive on with its remarkable cliffs, but it is also a great place to see wildlife in Australia. I’ve spotted koalas every time I visited (even during our half-marathon race!). The nearby Great Otway National Park is also reputed for seeing platypus – but I wasn’t lucky when I visited.

Where to see wildlife in South Australia

24. kangaroo island.

With kangaroos, birds, seals, sea lions, koalas, and many more, Kangaroo Island is an amazing destination where you’re guaranteed to spot wildlife.

25. Baird Bay

One of my favourite wildlife experiences in Australia was in Baird Bay. We got to swim with dolphins and play with sea lions from a small intimate boat. I was very surprised by how much they would interact with us. We saw a few emus during our drive there.

The best places to see wildlife in Western Australia

26. lucky bay.

Lucky Bay is far from everything, but it is the best place to see kangaroos in the wild. They pose in front of a stunning white sandy beach with stunning turquoise water. You won’t get a better Australian postcard-perfect shot.

27. Rottnest Island

Have you heard of the quokkas? They’re so cute, and the best place to see them in the wild in Australia is on Rottnest Island. You’ll also have a chance to see seals at one of the stunning lookouts.

28. Ningaloo Reef and Exmouth

This is the best place in Australia to spot whale sharks. Manta rays can also be seen, and of course, all the reef inhabitants.

The best places to see wildlife in the Northern Territory

29. katherine gorge.

While canoeing in Katherine Gorge, we had a close encounter with a couple of freshwater crocodiles. They’re not as dangerous as saltwater crocodiles, so it was a great experience seeing them in the wild.

30. Kakadu National Park

There are a few tours available to see saltwater crocodiles in the region, which is an impressive sight. The birdlife there is also amazing, and we had the opportunity to see the iconic Jabiru.

But the list shouldn’t stop at 25. There are many other places to see wildlife in Australia. The more time you spend in nature, the more chances you’ll have. Kangaroos are almost everywhere, and we regularly saw emus while driving.

What do you think are the best places to see wildlife in Australia? Share your experience in the comments below!

Map of the best places to see wildlife in australia.

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“I’m a wildlife guide in Yellowstone – here’s why I think it’s important for people to see these wild places”

We speak to Yellowstone wildlife guide Bo Welden and discover 5 things he’s learned about the park’s famous wildlife population

Lots of Americans grow up taking family ski vacations in Colorado. Then they move to the Centennial State as soon as they can, inspired by the romance of their early mountain adventures. Colorado native Bo Welden went against the flow when he left his home state for Jackson Hole to teach environmental education after researching conservation and natural resources in Rwanda and at home. 

Welden had grown up visiting friends in Western Wyoming and fell in love with Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Today, as a wildlife naturalist guide with Jackson Hole Eco Tour Adventures, he gets to show others around these world-famous landmarks in search of wildlife viewing opportunities.

“As a guide I take people to really scenic places, and let them take a picture, and I have some of those similar photos of me as a kid.”

“We’re pretty spoiled to be able to go from town to northern Grand Teton and hang out with grizzly bears for a couple of hours, and then drive just an hour or so south, and be back in town," he says of the area he's called home since 2017.

Needless to say, Welden's work includes some major perks, spending time in some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes and getting up close and personal with some fantastic creatures among them. His access to Yellowstone wildlife has led him to share some extraordinary footage on his Instagram account, Bo Knows Outside , and it was his recent video of a wolf regretting its decision to chase elk that introduced me to his page. 

Welden recently agreed to chat to me about his experiences as a wildlife guide at Yellowstone and share what he’s learned so far so if you’ve got your hiking boots , trekking poles and best binoculars packed and are heading west for a wildlife tour this summer, you’ll want to keep reading.

1. It’s not all Hakuna Matata

If you grew up in the same era as me, you might have thought that a time machine would come in the form of a DeLorean, but according to Welden, standing in Yellowstone’s wildlife mecca, the Lamar Valley, is just like stepping back in time.

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“This area is arguably the last intact ecosystem in the lower 48 states of the US,” says Welden.

And that means that what you get to see can be, well, primal. Sticker warning: your trip to Yellowstone probably won’t involve dancing, singing warthogs, but it could entail a wolf pack taking down a bison calf for supper. Watching wildlife can be awe-inspiring, memorable and hugely exciting, but it can also be extremely brutal.

“I've watched things sometimes that folks don't love to watch, and it's hard,” muses Welden.

“You know, watching wolves or bears take down prey, which is quite exhilarating and powerful to see but at the end of the day there is also an animal losing its life.”

Though it can be sad, Welden says, the beauty lies in the fact that there are still places in the world where that can happen.

2. Bison are not just fluffy cows

Some of the most stunning shots of Yellowstone, besides it’s glorious geysers , are of herds of bison grazing in the park. In fact, Yellowstone’s bison herd which can grow to as many as 6,000 bison, is so massive that some visitors get bored of them

“A lot of people are like, I don't want to see any more bison. Okay, we won’t show you any more of those,” he laughs.

But in seriousness, the sheer number of bison in the park perhaps in addition to their friendly appearance is what leads to so many careless tourists getting too close , posing for selfies and occasionally getting gored in the park.

“Bison are kind of funny because people get these false positive feedback loops where they say, ‘hey? You know what Bo? I got close to that one, that one and that one. So I'm gonna get close to one more.’ And the first three, you kind of got away with it. And then, because bison just look like strange, fluffy cows, it's like that thing can't hurt me. But they can.”

In fact, when they want to, bison can sprint at speeds of over 30 miles per hour, and they weigh between 1,300 and 2,100 pounds. There’s no chance that you won’t see any bison on your trip to Yellowstone, but you’re going to want to stay at least 25 yards away from them, and it’s your responsibility to move away if they move towards you.

“You would never want to get close to that,” warns Welden.

A post shared by Bo Welden | Wildlife Guide | Jackson Hole, WY (@bo_knows_outside_) A photo posted by on

3. There’s more to Yellowstone than bears, bison and wolves

The most common question Welden gets asked?

“Are we gonna see a grizzly today?”

Answer: maybe, and yes, your guide has bear spray . And you’re definitely going to see a lot of bison, and perhaps even wolves . But there’s a lot more to Yellowstone than the big three, according to Welden. In addition to the park’s 67 different mammals, he says that Yellowstone’s incredible avian population (nearly 300 species of birds have been documented there to date including raptors, songbirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl) are worth dipping into some bird watching .

“I like getting folks interested in different waterfowl or the really complex behaviors of songbirds that cheat on their partners while they're building nests, there's all these really amazing dynamics that happen. But they're just not like the big and sexy charismatic species,” he says, which is why they get overlooked.

They’re also smaller and more difficult to spot, so bring your binoculars and be patient.

When he’s not looking to the skies, Welden is drawn to smaller mammals like badgers and weasels, which he captures on his Instagram page, as well as the pronghorn antelope.

“They look like they belong in Africa but they’re the fastest land animal in North America. They have this cool social structure. So I do try to get folks to dive in a little more on those versus being just so worried about about seeing a bear or a wolf.”

4. Your momentary visit can have a lasting impact

As a guide, Welden says he spends a lot of time with folks who don't realize that getting too close or leaving trash lying around can have an impact, because they’re usually only here once. Sometimes, your behavior has a big impact – a bear gets habituated to humans, becomes aggressive and is euthanized. Often, however, it’s more like “ death by a thousand cuts,” and it can be hard to realize the impact of your visit when you’re only there for a day.

“The biggest misconception is maybe thinking that your momentary visit won't have a long, lasting impact,” says Welden, recalling an event that took place only the previous night where he went out at sunset only to find visitors walking in an enclosure for birds, with their dogs off leash , hunting for antlers – all of which is illegal in a National Park .

It’s hard to go a day without reading a news story about a tourist doing something foolish in Yellowstone, whether it’s walking off the boardwalk onto fragile ecosystems for a better photo or approaching bear cubs for a closer look. 

“That very well could be the end of the animal's life. The wildness of this place at some level is constantly under threat by our presence.”

As for advice to help keep the wilderness wild, Welden’s is the same as visiting any outdoor space – leave no trace , secure your food and keep your distance.

5. Find the intimate moments

Welden is the first to admit that if he’s driving through the park with guests and comes upon a bear jam , he’s going to feel compelled to pull over and allow visitors time to watch that grizzly, wolf or bison that’s drawing crowds. But as a guide, he considers it his duty to try to steer people away from the crowds.

“If I were on my own time I would probably not stop and I try really hard as a guide to find more intimate moments for guests where it's just you and that animal in the landscape.”

And while it truly is rewarding to take that perfect shot and post it on Instagram for all to see, when you’ve done that he recommends bringing a scope like a pair of binoculars and spending some time zooming in on wildlife without worrying about documenting the experience for later.

“Stick your own eye through the spotting scope. Take this larger mental picture of where you're standing right now. If I can get folks that experience it feels worth it.”

When you can have a moment with wildlife that’s not at a zoo, Welden says, there's an important glimpse of what our world used to be like in its entirety that benefits us, even when you get back home to Cinncinati and you’re shopping at Target remembering the wolf you saw in Yellowstone.

“I think there's a certain level of importance for people to see these wild places. It just feels good to know that there's a place where wolves just get to do their thing, and they just get to be wild animals. I think there's something good for our psyche that there are still places that that we can only be visitors to.”

• Camping in US National Parks: a complete guide

Julia Clarke is a staff writer for Advnture.com and the author of the book  Restorative Yoga for Beginners . She loves to explore mountains on foot, bike, skis and belay and then recover on the the yoga mat. Julia graduated with a degree in journalism in 2004 and spent eight years working as a radio presenter in Kansas City, Vermont, Boston and New York City before discovering the joys of the Rocky Mountains. She then detoured west to Colorado and enjoyed 11 years teaching yoga in Vail before returning to her hometown of Glasgow, Scotland in 2020 to focus on family and writing.  

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Wildlife encounters provide unique experiences for travelers

• By Isaac Ocean
• Jul 17, 2024

Travel often presents unique opportunities to interact with wildlife, whether through planned visits to national parks or unexpected encounters. Recent news highlights these interactions, from the bizarre to the heartwarming, shedding light on the complex relationship between humans and animals in various travel contexts.

Unusual animal smuggling incidents

One of the more shocking stories involves a traveler caught trying to smuggle over 100 snakes in his pants on a plane, a stark reminder of the illegal wildlife trade’s impact on animal populations. This incident underscores the need for vigilance and stricter regulations to protect endangered species from such exploitation.

Conservation efforts and wildlife protection

In more positive news, efforts to protect and preserve wildlife continue to make headlines. For instance, Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe offers a sanctuary for Africa’s diverse wildlife, playing a crucial role in conservation efforts. Similarly, wildlife officials from Cambodia were arrested at JFK for smuggling endangered monkeys, highlighting the global efforts to combat wildlife trafficking.

Travel initiatives supporting animal welfare

Some travel companies are integrating animal welfare into their operations. Frontier Airlines , for example, offered free flights to travelers who adopt stray kittens, promoting pet adoption and responsible pet ownership. This initiative not only helps animals in need but also encourages travelers to consider the welfare of animals as part of their travel decisions.

Responsible wildlife tourism

As travelers, it’s crucial to choose experiences that support conservation and treat animals with respect. Opting for accredited sanctuaries and avoiding attractions that exploit animals are steps we can take to ensure our travel choices help rather than harm wildlife.

Whether through direct encounters or supportive initiatives, wildlife tourism remind us of our shared responsibility to protect these creatures and their habitats, making our travel experiences more meaningful and ethical.

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The 10 best places to see kangaroos and koalas in Australia

Search high and low because there are Australian critters to be spotted from the forest floor right up to the treetops

Photograph: Tourism Australia | Dylan Alcock | Lucky Bay, Esperance

When it comes to Australian icons, it doesn’t get much more true blue than the humble kangaroo. They’re on our one-dollar coins, plastered across our tourist memorabilia and feature in the Australian emblem. While we may not ride them to school, despite foreign beliefs, spotting one in the wild isn’t so difficult a task. Our national parks and nature reserves are brimming with kangaroos ready to be admired (from a safe distance!). 

As for koalas? They may be equally emblematic of the land Down Under, but they’re a little trickier to come by. You’ll need to cast your eyes up because the nocturnal little creatures spend most of the day sleeping amongst the eucalyptus tree branches. Whether you’re ready to do some hiking or want to pay a visit to some of the organisations caring for our Australian fauna, add these places for kangaroo and koala spotting to your bucket list.

RECOMMENDED: The best ethical zoos and wildlife reserves to see animals in Australia .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

The best places to see kangaroos and koalas in Australia

Magnetic island, qld.

Out of all Magnetic Island’s majestic hikes, the Forts Walk is an absolute must-do. The walk is an easy one, and can even be done in your beach get-up. Hiking boots or not, the walk is worth it for the wow factor of coming across a cuddly little koala in the wild. It’s not uncommon to come across multiple furry friends sleeping in the trees that line this hike. To keep the action going, you can catch the Magnetic Island shuttle bus to the nearby Koala Park by Selina , where conservation and education are the main priority. Tour the park, have breakfast with your new furry friends and the park rangers, or even spend the night.

Lucky Bay, WA

As it turns out, it’s not only humans who love the whiter-than-white sand at Lucky Bay. Kangaroos regularly dwell right on the water’s edge at Lucky Bay and in the bordering bushland of the Cape Le Grand National Park. Kangaroos are also nocturnal animals so your best bet at an encounter will be visiting the beach in the early morning or at sunset when they're out and about. With its clear blue waters and furry visitors, it doesn’t get much more Aussie postcard than Lucky Bay.

Eyre Peninsula, SA

South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula is a rugged beauty with its beautiful cliff faces and rocky shores. Amongst those coastlines lie plenty of bouncing kangaroos. Take it to the next level with one of the most up close and personal experiences you can get with wild koalas in Australia: at Mikkira Station, you can camp amongst a koala colony. If you’d just like to pop in during the day, the ex-sheep station is also a perfect spot for a picnic, where you might also come across one of the free-roaming emus. The property is gated so make sure you give the tour operators a call over here to get a key for your visit.

Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, NSW

If a couple of hours of koala spotting isn’t enough for you, you can spend the whole night at the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary . You'll really be amongst nature in one of the property's  20 glamping tents, but if you prefer four solid walls, you can opt for the deluxe rooms or suites. Wake up in the morning and embark on the sanctuary skywalk, which brings you that little bit closer to the koalas in their perches. All the koalas here are in great care at the koala hospital to rehabilitate them from being sick or injured.

Yanchep National Park, WA

So, here’s the thing. Koalas aren’t actually native to Western Australia. Never fear, because Yanchep National Park is home to a koala colony introduced way back in 1938. The real-life teddy bears, which you’ll spy today from the raised boardwalk, are actually descendants of the koalas from Kangaroo Island in neighbouring South Australia. There are also nine hiking trails, bound to bring you face-to-face with one of the park’s many kangaroo inhabitants. The best part is you’ll find all this wilderness just 40 minutes away from Perth.

Kangaroo Island, SA

• Attractions

As the name suggests, there are no prizes given to those guessing what animal you’ll encounter on Australia’s third-largest island. The native wildlife here is extraordinarily abundant so keep your eyes peeled for more than just kangaroos: seals, sea lions, platypi and echidnas all call Kangaroo Island home. Best yet, this spot also hosts a teeming koala population. The greatest places to see them are in conservation spaces, Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, and in the wild along Cygnet River.

Raymond Island, VIC

This little plot of land may be lacking in size, but it makes up for it with a majorly dense koala population. More than 200 koalas call Raymond Island home and they can be visited via a super short ferry ride from Paynesville in the Gippsland region of Victoria. The island’s famed ‘Koala Trail’ begins right as you step off the ferry. You’ll only need to walk two kilometres for an almost guaranteed furry friend sighting in the wild.

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, ACT

• Things to do

Just a 40-minute drive from Canberra’s CBD, you’ll find a wonderland of Australian wildlife that’s being taken care of by rangers and volunteers, but is also still left to roam free. How’s that for having your cake and eating it too? Tidbinbilla Reserve is known for breeding endangered populations back to abundant life and includes its koala population, which has been cared for since 1939. Visit the Eucalypt Forest that fences off any predators to spot an adorable little koala doing its thing, or embark on one of the park’s 21 trails to spot a kangaroo, or even an emu or platypus.

Jirrahlinga, VIC

• Wildlife centres

Just over one hour from Melbourne's CBD, this  native wildlife sanctuary-cross-zoo is home to a hospital for treating injured animals. At Jirrahlinga, you can see lots of Australian native fauna, including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, birds, reptiles, dingoes, echidnas and more. Keepers are knowledgeable and friendly, and if you're lucky they'll let you get up close with the koalas, hold a snake or have an up-close encounter with a lizard. Look out for the bird near the office that does a perfect imitation of the office phone ringing, followed by, "Hello, Jirrahlinga?"

Koala Conservation Hospital, NSW

If you're crazy about koalas, this is where you should go. The Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie does some genuinely incredible work in fighting to save one of the world's most adorable animals from extinction. A licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility, this place takes in injured koalas, nurses them back to life and then releases them back into the wild. A volunteer-run not-for-profit, the Koala Hospital is free to enter, with donations and gift shop sales all directly funding their conservation efforts. Expect to meet real koalas, check out a koala museum, go on a guided tour, and head behind the scenes to see the koalas in hospital. 

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I lived in Yellowstone National Park and watched tourists constantly make these 5 mistakes

• I lived in Yellowstone National Park for three months alongside wolves, grizzly bears, and geysers.
• I often saw travelers make the same mistakes, putting themselves, others, and wildlife at risk.
• Don't stop in the middle of the road to look at animals and try to see more than just Old Faithful. 

Yellowstone National Park isn't a theme park, and it's a mistake to treat it like one.

My husband and I spent a year living out of a pickup truck driving cross-country . During that time, he took a seasonal job in Yellowstone National Park, and we ended up living there for three months.

I'd spent a lot of time in national parks prior to this, but the mistakes that I saw travelers consistently making here were shocking.

Things were especially rough during the busy summer season when most people treated the park more like a shopping mall on Black Friday than a shared space in nature.

If you're going to Yellowstone — especially if you're visiting this summer — don't make these mistakes.

Stopping in the middle of the road

I saw many near accidents caused by travelers suddenly stopping in the middle of the road to look at animals in the distance.

Instead of braking without warning, find a safe spot to pull over and then walk back to see wildlife. Taking the time to find a place to park off-road may jeopardize your chance to see certain animals, but it can keep you from getting rear-ended.

Only sticking to the classic tourist spots

There's more to Yellowstone than Old Faithful.

Yellowstone National Park is 2.2 million acres — don't make the mistake of spending your whole trip only seeing a series of popular spots that wouldn't even cover a single acre.

Looking off the beaten path allowed me to see boiling mud pots, soaring eagles, and herds of pronghorns without crowds. Before your trip, look up more than just the most popular attractions to find other spots and trails to explore.

Thinking you can see the whole park in a day

You can't see all of Yellowstone in a day. I didn't even see all of it during my three months living there.

If your time is limited, put just a few things on your itinerary and take the time to see, enjoy, and learn from them.

Don't spend the majority of your days driving all over the park just to check things off of a must-see list or to post photos to the internet of attractions. There are plenty of those already.

Treating wildlife like pets

Unfortunately, I saw travelers harass animals often. They aren't there for your entertainment — respect them and their homes.

Related stories

Just because animals in Yellowstone don't run away from you doesn't mean that you should head toward them, either.

Bison look cute until they gore you. Elk are just giant deer until they swing their antlers like a sword. Feeding prairie dogs your lunch can expose you to disease while potentially making them sick.

Being unprepared

As someone who has been freezing cold in Yellowstone in August, I recommend being prepared for temperature swings as big as 40 degrees Fahrenheit in just a few hours.

Wear hiking boots and layers you can add and subtract from throughout the day to stay comfortable. Pack snacks and plenty of water so that you can stay hydrated and fueled.

Having what you need can help you comfortably stay out in the parks even longer.

Watch: How the Niagara Falls cliffs and trails are deep cleaned

• Main content

Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

Alaska might be one of the most beautiful places in the world, but it's rugged and can be tricky to get around. Explore the Last Frontier by cruise ship, and you can travel to gold rush towns, glaciers, Alaska Native heritage sites and natural areas brimming with wildlife in comfort, even luxury.

When planning an Alaska cruise, you have many things to consider: when to go for the experience you're anticipating, which cruise line is best suited to your travel style, the best Alaska cruise ports to visit and which shoreside activities you want to prioritize. It's not the kind of trip you want to throw together at the last minute — especially since the best fare deals typically go to organized travelers who book early.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

If you're eager to spot bald eagles in the wild, ride a dogsled atop an ice field or pan for gold after a hearty salmon feast, an Alaska cruise is calling your name. Dive into The Points Guy's Alaska cruise guide for all the planning tips you need for your dream cruise up north.

Why cruise Alaska?

Most people have similar reasons for cruising Alaska. They want to admire its rugged beauty, seek out wildlife (such as eagles, bears and whales) and learn about its Native cultures and gold rush history. It's so far from the rest of the mainland U.S. that it's become a bucket list destination, especially for travelers looking to visit each of the 50 states.

One of the key reasons to cruise Alaska versus taking a land tour is to visit destinations along the Inside Passage that you cannot reach by road. Plus, many of the state's famous glaciers are best viewed from the sea.

If you want to see landlocked areas, such as Denali National Park, you can tack a cruise line-operated tour onto the beginning or end of your sailing for a seamless land and sea vacation. It's easier than fumbling with multiple train, bus, ferry and hotel reservations to cobble together the same trip on your own.

A cruise can also make an Alaska trip more affordable. Instead of taking a long and expensive flight to Anchorage or Fairbanks, you can choose a cruise that sails round-trip from Seattle or Vancouver (note, you won't be able to tack on a post-cruise land trip to Denali if you do this). Restaurant prices in Alaska can be high, but a cruise bundles meals, accommodations and transportation into one price that, with sales, can be cheaper than you'd think.

Related: Best Alaska cruise tips to help you make the most of your time aboard and ashore

When do cruises go to Alaska?

Nearly every major cruise line has a presence in Alaska from May through mid-September, with some offering sailings as early as April or as late as October. The season is short due to weather. Cold temperatures, icy waters and a long snowy season are not conducive to early spring and late fall cruises.

Alaska cruise weather can be chilly (in the 40s to 50s) first thing in the morning and at night. However, if it's a sunny summer day, temperatures can shoot into the 70s and even low 80s. It also rains a lot in Alaska; it's drier in the spring than in the summer.

When you want to go will depend on which activities you want to do, how you feel about cool weather and rain, and the price. Cruises at the beginning (April and May) and end (September and October) of Alaska's cruise season are generally a bit cheaper than those in June, July and August.

Related: Best time to cruise to Alaska

Best Alaska itineraries

Where do Alaska cruises even go? Most sail along the Inside Passage, a maritime route along the state's southern coast (and into British Columbia and Washington state) that weaves around the area's thousand islands. Some venture farther north into the Gulf of Alaska; these are often one-way cruises that begin and end at the ports near Anchorage.

Learn more about the best Alaska cruise itineraries for your next vacation.

Inside Passage

The Inside Passage is the most popular Alaska cruise route. Weeklong itineraries generally embark in either Seattle or Vancouver, British Columbia — though some itineraries originate in Juneau. A few lines, such as Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Cunard Line, offer 10-night Inside Passage cruises from San Francisco, Seattle or Vancouver.

Glacial ice carved this passageway long ago, and today, cruise ships and fishing vessels thread their way through the islets and channels to see some of the most spectacular natural sights in the world.

You'll find magnificent mountains (often snowcapped, even in the summertime), lush forests, waterfalls, fjords and calving glaciers. If it's marine life you've come to see, you'll find it in abundance, from whales and dolphins to sea lions and harbor seals. On land, you'll likely spy bears and Dall sheep while eagles, puffins and a host of seabirds circle above.

Many people trek to Alaska to commune with nature, but there's also history here that you shouldn't overlook. Shore excursions and onboard lectures will explain the cultures of the Indigenous peoples of Alaska, as well as more recent inhabitants from the Russian community in Sitka and the fortune-seekers who moved to Skagway during the Klondike gold rush in the late 1890s.

Popular Inside Passage ports of call include Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Haines, Sitka and Skagway. Most cruises will visit three or four ports of call.

Additionally, you'll have one day spent cruising the Inside Passage and one focused on "scenic cruising," where you can enjoy the landscapes but won't go ashore. This is not nearly as boring as you might think since you'll see incredible sights like Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve or Hubbard Glacier .

One nice thing about the Inside Passage is how calm the water is because you're sailing between land masses. If you worry about seasickness, an Inside Passage trip is the best Alaska cruise itinerary versus a sailing where your ship transits rougher, open waters.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

Gulf of Alaska

If you book a weeklong Gulf of Alaska voyage, you'll also enjoy exploring parts of the Inside Passage and its ports that could include a mix of Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan, Haines and Icy Strait Point.

You'll have up to two days of scenic cruising, in addition to sailing the Inside Passage. Because Gulf of Alaska cruises sail farther north, scenic destinations might include College Fjord, in addition to Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier.

Generally, these one-way sailings travel from Seward or Whittier (the cruise ports closest to Anchorage) to Vancouver (or vice versa). Most itineraries are seven nights, but you'll find a handful that are longer.

For these itineraries, you'll need to fly into or out of Anchorage and take a train or bus to/from the cruise departure ports, which can take an hour or two. You can book the transportation on your own or through your cruise line.

Gulf of Alaska sailings — especially those in late August and September — can encounter rough seas in the gulf portion of the voyage. Be prepared if you're particularly prone to seasickness.

Related: One-way Alaska cruises vs. round-trip: Which is best?

Longer sailings from the West Coast

Finally, you'll find some round-trip San Francisco itineraries — usually 10 or 11 nights long — as well as longer sailings between San Francisco and Vancouver. These cruises are best suited to travelers who love days at sea.

On a 10-night cruise, you'll have four sea days (for example, two days from San Francisco to Juneau) plus a day of scenic cruising at a spot like Tracy Arm (Twin Sawyer Glaciers), Endicott Arm, Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay National Park. The waters before you enter the Inside Passage can be calm, rough or anything in between, depending on when you go.

Ports on these longer sailings might include Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Victoria, British Columbia.

You can also find one-way repositioning cruises between Southern California ports (Los Angeles and San Diego) and Vancouver at the beginning or end of a ship's Alaska cruise season.

Related: The best luxury Alaska cruises you can book right now

Cruisetours

Cruise lines understand that not all of Alaska's best sights lie along the coast. Denali National Park and the city of Fairbanks are well inland. And some coastal highlights, like the Kenai Peninsula, aren't typically visited on a seven-night cruise. So the cruise lines created their own "cruisetours": vacations that combine a weeklong cruise with a two- to seven-night bus tour.

On a cruisetour, you'll sail on a one-way Gulf of Alaska cruise, so your cruise starts or ends in Alaska. Depending on the tour itinerary you choose, you might visit Seward and the Kenai Peninsula, Alyeska, Talkeetna, Anchorage and Fairbanks — as well as spend one to three nights in Denali National Park.

Some lines also offer Alaska cruisetours that venture into Canada's Yukon, including a few Holland America tours that combine half a cruise with a cruisetour that starts or ends in Skagway.

Your tour might include a ride on the scenic Alaska Railroad . Some activities are included in the cost of the cruisetour; other outings can be booked like shore excursions, depending on your interest and budget. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, booking a cruisetour in September might be your best bet to see the aurora on a cruise vacation.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

Best Alaska cruise lines

Most big-ship and luxury cruise lines send at least one cruise ship to Alaska every summer. Some of the best Alaska cruise lines are Holland America and Princess Cruises because they have especially long histories in the region and offer cruises, as well as cruise and land tour combinations, on multiple ships each season.

If you want a more active trip in less touristed areas, a great choice would be a small-ship expedition line, including Alaska specialists such as Alaskan Dream Cruises and UnCruise Adventures.

Ships in all price ranges sail a variety of itineraries, so don't let budget stop you from visiting. If luxury is what you're after, you can find lines that will go overboard pampering you on your journey north.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Best cruise lines for extended trips to Alaska

If you want to cruise Alaska but also see some of the interior and enjoy a stay in a lodge or hotel, go for a cruisetour package from either Holland America or Princess Cruises. Both have fantastic itineraries that take passengers not only to the Inside Passage, but also to Anchorage, Denali National Park, the Yukon, Kenai Peninsula, Talkeetna and Fairbanks. Princess and Holland America even own a handful of their own lodges.

Best Alaska cruises for families with kids

Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian, Princess and Royal Caribbean all have extensive kids clubs aboard their ships that cater to all ages, from babies to teens. Little kids will adore meet-and-greets with beloved characters on board Disney cruises, or hanging with Dr. Seuss characters when sailing with Carnival. Older kids will love the rock climbing walls, video game stations, sports courts, go-karts and laser tag on Royal Caribbean and NCL ships.

Related: Best Alaska cruises for families

Best cruise lines for adventure-seekers

Active travelers might prefer expedition-style voyages on smaller ships that include more time for adventurous activities, such as hiking in the Tongass National Forest, wildlife and glacier viewing from Zodiac rafts or kayaks, or even overnight camping. These ships often feature complimentary shore excursions, kayaks and bikes for guest use and onboard scientists and naturalists.

If you've got active teens who have an interest in nature and the environment, an expedition voyage could be exactly what will keep them engaged and off their devices. Just expect the majority of your shipmates to be older adults.

Look to UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, HX (formerly Hurtigruten) and Lindblad Expeditions for the best adventure cruises.

Related: Pros and cons of small-ship cruising in Alaska

Best for multigenerational groups

Sailing with grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and kids? Try Celebrity Cruises, Holland America and Princess Cruises. These cruise lines, especially on their newer ships, offer something for everyone — as well as a higher caliber of onboard dining than on the cheapest cruises.

Kids can hang out in the youth lounges while parents hit the spa or try a wine-tasting class. Everyone can come back together for dinner and evening entertainment or onboard activities suitable for all ages.

Best for couples and big celebrations

The luxury cruise lines are your best bet if you're a couple and enjoy spacious suites, gourmet food, pampering (many luxe lines hire butlers to cater to every passenger) and the opportunity to meet other like-minded cruisers. The personalized service and all-inclusive nature of luxury voyages might also be attractive to anyone celebrating a milestone, such as an anniversary, big birthday or retirement.

Look at Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea Cruises and Viking.

Related: The best Alaska cruises for couples

Things to do in Alaska

Alaska cruises offer a wide range of activities in port, with options for active travelers, wildlife lovers, history buffs and shoppers. Whether you're traveling with young kids or require more sedentary recreation, the Alaska cruise ports won't disappoint.

Related: Best shore excursions on an Alaska cruise

Wildlife tours are available in every port. Hop a bus, kayak, boat or plane to look for bears, eagles, whales, sea otters and other wildlife. Note that moose don't regularly show up in the Inside Passage; you'll need to head farther north to find them.

Book a fishing trip to try your hand at catching salmon or halibut, or go out crab fishing for a glimpse into that type of work.

Active travelers can explore Alaska by sea kayak or canoe, hike on glaciers and through rainforests, zip line, bike, ride an ATV and even snorkel (you'll need a dry suit). You can even opt for a round of golf at the course in Haines.

In Alaska, sightseeing doesn't only take place on the ground. Floatplane and helicopter tours take you around scenic areas like Misty Fjords or land you on a glacier, perhaps for a dogsledding or hiking adventure on the ice. If you prefer to stay grounded, you can find informative trolley tours of ports like Skagway.

Alaska cruises provide plentiful opportunities to learn about Native Alaskan culture. You can get a taste of the gold rush life by trying your hand at panning for gold, attending a salmon bake or visiting a dogsled camp. A hike on the Chilkoot Trail or ride on the White Pass Railway lets you follow in the footsteps of the miners who came to seek their fortunes. Cap your day by trying out locally brewed craft beers.

Shopping abounds, and you can buy everything from diamond jewelry to T-shirts and other souvenirs. You'll need to look carefully for Alaskan-owned stores selling local handicrafts, but they're worth seeking out.

Related: Alaska cruise mistakes you never want to make

Best Alaska cruise ports

The best Alaska cruise ports are also the most crowded because no matter which type of itinerary and cruise line you select, you'll likely visit a mix of the same ports. The immediate port area will be filled with tourist shops and eateries. If you want to see nature at its finest, you must book a tour or venture farther afield.

If you want to see some of Alaska's most rustic and charming villages or stick to wild places, book a voyage with a line like Alaskan Dream Cruises or UnCruise to visit destinations like Baranof Island, Chichagof Island, Petersburg and Wrangell.

Ketchikan is known for three things: Native Alaskan (Tlingit) totem poles, Misty Fjords National Monument and the city's distinction as the Salmon Capital of the World. The town has more standing totem poles than anywhere else in the state; see them at the Saxman Native Village and the Totem Heritage Center. Access the Misty Fjords by kayak, floatplane or scenic cruise. Fishing excursions are plentiful here, too.

Ketchikan is where folks go to see the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, with athletes wielding axes and saws in traditional lumbering activities. It is also the jumping-off point for a Bering Sea crab fishing tour.

Alaska's capital city is interesting because no road leads from here to the rest of the state. It's located at the base of Mount Juneau, and you can only get there via boat or small plane — even residents have to bring their cars to Juneau via ferry. Home to Mendenhall Glacier, this is a popular port for hikes by, kayak tours to and helicopter landings on the glacier.

For a view of the city and cruise port, take a ride in the sky on the Mount Roberts Tramway. Various wildlife-viewing trips (whales, bears and more) and visits to dogsled camps and salmon bakes leave from Juneau.

If you're interested in Alaska's gold rush history, Skagway — 90 miles northwest of Juneau — is a port you shouldn't miss. In fact, it's the gateway to the Klondike and Dawson mining district in Canada's Yukon territory, where prospectors searched for gold in the late 1890s. The historic district still has a Wild West feel, though that's been a bit commercialized for the modern era. This port can get crowded in summer when several ships can call on the same day.

Skagway is an easy port for independent travelers who want to explore the town or go for a hike on their own. It's most famous as the terminus for the White Pass Railway into the Yukon.

Sitka is as much a working fishing town as it is a tourist destination. Sitka's Russian heritage also sets it apart from other Alaskan ports on your cruise itinerary. See St. Michael's Orthodox Cathedral with its onion dome and the Russian Bishop's House.

Before the Russians came, the Tlingit people settled here. You can learn about their history and culture at the Sitka National Historical Park and Sheldon Jackson Museum of Native Alaskan Art. Wildlife enthusiasts might want to visit the Alaska Raptor Center, or go bird- and bear-watching.

The population of Haines remains less than 2,000, according to the United States Census Bureau, and it isn't yet as touristy as some of the other Alaskan ports, such as nearby Skagway. It's known for great fishing (salmon, halibut and trout) and an eagle preserve — because eagles know where the best fish can be found.

Animal lovers and kids tend to enjoy a visit to the Kroschel Center for Orphaned Animals here. For a special tour, go bear-watching at twilight.

Icy Strait Point

Icy Strait Point is notable among Alaska cruise ports because the area and its attractions are all Native Alaskan-owned. Most port and tour staff hail from Hoonah, Alaska's largest Tlingit village. The port is set on Chichagof Island, which is known for its large bear population. Wildlife lovers have plenty of opportunities to search for whales and eagles here; adventure-seekers won't want to miss the ZipRider, with its course of six zip lines.

Scenic cruising

Most Alaska itineraries include some "scenic cruising," where your ship sails past incredible natural sights. You'll rarely leave the ship during these sail-bys (unless you happen to be aboard certain expedition, luxury or small ships that offer the chance to get on board a skiff to get closer ... but, even then, you're still viewing these sites from the water).

Onboard naturalists generally narrate what you're seeing, so head to the observation lounge (or tune to a broadcast on your in-room television) to learn about some of the top sights featured on scenic cruising days.

Top scenic cruising destinations in Alaska include Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve , Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm (Twin Sawyer Glaciers), Dawes Glacier at Endicott Arm and College Fjord.

Related: Hubbard Glacier vs. Glacier Bay: Which is the better scenic cruising spot in Alaska?

When to book an Alaska cruise

The best time to book an Alaska cruise is when a cruise line first opens bookings on that sailing, often more than a year in advance. You'll have your pick of itineraries and cabins — balcony cabins are popular in this scenic destination — and often the best fares.

Because Alaska has such a short season with a limited number of ships and is a dream trip for many, cruises are in high demand and people plan early.

If you wait to book, you're not entirely out of luck. Cruise lines often run sales in the fall or in the early months of the year (a period known in the cruise industry as " wave season "). You can take advantage of discounted fares, free upgrades or complimentary add-ons, such as Wi-Fi, gratuities, restaurant meals, beverage packages and tours. Some of the most desirable cabins might be sold out; being flexible about your sail date or itinerary can help.

In general, waiting until the last minute is not the best idea, unless you live in Seattle or Vancouver and don't need to book flights. While some less preferred sail dates or cabin categories might be available a few months out, spurring cruise lines to drop rates, you might have trouble finding affordable airfare and pre- or post-cruise hotel accommodations that do not consume your cruise savings.

Related: When is the best time to book a cruise?

What to bring on an Alaska cruise

When it comes to packing for an Alaska cruise, your mantra should always be: dress in layers. On the same day, you might be warm in town but chilly on your tour to a glacier. If you plan on hiking, kayaking or riding on a dogsled, you'll need the appropriate activewear.

Definitely pack for rain; consider skipping the umbrella and instead bringing a wide-brimmed waterproof hat, rain jacket, rain pants and waterproof shoes or boots.

This is also the trip for a camera with good telephoto lenses and binoculars. For more on what to bring on an Alaska cruise, check out our Alaska cruise packing list .

Bottom line

An Alaska cruise is a memorable experience. The beauty of the land and its immense history; the thrill of seeing bears, moose and bald eagles; and the mysteries of the surrounding marine life will astound you. It's a trip worth taking the time for planning and doing right — because who knows if or when you'll make it back to the Last Frontier.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

• TN Navbharat
• Times Drive
• ET Now Swadesh

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Kabini Calling: Your Guide To Nature And Wildlife In Karnataka’s Favourite Corner

Updated Jul 17, 2024, 17:09 IST

Kabini Calling: Your Guide To Nature And Wildlife In Karnataka’s Favourite Corner. Credit: Canva

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