There’s a lot of incredible wildlife around the world. Some people are doing their best to preserve it so that it will still be there for future generations. While it might not seem like it, going to see amazing wildlife for yourself is a good way to help conserve wildlife. People that rely on wildlife tourism take steps to conserve the wildlife that brings tourist dollars.
Pinning down the best wildlife experiences in the world is pretty tough, but if you’re thinking of going on an adventure, consider the exciting experiences below.
Safari
Going on a safari has to be one of the most popular wildlife experiences people crave. While you can take a safari elsewhere, an African safari is what most people are thinking of when they say “We’re going on a safari”.
There are lots of countries to choose from, including South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, and Kenya. Some people want to catch a glimpse of the Big 5 (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo), while others are happy to go searching for any animal available. It’s not just about seeing the wildlife, but experiencing the wilderness too.
Whale Watching
Whale watching is another incredible opportunity that many people are determined to experience. It can be difficult to guarantee whale sightings, but there are plenty of places where you have a good chance of seeing a number of fascinating whale and dolphin species.
People often think of cold places for whale watching, but some of the best destinations are a little warmer. Baja in Mexico is a great place to spot humpbacks, grey whales and even blue whales. There are also dolphins and porpoises, as well as a variety of other whale species. Living aboard a boat for a couple of weeks is the best way to see as many whales as possible in the Baja.
Visit Maui or Kauai in the Hawaiian islands from November through February and most whale watching boats will guarantee whale sightings. See our comprehensive post on how to get the best out of your Maui whale watching experience. If you’re visiting Kauai, our complete Kauai guide has recommendations.
Searching for Bears
Bears are another incredibly popular animal, but getting to see them can be tricky. Canada is one of the best places to go for grizzly bears, as well as black bears. For an even rarer sight, Kermode bears or “spirit bears” are one of the most fascinating bear to try and spot. They are a subspecies of the black bear, but they’re actually white. There are probably fewer than 400 of them in the wild in Canada and Alaska. One of the best places to see them is British Columbia’s Princess Royal Island, where you can explore by boat.
Gorilla Trek
If you want to get close to a species that is “related” to humans, gorillas are incredible to see. In Uganda, you can get close to mountain gorillas in the Bwindi forest. You need to be prepared to trek to get there, and you can only spend an hour near the gorillas, but it’s more than enough for a wonderful experience. You might also accidentally spot them from your accommodation – there are lodges and campsites available nearby.
If you’re a wildlife lover, don’t miss these unforgettable experiences. It’s worth making an effort to go somewhere remote and find what you’re looking for.
Tips for Trip Success
Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.
Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.
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