Wildlife Holidays and Animal Encounters
Wildlife Holidays and Animal Encounters
- Orangutans
- River cruises to see crocodiles, monkeys and birdlife
- Proboscis monkeys
- Near-guaranteed sightings of rescued orangutans.
- Can combine with beaches and city (Kuala Lumpur).
- More wildlife viewing along the Kinabatangan River such as pygmy elephants and monkeys.
- The beach stays are fabulous in their own right, such as Gaya Island.
- The easiest place to see orangutans is in a sanctuary, so it's not a truly wild experience.
March to October, but as it's a tropical destination you can get showers at any time of year.
Popular is Kota Kinabalu Beach + Sabah (for the orangutans) + Gaya Island, or depending on budget you could also include Langkawi, e.g. Gaya island + Sabah (for the orangutans) + Langkawi.
Go for a second visit to the Orangutan sanctuary in the afternoon, when it is much quieter.
The Datai in Langkawi is one of the world's great hotels, and sits above a pristine beach.
The Big 5, lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos, plus wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, impala, giraffe, cheetah, hyena, jackal, and much more.
- Very easy to see big game in the wild
- One of the more affordable African safari destinations, so great if you're first time.
- As well as the Masai Mara, you can visit other national parks such as Amboseli with different landscapes and animals.
- Easy to add a stay along the Kenya Coast, where there are some excellent beaches.
- Can be crowded, especially around migration time from July to September
- Some lodges and hotels can get booked up many months in advance (for example Giraffe Manor)
The wildebeest migration occurs from July to September, and if you're lucky, you might see a river crossing. January and February are also good times to go as the weather is good, but it's less busy than in the summer. The months to avoid are April and May, and November when it's rainy season.
A popular 5-night itinerary combines Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, and the Masai Mara, followed by your chosen beach hotel.
Add a night in Nairobi and visit the Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage.
Giraffe Manor is famous for the giraffes that pop their heads through the window when you're having breakfast!
Elephant, giraffe, hippo, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, lion, hyena, white rhino, and more.
- Combines easily with a few days in Cape Town and driving along the Garden Route for a very varied holiday
- Malaria free region
- South Africa has limited choices if you'd like a 'beach' resort after your tour and safari.
- Crime can be a concern for many, although most happens in specific areas away from the main tourist spots. Nevertheless, you still need to be vigilant, and avoid walking alone at night.
Cape Town and the Eastern Cape is an all year round destination, but the warmer months are November to April, while the whale watching season is July to November. Wildlife is a little easier to spot in the drier months of June to September, when the animals are more prone to congregate around waterholes.
Start in Cape Town, then drive along the Garden Route (usually allow around a week) and then finish with a few days in a game reserve.
You can see penguins at Boulders Beach near Cape Town, where there are designated boardwalks for visitors.
Lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, springbok, oryx, wildebeest, warthog.
- Much less crowded than other destinations in Africa
- Some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa, with animals congregated around waterholes, especially in the dry season
- There are other fantastic places to visit in Namibia - such as the Kalahari and Deadvlei
- It's easy to hire a car and do a self-drive safari.
- Some lodges are booked up months in advance
- No real 'beach' region for a relaxing stay afterwards
The dry season is May to October, with September and October being the ideal months, as by then the animals are easier to spot.
There's an excellent 12-night round trip that includes 3 nights on safari in Etosha National Park, on a self-drive basis, but this can be tailored to your interests and budget.
Kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, sea lions, fur seals, little penguins
- Most of the animals listed are relatively easy to spot
- Combine with a stay in Adelaide and a longer Australian journey
- Limited accommodation choices, so early booking is recommended.
- Guided tours are expensive - the best way to visit Kangaroo Island is by car.
December to February is the hottest time of year in Australia, but for tropical Queensland the ideal time to visit is the dry season from May to October.
