Wildlife Holidays and Animal Encounters
For many travellers, seeing wildlife in its natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether it’s orangutans in the rainforest, elephants on safari, or lions on the African plains, wildlife holidays create memories that stay with you forever.
Below are some outstanding wildlife experiences that offer very different but equally unforgettable experiences.
I've also included some animal encounters where it's not a true wild experience, for example, at the Giant Panda Research base in Chengdu, and the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Borneo. Both of these provide unforgettable experiences for tourists, and the money raised goes towards research and rehabilitation, but they are not wild.
Wildlife Holidays and Animal Encounters
For many travellers, seeing wildlife in its natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether it’s orangutans in the rainforest, elephants on safari, or lions on the African plains, wildlife holidays create memories that stay with you forever.
Below are some outstanding wildlife experiences that offer very different but equally unforgettable experiences.
I've also included some animal encounters where it's not a true wild experience, for example, at the Giant Panda Research base in Chengdu, and the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Borneo. Both of these provide unforgettable experiences for tourists, and the money raised goes towards research and rehabilitation, but they are not wild.
- Orangutans
- River cruises where you may spot proboscis macaques, pygmy elephants, hornbills, crocodiles, and many other birds
- Near-guaranteed sightings of rescued orangutans at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
- 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.
- Reliable sightings of 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. At this time, not only is it wet, but animals are harder to spot in the longer grasses and are more dispersed.
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.
Grizzly Bears are the outstanding attraction, but whale watching is also available, and you may even see sea lions and dolphins.
- One of the few places in the world to easily see grizzly bears in their natural habitat
- Often up to 50 bears within 10 km of the lodge in the autumn, when the salmon are returning to the river
- Wild and remote area with spectacular scenery and snow-capped mountains
- Getting here involves some effort - drive up to Campbell River and then take a float plane the next day to the lodge
- Not a budget experience
Late August to mid-October is when most bears are present, and is the ideal time to visit.
A trip to Knight Inlet is normally combined with a Canadian Rockies fly-drive, including Banff, Jasper, Vancouver, and possibly Vancouver Island.
Bengal tigers are the big attraction, but you may also spot crocodiles, leopards, hyena, wild dogs, and sambar and spotted deer.
- The park is actually very scenic with lakes, old ruins and a10th-century fort.
- Easily included as part of a longer Northern India itinerary, as it lies between Agra and Jaipur.
- Seeing a tiger can be very hit and miss - I was unlucky and despite a few game drives, didn't get to see a tiger. Over the years, the population has gone up and down. There's a decent number now, but they have large territories. My tip is to go without expectation, and enjoy the experience of the park as a whole, with a tiger sighting as a bonus.
March is the best month to balance potential tiger sightings with the weather in other parts of India.
Penguins, seals, humpback, orca and minke whales
- A wild, pristine continent with iconic wildlife, trips feel more like expeditions than they do cruises.
- The scenery, and the immense icebergs, are unforgettable
- Excursions, food and drinks are usually all included in the up-front cost, while there are often fascinating talks on board
- The weather can change very quickly, and the itinerary can change at short notice
October to March
Starting at the very south of Argentina, cruises can visit the Falkland Islands and South Georgia en-route to Antarctica.
Sloths, scarlet macaws, capuchin monkeys, toucans, hummingbirds, frogs, lizards, crocodiles, woodpeckers, and many other bird species
- Amazing variety of wildlife, including many exotic birds
- Good beach options at the end of your trip (and even these offer wildlife-viewing opportunities!)
- Choice of organised group tours or self-drive tailor-made itineraries
- Many lodges and hotels get booked up months in advance
December to April
A typical itinerary would be San Jose to start (fly in), then on to Tortuguero National Park (boat trips along the waterways), Selva Verde (rainforest reserve), Arenal (volcano), Monteverde Cloud Forest, Tarcoles (crocodiles), and finish at Manuel Antonio (beach)
Macaws, black caimans, giant otters and monkeys
- A great add on to a tour of Peru, and a real feeling you're in the Amazon
- The howler monkeys can certainly be heard, but can be difficult to spot
May to October when it's the dry season.
The Amazon is a popular extension to a tour of Peru - we often add it on for clients doing either an organised group tour or a tailor made trip.
Elephants, crocodiles, buffaloes, monkeys, and leopard, which is what the park is famous for.
- Combines well with other parts of Sri Lanka to make a very varied trip in a short space of time.
- There are a couple of other excellent parks, such as Udawalawe and Minneriya, both known for their elephant populations.
- Accommodation is of a very good standard here
- Holidays are excellent value for money, especially organised group tours
- Leopard sightings are not guaranteed, although you will definitely see other wildlife
- Can be crowded at times.
January to April tends to be drier, however for May to September, it might be worth finishing on the East Coast where the weather might be more favourable.
Yala National Park is often added on to the end of a tour of Sri Lanka - so you see the cultural sights, tea plantations and amazing wildlife all in one trip, and then there's time for the beach.
There is now a thriving elephant population, and you'll also hopefully see lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, hippos, giraffes, zebras, and much more.
- Africa's premier safari destination
- Teeming with wildlife, especially elephants
- Can enjoy wildlife watching from a mokoro in the Okavango Delta
- Less crowded than other African safari parks
- Can combine with Victoria Falls.
- Comes at a much higher cost than other safari destinations.
May to October, when it's the dry season.
A typical Botswana itinerary might include visits to Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe National Park, and often Victoria Falls.
Sea lions, marine turtles, reef sharks, boobies, albatross, iguanas, flamingos, turtles, dolphins, tortoises, and much more
- Once in a lifetime wildlife holiday
- Excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities
- Choice of land or cruise, although cruises are much more popular
- Can be an expensive trip
No best time, although August and September can be cooler with choppier waters.
Typically 7 night cruises on yachts, some with a maximum of 14 people, others up to 100, and some trips will include time in Ecuador.
Lemurs, chameleons, sifakas
- Unique wildlife, especially lemurs
- Relax afterwards on the beach
- Getting around isn't always easy, so good planning is essential
June to October is the dry season, with September to October being ideal for lemurs.
A typical trip might go as follows: Antananarivo > Andasibe-Mantadia National Park (the no.1 'must-see' protected rainforest site) > Ifaty (more arid part of Madagascar) > Isalo National Park (lemurs) > Ambalavao (chameleons, geckos and skinks) > Ranomafana National Park (lemurs)
Giant Pandas
- Combines well as part of a longer tour of China
- Guaranteed to see them at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- The giant pandas are not wild - this is a research and breeding sanctuary
Spring or Autumn, when it's not too hot or too cold.
Beijing (for the Great Wall) > Xian (for the Terracotta Warriors) > Chengdu (for giant pandas) > Yangtze River Cruise > Guilin > Yangshou (dramatic scenery) > Shanghai
Japanese macaques - "snow monkeys"
- An extraordinary experience - you can walk right up to the hot pool that many of them hang out in
- It's very entertaining to see some of them totally chilled and relaxed, while others are grooming each other or splashing around having fun
- Not all organised group tours visit here, and it takes a bit of effort to get to if you are travelling independently, but it is do-able
The cold winter months are best because the hot pools are so much more appealing then - so December to March is ideal.
