Are you one of the world’s biggest animal lovers and you’d like to go across the world to see all the gorgeous wildlife out there? If you don’t know where to start, we’re here to show you some of the most majestic destinations filled with wonderful animals and species so diverse you’ll never want to go back home. From Alaska to Brazil, Costa Rica, Tanzania, and Auckland, these are just some of the world’s most wonderful wildlife destinations you should visit.
Alaska, U.S.A.
Alaska is a true melting pot of wildlife. From bald eagles soaring up in the air to humpback whales flashing their flukes in the water, you will be breath taken by all the wonderful wildlife. Check out hungry bears stalking rivers in search of salmon, visit Denali National Park to spot Alaska’s version of the African Big Five: grizzly bears, wolves, Dall sheep, caribou, and moose. If you come to Alaska on a cruise ship and go through the Inside Passage, you can also spot fascinating marine animals such as harbour seals, Steller sea lions, sea otters, and an array of whales.
Tanzania
If you’ve always wanted to see Africa’s Big Five, then Tanzania is a must-see place for you. Spot head on all the majestic lions, rhinos, elephants, leopards, and Cape buffalo. Tanzania is also packed with an array of other species such as hippos, giraffes, and zebras. One of the characteristics of Tanzania is the fact that the Great Migration happens precisely in this African country. Millions of wildebeest move as one from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara in neighbouring Kenya. If you want to witness this magical event, be sure to visit Tanzania in June and July.
Auckland, New Zealand
New Zealand is home to stunning wildlife that you may not even expect at first. After you have landed, you can find a car rental at Auckland airport and after a short drive to the coast, you will come across incredibly rich and vivid marine life at Hauraki Gulf. Get ready to see spectacular mammals such as whales and dolphins that will certainly make your visit worthwhile.
The Pantanal, Brazil
The Amazon may be the star of the show when it comes to exploring South American wildlife, but the Pantanal is also a wonderful wildlife-watching destination. If you want to see the wild species up close, Pantanal is one of the world’s most spectacular wetlands to do it. One of the best and most often practised ways of wildlife-watching is the river cruise. The water will act as a natural barrier between you and the wildlife, so you’ll be able to see the animals quite closely without fear of being attacked or making them feel in danger. The Pantanal will offer you the view of a number of threatened species including the giant anteater, South American tapir, hyacinth macaw, jaguar, and the endangered giant otter.
Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica
Corcovado National Park is the sanctuary for the last remaining old-growth wet forest and endangered wildlife. Stretching across almost a third of the Osa Peninsula on Costa Rica’s Pacific coastline, it is home to endangered Baird’s tapirs and all four species of Costa Rica’s primates. To be up close with the endangered Central American squirrel monkeys, black-handed spider monkeys mantled howlers, and white-faced capuchins, make sure you fly to Costa Rica and visit Corcovado. Don’t be surprised if you are greeted with white-nosed coatis and collared peccaries.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Free of natural predators, Galapagos Island is one of the top wildlife vacation destinations. You won’t have to be worried about frightening the animals so you can prepare to see sea lions, giant tortoises, waved albatrosses, and iguanas from only a few metres away. Going to Galapagos Island will give you the chance to see the world’s only tropical penguins.
Svalbard, Norway
Have you always wanted to see polar bears, reindeers and Arctic foxes? If so, visiting Svalbard in Norway will be the best trip for you. The cluster of icy islands between the North Pole and Norway is home to puffins, seals and walruses too. Visit this spectacular destination in the summer, when the midnight sun shines all night long and observe these wonderful species in their natural habitat.
If you’ve always dreamt of watching wild animals in their natural habitat, the aforementioned destinations will offer you plenty to see. Whether you opt for warmer destinations such as Africa and South America, or you prefer colder climates and opt for Alaska and Norway, you’ll have the best experience of your life.
