Many people include a wildlife vacation on their bucket list. To get close to nature and see animals in their natural habitat is magical whether it is spotting a polar bear on an ice drift off Antarctica or seeing an orang-u-tan hanging in a tree in Borneo. Here are just a few ideas for the wildlife experience of a lifetime:
See the Big Five – An African Safari
One of the most popular and best wildlife vacations is a safari in Africa. Venture out in a jeep with skilled and knowledgeable guides who will help you spot the “big five” – the lion, elephant, leopard, rhinoceros, and Cape Buffalo.
Other wildlife abounds too depending on which of the national parks in Africa you take your trip. Countries offering safaris include South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, and Rwanda.
The scenery is as incredible as the wildlife: you might see elephants at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro or giraffes highlighted by the backdrop of the cityscape of Nairobi. They provide amazing photographs which can be improved by high-quality equipment including lends, filters and tripods.
With luxury lodges and camps, an African safari in a glamorous and fascinating wildlife holiday.
The Wildlife Experience That Shouldn’t Be Missed – The Galapagos Islands
This remote archipelago 1,000 miles off the coast of Ecuador is renown as one of the best places to see wildlife in the world. The islands are uninhabited except for research stations and a few hotels, so the habitat is undisturbed and protected.
Visitors can get very close to wildlife as most of the animals are unafraid of people. On amazing tours here, get to see incredible creatures that inspired Darwin’s theories of evolution and find yourself in close proximity to iguanas, albatrosses, tropical penguins, and the famed giant tortoises.
The seas around the island are also fascinating and teeming with marine life – excellent for diving where you might bump into a sea lion or two.
Commune with Gentle Giants – Whale Watching in Alaska
Whale watching can be a fun trip in many parts of the world including New Zealand, South Africa, and Norway, but on a wildlife holiday in Alaska, you not only see whales but so much more.
The best way to see whales is from the water rather than the shore. Options include single boat trips or the popular choice of a cruise through the Inside Passage where there are various types of whales, sea lions, otters, and seals.
As well as the magnificent whales, Alaska has its own version of the African Big Five – the grizzly bear, caribou, Dall sheep, wolf, and moose. – best seen in Denali National Park.
A Voyage of Discovery – Amazon River Cruise
The Amazon Rainforest is the most diverse place on Earth, and they are still discovering new species today. An Amazon River cruise is an amazing way to see the variety of wildlife that inhabits the forest and the banks and waters of the world’s second longest river.
Luxury boats cruise the river through the vast area of rainforest where more than 3,000 species of fauna and flora are constant companions. Tours usually offer a varied itinerary which might include expeditions into the jungle (for which you need a great pair of boots), action on the water, or visits to indigenous villages.
Up Close and Personal – Swim with Sea Lions in Mexico
If your idea of the best wildlife vacations is being able to get into the water with marine animals. Head to the Sea of Cortez. This is the body of water between the Mexican mainland and the Baja California peninsula, also known as the Gulf of California.
Marine life is abundant and the sea is on the migratory paths of various species of whale including humpback, blue, fin, gray, and sperm. Year-round, there are plenty of dolphins, orcas, and gentle whale sharks.
A popular activity is swimming with the friendly and playful sea lions.
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