Is it your lifelong dream to see wild animals in their natural surroundings? I know mine is and so I picked 10 best places to see wildlife around the world.
These destinations around the world are known for their incredible biodiversity and extraordinary creatures and opportunities for wildlife encounters. Let’s see what we got here…
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Table of Contents
1) Tanzania
Tanzania is the ultimate wildlife experience, and there’s really nothing that can compare to the ethical wildlife safari in Africa. Many countries and environments across the continent have numerous options worth exploring the Serengeti is really without parallel. It’s a gem and one of the earth’s greatest natural treasures that has rightfully been named among the 10 natural travel wonders of the world.
Covering approximately 12,000 square miles of land, the region encompasses both Serengeti national park and several smaller reserves extending from Tanzania into Kenya.
Serengeti is home to a wide array of incredible creatures, including elephants, leopards, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles. It’s also the site of Africa’s great migration.
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This annual event which attracts travelers from around the globe, sees millions of creatures, including wildebeest gazelle and zebra, travel from the southern Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara. It’s truly a sight to behold.
2) Borneo
For people interested in primates, there’s really no better travel destination than Borneo. It’s the third-largest island in the world. Borneo is divided amongst the nations of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei.
If we’re honest, though, it’s really the orangutans and gibbons that rule the land here, at least in Danum Valley as you explore this dense rainforest, the nature sounds can be almost overwhelming. You have truly ventured into the animal kingdom, and with the right guide, it’s not hard to spot the gibbons and orangutans amongst the trees.
It would be best if you remembered this is their turf, so it’s important to keep a respectful distance. Of course, Borneo has more than just primate sightings to offer. It’s home to countless fascinating creatures. Borneo is also known for its Sumatran rhinos, cloud leopards, flying squirrels, and tarsiers.
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3) Alaska
Alaska is arguably America’s most untouched state. While it might not be the most obvious choice for your next great adventure due to Alaska’s weather, its sparse human population and exciting landscape make it one of the wildest and purest natural spaces in North America. That environment is overflowing with an extraordinary array of wild animals, big and small, as you navigate this rugged landscape.
It isn’t unusual to see a majestic eagle soaring above along the coast, bowhead, and beluga whales come to the surface. At the same time, grizzly bears frolic in the rivers attempting to snatch a passing salmon. You can also see polar bears as well as bison, wolves, musk, ox, moose, caribou, and much more
4) Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a Central American country that attracts travelers from all around the globe with its pristine wilderness. The country is actually thought something of a leader in terms of sustainability and eco-tourism having been at the forefront of the industry dating back to the early 90s.
From surfing along the coast to wilderness treks in the rainforest, Costa Rica offers ample adventure opportunities while the country’s colorful wildlife is seemingly hiding around every corner. Corcovado national park is, without a doubt, the best place for those who want to marvel at the local fauna.
The park is home to an estimated 400 species of birds, while its shoreline plays host to sea turtles in the nesting season. Cordova is also home to black-handed spider monkeys, tapis howler monkeys, whiteface capuchins, and squirrel monkeys.
5) India
You wouldn’t think that one of the world’s most populated countries would have much room left for wilderness and wildlife but you’d be wrong.
As densely populated as its cities might be, India nonetheless has large tracts of land that remain mostly undisturbed and protected by nature preserves. Thanks to its varied landscapes, the country boasts an impressive level of biodiversity that includes many iconic species.
Depending on where in the country you’re traveling and how long you’re staying, you could very well see everything from an Indian peacock to an endangered Bengal tiger. Yes, Jim Corbett national park, that’s its name, is a great place for wilderness sightings.
Not only is it home to the rare aforementioned big cat but also Indian elephants, crocodiles, otters, sloth, bears, pangolins, and more
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6) Norway
If you’re not afraid of the cold, Norway is another great option; simultaneously, Oslo’s capital city makes for a modern and culturally enriching experience. You can have outdoor adventures all across the nordic countryside, but if wildlife is your focus, then you’ve got to head to the frozen islands of Svalbard.
This land arguably belongs to the polar bears first. People second considered to be among the most impressive and pristine stretches of wilderness in Europe Svalbard is also a great place to spot walruses, seals, reindeer, and arctic foxes.
It’s a hard environment populated by only the most effective survivors. While Svalbard is home to orcas, those who want to prioritize penguins may want to visit the opposite end of the globe and head south to Antarctica instead, which is another great option for wildlife lovers.
7) Madagascar
Seeing animals in their natural habitat is always an enriching experience. Still, observing animals that literally can’t be found anywhere else in nature is extraordinary. Cut off from mainland Africa some 250 miles from the coast, Madagascar broke away from the rest of the continent approximately 88 million years ago.
During that time, flora and fauna have charted unique evolutionary paths. Today it’s thought that 90 of the island’s wildlife is exclusive to Madagascar, and that makes for one truly unforgettable trip. The Rainforests of Atsinanana, in particular, are teeming with strange and wonderful creatures, including 10 known species of lima.
The sheer variety of birds that call Madagascar home is baffling. In contrast, the bug and reptile species are similarly awe-inspiring in their variety and unique features.
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8) Mexico
Being such a large and diverse country, Mexico has a wide range of environments to explore, each with its own unique wildlife collections. If there’s one area that stands out as an absolute must-visit, however, it’s the Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California or the Vermillion sea.
This patch of the Pacific Ocean is absolutely jam-packed with aquatic life bordered by the Mexican mainland on one side and Baja California on the other. The Sea of Cortez is a fantastic place for whale watching here you can see humpback whales, California gray whales, killer whales, fin whales, sperm whales, and blue whales.
This remarkable body of water is also home to several endemic species found nowhere else, including the endangered Vaquita porpoise add in manta rays, sea turtles, and countless varieties of fish and sea birds. You’ve got quite the wildlife experience.
9) Namibia
When most people think of a desert environment the images that come to mind are typically devoid of life except for perhaps the odd cactus or scorpion scuttling by.
While these dry climates are certainly challenging, many of them actually play host to a surprising array of creatures. Namibia’s Kalahari desert is a prime example encompassing over 350,000 square miles of land in Southern Africa, this sandy savannah is characterized by red sand dunes, acacia trees, and various types of grass.
Depending on the season and weather, however, you can spot an awe-inspiring collection of wild animals. The meerkat is perhaps the Kalahari desert’s most iconic resident, but it’s also home to wild dogs and oryx. After rainfall, the desert is completely transformed, attracting everything from elephants to hyenas and lions.
10) Galapagos islands
Just like Madagascar, the Galapagos islands can sometimes feel like an alien world. Located approximately 560 miles off of the coast of mainland Ecuador, this collection of 21 volcanic islands evolved separately from the rest of the world.
When the landmass formed approximately five million years ago, the flora and fauna struck out on its own unique trajectory which has made it one of the best places to study and understand evolution.
many life forms there arrived by air or sea, but once they arrived they had millions of years to adapt to this specific and isolated environment. Today, the islands are home to a number of endemic species, in fact, the hyper localization of the animals goes further with a number of them being found exclusively on just one of the Galapagos islands.
Some of the most famous inhabitants include the giant tortoise, penguins, sea lions, lava lizards, and marine iguanas.