There is a deep-rooted bliss to exploring a forest, a valley, an ocean or savanna that is alive with wildlife. Just the knowledge that animals exist in an area, and help shape the landscape and contribute to a fully-functioning ecosystem has a humbling power. Seeing their impacts as you travel through such an environment - the scratch marks, the paw prints and tracks left in long grass - is captivating. Part of that is that it’s rare, in the modern day, to be able to explore a landscape that isn’t curated specifically for human beings.
Catch a sighting of a charismatic species; a lion moving through the planes, a gorilla eating amongst the trees, a herd of bison rampaging off or a wolf walking back to its den with prey in its mouth, and it can be truly unforgettable.
Wildlife watching is about slowing down, getting back in touch with nature and learning about the beauty in these ecosystems and landscapes.
Animals are the best of us - and we love all of them. All of them. We love the ones that are tall and swing from the trees. We love the ones that are small and catch insects in beaks. We love the ones that prowl and have stripy fur and paws and we love the ones that swim and have fins (even if they were villainised in Jaws). Our wildlife is worth protecting. It is our very world - and through tourism, done right, we can contribute to vital conservation efforts around the world.
Tourism can be an excellent way to support rewilding and conservation work, creating circular, nature-based economies which provide locals with a crucial source of income - and an essential alternative to the likes of farming, fishing, mining and deforestation. Local-led projects which depend on a healthy ecosystem foster communities which care for land - rather than exploit it.
It’s important that wildlife-related tourism takes place responsibly, though. A sighting of wildlife can never be guaranteed on any tour, and it would be irresponsible to do so. What we don’t want is people sprinting around some beautiful setting, chasing wildlife, crowding it, making it unpleasant for locals and upsetting animals. Wildlife watching is about slowing down, getting back in touch with nature and learning about the beauty in these ecosystems and landscapes. Move quietly, with purpose, and you might just get a glimpse.
“We need to work with nature, not against it,” as Sir David Attenborough says.
Even if you don’t spot a specific animal, you can usually find traces - tracks, signs, droppings - and leave revitalised and feeling connected to your world.
Here are the best wildlife watching adventures, categorised by continent.
Africa: The Best Wildlife Watching Holidays
1. Hike, Safari and Stargaze in Namibia
Nights: 9
Price: £1,396
What’s the adventure? Track iconic wildlife on bushwalking safaris and quintessential African game drives in Etosha National Park, where you’ll have an excellent chance of seeing some of Namibia’s most charismatic animal species. Elsewhere, you’ll tackle otherworldly hikes through technicolour desertscapes amidst the enormous sand dunes of the Namib Desert. Road trip through the desert, camp out beneath the stars and tuck into food grilled cooked over the braai, to boot.
What animals could I see? Ostrich, springbok, gemsbok, zebras, elephants, wildebeest, lions, cheetahs, leopards, sable antelope, white rhino.
2. The Ultimate Trekking Adventure in Madagascar
Nights: 11
Price: £1,929
What’s the adventure? 98% of Madagascar’s land mammals, 92% of its reptiles, and 41% of its bird species are endemic - meaning they can be found on the island and nowhere else. On this adventure, you'll get off-grid on this remote ramble, hiking through two of the wildest national parks on the extraordinary 'Great Red Island' - Isalo and Andringitra, keeping your eyes open for the island’s most famous residents - lemurs.
98% of Madagascar’s land mammals, 92% of its reptiles, and 41% of its bird species are endemic.
There’s a whole lot of wildlife on Madagascar, and the vast majority of it is endemic, meaning it can only be found here. That includes over 110 species of lemurs to be seen around Madagascar. Visit Anja community reserve, where locals protect ring-tailed lemurs within a green economy. “There are a lot of lemurs in the reserve, and they’re easy to spot,” explains Laurence Duband Schaffner, a local and expert on tourism in Madagascar.
What animals could I see? Chameleons, lemurs (of varying species).
3. The Ultimate Kenyan Wildlife Adventure
Nights: 9
Price: £2,527
What’s the adventure? Hike in the foothills of Mount Kenya, along the rims of volcanic craters and by the shores of Rift Valley lakes. Settle in for spectacular game drives in the Masai Mara, keeping your eyes peeled for some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife. Kick back on the tranquil shores of Lake Naivasha, and refresh yourself under the waterfalls at Mau Mau Caves.
What animals could I see? Zebra, gazelle, elephants, giraffes, black-maned lions, leopards, cheetahs, hippos.
4. Wild Cycling Expedition in Uganda
Nights: 10
Price: £2,131
What’s the adventure? Pedal over 400km of the Uganda Cycling Trail, and cross the equator on an all-terrain gravel biking adventure into the heart of East Africa, including a high-altitude ascent to Buhoma, the gorilla capital of the world. Ride dirt roads and wild savanna on a challenging self-powered journey through the Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Safari from your saddle in Lake Mburo National Park, and hop on a boat in the Kazinga Channel. Stargaze at the night sky from Ugandan lodges and remote safari camps.
The highlight is, of course, the gorillas and the monkeys that you can visit there.
“In the southwest corner you’ve got the Green Highlands Trail, which is green and hilly, and that’s where most of the jungle is,” says guide Thies Timmermans. “You’ve got banana plantations, some nice lakes and the highlight is, of course, the gorillas and the monkeys that you can visit there."
What animals could I see? Elephants, gorillas, buffalo, crocodile, lions, zebra, antelope.
5. Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route and Go on Safari
Nights: 11
Price: £3,093
What’s the adventure? Climbing Africa's highest mountain via the scenic Machame route and then taking a safari afterwards to celebrate. How’s that for the trip of a lifetime? Even before the safari, you can see animals living on Kilimanjaro - from monkeys to antelopes and big cats.
What animals could I see? Elephants, lions, flamingos, hippos, warthog, zebra, wildebeest, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs.
6. The Ultimate Adventure Through Wild Botswana
Nights: 9
Price: £2,137
What’s the adventure? Take an epic overland odyssey from Namibia to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, through one of the world’s most wildlife rich countries. Journey into the Okavango Delta for breathtaking bush walks, Mokoro safaris and wild camping on an island in the wilderness.
What animals could I see? Elephants, lions, cheetahs, hippos, rhinos, crocodiles, giraffes, hyena, leopard.
7. Summit, Safari and Rafting Adventure in Kenya
Nights: 9
Price: £2,227
What’s the adventure? Trek to the peak of Mount Kenya, spot the Big Five and raft Kenya’s longest river on this epic adventure trilogy. Great spots for spotting wildlife include the forest-flanked Tana River and the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
What animals could I see? Elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, black rhinos.
8. The Ultimate Adventure Through Rwanda
Nights: 8
Price: £2,417
What’s the adventure? A journey through the Nyungwe National Park, the oldest rainforest in Africa. You'll hike through the forest which is home to numerous primate species, including chimpanzees, and kayak Lake Kivu - eyes peeled for fish eagles, congo otters and more. There's the opportunity to spend time with a troop of rare golden monkeys - or you could opt to observe the rare mountain gorillas instead.
What animals could I see? golden monkeys, chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, mountain gorillas
9. Mountain Trekking and Gorilla Safari in Uganda
Nights: 12
Price: £3,621
What’s the adventure? Traverse the 'Mountains of the Moon' to reach Africa’s third highest peak and see the mountain gorillas of Bwindi. Take a hut-to-hut circuit on a trek like no other in the Rwenzori Mountains – Africa's best-kept secret and the third highest mountain on the continent. The summit of this trip is 5,109m high, and a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park follows.
What animals could I see? Gorillas, elephants, lions, giraffes, antelopes, buffalo, hippos, warthogs, hyena, Nile crocodile.
10. Cycle, Safari and Stargaze in Namibia
Nights: 8
Price: £1,472
What’s the adventure? Ride through vast dune deserts, along the Skeleton Coast, and sleep under the Milky Way. Take a safari in Etosh National Park and visit a reserve home to thousands of breeding Cape Fur seals, beneath Spitzkoppe Mountain.
What animals could I see? Cape Fur seals, lions, elephants, rhinos, Kirk’s dik-dik, wildebeest, zebras, red hartebeest, steenbok.
11. The Ultimate Island Adventure in Mauritius
Nights: 7
Price: £1,996
What’s the adventure? In Mauritius you'll hike Le Morne Brabant and canyon through Tamarin Falls, nestled in lush rainforest. And you'll also hit the water on a wildlife watching boat trip, keeping your eyes peeled for sperm whales, pilot whales, bottlenose and spotted dolphins.
What animals could I see? Sperm whales, pilot whales, bottlenose and spotted dolphins
Asia: The Best Wildlife Watching Holidays
12. Trek the Annapurna Sanctuary Route & Go on Safari
Nights: 15
Price: £1,083
What’s the adventure? After hiking the Annapurna Sanctuary route in Nepal, head south to Chitwan National Park, Nepal's first ever national park which protects more than 900 square kilometres of forest, grassland and wildlife including gharials (crocodilian reptiles known for their long, pointed snouts), rhinos, elephants, pythons, and rare and elusive big cats: Bengal tigers and leopards. Take a safari along the Rapti River onboard a dugout canoe to glimpse of aquatic birds, gharials, and other wildlife which come to the river to drink. You can also take a jeep safari into the jungle, where you might see species such as bison and rhinoceros.
What animals could I see? Bengal tigers, gharials (crocodilian reptiles), rhinos, elephants, pythons, deer and leopards.
13. Island Hopping Adventure in the Real Maldives
Nights: 7
Price: £1,848
What’s the adventure? Explore an incredible marine world teeming with life – swim with whale sharks and snorkel kaleidoscopic reefs. Hike, kayak and SUP your way around these pristine tropical islands, discovering dazzling sandbanks and beaches. Uncover the real Maldives by hanging out with local islanders and participating in marine conservation projects. Kick back and make the most of this Indian Ocean paradise with beach barbecues and sunset sailing trips.
"There are whale sharks, there's manta rays and there's beautiful coral reefs," says Ruth Franklin, a sustainable tourism expert in the Maldives.
What animals could I see? Whale sharks, manta rays, turtles.
14. Wild Adventure in the Jungles of Borneo
Nights: 9
Price: £1,471
What’s the adventure? Explore jungles teeming with wildlife in the lesser-visited Sarawak region of Malaysian Borneo. Hike through virgin rainforest to reach sparkling waterfalls, mysterious caves, remote beaches and traditional longhouses. Kayak the Sarawak River and cycle to historic towns as you traverse the spectacular landscapes of Borneo. Drift off to the hum of the jungle at authentic cultural homestays, forest lodges and a tranquil Buddhist village.
Kubah National Park is famous for palm trees - and a huge variety of frogs.
"Bako Naitonal Park is famous for proboscis monkeys," says JC Chua, a local guide and expert. "At the Semenggoh Nature Reserve you'll find Orangutans, and Kubah National Park is famous for palm trees - and a huge variety of frogs."
What animals could I see? Proboscis monkeys, orangutans, hornbills, macaques, wild boars.
15. Hike and Kayak Indonesia’s Remote Islands
Nights: 10
Price: £1,757
What’s the adventure? Hike along lush jungle paths to discover waterfalls and secret pools, and cycle the forest trails and lava fields around Mount Batur. Kayak, swim and snorkel the pristine waters of Komodo National Park, sleeping on a liveaboard boat. Discover Indonesian tradition and culture first-hand in the villages and agricultural communities of Bali and Flores.
What animals could I see? Komodo dragons, sea turtles, dolphins, manta rays.
Europe: The Best Wildlife Watching Holidays
16. Rewilding Adventure in Italy’s Abruzzo Mountains
Nights: 4
Price: £822
What’s the adventure? Track the 'Big 5' species of the Central Apennines Rewilding Area on foot in this biodiversity hotspot, often dubbed the greenest area in Europe on account of the sheer volume of protected land. Bookend long days in the wilderness with classic Italian food and tasty local wines in atmospheric mountain villages. An incredible adventure in partnership with expert local wildlife trackers and conservationists.
"Bears are an umbrella species," says Umberto Esposito, a local guide. "If you protect them, you also have so many other benefits for the whole territory."
What animals could I see? Brown bears, wolves, wild boars, chamois, golden eagles.
17. Bear Watching and Castle Hopping in Romania
Nights: 2
Price: £466
What’s the adventure? Hike to an isolated hide in the Carpathian Mountains – home to 60% of Europe’s remaining Brown bear population – and see these incredible creatures up close and in the wild. Spend a night in the bars and bohemian cafes of Romania's buzzing capital and explore two famous Transylvanian castles. Perfect for adventurous travellers who want a little bit of everything – city life, history, culture and of course, wildlife.
What animals could I see? Brown bears, wild boars, wolves, chamois.
18. Rewilding Adventure in Romania’s Tarcu Mountains
Nights: 4
Price: £723
What’s the adventure? An incredible adventure in partnership with expert local wildlife trackers and conservationists from WWF. Follow the reintroduced herds of European Bison through a revolutionary rewilding area in a remote corner of Romania. Bunk down in wilderness cabins and safari-style camps beneath the stars and snatch wild swims in lakes and rivers.
The bison manage to keep meadows open. All of these open spaces are very important for smaller herbivores.
"A lot of other animals are directly benefiting from the bison," says WWF bison ranger Matei Myculescu. "The bison manage to keep meadows open. All of these open spaces are very important for smaller herbivores - red deer, roe deer, wild boars, even for bears, because in these open spaces, they can find forest fruits."
What animals could I see? Bison, bears, wolves, foxes, lynx, wild boars, eagles.
19. Winter Hiking and Wolf-Tracking in Italy
Nights: 3
Price: £748
What’s the adventure? A rewilding adventure through the Abruzzo Mountains, created in partnership with local wildlife trackers and conservation experts. Clip on snowshoes to search for the elusive creatures of Italy's Central Apennines Rewilding Area. Eyes peeled for the ultimate apex predator, the wolf: this keystone species is an iconic symbol of rewilding efforts in this part of Europe. Head out on twilight hikes to hear the wolves howl before tucking into classic Italian food in family-run guesthouses
What animals could I see? Brown bears, wolves, wild boars, chamois, golden eagles.
20. Arctic Wilderness Adventure in Svalbard
Nights: 7
Price: £1,758
What’s the adventure? Set off on a true Arctic adventure as you explore the wild and beautiful Spitsbergen Island and experience the midnight sun. Take turns on polar bear lookout, sleep in the wilderness and brave the 'Polar Plunge' - a (quick) dip in the Arctic Ocean. Kayak beside majestic glaciers and hike amongst insanely beautiful fjords and mountains.
“When I first came to Svalbard in 1980, to see a polar bear was not a common sight," says Arne Kristofferson, a local tourism expert in Svalbard. "Now, if you plan a trip to Svalbard, you cannot guarantee that you will see a polar bear, but the amount of polar bears has increased a lot in the last 20 or so years. And also the amount of polar bears in the local area around Longyearbyen.”
What animals could I see? Whales, walruses, polar bears.
21. Wolf and Moose Tracking in the Swedish Wilderness
Nights: 3
Price: £810
What’s the adventure? Wild camp in a secret location deep in pristine boreal forest, master your hunter-gatherer skills and feast on supper prepared over the campfire. Witness the important role the Scandinavian Wolf Project plays on lupine behaviour, conservation efforts and land management with local experts. Reconnect with nature - wild swim in secluded lakes and enjoy a long-standing tradition in Scandinavia, a wood-fired tent sauna.
"It’s about outdoor cooking, sitting by the campfire and hearing wolves howl," says guide Marcus Eldh. "If you walk half an hour in any direction of where we camp, you’ll find 10 lakes."
What animals could I see? Moose, wolves, roe deer, mountain hares, lynx.
22. Hike, Canyon and Whale Watch in the Azores
Nights: 6
Price: £1,299
What’s the adventure? Hike along spectacular coastal trails and get sweeping Atlantic views from the highest point on Sao Miguel. Jump, scramble, slide and abseil the canyons of Ribeira dos Caldeirões and coasteer along the wild, volcanic coastline. Get a close encounter with the Azores' teeming population of whales and dolphins. Bed down in four-star boutique hotels, perfectly situated for exploring botanical gardens and pretty historic streets.
It also helps employ scientists.
“If people come to the Azores to see the whales, that means money coming to the Azores. That means hotels, restaurants; everything benefits,” says Rui Rodrigues, a guide in the area. “It also helps employ scientists. The university cannot finance the boats going to the sea - they come with the whale watching boats."
What animals could I see? False killer whales, pilot whales, sperm whales, dolphins.
23. Humpbacks and Huskies Under the Aurora in Norway
Nights: 3
Price: £1,713
What’s the adventure? Set sail on a silent boat into the fjords, eyes open for Norway’s famous winter residents, the orca and humpback whale. Drive a husky pack through the alpine tundra and paddle the wintry waters of the Arctic Capital. Bed down in a sleek, Nordic hotel on the waterfront and enjoy some of the best views in Tromsø from its rooftop bar.
What animals could I see? Humpback whales, orcas.
North America: The Best Wildlife Watching Holidays
24. Canoe Expedition in the Yukon Wilderness
Nights: 10
Price: £1,554
What’s the adventure? Paddle the calm and fast-flowing waters of the Teslin and Yukon River in a traditional Canadian canoe through an ecosystem packed with history and wildlife. Lookout for wildlife along the shoreline, and head out for hikes to reach viewpoints over the Yukon Valley. Camp out in the wild beneath the midnight sun on the banks of the river and spend evenings taking chilly dips, fishing and telling stories round the campfire.
We'll observe from the safety of the boats.
“How much wildlife you’ll see depends on how loud your group is,” says wilderness guide Chloe Dumont-Samson. “If you're fairly quiet, chances are you might see animals early in the morning or later in the day, when they’re most active. This is the best time to see them. I wouldn't be as nervous seeing a bear on shore because we're clearly keeping our distance. We'll observe from the safety of the boats."
What animals could I see? Bears, moose, caribou, eagles.
25. The Ultimate Island Adventure in Mauritius
Nights: 7
Price: £1,996
What’s the adventure? In Mauritius you'll hike Le Morne Brabant and canyon through Tamarin Falls, nestled in lush rainforest. And you'll also hit the water on a wildlife watching boat trip, keeping your eyes peeled for sperm whales, pilot whales, bottlenose and spotted dolphins.
What animals could I see? Sperm whales, pilot whales, bottlenose and spotted dolphins
South America: The Best Wildlife Watching Holidays
26. Island Hopping Adventure in the Galapagos
Nights: 9
Price: £2,414
What’s the adventure? Hike, bike and snorkel this unique archipelago and encounter its special wildlife, on an adventure immersed in the natural world. The walk will take you to the otherworldly Sierra Negra Volcano - one of the largest, and most active, volcanic craters in the world, while the cycling element is a fantastic opportunity to see those famous giant tortoises.
What animals could I see? Giant tortoises, reef sharks, sea turtles, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, penguins, flamingos.
27. Amazon Rainforest Adventure in Ecuador
Nights: 6
Price: £955
What’s the adventure? Well, we couldn’t not include a trip to the Amazon. Hike through wild jungle and voyage remote rivers in the untouched UNESCO Yasuni Biosphere Reserve. Float along the Shiripuno River and wind into the wilderness. Camp on the river’s edge in the heart of the Amazon Basin and fall asleep serenaded by the hum of the jungle.
What animals could I see? Peccary, giant otters, anacondas, piranhas, jaguars.
28. Adventure through Chilean Patagonia
Nights: 9
Price: £2,344
What’s the adventure? Hike and paddle in Los Lagos, an untamed wonderland of lakes, forests and fjords in the unexplored north of Patagonia. Trek through the ancient forests of the Andes in the Ventisquero Valley, glimpsing glaciers, waterfalls and condors. Raft and packraft on pristine glacial waters and sea kayak the secluded Reloncavi Fjord. Get involved in the Llanquihue wetlands conservation project, a critical and unique habitat for migratory birds.
I believe travel is the economic activity that can have the biggest impact in terms of rewilding, and in terms of giving back to locals.
“Travel must be more than just selling trips,” says Raffaele di Biase, a local guide and environmentalist. “Here we have glaciers, volcanoes, temperate rainforests, mammals, birds, rivers, lakes. Our office is there, in the outdoors, but we have a big responsibility because of that. I believe travel is the economic activity that can have the biggest impact in terms of rewilding, and in terms of giving back to locals. And of course, it can be fun while we do it.”
What animals could I see? Andean condor, flamingos, Coscoroba swans, imperial cormorant, Chilean dolphin, black-necked swans.
Inspired? Check out our full range of Wildlife Watching Holidays now!