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.
“We need to work with nature, not against it,” as Sir David Attenborough says.
The Wildlife Collection
If you're interested in wildlife watching holidays, then you'll be interested in our latest offering: The Wildlife Collection. These are active small group adventures, led by naturalist guides. You'll hike, snorkel or paddle in the places where the wild things are; trekking to gorillas in Rwanda, tracking snow leopards in the Himalaya or following herds of bison through the colourful Carpathians.
It's important that wildlife tourism happens responsibly. A sighting can never be guaranteed on any trip, and it would be irresponsible to promise one. What we don't want is people sprinting around a beautiful setting, chasing and crowding animals, and making it unpleasant for locals. Wildlife watching is about slowing down, getting back in touch with nature and learning about the beauty in these ecosystems. Move quietly, with purpose, and you might just get a glimpse.
Even if you don't spot a specific animal, you can usually find traces - tracks, signs, droppings - and leave a little more connected to the natural world. Below, you can browse the trips in our collection - plus some bonus picks. Our animal welfare policy was developed in collaboration with World Animal Protection.
Africa: The Best Wildlife Watching Holidays
1. Safari to Shore Journey in Hidden Tanzania
- Nights: 10
What’s the adventure? From the African bush to the Swahili Coast and Zanzibar Archipelago, this unique adventure takes you far from the crowds. Delve deep into off-the-radar Nyerere (Africa's largest national park) and Saadani, a special coastal safari reserve where the bush meets the beach. Track lions, leopards, elephants and wild dogs on a plethora of walking safaris, game drives, boat cruises and unique thermal-imaging night safaris. Finally? Island-hop through the serene Zanzibar Archipelago by private boat, exploring hidden sandbars and finding paradise-like snorkelling spots.
What animals could I see? Lions, leopards, elephants, African wild dogs, reef fish.
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2. Wildlife Adventure in South Africa and Eswatini
- Nights: 9
What's the adventure? Look for the Big Five, track rhinos on foot and sleep beneath Greater Kruger's star-studded skies. Cruise the St Lucia Estuary, home to one of Africa's largest populations of hippos and Nile crocodiles. Sleep out in the bush and take your turn on night watch as it comes alive around you. Learn to use telemetry equipment to track animals, then put those skills to work on a Big Five walking safari, before tracking white rhino on foot in Eswatini's Hlane Royal National Park.
What animals could I see? Lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, white rhinos, hippos, Nile crocodiles.
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3. Wildlife Adventure in Kenya
- Nights: 8
What's the adventure? Hike, bike and explore Kenya's wildest corners, journeying from crater lakes and ancient forests through Maasai heartlands to the legendary Masai Mara. Spend two full days in the Mara, one of the planet's greatest wildlife theatres. Cycle through the pioneering Soysambu Conservancy and wild camp bush-style beneath Great Rift Valley skies. Then spend a day with the Maasai at a remote cultural camp, hiking to a sacred site and sharing a traditional BBQ by the fire.
What animals could I see? Elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, hippos.
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4. Wildlife Adventure in Rwanda
- Nights: 9
What's the adventure? From Big Five safaris in Akagera to gorilla trekking in the Virunga volcanoes, this is Rwanda's wildlife at its most remarkable. Come face to face with mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, and learn about the conservation work that protects them. Head out on day and night safaris in Akagera, Rwanda's only Big Five destination, home to 480 bird species. Trek Nyungwe Forest and walk its canopy, then paddle the Mukungwa River and cruise Lake Kivu.
What animals could I see? Mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, lions, leopards, rhinos, fruit bats, hundreds of bird species.
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5. Wildlife Adventure in Madagascar
- Nights: 11
What's the adventure? 98% of Madagascar's land mammals, 92% of its reptiles and 41% of its bird species are endemic – found here and nowhere else. From rainforest trails to the shores of the Mozambique Channel, track lemurs and chameleons alongside the people working to protect them. Bed down at Kianjavato's remote field station, head into Ranomafana's rainforest after dark, and raise a glass beneath the baobabs of Reniala Private Reserve.
At Anja Community Reserve, locals protect ring-tailed lemurs within a green economy funded by tourism. “There are a lot of lemurs in the reserve, and they're easy to spot,” explains Laurence Duband Schaffner, a local expert.
What animals could I see? Ring-tailed lemurs, mouse lemurs, leaf-tailed geckos, chameleons.
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6. The Ultimate Adventure Through Wild Botswana
- Nights: 9
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.
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7. Safari Adventure in Tanzania
- Nights: 7
What's the adventure? Search for big cats in the Serengeti and go behind the scenes to see how Tanzania's national parks are kept wild. Bunk down on the banks of the Orangi River in the central Serengeti and join wardens in the field to learn about anti-poaching work. Swap the jeep for your feet on ranger-led walking safaris in Arusha and Serengeti National Parks. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, seek out Tarangire's elephant herds and stroll Lake Manyara's treetop walkway.
What animals could I see? Lions, leopards, cheetahs, black rhinos, elephants, giraffes, hippos, flamingos.
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8. Cycle, Safari and Stargaze in Namibia
- Nights: 8
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.
9. Wild Ghana: Journey into the Ashanti Kingdom
- Nights: 10
What’s the adventure? You'll explore the best wild spots of southern Ghana as you overland from the mighty Volta River to the pristine forests of Ankasa and Kakum. Eyes peeled for colourful bird species, spot-nosed monkeys and the elusive pangolin.
What animals could I see? Olive baboons, special white-necked rockfowl, spot-nosed monkeys and pangolins.
Asia: The Best Wildlife Watching Holidays
10. Trek the Annapurna Sanctuary Route & Go on Safari
- Nights: 15
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.
11.Marine Wildlife Adventure in the Maldives
- Nights: 7
What's the adventure? Explore island life far from the resorts on a liveaboard snorkelling adventure. Cruise between remote atolls aboard a traditional Turkish gulet, anchoring beside a different reef in Goidhoo and Baa Atolls each day. Snorkel among reef life and explore uninhabited islands and sandbanks. Get hands-on with marine conservation too: visit a coral reef restoration project and a turtle rescue centre, and join a beach clean on a remote island.
“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? Turtles, reef sharks, eagle rays, manta rays, whale sharks.
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12. Wildlife Adventure in Borneo
- Nights: 10
What's the adventure? Explore the caves, rivers and ancient rainforests of Sarawak and Sabah. Spend time with rehabilitated orangutans at Semenggoh and Sepilok, two centres working to rewild Borneo's most iconic primate. Cruise the Kinabatangan River at sunrise, one of Asia's great wildlife corridors. Explore bat-filled caves, swim beneath jungle waterfalls, and bunk down in Tanjung Datu National Park, where rainforest meets the sea, to watch for nesting turtles after dark. “At the Semenggoh Nature Reserve you'll find orangutans,” says JC Chua, a local guide and expert.
What animals could I see? Orangutans, pygmy elephants, sea turtles, kingfishers, eagles, bats.
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13. Track Snow Leopards in the Indian Himalayas
- Nights: 10
What's the adventure? Seek the elusive snow leopard in remote Ladakh on a high-altitude wildlife expedition with naturalist guides. Head into Hemis National Park with specialist optics, scanning the slopes for big cats and their prey. Learn fieldcraft from expert spotters – tracking, reading terrain and interpreting signs of life in the mountains. Between outings, stay in Himalayan village homestays and hear how local communities support conservation.
What animals could I see? Snow leopards, wolves, ibex, lynx, golden eagles.
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14. Big Cat Adventure in India
- Nights: 10
What's the adventure? Track tigers and leopards on foot and by jeep across central India's remote reserves: Satpura, Pench and Kanha. Walking safaris in the parks' buffer zones give a rare perspective on the forest. Visit the Earth Focus Foundation in Kanha to learn how local communities help protect the future of tigers. You'll stay in three handpicked forest lodges on the fringes of the reserves, so the wildlife watching continues even in your downtime.
What animals could I see? Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears.
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15. The Ultimate Island Hopping Adventure in the Komodo Archipelago
- Nights: 10
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. Hiking and Wildlife Tracking in Italy
- Nights: 4
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.
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17. Hiking and Bear Watching in Romania
- Nights: 3
What's the adventure? Head into the Carpathian Mountains - home to the majority of Europe's brown bears - to hike wild trails and scout for bears from a hide. Round it off by exploring a legendary Transylvanian castle. A short, easy trip for anyone who wants a big dose of wildlife, history and culture in a long weekend.
What animals could I see? Brown bears, wild boars, wolves, chamois.
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18. Wildlife Tracking in Romania
- Nights: 4
What's the adventure? Search out wild bison, bears and wolves on a remote ramble through a rewilded corner of the Southern Carpathians. Created with expert local wildlife trackers and conservationists, it follows the reintroduced herds of European bison through the Tarcu Mountains. Bunk down in wilderness cabins and safari-style camps beneath the stars, and snatch wild swims in lakes and rivers.
“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? European bison, brown bears, wolves, foxes, lynx, wild boars, eagles.
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19. Winter Hiking and Wolf-Tracking in Italy
- Nights: 3
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.
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20. Wolf Tracking and Wild Swimming in Sweden
- Nights: 3
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.
21. Wildlife Adventure in Estonia
- Nights: 5
What's the adventure? Sleep in a bear hide, track moose across coastal wetlands and bogshoe ancient peatlands in the wild heart of the Baltics. Paddle Soomaa's quiet rivers in search of beavers, then trek across the bogs and take a wild dip in a natural pool. Spend a night in a remote forest hide in Alutaguse, home to around half of Estonia's brown bears, and hear from the guides protecting 86 hectares of taiga and supporting bear research. Finish in Matsalu's wet meadows, tracking moose.
What animals could I see? Brown bears, moose, beavers, common cranes, white-tailed eagles.
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North and Central America: The Best Wildlife Watching Holidays
22. Canoe Expedition in the Yukon Wilderness
- Nights: 10
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.
“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.
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23. Wildlife Adventure in Costa Rica
- Nights: 9
What's the adventure? Journey from remote rainforests in Tortuguero to mangroves lining the Pacific in search of sloths, tree frogs and whales. Explore Tortuguero's canals by boat, deep in a national park where over 800 wildlife species thrive. Cross hanging bridges into primary rainforest in Tirimbina Biological Reserve, and track the resplendent quetzal in the Los Santos cloud forest with local families protecting its habitat. Finish in Marino Ballena National Park, one of the few places where humpback populations from both hemispheres meet.
What animals could I see? Sloths, tree frogs, sea turtles, caimans, toucans, monkeys, coatis, resplendent quetzals, humpback whales.
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South America: The Best Wildlife Watching Holidays
24. The Ultimate Island Hopping Adventure in the Galapagos
- Nights: 9
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.
25. Hike, Raft and Kayak in Chilean Patagonia
- Nights: 9
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!