The Best Wildlife Viewing Destinations You Need to Visit This Year

introduction: The Best Wildlife Viewing Destinations You Need to Visit This Year

I’ve always been drawn to the amazing variety of wildlife worldwide. From the Bengal tigers of India to the Australian koalas, our planet is full of fascinating creatures. Many live in protected national parks and sanctuaries¹.

Seeing the Javan rhino in Indonesia’s forests or the Galapagos Islands’ unique wildlife is thrilling. Or, going on a safari to find the “Big Five” in Africa is an adventure for all².

Key Takeaways

• Discover the incredible diversity of wildlife found in national parks and sanctuaries around the world
• Explore unique destinations like the Everglades, Mana Pools, and Rainforests of the Atsinanana for exceptional wildlife viewing
• Encounter iconic species such as Bengal tigers, Javan rhinos, and Australian koalas in their natural habitats
• Plan your trips to coincide with the best seasons for wildlife viewing in each destination
• Immerse yourself in unforgettable eco-tourism and wildlife experiences for the whole family

Best Wildlife Viewing Destinations : Everglades National Park, Florida

The Everglades National Park is a natural wonder in the southernmost part of Florida. It covers over 1.5 million acres³. This unique place is home to many animals, like North American Crocodiles and Alligators. You can also find Florida Panthers, American black bears, and lynx here. The park’s coastal waters are a safe place for manatees.

Diverse Wildlife and Unique Ecosystem

The park has four visitor centers: Royal Palm, Flamingo, Everglades City, and Shark Valley³. Each center offers a chance to see the park’s amazing wildlife. Shark Valley is famous for its 15-mile loop road. Visitors can walk, bike, or take a tram tour to see wildlife up close³.

The Gulf Coast region, near Everglades City, leads to the Ten Thousand Islands mangrove estuary. The Flamingo area, 38 miles south of the main entrance, is great for bird and marine life viewing³.

Best Time to Visit for Wildlife Viewing

The dry season, from December to April, is the best time to see wildlife⁴. The weather is nice, and it’s easier to see animals in their homes. Boat tours in the Gulf Coast and Flamingo areas, and the Shark Valley tram tour, are great for spotting dolphins, manatees, and crocodiles⁴.

The Flamingo area is also good for birdwatching. Ranger-led tours are available during the winter⁴.

“The Everglades is a test. If we pass it, we may get to keep the planet.” – Marjory Stoneman Douglas

Best Wildlife Viewing Destinations : Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

Mana Pools National Park is a wildlife lover’s dream, located by the Zambezi River in northern Zimbabwe. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site⁵ known for its rich wildlife and plants. It’s a top spot for safari adventures⁶⁷.

Incredible Safari Experiences

Mana Pools is famous for its wide range of wildlife, including the Big Five animals of Africa⁷. You can see lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos here⁷. The park is also home to over 12,000 elephants during the dry season, who find shade under acacia trees⁶.

Wild dogs, hyenas, and cheetahs can also be spotted, along with more than 200 bird species, like the fish eagle⁶.

Mana Pools offers unique ways to explore, like walking safaris and canoe trips on the Zambezi River⁷. These activities, led by expert guides, give you a real and memorable safari experience⁶⁷.

Seasonal Considerations for Wildlife Viewing

The dry season, from June to October, is the best time to see wildlife in Mana Pools⁵. The vegetation is thinner, making it easier to spot animals. The Zambezi River is also a key spot for many species during this time⁶⁷.

The wet season, from January to March, is harder due to thicker plants and muddy roads⁵.

Mana Pools offers a unique safari experience with its diverse wildlife, great guides, and adventure options. Whether you like walking safaris, canoe trips, or just watching animals from your lodge, this UNESCO site will impress you⁶⁷⁵.

To visit Mana Pools responsibly, choose eco-friendly places to stay, respect the wildlife and their homes, and support local people⁵. This way, you help protect this amazing place for future generations.

Best Wildlife Viewing Destinations : Rainforests of the Atsinanana, Madagascar

The Rainforests of the Atsinanana in Madagascar are a true wildlife wonderland. They are home to unique and endemic species found nowhere else on Earth⁸. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has 13 protected areas and 6 national parks. Each is full of extraordinary biodiversity⁹.

Visitors to these lush, tropical forests can see the island’s iconic lemurs. Over 110 species of lemurs are found across Madagascar’s reserves⁹.

Ranomafana National Park is a standout attraction in the Rainforests of the Atsinanana. It’s about nine hours by car from the capital, Antananarivo⁸. The park is famous for its diverse lemur population. Visitors can see the Milne-Edwards’ sifaka, red-fronted brown lemur, and more.

They can also spot the Malagasy Civet, the mysterious Fossa, and various chameleon species. These include the two-banded chameleon and the short-nosed chameleon⁸.

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from August to December. The weather is sunny and dry, and lemurs have their babies in October and November⁸. This World Heritage Site offers an unforgettable wildlife experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike⁹.

“The Rainforests of the Atsinanana are a true natural treasure. They harbor some of the most unique and threatened species on the planet. Exploring these lush, biodiverse landscapes is a life-changing experience for any wildlife enthusiast.”

Best Wildlife Viewing Destinations : Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia

Located in Java’s southwest corner, Ujung Kulon National Park is a paradise for nature lovers¹⁰. It covers the Ujung Kulon peninsula, islands, and the Krakatoa reserve. This makes it a unique and fascinating place¹⁰. The park boasts untouched lowland rainforests, home to many endangered species. The Javan rhinoceros, with only 60 left, is the most endangered¹⁰.

Home to Critically Endangered Javan Rhinos

Ujung Kulon is the last home of the Javan rhinoceros, with only 60 left¹⁰. These rare animals are the world’s rarest rhinos. Saving them is crucial¹⁰. The park also shelters 29 other mammals, like the false gharial and vulnerable estuarine crocodile¹⁰.

Best Time for Trekking and Wildlife Viewing

The dry season, from April to October, is the best time to visit Ujung Kulon¹¹. The weather is warm and dry, perfect for trekking and spotting wildlife¹¹. You can explore trails like Tanjung Layar Walk. It offers views of Rhinoceros Hornbills, dense jungles, secluded beaches, and old Dutch ruins¹¹.

Ujung Kulon National Park is a must-see for those who want to see the Javan rhino or enjoy nature¹⁰¹¹.

“Ujung Kulon National Park is one of the last remaining truly wild and untouched places, offering an exceptional escape in Java.” – Traveler Review

Best Wildlife Viewing Destinations : Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Australia

In the suburbs of Brisbane, Eastern Australia, lies the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. It’s Australia’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary¹². Here, visitors can see some of Australia’s most iconic animals up close.

Up-Close Encounters with Iconic Australian Wildlife

The sanctuary is home to many Australian animals. You’ll see koalas, kangaroos, wombats, dingos, platypus, Tasmanian devils, and the Southern cassowary¹³. You can walk through exhibits and see animals in their natural settings. You can even feed the friendly kangaroos¹³.

Visitors can take photos with koalas for a small donation¹². The sanctuary also offers photo packages starting at $18¹³. Educational presentations and animal encounters are available all day. They give you a deep look into the animals’ behaviors and traits.

Seasonal Considerations for Visiting

The best time to visit is from March to May, autumn¹². The weather is mild, and it rains less, perfect for wildlife watching¹². Winter and spring are the busiest times, but finding a place to stay can be hard¹².

Looking for a koala encounter or a chance to feed a kangaroo? The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the place to be¹²¹³.

Best Wildlife Viewing Destinations : Jim Corbett National Park, India

The Jim Corbett National Park is a wildlife paradise in the Himalayan foothills of northern India¹⁴. It’s famous for its Bengal tigers and also has Indian elephants, Asiatic black bears, and Indian leopards¹⁴¹⁵.

The winter months, from October to February, are the best for wildlife watching¹⁶. The weather is cool, between 5°C and 25°C, perfect for both visitors and animals¹⁶. This time, tigers are more active, and you can see many migratory birds¹⁴.

The Dhikala Zone is the top spot for tiger and elephant sightings¹⁶. It lets you stay overnight and see the Ramganga Reservoir. You might see the park’s famous animals¹⁴¹⁶., Bijrani and Jhirna Zones also offer great wildlife experiences¹⁶.

Jim Corbett National Park is perfect for tiger sightings, birdwatching, or trekking¹⁴¹⁶¹⁵., It has diverse ecosystems, rich biodiversity, and stunning beauty. It’s a must-visit for wildlife lovers¹⁵.

Best Wildlife Viewing Destinations : Bandhavgarh National Park, India

Bandhavgarh National Park is in central India’s heart. It’s a wildlife paradise with a high Royal Bengal tiger density. Here, you can see these majestic animals in their natural home¹⁷. With 60 to 70 tigers, it’s the top spot in India to see Bengal tigers¹⁷.

Best Destination for Spotting Bengal Tigers

Bandhavgarh National Park is small, covering just 105 square kilometers. Yet, it’s full of wildlife diversity¹⁷. You’ll find Bengal tigers, Indian dholes, Indian wolves, Indian leopards, sloth bears, and striped hyena here. Wildlife safaris offer a chance to see these amazing animals up close¹⁷.

Ideal Time for Tiger Viewing

The summer months of March through May are the best for tiger sightings¹⁷. The dry vegetation and waterhole gatherings make tigers more visible¹⁷. But, the park closes from mid-July to mid-October for the monsoon¹⁷. It’s also key to practice responsible tourism to protect the wildlife¹⁷.

Bandhavgarh National Park is a wildlife lover’s dream in India¹⁸. Its biodiversity, tigers, and landscapes make it unforgettable. The park’s history, culture, and wildlife offer a unique experience¹⁸.

“Bandhavgarh National Park offers a unique wildlife experience in Madhya Pradesh.”

¹⁸

best wildlife viewing destinations

Our world is full of different ecosystems, each with amazing wildlife. Places like the Everglades in Florida and the Galapagos Islands are top spots for wildlife watching. These places let us see the incredible animals that live on our planet¹⁹.

Start a Patagonia Wildlife Safari for 5 days at $1,717¹⁹. Or, dive into the Wildlife Odyssey Amazon & Galapagos for 15 days from $7,684¹⁹. You can also go to Borneo for a 5-day Borneo Wildlife Safari starting at $1,329¹⁹.

Unique and Diverse Wildlife Destinations Around the World

See the wonders of Svalbard, Norway, on the Svalbard Encounter Expedition Micro Cruise for 8 days at $11,215¹⁹. Or, try the Norway’s Fjords and Arctic Svalbard (Northbound) expedition for 17 days at $24,972¹⁹. The Svalbard Odyssey for 12 days starts at $16,795¹⁹.

Don’t miss the Birds, Bears & Belugas journey for 8 days at $13,496¹⁹. The Arctic Discovery expedition for 9 days starts at $14,590¹⁹. Also, check out the Great Ice Bear for 7 days at $12,358¹⁹.

Explore the Ungava Polar Ecotour Adventure for 7 days at $10,978¹⁹. Or, go on the Norwegian Discovery: Svalbard and the Northern Fjords for 12 days at $17,250¹⁹.

For an amazing Antarctic trip, try the Polar Bear Migration Fly-in for 8 days at $14,586¹⁹. Or, see the Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake for 8 days at $16,795¹⁹. The Antarctic Small Ship Expedition for 10 days starts at $6,995¹⁹.

Also, check out the Classic Antarctica Air Cruise for 8 days at $11,495¹⁹.

Visit the High Deserts of Bolivia & Chile for 10 days from $3,586¹⁹. Explore the New Zealand Uncut: North & South Islands for 15 days starting at $8,571¹⁹. Or, discover the Best of Vietnam & Laos for 13 days starting at $2,473¹⁹.

Looking for the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti²⁰? Or maybe the giant tortoises of the Galapagos²⁰? Or the elusive Bengal tigers of India²⁰? These places offer unique chances to connect with nature and make unforgettable memories.

“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” – Robert Swan

Best Wildlife Viewing Destinations : Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands are a wildlife paradise²¹ off Ecuador’s coast. They are famous for their diverse wildlife. Sea lions play in the blue waters, and marine iguanas sunbathe on the beaches²².

Seeing blue-footed boobies dance is a highlight²¹. Their bright blue feet are a sight to see. Frigatebirds also impress with their flying and red throat pouches²².

The islands have more than just seabirds²¹. Giant tortoises live in Santa Cruz’s highlands. Marine iguanas bask on rocks²². You might see sea lions or Galapagos penguins too²².

The Galapagos Islands show nature’s wonder²¹. Animals here have adapted to their environment. A visit will leave you with unforgettable memories²².

“The Galapagos Islands are a natural laboratory of evolution. Here, the evidence of how species adapt to their environment is clearly visible.” – Charles Darwin

Conclusion

Our world is full of amazing wildlife spots, from the Everglades to the Galapagos. These places offer great chances for nature lovers and adventurers²³. By visiting these areas, we can see Earth’s creatures in their homes and help protect them for the future²⁴.

Whether it’s seeing Bengal tigers in India²⁵ or watching Javan rhinos in Indonesia²⁴, these places give us unforgettable moments. They help us feel closer to nature.

And Best wildlife destinations in the world | Blog . Wildlife sanctuaries around the world, from Africa to Asia, let us see the beauty of nature²⁵. By helping conservation and choosing responsible travel, we protect these places and their animals. This way, future generations can also enjoy these wonders.

Seeing wildlife in their natural homes is a special and humbling experience²³. It shows us the beauty and strength of our planet. It also reminds us of our duty to protect it.

As we explore these natural wonders, let’s keep our sense of wonder alive.If you want, Romantic Getaways : Top 10 Romantic Getaways in the World . Let’s respect and protect the Earth’s biodiversity for the future.

Source Links

1. https://www.americansky.co.uk/travel-inspiration/top-10-destinations-for-wildlife-spotting-in-america
2. https://wanderlustphotosblog.com/2019/04/23/the-top-25-wildlife-destinations-in-the-world/
3. https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/placestogo.htm
4. https://npplan.com/parks-by-state/florida-national-parks/everglades-national-park-park-at-a-glance/everglades-national-park-wildlife-viewing/
5. https://thetravelblog.at/on-safari-in-zimbabwe-travel-guide-for-mana-pools/
6. https://africanbushcamps.com/destinations/zimbabwe/mana-pools-national-park/
7. https://www.go2africa.com/destinations/mana-pools/why-go
8. https://www.worldheritagesite.org/list/Rainforests of the Atsinanana
9. https://africageographic.com/stories/eastern-madagascar-forest-beach-endemic-life/
10. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/608/
11. https://uncoveringindonesia.wordpress.com/2020/10/14/ujung-kulon-javas-finest-national-park/
12. https://www.tofutraveler.com/blog/lone-pine-koala-sanctuary
13. https://anorcadianabroad.com/2015/10/12/a-day-at-lone-pine-koala-sanctuary/
14. https://beyondthebucketlist.co/jim-corbett-national-park/
15. https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/jim-corbett-national-park-india/index.html
16. https://maulikhospitality.com/guide-jim-corbett-park/
17. https://www.responsiblevacation.com/vacations/bandhavgarh/travel-guide/wildlife
18. https://www.bandhavgarh-national-park.com/places-to-see.html
19. https://www.adventure-life.com/activity/wildlife-viewing
20. https://myfahlo.com/blogs/wildlife/best-wildlife-destinations-in-the-world
21. https://www.moon.com/travel/trip-ideas/ecuadors-top-five-wildlife-wonders/
22. https://www.audleytravel.com/us/the-galapagos-islands/country-guides/wildlife-of-the-galapagos
23. https://camptreksafaris.com/best-travel-destinations-for-a-10-day-combined-kenya-and-tanzania-safari/
24. https://www.eagleeyeadventures.com/blog/top-grizzly-bear-viewing-spots-worldwide-eagle-eye-adventures
25. https://www.jayantaguhaphotography.com/post/the-top-5-best-wildlife-photography-destinations-in-kenya