Enjoy a once in a lifetime experience seeing some of the world’s best wildlife in their natural surroundings. Here is our pick of 10 wildlife destinations for an unforgettable trip.

1. Galápagos Islands

Blue-footed Boobies doing a mating dance

As one of the most ecologically diverse places in the world, you can expect to see rare species, such as giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, iguanas and sea lions to name a few. The string of islands can be crossed by the inter-island boats and there are many opportunities for tours.

Best time to go?
Year round destination, no “off” season.

2. Penguin Island

Little Blue Penguins

Antarctica is an amazing place to see penguins, however you can also see penguins down under. Penguin Island is just 5 minutes by ferry off the coast of Perth, Western Australia. Home to a large colony of little blue penguins, the smallest penguin species in the world. The island also plays host to other wildlife such as ospreys and pelicans.

Best time to go?
September – May, closed during nesting season from June – start September.

3. Yellowstone National Park

Bison crossing the road in Yellowstone National Park

To see some of North America’s most magnificent wildlife, visit Yellowstone, the oldest National Park in the US. Grizzly bears, elk, wolves, moose and bison, can all be seen in stunning natural surroundings. Make sure you witness the famous eruptions of the Old Faithful Geyser, one the world’s most spectacular natural wonders.

Best time to go?
Summer, autumn and winter.

4. Borneo

Orangutan sitting in tree

To see gibbons and orangutans, one of our closest relatives, the Danum Valley in Borneo is one the best places to visit. As the home of the tallest tropical rain forest in the world, you can also catch a glimpse of flying squirrels and gliding snakes.

Best time to go?
April – August

5. Madagascar

Red Ruffed Lemur

Fans of lemurs will be spoilt to views of the ring-tailed and red-bellied variety. The national parks of Madagascar also have a plentiful array of different bird and reptile species and there are numerous volunteering experiences available to travellers, see www.frontier.ac.uk.

Best time to go?
April and October/November

6. Great Barrier Reef

White-tip Reef Shark

One of the seven natural wonders of the world and a World Heritage Site, this vast reef boasts a huge array of marine species. Turtles, sharks and more than 1,500 fish species can be found on the reef. Diving and snorkelling are the best ways to appreciate the beauty of this undersea world.

Best time to go?
June - November

7. Canaima National Park

Angel Falls, Venezuela 

This Venezuelan World Heritage Site is famous for its spectacular waterfalls including Angel Falls. Opportunities are available to see more unusual wildlife too, including armadillos, jaguars, anacondas and giant tarantulas!

Best time to go?
September (lull in the rainy season) or December.

8. Uganda and Rwanda

Moutain Gorrila taking it easy

Come face to face with lowland or mountain Gorillas. Uganda offers a multitude of wildlife experiences, from silverback gorillas, to chimpanzees and traditional game animals. Follow in the footsteps of Dian Fossey by visiting the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, and glimpsing the endangered mountain gorilla in Rwanda.

Best time to go?
Mid May – Mid October

9. Masai Mara, Kenya

Masai Mara Lion

To experience some of Africa’s best wildlife, take a safari trip in the Maasai Mara. See Africa’s big cats up close, and also wildebeest, zebras, elephants and much more besides.

Best time to go?
Year round safari destination. To see the wildebeest migration - end July - end November is best.

10. Canada

Humpback Whale

Some of the best whale watching in the world is found in Canada, including British Columbia, Quebec, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Alternatively if you fancy heading to the mountains, the Canadian Rockies offer great opportunities to see wildlife such as Elk, moose and grizzly bears.

Best time to go?
Depends on what wildlife you want to see. Generally June – October is good. Late August – September is the best time to see bears in British Columbia.

Before heading off on your wildlife holiday get a kit list of what to pack, check out our Your Trip Planner.  

>>> Your Trip Planner

For further information on wildlife holidays you could try:
www.responsibletravel.com
www.naturetrek.co.uk
www.exodus.co.uk