Top 6 best places in the world to observe wildlife
Our world is filled with incredibly beautiful, amazing and fantastic wildlife. Each place offers its own unique combination of animals and landscapes. Find out where the best places in the world are to connect with nature and what to consider when planning your trip
Tourism is not only sightseeing, historical places and interesting buildings. Many travelers prefer watching wildlife and landscapes. Unity with nature inspires, gives positive emotions and an opportunity to rest.
Are you interested in such a vacation? Then our top list of the best places in the world to observe wildlife is for you.
1st place – Iceland
Iceland is a majestic wonderland full of otherworldly scenery and fantastic wildlife. From scuba diving in the northern Straitan Bay to visiting the world's largest puffin colony on Heimai Island in the south, a trip to Iceland gives the tourist the opportunity to see some rare species of animals in their natural habitat. In addition, the island is home to a charming and small Icelandic horse, meeting with which will amaze every explorer.
- What can be seen? Humpback whales, porpoises, puffins, killer whales, Icelandic horses, reindeer are the pride of Iceland.
- When to visit? From April to September you can see puffins. Killer whales can be found in February and March.
2nd place – Kruger National Park, South Africa
The Kruger National Park in South Africa is probably one of the most famous national parks in the world and the most popular destination for an African safari. It is here that the big five of Africa live, so the tourist will be able to get to know the wild nature of the continent as fully as possible.
Kruger also has incredible accommodation options from basic to ultra-luxurious, experienced guides and plenty of tourist attractions. Unfortunately, this leads to quite a lot of traffic during the peak season, and some naturalists do not like the paved roads through the park.
- What can be seen? Savannah elephant, African lion, cheetah, leopard, caracal, South African giraffe, African painted dog, spotted hyenas, zebra, hippopotamus, black and white rhinoceros are features of South Africa.
- When to visit? From May to September is the best time to get to know wildlife.
3rd place – Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the most biologically diverse places on earth. Approximately 500,000 species live here, which is 5% of the Earth's population. Tourists can get to know all the wild inhabitants in the southwestern part of Costa Rica, in the Corcovado National Park.
For a traveler here, it will be quite common to drink coffee on the porch of your hostel surrounded by squabbling scarlet macaws, chirping parrots and giant iguanas. Hire a local guide for an afternoon tour. There are also night trips and jungles that are truly magical.
- What can be seen? White-nosed coatis, howlers, spider monkeys, Baird's tapir, giant anteater, red-eyed tree frogs, sloths and poison dart frogs.
- When to visit? Although Costa Rica is a year-round paradise, it also has a rainy season, which can make it difficult to meet the local animals. The highest chance of encountering dry weather is between December and April.
4th place – Galapagos Islands
A trip to the Galapagos is like no other. Volcanic islands known for rare wildlife like giant tortoises and marine iguanas. For decades, they have attracted visitors and researchers to study their strange inhabitants.
Cruises and sightseeing tours depart from mainland Ecuador and are strictly regulated. Thanks to Ecuador's conservation efforts, 97% of the Galapagos Islands are a national park, a haven of nearly untouched wildlife. The Galapagos Marine Reserve is one of the largest protected marine habitats on earth.
- What can be seen? The Galapagos Islands boast the famous blue-footed gannets, giant tortoises, Galapagos penguins and greater flamingos.
- When to visit? You can visit the islands all year round.
5th place – Madagascar
A ghostly island located 400 km from the east coast of Africa. For millions of years, Madagascar was isolated from the rest of the continent, such conditions allowed the emergence of strange wildlife here.
The Atsinanana Rainforests are particularly amazing, consisting of thirteen different wildlife viewing areas in six national parks. Madagascar is famous for its ring-tailed lemurs, but they are only one of Madagascar's endemic animals. In total, there are 70 species of lemurs on the island.
- What can be seen? Tenrecs, chameleons, Nile crocodiles, Madagascar tree boas and tomato frogs.
- When to visit? Usually, sunny and dry weather is observed in the period from July to September.
6th place – Palau
Palau is one of the best places in the world for scuba diving in the world. This archipelago nation is famous for its jellyfish lake and is also rich in world-class diving sites. Divers here will be able to see incredible underwater landscapes and developed marine life.
- What can be seen? Several species of whales, including sperm whales, Australian saltwater crocodiles, dugongs, giant clams, yellow-bellied sea snakes, and many species of coral.
- When to visit? In the dry season - from October to May.
There are other remarkable locations around the world where wildlife enthusiasts can observe diverse and vibrant ecosystems. The Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is renowned for its annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains. In South America, Colombia's Amazon Rainforest offers a rich tapestry of biodiversity, with countless species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef provides an underwater spectacle with its vibrant coral ecosystems teeming with marine life. In India, the Sundarbans is home to the elusive Bengal tiger and a myriad of other wildlife. Additionally, REDD+ project locations such as the Mai Ndombe region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Kasigau Corridor in Kenya are significant for their conservation efforts, providing crucial habitats for numerous endangered species and supporting the preservation of these critical ecosystems.
The world of wild nature is interesting and unusual, it can amaze and surprise even experienced travelers, so choose a direction and go on a mysterious journey.
The rating of the most dangerous natural wonders of the world is in this article.
Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World
Are you planning to travel or move abroad? An important component of a successful trip is a travel insurance policy, because it guarantees the provision of high-quality medical care in any corner of the world and is able to protect you from unnecessary expenses during the trip.
You can buy insurance from verified agents on the Visit World portal. Go to the link, choose your nationality and country of destination and search for a policy that will meet your requirements.
Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:
Travel guide for 200 countries;
Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;
Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);
Medical insurance all over the world.
Recommended articles
2 min
TravelsHow much will a trip to the Maldives cost in 2024: flight, accommodation, meals, entertainment
The Maldivian islands attract tourists with their heavenly landscapes and romantic vacations. Find out how much a vacation at one of the world's most luxurious resorts will cost and what expenses to consider
17 cze. 2024
More details3 min
Travels20 best cities in the world for gastronomic tourists in 2024
It is gastronomic tourism that opens up new tastes and flavors to travelers, thus reflecting the peculiarities of the cultural and historical heritage of different parts of the world. Time Out has created a rating of cities that will definitely surprise you with their culinary traditions. Learn more about the TOP 20 cities for gastronomic tourism in 2024
07 cze. 2024
More details3 min
ExpatsPros and cons of moving to Vietnam in 2024
According to a study by InterNations, Vietnam ranked 14th among the best countries for emigration. This high rating was achieved due to the affordable cost of living, employment opportunities, and quality healthcare. Learn more about the pros and cons of moving to Vietnam in 2024
12 cze. 2024
More details3 min
PopularBest restaurants in the world 2024: The World's 50 Best Restaurants rating
For many people, the main motivation for traveling is the opportunity to try the colorful cuisine of other countries. Learn more about the best restaurants in the world in 2024 according to The World's 50 Best Restaurants
17 cze. 2024
More detailsAll materials and articles are owned by VisitWorld.Today and are protected by international intellectual property regulations. When using materials, approval from VisitWorld.Today is required.