15 Bucket List Destinations for Animal Enthusiasts
If you’re an animal lover, nothing beats seeing amazing wildlife in their natural environment. But there are also many places to see some of the most remarkable creatures on the planet. We will take you on a journey from the jungles of Asia to the plains of Africa and beyond.
These bucket list destinations are ones you will remember forever. If you want to see lions on the African savannah, swim with sea turtles, or watch penguins waddle by, these places are for you.
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galápagos is up there with some of the best wildlife encounters on earth. Giant tortoises, marine iguanas, playful sea lions, and much more. This unique chain of islands provides a rare opportunity to glimpse the rich life of an ecosystem essentially untouched. You can dive or snorkel with tropical fish, or take a boat tour to see blue-footed boobies up close. Every island has its flavor and cast of characters.
Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is a wildlife destination for many. The Great Migration is world famous as millions of wildebeest and zebras roam this vast African plain in search of greener pastures. Here lions, elephants, and cheetahs roam freely making for awesome memories.
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The Great Barrier Reef is high on my list if you’re enchanted by marine life. Miles of vibrant coral reefs are home to every creature from sea turtles and dolphins to reef sharks and all kinds of tropical fish. Snorkeling or diving here seems like a completely different world to step into; just you and an underwater world full of color.
USA – Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is not only America’s first national park, but it’s also a great place to see wildlife in a beautiful mountain, geyser and river landscape. Elk, wolves, and even bison roam freely, and if you’re lucky you’ll spot a grizzly bear in the distance. It is a glimpse into the wilderness untouched by humans.
Maasai Mara, Kenya
Kenya’s Maasai Mara is a top destination for Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros) and borders Tanzania’s Serengeti. Come during the Great Migration and you’ll see one of nature’s most incredible sights as herds cross crocodile infested rivers. It’s raw, it’s wild and it’s one you won’t forget.
Malaysia and Indonesia, Borneo
Borneo is a place you must visit at least once. On this lush island, you can see wild orangutans swinging through the rainforest canopy, one of the few places in the world you can do this, Pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, and hornbills also live in Borneo’s jungles. Coming here is like looking back in time to a wild and beautiful world.
Antarctica
Have you ever wanted to meet penguins on their icy turf? Go to Antarctica; it’s home to countless colonies of these tuxedoed birds. Whales, seals and seabirds are all you’ll see on the cruise ships and expeditions that take you to this remote, pristine place. It’s hard to beat that experience of standing among penguins in this frozen wonderland.
Amazon Rainforest, Brazil
The Amazon is, after all, called “the lungs of the earth” for a reason, it’s a massive, vibrant jungle filled with life. Jaguars hide in the shadows, and mon cancers swing overhead and add splashes of color to the canopy. Anyone obsessed with creatures small and big will love to take a boat tour down the Amazon River to spot pink river dolphins and caimans.
Chobe National Park, Botswana
With a large population of elephants, Chobe is known for its large population of elephants and seeing these gentle giants on a river safari is a special experience. Sheer off the Chobe River where the herds come down to drink and play at the water. Hippos, crocodiles, and a myriad of bird species live here, too, making the park paradise for any animal enthusiast.
Madagascar
Home to lemurs, chameleons and the mysterious fossa, Madagascar’s rainforests are full of creatures you won’t find anywhere else. Trek through dense forest, maybe you will hear the eerie cry of the indri lemur or spot a tiny, colorful chameleon melded into the foliage. There is no destination that will open one’s eyes more to the endless diversity of life.
Shark Bay, Australia
Shark Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is not for the faint-hearted: see tiger sharks, dolphins and dugongs up close. By boat, explore this marine wonder and you’ll be face to face with some of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures. And if you’re a thrill seeker, it gives you a chance to see life from another perspective.
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Herds of springbok, zebras and rhinos converge around waterholes in front of Etosha’s salt pans, creating a unique backdrop to animal viewing. The best opportunity to see lions and leopards in action is to drive through the park at dawn or dusk. It’s an otherworldly, stunning place where opportunities to photograph wildlife are endless.
India, Ranthambhore National Park
Ranthambhore is the place for seeing a tiger in the wild if you ever wanted to. One of the world’s highest densities of wild tigers is found in this beautiful park in India. You could find one of these majestic cats stalking from tree to tree while amid ancient ruins and dense forest. This is the type of moment that will make your heart race.
Norwegian Fjords, Norway
For a distinctly different kind of wildlife experience visit the cold, clear waters of the Norwegian fjords in which orcas and humpback whales swim. Whale watching tours give you the opportunity to see these gentle giants in a breath taking setting, as you cruise into the fjords. An experience of pure wonder and natural beauty from icy mountains to glacial water.
Sumatra, Indonesia
Sumatra is a biodiversity hotspot with one of the few places on earth where you can find wild Sumatran tigers and elephants. Hike through dense jungles and watch out for the rare tiger or orangutan swinging from tree to tree. It is a great place for animal lovers looking for somewhere rugged with wildlife.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
