Wildlife exploration has become a popular holiday choice in the past few years. After being valued at $154.65 billion in 2022, the wildlife tourism market has been on a steady rise and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.9%. (Grand View Research: Wildlife Tourism Market)
When it comes to exploring the wild, Africa secures the top spots, but that is not it, there are various other countries across the world that offer unforgettable encounters and a deeper appreciation for the planet’s biodiversity.
In this post, I will walk you through six of the best wildlife holiday destinations you can consider for your next vacation.
To make it all even easier for you, Naturetrek offers custom itineraries that provide you the chance to create memorable moments just the way you prefer. Now, let’s move on and learn more about these wildlife destinations in Africa and beyond.
Botswana
For those looking for exclusive safari experiences, Botswana should definitely be on the list. Known for its low-impact tourism and premium accommodation, Botswana offers a variety of wildlife holiday experiences that cannot be found in any other place.
Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction in Botswana, transforms into a lush, water-filled paradise in the flood season, attracting animals and birds from the whole region.
This is an excellent place for spotting elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and various other animals. In addition to that, it is also a prime spot for birdwatching, where exotic species like African jacana and Pel’s fishing owls can be spotted.
You can book helicopter rides in the Okavango Delta, for an exclusive experience. Apart from the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park is another famous national park in Botswana. It is home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa. Visitors can also find lions, leopards, and buffalos here. Private mokoro rides, guided game drives, and private bush walks at this place can make your holidays even more exciting.
India
India’s diverse landscapes are home to some of the richest wildlife in Asia, and it is a go-to place for spotting big cats. With more than 100 national parks and 50 tiger reserves, India is an excellent choice for those seeking an informative trip.
Ranthambore National Park is one of the best places to spot Bengal tigers, frequently observed near ancient ruins and watering holes. Still want more from the Felidae family? You can go to see the Asiatic lion at the Gir National Park. You can add another spot to the trip, Kaziranga National Park, which is home to two-thirds of the world’s one-horned rhinoceroses.
As if this wasn’t enough, here is a bonus, India’s top ecological parks and wildlife reserves are also home to a range of resident and migratory birds. Tourists can enjoy jeep safaris, boat rides, and birdwatching tours to take their wildlife holidays in India to the next level.
FUN FACT India has around 32 UNESCO heritage sites.
Kenya
Most people think of Kenya when planning African wildlife holidays. After all, this place is known as the birthplace of safari tourism. Kenya offers breathtaking landscapes and a variety of animals that make it a perfect wildlife holiday destination.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is known worldwide for its high concentration of big cats and the Great Migration. The dramatic river crossings and wildlife encounters make this place even more worthwhile.
Apart from the Maasai Mara Reserve, There are plenty of other exciting destinations in Kenya like the Amboseli National Park which offers breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. For birdwatching, you can head to Lake Nakuru, popular for sightings of pink flamingo flocks.
Some other activities that make this place an ideal holiday destination include game drives, bush dinners, hot air balloon rides, and cultural tours.
Tanzania
Across the border from Kenya, Tanzania is another popular destination for wildlife tours. It offers the most iconic wildlife experiences in Africa. The breathtaking landscape of the Serengeti National Park, which hosts the Great Migration is a perfect location to enjoy game drives, hot air balloon rides, and guided bush walks.
Apart from the immensely popular Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater is another well-known option. It is a natural amphitheater teeming with wildlife, including rare species like black rhinos, lions, elephants, and hippos.
Tarangire National Park is one of the finest places in Tanzania. It is known for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Birdwatching enthusiasts can spot exotic lilac-breasted rollers, secretary birds, and crowned cranes.
So, if a luxury wildlife holiday, safari lodges, or tented camps is what you’re looking for, Tanzania is the place for you.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a nature lover’s delight with over 500,000 species. This is an excellent place to make the most of the country’s natural retreats and top heritage parks. You can find a variety of jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws in the Corcovado National Park.
Also, you can hike through this one and explore local flora and fauna. When you are done with that and wish to relax, you can head to the famous beaches of Costa Rica to relax.
Tortuguero National Park is another tourist attraction of this place. It is a nesting site for green sea turtles and is home to caimans and river otters. This biodiversity hotspot also harbors rare species like spot howler monkeys and sloths in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
These natural parks and green spaces also offer zip-lining services through the canopy, guided night walks, and river rafting, providing diverse ways to connect with Costa Rica’s wildlife.
DO YOU KNOW? The infographics below provide an insight into the average expenditure per tripod international tourists in Costa Rica, over the years.
Zambia
In comparison to other popular African wildlife destinations, Zambia offers authentic and much less crowded safari adventures. Zambia offers some of Africa’s best walking safaris and is perfect for those who like to explore the wilderness on foot.
The iconic South Luangwa National Park is known for its large population of leopards and lions, especially along the Luangwa River. It is also home to a huge density of hippos, crocodiles, and elephants.
Do not forget to bring along your binoculars to spot various local and migratory birds including, the crowned cranes, wattled cranes, and African fish eagles. While you are here, consider looking out for various activities that would make your holidays even more exciting such as private guided bush walks, night game drives, and river cruises.
As we discussed in this article, there are various holiday destinations in Africa and beyond. Each place we talked about offers unique wildlife experiences that will bring you closer to the environment and develop a deeper understanding of the biodiversity in your heart.
