"It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest."
The legendary broadcaster Sir David Attenborough will be turning 100 this year and throughout his illustrious career he has created spectacular nature documentaries showcasing the world's wildlife and bringing it to our living rooms for many generations. To celebrate this milestone and the incredible work he has contributed to biodiversity and nature preservation, we've highlighted some of the top places where you can spot incredible wildlife and experience the very best of nature on our worldwide tours.
Best places for wildlife and nature
Wildlife in India
Where can I experience this? On select India tours, we'll visit Ranthambore National Park, one of the biggest and most renowned national parks in northern India, where you may be lucky to spot:
- Royal Bengal tigers
- Sloth Bears
- Sambar Deer
- Indian Wild Boar
- The park is also home to 40 species of mammals, 35 species of reptiles and 320 species of birds.
Along with experiencing a safari in Ranthambore National Park, we'll experience the iconic tourist route of India - the Golden Triangle, visiting the cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur and the country's top sights including Humayun's Tomb, the Taj Mahal, the Amber Fort and much more. There's also an opportunity to extend your holiday a little longer with a relaxing stay in Goa.
Wildlife in South Africa
Where can I experience this? On our South Africa tours we'll explore Kariega Game Reserve, a family-run and malaria-free reserve where you may be fortunate enough to see the 'Big 5' and a diversity of wildlife:
- Lions
- Elephants
- Rhinos, including the world-famous Thandi. Her name means courage or beloved in Xhosa and she survived a horrific poaching attack in 2012 and has since gone on to raise multiple calves, becoming a symbol of hope for rhino conservation worldwide.
- Leopards
- Buffalo
- The reserve also has a variety of game including antelopes, giraffes and zebras and over 400 bird species
The Kariega Foundation is also one of our chosen charities and part of our sustainability initiatives as they greatly contribute to biodiversity, conservation and helping local communities, which you can witness first hand on an optional excursion. As part of our South Africa tours, we'll also explore Cape Town, enjoy wine tasting in Stellenbosch, see African Penguins on the Cape Peninsula and experience the Garden Route.
Wildlife in Galapagos
Where can I experience this? On our Galapagos tours we'll stay on Santa Cruz Island and enjoy taking boat trips to nearby islands, where you could potentially see:
- Galapagos Sea Lions
- Giant Tortoises
- Galapagos penguins
- Marine Iguanas
- Blue-footed Booby
Before travelling to the Galapagos, we'll enjoy a guided tour of Quito, Ecuador's historic capital and afterwards there is also the opportunity to see some highlights of Peru, including Lima, Machu Picchu and Cusco.
Wildlife in Costa Rica
Where can I experience this? On our Costa Rica tours we'll be exploring Mistico Park, Arenal and Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve which offers an opportunity to see:
- Sloths
- Toucans, Hummingbirds, Resplendent Quetzal and a rich variety of birds
- Agoutis
- Coatis
- Howler monkeys
After exploring the best natural sights Costa Rica has to offer, including Poás Volcano National Park and the hanging bridges trail in Mistico, we'll round off the tour unwinding on the beaches of Tamarindo.
Wildlife in Namibia
Where can I experience this? On our Namibia tours we'll visit Etosha National Park, home to a vast white salt pan visible from space, where you may be rewarded with sightings of:
- Black Rhino
- Cheetahs
- Lions
- Elephants
Namibia is a global leader in sustainable, low-impact tourism and, as the third least densely populated country in the world, offers vast open spaces, ever-changing vistas and remarkable natural beauty. It is also home to the Namib Desert, the oldest desert on Earth. Here we'll experience the incredible, otherworldly landscapes of Namibia, such as Deadvlei, with its ancient skeletal camel thorn trees that died many centuries ago but remain preserved due to the heat.
Wildlife in Sri Lanka
Where can I experience this? On our Sri Lanka tours, we'll enjoy a safari In Yala National Park, which spans 979 sq km and is one of Asia's finest wildlife reserves, where we could come face to face with
- Leopards - Yala has one of the highest densities of this big cat in the world
- Elephants
- Sambar deer
- Jackals
- The park also has over 200 bird species
Other highlights we'll also enjoy include the ancient Dambulla Cave Temple, Sigiriya Lion Rock, a scenic train ride through lush tea plantations and time to relax on Sri Lanka's renowned pristine beaches.
Wildlife in Canada
Where can I experience this? On our Western Canada & Rockies tour we'll explore near the national parks of Banff and Jasper, where you may be treated to roadside wildlife sightings such as:
- Grizzly bears
- Black bears
- Elk
- Mountain goats
The Rockies are the ultimate highlight of Canada, offering breathtaking mountain scenery at every turn. We'll also get to enjoy the vibrant city of Vancouver and an unforgettable coach ride on the Athabasca Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in North America.
Other top wildlife experiences on our worldwide tours
- Glow worms in Ruakuri Caves in New Zealand and visiting The National Kiwi Hatchery to see the kiwi, the country's national bird.
- Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Romania, which rescues bears from illegal captivity and provides them with a natural environment to thrive.
- Learn about elephant conservation in Cambodia with a visit to Kulen Elephant Forest.
- Penguin Parade on Phillip Island in Australia.
- Cotton-top tamarins in Parque Centenario in Cartagena, Colombia; a country at the forefront of biodiversity conservation.
Ready to see remarkable wildlife like David Attenborough?
Seeing wildlife in their natural habitat is one of the most thrilling experiences travel has to offer. From exhilarating safaris to visiting world-leading conservation projects, it's truly an unforgettable addition to any trip. We can arrange it all for you on our guided holidays, where we take care of flights, transfers, accommodation and excursions with professional local guides.
As the inspirational Sir David Attenborough once said: "People must feel that the natural world is important and valuable and beautiful and wonderful and an amazement and a pleasure."
