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There’s something magical about observing natural wildlife that we may have only seen in a zoo. Seeing animals roaming or swimming in their natural environment is a truly memorable experience. From watching whales and dolphins to playing with meerkats or riding camels across the plains, there are no limitations on how much fun you can have encountering wildlife.
One of our primary concerns is safety. After all, if we’re observing zebras or other prey animals, a big cat could be lurking in the bushes, anticipating dinner.
We picked a wide variety of wildlife encounters you’ll love. These are suitable for all ages and interests and offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience to enjoy safely.
1. Kayak With Seals — Namibia
For this exciting sea-themed adventure, head to Swakopmund, Namibia, and enjoy the beautiful coastline. You’ll also enjoy quality time with its healthy, thriving seal population. You may get up close to the seals in a kayak.
If you’re lucky, you might also see dolphins, whales, the odd pelican, and many sea birds on this kayak safari.
2. The Great Wildebeest Migration — Kenya and Tanzania
Wildebeest herds migrate across the Mara River in the southern Serengeti each year between June and October. Following the rains, the enormous herd travels across the plains to reach the lush grass. They must navigate through big cat territory. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime visually spectacular wildlife experience.
If you prefer watching the less dramatic calving period, the best time to visit is in March.
3. Watch Packs of Rare Wild Dogs — Zimbabwe
These African wild dogs — the painted wolf — are a critically endangered species and the best land predators. The pack works together to take down their prey. They nap during the day, and you can observe them interacting and playing together.
If you’re lucky enough to witness a hunt, these fantastic creatures’ hunting skills are awe-inspiring. You can take a guided walk to see the “painted wolf” in Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe.
4. Mountain Gorilla Trekking — Rwanda and Uganda
Observing mountain gorillas in the wild is a thrilling experience. They are a critically endangered species among primates, with only about a thousand left worldwide. Watch the mothers grooming their newborns and the enormous silverbacks protecting their families.
For safety reasons, groups are kept small, and you must book a permit in advance. You must be physically capable, as the mountain locations can be tricky.
5. Penguins on the Beach — Cape Town, South Africa
If you love penguins, head to Boulders Beach, Cape Town, to spend time with these cute, quirky, flightless seabirds. Because of the location’s popularity, the penguins have become used to people being around, so you can get quite close to them.
Boulders Beach is within the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, meaning the penguins are protected, and the beaches are clean and safe.
6. Get Close to Hippos and Crocs — Botswana and Zimbabwe
If you’re feeling brave, consider a relaxing canoe safari in the Okavango Delta, Botswana, or floating down the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe. This area is home to many hippos and crocodiles. Getting close to them is a fantastic opportunity.
You may also be lucky enough to see enormous elephants and other African animals and species on the riverbanks.
7. Spend Time With Meerkats — Botswana and South Africa
Meerkats are adorable, and in this location, prepare for these cute and curious creatures to crawl onto your lap. Meerkats live in groups of up to 40 and thrive in the dry, unyielding regions of Botswana and South Africa.
These animals are famous for their standing “look out” pose, so don’t be surprised if you become a convenient post if you get close to the meerkat burrows.
8. Bat Migration — Kasanka National Park, Zambia
Can you imagine over 8 million hungry fruit bats in the air? Each year, during October and December, millions of fruit bats travel to Kasanka National Park from the Congo to munch on its wild Masuku fruits. This phenomenal event only happens in Kasanak.
This is the world’s largest mammal migration and attracts many tourists eager to observe these incredible creatures.
9. Tracking Black Rhinos — Kenya
The black rhino is sadly a critically endangered species due to poaching for their valuable horn, which gets sold for high prices on the black market. The number of black rhinos worldwide is more than 6,487 (rhinos.org)
Visit the community-based rhino project in Kenya for a memorable walking safari with a Samburu guide to track the black rhino. You will learn about these magnificent creatures and have the chance to contribute to the conservation of this iconic species.
10. Turtles Nesting and Hatching — South Africa
For a delightful wildlife encounter, head to coastal Africa to watch turtles nesting and laying hundreds of eggs. Two popular locations are Sao Tome and Principe on the western coastline of equatorial Africa.
Between October and April, the turtles head inland to struggle up the beach in the dark to lay their eggs.
11. Horseback Safari — Kenya and South Africa
If you want to get close to wildlife, riding a surefooted horse across the plains is the way to go. You can see enormous herds of zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, and more. Because horses are prey animals, you can get closer to South Africa’s wildlife, as horses are not a threat to them.
Your horseback safari may last a few hours or days and can vary from “roughing it” to luxury mobile camping experiences.
12. Ethiopian Wolves — Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
Ethiopia may not be the first location that springs to mind for a wolf experience, but it hosts the Ethiopian wolf, a red-coated beauty closely related to the gray wolf. Sadly, this magnificent animal is in great danger of extinction, with only 500 remaining in the wild. As one of Africa’s rarest carnivores, seeing them in their natural habitat is a privilege.
13. Zebra Migration — Botswana
Between March and April, you can observe about 30,000 zebras migrating across the saltpans of Botswana. Their arduous journey takes around six months, and they spend a few months enjoying the lush grazing and plentiful water supply at the Boteti River.
What appeals to visitors is that the zebra migration isn’t as popular as the wildebeest migration, so the experience feels more intimate.
14. Whale Watching — South Africa
There’s something magical about witnessing a pod of whales in their natural environment, and this trip is a must-add to the bucket list. About 37 species of dolphins and whales live on the coast of South Africa.
The best time to plan your trip is between May and October, when you can see these majestic and playful creatures frolicking in the sea.
15. Watch Ring-Tailed Lemurs Leaping — Madagascar
Lemurs are found only in beautiful Madagascar, which has distinct species of flora and fauna. Visit Ranomafana National Park or Andasibe National Park to spot the big-eyed, quirky lemurs leaping through the trees.
Madagascar is the fifth-largest island worldwide, home to over 100 recognized lemur species. Getting close to them will be a memorable experience.
16. Get Close to Elephant Herds — Kenya
If you love elephants and want to observe these gentle giants of nature, book your visit to Amboseli, Kenya. Elephants are highly social creatures with strong family bonds. They look out for each other and rally when one of the herd needs help.
Watching a herd of elephants together is an emotional and humbling experience not to be missed.
17. Camel Safari — Kenya
Instead of a horse safari or bumping across the plains in a vehicle, why not travel with nature on an elegant, well-trained camel? Riding this stoic, hardy animal is the perfect way to get closer to wildlife like giraffes, ostriches, and zebras.
It’s becoming an increasingly popular way to enjoy an African safari, allowing you to reach areas inaccessible to vehicles.
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18 Everyday Household Items That Are Surprisingly Valuable to Collectors
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