If you are an animal lover, you might find the opportunity to go on a safari or hike through a lush rainforest as a life-changing opportunity. Wildlife tourism is becoming increasingly popular due to people wanting to get up close with some of the world’s rarest animals. If you are looking to see lions in Africa or brown bears in Canada, these are some of the best countries to learn and observe wildlife in their natural habitat.
1. Brazil
The South American country of Brazil is home to numerous national parks, such as Iguacu and Jau National Park. Visitors can catch a glimpse of native wildlife like jaguars, ocelots, foxes, and anteaters. Venture into the Amazonian Jungle, and you can find spider monkeys, sloths, and over 300 species of reptiles, including the Caiman alligator.
2. Australia
Take caution when you venture into the outback to observe wildlife. Australia is home to some of the deadliest animals on the planet, like the eastern brown snake and Redback spider. Instead, head to Kangaroo Island to watch kangaroos, wallabies, and penguins. You can also book a safari to check out some cuddly koalas and freshwater crocodiles.
3. China
China’s famous animal, the Giant Panda, is a huge tourist attraction for people wanting to glimpse the cute mammals. The Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda near Chengdu attracts travelers worldwide to experience a panda up close and personal. In the southern region of the country, tourists can feel the thrill of seeing wild tigers in the Hunan and Jiangxi provinces.
4. Costa Rica
The Central American country of Costa Rica has a diverse ecosystem offering a variety of wildlife for tourists to enjoy. A hike through the jungle can give you a peek at sloths, monkeys, jaguars, and tapirs. The amazing beaches of Costa Rica are also home to some sun-bathing sea turtles as well as dolphins and eagle rays swimming just off the shore in the clear blue waters.
5. India
Booking an Indian safari can allow you to view a variety of breathtaking animals like Indian tigers, Asiatic lions, Indian elephants, Indian rhinoceros, and Indian leopards. For a more up-close viewing, tourists can head over to the Khana Tiger Reserve, where they can take tours and learn about these beautiful creatures.
6. Botswana
This country in the southern part of Africa is home to some of the world’s more endangered species. The Chobe National Park offers adventurers to take in views of elephants, water buffalo, and endangered species like the African wild dog and rhinoceroses. Make sure you stay in your safari vehicle because it is also home to tree-climbing leopards and black-manned lions.
7. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is home to many national parks like Yala National Park and Wilpattu National Park, both offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences to see elephants in the wild. These gentle giants are also available to get up close and personal with at sanctuaries such as Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and Millennium Elephant Foundation. Both places allow elephant lovers to interact and learn about these massive mammoths and how the foundations aim to protect them.
8. New Zealand
New Zealand has some amazing and unique experiences for animal lovers. New Zealand has some of the best whale-watching experiences, offering sights of sperm, humpback, and orca whales. Thrill-seekers can take aquatic life viewing to the next level by cage diving with some man-eating sharks. After you get back on land, you can enjoy some exotic birds like the kiwi and alpine parrot, as well as some adorable penguins.
9. Lithuania
This northern European nation is a hot spot for people looking to observe some beautiful wildlife. The country is home to bison, elk, foxes, eagles, and wolves. Visitors can snap pictures of these elegant creatures by visiting national parks like Aukstaitija, Dzukija, and Kursiu Nerija National Park.
10. Tanzania
Sitting on the coast of Eastern Africa, this country allows visitors to see exotic animals like elephants, zebras, hippos, leopards, lions, and wildebeests. All of the animals you would love to see in Africa live in Tanzania. The country has so many animal tourists that almost 16% of photos taken in the country involve animal pictures.
11. Namibia
On the other side of the African continent sits another country famous for its wildlife. Namibia caters to their animal tourist. Customers staying at the Omaruru Game Lodge can sip champagne and enjoy delicious meals while watching zebras and giraffes graze in the distance. The Etosha National Park allows self-guided bush tours where adventurers can enjoy the sights of elephants, cheetahs, rhinos, lions, and wildebeests.
12. South Africa
Just south of Namibia is the nation of South Africa. South Africa has many of the same experiences as Namibia as well as other aquatic animals. The country is home to sea lions and African penguins. It is also home to some of the deadliest sharks brave enough to dive with great white sharks. The country is doing its part in wildlife preservation with locations like Pilansberg National Park, allowing visitors to experience animals in the wild.
13. United States
The United States has vastly different ecosystems and climates, offering diverse wildlife. Visitors on the West Coast can experience migrating humpback whales. At the same time, hikers in the North can spot giant brown bears, elk, eagles, wolves, and American Bison. Head south to the Gulf of Mexico, and you can get up close with alligators up to 12 feet long. No matter what part of the country you are in, you will find some beautiful wildlife to observe.
14. Canada
Our neighbor to the North has some amazing wildlife for travelers to enjoy. Due to the mostly barren landscape of Canada, large mammals like grizzly bears, elk, moose, and bison. Beavers are such a common sight the country adopted them as their mascot. For those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime sight, heading up to the Artic Circle can give adventurers a chance to see a polar bear or an elusive arctic fox.
15. Kenya
Kenya is the number one country in the world for wildlife and nature lovers. The country is home to 25,000 species of animals and 7,000 unique species of plants. Many people flock to the Masai Mara reserve for the many types of animals that call the reserve home. Sitting at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, this landscape offers the perfect spot for amateur and professional photographers alike. You will be sure to spot roaming elephants, zebras, giraffes, and lions while enjoying a safari in Kenya.
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