There are few experiences as enriching as seeing animals in the wild. One glance and you’ll be hooked. Imagine the thrill of watching Polar bears in their natural habitats or hearing the thundering hooves of zebras in the migration. So for 2022, we have collected the best wildlife adventures that bring you one step closer to some of the world’s most unforgettable encounters.
January: Japan
The best season to see snow monkeys in Kambayashi Onsen, Japan, is from December to March when there is the highest chance of snow. January and February are particularly good months to view these fascinating creatures bathing in natural hot springs. We’d recommend planning ahead for this incredible adventure in 2023, as spaces sell out fast!
When to travel: January
February: Sri Lanka
The time between February and mid-March is the best time to spot blue whales off Sri Lanka’s southern coast. Sail out onto the ocean on a chartered boat and watch these giant mammals rise majestically from the water. As they dive back down below, the force from their tails as they come crashing into the water will, quite literally, take your breath away.
When to travel: February
Book your place: Wild Sri Lanka
March: Kenya
At the beginning of the wet season, the grass is still short which gives you excellent game viewing opportunities over the plains to see big cats and other fascinating games. If the rains arrive later in the month as they occasionally do, you’ve got great chances of spotting lions, zebra, wildebeest, and gazelles with hardly any other tourists in sight.
On our trip, you’ll enjoy exhilarating game drives with award-winning photographer, Paul Goldstein. Different from other mainstream safari companies, Paul and his team will make good calls to maximise viewing while respecting the animals at a distance. Also, the Kicheche Bush Camp you stay at, often has a pride of lions close by! To see these incredible creatures on a safari is a feast for the eyes and will, without a doubt, be one of the most memorable experiences of your life.
When to travel: March
Book your place: Kenya Photographic Safari with Paul Goldstein
April: Galapagos Islands
Famed for its diverse wildlife, the Galapagos Islands offers unique experiences at different times of the year. However, if you want to witness the waved albatross and its courting rituals on Espanola Island, April is the best time to visit. This is a wonderful time when you can also watch sea turtles and land iguanas hatching, and colonies of sea lions can be seen sunbathing on the sand.
When to travel: April
Book your place: Galapagos: In Darwin’s Footsteps
May: Spitsbergen
Owing to the increase of daylight and the midnight sun, May is a great time to visit Spitsbergen as the wildlife is rife. After mid-May, the snow quickly disappears and interesting flora starts to appear along the mountainsides. The rush of birdlife also returns. One of the main attractions here is the Polar bear but you can also spot seals, walrus and birds such as kittiwakes, common eider and fulmars.
When to travel: May
Book your place: Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic
June: Tanzania
Laying claim to being one of the best destinations for wildlife safaris, Tanzania in June offers plenty of experiences just before the high season begins. Towards the beginning of June, the wet season ends, and the migration begins heading north from Grumeti River in June. The wildebeest are on the move. Thanks to the verdant vegetation and water after the wet season, there’s a good chance you’ll see many animals, including elephants, zebra, hyenas and hippos gathered at watering holes.
When to travel: June
Book your place: Tanzania Wildlife Adventure
July: Romania
With longer daylight hours in July, this month is the perfect time to go in search of the Brown bear and experience a close-up encounter (from a hide, of course!) In the evenings, the bears are enticed to the hides with food so there is often a lot of activity at this time. With any luck, you might also witness bear cubs and white-tailed eagles.
When to travel: July
Book your place: Carpathian Walking & Bears
August: Tortuguero, Costa Rica
Between July and October, it’s green sea turtle nesting season in Tortuguero, Costa Rica. To watch these aquatic creatures crawl from the water and dig a deep hole where they can lay their eggs is an extraordinary and moving experience. But that’s not all you can witness in Costa Rica, in the National parks and forests, you can enjoy wildlife encounters with monkeys, sloths, jaguars and hundreds of species of birds, including scarlet macaws, hummingbirds and trogons.
When to travel: August
Book your place: Discover Costa Rica
September: Masai Mara
Although the Masai Mara has excellent wildlife viewing all year round, September is when you can witness the Great Migration in full swing. This is one of the most incredible spectacles and millions of animals occupy the plains. You can expect to see wildebeest, antelopes, zebras, elephants, giraffes, hippos and lions. This is the ultimate wildlife adventure.
When to travel: September
Book your place: Classic Kenya 4WD Safari
October: India
India is home to the tiger but more importantly, the elusive Bengal tiger. This endangered species is a rare sight and to see one in the wild is mesmerising. October is considered one of the best times to see tigers in India when the parks are lush, temperatures are cooler and the monsoon season is over. Throughout the game reserves, you can spot other wildlife such as monkeys, leopards, wild pigs and countless species of birds.
When to travel: October
Book your place: Indian Tiger Safari
November: Antarctic Peninsula
November is a magical time of year in Antarctica; fabulous ice sculptures dot the waters and seals can be seen performing courtship rituals. But what is truly magnificent is watching the Emperor penguin chicks molt as they begin their transformation into adulthood. At this time of year, the landscapes of South Georgia are abloom with wildflowers, forming a colourful backdrop for spotting King penguins.
When to travel: November
Book your place: Antarctica, Falklands and South Georgia
December: The Maldives
The dry season in the Maldives begins from mid-December onwards and the weather tends to be warm and sunny, making it a great time to go in search of marine wildlife. Blessed with the most beautiful turquoise waters, the Maldives offers a magical underwater adventure. As you snorkel below the waves, come face-to-face with turtles and colourful fish – December is one of the best times to see manta rays. You can also go in search of Whale sharks as they occupy South Ari Atoll all year round.
When to travel: December
Book your place: Marine Wildlife in the Maldives
