Your Guide to Wildlife Adventures

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 Great Migration. For 2020, we have collected the best wildlife adventures that bring you one step closer to some of the world's most unforgettable encounters.

 

Sri Lanka

January is one of the best times 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: January

Book your place: Wild Sri Lanka

The Serengeti

Watch the drama unfold in one of the greatest shows on earth. Storming across Tanzania’s Masai Mara in a frantic bid to find food and water without being caught in the jaws of predators along the way, millions of African animals, including zebra, wildebeest and gazelles make this spine-chilling journey every year. To see this stampede is a feast for the eyes and will, without a doubt, be one of the most memorable experiences of your life.

When to travel: February

Book your place: Kenya and Tanzania Serengeti Survey Safari 

Borneo

Blessed with a cornucopia of wildlife, rainforests and beaches, Borneo is a utopian land for nature lovers. March is one of the best times to visit the country, not only is this when whale shark season begins, but you’ll have a greater chance of coming face to face with orangutans.

When to travel: March

Book your place: Borneo Wildlife Discoverer  

Galapagos Islands

Famed for its diverse wildlife, the Galapagos Islands offers unique experiences at different times of 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 Adventure 

Tanzania

Laying claim to being one of the best destinations for wildlife safaris, Tanzania in May offers plenty of experiences just before the high season begins. Towards the end of the month, the wet season is coming to an end, the wildebeest are on the move and the crowds of tourist are yet to arrive. There’s a good chance you’ll see many animals, including elephants, zebra, hyenas and hippos gathered at watering holes.

When to travel: May

Book your place: Tanzania Wildlife Adventure 

Spitsbergen

Owing to the 24 hours of daylight and the midnight sun, June is a great time to visit Spitsbergen as the wildlife is rife and there’s plenty of opportunity to get up close and personal. 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: June

Book your place:  Introduction to Spitsbergen: Fjords, Glaciers and Wildlife of Svalbard

 

Finland

Finland in July also has long daylight hours, making it 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: Wild Finland

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

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  

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 

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  

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