5 Amazing wildlife experiences to squeeze into your trip

1. See Africa's "Big 5" in the Serengeti

For sheer scale and diversity of wildlife, the Serengeti is hard to beat. The lion’s share (ahem) of the Serengeti is in North Tanzania and also extends into south west Kenya. These endless grass plains play host to one of greatest spectacles in the natural world: the largest mammal migration on the planet, including a staggering two million wildebeest.

The Serengeti plains are the richest grazing grounds in Africa and they absolutely teem with wildlife. There’s an incredible concentration of predators, including huge lion prides and countless cheetah. You’re also likely to see elephants, zebra, giraffes, buffalo and maybe even a leopard or two if you’re very fortunate. Sharing the vast plains of Africa with these majestic creatures is an incredibly humbling experience.

2. Track Mountain Gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda

Deep in the dense, mountainous forests of central Africa, lives the extremely rare mountain gorilla. Their estimated total worldwide number is less than 800, and you can track them either in the Bwindi impenetrable forest in south west Uganda or the Virunga mountains of northern Rwanda. These areas are very remote and only a small number of privileged tourists get to see them - see our blog on the best ways to see Uganda gorillas. The few who do, find it an awe inspiring, often life changing experience. The largest of the primates, these gorillas are unexpectedly graceful and behave so much like humans that coming face to face with them is a mesmerising experience

3. Play with giant pandas in China

Found in remote mountain regions of China, in the Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces, this peaceful, bamboo-munching member of the bear family is universally loved. It is also an endangered species, with around 1,600 individuals thought to be living in the wild. They are instantly recognisable, with distinctive black patches around their eyes, ears and bodies, and seeing them in the wild is an unforgettable experience.

If you'd like to plan a trip to see some pandas in China - you're in luck; Rowena, Andrea and Chris have all done a similar trip. Chris has visited the Chengdu Research Base and Andrea has a panda sat on her knee! Get in touch with them for more tales and ideas for a visit.

4. Go whale watching in Kaikoura, New Zealand

Kaikoura is located on the wild east coast of New Zealand, set against the spectacular backdrop of the Kaikoura Mountain Ranges. The 2km deep undersea canyon just offshore combined with unusual sea currents make this an incredible place to see a profusion of marine life, most famously the immense Sperm Whale, resident year round. Also keep an eye out for Humpback, Pilot, Southern Right whales or even a mighty Blue Whale. You’ll also get to see lots of dolphins and maybe even Orcas, the largest of the dolphins and more commonly known as killer whales. 

5. Encounter the giant tortoise in the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands and the surrounding seas are a national park and a biological marine reserve off the coast of Ecuador. They are home to an incredible number of endemic species, in other words not found anywhere else in the world. Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection was heavily influenced by his observations on a visit to these islands in 1835. The giant tortoise is the most famous resident, but you’ll also get to see an extraordinary variety of animal, marine and bird life. With a lack of natural predators, the creatures here are incredibly tame, making for an unforgettable, up close wildlife encounter.

Want to discover amazing wildlife for yourself?

If you’d like to fly to any of these destinations, we can help get you there. Whether you'd prefer travelling as part of a small group tour or planning a tailor-made holiday, we're full of amazing trip ideas. Call us on +44 1273320580  or request a quote to start planning your adventure!