20 Thrilling Wildlife Experiences Across The Globe

Destinations

20 Thrilling Wildlife Experiences Across The Globe

As national parks and wildlife sanctuaries open their doors for the season, we look at some of the most interesting wildlife experiences in the country and around the world. By Shibani Bawa

20 Thrilling Wildlife Experiences Across The Globe

Tail Polar Bears Aboard a Cruise in the Arctic

As fluffy and cuddly they might look, polar bears are amongst the largest predators on land. They are also a sight to behold when seen in their natural habitat—thick carpets of snow and ice drifts. Although polar bears do not hibernate, the best time to spot them is between June to September. Svalbard, a small Norwegian island, is known for its high density of polar bears. The chances of spotting one here are so high that tourists are advised not to venture on land without a guide. Hurtigruten cruises offer a 15-day expedition that goes through Svalbard to Iceland, and Scotland’s Shetland Islands before ending in Bergen, Norway.

Explore the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are known for some of the most exotic wildlife experiences on the planet. In fact, Charles Darwin’s discovery on these islands led to his ‘Theory of Evolution’. The most unique aspect of the islands comes from the fearlessness of its wildlife—they show no fear even at close range! The Classic Galapagos experience by Natural Habitat Adventures offers an eight- to 10-day immersive exploration of these fascinating islands aboard a private yacht. Highlights include swimming with turtles, snorkelling with sea lions, whale spotting, and lazing with iguanas. These intimate interactions also provide photo-ops for nature photographers.

Embark on Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

The dry months of December to February and between June and August are the best time to spot gorillas in Bwindi. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Southwestern Uganda boasts the highest population of mountain gorillas in the world. If you want to get close and observe these great apes, a three-day gorilla habituation experience is truly special. It allows participants to study a gorilla group for up to four hours, with experienced trackers and researchers sharing interesting information about their lifestyle. Trekkers are divided into groups of eight, and each group follows a different gorilla family. Do note, due to high demand, gorilla permits need to be booked months in advance.

Follow Penguins and Albatrosses in Antarctica

Did you know that there are many species of penguins? The 10-day ‘off-ship’ exploration of Antarctica, South Orkney, South Georgia, and the Falklands gives you a chance to explore six species of penguins and four species of whales. Keep a lookout for the several species of albatrosses that follow the ship while it’s en route to the Falkland Islands. While the sea-ice route is a delight, this wildlife experience also includes a visit to three largest king penguin colonies in South Georgia. If you plan your trip between mid-November and early-January, you can even witness the albatross breeding season.

Set Out on Tiger Safaris in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh, in the heart of India, is known as the land of the tiger. There are many national parks known for their dense vegetation through which the majestic cats roam freely. Enticing India offers an eight-day package that takes you through the tiger circuit in Madhya Pradesh, spending a night or two at different parks. Starting in Nagpur, it takes you to Pench National Park, which has the highest probability of tiger sightings. Then, onwards to Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Panna Tiger Reserve, with a total of 12 safaris through the forested heartland. All meals, transportation and accommodation are included.

Find Lynx in Andalusia

Spain’s native Iberian lynx was an endangered species until recently. Now its population is thriving. Almost 75 per cent of the Iberian lynx population can be found in Andalucia, in the Sierra Morena area. The scrubland and Mediterranean forest are the best areas for sightings as the lynx feeds mainly on rabbits. But patience is important as it can take hours to find one. The upside is that while you wait for the lynx, you might spot Spanish imperial eagle, Iberian magpie, and Iberian green woodpecker as well as other mammals, such as red deer, fallow deer, and wild boar. December to January is the best time for this tour because it is the maximum daylight activity period for the Spanish lynx.

Free Dive with Dolphins amid Coral Reefs in Mozambique

Free diving is gaining popularity amongst water enthusiasts in southern Africa. And the thrill of free diving with dolphins amidst gorgeous coral reefs in Mozambique is unparalleled. Crystal blue waters and pristine white beaches in this scenic country makes the entire experience mesmerising as you swim with the friendliest sea creatures over shallow reefs. Assisted by a dolphin guide and free diver guide, if you’re lucky and if the season is right, these excursions include the potential of whale shark and humpback whale sightings. An average trip duration ranges between 1.5 and two hours with a pre briefing. Sharkwarrior.com

Witness Zebra Migration in Botswana

Every year, the green season in Botswana witnesses the second largest zebra migration in the world—between the Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi Pans. The entire region is dotted with scattered herds right from the lagoons and crystal-clear waterways of the delta to the expansive salt pans and open grasslands of Nxai Pan. Since many of the roads become inaccessible due to the rains, helicopter flips are recommended to witness the migration of tens of thousands of zebras. Needless to say, the aerial view is a bucket-list-worthy experience. These wildlife experiences become top notch when the vibrant pink flamingos return to the drenched pans. Africanbushcamps.com

Hike to See Koalas in the French Island

The French Island is known for its pristine flora and fauna and tranquil surroundings. With thousands of koalas—Australia’s most famous and unique native animals—and a rich historical past, it is ideal for an overnight hike. The hike is but an excuse to see koalas up close in their natural habitat. These adorable little creatures have thick woolly fur that insulates them from extremes in weather. Although koalas resemble bears, they do not belong to the family of bears. In fact, they are well adapted to life in the trees. The Pinnacles Track is particularly popular as it has a lot of gum trees atop which koalas may be spotted easily. Takeshapeadventures.com.au

Go Birdwatching in Kumaon

The Kumaon region is replete with forests of saal, pine, oak, and fir. Located at the Himalayan foothills, more than 600 species of birds have been recorded in these forested hills, making it a popular area for birding as well as bird photography. While the hills of Chopta attract scarlet finch, pink browed rosefinch, spot winged rosefinch, rufous breasted accentor, and rock bunting, Sattal sees more of white crested laughing thrush, rufous throated partridge, white-throated laughing thrush, rufous chinned laughing thrush, red billed blue magpie, common green magpie, chestnut bellied nuthatch, and brown fronted woodpecker, amongst others. Himalaya Birding Tours offers ‘Birding with a Camera’ expedition, where the guides are not only knowledgeable about identifying the various bird species but also understand lighting, camera gear and can teach basic photo processing.

Spot One-Horned Rhinoceros in Kaziranga

The beauty of Kaziranga National Park is enhanced by its unique location. With the mighty Brahmaputra River in the north and the Karbi Anglong mountains in the south, it is home to various species of migrating and inhabitant birds, along with a plethora of vegetation. Although it has a rich density of tigers, Kaziranga is most popular for being home to two-thirds of the world’s endangered Indian one-horned rhinoceros population. We suggest an 11-day private tour for an immersive experience of this region that starts in Kolkata, goes through the lush tea gardens of Assam before taking you up close to the magnificent wildlife of Kaziranga National Park.

Go Turtle Watching in São Tomé and Príncipe

Turtles are endangered, and the ones that are currently surviving have endured the hazards of water pollution, climate change, etc. Over and above this, they migrate thousands of kilometres from their foraging grounds to their nesting sites. That’s why it is incredibly special to watch a female turtle laying her eggs or her young being hatched. November to March is the best time for turtle nesting and hatching trips on the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe, and African nations close to the equator. These islands are rich in biodiversity and are covered with rainforests. As part of the turtle watching tour, you’ll also get to learn about the conservation of this threatened species.

Meet Gorillas and Primates in Rwanda

Witnessing primates in the wild is fascinating because of its close familiarity with human habits. Their interactions, mobility, and intelligence make for a delightful experience as you observe them doing their daily chores of feeding their young ones, climbing trees, or simply relaxing. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is available only in Volcanoes National Park where a tropical rain forest setting and the thrilling search for mountain gorillas makes for a memorable experience. And while you’re looking out for these giant apes, do keep an eye out for smaller primates such as chimpanzees, lemurs, monkeys, and baboons too.

Sign up for Whale Watching Tour in Newfoundland

Whale watching in Newfoundland is an awe-inspiring wildlife experience. As humpback whales move below the water, you’ll learn to distinguish their light green shapes under the water even before these majestic creatures come to surface. While playing and feeding in the water, they spurt air and water and their long shiny black spine slices the azure waves for a second or two. As this drama unfolds under water, Newfoundland puffins are likely to fly as fast as they can back to their cliff-side nests, carrying a feast of fish for their chicks. The rugged shore along the Atlantic Ocean, with waves crashing against the sharp rocks below, completes the scene. O’Brien’s Boat Tours

Protect the Asian Wild Ass in Mongolia

Mongolia is rich with a diverse and fragile environment that has been traditionally preserved through long-standing customs and beliefs. But the natural landscapes and flora and fauna are now in danger due to climate change and the impact of mining. The Mongolian Conservation and Research Expedition works at a grass-root level to protect the Asian Wild Ass in partnership with local rangers and communities in southeast Gobi. During this research expedition, you gain insight into the wild Gobi, especially the ecology of the lesser-known Dorngobi (east Gobi) region. Additionally, a part of the conservation funding also goes towards protecting the snow leopard or the takhi (Przewalskii) horses.

Spend a Night in an Elephant Camp in Thailand

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, located on a ridge in northern Thailand, overlooking the border of Myanmar and Laos, is a camp like no other. As you pull up at the jetty, be prepared for a warm welcome by a herd of elephants. After checking in, you can accompany the mammoth creatures and their mahouts on their daily walk, and watch them splash in the river, play in the mud, snack on leaves, and just be their happy selves. More than just interactive fun and memorable wildlife experiences, a stay at the elephant camp helps to conserve these symbols of Thailand, whose numbers are depleting at an alarming rate. By combining the centuries-old tradition of elephant interactions with tourist requirements, it’ll hopefully lead these gentle giants towards a safe future.

Observe Otters and Golden Eagles in the Isle Of Skye

Scotland’s Western Isles are known for their spectacular landscape and iconic marine and terrestrial wildlife. This is also where you can spot sea otters, golden eagles, red deer, grey seals, whales, dolphins, and more. The Isle of Skye is undoubtedly the best place in Scotland for Golden Eagles and Sea Otters. The Skye Five tour targets the Big 5 of Skye’s wildlife species—golden eagle, red deer, otter, seal, and white-tailed eagle. You can spend the full day exploring the wildlife hotspots in a specially converted 4X4 Mercedes minibus, over the hilly terrain of Skye. The added advantage is that you get access to special areas that most people haven’t even heard of.

Volunteer for Wildlife in the UAE

Here’s a chance to work along with scientists at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. As a part of a small international team, you will get to monitor Arabian oryx, Gordon’s wildcat, red and sand fox, Arabian and sand gazelles, as well as other species of the desert. As you work towards ensuring the survival of these important desert species, you will venture out in 4WDs and on foot to study antelope behaviour and social structures, camera-and live-trap Gordon’s wildcat, red and sand fox, and monitor them by radio and GPS telemetry. The best part—you don’t need to be a scientist or have any special qualifications. There are no age limits, and everyone can experience this educational wildlife adventure.

Catch Sight of Lions in Gir

Gir National Park, in Gujarat, is the only dwelling of renowned Asiatic lions. Besides a population of 600 Asiatic lions, Sasan Gir is also home to nearly 300 types of birds and 24 different types of reptile species along with 30 different types of mammals including antelopes, hyenas, wild ass, and foxes. The park remains open from mid-October to mid-June, though the months of December to March offer the best weather. The only way for guests to traverse this park is via registered open jeeps, while elephant ride, camel ride, and horse ride are all banned to avoid any kind of human intrusion and to maintain safety of guests.

Meet Orangutans and Turtles in Borneo

This is one tour that combines two exciting wildlife experiences. On the first day, you take a boat trip to Selingan Island, a protected area for Green and Hawksbill Turtles, and spend the night on the island. After dark, the turtles emerge onto the beaches to lay eggs. You can observe the transplanting process of the eggs to a hatchery and later even release baby turtles back into the wild. The next day you visit Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre at Sandakan. This centre has been rescuing orangutans orphaned due to deforestation and poaching. After raising and preparing them, they too are returned to the wild. The added attraction of this tour is that it includes swimming and snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of Borneo.