Ever find yourself watching wildlife documentaries and wondering if you’ll ever see any of it in real life? From colorful birds to endangered species and terrifying predators, seeing all these magnificent creatures is closer than you think! And no, that doesn’t mean popping down to your local zoo.
If you love wildlife and want to see it in its natural habitat, here are a few countries that should be on your bucket list. They will guarantee sightings of some of the most awe-inspiring animals on the planet.
Kenya
When it comes to native wildlife, Kenya is unparalleled. In the north of the country lies the Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve, both of which are known to be the best places to view wildlife in Africa.
At both, you can witness the incredible stampede of the wildebeest migration, as well as lions, cheetahs, and leopards. And it doesn’t stop there! Herds of buffalo, antelope, and zebra can be spotted from all around, and if you decide to book a trustworthy Africa tour, they’ll know where to be at all times so you can see as much as possible.
Costa Rica
Home to one of the world’s biggest tropical ecosystems, Costa Rica is much more than just a sunny escape for people in the States. Corcovado National Park is one of the most impressive parks in the whole world and is comprised of lowland rainforests, cloud forests, and mangrove swamps, to name just a few.
So, you can imagine how much exotic wildlife calls Costa Rica its home. From howler monkeys to jaguars, squirrel monkeys to boa constrictors and anteaters to American crocodiles, there’s an endless amount to see. Just don’t get too close to some of them!
Borneo
The only place on Earth where you’ll find tigers, rhinos, orangutans, and elephants live in perfect harmony, the lush landscapes of Borneo are home to some of the most charismatic animals on the planet. And it’s not hard to see why they love it here. With over 15,000 species of known plants residing here, there’s plenty of good stuff to eat.
Of course, most people come with the hope of spotting an orangutan. The only place you can find these majestic creatures in the wild, their future is shaping conservation projects all over the island and forcing people to think about their environmental impact.
Madagascar
If you’ve seen the movie Madagascar, you might have an inkling of what to expect here. Of course, the lemur, all five species of them, is the king of the rainforest whilst intriguing reptiles like chameleons and lizards scatter the forest floors. Head to the Rainforests of the Atsinanana, a world heritage site where six national parks make for the most incredible wildlife spectacle.
Photo: Unsplash
About the Author
Katalin
Katalin is a Lapland-based outdoor enthusiast who loves hiking, road-tripping, and traveling with her family. She spends her free time far away from civilization in one of the national parks around the world, explores off-the-beaten-path places, or hops on a road trip with her kids in an RV.
Read more about her adventures and the blog.