If you’re searching for the top 10 wildlife destinations in the world, you’re in for a treat. Over the years, I’ve ventured into diverse ecosystems, from dense rainforests to sprawling savannas, and discovered incredible places brimming with wildlife.
Whether you dream of spotting the Big Five in Africa, trekking through the Amazon, or encountering unique desert species, this guide will help you plan your journey with specific parks, ecoregions, and tips for an unforgettable adventure.
The Top 10 Wildlife Destinations in the World
1. African Savannas
The African savannas are a dream for wildlife enthusiasts. These plains are home to iconic species like lions, elephants, and cheetahs, making them the ultimate wildlife destination. The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya are must-visit locations, especially if you time your trip with the Great Migration. This annual event sees millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the plains, dodging predators like crocodiles and big cats.
Planning Tip: Visit between July and October to witness river crossings during the Great Migration. Opt for a guided safari to increase your chances of spotting elusive animals. This guide to African safari costs breaks down the expenses, and you can explore options for all-inclusive safaris to simplify planning.
For a different vibe, South Africa’s Kruger National Park offers excellent self-drive safaris, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
2. The Amazon Basin
The Amazon is an unparalleled destination for biodiversity. Spanning nine countries, with Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador as popular entry points, this rainforest is home to jaguars, pink river dolphins, and an astonishing variety of reptiles. One of my most memorable experiences was exploring Tambopata National Reserve in Peru, where I spotted giant river otters and caimans.
Planning Tip: Base yourself in Puerto Maldonado, Peru, or Manaus, Brazil, for easy access to the rainforest. For reptile enthusiasts, my guide on snakes in Peru will help you identify some of the unique species you might encounter. Travel between June and November for drier weather and better wildlife visibility.
For a deeper dive into the Amazon’s ecology, check out this guide to the Amazon Basin.
3. Australasian
Australia and its neighboring islands are home to fascinating wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. In Queensland, visit Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest rainforest, where you can encounter cassowaries and tree kangaroos. Nearby, the Great Barrier Reef offers a chance to snorkel or dive alongside vibrant marine life, including sea turtles and reef sharks.
For a mix of wildlife and landscapes, Kangaroo Island in South Australia is a gem. Known as Australia’s “zoo without fences,” it’s home to kangaroos, koalas, and even penguins.
Visit between May and October for cooler weather and increased wildlife activity.
4. Cascadia
Cascadia, which includes parts of the Pacific Northwest in the United States and Canada, offers a temperate rainforest teeming with wildlife. Olympic National Park in Washington State is a must-visit, with its elk herds, black bears, and bald eagles. Vancouver Island, Canada, is another wildlife hotspot, where you can spot orcas, gray whales, and coastal wolves.
Summer (June to September) is ideal for visiting Cascadia, with accessible trails and whale-watching tours.
5. The Caribbean
The Caribbean isn’t just about beaches—it’s a biodiversity hotspot both above and below the water. The Bahamas’ Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is perfect for snorkeling and spotting sea turtles, rays, and tropical fish. On land, Dominica’s Morne Trois Pitons National Park is home to parrots, bats, and fascinating amphibians.
Visit during the dry season (December to April) for calm seas and clear skies.
6. The Desert Southwest
The deserts of the American Southwest are far more alive than they first appear.
This region, spanning Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and California, is a mix of rugged beauty and surprisingly diverse wildlife. From the iconic saguaro cacti of the Sonoran Desert to the dramatic rock formations of Joshua Tree National Park, the landscapes here are unforgettable—and so are the creatures that call them home.
In Joshua Tree National Park, California, you can spot an array of wildlife, including bobcats, coyotes, and the elusive bighorn sheep. Early mornings and evenings are the best times for sightings, as animals emerge to avoid the midday heat. The park is also a haven for reptile enthusiasts, with species like desert tortoises and sidewinder rattlesnakes blending seamlessly into the rocky terrain.
My guide to snakes in Joshua Tree offers more details on the fascinating reptiles you might encounter.
Arizona’s deserts, particularly around Tucson and Phoenix, are equally impressive. The Sonoran Desert is home to unique wildlife like the Gila monster, Harris’s hawk, and even jaguars in remote areas near the U.S.-Mexico border. For a comprehensive look at the region’s wildlife, explore this list of Arizona’s wildlife.
Planning Tip: Visit the Desert Southwest in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) for milder temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and active wildlife. Hiking trails and scenic drives are more enjoyable during these seasons, and you’ll have a better chance of spotting animals in their natural habitats.
Whether you’re walking among the iconic Joshua trees or marveling at the desert’s ability to sustain such vibrant life, the Southwest is full of surprises. For a closer look, check out this guide to the wildlife in Joshua Tree National Park to enhance your trip to this incredible region.
7. The Himalayas
The Himalayas are not only famous for their towering peaks but also for the incredible wildlife that calls these rugged landscapes home.
If you’re hoping to spot a snow leopard, Hemis National Park in Ladakh, India, is the place to go. This high-altitude sanctuary is a haven for these elusive big cats, along with blue sheep and Himalayan wolves. For a completely different experience, Nepal’s Chitwan National Park offers lush lowland jungles where you can encounter Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceroses, and sloth bears.
For the best chance of seeing snow leopards, visit Hemis during the winter months (November to March), when they descend to lower altitudes. Base yourself in Leh, India, and join a guided trek to improve your chances of a sighting while supporting conservation efforts in the region.
8. Sundaland
Sundaland, spanning parts of Borneo, Sumatra, and the surrounding islands, is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Its rainforests are home to countless species found nowhere else on Earth, making it a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about wildlife.
Whether you’re interested in seeing orangutans, pygmy elephants, or hornbills, Sundaland offers some of the best opportunities to observe these incredible animals in their natural habitat.
One standout destination in Sundaland is the Kinabatangan River in Sabah, Borneo. This area is famous for its rich wildlife, including proboscis monkeys, saltwater crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. The river’s ecosystem is easily accessible and ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, with boat tours providing close-up views of animals along the water’s edge.
On a typical day, you might spot families of elephants grazing, hornbills flying overhead, or even the occasional glimpse of a wild orangutan resting in the treetops.
For the best experience, stay in one of the eco-lodges along the Kinabatangan River. These lodges often organize early morning and evening boat safaris, giving you the best chance to spot active wildlife. Some also offer night walks, where you can search for nocturnal creatures like civets, slow lorises, and tiny tree frogs. Staying along the river allows you to experience the sights and sounds of the jungle up close while supporting conservation-focused tourism.
The dry season, from March to October, is the best time to visit Sundaland, as the weather is more predictable and wildlife tends to congregate near water sources. Be sure to bring comfortable, breathable clothing and insect repellent to make your trip more enjoyable.
If you’re planning a visit, check out this guide to the wildlife of the Kinabatangan River for more details on what to expect. Sundaland’s rainforests are not just beautiful—they’re a vital refuge for some of the world’s most fascinating species, and exploring them is an experience you’ll never forget.
9. The Neotropics
The Neotropics, spanning Central and South America, hold some of the most diverse and fascinating ecosystems I’ve ever explored.
From the lush jungles of Costa Rica to the expansive wetlands of Brazil’s Pantanal, this region is alive with wildlife you won’t want to miss. On one trip, I explored the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, a place rich with history, cenotes, and unique wildlife like spider monkeys and colorful toucans.
One of my favorite spots in the Neotropics is the Pantanal in Brazil, a lesser-known gem compared to the Amazon. This sprawling wetland is the ultimate destination for spotting jaguars in the wild. I’ll never forget the thrill of watching a jaguar lounging by the water’s edge or catching a glimpse of capybaras and caimans nearby.
For the best experience, visit during the dry season (July to October). This is when the water recedes, concentrating animals around rivers and lagoons, making sightings much more frequent. Whether you’re trekking through the Yucatán or taking a boat tour in the Pantanal, the Neotropics offer unforgettable encounters with some of the most incredible creatures on Earth.
10. Oceania
Oceania’s islands, stretching from New Zealand to Hawaii, are home to some of the world’s most unique wildlife and ecosystems. Each island offers its own distinctive mix of species and landscapes, making this region an ideal destination for nature lovers. From exploring coastal cliffs, tropical rainforests, or coral reefs, Oceania provides countless opportunities to connect with its incredible biodiversity.
One standout location is Kauai, Hawaii, often called the “Garden Isle” for its lush, green landscapes. Here, you can hike through rainforests teeming with tropical birds, relax on pristine beaches, and snorkel alongside green sea turtles in the crystal-clear waters. Hawaiian monk seals, one of the world’s rarest marine mammals, can often be seen basking on the shoreline. Kauai is also home to fascinating reptile species, and if you’re curious about them, my guide to snakes in Kauai provides helpful insights.
New Zealand offers a completely different but equally exciting experience. The island nation is a haven for unique wildlife, such as the flightless kiwi bird and the ancient tuatara reptile. Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an incredible destination for spotting penguins, seals, and dolphins while surrounded by dramatic fjords and waterfalls.
For the best experience, plan your visit during spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). These seasons offer fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures, and plenty of opportunities to explore both land and sea. Whether you’re hiking Kauai’s Napali Coast, snorkeling in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, or exploring New Zealand’s fjords, Oceania’s islands promise unforgettable encounters with nature.