TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Witnessing wildlife in its natural habitat is truly an incomparable, dreamlike experience for every nature enthusiast. Especially when you're visiting the best place to see wildlife, the sheer thrill of encountering untamed creatures at every turn is unforgettable.
From the vast African savannas to the dense Amazon rainforest, these extraordinary places promise awe-inspiring encounters that reconnect you with the wild, as well as where nature thrives.
List of the Best Places to See Wildlife
Citing Lonely Planet and Fahlo, the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador is widely recognized as the best place to see wildlife. Other must-visit spots where the wild roams free include:
1. Okavango Delta, Botswana
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Okavango Delta is widely regarded as the best place to see wildlife in the world. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Kalahari Desert, this remote oasis teems with diverse wildlife, from ground-roaming predators like lions, leopards, and buffaloes to aquatic giants such as crocodiles and hippos.
Safari experiences in the delta often include tranquil mokoro (dugout canoe) rides through narrow, reed-lined channels. Adding to its richness, visitors can engage with indigenous communities like the Batswana and San people, whose deep-rooted traditions offer a profound cultural layer to the already immersive journey.
2. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
It’s feasible for Galápagos Islands to be dubbed the most famous wildlife-viewing destination in the world. Nestled 563 miles west of Ecuador, this remote archipelago is renowned for its extraordinary range of endemic species, including the giant Galápagos tortoise, Galápagos penguins, and perhaps the most famous of all, the marine iguana.
A visit here offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience, whether you're trekking across volcanic landscapes or diving into the rich waters of the Pacific. With 97.5% of the archipelago protected as a strictly regulated national park, each island feels like a living museum of evolution and biodiversity.
3. Amazon Rainforest, Brazil
No list of the best places to see wildlife is complete without mentioning the iconic Amazon Rainforest. As one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet, this sprawling rainforest stretches across nearly seven million square kilometers of South America.
From the very first step into the Amazon, you’ll be greeted by a symphony of birdsong, the occasional glimpse of a sloth lazily hanging from tree branches, and flashes of color from toucans, macaws, and butterflies.
4. Yellowstone National Park, USA
Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park holds the distinction of being the world’s first national park. Adorned with otherworldly views, spectacular hiking trails, and the highest concentration of geysers and hot springs of any other place, Yellowstone also offers exceptional wildlife-viewing opportunities, especially in the early morning hours.
From bald eagles soaring overhead, the largest herd of bison in the country to the elusive wolves and powerful grizzly bears, the park's abundance of wildlife makes its global reputation well-deserved.
5. Komodo National Park, Indonesia
When talking about wildlife viewing, the ancient Komodo dragon often tops the wish list of many nature enthusiasts. These prehistoric-looking reptiles, believed to have roamed the Earth since the time of the dinosaurs, are exclusively found in Komodo National Park, Indonesia.
But a visit to this UNESCO-listed marvel isn’t just about the 5,700 prehistoric dragons. There’s much more to explore, including diving alongside graceful manta rays in crystal-clear waters and hiking up the dramatic peaks of Padar Island for panoramic views. And of course, be sure to explore one of the best beaches with pink sands located within the island.
6. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Serengeti National Park is often recognized as the best place to see wildlife, largely thanks to the legendary Great Migration. Each year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by around 300,000 zebras and hundreds of thousands of gazelles, make their way from the southern plains of the Serengeti to the northern regions in search of fresh grazing and water. This epic journey offers one of the most awe-inspiring natural spectacles on the planet. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, the park lives up to the meaning behind its name—‘the land that goes on forever.’
7. Kruger National Park, South Africa
Once again, South Africa proves to be a top contender for wildlife adventures, and Kruger National Park stands as one of its most prime examples. Spanning nearly 20,000 square kilometers, it's not uncommon to spot all of the Big Five—lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard—within a single day. With a range of camps offering sunrise, sunset, and night drives, experiencing the raw beauty of Kruger is both effortless and immersive.
Wildlife travel extends beyond awe-inspiring encounters; it also stands as a reminder of protecting these ecosystems for the future. Whether you’re drawn to the jungles of the Amazon or the ancient Komodo dragons in Indonesia, they’re sure to leave a lasting impression on every visit. If you’re drawn to nature-filled destinations in Europe, let’s discover the continent’s best national parks.
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