There are an increasing number of advertised wildlife viewing trips to locations around the world, leading to increased interest in nature trips. For many people, seeing wildlife in their natural environment is one of the most rewarding and uplifting travel experiences available.
Here is my list of the top ten wildlife tours available to regular travelers.

1. Central African mountain gorillas

One of the most memorable experiences in many people’s lives is spending an hour with a group of mountain gorillas, only accessible in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.

2. Wildlife Safari in East Africa

Spending time observing the great wildlife of Africa’s Rift Valley is a memorable experience much more real than watching it on the Discovery Channel. Some aim to see the Big Five (elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino, and lion), while others enjoy the familiar giraffe, baboon, deer, wildebeest, zebra, and antelope.

3. Polar fauna in the Antarctic Peninsula

See the famous polar fauna of whales, seals, penguins and other birds (especially flying albatrosses) on the least accessible and emptiest of the seven continents via a comfortable icebreaker cruise. Most depart from the southern tip of South America.

4. Bears and the Salmon Run in Canada and Alaska

Watch black and brown bears fatten up for the approaching winter slumber and gorge on spawning salmon in the cascading rivers of Canada and Alaska.

5. Galapagos Islands

See the location of Charles Darwin’s famous study of evolution on a living volcanic island laboratory. See the famous giant tortoises, the extensive and unusual bird life, and the various other animals that have adapted to the demands of the Galapagos Islands.

6. Whale sharks in Australia

Go snorkelling and watch the largest living animal on our planet calmly navigate the warm waters of Ningaloo Reef off Australia’s west coast.

7. Polar bears in the Arctic

Endangered with our warming planet, see the antics of our largest terrestrial carnivores and their young await the freezing sea ice off Churchill in northeast Canada.

8. Bengal tigers in India

Though elusive, the graceful Bengal tigers can be seen in various reserves across India. Once hunted to near extinction by the Maharajas and their guests, they are now protected.

9. Bornean Orangutans

In the east of the island of Borneo, experience the creature that many scientists consider the most intelligent of all our wildlife.

10. Lemurs and Chameleons of Madagascar

Geologically separated as an island for so long, Madagascar offers a selection of unique and unusual animals highlighted by the variety of playful lemurs and colorful chameleons.

Seeing wildlife in their natural habitat is one of the great privileges of traveling. Enjoy and learn about these majestic animals and birds in some of the most beautiful places in the world.