If spotting rare animals in their natural habitat sounds like your kind of adventure, there are plenty of places around the world that offer truly unforgettable wildlife experiences. From tropical islands to rugged mountains and deep rainforests, these destinations combine incredible scenery with the chance to see species you might only have read about, all without feeling like a tourist show.
Here are five places well worth adding to your wildlife travel list!
Borneo: Rainforest Encounters
For a chance to see orangutans, pygmy elephants, and exotic birdlife in the wild, Borneo is a standout. This lush island (shared by Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei) is home to some of the oldest rainforests on earth, and its thick jungles support an incredible range of species.
In Malaysian Borneo, the Kinabatangan River is a hotspot for boat-based wildlife spotting, where you can drift through dense foliage in search of proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and hornbills. For a more immersive experience, head to the Danum Valley Conservation Area, a remote section of pristine forest that’s teeming with biodiversity and less impacted by human activity.
Borneo also offers opportunities to learn about local conservation efforts and eco-tourism initiatives that protect habitats while supporting indigenous communities.
Uganda: Gorillas, Chimpanzees & More
Uganda is one of the most biodiverse countries in Africa, and a dream destination for anyone hoping to see great apes in the wild. The country’s crown jewel is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to about half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Trekking through the misty rainforest to observe a gorilla family up close is one of the most moving wildlife experiences you can have.
But Uganda offers more than just gorillas. Kibale Forest is a top spot for chimpanzee tracking, while Queen Elizabeth National Park delivers more traditional safari sightings like lions, elephants, and hippos, often with fewer crowds than its East African neighbours.
Planning a well-rounded Uganda wildlife safari gives you a mix of jungle, savannah, and lake experiences, with knowledgeable local guides who know the terrain and animal behaviour well.
Patagonia: A Wilderness of Extremes
Split between southern Chile and Argentina, Patagonia is vast, wild, and full of unexpected wildlife encounters. You might come for the hiking, but you’ll stay for the chance to spot everything from guanacos and condors to orcas and Magellanic…