The 20 Best Wildlife Parks & Wildlife Tours in the World

Global interest in nature-based tourism, which includes wildlife tourism, has grown rapidly over the last decade.

At the same time, wildlife has become increasingly under threat from issues such as habitat loss, poaching, and a lack of funding for conservation. 

Richard Damania, lead economist for the World Bank, succinctly explains the intrinsic connection between economy and ecology in tourism destinations: “Provide jobs and (you’ll) save the environment.” 

But of course it’s not quite that simple, as a National Geographic cover story on the dark truth behind wildlife tourism illustrated.

When managed irresponsibly, wildlife attractions may involve abuse, exploitation, drugged animals, and even death. And unless visitors are well-informed about these issues, they’d probably never know the difference. 

Fortunately, there are hundreds (if not thousands) of examples of wildlife tourism attractions that get it right.

These sustainably-run operations have led to improved well-being for the animals, increased investments in protected areas and reserves, a reduction in poaching, and increased benefits for local communities in the form of jobs, co-management of resources, and revenue-sharing. 

Here’s a look at 20 of the world’s best wildlife parks, as well as wildlife tours specifically designed for animal lovers.

READ MORE: The 25 Best National Parks in Africa for Wildlife Safaris

WILDLIFE PARKS IN AFRICA

1. ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK (Namibia) 

The utterly unique wildlife park encompasses 8,600 square miles of expansive desert landscapes.

At the heart of Etosha National Park are its expansive salt pans. In the wet season they fill with water and attract a bevy of beautiful birds, while in the dry season they blow saline dust out towards the Atlantic Ocean.

The otherworldly park is also home to lots of big game animals, including giraffes, lions, black and white rhinos, and endemic mountain zebras, as well as a wide variety of birds.

Many Namibia wildlife tours include visiting Etosha National Park, looking for desert elephants in Skeleton Coast National Park, seeing the massive Cape fur seal colonies at Swakomund, and much more. 

READ MORE: The 20 Safest Countries in Africa to Visit

2. KRUGER NATIONAL PARK (South Africa) 

Covering more than 7,500 square miles in the eastern part of South Africa, Kruger National Park ranks alongside…