10 amazing & ethical wildlife experiences to have next year

Have you ever caught a glimpse of a gorilla through the misty Ugandan jungle? Or spotted a tiger prowling silently in the shadows of an ancient Indian forest? To celebrate this week’s World Wildlife Conservation Day, we thought we’d share 10 of our favourite unforgettable wildlife experiences to have across our wonderful world. These animal encounters connect you to nature at its most special and extraordinary – all while keeping animal welfare and conservation front and centre, exactly where they should be.

1. Canada – Get acquainted with Canada’s bear necessities

We’re so excited that Canada is on its way out of hibernation and back where it belongs – on the HA holiday books! The land of bears, moose and whales, there are plenty of wild encounters waiting for you here. This Ultimate British Colombia holiday is a fantastic place to start if spotting iconic Canadian wildlife is top of your holiday wish list. Think black bears, grizzly bears, soaring eagles and breaching orcas. It’s all going on here!

When to go: June – September

2. Spot a tiger in the wild in India’s Ranthambore National Park

India is back! And we couldn’t be happier about it. Spotting a Bengal tiger in Ranthambore National Park is the stuff of bucket-list dreams. This iconic predator roams the ancient forests of the park, making every game drive feel like you’ve landed slap bang in the middle of a wildlife documentary. With skilled guides leading the way, you’ll track footprints, listen for alarm calls, and soak in the thrill of the search. Ranthambore’s unique mix of jungle, wildlife and history make it one of India’s most popular wildlife destinations! Combine the wildlife adventure with a visit to India’s iconic Taj on our very aptly named ‘Tigers and Taj‘ holiday idea.

When to go: October – December

3. Visit Borneo’s Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Borneo is a nature lovers dream. With more endemic wildlife than we can list, a holiday here won’t disappoint on the animal encounters front (or any front, come to mention it!) This holiday kicks off in the laid-back town of Sepilok with a visit to the famous Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and newly opened Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Then you’ll venture along the Kinabatangan River to your jungle eco-lodge. Keep your eyes peeled for Pygmy Elephants, Hornbill, wild orangutan, crocodiles, mangrove snakes, macaques and even Proboscis Monkeys!

When to go: Year round, although May – September is high season!

4. Learn all about rhino conservation efforts in Namibia

The Africat Foundation and the Save the Rhino Trust are two of Africa’s most celebrated conservation bodies – and you’ll find them both in Namibia. Namibia is an enlightened eco-tourism destination all-round, and you’ll soak up an awful lot of their efforts to protect its beautiful wildlife population on this Wildlife and Conservation Namibia holiday.

When to go: Whenever you fancy!

5. Meet the baby nellys at Sri Lanka’s Elephant Transit Centre

The Elephant Transit Centre in Sri Lanka is a remarkable conservation project focused on giving orphaned baby elephants a second chance at life in the wild. Located near Udawalawe National Park, the centre allows visitors to watch these playful young elephants at feeding times, as they’re given milk from a viewing platform. Outside of feeding, they roam freely in the park to prepare for their release into the wild at around four years old. It’s a simple yet powerful initiative that puts the elephants’ welfare first, offering a rare and heartwarming glimpse into their journey back to freedom.

When to go: December to April

6. Come face to face with a mountain gorilla in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda is home to around 400 wild mountain gorillas. There are tight restrictions on gorilla tracking to ensure these incredible primates and their habitat is protected at all times, but seeing them in the wild is an experience like no other. It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime adventures where you just know the reality will more than live up to the expectation.

When to go: All year round!

7. Meet Costa Rica’s snooziest residents at the sloth sanctuary

Costa Rica’s lush rainforests are home to the world’s most adorable tree-huggers: sloths. And the Sloth Sanctuary is a real haven for them. Costa Rica is a trailblazer in all things conservation, and this sanctuary embodies its dedication to protecting its precious wildlife at all costs. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for these slow, sleepy creatures and the country’s incredible biodiversity efforts. As well as an urge to purchase every single bit of sloth paraphernalia you lay your eyes on from here on out.

When to go: Whenever you fancy!

8. Witness the Great Migration cross the Serengeti

Real life Lion King awaits! Africa’s Great Wildebeest Migration is without doubt one of the great, unmissable wonders of the natural world. Every year, up to a staggering two million or more wildebeest (not forgetting the gazelles and zebra), make the journey across the veldt of southern Africa. When August comes around, the wildebeest begin their journey north through the Serengeti, following the rains to the Masai Mara in Kenya, migrating nearly 1,000 miles as they go!

When to go: Year round, but August and September are great months to see the famous river crossing!

9. Head off on the safari of dreams in Botswana’s Okavango Delta

A safari in the Okavango Delta is a safari like no other. With countless top-end safari camps that ooze luxury and faultless service, the magic of a Botswana adventure isn’t just limited to the wildlife. Imagine spending the afternoon lounging by a pristine pool overlooking the plains before taking off on a sunset game drive, guaranteed to be packed full of pinch-yourself animal sightings (and quite possibly a sundowner or two in the bush!)

When to go: Great all year!

10. Be wowed by whales on South Africa’s Whale Coast

In Hermanus, on South Africa’s aptly named ‘Whale Coast’, you don’t need to take to the high seas in waterproofs and life jackets to experience these giants of the deep. Ohhh no. Here all you need to do is grab a table at one of the many restaurant patios, order a chilled glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc and turn your eyes to the water. Southern white whales and their calves can frequently be seen playing in the ocean here, just yards from the shore. Magic.

When: For the best chance visit between July and November

Whether it’s floating through Botswana’s waterways alongside hippos and bathing elephants, learning rhino-saving secrets in Namibia’s desert plains, or watching whales breach the waves from South Africa’s shores, these are wildlife experiences that’ll stay with you long after you fly home. Give us a call on 01242 253 073 to chat to one of our experts and start planning your wild 2025 holiday to remember.