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photo by Mike & Shelly

Plan a wildlife viewing vacation for an experience you'll never forget. Cities can provide a quick glimpse of your favorite critters, while safaris, wildlife parks, or a trip to a rainforest will give you the adventure of a lifetime. Most areas with large populations of animals provide touring services and accommodations so that even if you’re not an animal expert, a guide will help you follow the path of the herd and understand the animals in their environment better.

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Top Destinations for Wildlife Viewing

Top wildlife viewing cities

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    photo by go_girl

    Galapagos Islands

    One of the few places in the world where you can literally come face to face with wild animals, the Galapagos Islands are a treat for any nature-loving traveler. From tortoises and  flamingoes to sea lions and dolphins, life here has remained mostly unt... read more »

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    photo by Brian E

    Cairns

    Cairns is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia, and for good reason. The Great Barrier Reef is only a few hours away, and the city is filled with lagoons, rainforests and coastlines. Many visitors have noted that the climate is simi... read more »

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    photo by Jamie and Tal

    Kaikoura

    Kaikoura is a faorite destination for whale watching, dolphin swimming and natural sightseeing. Located at the foot of the southern alps and leading to the coast of New Zealand, naturalist travelers will appreciate the wealth of wildlife and the great s... read more »

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    photo by Ryan & Sara

    Sydney

    Brash and beautiful, Sydney sits nestled in the sandstone cliffs overlooking Sydney Harbor, basking in its role as a gateway for travelers, a mecca of culture and a playground for tourists and its five million residents alike. History abounds in Victori... read more »

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    photo by Popple

    Chiang Mai

    Built in a lush valley, the city of Chiang Mai has spectacular mountain views, rich culture and inexpensive accommodations. Travel to one of the 300 temples, shop at the Night Market, or take a popular day trip to the nearby Golden Triangle and the Meko... read more »

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    photo by Voices of Africa

    Kruger National Park

    The largest game reserve in South Africa, Kruger National Park houses the big five African animals (lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos) as well as an abundance of other wildlife. Many of the trails offer wilderness sites untouched by humans. read more »

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    photo by The Kuhtas

    Kanchanaburi

    Best known for war museums and the famous bridge on the river kwai, Kanchanaburi also contains beautiful scenery and friendly people. There are many activities to enjoy (including an elephant trek), but be sure to visit the buddhist temple, where visito... read more »

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    photo by KevHolls

    Nairobi

    Nairobi is the capital of Kenya, with all of the comforts you would expect of a cosmopolitan city - great theaters, fine dining, markets, museums, nightclubs and discos. At the Nairobi National Park, a large wildlife preserve just outside of the city, v... read more »

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    photo by Jazz

    Serengeti National Park

    One of the most famous national parks in the world, the Serengeti offers natural bounty unrivaled by anyplace else in the world. Travelers from around the world regularly come to see the migration for different animal species and to get up close and per... read more »

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    photo by The Journeyers

    Chengdu

    Come to chengdu and you'll experience some of the most historical sights and sounds in China. Filled with millions of residents and visitors, there is no shortage of things to do, from walking through ancient temples to hiking in the beautiful forests o... read more »

Top Wildlife Viewing Countries

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    photo by silsbee

    Australia

    See as much as you can of this destination, the sixth largest country in the world. With over 7,000 beaches, unique wildlife, stunning natural beauty, and cosmopolitan cities, Australia is worth the journey down under. Head to Sydney for exciting nightlife, shopping and cuisine, escape to the national parks for bush walking, and wildlife viewing or unwind away from it all on one of the stunning beaches. read more »

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    photo by Kyle & Dan

    New Zealand

    This island nation, while small in size, can nonetheless fill a travelers senses with tropical delight. The temperate climate, rolling hills, miles of beaches and massive mountains allow for dozens of possible activities The local food and drink provide a slice of island life for vacationers who prefer an indoor getaway. read more »

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    photo by Globally Speaking

    Thailand

    Drawing more visitors than any other country in Southeast Asia, Thailand is a wonderful harmony of history, architecture, people, culture and cuisine. With the mountains of Mae Hong Son, dance clubs of Bangkok, peaceful villages along the Mekong River and intimate beach resorts studding the Andaman Sea, Thailand is a paradise for any traveler. read more »

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    photo by irvine

    United States

    Travelers to the United States of America experience a melting pot of diverse people and cultures into an equally diverse and mind-blowing landscape. Home to several of the world's most exciting cities and a plethora of unique outdoor opportunities, the United States is a country that offers every visitor unique and unforgetable travel destinations. read more »

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    photo by Anni Español

    Ecuador

    Located just off the Andes mountains, Ecuador is a lush tropical delight. Quito, the capital, offers a serene mountainside town with snow-capped volcanoes and museums and churches across town. Cuenca offers classic Spanish architecture and colonial streets while still being close to the Amazonian rainforest. Tourists can also visit the nearby Galapagos Islands, where penguins, sea lions and dolphins are literally within arms reach. read more »

Top Five Wildlife Viewing Trip Blogs