For a life-changing, ethical animal encounter, explore expert-approved travel experiences.

Nature travel helps us appreciate the scope of our planet and our place in it. In recent years, many of America’s national parks have set new records for visitation, with travelers seeking not just beautiful landscapes, but also meaningful wildlife encounters.

With international borders reopening, we have consulted iBestTravel’s A-List of expert travel advisors for their favorite animal experiences worldwide. Regardless of your interests—be it photography, conservation, or research—these ethical and enriching trips will create lasting memories.

Helping Baby Elephants in Kenya

Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is a remarkable place dedicated to rescuing baby elephants. Visitors have the chance to interact with these adorable creatures during their daily feedings. Additionally, as the primary animal orphanage in the Northern Rangelands of Kenya, this center also accommodates various other species. For instance, during a recent visit, we experienced the joy of bottle-feeding a four-week-old baby rhinoceros named Loijipu. Moreover, the center has a friendly pet gerenuk, Gilby, who enjoys walking with visitors, much like a dog. The opportunity to hand-feed a small family of hand-reared giraffes makes this sanctuary a truly nature-sensitive place to engage with African rescue animals of all shapes and sizes.

Spotting Rare Birds and Lizards in New Zealand

New Zealand showcases unique creatures such as the prehistoric tuatara, which resembles a lizard and is closely related to dinosaurs. Another rare species is the kea, the only alpine parrot in the world. While the kea can be spotted fairly easily in alpine regions, the tuatara is more elusive. A recommended visit would be the Southland Museum, where visitors can meet Henry, a tuatara over 110 years old, or look for them in the wild on Tiritiri Matangi Island.

Looking for Beluga Whales in the Northwest Passage

For travelers eager for a truly unique wildlife experience, a cruise is often the best choice. On a 16-day journey aboard Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot, you’ll explore the Southern Ocean and witness emperor penguins. Even more impressive is a 22-day expedition to the Northwest Passage on the National Geographic Resolution, where you may spot pods of beluga whales or, if lucky, a group of narwhals.

Researching Manta Rays in the Maldives

The Marine Life Discovery Center at the Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru in the Maldives is an excellent place to learn about various marine creatures, including manta rays. Visitors can participate in research projects led by marine biologists and contribute to reef restoration efforts, along with a rehabilitation program for sea turtles.

Rhino Conservation in South Africa

One of the most exceptional new animal experiences in 2022 is found at the two Marataba Conservation Camps. The activities here are managed by conservationists, veterinarians, and researchers, and they involve guest participation in various projects. Guests can monitor, track, and collect data, with rhino conservation being a key focus at Marataba. Visitors engage closely with Dr. Andre Uys, managing director of Marataba Conservation, making this an innovative conservation experience in Southern Africa, all while enjoying stunning views of the Waterberg Mountains—the oldest red oxidized sandstone mountains globally.

Watching Snow Monkeys in Japan

Experiencing the snow monkeys bathing in an onsen in Jigokudani, Nagano Prefecture, presents a truly divine encounter, alongside the majestic cranes on Hokkaido’s northern island.

Learning From Horses in New Mexico or Italy

Equus in Santa Fe, located within walking distance from the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado, offers an outstanding equine-assisted transformational coaching program. Additionally, experiencing life with Tuscan Cowboys (Buttero) in Tuscany allows guests to embrace the beauty of one of Italy’s most renowned regions while learning something new.

Going All Out in the Galápagos

If you are a photographer, various Galápagos ships offer cruises alongside some of the best wildlife photographers in the world. Intimate luxury ships, accommodating only a small group, allow you to be close to sea lions and blue-footed boobies, enhancing your photography skills with tips that can elevate your vacation photos to National Geographic-quality shots. Notably, animals in the Galápagos are renowned for their lack of fear of humans, offering a unique chance to be just inches away from iconic wildlife within the archipelago.