NATURE’S GREATEST HITS

Getting up close to one (or several) of these beauties in their natural habitat is truly awe-inspiring

WORDS BY EMILY HUMPHREY

Ever wondered where the world’s best animal encounters are? Take a walk on the wild side with our round-up of the most enchanting wildlife experiences on this earth. Whether it’s in our own backyard or travelling to far-reaching corners of the globe, nature’s greatest hits are calling.

Big Five safari (Africa)

An African safari really is a dream destination for animal lovers who want to see it all. Whether you’re dreaming of witnessing lion cubs frolicking or watching predator and prey meet, Africa offers a glorious front row seat.

The fabled Big Five are basically safari royalty, the most sought-after game sightings: lions, elephants, Cape buffalo, leopards and (the increasingly scarce) rhinoceros. All of these creatures are in varying levels of endangerment or near-extinction, with the exception of the buffalo.

Johannes Lekoloane, Inspiring Vacations tour leader on the ground in South Africa, says that the most raved about encounters by guests are leopards and lions, but you should expect the unexpected. “Don’t ever switch off your camera on a safari, anything can happen anytime.”

You’ll find a slew of safari options across East and Southern Africa, all catering to different tastes and experiences. Kenya’s Masai Mara Reserve is a time-honoured safari destination, whereas Botswana’s Chobe National Park is home to Africa’s largest elephant population, with around 120,000 of these majestic creatures living here.

Kruger National Park, with nearly two million hectares of unfenced African wilderness, delivers a gold-star safari experience. It’s considered one of the best places in Africa to spot the Big Five in one fell swoop.

Although one of Lekoloane’s fondest safari memories is being stuck in the middle of the Chobe River at dusk because of a herd of elephants crossing, he warns that spotting the Big Five is really all about luck. “Being too eager to see the Big Five can sometimes spoil your holiday… take it as it comes.”

While on safari, you can expect to embark on early morning game drives (don’t count on a sleep in – this is an ideal time to view the wildlife) as well as later in the day. It’s not a tedious waiting game. There’s a wonderful chance to connect with nature with the sitting around that safari entails. Take in the dramatic Check out our tours here landscapes, the stories your guide will share with you and the chance to simply relax and contemplate the beauty of wild Africa. Sundowners while you gaze at the sweeping savannah? Bliss.

Moose (Canada)

OK, they may not seem very cuddly, but they sure are a much-loved national mascot, eh? Best admired from afar, the Canadian moose can be found in almost every region. Despite moose populations being in decline across many parts of North America, it’s estimated there are up to one million of these enormous creatures getting around Canada. The largest member of the deer family, they can be as tall as two metres, not including those hefty antlers.

Moose are a tourist favourite in the Canadian Rockies and one of the best places to find them around here is in Jasper National Park, the largest park in the Rockies and surely the most remote and wild. They can be spotted around Maligne Lake – did you know moose are excellent swimmers?

A popular hike is the Moose Lake Loop, a gentle 2.6km, or klicks, as the Canucks say. Keep your eyes peeled when driving around, too – you might spot a moose CANADA? Check out our in the ponds and lakes along the incredible Icefields tours here Parkway. They can be spotted day and night, but your best chances are at dawn and dusk.

Bears (Alaska)

They don’t call it the final frontier for nothing: 60% of Alaska is covered by national parks and preserves, with 54 million acres of protected land. If you’re dreaming of witnessing gorgeous bears fishing for salmon in the wild, your chances are superb. A veritable wildlife haven, Alaska is the only place in the country where all three species of North American bears – black, brown and polar – flourish. Brown bears are the most common, with Alaska containing about 98% of the US brown bear population.

The bears in Alaska are not only prolific, they’re big. Often referred to as the ‘Alaskan brown bear’, the Kodiak bear is the largest subspecies of the brown bear. These furry giants are only found on Kodiak Island and the other islands of the Kodiak Archipelago.

Alaska is home to the rare glacier bear – a subspecies of black bear – that is silvery blue, found mainly in Glacier Bay National Park. It can also be found in Denali National Park and Preserve, which is the best place to see Alaska’s own big five: moose, grizzly bears, caribou, grey wolves and Dall sheep.

Alaskan brown bear cubs standing at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park

Polar bears (Greenland)

As if the Arctic terrain weren’t thrilling enough, Greenland’s vast, untouched wilderness is home to a wealth of wildlife, including polar bears, the largest species of bear in the world. Although chances of spotting the ‘King of the Arctic’ are smaller in Greenland compared to Svalbard where they reign, they’re occasionally sighted in north to northeast Greenland, with their largest numbers found in the far north.

The only way to get around Greenland – the world’s largest island – is by boat or plane (or dog sledding, or snowshoeing). This huge, icy landmass has no railways and no roads connecting towns. Boats and cruises allow you to see the majestic icecaps up close and personal.

If you’re dreaming of sailing under the midnight sun, Hurtigruten are the experts in exploration travel, navigating the most remote, pristine corners of the globe – including Greenland. Steffen Biersack, Expedition Leader on MS Roald Amundsen says the rough and breathtaking nature of the Northeast Greenland National Park is renowned for no villages, just awe-inspiring landscapes with the wildlife to match. “We do most of our landings as hiking excursions, leading to unbelievable viewpoints, always on guard for the frequent appearances of polar bears.” The seasoned expedition leader points out that given the challenges regarding danger when it comes to polar bears, there’s an additional thrill and awareness when being out on foot.

As the biggest land predator on the planet, Biersack says the polar bear “is, of course, the most desired trophy for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.” Onboard, there’s an integral approach, giving you the chance to learn indepth what is encountered outside. In addition to lectures, workshops and even art classes (painting and modelling), notable wildlife encounters are followed up with a recap to understand why it was special.

Polar bear in Greenland

Polar bear in Greenland

Penguins (Antarctica)

An expedition to the Antarctic, the coldest corner of the earth, is an adventure many people dream of. The highlight of any trip to this icy wonderland is spotting the diverse array of wildlife that has adapted to the harsh climate.

Whether they’re waddling, swimming, nesting or just playing – penguins are undoubtedly the most popular residents. These flightless birds are only found in the southern hemisphere, with the greatest concentrations on Antarctic coasts and sub-Antarctic islands.

Biersack notes that the vastness of Antarctica, combined with the rapid weather changes, tend to be the most challenging aspects in the south. “We will adapt to nature, not the other way round. That means weather, wildlife encounters and opportunities will determine the course of the voyage.”

Cruises only take place during the summer ANTARCTICA? Check out our tours here months, from late October to early March (when the ice has melted enough for boats to navigate through). The most common penguin encountered on voyages is the Gentoo, a mediumsized animal with a very lively character and social behaviour. If your journey starts in the sub-Antarctic, you’ll first see penguins – likely Rockhopper, Magellanic or King – in the Falkland Islands. If taking a direct route to the Antarctic Peninsula, you’ll most likely see the first penguins porpoising in the winter on approach.

Biersack does make clear that once arrived in Antarctica, you’ll see penguins every single day, in the water and on land – and you’re in for a treat. They follow their reproduction cycle throughout the season and “their interactions are between touching and hilarious, their complete absence of timidity is striking.”

Emperor penguins on the sea ice of East Antarctica

Magellanic penguins heading out to sea in the Falklands

Giant tortoises (Galápagos Islands)

The Galápagos Islands have earned their reputation for incredible flora and fauna not seen anywhere else on earth. Most of the islands are uninhabited in the archipelago, consisting of about 19 islands and dozens of smaller islets, located about 1000km off Ecuador’s coast in the Pacific Ocean. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, both land and sea are protected.

There are many wildlife species unique to this archipelago because of its isolation and remoteness, including the giant Galapagos tortoise which is the largest in the world and can live to 170 years old. The wildlife is incredibly friendly here – thanks to a lack of natural predators, you can generally get quite close to the famous Galápagos sea lions and giant tortoises.

At the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center on Isabela Island, you can observe giant tortoises in all stages of development. This island is well known for the five distinct subspecies of giant tortoise, linked to the different volcanic areas on the island. The centre has almost 1,000 giant tortoises getting ready for life on their own.

Huskies (Finland)

What could round off the winter wonderland experience in Finnish Lapland perfectly? The forests of the Arctic Circle are the place to go dog sledding, also known as mushing. Dog sledding can take you dashing through the snow, or weaving through the forests, pulled by a pack of energetic husky dogs. A proud tradition around here, historically dog sleds were used for carrying heavy loads, or as transport. These days, it’s mainly a recreation pursuit and the tourists love it.

Whether it’s for an overnight adventure or a short morning trip, try your hand as a musher and lead a fleet of huskies (typically Siberian or Alaskan) across snowy terrain in Arctic wilderness. Their howls of excitement before you take off should give you some indication of the adventure you’re in for! It’s nothing short of exhilarating to glide through the idyllic winter scenery as these prized animals surge ahead, in their element. While you ride, you might also spot the famed aurora borealis (yes, really).

Huskies in Lapland

Deer (Japan)

In historic Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, you don’t have to look hard to find the fabled, holy sika (deer). There are more than one thousand tame deer roaming freely around Nara Park, one of the oldest parks in the country. Significant in Shinto lore, once upon a time the deer were considered sacred messengers of the gods. These days, they’re national treasures.

Visitors can buy shika senbei (deer crackers) to feed them, so you’ll find the deer are rather welcoming of humans visiting.

Nara is a popular day trip from Kyoto and Osaka (just under an hour by train) and, given the city’s storied past, there’s plenty to see beyond the deer. An array of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples make up the historic monuments of tours here ancient Nara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Young Sika deer resting among the ferns in Nara Park

Elephants (Sri Lanka)

Considered a symbol of prosperity, elephants are a treasured part of Sri Lankan culture. The island nation has the highest density of wild Asian elephants in the world: although the Sri Lankan elephant population has fallen almost 65% since the turn of the 19th century, it’s estimated there are anywhere between 3,000 INSPIRED and 7,500 wild elephants here. They’re revered TO VISIT in these parts and protected by law (killing an SRI LANKA? elephant carries the death penalty). Check out our tours here

Chances are good year-round that you’ll catch a glimpse of these gigantic herbivores. Several of the country’s national parks are prime for spotting wild elephants, including Udawalawe, Yala, Minneriya and Kaudulla. At the latter two, witness the phenomenon of ‘the gathering’ in the dry season. From June to September, hundreds of elephants travel to ancient reservoirs located within the parks for water. This migration has happened for centuries.

Safari in Yala National Park

Herd of elephants drinking along the Chobe

Australian animal adventures

You don’t have to travel too far for special local encounters

Sea lions (Kangaroo Island, SA)

Kangaroo Island is a dream for wildlife spotting, with animals like kangaroos, sea lions and echidnas roaming free on the island. One of the largest colonies of Australian sea lions can be found at Seal Bay, where you can take a self-guided boardwalk tour or a guided 45-minute beach tour to see the sea lions on the beach up close.

Crocodiles (Northern Territory)

Fancy taking a dip with the world’s largest reptile? At Crocosaurus Cave in Darwin, you can swim with the crocodiles. The only experience of its kind in Australia, up to two swimmers can hop inside a large, clear acrylic tube – named The Cage of Death, of course – and be lowered into one of four enclosures for a 15-minute encounter. If you’d prefer to see them in the wild, brave types can head out on a jumping crocodile cruise along the Adelaide River, where a guide dangles meat in front of the local crocs to encourage them to jump up next to the boat.

Dwarf minke whales (Great Barrier Reef)

The warm waters of the tropical north are the only place in the world where you can swim (dive or snorkel) with dwarf minke whales, and it only happens for two months of the year (June and July). Don’t be fooled by the name – these inquisitive, graceful creatures can grow up to eight metres in length and weigh several tonnes. Not only will you likely come eye to eye with these curious mammals, they produce sounds that are easily heard underwater and the vibrations from sound waves can sometimes reverberate through your body. Their characteristic sound – a synthetic-sounding call with three rapid pulses and a longer trailing note – is fondly nicknamed the Star Wars sound.

Tasmanian devils (Tasmania)

The only place you can find endangered Tasmanian devils in the wild is, you guessed it, Tasmania. Accessible in an hour’s drive from Hobart, The Tasmanian Devil Unzoo boasts loads of wide open spaces, no boundary fences, extensive bushland and a native botanic garden. There are Tassie devil feedings every hour or so and you can take part in a Devil Tracker Adventure, where you’ll take a 4WD tour through bushland to identify and track resident devils.

Whale sharks (Ningaloo, WA)

Swim with the biggest fish in the ocean, at the world’s largest fringing reef. Between March and August, you can snorkel and dive with whale sharks. Ningaloo is also one of the world’s major breeding areas for sea turtles, with turtle nesting season typically occurring from November to March, and hatchlings can be seen from February to April.

Little penguins (Phillip Island, Victoria)

Just under two hours from Melbourne, you’ll find the largest little penguin colony in the world on Phillip Island. At the Penguin Parade, visitors flock to watch these creatures emerge from the water and waddle home to their burrow at sunset. There’s seating on the beach and an underground viewing station to see the world’s smallest penguin species. Closer to the city, a colony of little penguins can be found at the St Kilda breakwater. Head to the viewing platform at the head of the pier at sunset.

MAIN IMAGE: Lion Lipstick with his favorite lioness in Masai Mara