Seven most unique places to see wildlife in the world

Embarking on a trip to get up close with the diverse wildlife of the world opens up a plethora of opportunities for creating an unforgettable experience.

Whether it is tracking a Bengal tiger or going on a mountain gorilla trek, every animal interaction promises moments of awe and leaves a lasting impression on those who are lucky enough to experience it.

The seven unique wildlife destinations of the world detailed below provide a rare opportunity to see some of the most fascinating animals in their natural habitat. Booking these once in a lifetime experiences must be done with reputed brands like Far & Wild Travel to ensure you have the ultimate adventure. 

# 1 Costa Rica 

     Best time to visit: December to April 

     Wildlife hotspots: Monteverde Cloud Forest 

     Corcovado National Park, Manuel

     Antonio National Park.

With an estimated 5% of the earth’s diversity and 3.5% of marine species recorded, Costa Rica harbors some of the most barbaric wildlife to be found in the animal kingdom.

Compared to other countries rich in wildlife, Costa Rica has the highest density of 615 species per 10,000 sq km. The lush jungles are home to over 900 bird species, 200 reptiles and 200 mammals species as well.

Some rarities found here are the Strawberry Poison Dart Frog, Coati Ocelot, sea turtles and more. The colorful Chestnut-Mandibled Toucan is one of the most exotic bird species found here.

# 2 Kenya

      Best time to visit: July to October 

      Wildlife hotspots: Masai Mara Game 

      Reserve, Tsavo National Park, Amboseli 

      National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park

Known the world over as the birthplace of African safaris, Kenya is home to the magnificent Big 5 and lies on the route of the Great Migration, said to be the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth.

During this period, thousands of wildebeest and other animals cross the river Mara between July and August and can be seen struggling to get to the far bank after being pursued by large crocodiles.

Apart from Big 5, other animals found here are hippos, elephants, giraffes and a large variety of birds.

# 3 India 

     Best time to visit: October to March 

     Wildlife hotspots: Corbett National Park,

     Ranthambore National Park, Kaziranga 

     National Park and many more.

For the ultimate wildlife experience, very few can exceed expectations than seeing a Royal Bengal Tiger prowling in the wilds of India. This magnificent big cat has managed to survive in the harshest of conditions and India is without doubt the best place to see this gallant predator.

With as many as 43 dedicated tiger reserves, each holding a sizeable population of animals, visitors have a very high chance of spotting a tiger during a safari. Apart from the tiger, regular sightings of sloth bears, leopards, elephants and rhinoceros have been reported from the 102 National Parks strewn across the sub-continent.

# 4 Canada

      Best time to visit: October and November 

      Wildlife hotspots: Churchill, Manitoba 

Wildlife enthusiasts dream of getting a chance to see a polar bear in the wild, but it remains a distant reality for most of them, except of course for the few residents of Churchill Manitoba who are used to seeing these beautiful creatures from their bedroom window.

While the bears remain on land during summer, when the Hudson Bay ice melts their path usually takes them close to Churchill during the peak months.

During this time, visitors can take a ride on a tundra buggy and get very close to the curious bears. Getting to this place requires a chartered flight or a long train ride, but spending time with the largest carnivore in the world is well worth the time and money.

# 5 Japan 

      Best’ time to visit: Throughout the year 

      Wildlife hotspots: Arashiyama Monkey 

      Park, Kyoto, Nagano 

Just an hour away from the bustling railway station of Kyoto in Japan, visitors have an opportunity to get up close to the adorable snow monkeys of the country.

Endemic to Japan, these macaques are best seen frolicking in hot springs in the remote corner of a place called Nagano, five hours to the north. However, at Arashiyama it takes a mere 20 minutes hike from the base of Mount Iwata to the entrance of the Monkey Park.

There are nearly 150 snow monkeys to be seen at the designated feeding spot where you can purchase fruits and nuts to feed the monkeys, though it is more likely they will be snatched away from your hands before that.

Visitors arriving in spring and summer have a rare opportunity to see babies being tended by their mothers.  As the monkey park is perched on the top of a hill, one can get great views of Kyoto and the surrounding areas from the viewing platform designed to showcase the scenery.

# 6 Ethiopia 

     Best time to visit: October to March 

     Wildlife hotspots: Bale Mountains National 

     Park, Simien Mountains National Park,,

     Awash National Park, Nechisar National 

     Park. Lake Tana

With lush forests and snow-covered peaks and deserts, Ethiopia has one of the most unique landscapes on earth. As the topography is so varied, so are the animal species, with as many as ten endemics, not to be found anywhere else in the world.

Ethiopia may not be on the radar of the mainstream tourist track, but boasts of a number of isolated regions which offer a thrilling safari experience.

Apart from being a popular camping and trekking destination, the national parks of Ethiopia is home to a number of rarities like the gelada monkey, Walia ibex, red fox, klipspringer antelope and the very rare and elusive Ethiopian Wolf, the most endangered carnivore in Africa.

At Lake Tana, said to be the source of the mighty River Nile, the shores and islands are renowned for their abundant wildlife. While colobus monkeys can be seen high up in the canopy, hippos can be found submerged in the shallow waters of the Lake.

# 7 Sao Tome and Principe

      Best time to visit: Dec-Feb,June-Aug

      Wildlife hotspots: Sao Tome, Principe 

Sao Tome and Principe are a stunning pair of two tropical islands located off the coast of West Africa, and form a perfect base for an off the beaten path wildlife vacation. In fact, there are very few destinations left on the planet that are remote and untouched as these islands are 

The bonus of visiting the islands from the end of August, through to November, are the Humpback whales, Killer whales and dolphins that can be seen along the northern coastline on their migration route.

Another plus point for wildlife lovers to travel in the wet season is the abundance of sites of nesting sea turtles which come ashore from mid-November to early February to lay eggs and witness the hatchlings make their way to the edge of the waters.