Lions, elephants and seemingly countless herds of zebras and antelopes of Africa, polar bears of Canada or penguins and giant whales that populate the oceans are increasingly fashionable among tourists. All in a “package” with the beauties of nature and the charm of an unforgettable safari.
We’ve all dreamed at least once of watching lions in their natural habitat from just a few meters away, or being on board a small tourist boat to admire whales and dolphins coming out of the depths as if to socialize with tourists.
The British from The Telegraph suggest some destinations for those who want to admire the charm of nature and wildlife together. From torrid Africa to the cold of Canada and from Asia to the oceans of the planet, numerous destinations are just waiting to be discovered.
“In the depths of winter, the thought that lions, leopards, jaguars or whales might soon be looming through the lenses of your binoculars may seem like a distant fantasy. And yet, with just a few clicks of a friendly mouse, all this and more could be yours to experience in 2025. Wildlife habitats range from rainforests to remote islands, and from polar regions to the African savannah. To make this fantasy a reality, it’s important to book now while availability lasts”a first recommendation of the British.
The kingdom of penguins
“Sail as far south as ice and weather permit aboard Ocean Explorer along the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. The ship is small enough to navigate through the glacial Lemaire Channel, populated by 30-tonne humpback whales and leading to islands that are home to huge colonies of penguins, elephant seals and countless seabirds. Landings are made aboard the Zodiac landing craft”, is another recommendation.
According to the source quoted, the trip lasts 14 days with Exodus Adventure Travels (exodus.co.uk) costs from £18,195 (February 2026), including 12 nights on the ship and one in Ushuaia (Argentina), all meals on board, expedition guides and excursions. Excludes international flights.
Also in the kingdom of frost and snow, but in the extreme north, in Canada, it is recommended to explore the wild tundra. It is the place where tourists can meet the predator at the top of the food chain in the area, the polar bear.
Polar bears can be found in the tundra of northern Canada. PHOTO: Pixabay
“Explore the arctic tundra around Churchill on Canada’s Hudson Bay with a group of up to 16 people, looking for polar bears and other rare wildlife, including arctic hare, arctic fox and snowy owls. The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) can also be admired. Discover the World (discover-the-world.com) offers five- and six-night tours in October and November 2025 from £7,610pp, including full-board accommodation, a dogsled excursion and flights from Winnipeg to Churchill . Excludes international flights.”
The unparalleled spectacle of nature in Mexican waters
From the extreme cold of Canada it descends on the North American continent to the heat of Mexico. Meet the sea monsters of Baja California, write the British.
“It helps researchers studying large marine animals, including dolphins, humpback whales and whale sharks, in the waters around Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. Locations include La Paz Bay and Punta Lobos. Your findings will help scientists understand the effects of climate events, urbanization and a growing ecotourism industry on marine ecosystems. They can also lead to policies that support a sustainable future“, write the British.
Dolphins can be frequently seen off the coast of Mexico. PHOTO: Pixabay
Earthwatch (earthwatch.org) offers a nine-day trip from £2,960, including full-board accommodation; excludes flights. Departs from February to April 2025.
Wild Africa
Another tempting offer is to track lions and elephants in the Namibian desert.
“Track desert elephants along the arid mountains of Damaraland and photograph lions drinking water or stalking antelope in Etosha National Park. Few places have such wildlife and surreal landscapes as Namibia, where huge colonies of seals can also be found along the desert coast“, promise the British.
A 14-day self-drive 4×4 tour with Responsible Travel (responsibletravel.com) costs £2,250 per person, including B&B accommodation in eco-camps and transfers. Excludes international flights.
Another offer is that of a safari that will help tourists better understand why nature needs to be preserved. “In the Kalahari Desert in either the green season (Jan/Feb) or the dry season (Sept), while staying in a private reserve and participating in an eco-tourism initiative. Wild dogs, lions, cheetahs, white and black rhinos can be seen, but also rarer species such as brown hyena, caracal, aardvark and aardwolf. You will also help monitor pangolins recently released into the wild after being rescued from poaching“, is the offer from The Telegraph.
The king of animals can be admired at his home. PHOTO: Pixabay
Wildlife Worldwide (wildlifeworldwide.com) offers eight days from £3,495 (September 2025) and £3,695 (January 2026), including full-board accommodation, safari and conservation activities and transfers; excludes international flights. Single supplement from £875.
And also in Africa, but in Kenya, there are interesting offers to visit Laikipia Wilderness, the only camp in Africa with regular sightings of black panthers, along with other big cats and the rare African wild dog. Expert Africa (expertafrica.com) offers a seven-day Great Kudu flying safari from £6,290 per person, including full-board accommodation and transfers; excluding flights.
The Great Serengeti Migration
Finally, a unique experience like the animal migration from the Serengeti, in Tanzania, has its place of honor.
“Get a front row seat to the world famous wildebeest migration. Accommodation is in a private hilltop villa in the Grumeti Game Reserve, adjacent to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. The property is part of the Singita collection of private villas, Singita Milele, which opened in May 2024, comes with a hefty price tag but overlooks the Serengeti, where lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and wild buffalo can be seeni”, is the inviting message of the British.
Singita (singita.com) offers full-board accommodation at Milele for up to ten guests from £21,110 per night, including dedicated villa staff, field guide and private safaris; excludes flights.
And also in Africa, but in Uganda, tourists have the chance to meet chimpanzees in Kibale National Park. The location of the new Kibale Lodge was chosen for its proximity to approximately 1,500 chimpanzees in Uganda’s Kibale National Park and its views of the Ruwenzori Mountains.
Chimpanzees can be found in the forests of Uganda. PHOTO: Pixabay
Aardvark Safaris (aardvarksafaris.com) offers a seven-night primate safari from £8,880pp, including full-board accommodation, two gorilla trekking permits, transfers and direct international flights to Entebbe from March 2025. Kibale Lodge: Volcanoes Safaris (volcanoessafaris.com) ).
The mountains of Scotland
Those who prefer Europe can opt for the mountains and hills of Scotland, where the scenery is breathtaking.
“Look out for golden eagles, hares, martens, red squirrels, otters and jumping salmon alongside red deer and fallow deer during a stay at Alladale Estate”, is the tempting offer for those who want to see the mountains of Scotland.
Mongolia’s snow leopards, stars in Asia
In far Asia, there are about 40 snow leopards in the Altai Mountains of Mongolia. Those who have been in the area have had a 100% success rate for viewings to date. Other rare species include Saiga antelope, Pallas’s bird, Mongolian ground jay and a large number of wild birds and leeches. Also on the itinerary is Hustai National Park, home to Przewalski’s wild horses and Pallas’ cats.
A 14-day tour with Naturetrek (naturetrek.co.uk) costs from £6,995, including full-board accommodation, expert guides, international flights and transfers. Departures: August 2025; July/August 2026.
Tigers and Leopards in Nagpur
And also in Asia, but in India, animal lovers have a chance to see tigers and leopards in Nagpur.
“Look for tigers and leopards as you immerse yourself in India’s wildlife on a visit to four very different national parks, including Kanha and Satpura. Think remote lodges, luxury tented camps and bushwalking with expert naturalists. Likely sightings include sloth bears and potentially the elusive jungle cat. Scott Dunn (scottdunn.com) offers a 14-night itinerary from £6,900. Includes accommodation, most meals, safaris, transfers and international flights,” the British also write.
The Indian jungle hides tigers and leopards in its depths. PHOTO: Pixabay
The Galapagos Islands, the place where the famous Charles Darwin spent a long time, offers a special fauna.
“Sail past giant turtles and humpback whales. Discover the iconic wildlife and unique landscapes of the Galapagos on a cruise around the islands. The Galapagos penguin, giant tortoise, wavy albatross and cormorant are just some of the species to be seen alongside humpback whales, Galapagos seals, Galapagos sea lions and many other rare species“, the British also write.
