Know about epic Wildlife Encounters Trips with Expert-recommended travel experiences for ethical animal encounters.
Nature travel helps us understand our position on Earth. Many of America’s national parks established new visiting records in recent years, with visitors seeking gorgeous landscapes and significant animal interactions.
With international borders reopening, we asked Travel + Leisure’s A-List for their top animal encounters. These ethical and enlightening vacations will generate lasting memories, whether your passion is photography, conservation, or research.
And don’t forget to know about the report about Delays and Cancellations at U.S Airports before you start traveling.
Helping Kenyan Baby Elephants
“Elephant Reteti My kids’ favorite spot on earth is Sanctuary. Visitors may engage with the infant elephants as they are being fed each day at this facility, which is committed to saving them. But as this is the main wildlife shelter in Kenya’s Northern Rangelands, many other species also wind up here. My daughter bottle-fed Loijipu, a newborn rhinoceros who was just four weeks old, on our last visit. Gilby, a pet gerenuk at the facility, wanders behind you on walks just like a dog. You may hand feed the tiny group of giraffes that have been raised by humans, and you never know when a newborn zebra, kudu, or porcupine will appear. Interacting with African rescue animals of all sizes and kinds is possible at this environmentally conscious location.” Mango Safaris’ Teresa Sullivan.
In the Northwest Passage, looking for beluga whales
“A cruise may be the greatest choice for those who seek a genuinely exceptional nature encounter. You’ll go to the Southern Ocean on Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot on a 16-day voyage to see emperor penguins. A 22-day cruise aboard the National Geographic Resolution through the Northwest Passage to view a pod of beluga whales or, if you’re lucky, even a group of narwhals is even more stunning. — Mary Curry, Adventure Life
Conservation of Rhinos in South Africa
“The two brand-new Marataba Conservation Camps will provide one of the ultimate brand-new Wildlife Encounters Trips in 2022. Researchers, veterinarians, and conservationists who are in charge of the programs urge visitors to become involved in all of them. In addition to seeing animals, visitors may track, monitor, and gather data. Clients will interact with Dr. Andre Uys, managing director of Marataba Conservation, whose main focus is rhino conservation. This, in my opinion, is one of the most unique and remarkable conservation experiences now available in Southern Africa. The Waterberg Mountains, the oldest red oxidized sandstone mountains in the world (some people come here purely for the geology), are also a positive for the region.” the author of Extraordinary Journeys, Elizabeth Gordon
Japanese Snow Monkey Observation
A wonderful experience is viewing snow monkeys soaking in an onsen in Jigokudani, Nagano Prefecture, as well as seeing cranes on the northern island of Hokkaido. Scott Gilman, JapanQuest Travel
In Italy or New Mexico, Learn About Horses
“Equus in Sante Fe provides an outstanding equine-assisted transformative counseling program,” says Michelle Murré of Azurine Travel. “Walkable from the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado.”
“An encounter with Tuscan Cowboys (Buttero) in the midst of the Tuscan countryside is one of my favorite things to arrange for customers. It’s a wonderful way to spend time in one of Italy’s most renowned places, but it’s also to learn something new.” — Andrea Grisdale, IC Bellagio
