14 Best Travel Destinations for Exciting Animal Encounters

There are some beautiful destinations to travel around the world. But besides nature and views, some places offer the unique experience of up close and personal animal encounters. These 10 destinations will fulfill your desire to be around exotic animals.

1. Chengdu

The capital city of the Sichuan province in China is famous for being the home of Giant pandas. According to many people who traveled there, the ancient city with its giant and fluffy inhabitants offers a unique travel experience.

The main reason pandas are so frequent in this area is that this is the giant panda breeding research base. Therefore, people who travel there will have a unique chance to see tiny cubs to giant chunky pandas.

2. Chai Lai Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand

A place that all travelers talk about is the Chai Lai Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand. Besides taking excellent and gentle care of the animals, the sanctuary offers a broad spectrum of activities. Located in the Himalayas’ foothills lies the refuge, offering breathtaking views with the chance of spending the night in their famous bungalows.

And the most crucial aspect is that people can spend their time with the largest mammals on the planet. So the place is worth visiting, and every penny. It’s an unforgettable experience that surely won’t be forgotten, neither by the travelers nor by the beautiful elephants.

3. Costa Rica

According to many tourists and animal lovers, the destination of Costa Rica represents one of the best choices to visit for extraordinary wildlife encounters. It’s home to many animals like sloths, monkeys, toucans, and birds.

Going on guided tours is the best option, where you can experience wildlife everywhere. For example, visiting jungles, beaches, and caves and being followed by the animal kingdom.

4. In Kona Hawaii

This destination offers a unique once-in-a-lifetime experience. It offers manta ray night snorkeling, where people can spend their time with one of the most beautiful animals on the planet. A recommended experience by many travelers.

5. Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands of Ecuador are a unique destination for animal lovers. It’s home to hundreds of exotic animals, making your experience worth every second. But, of course, the most recommended tour is the boat tour, where people get to see some of the indigenous animals of the Galapagos.

Some are penguins, giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and many more. There’s even a chance to go swimming with sea lions and turtles.

6. Gorilla Tracking in Uganda

One user wrote: “Gorilla trekking in Uganda was one of the best experiences of my life .”The gorilla trekking tour offers 3 to 20 days of gorilla tracking experience. Spending time while making a safari trip.

Through the safari tour and tracking experience, people can see the gorilla kingdom’s rare and, unfortunately, endangered species. Also known as the “Pearl of Africa,” it offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And by visiting the places, people help found the helping and maintaining parks and projects for their preservation.

7. Tasmania

Traveling and exploring the Tasmanian wildlife species is an unmissable experience for all animal lovers. The Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary offers an occasion to meet some of the animal world’s most unusual and endemic species.

The famous platypus house, for instance. People can also do the “Devil’s tour,” where they can feed the famous Tasmanian devil.
And believe it or not, penguins where getting to know them is inevitable no matter what time of year it is.

8. The Pantanal

Visiting this extraordinary ecosystem filled with wildlife gives support to conservation efforts. It includes a wide variety of plant and animal species. It includes jaguars, giant river otters, capybaras, and birds.

The open marshlands and Savanah-like plains allow for unobstructed views of the animals. One user added that if you are fortunate, you could also meet a giant anteater.

9. Churchill, Manitoba

Famous for its polar bear population, this destination is excellent for those who want to meet big furry friends. The town offers great tours and trips where people get to meet not only the polar bears but also beluga whales or even go dog sledding, a highly recommended activity.

10. Tanjung Puting National Park

The famous Orangutan sanctuary is the world’s biggest one, home to over 6000 orangutans living there. Besides these beautiful animals, the park has a wide range of plant and animal life, like crocodiles, other primates, and even dolphins. It offers excellent boat and park tours where tourists worldwide can observe the fascinating ecosystem.

11. Samburu, Kenya

A rhino and its baby in the Sera Conservancy in Kenya — The rhino and its baby we saw – we were VERY close here.

Samburu is a lesser-known safari destination in Kenya. Due to it still being a relatively low-traffic area for tourists, the wildlife viewing is amazing. It’s also home to a rhino conservancy that allows you to shadow a park ranger for a few hours and track the conservancy’s black rhinos on foot! It is a truly unique experience.

12. Salt Cay, Turks & Caicos

Snorkeling with humpback whales near Salt Cay — Photo credit: Canva.com

Salt Cay is a hidden gem in Turks & Caicos. This tiny island has a population of less than 100 people and is home to pristine, secluded beaches… as well as the annual migration of humpback whales. It’s one of the only places in the world you can snorkel with humpback whales.

13. Playa Piskado, Curaçao

Snorkel with sea turtles in Curacao — Photo credit: Canva.com

You can swim up close with these sea turtles in the calm waters of Playa Grandi, Curaçao, or you can watch them swim while you’re relaxing at the pier. Turtles are drawn to this beach because of the daily fishing activity of local fishermen. The water is crystal clear and makes for fantastic snorkeling and photos.

14. Florida, USA

Snorkeling with Manatees in Crystal River — Photo credit: Canva

Crystal River, Florida is home to many manatees, and it is the only place in North America where it is legal to swim with these gentle creatures. Be sure to follow your Manatee Manners when in the water, or better yet, hire a local guide to help you observe the manatees in their natural habitat.

Source: Reddit

Honest Giraffe Manor Review – Is It ACTUALLY Worth the Cost?

This post is going to explain everything you ever wanted to know about staying at the famous Giraffe Manor, my tips for booking and staying here, as well as whether or not Giraffe Manor is ACTUALLY WORTH its expensive price tag.

Tracking Black Rhinos ON FOOT – My Experience With Saruni Rhino Lodge in Kenya

This post is going to explain what you can expect when staying at Saruni Rhino and what it’s like to track an honest-to-goodness black rhino on foot.

8 Things to Know Before Swimming With Humpback Whales in Turks & Caicos

Have you ever dreamed of swimming with whales? In Turks and Caicos you CAN swim with humpback whales during certain times of the year. It’s one of the most incredible travel experiences I have ever had!

The Ultimate Guide to Swimming with Manatees in Crystal River, Florida

Swimming with manatees in Crystal River, Florida was a dream come true! I’m sharing my experience swimming with them, and everything you need to know before you hop in the water with these gentle giants.