Ten Amazing Wildlife Experiences

Spotting animals in the wild is one of the greatest thrills of traveling. It’s what draws intrepid travellers to the frozen wilds of Churchill, Manitoba (polar bears!) or the steamy jungles of Madagascar (lemurs!). At ToursByLocals, we see immense value in building empathy between travellers and the environment; it fosters a stronger appreciation and respect for our natural world with a view to conserving these gems for the future.

Going along with this, we also believe that it’s essential to appreciate the world’s incredible diversity of wildlife with minimal disruption, and no harm. It’s why we created our Animal Welfare Policy that ensures all the tours offered by guides on our platform treat animals with respect at all times.

Here we’ve compiled ten of the most inspiring, unique private animal tours from around the world. Which of these wildlife experiences is on your bucket list?

Ten Incredible Animal Experiences

1. Experience the majesty of Haines, Alaska

Alaska is undeniably one of the most photogenic places on the planet and Haines is a photographer and wildlife enthusiast's paradise. Here you can find bald eagles, brown and black bears, whales, sea lions, moose, and unlimited landscapes abound.

Your guide Tom has been guiding in and around Haines for over a decade, and brings skills as a naturalist and photographer to all of his tours. What will you spot?

2. Pacific Northwest Wildlife on Vancouver Island, Canada

Did you know that salmon give up their lives to have children? Literally! In November in British Columbia, Canada you can witness the incredible journey as these West Coast fish make their way upstream to spawn.

3. Wildlife Photo Safari, Yellowstone National Park

Experience the magic of the oldest national park in the US, where you will search for amazing wildlife such as wolves, grizzly bears, bison, and elk among the mountains and thermal features of Yellowstone National Park.

4. Penguin Excursion, Argentina

If you find yourself in the Puerto Madryn region of Argentina during the months of September to October, why not visit Punta Tombo, home to the Magellanic Penguins. These little tuxedo suited guys arrive mid-September during mating season. The females follow a few weeks after, but we’ll leave the juicy details to our Penguin Colony tour guide Carina S!

5. Monarch Butterfly Migration, Mexico

Venture 3 hours outside of Mexico City to Michoacán and you’ll stumble upon the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve - the only place on the entire planet to witness millions of migrating monarch butterflies.

After a long journey to Canada and the United States that spans about 3,000 miles, the species return every winter to the Reserve to congregate and cluster onto the pine and ovamel trees. During this time, the trees sometimes appear orange and the branches even sag due to the weight. Contact Carlos or any of our Mexico City guides about this fascinating expedition.

6. African Safari Adventure, Kenya

Lions and tigers and bears! Oh my! (Well...replace the tigers' stripes with a cheetah's spots.) Join guide Dunstan for a five-day safari, where you’ll see lions, elephants, leopards and rhinos from the comfort of your private vehicle with a highly experienced guide. Rest up each night in your included accommodation to ensure you’re ready for the next day’s adventure. Other African wildlife you may encounter during this immersive tour include birds, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes and zebras! Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

7. Lemur Safari, Madagascar

Did you know there are around 60 species of lemurs, all endemic to Madagascar? This island nation presents your only opportunity to view these remarkable animals in their natural habitat. Join guide Ravo , who’s a seasoned expert in navigating the multiple parks and sanctuaries to catch the best glimpses of lemurs and other wildlife including frogs, snakes and chameleons. For the best experience possible, you will travel by car, canoe and foot during this week-long tour.

8. Trekking with Mountain Gorillas, Rwanda

Fewer wildlife experiences are as evocative as that "gorillas in the mist" moment. Join your local guide Isaac for a once in a lifetime trek through Volcanoes National Park, in the northwest corner of Rwanda. Here the verdant rainforest spills down mountain sides, and provides food and shelter for families of rare mountain gorillas.

9. Wildlife tour, New Zealand

For bird and wildlife enthusiasts, discover the native wildlife of New Zealand with guide Asta during this scenery and wildlife tour. Enjoy Otago Peninsula Scenic drive and a stop at the only world's mainland albatross breeding colony which is a must while visiting Dunedin.

10. Australian Wildlife

We love what nature guide Robert in Darwin has to say about his approach to his tours in and around the mighty Adelaide River: “Taking you from your world and into mine is what this is all about. Getting you out to the special places at the right times to see and feel the country and the wildlife that makes the Top End of Australia the playground of the wilds.”

Looking for a specific animal tour we didn't mention here? Contact our Customer Support team with your request. They'll be glad to help you locate a furry, feathered, or finned friend!