We all have ideas about putting together a list of the top ten things to see – but it's impossible. From wildlife, cities and natural wonders there is just so much to see, so we have crafted these guides to provide guidance and make tough decisions a little easier.
Here are the Where to go Wild team's Top Ten Mammals, Top Ten Birds and Top Ten National Parks.
Here are the Where to go Wild team's Top Ten Mammals, Top Ten Birds and Top Ten National Parks.
Top Ten Mammals
Polar BearThe largest bear in the world, the ultimate predator of the arctic, and one of the most overwhelming wildlife experiences possible. Spending time watching polar bears is a challenge worth undertaking. Due to the remoteness of their habitat and the extremes of the environment, seeking polar bear encounters is for the most fervent wildlife enthusiast.
Best seen in Canada, Alaska, and Svalbard (Norway) |
Black RhinocerosRarer and smaller than its African cousin, the Black Rhino is a wonder to behold. Due to their dwindling population numbers and critically endangered status, encounters with these animals are harder to achieve, but well-worth the effort, but can be found in a number of well protected areas across the African continent.
Best seen in Namibia, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia |
African ElephantThe African bush elephant is the most widespread elephant species on the planet and still at risk because of poaching. They can be found from the edge of the Sahara, all the way to the southern coast of South Africa. These are the largest mammals on earth and are found in the drier, more open parts of the African continent and the species seen on most safaris.
Best seen in Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia & South Africa |
Asiatic LionA critically endangered species only found in one state within India, the Asiatic lion has been pushed to the edge of extinction and back again thanks to determined conservation efforts. They can only be found within the protected area of Gir National Park in the state of Gujarat and safaris are possible to see them.
Only seen in Gir National Park in India. |
Bengal Tiger..When most people think of a tiger they will imagine the Bengal tiger, which can be found across the Indian sub-continent and on in to Myanmar (Burma). They are primarily a forest species and are best seen across India's range of tiger reserves and national parks. They are often one of the biggest draws when visiting India and tiger tourism is critical for the long-term conservation of the species.
Best seen in the national parks of India. |
African LeopardLikely to be the most numerous big cat on the planet, the African leopard can be found across much of sub-Saharan Africa, both within and outside national parks and other protected areas. The leopard is usually one of the more elusive species on a safari and many safari goers never get to see them. It is worth noting there are certain hotspots though where sightings can be reliable.
Best seen in Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa. |
Red KangarooRed kangaroos are superbly adapted to the desert areas of Australia and can be found across great swathes of the continent. The majority of red kangaroos aren't actually red, in fact most females and young males have a blueish grey colouration. These are the largest of all the world's marsupial species and one of the world's most iconic mammals.
Best seen in the deserts of Australia. |
Mountain GorillaThe mountain gorillas of Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, were on the brink of extinction only 25 years ago. However, thanks to determined conservation efforts and responsible eco-tourism, the gorillas are now recovering. Coming face-to-face with these primates is among the finest wildlife encounters on the planet.
Best seen in Uganda and Rwanda. |
ChimpanzeeOur closest living relative is the chimpanzee. These incredibly strong primates are famed for their large social groups and aggressive behaviour. They are found across the tropical forests of sub-Saharan Africa from as far west as Senegal all the way across to Tanzania. Following a family group for a day provides a unique wildlife encounter.
Best seen in Uganda & Tanzania. |
Blue WhaleHow could we not include the largest mammal to have ever lived on planet Earth? At over 25 metres long, the blue whale is one of the creatures that any wildlife lover has to see before they die. Found across the world's oceans these leviathans can be surprisingly hard to find, but the effort is always worth it in the end - simply spellbinding.
Best seen in the waters of Baja California, Sri Lanka and the Arctic. |
Top Ten Birds
Let us be clear: there is absolutely no definitive list of the top 10 birds in the world, let alone where you can see them. So, with that in mind, here is our current top 10 combining real rarities, absolute beauties and some more common species that we simply adore.
Emperor PenguinThe largest of all the penguin species, the Emperor has one of the most extraordinary life cycles of any bird, anywhere in the world. They breed on the frozen seas of Antarctica, where the male is left to incubate in temperatures dropping below -50 degrees Celsius. For that reason alone it has to be included in this list.
We recommend you join a dedicated voyage to see the colonies of Antarctica’s Weddell Sea. |
Atlantic PuffinThese charming seabirds are often referred to as the ‘clowns of the sea’ for their colourful beaks and comedic manner. These once common seabirds are facing massive population declines and they are now at risk. However, despite ongoing concerns about their numbers, it is still possible to visit large colonies of the charismatic birds. We love the fact they can allow incredibly close encounters and have such strong personalities.
See these charismatic birds in the UK, Iceland and Canada. |
Blakiston's Fish OwlFirstly, the Blakiston’s fish owl is the world’s largest species of owl with females weighing up to an incredible 4.5 kg. As their name suggests, the majority of their diet is fish, but they will eat a wide variety of aquatic life including amphibians and crustaceans. This impressive bird was once thought to be close to extinction, but can now be seen in the Russian Far East and on the island of Hokkaido in Japan.
See this spectacular bird in Japan. |
White-necked PicathartesOnce thought to be a lost species in Ghana, the picathartes is one of the oddities of the avian world and was re-discovred in 2003. Only found in this small region of West Africa, this strange looking bird is sought after by birds and ornithologists around the world. Their bizarre nesting habits and strange appearance all add to the allure.
We highly recommend you head to Ghana’s Abrafo Forest to search for this elusive bird on an organised tour. |
ShoebillThis large bird is technically a stork, but its remarkable bill makes it stand out from its cousins. It is well known for its way of life, a bit like a sloth, everything seems to happen in slow motion. They are found in swamps where there is plenty of floating vegetation, waiting for a fish to surface before suddenly lunging at incredible speeds – it seems to hunt entirely by sight.
See this bizarre bird in Uganda, Zambia & Tanzania. |
Bengal FloricanOne of the world’s rarest birds, the Bengal florican is now a rare sight across its former range as much of its habitat has been turned over to agriculture. They prefer to live and breed in tall grassland habitats (elephant grass) on the Indian sub-continent and in South-east Asia. They are often seen just after dawn and before dusk as they carry out their stunning courtship above their grassy realm.
It is highly recommend you head to Kaziranga National Park in India. |
Raggiana Bird of ParadiseNow, we know this is isn’t an individual species, but we couldn’t even begin to pick one. What were we to do? Well we decided to cheat and include the whole family. These birds are the Holy Grail for many and their sheer splendour is a joy to behold. From the colourful to the drab, all of the species in this family are only found in Indonesia’s West Papua and Papua New Guinea (as well as their outlying islands).
Best seen in the mountainous forests of Papua New Guinea. |
Ivory GullThis is a species that many people won’t even be aware of, but for us it is particularly special. The ivory gull’s plumage is completely white and is wholly dependent on the polar bear. Their life cycle revolves feeding on carrion of the world’s largest species of bear. As global warming reduces the extent of the pack ice each year in the Arctic, there are less polar bear kills, this in turn leads to ever smaller numbers of ivory gull.
Best seen when visiting Svalbard. |
HoatzinQuite literally, this is a bird like no other, an oddity that is the last of its kind. The hoatzin is famed for its unusual aroma, but more importantly for its unique ‘fingers’ on its wings. It has a claw on each wing that allows it to grip on to branches and helps it move through the dense vegetation that overhangs water in South America. It is often thought of as link between dinosaurs and birds, having evolved around 65 million years ago.
Best seen in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Guyana & Brazil. |
KakapoThe kakapo is a nocturnal, flightless parrot found only on three islands in New Zealand. Being flightless, it is has become the heaviest parrot in the world! With only around 150 birds, the kakapo is definitely one of the world’s rarest species. As it lost the ability to fly it has become the world’s heaviest parrot, but being flightless it was particularly susceptible to predation from introduced species.
Currently it isn't possible to see the Kakapo as a member of the public. |
Top Ten National Parks
National Parks and protected areas are priceless jewels and a list of our top 100 still would not do the work they provide justice. Hopefully this list of our top ten National Parks will help give wildlife enthusiasts encounters and adventures that will be treasured for a lifetime.
Yellowstone National Park - USAThe world's first ever national park, Yellowstone is a wondrous mix of geological delights and exquisite wildlife encounters. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the USA and when you visit you will under stand why. No matter what time of year you visit, this is a must for anybody with a passion for wild places.
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Pembrokeshire Coast National Park - UKSituated on the south-western corner of Wales (in the UK), this coastal national park is a mix of rugged coastline, expansive bays and hidden wildlife wonders. Its seabird colonies, home to species such as Atlantic puffin and northern gannet are among the finest in the UK and draw to visitors from across the country (and much further afield too).
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Bwindi Impenetable Forest - UgandaThe jewel in Uganda's wildlife crown, the thick forest clad mountains of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest play host to one of the most intimate wildlife encounters anywhere on Earth. Come face-to-face with the world's largest primate and you will be left with memories that will last a lifetime - we can't recommend it enough.
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Galapagos National Park - EcuadorWell, what is there to say about the Galapagos Islands? Made famous by the works of Charles Darwin, it is surely on the list for anybody with a passion for the natural world. Unique endemic species, bizarre oddities and wildlife showing a lack of fear makes this a wildlife destination incomparable anywhere in the world.
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Serengeti National Park - TanzaniaWhen you think of an African safari, the vision that immediately springs to mind are the vast plains of the Serengeti. Home to the 'Big 5' with the backdrop of the Rift Valley, this vast national park is home to the largest mammal migration on Earth - the annual wildebeest migration. Luxury camps, expert guides and world-class wildlife make this a must.
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Corcovado National Park - Costa RicaCosta Rica has long been a mecca to those wanting to enjoy the wild wonders of the tropical rainforest. Corcovado is special for its coastline location and brilliant wildlife watching opportunities. When you combine natural splendour and exotic species, this park is among the very best in the world.
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South Luangwa National Park - ZambiaThe premier safari destination in Zambia, South Luangwa is not on everyone's list, but it should be now. If you have been on safari and struggled to see a leopard, then this is the place to come. Beautiful lodges, excellent guides and wildlife encounters which are out of this world combine to make this appear in our top ten.
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Nagarhole National Park - IndiaWhen most people think of India, they think of Ranthambore or Bandhavgarh, but we think you should look a little further south. Wild Asian elephants, tigers, dhole (Asiatic wild dog), sloth bear, technicolour birdlife and even a black panther make this India's hidden gem, a place we are begrudgingly sharing with the world.
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Great Barrier Reef National Park - AustraliaThe largest natural structure on the planet, the Great Barrier Reef is truly staggering. It's sizer and splendour beggar belief and a visit isn't an option if you are visiting central or northern Queensland, it is essential. Join one of the many dive or snorkelling trips to make the most of this spectacular natural wonder.
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Torres del Paine National Park - ChileWell what can we say about Torres del Paine - it is utterly breathtaking! A near mythical landscape, combined with world class wildlife watching makes this rugged destination among our favourite national park in our top ten list. Whether you are here to watch puma or to enjoy the wonderful hiking, we recommend you visit before everyone else hears of it.
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