Photograph of King Penguins on South Georgia

King Penguins on South Georgia by Nigel Wheatley. A trip to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands is possibly the ultimate wildlife experience on Earth, although there are many contenders!

TOP 100 WILDLIFE DESTINATIONS

Lists such as this one are of course highly subjective but the destinations listed and linked below are the ones we believe are the best in the world. They have been chosen very carefully and for a multitude of reasons, but mainly based on personal experience of some of them and on dreams of visiting the rest, dreams resulting from what we have heard, read or seen.

Top destinations that didn't quite make it include Ontario, Guatemala, Southern Ecuador, Northern Peru, Central Peru, Bolivia, Southeastern Brazil, Northern Argentina, Morocco, Gambia, Ghana, Cameroon, Oman, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Bhutan, Cambodia, Sumatra and Java. If there are any other destinations you think should be on the list below then please Email us.

The destinations are listed geographically here (continent by continent beginning with North America) and alphabetically in the column to the left. For each destination there is a very brief summary. For more details click on the destination name.

For more information click on Top 100 Birds, Top 100 Other Wildlife and Top 50 Other Natural Wonders.

The List

Arctic
Polar Bear, Walrus, Narwhal, Bowhead Whale, Beluga, Musk Ox and birds such as Snowy Owl, ‘white’ Gyr Falcon and Ivory Gull, all amongst the beautiful ice floes and icebergs of northern Canada and western Greenland make this A Top Ten Destination. All are possible on cruises or some on and around Baffin Island, between June and October (most cruises run in August).

Alaska
Humpback Whales, Grizzly Bears fishing for salmon, ‘Kodiak’ Bear, Black Bear, Killer Whale, Beluga, Moose, Sea Otter and birds such as Bald Eagle, Hawk and Snowy Owls, and Harlequin Duck, as well as glaciers and one of the greatest concentrations of large mammals (over a million fur seals) and nesting seabirds in the world (on the Pribilof Islands). All possible between June and mid-September (June for birds, July-August for Humpback Whales, July and the first half of September for Grizzly and ‘Kodiak’ Bears).

Southeastern Alaska
A chance to see Humpback Whales bubble-net feeding, Grizzly and Black Bears fishing and a few birds including Bald Eagle, Harlequin Duck and Varied Thrush, amongst the fjords and forested, snowy mountains on the wild west coast of northwest America. Humpback Whale numbers usually peak in July-August, and Grizzly and Black Bears usually fish at this time, mainly in July.

Western Canada
Grizzly Bears fishing for salmon, Black Bear, ‘Spirit’ Bear, Sea Otter, the greatest concentration of Killer Whales in the world and birds such as Bald Eagle make this A Top Ten Destination. The best time to see bears fishing is between mid-August and mid-October (book well in advance, especially if planning to visit late in the season when bear numbers usually peak). The number of Killer Whales usually peaks in July-August.

Alberta
Black and, possibly, Grizzly Bears, Moose, Elk, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat and Pronghorn, as well as birds such as Bald Eagle, Harlequin Duck, Varied Thrush, Mountain Bluebird and Clark’s Nutcracker, in prairie potholes and grasslands, and the forested, snowy mountains of the Rockies, some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world. The best time to see it all is June.

Manitoba
In October-November the greatest concentration of Polar Bears in the world, a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights and a few birds including Grey Jay, Arctic Redpoll, and, possibly, Snowy Owl and Gyr Falcon, with more birds possible in the Winnipeg area, especially waterbirds, and in Riding Mountain National Park, a few hours by road from there, where Moose, Elk and even Black Bear and Great Grey Owl are possible.

Newfoundland
The largest northern summer numbers of Humpback Whales in the world, at one of the best places in the world to watch them from land, with whales sometimes very close inshore if their main prey the Capelin are running. Also a chance of Moose and Caribou, spectacular seabird colonies with Puffins, and other birds such as Bald Eagle and Blue Jay. Humpback Whale numbers usually peak from late June to early August, but seabird numbers usually begin to fall by late July so the first two weeks of July are probably the peak time to visit.

Eastern Canada
Fin, Northern Right and a chance of Humpback Whales in large numbers, and birds such as Wilson’s Storm-Petrel, Great Shearwater, Bald Eagle, migrating Semi-palmated Sandpipers in tens of thousands and a wide variety of migrating warblers, as well as the chance of Blue Whale and Beluga if Saguenay Marine Park/St. Lawrence River is included in the itinerary. All possible in August and September.

Massachusetts
Large numbers of Humpback Whales and a chance of other whales, seabirds such as Great Shearwater and Wilson's Storm Petrel, and other birds including Piping Plover. Whales are usually present from April to October with peak numbers in August, which is also a good time for shorebirds.

Wyoming
Wolf, Grizzly and Black Bears, Bison, Moose and birds such as Bald Eagle, Sandhill Crane, Harlequin Duck and Mountain Bluebird in the mountains of the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Parks, with the latter also hosting the largest and most diverse collection of geothermal phenomena in the world, including the world’s most famous geyser; Old Faithful. The greatest diversity of wildlife is most likely to be seen in June but the chances of seeing wolves are higher during the winter, when there are also far less tourists.

Colorado
Seven species of grouse, Elk, Bighorn Sheep and Pronghorn, and birds such as Bald Eagle, Sandhill Crane, Mountain Bluebird, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Pinyon Jay and Mountain Plover, all in some of the most spectacular scenery in North America. April is the peak month for lekking grouse.

Northern California
The tallest trees in the world (Coast Redwoods), the largest trees in the world (Giant Sequoias) and one of the oldest trees in the world (Bristlecone Pine), as well as Humpback Whale (and a chance of Blue Whale), Northern Elephant Seal, Sea Otter, seabirds including Black-footed Albatross, and other birds such as the reintroduced California Condor, in places like the Yosemite Valley, one of the most spectacular sights on Earth. The greatest variety of wildlife is most likely to be seen between mid-August and mid-September, but male elephant seals are most likely to be seen between mid-December and mid-March.

Texas
One of the best places in the world to see bird migration in action thanks to the thousands of hawks, shorebirds and small birds, especially colourful warblers, which move through during the northern spring. Also a good place for many other birds, from resident Elf Owls to wintering Whooping Cranes, and one of the best places in the world to see millions of bats leaving their roosts. Timing is tricky because the Whooping Cranes usually leave by late March-early April which is when the hawk migration usually peaks, but the greatest variety of shorebirds and warblers usually occurs after mid-April and into early May. Mexican Free-tailed Bats are present from March to September although the numbers present usually peak in July-August.

Florida
West Indian Manatee, large numbers of confiding waterbirds and other birds such as Bald Eagle, Magnificent Frigatebird, Sandhill Crane, Swallow-tailed and Snail Kites, Short-tailed Hawk and the endemic Florida Scrub Jay. April is arguably the best time to visit, especially the second half of the month since this is the peak time for passage migrant birds including warblers.

Bahamas
One of the best places in the world to swim with dolphins, as well as sharks and Sting Rays. Birds include American Flamingo, White-tailed Tropicbird, Magnificent Frigatebird and three endemics (a woodstar, a swallow and a yellowthroat), as well as Kirtland's Warbler (in winter), Cuban Parrot, Great Lizard Cuckoo and Western Spindalis, all in some fine island settings. The peak time for dolphins is May to August. It is possible to see most of the birds at this time although the best time is arguably late March-early April when wintering Kirtland’s Warblers are usually still present and the first Bahama Swallows have usually returned for the northern summer.

Baja California
One of the few places in the world where so many individuals of so many species of whales and dolphins may be seen so easily and so closely. Whales such as Blue, Humpback, Killer, Fin and Sei, as well as Grey Whales which are so confiding visitors can look them in the eye. Also Northern Elephant Seal, birds such as Red-billed Tropicbird and Blue-footed Booby, and the chance of swimming with Whale Shark, Manta Ray and sealions. Mostly possible from February to early April, especially late March-early April.

Central Mexico
Millions of Monarch butterflies at their winter roosts, Humpback Whale and birds such as Red-billed Tropicbird, Orange-breasted Bunting and many colourful hummingbirds and warblers, make this A Top Ten Destination. All possible from January to March.

Southern Mexico
One of the best places in the world to swim with Whale Sharks, on coral reefs which also attract Manta Rays. Inland, the forests support Black Howler and Spider Monkeys, while spectacular birds include American Flamingo, Ocellated Turkey, Turquoise-browed Motmot, Keel-billed Toucan and Red-capped Manakin. The best time for Whale Sharks is from June to September, especially late June.

Belize
One of the few places in the world where it is possible to see West Indian Manatee, as well as Whale Shark and numerous other fish on the longest unbroken coral reef in the world (second in size only to the Great Barrier Reef), while the most extensive (selectively logged) forest north of the Amazon supports many birds including Ocellated Turkey, Keel-billed Toucan and Red-capped Manakin. All possible between January and May, especially March for birds and April-May for Whale Sharks.

Honduras
One of the best places in the world to swim with Whale Sharks, numerous coral reef fish and birds such as Keel-billed Toucan, Turquoise-browed, Tody and Keel-billed Motmots, Red-capped Manakin, Lovely Cotinga and Magnificent Frigatebird. Whale Sharks are usually easiest to find from March to May, which also happens to be the best time to look for birds.

Costa Rica
Numerous birds in a small country, including a longer list than most other destinations of the world’s most spectacular birds, not least Scarlet Macaw, Resplendent Quetzal, Keel-billed Toucan, Turquoise-browed Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Red-capped Manakin and many hummingbirds. The great variety of other wildlife includes Red-eyed Tree Frog, the largest dragonfly in the world, sloths, monkeys, whales and numerous nesting turtles. Completing it all is Arenal, one of the most consistently active volcanoes in the world. Most of the best birds may be seen all year round but February-March is usually the driest time of the year, August is usually the best time for turtles and December-January is usually the peak time for Humpback and Sperm Whales.

Panama
Sloths, monkeys, a tamarin, one of the best selections of the world's most spectacular birds including macaws, Resplendent Quetzal, Keel-billed Toucan, hummingbirds, trogons, motmots, manakins and cotingas, and rich coral reefs with Manta Ray and turtle cleaning stations. The driest time of the year and best time to visit for birds is January to March.

Dominican Republic
One of the few places in the world where it is possible to swim with Humpback Whales, on the famous Silver Bank. Over the sea and on land birds include White-tailed Tropicbird, Magnificent Frigatebird and Vervain Hummingbird, the second smallest bird in the world, as well as 30 or so species endemic to the island of Hispaniola including Palmchat, a species in a family of its own. Humpback Whale numbers usually peak between January and March, and the best time for birds is usually mid-February to mid-April.

Dominica
One of the best places in the world to see Sperm Whales, with the chance of other whales and dolphins. Birds include Magnificent Frigatebird, Ringed Kingfisher, a few hummingbirds, Brown Trembler and two endemic parrots (and more Lesser Antillean endemics if other islands in the chain are included in a trip). Sperm Whales are most likely to be seen from November to April especially in April when there are nursery groups of females with calves. The best time for birds is usually February to June.

Trinidad and Tobago
Nesting turtles, numerous coral reef fish and some fine birds, not least Scarlet Ibis, Oilbird, Red-billed Tropicbird, the endemic Trinidad Piping Guan and Trinidad Motmot, and the near-endemic White-tailed Sabrewing. December to April is usually the best time for most birds, but the best time for turtles and some terns is usually April to August.

Colombia
Birds, birds, birds, nearly 1900 species of them, more than any other country in the world, including American Flamingo, Scarlet Ibis, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, toucans, quetzals, hummingbirds such as Bearded Helmetcrest, Oilbird, motmots and many colourful tanagers, as well as about 75 endemics which include Yellow-eared Parrot, hence it is possible to see over 600 species in three weeks, and even a few mammals, including White-footed Tamarin. The best time to visit is between August and March, especially January-March.

Northern Ecuador
There are about 1600 bird species in this small country, more per square mile than any other country in the world, birds which include Andean Condor, macaws, many cotingas such as Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Hoatzin, Oilbird, toucans, quetzals, numerous hummingbirds including Sword-billed, jacamars and many colourful tanagers, hence it is possible to see over 400 species in ten days and perhaps as many as 800 in twenty days, including well over 50 hummingbirds. Mammals are much more elusive but may include Pygmy Marmoset, two tamarins, a few monkeys and even Spectacled Bear. The best times to go are July to September and November to March.

Galapagos
Giant Tortoise, Marine Iguana, the chance to swim with sealions, penguins and coral reef fish, and tame nesting seabirds such as Waved Albatross, Blue-footed Booby, Red-billed Tropicbird, frigatebirds and the beautiful Swallow-tailed Gull. The best time to visit is when the seabirds are performing their courtship displays, mostly in June, although the peak time for turtles is January.

Northeastern Peru
Over 600 bird species in a small area, one of the richest places for birds in Amazonia and the world, including Blue-and-yellow Macaw, Sunbittern, Hoatzin, Pavonine Quetzal, Nocturnal Curassow, toucans, motmots, jacamars, White-plumed Antbird, Black-necked Red Cotinga and Wire-tailed Manakin, as well as Pygmy Marmoset and possibly Pink River Dolphin, all in some superb forests usually easiest to access in October.

Southern Peru
Several species of monkey including Saddleback and possibly Emperor Tamarins, Giant Otter, clay-licks which attract many macaws and parrots, and many other birds such as Andean Condor, Sunbittern, Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, toucans, quetzals, many hummingbirds and even a chance of Pale-winged Trumpeter. Macaws and parrots visit the clay-licks between May and October and August-September is the best time to look for most of the other wildlife.

Western Venezuela
A chance of Giant Anteater, Giant Otter, Green Anaconda, Capybara, river dolphins, Three-toed Sloth and a longer list than most other destinations of the world’s most spectacular birds, not least Scarlet Macaw, Scarlet Ibis, Sunbittern, Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, American Flamingo, Yellow-knobbed Curassow, Grey-winged Trumpeter, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Bearded Helmetcrest, toucans and quetzals, some in the amazing wetlands of the Llanos. All best looked for in February-March.

Eastern Venezuela
The most reliable place in the world for Harpy Eagle, a cave with about 15,000 Oilbirds and one of the best selections of the best-looking cotingas in the world, including Guianan Cock-of-the-rock, Capuchinbird, Pompadour, Purple-breasted and Spangled Cotingas, and Handsome and Red-banded Fruiteaters, as well as many other spectacular birds such as Red-and-green Macaw, American Flamingo, Scarlet Ibis, White-plumed Antbird, Crimson and Ruby Topazes, Black-eared Fairy and jacamars, with Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in the world, nearby. The falls are usually at their best between May and September but the best birding period is November to March.

Guyana
A good chance of Giant Anteater and Giant Otter, several species of monkey including Red Howler and many spectacular birds such as macaws, Scarlet Ibis, Sunbittern, toucans, Hoatzin, Guianan Cock-of-the-rock, Capuchinbird, Pompadour and Purple-breasted Cotingas, Crimson Topaz, White-plumed Antbird and jacamars, with a chance of some great rarities including Harpy Eagle, Grey-winged Trumpeter and Crimson Fruitcrow. All in a sparsely populated country with over 75% of its lowland rainforest still intact and Kaieteur Falls, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. The best times to look for the wildlife are February-April and August-October but the falls are usually at their most impressive from May to July and November to January.

Amazon
The largest river in the world, flowing through the richest rainforest in the world, where it is possible to see several species of monkey including Uakari and Golden-handed Tamarin, river dolphins, sloths and birds such as Scarlet, Blue-and-yellow and Red-and-green Macaws, toucans, Pavonine Quetzal, White-plumed Antbird, Pompadour Cotinga and even Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock. All best looked for in September and October.

Southern Brazil
Jaguar, Giant Anteater, Giant Otter, Maned Wolf, Brazilian Tapir, Capybara, marmosets, monkeys and spectacular birds such as Harpy Eagle, Hyacinth, Blue-and-yellow and Red-and-green Macaws, Toco Toucan, Rhea, Sunbittern, Red-legged Seriema and Rufous-tailed Jacamar, mostly in the wetlands of the Pantanal, but also around Iguassu Falls, arguably the most spectacular waterfall in the world, make this A Top Ten Destination. The best time to look for Jaguar and birds is from June to October, especially August-September, but the falls are usually at their best between November and March, especially December.

Chile
The best place in the world to look for Puma, a chance of Blue Whale and birds including penguins, flamingos, Rhea, Andean Condor and Magellanic Woodpecker, all in some scenic settings, including the impressive granite towers in Torres del Paine NP. The best time to look for Puma is March when the females have cubs, and Blue Whales are usually present at this time too.

Southern Argentina
Killer Whales intentionally stranding on beaches in pursuit of sealion pups, Southern Right Whale, Southern Elephant Seal, a million Magellanic Penguins at their largest colony in the world, other birds such as Rhea, Andean Condor and Magellanic Woodpecker, and the Perito Moreno Glacier. The best time to see Killer Whales stranding is usually the second half of March but Southern Right Whales are usually present only from September to November and Magellanic Penguins are usually at their colony from September to mid-March, with young present from December.

Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands
Fin, Sei, Humpback, Killer and a chance of Blue Whales, Southern Elephant Seal, Leopard Seal, huge colonies of King Penguins, other penguins including Adelie, Chinstrap, Gentoo and Macaroni, nesting Wandering, Light-mantled and Black-browed Albatrosses, and a few other spectacular birds, not least Snow and Antarctic Petrels, all in the Southern Ocean, on and around South Georgia, and on and around the Antarctic Peninsula, complete with snow fields, glaciers and ice bergs, arguably the most spectacular settings on Earth. Cruises usually sail from mid-November to mid-February and the end of the season is usually best for whales.

Sierra Leone
Several species of monkey, a chance of Chimpanzee and many spectacular and localized birds including Yellow-headed Picathartes, Egyptian Plover, hornbills such as White-crested, Grey Parrot, Great Blue Turaco, Long-tailed Hawk, Black Bee-eater, Blue-bellied Roller, Emerald Starling and Gola Malimbe, all in some superb lowland rainforest. The drier season usually lasts from September to May and the best time to look for most birds is between December and February.

Gabon
Gorilla, several species of monkey, a chance of Chimpanzee and Mandrill, and birds such as Pel’s Fishing Owl, Long-tailed Hawk, Black-headed and Rosy Bee-eaters, African River Martin and Grey-necked Picathartes in a sparsely populated part of the world. There are no plains like those in East Africa though, so there are no Lions, Cheetahs, Giraffes, Ostriches and so on. The best time to visit is July-September when Mandrills are most likely and Humpback Whales are offshore, and October to November when Rosy Bee-eaters and African River Martins are at their nesting colonies.

Central African Republic
(Western Lowland) Gorilla, several species of monkey and spectacular birds such as Red-headed Picathartes, Grey Parrot, Great Blue Turaco and Bare-cheeked Trogon, in some superb lowland rainforest with wet, open areas known as bais, best enjoyed in the first half of April and from mid-August to mid-September.

Rwanda
Close encounters with Mountain Gorillas and possibly Chimpanzees, several species of monkey, African Elephant and Hippopotamus, as well as such spectacular birds as Shoebill, and 25 or so Albertine Rift Endemics including Ruwenzori Turaco, Red-collared Mountain Babbler and Purple-breasted Sunbird, mostly in superb forested mountains, best visited from June to September.

Uganda
Gorilla, Chimpanzee, several species of monkey and many birds in what is the richest country for birds in Africa (taking into account its small size), including Shoebill, Green-breasted Pitta, African Green Broadbill and Brown-chested Lapwing make this A Top Ten Destination. The Nile, the longest river in the world, runs through the country, and in places is full of Hippopotamuses and Nile Crocodiles, with birds such as Red-throated Bee-eaters nesting in its banks. There are few plains like those in East Africa though, so there are not many plains animals like Lions and Cheetahs. December-March and June-September are usually the driest times of the year and the best times to visit, especially July-August if you wish to see birds such as Green-breasted Pitta and Brown-chested Lapwing.

Ethiopia
Ethiopian Wolf, Gelada and Sacred Baboons, Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk and many birds including 30 or so endemics (with Eritrea), one of which is Stresemann's Bushcrow, as well as Vulturine Guineafowl, Wattled Crane, Arabian Bustard and Golden-breasted Starling. All possible between October and February. However, several classic African mammals are unlikely to be seen on the standard circuit, including Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, African Elephant, Giraffe, Hippopotamus, Blue Wildebeest and even zebras.

Kenya
Arguably the best overall wildlife experience in Africa and the world and therefore A Top Ten Destination thanks to the great diversity of mammals and birds, and the richness of the offshore coral reefs. Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, African Elephant, Giraffe, White and Black Rhinoceroses, Hippopotamus, Spotted Hyaena, Burchell’s Zebra and Blue Wildebeest are all present, and so are Beisa Oryx, Grevy’s Zebra, Gerenuk and Golden-rumped Elephant Shrew, as well as Nile Crocodile. The numerous spectacular birds include vast flocks of flamingos, many raptors and beauties such as Golden-breasted Starling and Golden-winged Sunbird. The best times to visit are June-July when the Blue Wildebeest usually cross the rivers to enter the Masai Mara (where they usually stay until November), and April and November for birds.

Northern Tanzania
The greatest diversity and highest numbers of large mammals in the world, in some of the world’s most wonderful settings, including the plains of the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, as well as rich coral reefs offshore, make this A Top Ten Destination. Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, African Elephant, Giraffe, Black Rhinoceros, Hippopotamus, Spotted Hyaena, Burchell’s Zebra and Blue Wildebeest are all present, and birds include flamingos, many raptors and beauties such as Golden-winged Sunbird. The best times to visit are February-March when over a million Blue Wildebeest, a quarter of a million Thomson’s Gazelles and nearly a quarter of a million Burchell’s Zebras are usually present in the southeast Serengeti, along with their predators, and June when many of these animals are usually crossing rivers to reach fresh pasture further north and west.

Southern Tanzania
Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Spotted Hyaena and, possibly, African Wild Dog, as well as African Elephant, Giraffe, Hippopotamus, African Buffalo and Black-and-white Colobus Monkey, together with such spectacular birds as Ostrich, African Fish Eagle, Secretary Bird, Saddle-billed Stork, White-winged Apalis and some which are endemic to Tanzania and the Eastern Arc Mountains including Yellow-collared Lovebird and Udzungwa Forest Partridge, all in some of the biggest, wildest places on Earth. The peak time to look for most of them is usually June to November.

Mozambique
The chance to swim with Manta Rays and Whale Sharks, spectacular birds such as African Fish Eagle, Greater Flamingo, Great Frigatebird, Black Heron, Saddle-billed Stork, Pennant-winged Nightjar, Crab Plover, African Pitta, Green-headed Oriole and White-winged Apalis, but few mammals. However, some mammals including Lion and African Elephant, have been reintroduced since the mass slaughter which took place during the civil war between 1977 and 1992, and many more reside just across the border in Kruger National Park, Eastern South Africa, which is easy to include in a visit to Mozambique. The best time for Manta Rays and Whale Sharks is October to March, with December-January the peak period to look for African Pitta, although it may be wet at this time.

Zambia
Lion, Leopard, Spotted Hyaena and, possibly, African Wild Dog, as well as African Elephant, Giraffe, Hippopotamus, African Buffalo and a roost of millions of Straw-coloured Fruit Bats, mostly in the superb South Luangwa National Park, together with such spectacular birds as African Fish Eagle, Black Heron, Saddle-billed Stork, Pennant-winged Nightjar, Black-cheeked Lovebird, African Pitta and, possibly, Shoebill. All this and Victoria Falls! African Pitta is usually easiest to track down in December and January, African Wild Dog and Shoebill are most likely to be seen in April-May, and October-November is usually when many birds and mammals congregate around remaining areas of water, Southern Carmine Bee-eaters are at their colonies and millions of Straw-coloured Fruit Bats roost in Kasanka National Park.

Botswana
Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, African Elephant, Giraffe, Hippopotamus, Spotted Hyaena, Burchell’s Zebra and Blue Wildebeest are all present, and so are Roan and Sable, as well as Nile Crocodile, and there is a chance of African Wild Dog, Meerkat and Gemsbok in the Kalahari Desert and Okavango Delta, with the latter full of birds such as Pel’s Fishing Owl, Wattled Crane, Southern Carmine Bee-eater and many egrets and herons, not least Slaty Egret. The best time to visit is September-October when water levels are usually low, thus concentrating the animals, and the bee-eaters are usually at their nesting colonies.

Namibia
Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, African Elephant, Giraffe, Black Rhinoceros, Hippopotamus, Spotted Hyaena, Burchell’s Zebra and Blue Wildebeest are all present, and so are Gemsbok, Sable and Meerkat, while birds include flamingos, Blue and Wattled Cranes, Southern Carmine Bee-eater, Slaty Egret and White-tailed Shrike, all in some stunning landscapes, not least some of the highest sand dunes in the world in the Namib Desert at Sossusvlei. The best time to visit is September-October when the bee-eaters are usually at their nesting colonies.

Eastern South Africa
Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, African Elephant, Giraffe, White and Black Rhinoceroses, Hippopotamus, Spotted Hyaena, Burchell’s Zebra and Blue Wildebeest are all present, and so are Blesbok and Meerkat, as well as Nile Crocodile, and there is a chance of African Wild Dog, while birds include Blue and Wattled Cranes, and Southern Bald Ibis. Also on land the Drakensberg is a world centre for plant diversity and offshore there is Whale Shark, Humpback Whale and the Sardine Run. The best times to visit are January-February for wild flowers, May-July for the Sardine Run and August-November for mammals and birds, especially October.

Western South Africa
Great White Shark, Southern Right Whale, Meerkat, Gemsbok, Bontebok and Mountain Zebra are present, and so are, slightly off the beaten track, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Spotted Hyaena and Blue Wildebeest, while birds include Jackass Penguin, flamingos, Blue Crane, lots of bustards and seabirds such as albatrosses. What with the the richest area for wild flowers in the world as well this is A Top Ten Destination. The best times to visit are April to August for Great White Shark, June to November for Southern Right Whale, late August to early September for wild flowers, and October for birds.

Seychelles
A chance to swim with Whale Sharks and see some of the rarest birds in the world including Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher, one of 12 bird species endemic to the islands, as well as some spectacular seabird colonies with species such as Great and Lesser Frigatebirds, White-tailed Tropicbird, and Sooty and White Terns, and shorebirds including Crab Plover, all on some of the most picturesque tropical islands in the world. The best time for Whale Sharks is usually September and most seabirds nest from May to October during the southeast monsoon, which is breezier, cooler, drier and less humid than the northwest monsoon which can be particularly wet from December to February.

Madagascar
Ring-tailed Lemur, Indri, several Sifakas and many other lemurs, about 100 endemic birds including five Ground Rollers, four Asities and Helmet Vanga, near-endemic birds such as Cuckoo Roller and Blue Vanga, and more chameleons than any other place in the world. The best times to visit are July to September when Humpback Whales are present and October-November when many birds are most likely to be found.

Spitsbergen
Polar Bear, Walrus and birds such as Ivory Gull, Little Auk and summer-plumaged Grey Phalarope, as well as a chance of Beluga and Bowhead Whale, in some of the most spectacular settings in the world, including pack ice, fjords, glaciers and steep mountains (‘spits’). Cruises usually sail from June to August with late June to early July the best time for birds and late July to early August the best time for Polar Bears.

Iceland
A chance of Blue, Humpback, Killer and Minke Whales, as well as Arctic Fox, and birds including Great Northern Diver, Harlequin Duck and Barrow's Goldeneye, all of which nest nowhere else in Europe, as well as White-tailed Eagle and Gyr Falcon, nesting shorebirds such as Grey and Red-necked Phalaropes, and some of the world's most spectacular seabird cliffs with colonies of birds such as Puffins and Brunnich's Guillemots, all in some of the wildest scenery in the world, where ice caps, glaciers and snow-capped volcanoes rise above boiling mud pools, geysers and waterfalls. Late June to early July in the northern summer is the peak time for birds but the northern winter is the best time to see the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).

Scottish Islands
A chance of Killer and Minke Whales, as well as dolphins, Otter and Basking Shark, with birds such as White-tailed and Golden Eagles, Corn Crake, Red-necked Phalarope and Great Skua, and some of the world's most spectacular seabird cliffs, notably on St Kilda, where the highest sea cliffs in the British Isles, which rise to 430m (1410 ft), help support over half a million birds. Mid-May to July is the best time to experience such incredible sights, as well as the flower-rich machair of the Outer Hebrides which is usually at its best during the first half of June.

Finland and Arctic Norway
A good chance of seeing Brown Bears from hides at night in almost 24-hour daylight, and a chance of Wolverine, in addition to the greatest diversity of owls in Europe, including Eagle, Great Grey, Ural, Tengmalm’s and Pygmy Owls, with Hawk and Snowy Owls also possible, and plenty of other spectacular and localized birds such as White-tailed Eagle, Gyr Falcon, King and Steller’s Eiders, White-billed Diver, Red-necked Phalarope, Brunnich's Guillemot, Siberian Jay, Red-flanked Bluetail and Bohemian Waxwing, all in some of the wildest country in the region, from taiga forests to tundra inside the Arctic Circle. To see bears, owls and the widest variety of other birds late May is probably the best time to be there.

Estonia
A good chance of seeing Brown Bears from hides, as well as Flying Squirrel, Elk and Beaver, with birds such as Great Snipe (at lek), White-tailed and Lesser Spotted Eagles, Common Crane, White and Black Storks, Black Grouse (at lek) and some of the hundreds of thousands of migrating ducks, geese and swans, all in some fine forests and wetlands inland from the long Baltic coastline. Bears usually emerge from hibernation from mid-April onwards and May is a good time to look for them because this coincides with the best time for most birds, including lekking Great Snipe.

Poland
Parts of Poland are like Europe as much of it once was, with the finest remaining tract of original lowland forest and the largest inland wetland left on the continent, habitats which support all of Europe’s woodpeckers and a superb selection of waterbirds including Great Snipe and Aquatic Warbler, as well as White-tailed and Lesser Spotted Eagles, Common Crane, and White and Black Storks. Mammals, which include European Bison, are much more difficult to see. The best time for the greatest variety of birds is usually the second half of May.

Southern France
A wonderful combination of wetland and mountain birds in the Camargue and Pyrenees, which include Greater Flamingo, White Stork, herons, shorebirds such as Black-winged Stilt, Lammergeier, Black and Griffon Vultures, Wallcreeper, Alpine Accentor, and Citril and Snow Finches, as well as Eagle Owl, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Bee-eater and Roller, all in some superb scenery, not least the Pyrenees where the immense Cirque de Gavarnie is one of the top natural wonders of the world. The Greater Flamingo colony in the Camargue is usually at its most active during May and the second half of May is arguably the best time for birds in general around the Camargue, as well as orchids in Cevennes.

Northern Spain
A very good chance of Wolf, as well as Spanish Ibex and birds such as Lammergeier, Spanish Eagle, Great Bustard, White and Black Storks, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Wallcreeper and (Iberian) Azure-winged Magpie. The best times to visit are mid-February to April and the second half of October for wolves, mid-March to mid-April for displaying bustards, mid-April to early June for birds, and mid-June to early July for butterflies and flowers in the Pyrenees.

Southern Spain
A good chance of Iberian Lynx, and Killer and Pilot Whales, and dolphins, as well as such birds as Greater Flamingo, Spanish and Golden Eagles, Black and Griffon Vultures, Black-shouldered Kite and Azure-winged Magpie, all at the same time as the most spectacular visible migration of storks and raptors in Europe. The greatest numbers and variety of storks and raptors migrating over the Strait of Gibraltar usually occurs in early September.

Azores
A good chance of Sperm Whales and Bottlenose, Common, Risso's, Spotted and Striped Dolphins, and a lesser chance of several other whales including Blue, Fin, Sei, Pilot and Cuvier's Beaked, as well as Loggerhead Turtle and a few seabirds such as Cory's Shearwater. On land the few birds do include Canary and the endemic Azores Bullfinch. Sperm Whale and most dolphins are resident but best looked for in August-September when Sperm Whales have calves and Spotted Dolphin, a summer visitor, is also usually present. Large whales such as Blue usually pass through in March-April.

Romania
Brown Bear and birds such as White-tailed Eagle, White and Black Stork, Eurasian Nutcracker, Wallcreeper and waterbirds including pelicans in the Danube Delta, the largest wetland in Europe by far. The best times to look for bears are early May and the second half of September, which almost match the peak times for birds; early May and early September, whereas the peak time for wild flowers in the Carpathians is usually mid-June to mid-July.

Arctic Russia
The richest tundra in the world where hundreds of thousands of swans, geese, ducks, shorebirds, seabirds and other waterbirds nest including Siberian and Sandhill Cranes, Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Ross’s and Sabine’s Gulls, Emperor Goose, King, Spectacled and Steller’s Eiders, and White-billed Diver, as well as some landbirds, not least Great Grey, Hawk and Snowy Owls. All most likely between mid-June and mid-July.

Kamchatka, and the Kuril and Commander Islands
Brown Bear, Killer Whale and a chance of Blue, Fin, Sei, Sperm, Humpback and Grey Whales, Sea Otter and, on and around the Commander Islands, one of the greatest concentrations of marine mammals in the world, composed mostly of Northern Fur Seals and Steller’s Sealions. The numerous seabirds include Laysan and possibly Black-footed and Short-tailed Albatrosses, while other birds include Steller’s and White-tailed Eagles, and Harlequin Duck. Cruises usually sail in June and July.

Japan
‘Snow Monkeys’ (Japanese Macaques) bathing in hot springs, hundreds of Steller’s and White-tailed Eagles, thousands of Hooded and White-naped Cranes, Red-crowned Cranes ‘dancing’ in the snow, a chance of Black-footed, Laysan and Short-tailed Albatrosses, colourful ducks including Harlequin and Mandarin, Blakiston’s Fish Owl and endemics such as Copper Pheasant, all in superb winter scenery, completed by Mount Fuji. The best time to visit during the winter is the second half of February.

Hong Kong
One of the best shorebird shows in the world, involving about 20,000 birds of over 30 species, virtually all in full summer plumage, and which may include Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Asian Dowitcher and Nordmann’s Greenshank, while also present are ‘pink’ Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins and other spectacular birds such as Blue Magpie, Black-capped Kingfisher, Fork-tailed Sunbird and, possibly, Great Spotted, Imperial and White-bellied Sea Eagles. The peak time for shorebirds, including Spoon-billed Sandpiper, is April.

Central China
A chance of Giant Panda, as well as Golden Snub-nosed Monkey, ‘Golden’ Takin, Red-and-white Flying Squirrel and equally elusive birds such as Temminck’s Tragopan, Golden Pheasant, Mandarin Duck, Crested Ibis, Ibisbill and Wallcreeper. Visitors may see none of these but the reserves here offer the best chance of seeing Giant Panda in the wild, especially in mid-March to April and the first half of November. The best time to look for birds is late May-early June.

Sichuan
Very little chance of seeing Giant Panda in the wild but one of the few places in the world where there is a chance of Red Panda. The long list of fabulous birds includes many ‘pheasants’, parrotbills, laughingthrushes and robins, as well as Black-necked Crane, Grandala, Firethroat, Crested and White-browed Tit Warblers, Golden-breasted Fulvetta and Hume’s Groundpecker, all in the stunning mountainous terrain at the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. May is usually the peak time to look for most birds.

Nepal
Indian Rhinoceros, Asian Water Buffalo, Gaur and Gharial, as well as a chance of Tiger and Sloth Bear, with birds such as Indian Peafowl, Bengal Florican, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Himalayan Cutia, Ibisbill and Wallcreeper, as well as a chance of Himalayan Monal and Satyr Tragopan in a country with more birds than any other region of similar size in Asia. All in some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, especially certain parts of the Himalayas, notably the view of the Annapurnas from Pokhara. The best times to visit are mid-April to the end of May (high Himalayas) and November to March, especially March (lowlands).

Northeastern India
Indian Rhinoceros, Asian Elephant, Hoolock Gibbon, Asian Water Buffalo, Ganges River Dolphin, and birds such as Himalayan Monal, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Long-tailed Broadbill, Asian Fairy Bluebird, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Himalayan Cutia, Sultan Tit, Green Cochoa, Beautiful Nuthatch, Ibisbill and Wallcreeper, as well as a chance of tragopans. The best times to visit are mid-April to the end of May (high Himalayas) and mid-November to March, especially March (lowlands).

Northwestern India
The best place in the world to look for Snow Leopard, high up in Ladakh, hunting Blue Sheep, Argali and Urial. The best times to look are the first half of March and the second half of November, not the best time for birds (which is May-June) but they may include Lammergeier, Ibisbill, Wallcreeper, White-browed Tit Warbler and Guldenstadt’s Redstart.

Northern India
Tiger, Asian Elephant, Gharial, Mugger Crocodile, a chance of Sloth Bear and birds such as Indian Peafowl, Sarus Crane, Black-necked and Painted Storks, Brown and Tawny Fish Owls, White-crested Laughingthrush and Blue Magpie, with a chance of Ibisbill and Wallcreeper, make this A Top Ten Destination. The best time to visit is November to March.

Western India
Lion, Wild Ass and Blackbuck, a good chance of Leopard and Striped Hyaena, and even a chance of Wolf, thousands of Demoiselle Cranes, possibly thousands of harriers, at the largest harrier roost in the world, and other spectacular birds such as flamingos, pelicans, Indian Peafowl, Painted Stork, Indian and MacQueen’s Bustards, Crab Plover, Cream-coloured and Indian Coursers, Hypocolius and White-bellied Minivet. December to February is the best time to visit.

Sri Lanka
Asian Elephant and Asian Water Buffalo, and a good chance of Blue Whale and Leopard, as well as rich coral reefs and birds such as Indian Peafowl, Black-necked and Painted Storks, Brown Fish Owl, Indian Pitta, Pied Thrush and about 30 endemics. The best time to visit is early April when Blue Whales are usually present close in shore and birds such as Indian Pitta and Pied Thrush, which are winter visitors, are usually still present.

Maldives
Several species of whale including a chance of Blue, several species of dolphin including some in their hundreds, the chance to swim with Manta Rays, rich coral reefs with turtles, and a few seabirds such as White-tailed Tropicbird, all in the picturesque surroundings of coral atolls with palm-fringed beaches. The best times to visit are the second half of January and mid-October.

Vietnam
Some of the most beautiful primates in the world including Buff-cheeked Gibbon, Black-shanked and Red-shanked Douc Langurs, and Delacour’s and Hatinh Langurs, and many classic South East Asian birds such as Green Peafowl, Silver Pheasant, Siamese Fireback, Great Hornbill, Blue Magpie, Asian Fairy Bluebird, Sultan Tit, trogons, sunbirds, leafbirds, broadbills, laughingthrushes, pittas and minivets, as well as localized species such as Spoon-billed Sandpiper and endemics including Grey-crowned Crocias. February-March is the best time to look for birds.

Southern Thailand
Some beautiful primates including White-handed Gibbon, many fabulous birds, especially pittas, broadbills, hornbills, barbets, trogons, leafbirds, sunbirds and kingfishers, including Banded and Gurney’s Pittas, as well as Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Coral-billed Ground Cuckoo, Rail Babbler and Nicobar Pigeon, and even a chance of Whale Shark and Manta Ray over the rich coral reefs offshore. Any time between November and March is a good time to visit, especially February-March for birds.

Malay Peninsula
A chance of Malayan Tapir, some beautiful primates including Siamang and White-handed Gibbon, and many fabulous birds, not least pittas such as Banded and Garnet, broadbills, hornbills, barbets, trogons, leafbirds, Asian Fairy Bluebird, sunbirds, kingfishers, Great Argus, Sultan Tit, Rail Babbler and Blue Nuthatch, some in possibly the oldest lowland rainforest in the world, while offshore there are some excellent scuba-diving and snorkeling sites. Any time between March and October is a good time to visit.

Sumatra
(Sumatran) Orang-utan, Siamang, White-handed Gibbon and leaf monkeys as well as lots of spectacular birds including hornbills, broadbills, trogons, pittas, Asian Fairy Bluebird, Temminck's Sunbird, Blue Nuthatch, leafbirds and endemics such as Sumatran Cochoa, all in some beautiful but fast disappearing forests. May to September is normally the driest time of the year and June is the peak month to visit in search of birds.

Borneo
Arguably the best lowland tropical rainforest experience in the world and A Top Ten Destination thanks to the presence of (Bornean) Orang-utan, Proboscis Monkey, Bornean Gibbon, Western Tarsier, ‘flying’ frogs, lizards, snakes and squirrels, a rich flora which includes Rafflesia, the largest flowering plant in the world, and numerous spectacular birds including Great Argus, Rhinoceros Hornbill, Asian Fairy Bluebird, Temminck's Sunbird, trogons, broadbills and pittas, all surrounded by rich coral reefs. The best time to visit is April to October, especially late June to early August.

Philippines
The chance to swim with Dugongs, Manta Rays and Whale Sharks, as well as numerous coral reef fish, and the chance to see Philippine (Monkey-eating) Eagle, as well as other birds such as Palawan Peacock Pheasant, hornbills, Philippine Cockatoo, kingfishers, pittas, broadbills and the endemic rhabdornises, just some of around 200 endemic species. The peak time for birds is usually mid-January to mid-March and the peak time for Whale Sharks is usually February to May.

Sulawesi and Halmahera
Tarsiers, Bear Cuscus, macaques, some of the world’s most spectacular localized birds such as Wallace’s Standardwing, Knobbed Hornbill, Maleo, Ivory-breasted Pitta and Purple-bearded Bee-eater, as well as Olive-flanked Whistler which is now in a family of its own, and what may be the richest seas in the world. The best time to visit these wonderful islands is mid-July to October.

Komodo
Komodo Dragon, rich coral reefs with Green Turtles and a few birds such as Yellow-crested Cockatoo and Flame-breasted Sunbird. The best time to visit is August-September which is usually the (relatively) coolest time of year.

West Papua
The fantastic birds-of-paradise, the most amazing birds in the world, include Wilson’s Bird-of-paradise and Western Parotia, both of which may be seen displaying and are absent from Papua New Guinea, as well as Red, Lesser, King-of-Saxony, Twelve-wired and King, supported by other spectacular birds such as Palm Cockatoo, Western Crowned Pigeon, Blyth’s Hornbill, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, Flame Bowerbird and MacGregor’s Honeyeater (a former bird-of-paradise which is absent from the beaten track in Papua New Guinea). All these birds and the richest coral reefs in the world! The best times to visit are May-September, especially July, for birds, and April-June and September-November for coral reefs.

Papua New Guinea
The fantastic birds-of-paradise, the most amazing birds in the world, include Blue Bird-of-paradise and Ribbon-tailed Astrapia, both of which are absent from West Papua, as well as Raggiana, Lesser, King-of-Saxony, Twelve-wired and King, supported by other spectacular birds such as Palm Cockatoo, Southern Crowned Pigeon, Blyth’s Hornbill, Rufous-bellied Kookaburra and Flame Bowerbird. All these birds and some of the richest coral reefs in the world. The best times to visit are May-September, especially July, for birds, and April-June and September-November for coral reefs.

Northern Australia
A high percentage of endemic mammal species, seven endemic bird families and over 330 endemic bird species (about half of those which occur regularly) make Australia unique in the true sense of the word. In Northern Australia endemic mammals include Black Wallaroo and endemic birds include Hooded Parrot, Gouldian Finch and Rainbow Pitta, while more widespread spectacular birds and other wildlife include Brolga Crane, Black-necked Stork, Blue-winged Kookaburra and Saltwater Crocodile. The best time to visit is October-November.

Eastern Australia
Platypus, Koala, a chance of other endemic mammals including Short-beaked Echidna, numerous fish on the Great Barrier Reef, the largest expanse of coral reef on Earth, and birds such as Southern Cassowary, Superb and Albert’s Lyrebirds, two birds-of-paradise, Regent Bowerbird and seabirds including Wandering Albatross. The best time to visit is October-November which is usually the start of the southern spring.

Southeastern Australia
Platypus, Koala, Tasmanian Devil, kangaroos, wombats, possums and birds such as Emu, Superb Lyrebird, Satin Bowerbird, Superb and White-winged Fairywrens, Plains-wanderer and Little Penguin. The best time to visit is October-November.

Outback Australia
Red Kangaroo, Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby, Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat and birds including Emu, Malleefowl, Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo, Letter-winged Kite, Australian Bustard, Banded Stilt, Red-necked Avocet and Chestnut-breasted Whiteface. The best time to be in the Outback is September-November.

Western Australia
Dugong, Whale Shark, Southern Right Whale, a good chance of Manta Ray, Leafy and Weedy Sea Dragons, and Thorny Devil, as well as a chance of Numbat and Honey Possum, with birds including Emu, Malleefowl, and Splendid and White-winged Fairywrens, and one of the best wild flower displays in the world. The best times to visit are September-April for Dugong, April-June for Whale Shark, May-September for Manta Ray, and mid-September to mid-October for birds and wild flowers.

New Zealand
Sperm Whale, dolphins, close-up seabirds including Wandering Albatross and White-faced Storm-Petrel, and over 45 endemic bird species including penguins, kiwis, Kea, Kokako, Kaka and Weka, all in some splendid scenery, notably glaciers and fjords. The best time to visit is November.

Subantarctic Islands
Millions of marine mammals and birds, notably Southern Elephant Seals, King, Royal, Erect-crested and Snares Crested Penguins, Wandering, Royal, Light-mantled, Buller's, Chatham, Salvin's, White-capped and Campbell Albatrosses, and Shore Plover, in one of the wildest places in the world. Cruises usually operate in November.

New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga
Tonga is one of the few places in the world where it is possible to swim with Humpback Whales, while the whole region boasts some of the best coral reefs in the world, with some spectacular seabirds overhead and endemic birds on land, not least Kagu on New Caledonia, parrots and doves on Fiji, and Niuafo’ou Megapode on Tonga. The best time is August-September.

Western Pacific Odyssey
An incredible selection of seabirds including Little Penguin, albatrosses such as Wandering and Short-tailed, tropicbirds, frigatebirds, petrels, shearwaters, storm petrels such as New Zealand and White-faced, terns including White, boobies and Japanese Murrelet, and a long list of possible cetaceans including whales such as Blue and several dolphins, as well as endemic landbirds which include Kagu and Solomon Sea Eagle. Cruises usually operate in April-May, from New Zealand to Japan.

Palau and Yap
One of the best places in the world to snorkel or scuba-dive with Manta Rays, the chance to swim in a lake full of jellyfish, and to see some of the world’s most spectacular seabirds including White-tailed Tropicbird and White Tern, as well as some endemic landbirds such as Palau Megapode. The best time to visit is January to June when underwater visibility is at its best.

Hawaii
A chance to snorkel or scuba-dive with Spinner Dolphins, Manta Rays and Green Turtles, as well as numerous spectacular coral reef fish. Also Humpback Whale, Bristle-thighed Curlew, many seabirds such as Laysan Albatross, Red-tailed and White-tailed Tropicbirds, and White Tern, and about 24 endemic birds not least those belonging to the endemic honeycreeper family, all on active volcanic islands with occasionally spectacular lava flows. Humpback Whales are usually present from November to May and seabird diversity and numbers usually peak in March-April when many forest birds are at their most active and attractive.