What better way to experience the astonishing diversity of wildlife that shares our planet than to travel and observe them in their natural environment?

One of the best ways to do this is with an escorted tour—the perfect combination of an unforgettable itinerary to a unique destination, with friendly, knowledgeable experts who help you locate and learn about the local wildlife.  Everyone has favorite animals—some are birders who delight in seeing colorful new species, keeping lists of what they have seen, and finding where (and when) to go for the best viewing.

Others enjoy locating exotic or elusive species that are hard to find, with habitats in remote and challenging locations. And everyone wants the perfect photographs to take home. Whatever is on your “wildlife bucket list,” there is probably a great escorted tour to help you experience, and photograph, them.

Listed below the 5 favorites destinations to enjoy wildlife.

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Peninsula Valdes, Argentina

The Peninsula Valdes in Argentina should be on every wildlife lover’s South American itinerary. This corner of northern Patagonia is famous for its whale watching. However, there is so much more to see here.

Southern right whales, sea lions, elephant seals and Magellanic penguins all come here to have their young, making the Peninsula Valdes the prime wildlife destination in Argentina. You’ll also see orcas, dolphins, guanacos, and much more. It’s best to visit when the whales are there from April to December. The absolute best months are September through November. 

Ranthambore National Park, India

Ranthambore National Park is located in Rajasthan, India. A visit to the park can be easily combined with a 2-week Rajasthan itinerary that takes you to other famous places like Jaipur, Udaipur and the world-famous Taj Mahal in Agra. The tigers are the main stars of the park, and the rangers estimate that 62 tigers are living in Ranthambore. 

There are only a few places left in the world where you can find tigers, so most visitors hope to catch a glimpse of at least one of them. The park can be visited year-round with the exception of the Monsoon season that lasts from July to September. 

Anse Noire, Martinique

Martinique, a French island in the Lesser Antilles, is a prime destination for spotting sea turtles. The warm Caribbean sea is a snorkeler’s paradise because the water is warm and crystal clear. That means you can spot all kinds of native wildlife from abundant coral reef, to black and white sea urchins, to tropical fish and sea turtles.

The best beaches in Martinique for spotting sea turtles are in the south of the island. If you go out into the water far enough you may spot more than one! You’ll be amazed at how big they are in person. They are also much faster than they look!

There are certain times in the year where they hatch their babies on the shore, which is a spectacular treat. If you witness this miracle of life, please do not touch them! They are sensitive creatures. Another tip, please remember that it may be your vacation, but this is their home. Take all trash, especially broken glass and plastic, back with you when you leave.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States

If you’re looking for the best place to see wildlife in the United States, Yellowstone National Park is the spot for you. Depending on the season, you can find everything from large elk, herds of bison, brown bears and black bears with their cubs, mountain goats, fox, wolves, and so much more. Just driving around Yellowstone will allow you to see some great wildlife. The elk can lounge around in the city center, and the bison somethimes  can roam around and like to hang out near the streets.

Etosha National Park, Namibia

Namibia is one of the best wildlife watching destinations around the world. The entire country is populated with a wide variety of animals. While on the Skeleton coast you get to see one of the largest colonies of sea lions in the world, one of the unmissable things to do in Nabibia is visiting Etosha National Park, in the north of the country. Etosha National Park is a great place to see the Big Five. In some cases you really have to be lucky.

Giraffes and zebras are easily spotted, as well as elephants – especially as they all go to the many water holes to drink and bathe. Lions can often be heard roaring at night, and at times even mating. Hyenas are harder to spot but not impossible. Rhinos have a taste for crossing the road in front of cars. And when the season is right, you even have a chance of seeing a female cheetah with her cubs.