What are the best wildlife viewing opportunities across different destinations?

You'll find amazing wildlife experiences from continent to continent. In India, head to Kanha National Park to track Bengal tigers, or explore Peru's Amazon to spot pink river dolphins. South Africa offers excellent chances to see the Big 5 (lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffalo) on 4x4 safaris in places like Botlierskop private reserve. If you're interested in unique species, Madagascar's Bemaraha National Park is home to several lemur species found nowhere else on Earth. Many travelers mention their luck spotting tigers in Bandhavgarh National Park in India - it has more tigers per square mile than anywhere else in the country. You can stay at places like Fairy Knowe Lodge, which looks right out over prime wildlife areas.

What is the optimal season for wildlife viewing?

The timing really depends on where you're going. For tiger spotting in India, plan your trip between October and April when the grass and bushes are less thick, making it easier to spot animals. If you're heading to the Amazon, book between June and November during the dry season - you'll see more wildlife activity then. In places like Iquitos, Peru, you can watch for river dolphins all year round. For Madagascar, September through November hits the sweet spot between winter and summer. One traveler who visited Bandhavgarh told us: "Early morning and late afternoon game drives during winter months provided the most active wildlife sightings."

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on these tours?

Each destination offers its own unique mix of animals in their natural homes. In Madagascar's Ranomafana National Park, you can spot 11 different types of lemurs, including rare ones like the Indri Indri and Golden Bamboo lemur. Over in India's Ranthambore National Park, keep your eyes peeled for Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards and several species of deer. If you visit Malaysia's Sepilok Centre, you'll get to see orangutans, sun bears and proboscis monkeys up close. As one happy traveler told us: "We saw more wildlife than we imagined was possible - the local park guides were really knowledgeable and helpful."

What's the recommended time of year for optimal wildlife viewing?

Your best bet depends on where you're going. In India, visit tiger reserves from October to June when the parks are open and animals come to drink at water holes. Costa Rica is great from December to April during dry season when you can see more easily through the vegetation. For Alaska, aim for June through August when there's lots of daylight and animals are active. The Amazon in Peru is best from April to October when there's less rain. One traveler who visited Tambopata National Reserve in May said they saw "endless wildlife by hiking along trails and cruising the Madre de Dios River."

What are the best destinations for spotting diverse wildlife on a guided tour?

Some top spots include India's Bandhavgarh and Kanha national parks for tigers and other animals, Costa Rica's Manuel Antonio National Park where you can spot sloths and monkeys, and Alaska's Denali National Park for grizzly bears and caribou. The Amazon rainforest in Peru is excellent for bird watching and river wildlife. One traveler who went to Bandhavgarh told us "we were very lucky to watch 2 tigers, it was an amazing experience." If you stay at places like the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Lodge in Puerto Maldonado, you might see some of the 540 bird species there, plus giant river otters.

How many people are typically in wildlife tour groups?

Tours usually keep groups small so everyone gets a good view and the animals aren't disturbed. For special experiences like gorilla trekking in Uganda, rules limit groups to 8 people per gorilla family. Small groups mean you'll get a better spot in safari vehicles and more time with your guide. For example, at Taj Woods Lodge in India, their safari vehicles take 6 travelers plus a guide - this gives everyone space to move around and take photos.

Wildlife Tours & Trips

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10 best Wildlife tour packages

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Wildlife Active Family Self Drive Christmas & New Year +2
Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive
4.7 (11 traveler reviews)
"The packaged tour saved us a lot of time deciding where to travel to and where to stay."
Gary, traveled in December
Destinations
Liberia, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park,Bijagua,Monteverde,Manuel Antonio National Park+3 more
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Destination Services Costa Rica
10% Off
Duration
8 days
From $2,618
NZ$2,356
$471 now + easy payments of $126
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15 easy payments$126
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Wildlife Family Christmas & New Year +1
7 Days on a Budget Galapagos Islands Tour in San Cristobal
Destinations
Quito, San Cristóbal Island
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Regions
PacificGalapagos Islands+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
10% Off
Duration
7 days
From
NZ$2,630
$599 now + easy payments of $160
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15 easy payments$160
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Wildlife Family Explorer Christmas & New Year +1
4 Days Yasuni Amazon Ecolodge
Destinations
Coca, Yasuni National Park
Age Range
5 to 99 year olds
Regions
Amazonian BasinAmazonian Region EcuadorAmazon RainforestYasuni National Park+3 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Responsible Travel South America
10% Off
Duration
4 days
From
NZ$1,922
+$564 upfront costs
$566 now + easy payments of $151
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15 easy payments$151
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Wildlife Family Christmas & New Year +1
Costa Rica Wildlife Exploration
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"Locations were beautiful. We had a great 2 weeks!"
ASHLEY, traveled in April
Destinations
San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde,Manuel Antonio National Park,Corcovado National Park+2 more
Age Range
up to 75 year olds
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Green World Adventures
10% Off
Duration
14 days
From
NZ$9,390
$1,995 now + easy payments of $570
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14 easy payments$570
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Wildlife Family Christmas & New Year +1
4 days Iquitos Amazon Jungle & Pink Dolphin Watching
4.7 (3 traveler reviews)
"My 9 year old said it was the best trip of his life. Highly recommended!"
Martha, traveled in June
Destinations
Iquitos
Age Range
8 to 70 year olds
Regions
Peruvian AmazonAmazonian BasinIquitosAmazon Rainforest+3 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
PVTravels
10% Off
Duration
4 days
From
NZ$927
$463 now + easy payments of $31
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15 easy payments$31
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$India\'s Best Wildlife Tour Tour$
$India\'s Best Wildlife Tour - 8 destinations$
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Wildlife Christmas & New Year
India's Best Wildlife Tour
4.7 (3 traveler reviews)
"We had wonderful time in india and happy with all services. Accomodation were great."
Destinations
New Delhi, Varanasi, Khajuraho, Bandhavgarh National Park,Agra,Ranthambhore National Park,Jaipur+3 more
Age Range
15 to 60 year olds
Country Region
Golden Triangle with Ranthambore
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Amazing India Tours
20% Off
Duration
14 days
From $3,484
NZ$2,788
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13 easy payments$149
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Wildlife Family Christmas & New Year +1
Indian Wildlife Odyssey
Destinations
Mumbai, Nagpur, Pench National Park, Kanha National Park,Satpura National Park,Bhopal,Sanchi,New Delhi+4 more
Age Range
1 to 90 year olds
Country Region
Central India
Operated in
English,German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Dutch,Russian+7 more
Operator
Golden Triangle India Tours
63% Off
Duration
12 days
From $7,805
NZ$2,888
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Wildlife Family Christmas & New Year +1
India Wildlife Photography Tour
"The tour was above my expectations, good company and what a beautiful country."
Kyler, traveled in August
Destinations
New Delhi, Umaria, Bandhavgarh National Park,Kanha National Park,Jabalpur,Ranthambore National Park+3 more
Age Range
1 to 90 year olds
Country Region
Central India
Operated in
English,German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Dutch,Russian+7 more
Operator
Golden Triangle India Tours
63% Off
Duration
12 days
From $6,793
NZ$2,514
$502 now + easy payments of $183
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Wildlife Family Christmas & New Year +1
The Jungle Book Wildlife Tour
Destinations
New Delhi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Umaria,Bandhavgarh National Park,Kanha National Park,Pench National Park,Nagpur,Mumbai+5 more
Age Range
1 to 90 year olds
Operated in
English,German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Dutch,Russian+7 more
Operator
Golden Triangle India Tours
65% Off
Duration
12 days
From $8,987
NZ$3,146
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11 easy payments$228
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Wildlife Family Christmas & New Year +1
Tigers and Leopards Safari Tour
Destinations
Mumbai, Nagpur, Tadoba National Park, New Delhi, Jodhpur,Udaipur,Delhi+2 more
Age Range
1 to 90 year olds
Operated in
English,German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Dutch,Russian+7 more
Operator
Golden Triangle India Tours
63% Off
Duration
13 days
From $8,095
NZ$2,995
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Wildlife Family Christmas & New Year +1
India Tiger Safari Tour
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The different national parks and modes of transportation were well arranged. The food was excellent and the tigers awesome."
Pushpa, traveled in February
Destinations
New Delhi, Sawai Madhopur, Ranthambore National Park,Ranthambhore National Park,Jabalpur,Bandhavgarh National Park+3 more
Age Range
1 to 90 year olds
National Park
Ranthambore National Park
Operated in
English,German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Dutch,Russian+7 more
Operator
Golden Triangle India Tours
68% Off
Duration
10 days
From $8,483
NZ$2,715
$542 now + easy payments of $197
Payment plans
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11 easy payments$197
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Wildlife Family Christmas & New Year +1
India Wildlife with Taj Mahal Tour
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The two national parks were both excellent. We would definitely recommend this tour."
Matthew, traveled in February
Destinations
New Delhi, Agra, Gwalior, Khajuraho,Bandhavgarh National Park,Kanha National Park,Jabalpur,Delhi+4 more
Age Range
1 to 90 year olds
Country Region
Central India
Operated in
English,German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Dutch,Russian+7 more
Operator
Golden Triangle India Tours
68% Off
Duration
10 days
From $7,358
NZ$2,355
$470 now + easy payments of $171
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 29 Jan 2026
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11 easy payments$171
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Wildlife Active Safari Eco Explorer Christmas & New Year +2
Highlights of Costa Rica
4.4 (41 traveler reviews)
"The small group of 6 was especially appreciated. Our guide Francesco was amazing."
Marie, traveled in March
Destinations
San Jose, Poas Volcano National Park,Arenal Volcano National Park,La Fortuna,La Guaria (La Fortuna),Monteverde,Tarcoles,Carara National Park,Manuel Antonio National Park+7 more
Age Range
16 to 85 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
20% Off
Duration
8 days
From $3,300
NZ$2,640
$374 now + easy payments of $259
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 24 Jan 2026
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13 easy payments$259
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Wildlife Family Safari Christmas & New Year +1
Sandakan Orangutan Experience 4D/3N
4.1 (7 traveler reviews)
"Great wildlife to see, friendly staff in the lodges, plentiful food, rustic but nice accommodation."
Victoria, traveled in August
Destinations
Sandakan
Age Range
up to 99 year olds
Regions
Borneo SabahMount Kinabalu+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
20% Off
Duration
4 days
From
NZ$1,140
$114 now + easy payments of $93
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 31 Dec 2025
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11 easy payments$93
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Wildlife
Madagascar: The Lost Continent
4.5 (67 traveler reviews)
"The natural pool was magical. Lemurs and more lemurs!"
Vicky, traveled in November
Destinations
Antananarivo, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Antsirabe,Ambositra,Ranomafana National Park,Isalo National Park,Toliara,Beza Mahafaly Reserve,Anakao+6 more
Age Range
16 to 85 year olds
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
17% Off
Duration
15 days
From $6,590
NZ$5,490
$626 now + easy payments of $626
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No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 29 Nov 2025
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9 easy payments$626
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9 easy payments$626
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