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No matter what month of the year you’re planning to get away, there’s something wild happening in the world, from the birth of young through to the great migration.
Here we highlight some of the best moments all year round…
Best Times for Wildlife Holidays
Wildlife Holidays in January
Gorillas in Masai Mara
Why Now? Spending an hour in the company of a family of Mountain gorillas is an experience that you will remember for life!
Owing to the nature of the terrain, gorilla tracking doesn’t usually follow a path and instead our guides will cut a route through the undergrowth. January is dry season in Uganda, making the trek slightly easier!
What Else? Lion, leopard, cheetah, Africa elephant, hippo, Black and White rhino, Cape buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, baboon, Rock hyrax, vulture, ostrich, flamingo, warthogs… and the list goes on!
Book your trip: Gorillas & Masai Mara
Wildlife Holidays in February
Grey Whales in the Sea of Cortez
Why Now? At this time of year, Grey whales are in their birthing grounds, having migrated down to Baja California to mate and give birth in the shallow lagoons.
Spend a full day observing these majestic creatures in Magdalena Bay. There is also the opportunity to take a dip in the crystal clear feeding areas of tranquil Whale sharks.
What Else? Whale sharks and a whole host of marine mammals, birds and fish!
Book your trip: Trips to the United States
Wildlife Holidays in March
Bengal Tigers in India
Orang-utan in Borneo
Why now? With monsoon season over, this is a great time to discover the Borneo jungle on the lookout for orang-utans.
On a boat safari on the Kinabatangan River, you’ll have the chance to spot large-nosed Proboscis monkeys, birds and more. We also visit orphans in the Sepilok Orang-utan Centre, learning about their care and eventual release into the wild.
What Else? Sumatran rhinoceros, clouded leopard and more!
Book you trip: Borneo Wildlife Discoverer
Wildlife Holidays in May
Komodo Dragons – Enter the dragon
Why now? See Komodo dragons whilst the vegetation is lush in Komodo National Park. Komodo dragons are huge lizards with poisonous saliva, weighing up to 91kg.
With expert local guides, we follow trails where it is common to find them basking in the sun. On our tour of Sumatra, Bali and Komodo, we’ll also see orang-utans, deer, wild pigs, monkeys, buffalo and more.
What else? Orang-utans, deer, wild pigs, Manta rays, monkeys, buffalo and more.
Book your trip: Primates & Dragons of Indonesia
Wildlife Holidays in June
Polar Bears in Spitsbergen
Why now? During Spitsbergen’s short season there is 24-hour daylight and typically more ice on which to see, and photograph, roaming Polar bears.
Your guides on this expedition around the Svalbard Archipelago are the award-winning photographer Paul Goldstein and zoologist Mark Carwardine. They’ll help you snap not just bears, but walruses, Arctic foxes and more too.
What else? Reindeer, seals, Humpback, Blue and Beluga whales, Kittiwakes, Little auks, Barnacle geese, Guillemots, Walrus and Arctic foxes.
Book your trip: Spitsbergen Explorer
Wildlife Holidays in July
Brown Bears in Alaska
Brown bearWhy now? It is a classic Alaskan experience to watch bears feeding on spawning salmon in a rushing river.
We visit Anan and Pack Creek (two of the best bear viewing areas in the world) to observe Brown bears, eagles, seals, and ravens, all of whom are attracted to the largest pink salmon run in Southeastern Alaska.
Set against a backdrop of dense forest, glaciers and thundering rivers, this country will take your breath away.
What else? Bald eagles, elk, seals, beavers.
Book your trip: Alaskan Wildlife and Wilderness
Wildlife Holidays in August
Turtles in Costa Rica
Turtle in Costa RicaWhy now? Tortuguero is a nesting site for the endangered Green turtle, which can be seen arriving onto the beach to lay their eggs.
Hawksbill, Loggerhead and Giant Leatherback turtles also nest in this region, with hatchings emerging later in the year.
What else? Sloths, Humpback whales, monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, iguanas, butterflies, bats and a myriad of birdlife, including hummingbirds, toucans, quetzals, Frigate birds, flycatchers and hawks.
Book your trip: Costa Rica’s Coastal Secrets
Wildlife Holidays in September
The Great Migration!
Wildebeest in the Masai MaraWhy Now? During the summer and autumn months, the Masai Mara plains rumble as ruminant herds thunder north from the Serengeti to their northern stronghold of the Masai Mara. This normally begins sometime in July and the wildebeest can still be in Kenya well into October and November.
To be among literally millions of wildebeest, zebra and other plain game is one of the greatest wildlife encounters anywhere. Their life is not easy, they have croc-infested rivers to cross and are pursued relentlessly by predators. All it takes is one brave animal to make the first step.
What else? Lions, cheetahs, leopards, African elephants, Cape buffalo, impala, Fish eagles, Thompson gazelle, ostrich, hippos, giraffe.
Book your trip: Classic Kenya 4WD Safari
Wildlife Holidays in October
Lemurs in Madagascar
Lemur in MadagascarWhy now? The Lemur is the smallest of all primates, but undeniably one of the most delightful creatures. These can only be found in Madagascar.
You will visit five different parks on this itinerary in the hope of seeing Lemurs and their young. Our adventure around this vibrant country takes you through cloud forests and along stunning coastline.
What else? Apart from 70 species of lemur, there are chameleons, frogs, iguanas, the fossa – plus Giant coua, Crested ibis and Cuckoo roller birds.
Wildlife Holidays in November
Sea Lions in the Galapagos
Galapagos SealionWhy now? What a great month to visit the Galapagos Islands to observe the gifted pinniped which is the sealion. As it’s pup season they will not be doing the usual snooze on the beach but more likely to be curiously floating around the waters whilst you snorkel.
Fun quiz! There are actually seven species of Sealion, can you name them all?
What else? Iridescent fish, turtles, blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, giant tortoises, albatross.
Book your trip: Galapagos Encounter
Wildlife Holidays in December
Penguins in Antarctica
Penguins in AntarcticaWhy now? The Antarctic has almost 24 hours of sunlight during December. It’s high summer! These conditions are fantastic for spotting the Gentoo and Adelie penguin chicks hatching.
But, you will still need to wrap up warm to see these Graceful, sociable and curious beings.
What else? Humpback, Minke, Fin and Southern Right whales, leopard seals, Fur seals and their pups.
Book your trip: Antarctic Explorer
Discover more wildlife holidays below and start planning your adventure.
