World’s Best Wildlife Experiences
Track snow leopards in Ladakh, India
Just 20 years ago, it was almost impossible to see a snow leopard in the wild, considering their remoteness, vast habitat and almost legendary elusiveness (the animal’s coat serves a perfect camouflage in the mountain regions). The appearance of motorable roads made it
easier to get there, and these days, equipped with binoculars and Zeiss telescopes, you can observe a coveted animal from a kilometre distance. In addition, you’ll treat yourself to sights of urials, ibexes, wolves and Himalayan foxes.
While there are no luxury resorts, a comfortable Snow Leopard Lodge will offer a decent accommodation for a well-travelled guest.
Search for Bengal tigers in Ranthambore, India
Ranthambore National Park is the world’s best place to watch royal Bengal tigers in the wild.
Among species who share the territory with the king of the forest are leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas, sambar deer and chital, wild boars, monkeys and many more. The morning jeep safari will allow you to witness the tiger in action, whereas in the evening you will feel a
deeper connection to the wild.
Ranthambore is home or close to high-end resorts: from the Oberoi Ranthambore to Aman-i-Khás and Suján Sher Bagh, to cater to the most exquisite tastes.
Encounter jaguars in the Pantanal, Brazil
The world’s largest continental wetland and one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, the Pantanal is home to ocelots, anteaters, capybaras, giant otters, lowland tapirs, caimans and millions of other fascinating animals. Yet, its living symbol is jaguar. There are numerous ways to get close to these graceful cats: during day and night tours, by jeep, canoe, on foot and on horseback. In terms of accommodation, you can choose an eco-lodge, a floating hotel or even a ranch, where you will live a life of pantaneiro.
Get to know grizzly bears in the Rockies
Grizzly bears are one of the main attractions in North America, and especially in the Rocky Mountains. In spring, when they come out of hibernation, you can view them, for example, from a boat, equipped with binoculars. In autumn, during the salmon migratory season, bears gather in droves near the rivers to feed and feast before the new winter.
In addition, your days will be filled with hikes to alpine meadows and valleys, glacier walks and helicopter tours, nights in remote camps, paddling and boating or, in winter, skiing and ice-skating on the natural ice-rink. Majestic views and well-developed infrastructure will complete your bear-watching experience.
Greet lemurs of Madagascar
For millions of years Madagascar has been home to lemurs, whose variety goes well beyond a hundred species. Of all the largest one is the Indri, residing in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, which is also home to beautiful golden coloured diademed sifakas. As to the ring-tailed lemur with their distinctive look, the best places to see them are Berenty Reserve and Isalo National Park.
In addition to walking safaris, in the light of the day and at night, you should definitely visit the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs, the Moon-like landscapes of Tsingy de Bemaraha and the idyllic beaches of Nosy Be, just to name a few.
Watch orangutans in Borneo
This adventure will take you to the ancient forests in search of orangutans, proboscis monkeys, macaques, mouse deer and pygmy elephants. You will trek through the thick of the jungle to approach animals, feed them at the rehabilitation centre, visit Sun Bear conservation centre, go on a boat safari, explore forest trails and waterfalls and snorkel amongst coral gardens. You will have sunrise walks to see nature awakening and come back at night to spot nocturnal creatures. With this journey, you will deeply connect with
nature in one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
Walk with elephants in the Golden Triangle
The beautiful Thai city of Chiang Rai is famous for its gorgeous temples, tea plantations and exquisite food. It is also one of the places to walk with gentle elephants in the most ethical way. To get the most elevated experience, stay at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort where you will visit elephant camp, accompany elephants on their walk in the jungle and get close to these majestic giants in their natural habitat, while overnighting in Jungle Bubbles. A new addition to the resort is Canopy, a tree-top restaurant, whose open- air nests are perched 52 metres above the grassland, offering 360-degree views over the Golden Triangle.