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Top Wildlife Experiences for Kids

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Alesha Walton headshot
Written by

Published on: September 18th, 2017

Last updated: September 24th, 2024

If you and your family are nature-lovers, there is nothing better than encountering fascinating species on a trip together.

Witnessing wildlife in their natural habitat is also one of the main reasons why people travel to every corner of the world.

These destinations offer top wildlife experiences for kids, that the whole family can enjoy in complete luxury.

Elephants
Elephants
Kenya
Sealife
Sealife
The Galapagos
Tigers
Tigers
India

Giraffes in Kenya

This wildlife-rich country is a perfect place for children to learn about, and encounter, animals. They can even share breakfast by feeding some of these tall, gentle giants at the boutique Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, a unique and excitingly close encounter for all the family to enjoy.

Feeding the giraffes at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi

If that isn’t enough, you can easily continue your Kenyan adventure on numerous safaris, encountering rhinos and elephants and learning about conservation in the country. If you’re lucky, you might even witness the magnificent Great Migration of wildebeest.

Orangutans in Borneo

Before exploring the magical, tropical rainforest of Danum Valley, home to rhinos, elephants and 275 species of birds, head to Sandakan. Here you will find Borneo’s renowned Sepilok rehabilitation centre.

Mother and baby orangutan (pongo pygmaeus) resting in the middle of the day. They were taking a break from eating, and found a tree resting. Taken in the Kinabatangan River, Malaysian Borneo. Mid afternoon, taken in August. Listed as Critically Endangered by IUCN.

Meet and learn about orangutans, sun bears and other endangered wildlife. Then head to the Gomantong Caves, which provide a home to bats and kingfishers.

View from inside the caves, looking at an archway leading outside

Koalas in Australia

A wildlife haven and home to many marsupials, Australia has much to offer to people of all ages. In northern Australia, stay at luxury camps and head out on game drives in search of free-roaming horses, buffalo, saltwater crocodiles, dingoes and wallabies.

Wild Koalas along Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia

In the south, take a guided tour of Kangaroo Island to meet diverse wildlife such as platypus, koala, sea lions and (of course) kangaroos. In Tasmania, meet the native Tasmanian Devil at the sanctuary.

Close up of a tasmanian devil hiding in the undergrowth

Whales in Argentina

For an extra special yet classic Argentinian experience combining wildlife spotting and horseback riding, you can trek through the wetlands of Argentina in search of unique wildlife. 

Two people on horseback in a secluded cove in Bahia Bustamante, Argentina

Head to the coast of Peninsula Valdes to witness playful penguins, sea lions and whales in their astounding wild habitat. Take in the stunning natural beauty of Iguassu Falls prior to exploring Esteros Del Ibera.

Whale watching in Argentina

Sea lions in the Galapagos

From slow giant tortoises and excitably curious dolphins, to playful sea lions and a plethora of colourful birds, the Galapagos islands are teeming with a brilliant selection of wildlife. 

Sea lions resting under the sun, Galapagos

With your guide, learn about the area’s evolution and special ecosystem and splash about in the tropical waters. This is the perfect playground for children of all ages.

Galapagos tortoise Geochelone nigra Galapagos Islands

Bears in Peru

As Peru is the home of Paddington Bear, visit the Spectacled Bear Project, part of the idyllic Inkaterra Hotel in Machu Picchu, where these majestic endangered species are protected and cared for.

Black bear on all fours in the grass

Follow up with gentle horse trekking and bottle-feeding baby llamas in Peru’s stunning Sacred Valley.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas or Urubamba Valley is a valley in the Andes of Peru, close to the Inca capital of Cusco and below the ancient sacred city of Machu Picchu. The valley is generally understood to include everything between Pisac and Ollantaytambo, parallel to the Urubamba River, or Vilcanota River or Wilcamayu,… View Article

Tigers in India

India is synonymous with tigers, from Aladdin to Life of Pi, they feature in popular culture worldwide. Get to know more about these regal creatures on a safari with an expert guide through the national park of Ranthambore.

Close up of a Sumatran tiger

There are also plenty of sprightly deer, colourful birds and mischievous monkeys to keep you and the children entertained along the way.

Male Barasingha deer in tall grass in Kanha Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh, India

Hedgehogs in Japan

A popular spot with the locals and tourists, and of course, children, is a hedgehog cafe in Tokyo.

Crowded Takeshita shopping street in Harajuku fashion district. Tokyo, Japan,

Take time out of your trip through Japan to go and hold this spikey (yet soft) creatures, learning more about their habitats and behaviour, but make sure to book in advance.

A hedgehog being held at the hedgehog cafe in Tokyo

Talk to one of our expert travel designers today and start creating your perfect family wildlife adventure.

Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline