maasai-guide-mara-bush-kenya

Top Wildlife Experiences for Kids

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Written by
Alesha Walton

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
Kenya
Sealife
The Galapagos
Tigers
India
Desert elephants in an African safari landscape

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.

giraffe-centre-nairobi-feeding-1

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.

Herd of wildebeest grazing in the plains of the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, at sunset
Rainforest Lodge canopy walk, Borneo

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.

orangutan-borneo

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 of Goantong Cave Sandakan, Malaysia, Sabah
kangaroos Flinders Ranges

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.

tasmanian-devil
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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. 

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
bartolome-island-galapagos

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
Tipon, Incas ruins in the peruvian Andes at Cuzco Peru South America

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

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

Peruvian little boy wearing national clothing with llama near Cuzco, Peru
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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.

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, Kanha Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh, India
Waterfall and stones covered in moss at Nakasendo walking trail

Hedgehogs in Japan

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

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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.

Hedgehog, Harine Zumi Cafe, 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