Family-friendly wildlife vacations are becoming increasingly popular for families to bond, explore nature, and learn about the world around them. These types of holidays offer a unique opportunity for families to experience and observe wildlife in their natural habitats, away from the stresses and distractions of modern life.
As more families become interested in eco-tourism and wildlife conservation, there has been a surge in demand for family-friendly wildlife holidays. From up-close encounters with endangered species to educational tours that teach kids about the environment, there are countless options for families who want to explore the natural world.
Wildlife holidays with Naturetrek are very popular with families as they offer exciting options to various destinations worldwide, providing a unique opportunity to observe and experience wildlife in their natural habitats.
In 2023, there will be a variety of top destinations that families can consider for their wildlife holiday.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands are a popular destination for families seeking a unique wildlife experience. Located off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos are home to a variety of species, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies.
Families can explore the islands by boat or on foot and can participate in guided tours to learn more about the wildlife and their habitats.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a top destination for families seeking a diverse wildlife experience. The country is home to rainforests, beaches, and mountains, which offer a variety of habitats for wildlife.
Families can go on guided hikes to spot monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds or visit national parks and reserves to see animals such as jaguars, tapirs, and sea turtles.
South Africa
South Africa is a great destination for families looking to experience wildlife in a more traditional safari setting. Families can go on game drives in national parks such as Kruger National Park, where they can spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and other African wildlife.
Many lodges also offer child-friendly activities, such as bush walks and animal tracking, to keep the whole family engaged and entertained.
Australia
Australia is a diverse country that offers a wide range of wildlife experiences for families. The Great Barrier Reef is a popular destination for families looking to explore the underwater world, while the Outback offers opportunities to see kangaroos, wallabies, and other iconic Australian animals.
Families can also visit national parks such as Kakadu and Daintree to see crocodiles, koalas, and other native wildlife.
Alaska, USA
Alaska is a great destination for families looking to experience wildlife in a more rugged setting. Families can go on guided tours to see bears, whales, and other marine wildlife, or they can explore national parks such as Denali to see moose, caribou, and other Alaskan wildlife.
For families looking for a unique wildlife experience, Alaska offers the opportunity to witness the annual salmon run, where thousands of salmon migrate upstream to spawn.
Borneo, Malaysia
Borneo is a unique destination for families looking to experience wildlife in a tropical rainforest setting. The island is home to a variety of species, including orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and pygmy elephants.
Families can participate in guided tours to observe wildlife in their natural habitats or visit wildlife sanctuaries to learn more about conservation efforts in the region.
Uganda
Families with older children can embark on a group tour in Uganda to witness the world's half population of mountain gorillas. The tour includes activities such as tracking chimps in Chambura Gorge, river cruising to dodge hippos, and searching for leopards and elephants in Queen Elizabeth national park.
The highlight of the trip is the three-night camping experience in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where there is a high chance of sighting the endangered mountain gorillas, with a 90% success rate. This unique experience will likely leave teenagers speechless and create unforgettable memories for the whole family.
Yellowstone National Park, USA
Yellowstone National Park is a popular destination for families looking to experience wildlife in the United States. The park is home to various species, including bison, wolves, and grizzly bears. Families can go on guided tours or explore the park on their own to see the wildlife and learn about the geology and history of the region.
Madagascar
Madagascar is a unique destination for families looking to experience wildlife in a biodiversity hotspot. The island is home to a variety of species, including lemurs, chameleons, and baobab trees.
Families can visit national parks such as Andasibe-Mantadia to see wildlife in their natural habitats, or they can participate in community-based tourism activities to learn more about the local culture.
Romania
More than 40% of Europe's brown bears are found in the Romanian Carpathian Mountains. This tour offers experienced guides to track bears and wolves in Kingstone Mountain national park. Keep an eye out for lynx, chamois, and buzzards too.
You'll also visit Bran Castle, the original home of Count Dracula, before exploring the wildlife-filled watery maze of the Danube Delta.
India
This group tour in India focuses on spotting tigers in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, but if you don't see any, there are still plenty of other wildlife to admire, such as sloth bears and monitor lizards.
Afterward, you'll visit Jaipur and take an elephant ride to Amber Fort, followed by a visit to Bharatpur, one of the world's top bird sanctuaries. The tour ends with visits to the iconic Taj Mahal and the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri, which monkeys now inhabit.
Antarctica
Antarctica may not be the first place that comes to mind for a family-friendly holiday, but it offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for families who are up for an adventure.
Families can take a cruise to see whales, seals, and penguins up close and explore the continent's stunning ice formations and glaciers. Many tours also offer educational activities for kids.
South Africa
South Africa offers families an incredible array of wildlife experiences, from safaris in Kruger National Park to whale watching in Hermanus. Kids will love seeing lions, elephants, and giraffes up close, while parents will appreciate the opportunity to learn about conservation efforts to protect these endangered species.
Many lodges and tours also offer educational activities for children, such as bush walks with a guide or visits to local schools and communities.
Canada
Canada is a fantastic destination for families looking for a mix of wildlife and outdoor adventure. Families can go whale watching in British Columbia, where they may see orcas, humpback whales, and sea lions.
They can also hike through the Canadian Rockies to see grizzly bears, elk, and moose. For a more unusual wildlife experience, families can head to Manitoba to see polar bears in their natural habitat.