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Destinations

So you are dreaming of a wildlife safari, of experiencing the thrill of coming face to face with wild animals on their own turf. But which wildlife watching destination should you choose? With more than 6,000 national parks across the world and more than 15,000 species of birds and mammals alone, choosing a safari holidays destination can be a daunting task.

Here you will find wildlife destination guides, suggested itineraries and trip reports from my wildlife watching trips that will help you plan your own wildlife safari. Scroll through the posts below or use the main menu to select a particular wildlife watching destination.

And if you are looking for general guides to different types of animals, check out my Wildlife Guides category

Vicuna channeling a Patagonia guanaco in San Pedro de Atacama

Where to See Atacama Desert Wildlife around San Pedro de Atacama

30 March 2026 by Margarita

Like most people, I came to the Atacama Desert to experience its spectacular, often surreal high-altitude landscapes. But I also took every chance I had to see as much Atacama … Read more

Patagonia Puma in Torres del Paine National Park

Guide to Planning Your Patagonia Puma Quest in Torres Del Paine National Park

30 March 2026 by Margarita

I’ve dreamt of seeing Patagonian pumas in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park for years. There are few experiences in the world as humbling and electrifying as locking eyes with … Read more

things to do in Tasmania - see a platypus

The Absolute Best Place to See Platypus in Tasmania

22 February 2026 by Margarita

Heading to Tasmania and keen to see a platypus in the wild? I’ve got you covered. This guide reveals the absolute best place to see platypus in Tasmania. And the … Read more

types of elephants - African savanna elephant

The 7 types of Elephants and Where to See Them in the Wild

20 December 2025 by Margarita

As the largest terrestrial animals on earth, elephants are some of the most iconic and well-known creatures in the world. But did you know that there are seven different types … Read more

Toucan and iguana in Tirimbina Reserve

Wildlife Watching at Tirimbina: Rainforest, Bridges and Close Encounters

6 January 202620 December 2025 by Margarita

Keen to experience the magic of the tropical rainforest in Costa Rica? Love spotting wildlife on your travels? Then spend a couple of days wildlife watching in Tirimbina Lodge and … Read more

Exploring Palo Verde National Park in Costa Rica

Palo Verde National Park, Costa Rica: Wildlife, Boat Tours & Dry Forest

20 December 2025 by Margarita

Palo Verde National Park is one of the most distinctive wildlife destinations in Costa Rica. Located in Guanacaste, it protects a rare combination of seasonal wetlands and tropical dry forest, … Read more

Humpback whales seen on a whale watching in drake bay tour

What to Expect from Whale Watching in Drake Bay, Costa Rica

20 December 2025 by Margarita

Lying on the Pacific side of Costa Rica’s remote Osa Peninsula, Drake Bay, or Bahía Drake as Ticos call it, is a tranquil little town with sheltered beaches and abundant wildlife. It … Read more

Costa Rica animals - Hoffman's two-toed sloth in Tirimbina Reserve

30 Costa Rica Animals and Where to See Them on Your Travels

19 December 2025 by Margarita

Costa Rica represents only 0.03% of the Earth’s surface, yet it contains more than 5% of the planet’s biodiversity. And chances are, if you are planning a trip to this … Read more

Monteverde cloud forest reserve - Green-crowned brilliant

Spotting Wildlife in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica

19 December 2025 by Margarita

Costa Rica‘s Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a magical forest of thick, lush green vegetation shrouded in mist. The forest is so dense that you almost never see the ground. … Read more

Pumas in Costa Rica - a sighting in Corcovado National Park

Pumas in Costa Rica: Encountering Wild Cats in Corcovado National Park

20 December 202519 December 2025 by Margarita

Costa Rica is home to pumas, but actually seeing one in the wild is exceptionally rare. These elusive cats move mostly under the cover of darkness, range across vast territories, … Read more

Roman ruins in Rome - Aqua Claudia

Roman Ruins in Rome: A Traveller’s Guide to Understanding 1,000 Years of History

16 February 202615 December 2025 by Margarita

When you imagine exploring Roman ruins in Rome, you probably picture famous monuments from a single ancient world. But when you get there, you realise that what you’re seeing is … Read more

Marbay - small spotted cat of South America

The 6 Stunning Wild Cats of Costa Rica

20 December 202515 December 2025 by Margarita

While not considered a wild cat watching destination, Costa Rica is home to six species of wild felines: Jaguar, Puma, Ocelot, Margay, Oncilla and Jaguarundi. Most of these cats are … Read more

Florence - sunset view from Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte

Things to Do in Florence in Winter and Why Visit in Winter

15 December 202511 December 2025 by Margarita

Wondering what it’s like in Florence in winter? The air is crisp, mist often hangs over the Arno at sunrise, and the low winter light turns the city’s marble facades … Read more

7 Most Beautiful Italian Landscapes Where Nature and Culture Meet

15 December 202511 December 2025 by Margarita

Italy’s beauty is often defined by its cities like Rome, Florence and Venice. Yet beyond the palaces and piazzas lies another Italy, one where culture and nature walk side by … Read more

Australian animals

35 Amazing Australian Animals and Where to See Them

21 December 20259 December 2025 by Margarita

From egg-laying mammals to thorn-studded lizards and desert-dwelling frogs, Australian animals are as bizarre as creatures get on this planet. Sure, we have a fair share of iconic and instantly … Read more

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