If seeing the diversity of the world’s wildlife is something that appeals to you, then you need to travel around this world to see the incredible species and sights on offer. From Brazil to Botswana, there are awe inspiring things to see for all.
Brazil:One country on earth has over half of all primate species, dozens of big cats, and the most biodiversity in the world. For all that, try Brazil. This amazing country is so rich in wildlife biologists are still discovering new species. For your trip, sign up for a Big Cat Safari. You’ll get a chance to see not only the elegant jaguars, but also the toucans, ocelots, numerous monkeys, and more that inhabit the 5th largest country. Make sure to take time to see the vibrant city of Sao Paulo, or take an Atlantic boat ride to see dolphins and humpback whales off of the coast.
Indonesia:The 15 thousand islands of Indonesia host the world’s second highest amount of biodiversity, hundreds of different mammals and thousands of colorful bird species in three separate ecological zones. These animals include the Asian Elephant, multiple species of the endangered orangutan, and Javan and Sumatran rhinoceroses. If monkeys and apes are your thing, the islands of Indonesia are habitats for almost one quarter of the world’s 200 primate species. Indonesia also hosts the largest lizard species in the world, the Komodo dragons, as well as a native crocodile. On the island of New Guinea, beautiful tropical birds like the Bird of Paradise and the flightless cassowary can be seen. The capital, Jakarta, has a major airport and a bustling cosmopolitan city for when you leave the jungles, but to really experience the country you’ll need a boat. To visit Indonesia and see all the islands have to offer, look for a travel broker who offers packages that include ferry rides between the major islands of Java, Sumatra, Borneo, and New Guinea.
Canada: For majestic mountains, clear streams, glaciers, and North American animals, Canada is the place to see. Two of its 42 National Parks are UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the oldest is larger than the nation of Switzerland. That would be Wood Buffalo National Park, a home to the world’s largest free roaming herd of bison and the world’s only nesting site for the endangered whooping crane. Wood Buffalo is also home to black bear, moose, lynx, beavers, brown bears, and a beaver dam that is visible from space. This wilderness oasis in North Alberta can be hard to reach, but the trip is worth it. For a roadtrip, the historic Mackenzie highway will take you to Fort Smith, the main entrance for the park, but an easier option is planning ahead for a commercial flight from the city of Edmonton. Engaging a guide in Edmonton is also a good way to get a complete view of the massive, and majestic, national park.
Svalbard, Norway: To get your polar fix, there is only a single choice, a cruise along the Svalbard Archipelago in Norway. These glacier covered arctic islands were first used as whaling stations in the 18th century, but now play host to a diverse set of polar beasts. On land, see the largest herd of reindeer, polar bears, and walruses. In the oceans, see gray and bowhead whales, belugas, seals and narwhals. It’s a trip you’ll never forget. Most cruises last up to two weeks, and booking one from Bergen makes it easy to integrate the memorable trip with a European vacation.
Botswana: If you are looking for wildlife in Africa, there is no better place to start than Botswana. A small, peaceful country of two million people in Southern Africa, Botswana has some of the most diverse wildlife in the entire continent. With habitats that range from the inland Okavango Delta, the world’s largest; to savannahs, deserts and grasslands; Botswana has miles of beautiful geography to see. More than 35% is protected national parks, habitat for everything you could want for a memorable time on a Botwsana safari. Botswana also holds the world’s largest concentration of African Elephants in Chobe National Park, the Khama Rhinoceros Sanctuary, and thousands of flamingos at the awe inspiring Makgadikgadi Sanctuary. To get to Botswana, catch a flight into Johannesburg, South Africa. From there, flights and buses are available into Botswana’s capital, Gabarone. Numerous buses and trains are available to take you around the country, but arriving early is recommended.