January
This is one of the best times to see gorillas and chimps in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. As time in the gorillas’ habitats is strictly controlled, you’ll also visit Queen Elizabeth National Park where game drives should give you sightings of lions, elephants, antelope and warthogs. You can also enjoy chimpanzee treks in the Kibale Forest National Park and birdwatching in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Book with Rainbow Tours.
February
Combine a tour of India’s iconic Golden Triangle, with its temples, palaces and bustling cities, with the chance to see the rare resident tigers of the Ranthambore National Park – you may also spot sloth bears, leopard and colourful birdlife. It’s a heady mix. Book with Wendy Wu Tours.
March
For a relatively small country, Costa Rica packs a huge punch when it comes to wildlife encounters. Birds, frogs, monkeys, butterflies, jaguar and marine life abound. March is the nesting season for leatherback and hawksbill turtles; it’s a magical thing to witness. Book with Journey Latin America.
The chance to see migratory Blue Whales is just one good reason to visit Sri Lanka in March, where a host of national parks also offer you the chance to see wild elephants, leopards, reptiles and birds. Book with Experience Travel Group.
April
Breeding colonies of kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills and puffins on Scotland’s Small Isles are best seen in April. Cruise around Mull and the Inner Hebridean islands of Muck, Eigg, Rum and Canna on board the charming Seahorse II with a resident wildlife expert on hand too. Book with St Hilda Sea Adventures.
May
The Azores are renowned as one of the world’s best places to view whales and dolphins. Their position in the Atlantic Ocean means that they are on the migratory route map for some 27 species of cetaceans. Combine boat excursions, led by experts, and sight-seeing on the island of Sao Miguel for a memorable holiday. Book with Sunvil.
June
The Galápagos needs no introduction amongst wildlife enthusiasts of all ages. December to March is the most popular time to go but in June (and July) there’s the chance to see the giant tortoise migration to the lowlands and frigate birds displaying their spectacular red pouches. And that’s not forgetting the marine iguanas, penguins, dolphins and sea lions. Book with Abercrombie & Kent.
Closer to home, sightings of vast seabird colonies reach their peak on the Northumberland coast. Book a seaside bolthole with Cottages in Northumberland.
July
School’s out and summer is a great time to take the family on the adventure of a lifetime to Brazil. From kayaking amongst giant otters to snorkelling with turtles, fishing for Piranhas to horse riding with the cowboys in the Pantanal, you will make memories for a lifetime. Book with Dehouche.
Britain’s canals are host to a multitude of wildlife, best seen from on board your own canal boat. Remember Tales of the Riverbank? Look out for voles, kingfishers and dragonflies as you wind down to the slow pace of life with bird song and the gentle chug of the engine as your soundtrack. Book with Black Prince Holidays.
August
Kenya offers incredible wildlife sightings year-round, but August is the best time to witness the Great Migration of wildebeest and other animals as they cross the Mara River from Tanzania. It’s a wonderful choice for families as well as couples and solo travellers. Book with Mahlatini.
September
Wolves, caribou, moose and bears abound in Alaska. Enjoy the freedom of a self-drive holiday in a motorhome in this most spectacular of the US States. The Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks, the Copper River and the chance to spot whales in Prince William Sound make for rich sightings. Book with North America Travel Service.
October
Most visitors to Jordan go there to see the incredible Rose Red City of Petra, historic Jerash and the vast Wadi Rum desert. However, this Kingdom is also home to stunning wildlife reserves teeming with Arabian Oryx, Nubian Ibex and prolific birdlife, including the majestic Imperial Eagle. Book with On the Go Tours.
November
Head to Nepal on a guided walking holiday, where the awe-inspiring Himalayas combine with the chance to see rhino, leopard, crocodiles and colourful birds in the Chitwan National Park. It’s one of the best locations for stargazing too, with minimal light pollution. Book with Ramblers Walking Holidays.
December
All of us who watched the BBC’s recent Frozen Planet series will have been inspired by the incredible scenes, not least from Antarctica. It’s best explored on board an expedition cruise, with expert naturalists on board and breath-taking vistas seen up close and personal. Book with Mundy Adventures.
If winter sun is more your thing, The Gambia is a favourite of Chris Packham. The prolific bird life makes this a great choice for anyone who fancies combining some down time on the beach with birdwatching. You can even add on a mini safari in neighbouring Senegal. Book with Gambia Experience.
By Catherine Leech
October 2022