The Best Wildlife Adventures Perfect for Luxury Family Travellers

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Kids love different types of animals, so it makes sense why many families choose wildlife adventures when going on holiday. There are many destinations worldwide where your kids can experience exciting close-up encounters with their favourite animals and take back great memories. From spotting tigers in the jungles of India to seeing the Big Five in South Africa and cruising the Galapagos Islands, here are some of the best wildlife adventures perfect for luxury family travellers.

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Check out the Tigers in India

If you ask kids which animals they would love to see in the wild, tigers will most likely be one of them. So, if your kids dream of seeing these big cats in their natural habitat, take them on a safari adventure in India. The best places to see them are in nature reserves that work hard to protect these animals from extinction.

Around 3/4th of the world’s tiger population is in India.

Being highly protected animals, the Indian government limits the number of visitors to its natural parks and reserves. Therefore, if you plan to take the kids on a safari in India, plan your trip as early as possible.

It is thrilling to spot a tiger in the wild.

Ranthambore National Park is one of the best places to see tigers in the wild. It’s one of the country’s largest tiger reserves. This park occupies an area of over 1,300 sq. km. and is home to around 80 tigers that roam freely in the plains. With such a high population of tigers, you’ll have a higher chance of seeing these animals up close. Ranthambore is common on a Rajasthan itinerary. Another reason Ranthambore is a preferred destination is its ancient temple ruins, such as the 10th-century Ranthambore Fort. It sits in the middle of the park and offers a stunning backdrop for seeing the tigers in their natural habitat.

There are other national parks in India for tiger safaris: Bandhavgarh and Kanha national parks in Madhya Pradesh, Tadoba in Maharashtra, to name a few.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

If you have older kids who delight in seeing giant primates and won’t mind trekking through lush jungles, gorilla focused safaris in Uganda is the perfect wildlife adventure. Note that your kids should be at least 15 to join this activity. While the gorillas rarely attack, they can get threatened when they hear kids scream.

To ensure the safety of everyone, the wildlife authorities of Uganda set a minimum age of 15 for gorilla trekking.

Gorilla trekking with your kids is a life-changing experience. Nothing can compare to the thrill of seeing these giant animals in their natural habitat. You’ll see them interact, nurse their kids, and gorge on bamboo leaves. You will be with a guide who will let you spend at least 30 minutes with a gorilla family and will ensure your safety.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is also a fantastic opportunity to help the local community. There has been a decline in mountain gorillas in recent years due to illegal poaching and other causes. Part of the money you will pay for the trekking permit will go towards these organisations, which means you are helping to preserve and protect these endangered species.

See the Big Five in South Africa

Your kids may be familiar with Africa’s “Big Five.”

These are the lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos. The best place to see these animals up close is in South Africa. The country has several national parks and private game reserves that are home to these fascinating animals. One of the best places to spot the Big Five is Pilanesberg National Park, a nature reserve less than 3 hours from Johannesburg.

Sitting in a volcanic crater developed billions of years ago, Pilanesberg has a fascinating and varied landscape. It is home to thousands of animal species, including the Big Five. Here, your kids will have a chance to see these animals roaming freely in the African bush. While self-driving is possible in Pilanesberg, joining a guided safari tour is the best option for families. It’s more convenient, as you won’t have to worry about where to explore. Simply sit back, enjoy the views, and watch out for fascinating wildlife coming near you.

Since Pilanesberg is only 3 hours from Johannesburg, it can make for an ideal day trip on your family holiday in the megacity. You can also visit many other family-friendly attractions in Johannesburg, such as the Gold Reef City Theme Park and the Apartheid Museum.

Cruise the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are some of the most fascinating places on Earth, offering an unforgettable experience on your luxury family holiday. Here is a complete travel guide to explore Galapagos Islands.

It’s a remote and intriguing archipelago in the Eastern Pacific, home to one-of-a-kind wildlife that your kids can see up close.

One of the best ways to explore the Galapagos is on a luxury cruise, which allows you to explore several islands that are home to various animals. The highlight of your Galapagos Islands cruise is discovering an incredible diversity of wildlife – a dream come true for many. Aside from seeing dolphins and penguins, they can swim with sea lions and walk beside giant tortoises!

These islands are home to an incredible diversity of wildlife.

Depending on the cruise, you can visit other attractions, such as the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here, your kids will enjoy learning about the Galapagos tortoises, which can live for over a hundred years! Of course, they can see these massive creatures up close, which weigh over 200 kg.

Visit the Elephants in Thailand

Your kids will surely be thrilled to interact with and meet cute elephants in the wild. So, take them to Thailand.

You’ll find many reputable elephant sanctuaries that offer an ethical way for visitors to get close to elephants.

Chiang Mai, a charming city in Thailand’s northern area, is home to elephant sanctuaries dedicated to conserving and protecting these animals. One of these is the Elephant Nature Park, which has over 35 resident elephants that roam freely in the park. It was founded in the 1990s and is run by knowledgeable people with years of expertise in safeguarding elephants and providing activities in the most ethical way possible.

Elephant Nature Park offers various experiences for visitors. You can volunteer to help with feeding and taking care of the elephants. It’s a fantastic opportunity to play and get close to these cute animals – an experience your kids will love!

Also check out national parks in Sri Lanka, one of the best spots to see elephants in the wild on a safari.