The post Animals to Look For in Antarctica appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Emperor and Chinstrap Penguins
Everyone knows that there are penguins in Antarctica, but there are actually so many different types to look out for. Two of the most beautiful and famous types of penguins are Emperor and Chinstrap penguins. The Emperor penguins have that classic look and are probably the ones you first think of, whereas the Chinstrap penguins have a defined black line under its head (which is where it gets the “chinstrap” name).
Orca Whales
Although they are nicknamed “killer” whales, you do not want to miss an opportunity to see one of these beautiful creatures up close. Their iconic white and black patterned body is a magnificent sight.
Elephant Seals
Elephant seals definitely don’t look like your typical seal. Instead of having a rounded nose, these seals have what looks like a hanging trunk–not far off from an elephant. These creatures are huge and definitely worth marveling at during your trip!
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]]>The post The Best Safari Destinations in Africa for Wildlife Spotting appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Serengeti is the ultimate destination for wildlife enthusiasts. It is home to the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino), as well as a variety of other species like cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
The Okavango Delta is a unique ecosystem that is home to a variety of wildlife such as lions, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and antelopes. One of the best ways to explore the delta is by mokoro (traditional dugout canoe), which allows you to get up close and personal with the wildlife.
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Maasai Mara is known for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffalos, cheetahs, and wildebeests. It is also the site of the annual wildebeest migration, where millions of wildebeests and zebras cross over from the Serengeti in search of fresh grazing lands.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger is one of the oldest and largest game reserves in Africa, covering an area of about 19,500 square kilometers. It is home to the Big Five, as well as a variety of other species such as hippos, crocodiles, and antelopes.
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Chobe is known for its huge herds of elephants, which can often be seen bathing and playing in the Chobe River. It is also home to a variety of other species such as lions, leopards, hyenas, and buffalos.
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]]>The post Incredible Wildlife Migrations To Add To Your Bucket-List appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The Great Wildebeest Migration, Serengeti, Tanzania, and Maasai Mara, Kenya
This is one of the most iconic wildlife migrations in the world. Each year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, embark on a perilous journey in search of greener pastures. Witnessing the dramatic river crossings and the vast herds spread across the plains is an unforgettable experience.
The Monarch Butterfly Migration, Mexico, and the United States
Every year, millions of Monarch butterflies undertake an epic journey spanning thousands of miles from Canada and the United States to Mexico. They congregate in the Oyamel fir forests of central Mexico, creating a mesmerizing spectacle as they cluster together on the trees, covering the branches in vibrant orange.
The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The Great Barrier Reef is not only known for its stunning coral formations but also for the annual migration of various marine species. From massive whale sharks to playful dolphins and colorful schools of fish, these waters offer an abundance of marine life. Snorkeling or diving in the Great Barrier Reef allows you to witness this vibrant ecosystem and its incredible migrations up close.
The Serengeti-Okavango-Zambezi Elephant Migration, Botswana and Zambia
In the heart of Africa, elephants embark on a remarkable journey in search of water and food. The migration covers vast distances as these majestic creatures move between the Serengeti in Tanzania, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, and the Zambezi region in Zambia. Witnessing herds of elephants in their natural habitat is a truly humbling experience.
The Salmon Run, North America
Every year, millions of salmon migrate from the ocean to freshwater rivers and streams where they were born to spawn. The Pacific Northwest, including regions in Alaska and British Columbia, offers excellent opportunities to witness this natural phenomenon. Watch as salmon jump and navigate treacherous rapids to reach their spawning grounds.
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]]>The post Top 3 Places Every Animal Lover Should Check Out in Shanghai, China appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Shanghai Zoo
No major city is complete without its own zoo, and the one in Shanghai is as epic as they get. It’s home to 6,000 animals, including many native species, ranging from giant pandas to South China tigers. It also houses many species of birds that you can observe while hanging out by Swan Lake in the heart of the zoo.
Shanghai Wild Animal Park
If you want to have close interactions with animals during your visit to Shanghai, it doesn’t get much better than this animal park. It houses over 200 species, ranging from tigers and rhinos to bears and zebras, and hopping on a bus around the park is highly recommended if you want to observe more dangerous animals up close.
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
If you’re in the mood to explore the diversity of China’s marine life during your visit, Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is the place to be. It houses many species of local and exotic marine life, and a walk through its long tunnel that covers everything from coral reefs to shark cove is a dream come true experience.
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]]>The post The Best Locations for Wildlife Spotting in Australia appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The Great Barrier Reef
Visitors to the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland can expect to see an array of colorful fish, sea turtles, and even whales and dolphins. Entrance fees start at $115 for a One Day Tour and vary depending on which activities you choose to participate in.
(@greenislandcairns)Kakadu National Park
The Kakadu National Park in Australia’s Northern Territory is a great place to spot crocodiles in their natural habitat. Visitors can also see an abundance of birdlife, wallabies, and even wild horses. Entry for adults costs $40 per person during the dry season, and family passes are available at a discounted rate.
Phillip Island Nature Parks
While penguins may not be the first animal that comes to mind when considering Australian wildlife, the Phillip Island Nature Parks in Victoria is actually a great place to see penguins up close. Visitors can watch the famous “Penguin Parade” as hundreds of little penguins waddle up the beach to their burrows. We recommend purchasing the Four Parks Pass, which includes the best view of the Parade as well as opportunities to interact with koalas, birds, and more.
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]]>The post Discover the Wild Side of Rwanda Tracking Silverback Gorillas appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Africa is home to about 1,000 mountain gorillas, about one-third of which are currently in Volcanoes National Park in northwest Rwanda. The gorillas live together in twelve groups known as families throughout the park and are monitored and protected by local rangers.
On the day of your track, you’ll embark on a hike through the rainforest alongside experienced trackers who will lead you to the gorillas’ location. Expect the hike to take 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on the location of the family your group will visit. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll have an hour to observe the gorillas in their natural habitat.
For an extra adorable experience, consider planning your trip during Kwita Izina, an annual naming ceremony to celebrate the birth of the country’s newborn baby gorillas. Visitors looking to plan a track can book a permit online or with a tour guide in advance.
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]]>The post Best Places Around the World for Animal Encounters appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Kenya
Kenya is one of the places in Africa that you can do a big five safari, meaning that you’ll be able to watch the migration of lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinoceroses between Kenya and Tanzania. It’s an absolutely spectacular display and something that you’ll never be able to forget.
Canada
Interested in polar bears? Then Canada is the place for you to go, as 60% of the world’s polar bear population resides there on the Alaskan border through Labrador. There are lots of tours available that take you right to their territory where you can see them up close.
(@into.thewildlife)Cape Town
Your best location for marine life is Cape Town, which is one of the best places in the world to swim with great white sharks in particular. There are many different tour operators to choose from, but all of them will help you get face-to-face with these majestic, misunderstood creatures.
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]]>The post The Best Zoos Around the World appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Bronx Zoo, New York
The Bronx zoo is over a hundred years old and houses the very first animal hospital in the world. It’s one of the biggest zoos in the U.S., with the Bronx River flowing right down its middle and no less than 6,000 animals of over 700 species. It’s easily accessible from the city, so this is a great option if you need something to do on a day off in New York.
Singapore Zoo, Singapore
Out in the forests of Singapore, the well-known Singapore Zoo features 11 different “zones” with over 2,800 animals from all different climates and habitats. Spread across 69 acres, it is renowned for its perfectly curated atmosphere and learning experiences.
Taronga Zoo, Australia
Across the water from Sydney, the 69-acre, 105-year-old Taronga Zoo houses tons of species with a specialty in the abundant wildlife native to the Australian continent. In addition to the waterfront view of Sydney, it also houses several endangered species.
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]]>The post 3 Places to See Alligators in the Wild in the U.S. appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Everglades National Park (Florida)
Arguably the most famous place to see alligators in the United States is in Everglades National Park in South Florida, offering boating, hiking, and camping to visitors. This swamp environment brims with alligators, who can often be seen poking their heads out of the water as they stalk their prey.
Mobile-Tensaw River Delta (Alabama)
Alligators can also be found in Alabama, specifically in the vast delta region of Mobile-Tensaw which is a great place to take your boat out for a ride. Keep your eyes out for alligators, which can often be found hanging around plants where they can be partially camouflaged.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (Georgia)
The Okefenokee Swamp is protected in south George in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and is another spot where alligators abound. These wetlands are accessible by boat and have been unchanged for thousands of years, providing an optimal virgin environment for these magical creatures to thrive.
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]]>The post Where to Travel to See the Biggest Cats in the World appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Brazil – Jaguars
You can see jaguars in the Southwest U.S. and all over South America, but Brazil is the best place to go—especially its Pantanal region. You can take organized tours and watch the animals in natural habitat. Unfortunately, the IUCN Red List says that jaguars are Near-Threatened right now.
India – Tigers
The largest cat in the world is officially the tiger, and you can see the most magnificent examples in the Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, India. Some of the biggest males weigh nearly 660 pounds, which is super impressive, but the bad news is there are less than 4,000 tigers left in the wild.
Sri Lanka – Leopards
Like many other wild cats, leopards are under threat. If you want to see them in person, head to Africa or Asia. Our recommendation is the Yala National Park in Sri Lanka, where you can take a tour in an open Jeep and see leopards and other amazing wildlife.
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