Travel

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Discover the 16 Best Wildlife Photography Destinations Around the Globe

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Wildlife photography is a captivating pursuit that allows us to capture the beauty and diversity of the animal kingdom. From the lush rainforests to the vibrant coral reefs, our planet is blessed with extraordinary habitats that host an incredible array of wildlife. In this article, I will share 16 of the best places in the world for wildlife photography, with at least one destination on each continent. Get ready to witness breathtaking moments frozen in time through the lens of your camera!

Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Photo by Harshil Gudka on Unsplash

The Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya boasts vast savannahs and stunning landscapes, providing the perfect backdrop for capturing incredible moments. From the iconic Great Wildebeest Migration to the presence of abundant predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas, photographers have the opportunity to capture awe-inspiring scenes of wildlife in action. The reserve's diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and antelope species, offers intimate encounters for captivating wildlife portraits. The golden hues of the savannah during sunrise and sunset add a touch of magic to the photographs, creating a visual spectacle, and the Mara River, with its treacherous crossings and lurking Nile crocodiles, adds another layer of drama and intensity to the photography experience.

Ranthambore National Park, India

Ranthambore National Park in India is a paradise for wildlife photographers. Home to the majestic Bengal tiger, this rugged terrain offers incredible opportunities to capture these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The diverse wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of birds, provides ample subjects for spectacular photographs. The park's picturesque landscapes, with its ancient ruins, meandering rivers, and lush forests, add depth and beauty to every shot. With well-organized safari tours and experienced guides, photographers can make the most of their time in Ranthambore, capturing breathtaking wildlife encounters and stunning natural scenery.

Yellowstone National Park, USA

Photo by Steven Cordes on Unsplash

Nestled in the heart of the United States, Yellowstone National Park is a mesmerizing landscape that beckons wildlife photographers with its diverse ecosystems and captivating inhabitants. From the iconic American bison grazing on vast grasslands to the elusive gray wolves traversing through dense forests, Yellowstone is a sanctuary for capturing the untamed beauty of North American wildlife. With majestic creatures such as grizzly bears, bald eagles, and moose roaming freely amidst stunning natural backdrops, every moment spent in Yellowstone is an extraordinary opportunity to immortalize the wild spirit of nature.

Pantanal, Brazil

Photo by Sam Power on Unsplash

The Pantanal, a sprawling natural wonder in South America, is a wildlife photographer's utopia, abundant with incredible subjects to capture. This vast region offers unparalleled opportunities to photograph elusive jaguars, known for their stealthy prowling through the wetlands, in search of their prey, including caimans. These magnificent felines add a sense of intrigue and excitement to any photography expedition in the Pantanal. Alongside the jaguars, colorful macaws and toucans soar gracefully through the lush canopy overhead, providing photographers with stunning aerial displays. Moreover, the region is home to mesmerizing spectacles such as giant anteaters, capybaras, and caimans, showcasing the Pantanal's rich biodiversity.

Svalbard Archipelago, Norway

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Situated in the Arctic region, Svalbard attracts wildlife photographers with its awe-inspiring array of Arctic animals in their natural habitats. From the iconic polar bears roaming the icy landscapes to the agile Arctic foxes darting across snow-covered terrains, Svalbard offers fantastic opportunities to capture the untamed beauty of Arctic wildlife. The region is also home to walruses, reindeer, and an array of fascinating bird species, including puffins and Arctic terns, ensuring a diverse range of interesting subjects.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef, a world-renowned natural wonder, is a paradise for underwater photographers. Beneath the crystal-clear waters, a vibrant and diverse marine world awaits, teeming with fascinating creatures and breathtaking coral formations. From the graceful movements of sea turtles gliding through colorful coral gardens to the vibrant schools of tropical fish swimming among intricate reef structures, the Great Barrier Reef offers a kaleidoscope of photographic opportunities. Capturing the elusive elegance of manta rays, the intricate patterns of mesmerizing coral species, and the gentle giants of the ocean like whales and dolphins, photographers are immersed in a world of wonder and beauty.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands, an archipelago in Ecuador offers a remarkable showcase of unique and iconic species. From the fascinating giant tortoises, known for their impressive size and longevity, to the playful sea lions that inhabit the pristine beaches, the islands provide countless opportunities for capturing extraordinary wildlife moments. Underwater, photographers can immerse themselves in the vibrant marine world, encountering fascinating species such as marine iguanas, penguins, and playful sea turtles. The famous Galapagos finches, which played a pivotal role in Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, offer a glimpse into the islands' evolutionary history. Photographers exploring the volcanic landscapes can capture stunning images of colorful land iguanas, flightless cormorants, and the iconic blue-footed boobies, known for their distinctive azure feet and captivating courtship dances. The islands also harbor diverse bird species, including the magnificent frigatebirds, Galapagos hawks, and waved albatrosses, presenting unique opportunities for bird photography.

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Photo by Bob Brewer on Unsplash

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is renowned for its abundance of primates and endemic bird species. The park is most famous for its population of endangered mountain gorillas, providing a rare opportunity to capture these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Photographers can also encounter other primate species, like playful golden monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys, adding to the park's rich biodiversity. For bird enthusiasts, Volcanoes National Park offers a chance to photograph endemic species such as the vibrant Ruwenzori turaco and the unique African crowned eagle. The park's diverse landscapes, including towering volcanoes and lush forests, provide a picturesque backdrop for capturing these remarkable birds and the essence of Rwanda's natural beauty.

Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica

Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica showcases a remarkable array of wondrous species. Here, you can encounter elusive big cats like jaguars and pumas, while the park's four monkey species - howler monkeys, capuchins, spider monkeys, and squirrel monkeys - provide animated and acrobatic subjects. Bird enthusiasts will be enthralled by the vibrant avian life, including scarlet macaws, toucans, harpy eagles, and the dazzling quetzal. Additionally, Corcovado is home to an intriguing variety of reptiles and amphibians, from colorful frogs to basilisk lizards and boa constrictors.

Borneo, Indonesia

Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash

Borneo, the third-largest island globally, entices wildlife photographers with its incredible biodiversity. The island's iconic orangutans, swinging through lush rainforests, offer photogenic opportunities with their expressive faces. Vibrant avian species like the Bornean Bristlehead attract attention with their flamboyant plumage, while the underwater realm teems with colorful fish and graceful sea turtles. Borneo's intriguing wildlife extends beyond: proboscis monkeys charm with their distinctive noses, clouded leopards captivate with their mysterious rosette patterns, and pygmy elephants showcase their majestic presence against the lush backdrop.

Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom

The Scottish Highlands offer a surprising array of opportunities to capture the region's diverse wildlife. Amidst its breathtaking landscapes, photographers can witness the majestic red deer roaming freely, adorned with impressive antlers. The elusive Scottish wildcat presents an exciting challenge, while playful otters grace the coastlines with their delightful presence. The Scottish Highlands also offers the possibility of spotting the iconic orca, or killer whale, gracefully navigating the coastal waters. This extraordinary encounter adds an exhilarating dimension to wildlife photography in this remarkable region. Additionally, the Highlands are home to a variety of captivating bird species, including charismatic puffins, elegant sea eagles, and dynamic ospreys.

Okavango Delta, BOTSWANA

Photo by Greg Mei on Unsplash

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is a paradise for wildlife photographers. Spanning over 15,000 square kilometers, this vast inland delta boasts incredible species diversity, making it a perfect destination to capture the beauty of African wildlife. From majestic elephants and buffalo to stealthy predators like lions and leopards, the delta offers abundant opportunities to photograph iconic mammals. The delta is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 400 bird species, including colorful bee-eaters and regal fish eagles. The unique chance to take photographs during boat trips along its winding waterways sets the Okavango Delta apart. These trips provide a close-up view of wildlife as they gather at the water's edge, allowing for intimate and captivating shots.

TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK, CHILE

Photo by Chris Stenger on Unsplash

Located in the heart of Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park is home to rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and expansive grasslands that provide a stunning backdrop for capturing the region's diverse wildlife. Within the park, photographers have the opportunity to photograph iconic species such as the majestic Andean condors soaring high above the granite peaks, the elusive pumas stealthily prowling through the grassy plains, and the graceful herds of guanacos grazing in the open meadows. The park is also home to other fascinating species including foxes, rheas, and a variety of bird species, adding to the photography possibilities.

Serengeti National Park, TANZANIA

The Serengeti National Park, located in Tanzania, is a haven for wildlife photographers. This iconic African destination offers opportunities to capture the extraordinary diversity of wildlife in its natural habitat. Known for the annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the vast plains in search of greener pastures, photographers can witness and document this awe-inspiring spectacle. The Serengeti is also home to an abundance of predators, including lions, cheetahs, and leopards, providing captivating scenes of predator-prey interactions. The park's diverse ecosystems support a wide range of species, from elephants and giraffes to hippos, buffalos, and various antelope species. Bird enthusiasts will also be delighted by the rich avian life, with over 500 bird species recorded in the park.

Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Photo by Mitch Hodiono on Unsplash

Komodo National Park in Indonesia is a biodiverse wonderland, teeming with fascinating species that enthrall wildlife photographers. Apart from the iconic Komodo dragons and graceful manta rays, photographers have the opportunity to capture an array of captivating wildlife moments. The park is home to diverse marine life, including vibrant coral reef inhabitants like clownfish, parrotfish, and butterflyfish. Beneath the waves, encounters with sea turtles, reef sharks, and colorful nudibranchs offer endless possibilities for stunning underwater photography. On land, the park's avian inhabitants, such as the exotic yellow-crested cockatoo and the great-billed heron, add a touch of vibrancy to the lush green landscapes.

Monterey Bay, USA

Photo by Ilse Orsel on Unsplash

Monterey Bay in California, USA, is renowned as one of the world's best places for photographing marine mammals, including whales. This picturesque marine sanctuary offers incredible opportunities to capture awe-inspiring images of majestic humpback and gray whales breaching and displaying their tails. The bay is also home to orcas, with their striking black and white markings, providing dramatic photo opportunities. Alongside the whales, dolphins, sea lions, and seals add to the bay's vibrant wildlife, showcasing their playful behaviors for photographers to document. Whale watching tours and cruises further enhance the experience, allowing photographers to get closer to these magnificent creatures while respecting their space.

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Jumbo Haven

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Elephant Nature Park

Conservation Meets Ecotourism at Thailand’s Most Famous Elephant Sanctuary

Millions of tourists flock to Thailand every year to view its magnificently diverse landscapes, embrace the rich Buddhist culture, and dine on the exotic local cuisine. Itineraries also often include an elephant trek through the country’s dense rainforests or a visit to one of Thailand’s many flamboyant animal circuses. Unbeknown to many of these tourists, the animals that perform for their pleasure, have undergone many hardships in the process of their domestication – perhaps none more so than the Asian elephant.

The world’s second-largest land animal – runner-up only to the African elephant – has been an iconic symbol to the colourful kingdom formerly known as Siam for thousands of years. But much like China’s Giant Panda and the Bengal Tiger of India, Thailand’s national animal is fast becoming an endangered species.

Commonly used in warfare in earlier years, these graceful beasts have more recently been domesticated and pressed into service in the logging and tourism industries. Logging was banned in Thailand in 1989 and up until then, had been a prominent factor toward the rapid acceleration of deforestation within the country. Ironically, the working elephants contributed to the destruction of their own habitat, and in collaboration with the fact that their owners had no further practical nor profitable use for them, they were subsequently sold into the tourism and entertainment industries.

Elephants are naturally wild animals and although attacks on humans are extremely rare, necessary precautions must be taken due to their colossal size and astonishing strength. Within local communities in Thailand it is believed that to become sufficiently obedient to interact and work with humans, elephants must go through a ritual named Phajaan.

As young as four years old, the infant elephant is separated from its mother to undergo a severe, almost humiliating taming process conducted by men known as shaman. The young calf is confined into a small space and held tightly in place using constricting ropes and chains. The procedure involves physical torture including poking and prodding with sharp implements such as knives and bamboo sticks with nails embedded in the end. Other methods include food, water and sleep deprivation. The elephant must endure this until the shaman senses that it has become submissive enough to work for its owner.

Almost all of Thailand’s domesticated elephants – whether rode whilst trekking, performing tricks or street begging – must endure this gruelling ritual. It’s an unpleasant reality unbeknown to the majority of tourists who arrive in Thailand expecting an authentic encounter with wildlife.  However, there are opportunities for tourists to experience encounters with these majestic beasts that are not detrimental to their welfare.

Nestled in a remote valley amongst northern Thailand’s lush green hills lies an animal rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary named Elephant Nature Park (ENP). Located around 60 km from Thailand’s second-largest city, Chiang Mai, ENP offers its visitors a unique experience that sets it apart from many other wildlife sanctuaries. Founded in 1990 by twice awarded Thai Woman of the Year Lek Chailert, the sanctuary currently provides a retirement home to around 40 elephants rescued from the tourism and logging trades. It is also a haven for cats and dogs that were victims of the 2011 floods.

The rescued elephants at Elephant Nature Park spend most of their days roaming through the expansive park grounds with little to no human interaction.

The rescued elephants at Elephant Nature Park spend most of their days roaming through the expansive park grounds with little to no human interaction.

The sanctuary’s residents are free to roam the expansive grounds, which include a long winding river and mountains densely coated in thick forest. The goal of the organisation is to provide a natural environment for previously abused elephants, along with educating visitors about ways in which they can contribute towards the conservation of the Asian elephant and its natural habitat. Elephant rides, painting, and tricks are not available at the park.

Elephants are very social animals and remain in family herds for most of their lives. ENP’s residents have come from numerous different backgrounds, each with their own distressing story – yet they have naturally bonded with one another and formed their own herds.

Jokia is a gentle 51-year-old elephant that was rescued from the logging industry and is a favorite amongst many of the park’s visitors. Before arriving at the sanctuary she was blinded by her owner after refusing to work when her newborn calf was permanently separated from her. Her owner believed that by removing her vision, she would refrain from searching for her calf and thus continue working.

Taking care of the elephants at the park would not be easy without the mahouts.

Taking care of the elephants at the park would not be easy without the mahouts.

Medo was also used for logging where she gained a crippling injury to her ankle after a heavy log landed on her. The deformity prevented her from continuing in the industry and in turn, Medo was subjected to a forced breeding program which resulted in a dislocated hip and backbone. After more than twenty years of torture, she was finally rescued by Lek in 2006.

The park attempts to rehabilitate its elephants from their horrifying pasts and also acts as a veterinary practice for others not owned by the sanctuary itself. Many elephant keepers – known in Thailand as mahouts – bring their sick or injured animals for treatment that they could not otherwise afford.

A bull elephant’s breakfast

A bull elephant’s breakfast

Elephant Nature Park offers its guests a variety of options when visiting the park – from the “Elephant Volunteer” package to the “Learning Elephant” day-trip. Typical activities include preparing food for the elephants before feeding some of the park’s older and mellower female tenants. Guests are led by knowledgeable and informative English speaking guides to walk freely amongst the gentle giants who are each monitored by their own personal mahout. After an appetizing buffet is presented for lunch at the open-aired, timber-built lodge, visitors are encouraged to accompany the elephants for bathing time in the shallow pebble-bedded river.

At the end of each fun-filled day, visitors tend to leave with a new sense of appreciation for wildlife and ethical tourism. The small gift shop offers them the chance to adopt an elephant and in return receive monthly updates on the chosen adoptees wellbeing and rehabilitation progress. All funds raised by the park go towards the welfare of its elephants, the restoration of the surrounding rainforest and educating the public about how they can help protect the Asian Elephant population.

Elephant Nature Park is one of the most awe-inspiring and profoundly emotional experiences available to tourists visiting Thailand. Its unique, heartwarming atmosphere helps it to exceed all visitor’s expectations and deliver an enlightening journey into the deepest roots of the Asian Elephant’s spirit.

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Diving "White Death"

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Great White Shark Diving

HANGING OUT WITH GREAT WHITE SHARKS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Sharks have always fascinated me and none more so than the infamous great white. Since first watching David Attenborough’s Wildlife on One, I’d envisioned one day experiencing a close up encounter with the most notorious of beasts that lurk the deep blue. Feared by most who step foot into the water, great white sharks have unjustifiably earned themselves a bad reputation through exaggerated media stories and, most notably, the blockbuster film Jaws. 

The great white shark is listed as a vulnerable species on the IUCN red list, however, estimations made by leading shark biologists state there are fewer than 3,500 individuals, making them more vulnerable to extinction than the tiger. Some sources claim that their population is growing while others argue it is declining. In light of this, I felt it was high time I realised my dream of coming face-to-face with the sharks before it might be too late.

It was during my spell in South Africa that the time had come to bring my long awaited meeting with Carcharodon carcharias to fruition. I had been travelling along the picturesque Garden Route and chose to spend a few days in Hermanus, a quaint little town situated on a mountainous bay and one of the world’s hotspots for whale watching. Between May and September, southern right whales annually migrate from the Antarctic to give birth to their young in the warmer waters of South Africa’s coastline. The town is also situated about a 40-minute drive away from one of the most famous great white shark hotspots in the world, Gansbaai.

I entrusted White Shark Ecoventures to ensure that there would be no chance of disappointment. After a quick breakfast and an induction informing us on all of the safety regulations, we set off out to sea. My initial excitement quickly turned to apprehension as the realisation set in that I would soon be plunging into the water with a one-and-a-half-tonne fish that some call “White Death”. I began to play out disastrous scenarios in my head, asking myself questions such as “What if the cage detaches itself from the boat and we sink toward the seabed?”, and “What if the shark breaks through the cage and gobbles me up?”

Before I knew it, we had arrived at Shark Alley and the boat engines came to a halt. A pair of tuna heads coupled with a bucket full of chum were tossed into the surrounding water and then the wait began. Around half an hour of gazing into the grey/blue void had passed before a large silhouette emerged from the depths of the murky sea. I suspiciously squinted my eyes to block out the glare reflecting off the shimmering surface, and then I was certain. “Shark! shark!”, I excitedly called to the boat captain as the ten-foot-long adolescent male menacingly glided closer toward the starboard side of the boat. Without a moment’s hesitation, we were instructed to put on our snorkels and climb down into the steel cage. Still nervous about all of the potentially catastrophic situations that had been running through my mind, I cautiously lowered myself into the only thing that would separate me from the three sharks that were already circling the boat. Strangely, all of my worries filtered away and were replaced with serenity the moment I entered the water. There was something so tranquil about being alone with my thoughts beneath the ocean swell.

As the first shark gradually appeared from out of the shadows, I remember feeling completely at peace, entirely without fear as the apex predator gracefully edged closer. As he quietly swam by, I couldn’t help but stare intensely into his almost extraterrestrial jet black eyes. Though virtually impossible to distinguish exactly where a great white is directing its gaze, somehow I knew that he was looking at me, sussing me out.

Soon after, two more sharks began to encircle the boat and I found myself surrounded from all angles. I never felt threatened, not once. Sharing a few moments in the cold South African winter waters with the great whites helped me to understand that they had absolutely no interest in causing me any harm, despite a few heavy bumps against the cage. Each shark was only interested in the bait that had lured them into our vicinity in the first place.

It was only when the sharks surged for the glum looking tuna heads that I was reminded of the immense power and killer instinct that great whites possess. With the ability to accelerate from a leisurely swim to incredible speeds in the blink of an eye, each shark would dart toward the bait with eyes rolled back and jaws wide open. On a few occasions, some of the sharks would actually breach, thrashing their streamlined bodies around as they cleared the water surface entirely.

After spending around an hour in complete euphoria in the water, it was finally time to call it a day and we reluctantly headed back to the harbour. I spent the next few days totally in awe of the brief encounter I’d had with one of the greatest forces of nature to inhabit our planet.

Shark populations have been decimated over the past 100 years due to overfishing, trophy hunting, culling and finning. There are some that firmly believe that these atrocities are beneficial to mankind and that due to unprovoked attacks on humans, we would be better off in a world without them. I’d argue that stepping out of our natural environment and into theirs is to provoke a naturally curious animal and that as apex predators, sharks are undoubtedly essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems that we and many other species depend on. Furthermore, attacks on humans are extremely rare and are often a consequence of mistaken identity.

Since that significant day I spent in Shark Alley, thoughts have stirred in my mind about what it would be like to live in a world without great white sharks and how many more species would soon follow them into extinction. As custodians of our beautiful planet, I believe that it is our moral obligation to ensure that this very real possibility does not become a tragic reality.