The Best Destinations for Wildlife Inspired Travel for Woman
As much as we love visiting bustling cities or lounging in luxurious beach clubs, sometimes we need some wildlife-inspired travel to help us connect with nature. We’re talking about trips that will take you to the depths of the Rwandan jungles and across the vast Antarctic glaciers.
These untamed corners of the world will ignite your wild side and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the planet. The best thing about these destinations is that they offer adventures tailored for women.
- Tanzania
The mere mention of Tanzania musters images of sprawling savannahs peppered with wildlife, with the imposing Mount Kilimanjaro in the backdrop. Home to the iconic Serengeti, Tanzania has endless opportunities for unforgettable safaris, including the chance to see the Great Migration. One of the most spectacular events on Earth, the Great Migration sees millions of hoofed animals trailed by hungry predators as they embark on a risky journey across the African plains.
A few hours away from the Serengeti is the Ngorongoro Crater. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a natural haven for over 30,000 large mammals, including the endangered black rhino. It also shelters around 500 bird species, like the ostrich and bustard. If you like cultural experiences, a trip to the Ngorongoro Conversation Area lets you meet with the Maasai people and learn about their way of life.
For those looking for a change in scenery, Zanzibar, an island around 37 kilometres off Tanzania’s east coast, boasts a relaxing beach escape. In addition, it has spice farms, spa resorts, snorkelling sites, and a historic Stone Town you can explore.
One of Tanzania’s major draws is it provides a safe and welcoming environment for women travellers. You can take nature walks with experienced female guides or join women-led safari groups. It also has many women-friendly lodgings that promote responsible, eco-conscious, and community-focused tourism.
- Cambodia
Known mainly for the ruins and grand temples in Angkor Wat, Cambodia may not seem the first choice for wildlife-inspired travel. But this Southeast Asian country is a treasure trove for nature enthusiasts who want to tread into lush tropical jungles, soak up serene river landscapes, and discover incredible ecosystems. Above all, Cambodia has a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel safe and comfortable.
The highlight of your travel is the mighty Mekong River cruise, where you can witness fascinating biodiversity from the water. During the trip, you’ll see colourful birds, the enormous Mekong catfish, and perhaps spot the rare Irrawaddy dolphins.
The best place to see wildlife up close in Cambodia is at Botum Sakor National Park. Surrounded by swathes of mangroves and secluded beaches, the park shelters a profusion of fauna, including fishing cats, sun bears, hog deer, clouded leopards, and the famous Asian elephants.
If you like cycling trips, take the rugged trail on Botum Sakor’s east coast. It leads to Thmor Sor, an idyllic fishing village built on stilts over a sandy bay extending to the sea. Also in the area is Andoung Tuek, where you can hire a boat to take you to mangrove-fringed streams. There, you’ll find rare wildlife like the long-tailed macaque, pileated gibbon, and the endangered black-shanked douc langur.
- Rwanda
Nicknamed the Land of a Thousand Hills, Rwanda is a country of captivating scenery. Its mist-covered highlands and thick forests are home to the iconic mountain gorillas. A guided trek on the Volcanoes National Park will allow you to see these powerful primates in their natural habitat.
Undoubtedly, gorilla tracking is the top wildlife-inspired travel activity in Rwanda. It’s costly and challenging, but it’s enormously rewarding. It’s also profoundly enriching, especially when you learn about the story of Dian Fossey, a conversationist who founded the study and protection of gorillas in Rwanda. More importantly, the trips are well-organised and led by experienced local guides who prioritise the safety of both trekkers and animals.
For those who prefer a traditional safari, Akagera National Park abounds with wildlife. You can go on exciting game drives and walking tours, spotting elephants, zebras, hippos, lions, and a wide range of bird species. After a long day outdoors, you can relax and freshen up in one of the park’s many women-friendly eco-lodges.
- Antarctica
One of the most untouched and awe-inspiring places on the planet, Antarctica is known for its icy landscapes of giant glaciers and sea ice. Despite its harsh environment, the White Continent harbours unique wildlife, including penguins, seals, sea birds, and whales.
Spotting animals in the wild is one of the top things to do in Antarctica. You can watch whales from a zodiac boat, observe seals lounging on boulders of pack ice, or visit massive penguin colonies. Because Antarctica doesn’t have a natural land predator, you’ll be surprised at how fearless and relaxed the seals and penguins can be around humans.
Apart from wildlife experiences, you can go on a guided hike on snowy terrain, climb mountain glaciers, or even camp under the Antarctic sky and hope to see the surreal Aurora Australis.
And just because you’re visiting the most remote continent on Earth doesn’t mean you have to give up comfort and luxury. Antarctica luxury cruises are an excellent way to enjoy a luxurious adventure. From the deck of your cruise ship, you can relish sweeping views of glaciers and icebergs. Plus, most cruises offer guided excursions that bring you closer to the wonders of Antarctica.
- Madagascar
Madagascar’s distinct biodiversity has earned it the moniker Earth’s Eighth Continent. The island country is home to flora and fauna found nowhere else on the planet, ranging from colourful chameleons to playful lemurs and exotic orchids.
A hotspot for wildlife, the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park consists of lush rainforests, where you can find the Indri, Madagascar’s largest lemur, clinging onto treetops. For hikers seeking unique trails, the Avenue of the Baobabs on the western coast will blow the mind away with its surreal beauty. The 260-metre stretch of unpaved path is flanked on both sides by ancient baobabs, many as tall as 30 metres.
In the northwestern area, you’ll find the otherworldly Tsingy National Park, a maze of razor-sharp limestone peaks you can navigate through ladders and rope bridges.If you’re looking for a beach break, check out Île Sainte Marie on the eastern coast of Madagascar. Or, if you want somewhere more posh with fancy resorts, make a beeline for Nosy Be.