According to a survey by Scott Dunn, Google searches for animal-spotting experiences such as “whale watching” surged by 40% in the past quarter of the year, reaching an impressive 94,000 searches per month.
Biophilia Travel is a recent travel trend that appears to be driving a growing demand for wildlife vacations.
What Does the Survey Highlight?
Reconnecting with nature was the primary reason 54% of American travelers gave for seeking a wildlife getaway. The pursuit of adventure and excitement followed closely behind at 51%. Other motivators include unique experiences, peace and tranquility, and bonding with family and friends.
American travelers increasingly embrace a conscious and responsible mindset, with one in five pursuing wildlife getaways due to “conservation awareness.” This shift in thinking is evident among parents and grandparents, with one in four believing firsthand wildlife encounters will instill respect for animals in their children, fostering a new generation of responsible travelers.
Where To Go in the US?
While long-haul destinations are rising in popularity, many Americans recognize the value of exploring closer to home.
Sixty-eight percent of Americans believe the United States offers some of the best wildlife spotting opportunities. Travelers favor locations like Yellowstone National Park, Hawaii, and Alaska due to their rich biodiversity and stunning natural landscapes.
Several factors contribute to Americans’ preference for domestic travel. First, the U.S. is home to many diverse ecosystems — Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders and abundant wildlife, Hawaii’s unique marine life, and Alaska’s vast, untamed wilderness. These destinations provide unparalleled opportunities to observe animals in their natural habitats without long-haul flights.
Wyoming is also the perfect destination for an authentic Wild West experience. Yellowstone National Park has an array of wildlife, including elk, bison, black bears, and pronghorn antelope.
Where To Go Outside the US?
Ali Holman, Wildlife Destination Manager at Scott Dunn, shares some top destinations for wildlife lovers abroad.
Madagascar
The island, renowned for its incredible biodiversity, is home to lemurs, chameleons, and rare bird species. With its lush rainforests, “spiny thickets,” and pristine beaches, Madagascar provides unparalleled opportunities to observe and appreciate wildlife in their natural habitats.
South Africa
South Africa is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream. In Kruger National Park, encounter the “Big Five” — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino — alongside giraffes, hippos, and other creatures.
Addo Elephant Park, renowned for its large elephant herds, and Pilanesberg National Park’s’ variety of game and bird species further enhance South Africa’s status as a top destination for wildlife viewing.
Other African Countries
Lesser-known spots in Africa, like Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau, provide sightings of endangered species like the Grevy’s zebra and African wild dog. Additionally, Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park’s dense elephant population and seasonal bird migrations make great off-the-beaten-path wildlife experiences.
Tanzania, similarly, is a premier wildlife adventure destination, with iconic safaris in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, where guests can encounter lions, elephants, and rhinos.
Antarctica
Visitors can see colonies of Emperor penguins, Weddell and leopard seals, and majestic orca and humpback whales. Antarctica’s remote environment provides a rare opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to observe creatures in their natural habitat.
Sri Lanka
Visitors in Sri Lanka can spot elusive leopards in Yala National Park, majestic elephants in Udawalawe, and diverse bird species in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve.
Malaysia
Malaysia’s Borneo region is a wildlife paradise where adventurers can encounter orangutans in Sabah’s rainforests, explore Sarawak’s biodiverse Mulu Caves, and spot unique proboscis monkeys.
Spot rare pygmy elephants and diverse bird species in the Kinabatangan River region, and watch turtles nest on the immaculate beaches at Turtle Island.
Additionally, Semporna has some of the world’s best diving sites to view vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine species.
India
India is a premier destination for wildlife adventures. In Ranthambore National Park, travelers can encounter majestic Bengal tigers in their natural habitat or Kaziranga National Park’s one-horned rhinoceros population.
Gir National Park offers the rare opportunity to see Asiatic lions, and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary provides close encounters with elephants in the lush Western Ghats. Goa’s rich wildlife spans more than 50 species, from leopards and sloth bears in the deep jungles to monkeys, deer, and flying foxes across the region.
From the dense jungles to the arid deserts and coastlines, India’s wildlife experiences are as varied as its landscapes.
Way Forward
The Scott Dunn survey underscores shifting travel trends, reflecting a move from conventional tourism toward conscious and purposeful approaches.
This evolving mindset values unique and meaningful experiences and fosters a new generation of travelers’ commitment to respecting and preserving wildlife for future generations.
