The Best Travel Destinations for Animal Lovers

Owned by the Safari Collection, Giraffe Manor is 12 acres of private land, on which a herd of Rothschild giraffe roam as they venture out in the mornings and evenings from the 140 acres of surrounding indigenous forests. It’s not unusual to find them peeking their long necks through the manor windows, as they make their plea for a quick treat from guests and staff.

From rooms with a view overlooking Tortuguero National Park to a front row seat for the turtle hatching and nesting season, Tortuga Lodge will not disappoint. Enjoy the feeling of being completely immersed in nature while staying at this riverside resort, accessible only by boat from the Tortuguero Airport.

For those who’ve always been curious about what really happens under the sea, Manta Resort has something worthy of even the most discerning bucket list. The Underwater Room is a private suite that offers two levels above water and one level submerged entirely underwater for your stay. Sleeping with the fishes or up above under the stars, take your pick and enjoy life as a mermaid during your stay.

Offered year-round, the Four Seasons Resort at Jackson Hole offers a four-hour wildlife safari led by a team of expert naturalists. And being the Four Seasons, you’ll be trekking in style, travelling via a luxury SUV, being served gourmet meals that have been prepared by the hotel’s chefs. Consider this the ultimate compromise between your inner diva and your outer explorer.

If it’s full-on family fun you’re after, what better destination to satisfy everyone’s wants than Disney’s Animal Kingdom? You’ll have your pick of adventures including safaris, jungle treks and a bird lover’s dream at the Flights of Wonder expedition.

Companies like Quark Expeditions offer guided tours and voyages like Penguin Safari, which will take you through South Georgia to the Antarctic Peninsula. You’ll experience spectacular glacier hikes, kayak the peninsula and get a firsthand look at the penguins and other native wildlife in their natural habitat.

In Manitoba, you’ll find the world’s largest congregation of polar bears. To accommodate tourists, you’ll find an abundance of excursion options offering visitors a front row seat. We like Tundra Lodge, where a rolling hotel is positioned accordingly each year, catering to guests who want a view you just can’t beat at the heart of all the action.

The largest accredited rescue facility for big cats, Big Cat Rescue is home to over 80 “big cats” (tigers, bobcats, lions, cougars, etc.) who have been victims of abuse or abandoned in some form. What sets Big Cats Rescue apart is their dedication to ending animal abuse, trade and illegal possession by actively engaging in legislation while aiming to educate others. Located in sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, this sanctuary is open for tours, and qualifies as a must-see on any true animal lover’s bucket list.

Operating as a rescue park and sanctuary for elephants since it first opened in the 1990’s, the Elephant Nature Park aims to protect and provide a safe place for elephants, cats, dogs, and a variety of other species in need. From a single day tour to overnight trips, the park offers a variety of options for visitors, including animal sponsorship for those looking to help in their quest to make a difference for these animals.

A fully inclusive experience - guests are able to indulge in meals, park excursions and countless animal viewing opportunities. Great Plains Conservation is rooted in offering sustainable conservation tourism to visitors, Zarafa Camp being only one of several tour options. It’s an authentic taste of Africa, set amidst safari plains, where accommodations include luxurious canvas tent suites.