If you’re anything like me, the more time you spend observing wildlife, the more you realize how wildly different every place on Earth feels. No matter how many sketchbooks I bring, I always wish I’d packed more pages. From tigers in India to orangutans in Borneo, every trip to a wildlife-rich region has changed how I draw, how I see, and how I think.
So if you’re searching for the top 10 wildlife destinations in the world, here’s a grounded, field-tested guide—part artist’s perspective, part travel wisdom.
I’ve chosen these not because they’re trendy or obvious, but because they each offer a unique combination of biodiversity, cultural significance, and that hard-to-explain awe that happens when you see an animal in its natural habitat.
And I’ve added a few tips along the way—things I’ve learned the hard way about when to go, what to expect, and how to actually experience the wild, not just photograph it from a van.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- Go during the shoulder seasons whenever possible. You’ll get fewer crowds and more animal activity (especially just before or after the rains).
- Choose experiences where walking is part of the deal, not just game drives. It’s more immersive, and you’ll see more of the small wonders.
- Bring a small sketchbook and pen, even if you don’t draw. Taking 10 minutes to record what you saw—visually or through words—makes the memory stick way more than snapping 100 photos.
Top 10 Wildlife Destinations in the World
1. African Savannas – Kenya and Tanzania
The African savannas are often the first that come to mind when people think of iconic wildlife, and for good reason. The vast plains are home to lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and more.
If you’re planning a trip, timing is everything. I wrote more about when the great migration in Africa happens, which can help you catch massive herds on the move. But beyond the migration, places like the Masai Mara or Serengeti are worth visiting almost year-round.
If you sketch, bring a long lens or binoculars to observe movement and posture from a distance—it helps with animal gesture drawings. Even quick scribbles capture the essence of what you’re seeing.
2. The Amazon Basin – Peru and Brazil
No place I’ve been has felt more alive—and overwhelming—than the Amazon Basin. The humidity hits you first, and then the sound: frogs, birds, insects, monkeys. It’s the best place in the world to appreciate sheer biodiversity.
I spent several days sketching from a canoe, but even sitting still on a platform, I saw more bird species than I can count. The trick here is to stay still. Let the forest come to you. Dawn and dusk are especially rich in sightings.
If you go, make sure to read up on snakes in Peru—you may not see one, but it’s good to be informed. Also, bring waterproof bags and a backup pen. I learned that one the hard way.
3. Sundaland – Borneo and Sumatra
This corner of Southeast Asia still feels like a secret. Trekking in Borneo to see wild orangutans was one of the most emotional experiences of my life. There’s something haunting about seeing an animal so human, so close, and yet so completely free.
You can read more about the experience along the Kinabatangan River—one of the best places to see wildlife by boat. The early morning mist, proboscis monkeys leaping over water, and the echo of hornbills overhead—it’s all burned into my sketchbook.
Try slow sketching while drifting on the water. Even if you’re not drawing animals, sketching the trees helps you appreciate the complex layers of the rainforest.
4. The Himalayas – India and Nepal
The Himalayas aren’t just about snowy peaks—they’re a vertical zoo. You might see red pandas, snow leopards (if you’re lucky), langurs, or Himalayan monals, the national bird of Nepal.
During my visit, I was stunned by the contrast of fragile alpine flowers and massive wild goats perched on impossible slopes. The variety of elevation zones means you’ll encounter very different species depending on the altitude.
I’ve got a full page on the Himalayas and how the region blends culture, wildlife, and awe. Bring layers and a lot of patience. Wildlife is subtle here—it rewards quiet observation.
5. Ranthambore National Park – India
There are more “famous” tiger reserves, but Ranthambore has a special kind of magic—ruined temples, lakes, and the highest chance of spotting a wild Bengal tiger.
I was lucky enough to see a tigress walk across the road just before sunrise, and I don’t think I blinked for five minutes. The mix of history and wilderness is unforgettable.
If you’re sketching here, focus on the landscape too. The old walls and temples offer context that brings the animal studies to life later.
6. Desert Southwest – Arizona and California
This is probably the most underrated wildlife region in the U.S. Everyone expects cacti and red rocks—but the wildlife blew me away. Bobcats, desert bighorns, snakes, owls.
Start by exploring types of Arizona cactus and see how many you can sketch. I’ve also put together an Arizona wildlife list to give you a sense of what’s possible.
If you’re visiting in spring, you’ll catch desert blooms and more active reptiles. If you’re nervous about snakes, I wrote separate guides on snakes in Yosemite and elsewhere to help you feel more informed, not fearful.
7. Oceania – Australia and Papua New Guinea
There’s nowhere else where the wildlife feels like it evolved on a completely different planet. Kangaroos and koalas are only the beginning. Cockatoos, platypuses, echidnas—most of the animals here are endemic.
In the Australian outback, I found that early mornings and late evenings are the best for drawing birds. The light is golden, and the sounds are unforgettable.
I’ve also listed out more about animals in Australia if you’re planning a sketching trip down under. A small folding stool goes a long way when sketching in remote places.
8. Kerala National Parks – India
This was a surprise favorite. The backwaters of Kerala are known for their beauty, but the wildlife parks—especially Periyar—are teeming with elephants, sambar deer, and birds.
Because it’s less visited than northern parks, you often have more peaceful encounters. It’s also great for boat-based wildlife viewing, which makes it easier to draw without worrying about sudden movement.
You can check out my guide to Kerala national parks for some practical tips and sketch ideas. Pay attention to the birds—there’s a stunning variety here, from kingfishers to hornbills.
9. California’s Diverse Wildlife Areas
California is a strange mix of ecosystems: redwoods, deserts, wetlands, and alpine forests all packed into one state. It makes for some of the most varied sketching I’ve done without leaving the U.S.
Places like Joshua Tree or the Sierra foothills each offer something wildly different. I’ve also spent time documenting snakes across the state, including snakes in Kauai and other regions nearby that echo California’s ecological variety.
For a full overview, my California wildlife areas guide breaks it down by region. It’s the perfect place to practice drawing ecosystems: start with a tree, then add what lives in and around it.
10. The Caribbean Islands
It’s not just beaches. Many islands are home to incredibly rare birds, lizards, and amphibians found nowhere else. If you’re interested in biodiversity in small packages, this region is for you.
My favorite surprise was seeing a whistling frog the size of a thumbnail while hiking inland. It reminded me how important it is to look down, not just around.
For a broader sense of the region, here’s my take on wildlife in the Caribbean. Pack light gear and expect humid, buggy conditions—perfect for watercolor sketching if you don’t mind the sweat.
If you want to explore more beyond this list, I’ve created a broader wildlife destinations guide and also keep an updated collection of ecotourism experiences around the world. And if you’re interested in drawing the animals you encounter, I put together this simple guide to drawing animals that’s geared toward travelers and sketchbook lovers.
For even more ideas, I recommend checking out the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves as a place to find protected areas that balance conservation and human activity. Many of the spots on this list are part of it.
The wild is out there—and it’s not just for scientists or photographers. It’s for anyone willing to slow down and pay attention.
