Where the Wild Things Are

Set on a dolomite ridge in the Madikwe Game Reserve, Royal Madikwe’s views sweep across the magnificent landscape of grasslands, rocky outcrops and ancient Leadwood trees. It’s also built around a private waterhole, so guests staying in its suites shouldn’t be surprised at the sound of hoofs approaching en route to lapping up a drink.

Sir Richard Branson’s Mahali Mzuri offers 12 tented luxury safari suites in the Kenyan Bush, right on the path of the annual Great Wildebeest Migration giving guests a front row seat. It’s part of the Olare Motorogi Conservancy of the wider Masai Mara, where wildlife such as giraffes and zebra feel free to wander close to the hotel.

Deep in the Costa Rican rainforest, under the shadow of the Arenal Volcano, Nayara Springs is nestled in a lush tropical habitat that is also a sloth sanctuary. Guests here don’t have to go far to spot a brightly colored toucan or a slow-moving sloth hanging on the trees, while cooing frogs and howler monkeys in the distance provide a jungle symphony.

Both a luxury resort and an award-winning elephant camp, Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort offers the chance to bond and play with the gentle giants up close. Guests can join them on their daily walks, sleep in a jungle bubble to observe them naturally or simply find them hanging out on the grounds with their mahouts.

Those looking to explore the wild side of Australia can find Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley in the Greater Blue Mountains, a World Heritage conservancy spanning 2,800 hectares. Guests of the resort live amongst the beauty of the vast, untamed landscape, where a diversity of wildlife such as kangaroos and wombats pass through freely.

A 150-year-old southwestern estate reimagined, Bishop’s Lodge is spread across 317 secluded acres bordering the Santa Fe National Forest. There are horses and ponies at the historic stables but guests here may also encounter animals of the wild kind, such as families of deer who may wander onto the grounds to graze.

Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge is located on the private grounds of the Madikwe Game Reserve, where one can spot Africa’s Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros and buffalo. There are only eight secluded and air-conditioned suites, and for some lucky guests, friendly wildlife may roam right up to say hello.

Singita Sabora Tented Camp is set within 350,000 acres of protected wilderness in the Singita Grumeti, offering some of the best wildlife viewing on the continent. The results of their conservation efforts are evident even from the comforts of the luxury tented suites, which look out to an idyllic scenery teeming with wildlife and biodiversity.

Gorah Elephant Camp is the only private concession and camp in the famous Addo Elephant National Park, home to the densest population of elephants on earth. It’s also a destination for viewing the Big Five. From the tented suites, or the manor house which overlooks a popular waterhole, guests can observe a variety of wildlife in their natural environment.

On a private reserve in the Torres del Paine National Park, surrounded by mountains, lakes and forests, Awasi Patagonia’s lodge and 14 villas share a home with the region’s diverse flora and fauna. Guanacos, foxes, horses, sheep and the occasional puma are regular sightings on the ground, while majestic eagles and condors may soar above in the sky.

At the foothills of the Grand Tetons, Amangani looks out across the mountains and plains of the Snake River Valley. Surrounded by pristine wilderness, this all-season resort is a base for spotting wildlife. Moose, bears, coyotes, elk, deer, wolves and mountain lions—some can be seen not too far from the resort, and others may be spotted on a guided SUV safari.

On a private island in the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Belmond Eagle Island Lodge is a water-based safari in the Botswana Wetlands. Every tented room here has its own private deck and plunge pool, perfect places for soaking up the scenery, plus any wildlife that may decide to come for a visit.

Taj Hotel’s Meghauli Serai is situated in Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s safari destination for viewing Bengal tigers, endangered one-horned rhinoceros, clouded leopards and more. Designed to showcase the wilderness, with uninterrupted views of the jungle, the hotel sits on the banks of a rippling river where animals may wander by.

Shumba Camp occupies an island on the Busanga Plains of Kafue National Park, one of the wildest, most pristine places on earth, often referred to as “the Plains of Plenty.” The camp’s six tented suites are lifted off the ground providing views of the endless plains, which for five months of the year are overrun by red lechwe, puka and predators such as the area’s famous flying lions.

Perched between an ancient rainforest and the Pacific Ocean, Wickaninnish Inn is perfectly situated for experiencing the pristine nature of Vancouver Island’s west coast. The region is home to an abundance of wildlife such as black bears, sea otters and whales. While whale watching tours can guarantee a sighting, pods will occasionally swim close to the shore, delighting both beachgoers and window watchers.

Photo credit: John Forde

• Where World Wildlife Day is Every Day
• Welcome to the Jungle
• Bucket List Family Adventures
• Explore Wild Safari Lodges and Hotels