Make your 2025 a year to remember with our experts’ top responsible wildlife experiences.
Ever wanted to venture to Argentina's largest breeding ground for Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus)? Or how about visiting Madagascar to seek out Andasibe-Mantadia National Park's 11 lemur species? With our picks for the best months to observe these often endangered and rare species, you could end up creating truly magical memories that'll last you a lifetime.
So, from January to December, here are some of the best wildlife holidays for each month of the year.
Best Holiday Destination in January for Wildlife Spotting
Our Pick: Antarctica
PICTURED: An Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) jumping from an ice shelf on the Antarctic Peninsula.
Best time to visit Antarctica: November to February
The start of the year coincides with peak season for Antarctica. Not only does this mean you can more easily and comfortably see the marine wildlife, but you can also do more with the 20+ hours of sunlight.
Alongside a cohort of expert guides aboard an exceptional AE Expeditions ship, our Antarctica Explorer Express tour introduces you to rarely sighted wildlife including Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae), the smallest species of their kind in the region. After crossing the mighty Drake Passage, you'll head to the Antarctic Peninsula, where you'll join a Zodiac excursion to search for whales. The gentle giants of the ocean arrive here in January, spending their time spyhopping, diving, breaching and feeding on krill. Aboard your vessel, you can potentially spot fin (Balaenoptera physalus), blue (Balaenoptera musculus), minke (Balaenoptera bonaerensis), orca (Orcinus orca) or humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae).
Best Holiday Destination in February for Wildlife Spotting
Our Pick: Argentina
PICTURED: A pair of southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) on the Atlantic Coast, Argentina.
Best time to visit Argentina: January to April or October to December
February is a popular time to visit Argentina, with its many diverse regions offering something different for every occasion – whether that's the tropical heat of the north or a slightly cooler adventure in Patagonia.
To experience the best of this country's spectacular wildlife and natural beauty, look no further than our Argentina Wildlife tour. From visiting Valdes Peninsula, one of the world's best places to see southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina), to looking out for the countless butterfly and bird species at Iguazú Falls, this itinerary has it all for wildlife enthusiasts. In the northeast, we'll even set out to the vast Iberá Wetlands in search of capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) and giant otters (Pteronura brasiliensis).
"You can easily get lost in just how amazing and diverse Argentina can be. My advice would be to give each region the time and space to be explored. One of my favourite experiences was trekking through Quebrada de Humahuaca and looking out over the spectacular Cerro de los Siete Colores." – Jack Brooker, Latin America Product Manager
Best Holiday Destination in March for Wildlife Spotting
Our Pick: St Helena
PICTURED: An underwater shot of a whale shark (Rhincodon typus).
Best time to visit St Helena: January to March
St Helena is an amazing island home to abundant wildlife, including 400 bird and plant species, with March being a fantastic time to see whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) off the picturesque coast.
Our Discover St Helena tour affords you an excellent opportunity to see these gentle giants. During a boat trip on the fourth day, your guides will take you to the area's best spots, getting you in prime position to snap some stunning photographs. In addition to this, the adventure introduces you to Jonathan the Seychelles giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea hololissa) – the world's oldest living terrestrial animal. Born in 1832, Jonathan was later brought to the island from the Seychelles in 1882 along with three other tortoises. He received his now iconic name in the 1930s by then Governor at the time, Sir Spencer Davis.
Best Holiday Destination in April for Wildlife Spotting
Our Pick: Malawi
PICTURED: A sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) in the African savannah.
Best time to visit Malawi: April to October
Throughout April in Malawi, the temperatures are lovely and warm while the rain subsides. And, as you arrive after the bulk of the rain has fallen, the landscapes are painted a vibrant shade of green.
With these beautiful conditions firmly in place, what's better than a safari and beach combination? Our Malawi Safari and Beach tour provides a great example, firstly starting with the adventure of a safari in Majete Wildlife Reserve. Along with searching for the 'Big Five', you can also add mammals such as sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) and birds like Livingstone’s flycatcher (Erythrocercus livingstonei) to your watch list. Need a break? The second half of your journey is spent relaxing on the beaches of Lake Malawi surrounding Pumulani Lodge on the west of Nankumba Peinsula.
"Malawi is ideal if you’ve already experienced an African safari and now would like to venture somewhere more unique. Although tourism is on the rise, the country still feels untouched. I enjoyed its ‘back to basics’ experience, which is all part of Malawi’s one-of-a-kind charm." – Shelley Phillips, Africa Travel Specialist
Best Holiday Destination in May for Wildlife Spotting
Our Pick: Ecuador & Galápagos Islands
PICTURED: Galápagos marine iguanas (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) sunbathing on volcanic rocks in Puerto Egas, Santiago Island, Ecuador.
Best time to visit Ecuador & Galápagos Islands: Year-Round or March to November
May is the transition period to the dry season in Ecuador. It's also one of the best times to visit Galápagos for wildlife experiences, with it coinciding with the start of blue-footed booby (Sula nebouxii) courtship.
You can also spot Galápagos marine iguanas (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) during our Best of Ecuador & Galápagos Wildlife tour. The endemic creatures are the only lizard in the world which have the ability to live and forage at sea, with eleven similar subspecies found throughout different islands in the archipelago. Later on in the journey, you'll head to Santa Cruz Island, where western Santa Cruz giant tortoises (Chelonoidis niger porteri) are seen in the wild. Other animals, like howler monkeys, may also appear while you're exploring the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest.
Best Holiday Destination in June for Wildlife Spotting
Our Pick: Botswana
PICTURED: An African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana) spotted during a mokoro safari on the Okavango Delta, Botswana.
Best time to visit Botswana: June to September
With the pans having dried up by June, the wildlife in Botswana migrate elsewhere to permanent water sources. As such, game drives provide better chances for you to see large herds congregating together.
Our Northern Botswana Highlights Safari invites you to explore the wildlife-rich Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta and Chobe River alongside a small group on a mobile safari. The team will be setting up camp as you go, while you also avoid crowds and visit less travelled areas in addition to iconic safari destinations like Chobe National Park. One of the many memorable experiences includes a gentle mokoro ride along the clear waters of the Okavango Delta. Take one of the boats out and carefully search for the array of flora and fauna, from colourful reed frogs to macro-sized elephants. Alongside your knowledgeable guide, you'll explore dynamic natural habitats and have a front row seat into the lives of elephants, hippos and more.
Suggested Reading: Meeting the wildlife in Botswana
Best Holiday Destination in July for Wildlife Spotting
Our Pick: Brazil
PICTURED: A jaguar (Panthera onca) in the Brazilian Pantanal.
Best time to visit the Brazilian Pantanal: July to November
One of the best times to visit Brazil, July in the dry season promises great conditions for wildlife watching from the south region to the Amazon and Pantanal in addition to both the north and east coastal regions.
Why not aim to make the most of this by delving into our Best of Brazilian Wildlife tour? Spectacular tropical forests, magnificent rugged mountains, white sandy beaches and bustling major cities – you'll explore everything the country has to offer, experiencing a varied and diverse adventure. As you reach the Amazon, head into a flooded forest via motorised canoe and search for wildlife including the vulnerable Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis), jaguar (Panthera onca) and threatened river turtles. Then, when in the Pantanal, colourful birds such as tanagers, macaws and parakeets can be heard belting out their distinct songs as you make your way through the lush forestry and tropical wetlands.
Suggested Reading: See some of our glowing Brazil Reviews from previous Rainbow Tours clients.
Best Holiday Destination in August for Wildlife Spotting
Our Pick: Kenya
PICTURED: Wildebeest crossing the Mara River during the Great Migration in Kenya, Africa.
Best time to visit Kenya: December, March and June to October
Kenya in August is incredible as the Great Migration occurs. During this time, you’ll get to see the famous river crossings of around two million hoofed animals, who move en masse through the Masai Mara.
To witness this spectacle, our Big Cat Masai Mara and Samburu Safari takes you on a journey through the East African country, visiting both the Masai Mara and Samburu National Reserve. The Mara is an incomparable game viewing location, with peak season an excellent time to visit. Not only can you observe wildebeest and other mammals galloping along, but lethal predators are not far behind, preying on the herds – a dramatic, yet fascinating scene that unfolds before your very eyes.
Best Holiday Destination in September for Wildlife Spotting
Our Pick: Madagascar
PICTURED: Parson’s chameleon (Calumma parsonii) in Madagascar.
Best time to visit Madagascar: September to October
Madagascar offers extraordinary lemur watching experiences in September. During the austral spring, one of the best times to visit Madagascar for wildlife excursions in general, you can seek particular species.
If you're planning your wildlife trip for this time, our Madagascar Reef and Rainforest tour helps maximise your chances of observing some of these unusual nocturnal denizens. Andasibe-Mantadia National Park protects 11 species of lemur. By heading out on a night walk, your search may reveal the furry-eared dwarf lemur (Cheirogaleus crossleyi), eastern woolly lemur (Avahi laniger) or Goodman's mouse lemur (Microcebus lehilahytsara). During this time of year, the endangered critters are more active in the area.
“On our popular ‘Reef & Rainforest’ sample itinerary, you’ll be able to explore the mist-enshrouded montane rainforests of Andasibe-Mantadia, the island’s number one must-see protected rainforest for its iconic species including indri, Parson’s chameleon, blue coua and many endemic frogs. Combine this with chillout time at Eden Lodge on the balmy north-west coast and you have a brilliant two-centre holiday” – Derek Schuurman, Product Manager for Madagascar and Alternative Africa
Best Holiday Destination in October for Wildlife Spotting
Our Pick: South Africa
PICTURED: A male African lion (Panthera leo) and its family in South Africa.
Best time to visit South Africa: Year-Round or September to March
October is one of the best months to go on safari in South Africa. As well as being able to enjoy game viewing in the heart of bright spring days, you also get to enjoy the excellent whale watching season.
Experience the country's astonishing diversity with our South Africa Winelands, Whales and Wildlife tour. In the winelands of South Africa, this dry month helps provide ideal conditions for you to satiate your hunger with a delicious farm to plate affair. Later days are filled with watching whales from the coast of Hermanus on the edge of a lagoon that meets the rolling sea. And, lastly, the wildlife of Pumba Private Game Reserve brings your remaining safari experience to life. Warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus) are among the most visible, often to be seen trotting through the plains. African lions (Panthera leo) also roam freely in their prides.
Best Holiday Destination in November for Wildlife Spotting
Our Pick: Guyana
PICTURED: A giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) in the rolling grasslands.
Best time to visit Guyana: September to November
By visiting Guyana in November, you'll have greater access to the thick jungles as the dry weather and rising temperatures help make the area less swamp-like. So, be on the lookout for the incredible wildlife!
Our Guyana Nature Experience takes in many of the country's highlights, including a trip to Kaieteur and Orinduik Falls before travelling to Iwokrama for jungle hikes and the chance to see the elusive jaguar (Panthera onca). When you make your way to Guyana's Interior, you'll stay at Karanambu Lodge, which encompasses wetlands, savannah, river and forests. Heading out into the rolling grasslands treats you to the sight of giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) navigating the termite mounds which stud the savannah. The nearby Rupununi River is even home to wild giant river otters (Pteronura brasiliensis).
"During one of my trips to Guyana, I took a tranquil dugout canoe along Burro Burro River, feeling a profound sense of peace along the way. The toucans perched in the trees with their large colourful bills on show while kingfishers lived up to their name as true hunters. All different bird calls seemed to magnify into one beautiful bird chorus." – Sarah Frankish, Latin America Travel Specialist
Best Holiday Destination in December for Wildlife Spotting
Our Pick: Costa Rica
PICTURED: Scarlet macaw (Ara macao) in flight on Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica.
Best time to visit Costa Rica: November to April
Planning on a festive trip? December is an excellent time to visit Costa Rica as the blend of pleasant weather and lots of wildlife encounters allow you to enjoy the lush rainforests and pristine beaches.
Our Costa Rica Wildlife Explorer tour showcases an assortment of the richest wildlife areas in the country. As December is one of the best times to visit Costa Rica for wildlife excursions, you have chance to spot white-faced monkeys (Cebus imitator) and humpback whales in Marino Ballena National Park. And, as your itinerary also takes you down to Osa Peninsula, you double your chances of seeing other marine life while also having the opportunity to explore Corcovado National Park, home to the multi-coloured scarlet macaw (Ara macao). Corcovado is perhaps the best place to see the spectacular bird in the wild. It’s an area where various species of macaw gather in their hundreds at clay lick bluffs in the rainforest, eating the rich clay to supplement nutrients in their diet.
Discover The Best Wildlife Destinations with Rainbow
At Rainbow, our wide range of tailor-made tours can be personalised to your liking. So, whether you wish to visit South Africa in October for its whale watching excursions or Argentina in February for a diverse wildlife adventure, we can help organise every aspect. Speak with our Travel Specialists by clicking the enquiry button or calling us to start planning your wildlife holiday.
