Kristen
- Dec 19, 2023
- 3 min read

A Wildlife Adventure for Every Month of 2024

Collage of wildlife photos including bears, gorillas, bison, elephants, a sea turtle, orangutan, and penguins

It’s time to start thinking about your 2024 travel plans! To help get you inspired, we’ve put together some of the best wildlife adventures on the planet – one for every month.

Be sure to follow best practices for responsible wildlife behavior and always be on the lookout for welfare washing.

JANUARY: Explore the jungles of Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known as a wildlife paradise, and for good reason. Heavily invested in conservation and ecotourism, approximately 25% of the country’s land is protected habitat. January offers great weather, and is the first reliably dry month of the season.

Person walking across a hanging bridge in Costa Rica

FEBRUARY: Search for the majestic Bengal tiger in India

February is an ideal time for an Indian tiger safari. The weather is pleasant, falling between the cool winter weather and sweltering heat that begins in the spring. It’s also the time of year when the lush foliage that followed the monsoon season begins to dry out, making wildlife easier to spot.

A tiger sleeping on the ground next to a tree

MARCH: Spot leopards in Sri Lanka

Head to Sri Lanka in March to catch the end of the high season / beginning of the shoulder season. You should have pretty dry weather and warm (but not overly hot) temps. Leopard safaris are quite popular, so be sure to head to lower density parts of the parks to avoid stressing the animals.

APRIL: Follow Darwin’s footsteps in the Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands are a year-round destination, but visiting in April means you’ll be there just after the end of the rainy season. The islands will be quite lush from the rain, and you’ll be more likely to have sunny days and clearer water for snorkeling. Green sea turtles and land iguanas will also be hatching this time of year and the waved albatrosses will be engaged in some spectacular courtship rituals.

Seals on a beach in the Galapagos Islands

MAY: Observe orangutans in the jungles of Indonesia

Orangutans can be found on the Indonesian islands of Borneo and Sumatra. This is the tropics, so high humidity and rain are to be expected, although May is one of the driest months of the year. These tree-dwelling apes can be spotted year-round, but this month is one of the best for sightings since it’s easier to move throughout the forest.

An orangutan sitting on a branch in a tree

JUNE: Explore the great Alaskan wilderness

With 18 hours of sunlight and comfortable weather, June is a lovely month for an Alaskan visit. Wildlife is active, migratory birds have returned, and whale migrations are reaching their peak. Wildflowers will be in full bloom and tourist services will be fully up and running to help you maximize your visit.

Two bears standing in a river at the top of a waterfall

JULY: Venture into the lush African wilderness on a gorilla trek

Low rainfall makes July one of the best, and least muddy, months for a gorilla trek. More sparse foliage also makes it easier to spot these forest dwellers during your experience. July is the start of peak season though, so be sure to secure your permits and accommodation as far in advance as possible.

AUGUST: Safari through Kenya to spot the Big Five

There’s no bad time to go on safari in Kenya, but August is one of the best. With the wildebeest migration arriving and wildlife congregating around the remaining dry season watering holes, there will be no shortage of great animal sightings.

Woman looking at elephants from inside her safari vehicle

SEPTEMBER: Explore the wilderness of Yellowstone National Park

With the summer crowds thinning out, September is a beautiful time to visit this iconic national park. Wildlife are particularly active this time of year. Bears are foraging before their winter hibernation and elk are in the middle of their rut (mating season), giving you the opportunity to catch one bugling to attract a partner.

Bison is a large grassy area in Yellowstone National Park

OCTOBER: Head underwater for some snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, teeming with diverse marine life. October is a great time for underwater exploration, with comfortable temperatures, low chance of rain, and the best visibility.

Underwater view of a sea turtle swimming near some coral

NOVEMBER: See penguins in Antarctica

November is the start of the tourist season in Antarctica, so as one of the first visitors of the year, you’ll enjoy pristine snow and icebergs at their best. The penguin populations are active, engaging in courtship and nest-building. Fur seals are also mating during this period and several species of whales will be in the Antarctic waters.

Penguins standing on some snowy ground with water in the background

DECEMBER: Catch sight of blue whales off the coast of South Africa

South Africa is one of the best destinations worldwide for whale and dolphin watching, with at least 37 species in their waters. Humpback whales are one of the most popular, and can be seen calving and rearing their young just off the coast. There are also two Wildlife Heritage Areas for whale watching in South Africa, where you can be sure operators are acting responsibly and supporting local communities.