When you are planning to travel alone, you need to focus on how you can make your experiences worthwhile. Exploring nature and wildlife can provide you with a sense of adventure and thrill as you head into untamed landscapes, explore raw nature and experience close encounters with the planet’s most magnificent creatures.
Whether it’s going for game drives in Africa or tracking tigers in India, there are ample places across the globe that can provide you with powerful, soul-stirring experiences that only the wild can deliver. Hence, you must focus on how you can make the most of your solo adventures in the wild and enjoy the experiences.
Naturetrek can provide you with wildlife holidays expertly guided by leading naturalists to ensure that you enjoy the experiences that you want, just the way you want.
7 destinations across the globe that are ideal for solo travellers as they offer unforgettable wildlife experiences.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Image by Chad Robinson from Pixabay
When you are thinking of wildlife holidays for solo adventure, Africa is one of the top choices. Botswana, in southern Africa, is home to the vast Okavango Delta. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a labyrinth of lagoons, channels, and islands that draw elephants, buffalo, hippos, and big cats. This ensures that you can have unique experiences and wild encounters that are unlike any other on the planet.
What makes it special is the chance to explore by mokoro (dugout canoe), which offers a tranquil and intimate wildlife experience. Okavango Delta offers excellent accommodation options, and therefore you can stay in safari lodges or join mobile camping safaris that cater to small groups and solo travellers. Botswana is also known for its low-impact luxury tourism model, meaning you won’t face crowds, but the experience is refined and deeply connected to nature.
Yellowstone National Park, USA
Image by Monika Neumann from Pixabay
Known as one of the best national parks in the world, Yellowstone National Park in the USA is nothing short of paradise for a solo adventurer. If you are someone who craves independence and loves to explore nature alone, this is the place to be.
You can stay in park lodges, gateway towns like West Yellowstone, or camp out for a true wilderness feel. Subsequently, you can head to The Lamar Valley, where you’ll likely encounter wolves, bison, and grizzlies. You can also opt for ranger-guided hikes or photography tours if you’re solo and looking to connect with others. Spring and autumn are quieter seasons with great wildlife action, and this is when you can have a great time here.
Ranthambhore, India
When you are thinking of solo wildlife holidays, India should be on the cards. This is one of the best places where you can spot Royal Bengal tigers in the wild. Nestled between the Aravalli and Vindhya ranges, Ranthambhore is both dramatic and historic. This is one of the best places to spot tigers in the wild, offering you unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Apart from the wildlife, this is also a great place for history buffs who can learn more about India’s rich heritage and culture. The ancient Ranthambhore Fort within the park offers panoramic views and a brush with Mughal history. Solo travelers can book shared gypsy (jeep) or canter safaris, which depart morning and evening. To make things easier, you can always book English-speaking guides and enjoy the local hospitality that adds to the overall experience.
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
If you have plans to explore South America, the Galápagos Islands should be on your itinerary. This remote archipelago is perfect for those who want a structured, small-group wildlife experience. If you are new to solo wildlife travel, this would be a great destination to gain some experience.
One of the best things about these islands is that each island has its character. While Santa Cruz is home to giant tortoises, Española Island has albatross colonies and bright-red marine iguanas. If you are looking for adventure, you can snorkel with sea lions at Isla Lobos or reef sharks in Devil’s Crown. For the Galápagos Islands, you can book multi-day cruises or island-hopping tours with set itineraries that balance wildlife, geology, and education.
Maasai Mara, Kenya
Kenya is certainly among the top destinations when it comes to wildlife and safari holidays. Even when you are travelling alone, you would want to put Kenya on your list if you are looking for stunning wildlife drama. The legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve is among the top national parks in Kenya, offering unmatched wildlife experiences.
This national park is also home to the Great Migration, a spectacle you can witness from July to October. This is considered the best time to visit Kenya as millions of wildebeests cross croc-infested rivers under the watchful eyes of lions and cheetahs. If you are headed out solo, you can book your spot on a guided jeep safari or a luxury mobile tented camp.
Maasai Mara is also home to luxury wildlife activities, and therefore you can opt for hot air balloon rides and private helicopter tours if you have the budget and want to enjoy experiences like no other.
Borneo, Malaysia
Wildlife experiences in Borneo are so different from the rest of the world, and that is what makes this place ideal for solo nature lovers and adventurers. The experiences of Borneo’s rainforests are quite different from the ones you get in India or Africa. You can initiate your journey in Sabah and base yourself in Kota Kinabalu. While you are here, you can watch rescued orangutans at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
Those looking for wildlife adventure can head to the Kinabatangan River for a lovely dawn cruise to spot wild orangutans, hornbills, crocodiles, and even pygmy elephants. If you’re up for a challenge, you can hike Mount Kinabalu or go caving in Mulu National Park. With plenty of hostels and eco-lodges, you can find easy accommodations and even connect with fellow travellers sharing the same enthusiasm.
Madagascar
One of the most unique places in the world, Madagascar is a hidden gem off the coast of Africa. This is where you can find wildlife that is found nowhere else, and that is what makes your solo adventure more thrilling. While you are here, you can walk the surreal Avenue of the Baobabs and even capture them on your camera as they look so otherworldly. Similarly, you can also explore eerie limestone spikes at the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park.
Apart from watching wildlife and unique landscapes, Madagascar offers challenging infrastructure, and this means that you might have to ensure long drives and rough roads. This can turn into an experience when you have local guides and you opt for group tours that help you simplify things.
AUTHOR BIO
Author Name: Armughan Zaigham
Author email: armughan.spoliamag@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderwitharm/
Bio: Embark with Armughan on a journey to satiate your wanderlust! Explore hidden gems, savor local flavors, and dive into the vibrant cultures around the globe. See the magic that happens when you follow the compass of curiosity.
