1. Superlative Safari

Anyone can book a safari, but crafting a truly exceptional experience – avoiding the crowds, knowing the best time to visit, the ideal place to stay and securing the right guides – takes specialist knowledge. That’s where Steppes Travel comes in. With more than 30 years of experience creating tailor made adventures, the Steppes team turns ordinary holidays into unforgettable journeys. Picture yourself wandering across Zambia’s wilderness, the home of the classic walking safari. Or a boat safari through the Brazilian Pantanal, gliding past riverbanks alive with the possibility of spotting jaguar. Perhaps a marine-based safari in Baja California calls to you, where breaching whales and playful sea lions steal the show. Whatever your dream, Steppes Travel’s experts personalize every detail to your desires. Start planning your safari today at steppestravel.com

2. Seabirds In Northumberland

Known (tongue in cheek) as the Galapagos of the UK, Northumberland is Sir David Attenborough’s favourite place to see nature and wildlife on home shores. Over 100,000 seabirds (23 different species, no less) flock to the Farne Islands to nest alongside grey seals and to the neighbouring Holy Island of Lindisfarne off the Northumberland coast. Here, trips are timed with the high tide, and there’s also the medieval monastery of Lindisfarne Priory, Lindisfarne Castle, and St Aidan’s Winery to explore. lindisfarne.org.uk

3. Gorillas In Rwanda

Rwanda is one of the last countries in the world mountain gorillas can be found in the wild – but this lush nation is so much more than that. With aspirations of becoming the Singapore of Africa, a glittering cityscape is balanced with a steadfast dedication to community on a local and national level. And of course, the nature: four national parks sprawl across the country, featuring canopy walks, chimpanzee treks, lake hikes and those all-important gorillas.

4. Asturian Goat-Antelopes

‘The valleys of the Picos de Europa national park are sublime,’ writes Tessa Dunthorne. ‘The rugged mountainous landscape which rolls into lush, green pastures – and then into mystical Bonsai woodlands, just as quickly becoming bubbling streams and glorious waterfalls – is protected by Spanish law. The Spanish have a sense of the wealth of nature they possess (Spain is one of the most biodiverse regions in Europe) and they guard it zealously. Rightfully so. Because if your back garden hosted brown bears, wolves, elusive goat-antelopes and the endangered Iberian lynx, you would protect it, too. But they’re delighted to share it with you, if you’re willing to slow down and take it in mindfully.’ Read all about how to slow-travel Spain here.

5. Abundant Sri Lanka

‘With palm-fringed, white sandy beaches, abundant jungles teeming with wildlife, and a plethora of historic temples and World Heritage Sites, the magical teardrop island of Sri Lanka certainly packs a punch,’ writes Janet McMeekin. From walking with elephants to watching egrets and herons swoop around the water on a kayak safari, read all about how to spend a week getting under the skin of Sri Lanka here.

6. Red Stag Safari

Who says you can’t go ‘epic’ on your doorstep? Join Somerset born-and-bred Andrew Turner in the remote moors, steep valleys and ancient woodland that make up Exmoor National Park in South West England. Guided by his expertise, spot the elusive and reclusive wild red deer, as well as Exmoor ponies, foxes, hares, and birdlife from buzzards and kestrels to kingfishers and heron – all on home turf. redstagsafari.co.uk

7. French Polynesia

If sealife is what you seek, the natural landscapes and ocean swims of French Polynesia are the kind that remain in your memory for a lifetime, writes Yasemen Kaner-White. From snorkelling with bountiful colourful fish to supporting rescued turtles, here are six hotels preserving the natural magic of this treasured paradise.

8. Staycation Safari

And if you fancy experiencing the beauty of wildlife on home shores, it’s not as preposterous as you might think. Longleat has long offered one of the UK’s most breathtaking safari experiences, and come summer 2025, new luxury lodges will open their doors at Chester Zoo. Find out more and book your stay here.

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