A polar bear exploring the tundra.
GomezDavid
Since the 19th century, the “Big Five safari” was considered the pursuit of excellence, in search of the largest (and potentially most dangerous) animals in Africa: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and Cape buffalo. Yes, it started as a hunting reference, and gradually morphed into a holiday rite of passage. While the Big Five safaris are still the most popular, there’s been a surge of interest in a more focused itinerary in the wild. Enter: the single-animal safari.
Instead of embarking on an adventure with the aim of seeing as many species as possible—akin to whistle-stopping at multiple European countries in a week—people want to learn as much as possible about a specific animal. “When we develop a trip around a specific type of wildlife, guests can be sure everything has been thought out and planned to provide the best chances of spotting the animal in the wild,” says the specialists at luxury tour operator Abercrombie and Kent. “From the time of year that the wildlife is most active to the best location to spot them, plus the invaluable expert knowledge of local guides who understand the behavior and habits of the wildlife—all this optimizes the guests’ chances of seeing their bucket list wildlife.”
One of the first single-animal safaris to gain traction was gorilla trekking. Natural Habitat Adventures reports that its gorilla trekking trips are about 50 percent ahead year-over-year, and luxury travel experts Black Tomato have seen its Rwanda trips increase 50 percent since 2019, with gorilla trekking the main motivator for its clients.
Following the rise in gorilla trekking, the emergence of single-animal safaris continued. Black Tomato found that trips to Ranthambore National Park in India to see tigers are up 50 percent since before Covid. The brand has also seen an increase in inquiries for single-animal safaris as intention-setting around travel becomes more prevalent; clients are planning trips around seeing jaguars in Brazil, pumas and leopards in Sri Lanka, polar bears, wolves, and various marine animals, especially manta rays, whale sharks, and blue whales. Nat Hab has an India Tiger Quest that is 46 percent ahead in bookings year-over-year.
This isn’t to say that Big Five safaris are going away anytime soon. In fact, if anything they are driving the desire for hyper-specific animal experiences. “An African safari—has and will—always be at the top of most adventurous travelers’ bucket lists,” says Abercrombie and Kent’s team. “We’ve found that it often sparks a desire to see more, leading either to a more focused trip like to see gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda, or another safari, perhaps to try to find an elusive animal they missed on their first one, like a leopard.”
While gorilla trekking and leopard safaris are definitely on the bucket list, several others have risen to prominence. Whether a traveler will risk frostbite to see polar bears in Canada or make the journey to a remote panda reserve in China, here are some of the most epic single-animal safaris.
In Pursuit of Polar Bears
Welcome to Churchill, Manitoba, the self-described “polar bear capital of the world.” During the fall, hundreds of polar bears migrate back to the banks of Hudson Bay, waiting for the water to freeze so they can hunt. Operators such as Frontiers North Adventures will take you on a tundra buggy tour to glimpse the Arctic’s most majestic predators. October and November are the best months to visit, and definitely require some advanced planning. Flights can be a hassle, though visitors appear willing to commit: For the first time ever, Nat Hab nearly sold out without any incentives for the 2024 season.
The Monarch Butterfly Safari
Watch hundreds of monarch butterflies take flight.
Who would have thought that the best place to spot monarch butterflies was an hour’s drive northwest of Mexico City? Each year, millions of monarchs migrate from Canada and the United States to the oyamel fir trees of Michoacán and Estado de México. From November to March, the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve transforms into a vibrant, fluttering kingdom. Prepare to witness dense clusters of these delicate creatures covering every branch. This UNESCO World Heritage site is dedicated to habitat protection and sustainable tourism, an immersion in the mesmerizing dance of the monarchs; and operator Nat Hab will cover even more ground on a multi-day butterfly excursion.
Looking for Lemurs in Madagascar
On this tour, lemurs reign supreme.
Head to Madagascar’s Miavana Island to witness lemurs in their natural habitat. This island is home to 103 species of lemurs in the rainforests, including nocturnal mouse lemurs and ring-tailed lemurs (yes, that’s King Julian in the animated movie Madagascar). For a successful safari, remember this crucial tip: patience is key. Lemurs are naturally shy and timid, requiring a keen eye and quiet footsteps to spot them. Embrace the local saying “mora mora,” meaning “slowly, slowly” or “take it easy,” if you hope to encounter these pointy-nosed primates.
Super Tusker Sightings in Kenya
You’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with elephants.
Sure, South Africa is home to the Big Five, but it has opportunities to explore certain animals in depth. Visit super tuskers in Kenya, where these magnificent elephants—gentle giants with exceptionally long tusks that reach the ground—are the most unforgettable part of any safari adventure. Fair warning: They may get really close, especially at Amboseli National Park. Keep an eye out for Craig, who was born in 1972 and is one of the largest and most photographed elephants. The best time to visit is during dry seasons, June to October, when wildlife viewing is at its peak. The super tuskers are part of a small and declining population, emphasizing the importance of their conservation.
Giant Pandas in Their Natural Habitat
See pandas explore their environment in a variety of sanctuaries.
More than 30 percent of the world’s dwindling panda population lives within the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries, a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses Wolong National Nature Reserve, Mt. Siguniang, and Jiajin Mountains. Imagine seeing giant pandas playing in their natural habitat. Nat Hab will secure permits to look for pandas in the wild, remote reserves, while also taking travelers to panda-research centers and breeding sites for an education on conservation efforts, research and rehabilitations. Plan to visit during the mild seasons of spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November).