James Ferdinando

James Ferdinando

Marketing Executive

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From exquisite eco-conscious lodges to luxurious all-encompassing accommodation, these idyllic lodgings will surround you within gorgeous settings and introduce you to unique wildlife experiences.

From the Amazon to Zimbabwe, these are our top 10 wildlife resorts centred around memorable wildlife encounters.

1. Casa Caiman, Southern Pantanal, Brazil

Set in the Southern Pantanal, Casa Caiman is a huge working cattle ranch and private reserve home to rich biodiversity. Stay at charming Casa Caiman located in the grounds and relax between activities in the cosy lounge, by the pool, or on the panoramic deck.

Jaguars can be found here and a day spent in search of these magnificent big cats can easily be added to your stay. Activities include, River cruises, night drives, nature walks and horse riding. 

Combine this lodge as part of our Wild Brazil private tour.

 

A capybara in the Pantanal, Brazil

2. Bomani Tented Lodge, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

A safari classic! Bomani Tented Camp is nestled in a private concession on the splendid Ngamo Plains—legendary for unique scenery and impressive year-round game viewing with a great diversity of wildlife in substantial numbers. Enjoy an open-air thatched main lodge, tented accommodations, teak viewing decks, a prolific waterhole, splash pool, and evenings around the fire.

The main event here is the Elephant Express game viewing tour. Board the one-of-a-kind game viewing railcar for a two and a half hour trip up the eastern border of Hwange National Park spotting iconic wildlife along the way. 

Combine this lodge as part of our Wildlife & Waterfalls private tour.

 

Lions stood in front of a vehicle in a Zimbabwe national park

3. Mashpi Lodge, Cloud Forest, Ecuador

This stunning lodge is located in a protected area of Andean cloud forest, just a few hours drive from Quito. There is a focus on conservation and sustainability and the area is renowned for its prolific birdlife, incredible orchids and beautiful scenery. Spend your days exploring this peaceful ecosystem with expert guides and enjoy the many activities on offer.

Mashpi’s Dragonfly Canopy Gondola is the definitive way to witness the reserve’s most exceptional and magical features. The state-of-the-art open-air gondola provides guests with an unparalleled journey that offers exceptional views of the forest while whisking you through, above, and over the verdant canopy.

 

A cable car through the rainforest in Ecuador

4. Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, Chiang Rai, Thailand

Perched high on a ridge overlooking the hills and rivers of Thailand, Burma and Laos, this welcoming resort offers exceptional facilities in an outstanding rural setting. Also home to an elephant conservation project, this is the ideal place to get up close and personal with these majestic animals. 

Every stay at the resort is inclusive of all meals and non-alcoholic beverages, in room mini bar refreshed daily with soft drinks and snacks plus a ticket to the Opium Museum. One additional activity is also included for each night stayed. Choose from an elephant encounter, a Thai cookery class or 90 minute spa treatment. For a truly immersive and close-to-nature experience guests can even upgrade to stay overnight in one of the resort’s fantastically unique transparent Jungle Bubbles.

 

Jungle bubbles at the Anantara in Chiang Rai, Thailand

5. Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo, Guanacaste Coast

Andaz Costa Rica offers a natural playground for outdoor adventure and water-based activities for all ages and fitness levels. Explore the natural wonderland through thirty epic aerial trails that include seven zip lines, hanging bridges, a majestic weeping fig tree, and twenty-one high ropes obstacles. 

At the beach, enjoy complimentary use of kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and, snorkel gear. The resort is an excellent choice for both couples and families looking for wildlife based adventure.

 

An aerial view of the Andaz in Costa Rica

6. Quirpon Lighthouse Inn, Newfoundland, Canada

Located on the northern tip of Newfoundland, this simple retreat, a restored lighthouse keeper’s home, was built in 1922 and the lighthouse is still in operation today. With amazing whale watching opportunities and breathtaking scenery, Quirpon Lighthouse Inn offers guests a unique and truly unforgettable experience. Guests can enjoy an Iceberg Alley Zodiac tour and an indoor whale watching and iceberg viewing station.

 

Two chairs look out on an icy landscape in Canada

7. Great Bear Lodge, Vancouver Island, Canada

Set in a remote coastal valley in the Great Bear Rainforest, nestled at the mouth of a pristine salmon river with little other human activity, this self-sustained floating lodge combines eco-friendly accommodation with excellent bear viewing in a truly wild setting. Access to the lodge is by floatplane from Port Hardy where you’re met by a friendly representative, and with just eight rooms and a maximum of eighteen guests, you’re assured a welcoming wilderness adventure.

Bear viewing is conducted in the early morning and late afternoon at a variety of sites throughout your stay. In between excursions why not explore the superb glacier carved inlet by boat or perhaps head out on a guided rainforest hike to learn about the ecology of the area? You might just spot other local inhabitants including wolves, otters and bald eagles!

 

A group of people viewing a bear from a boat in Canada

8. Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

Set amongst sand dunes and bordering the azure waters of Ningaloo Reef Marine Park, this safari-style tented camp offers an immersive wilderness experience in a phenomenal remote setting. 

As part of your stay, enjoy delicious meals as well as a range of activities from guided snorkelling, kayaking and stand up paddle boarding over the colourful corals of vibrant Ningaloo Reef. Don’t miss the guided walks through dramatic gorges to learn of the native flora and fauna of the area, watch out for timid blackfooted rock wallabies and curious emu along the way! 

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, book a whale shark swimming tour as well for a chance to swim with these majestic giants of the ocean.

 

Swimming with whale sharks in Western Australia

9. One&Only Gorilla's Nest, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Surrounded by swaying eucalyptus trees, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest awakens a wild spirit of adventure. A place that encourages you to gaze into the mirror through eye-opening encounters with majestic mountain gorillas, this exceptional resort on the edge of Volcanoes National Park reveals the captivating secrets of Rwanda. 

At One&Only Gorilla's Nest the main event here is the Gorilla treks which are a life-changing opportunity and this resort is a wonderful base in which to explore these magical animals. 

Discover the beauty of Rwanda and its diverse wildlife, spectacular mountain scenery and friendly people, while staying in a selection of fabulous One&Only resorts on our Gorillas & Chimps of Rwanda in Style adventure.

 

The One&Only lodge in Rwanda

10. Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort, Abu Dhabi

Sir Bani Yas Island, one of the UAE’s best kept secrets, is an island on the western outskirts of Abu Dhabi. First established as a Royal Nature Reserve in 1971 as a passion project by His Highness Sheikh Zayed, the island is home to over 11,000 free roaming animals from 30 species, many of which are classified as critically endangered or vulnerable to the wild.

Get a closer look at the flora and fauna on guided wadi walks where you can admire flocks of flamingos gathering at the mangrove lagoon and walk on the white-sand beach in front of your private villa. Welcome to an island filled with thrilling experiences from wildlife drives, nature walks, mountain biking, snorkelling, fishing and more!

 

10. Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort, Abu Dhabi