Wherever we grow up, we inevitably share our surroundings with wildlife. In Cairns, it was cane toads and snakes. School excursions to Wild World meant feeding kangaroos and marvelling at other native creatures. Later, in Brisbane, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary introduced me to the experience of petting a koala, meanwhile at home, a possum took up residence in a pot plant on my balcony, heading off each dusk on its nightly adventures. Brush turkeys, notorious for rearranging gardens, went about their business as if they owned the place, building their nests and becoming the new neighbours! Despite our differences, we coexisted, each navigating the other’s presence.
Travel, however, brings a new challenge—how do we responsibly experience wildlife in unfamiliar landscapes? We all dream of those magical moments: watching elephants cross the savannah, spotting a bear in the Canadian wilderness, or seeing a sea turtle glide through crystal-clear waters. But how do we ensure that these encounters are safe, both for us and the animals?
First Encounters with International Wildlife
My first unexpected overseas wildlife encounter happened in the most unlikely setting - on a park bench at Lake Louise. I had a bagel in hand, and as I spread cream cheese, a squirrel suddenly hopped up beside me. It wasn’t the usual pigeon fluttering around a city square in Brisbane; this was something entirely new. I froze for a moment, swiftly moved my bagel out of the way and gently tried shooing it away like it was a pigeon but that wasn't working so left the bench.
It felt like I had stepped into a scene from Alice in Wonderland, where creatures popped up unexpectedly, observing me just as much as I was observing them. The squirrels were mesmerizing, zigzagging through the parks, darting up and down trees, their energy completely different from anything I’d experienced in Australia.
The African Experience: Where Humans and Wildlife Cross Paths
Then came Africa—where wildlife was a big part of the very landscape you were moving through.
My journey started in Durban at the Indaba Conference, a hub for learning about African travel experiences from our travel industry colleagues. From there, I headed to Johannesburg for inspections of Legends Resorts and Safari Lodges which were all woven through a unique African Landscape! For me this is where the reality of wildlife conservation and human coexistence became clear.
At the lodge, monkeys lounged on the railings, watching us with casual curiosity. On the lake, our boat moved cautiously as we realised we were sharing the water with hippopotamuses. Their eyes peeked above the surface, silently reminding us that while they may appear calm, they are one of Africa’s most dangerous animals. We gave them a wide berth, recognising that, like humans, animals have personal space—invade it, and the consequences could be serious.
Then came the safari. As our jeep rumbled through the reserve, we turned a corner, and the guide suddenly stopped. Right in front of us—giraffes.
I stifled an
Oh my god… it’s giraffes as this was a time for quiet as we observed these animals, but my inside voice was a mix of shock and childlike excitement. As I sat there with a big grin on my face – there they were, towering and graceful, moving at their own pace, unbothered by our presence. It was a surreal moment, one that reminded me how incredible it is to witness wildlife on their terms, in their space, without barriers.
Baboons made an appearance; you may know them as Rafiki from the Lion King! Yes Pumba (the warthogs were running around as well) and we even spotted rhinoceros. Later in the evening we got to see the lions. The lodges and resorts so tastefully designed, with care and attention for sustainability throughout.
Navigating wildlife safely and respectfully is what our trusted and reliable suppliers and guides teach. They will be there with you each step of the way and it's important we follow their instructions.
Witnessing Africa’s Greatest Wildlife Spectacles: The Great Migration & Gorilla Trekking
The Great Migration: Nature’s Most Spectacular Show
There are few experiences in the world that match the sheer scale and drama of the Great Migration. Every year, over two million wildebeest, zebras and antelope move across the plains of Tanzania and Kenya, following the rains in search of fresh grass. It’s a journey dictated by survival—one that brings with it thrilling river crossings, predator encounters and an endless sense of movement.
Standing on the Serengeti plains, you first notice the sound before the sight – the distant rumble of hooves, like rolling thunder across the earth. Then, as the dust rises, you see them: thousands upon thousands of wildebeest stretching to the horizon, their sheer numbers hard to comprehend. Some move in slow, deliberate steps, while others break into a frantic sprint, as if guided by an unseen force.
One of the most dramatic moments of the migration happens at the Mara River crossing, where herds must brave the treacherous waters, dodging lurking crocodiles as they push forward to the other side. It’s nature at its most raw, filled with tension, triumph and sometimes heartbreak.
Whether you’re watching from a safari vehicle or drifting silently above in a hot air balloon at sunrise, the Great Migration is a true bucket-list experience, one that reminds us of the power and resilience of the animal kingdom.
Gorilla Trekking: A Profound Encounter in the Misty Mountains
If the Great Migration is about scale and movement, gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda is about connection and stillness. Deep in the mist-covered mountains of Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda), a different kind of wildlife experience awaits—one that brings you face to face with our closest relatives in the wild.
The trek itself is an adventure. Guided by expert trackers, you hike through dense jungle, climbing steep paths and winding through tangled vegetation. The air is thick with the sounds of the forest – chirping birds, rustling leaves and the occasional distant grunt of a gorilla troop. The terrain is rugged, and the journey can take anywhere from one to six hours, depending on the gorillas’ location that day.
Then, the moment arrives. Your guide signals for silence, and as you step forward, there they are—a family of mountain gorillas, casually going about their day.
A silverback, powerful yet calm, watches over his troop, his deep brown eyes filled with intelligence. Young gorillas tumble and play, their movements uncannily human-like. A mother gently cradles her infant, her expressions so familiar it’s almost surreal. You’re close—so close you can hear them breathing, see the textures of their fur and even catch their gaze.
The hour you spend with them passes in an instant, and yet it stays with you forever. There is something humbling about being in their presence, knowing that fewer than 1,000 mountain gorillas remain in the wild. It’s a reminder of both the fragility and resilience of nature.
Choosing Your Experience
- The Great Migration: Best seen in Tanzania (Serengeti) or Kenya (Maasai Mara) from July to October for the river crossings. The calving season in January–March offers a different spectacle, with thousands of newborns taking their first steps.
- Gorilla Trekking: Year-round in Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) and Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest), though the drier seasons (June–September & December–February) make trekking easier. Permits are limited and must be booked well in advance.
How to approach wildlife encounters as a responsible traveller
Wildlife encounters can be breathtaking, but they come with responsibility. Whether it’s a squirrel in the lakes district in Canada or a lion on the African Plains, the same principles apply:
- Listen to local guides: They understand animal behaviour and know how to navigate safely. Their advice isn’t just for show—it can mean the difference between a safe experience and an unintended confrontation.
- Keep a respectful distance: No matter how friendly an animal seems, it’s still wild. Close encounters can stress them out or put you at risk.
- Never feed wildlife: It may be tempting, but feeding disrupts natural behaviours and can make animals dependent on human food.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Many animals blend into their environment. Stay alert, whether walking through a forest or riding in a safari jeep.
Travel allows us a step closer into an animal’s world, that we would not otherwise encounter, but the key to making those moments meaningful is respect. Sharing a path with wildlife – whether it’s a giraffe in Africa, a squirrel in a park, or even a possum in your backyard – reminds us that we’re part of something bigger and we must learn as graciously as we can how to coexist throughout each experience we encounter.
What’s the most surprising wildlife encounter you’ve had while traveling? I’d love to hear your stories!
Here are some stories of wildlife conservation to encourage you:
Last year, I attended my first Travellers Choice conference. There, Managing Director of Travellers Choice Christian Hunter, shared how the company came to be proud guardians of Bong Bong, a beautiful Asian black bear who was rescued by
Animals Asia.
Animals Asia has sanctuaries set up throughout the continent to protect the species from being hunted for their bile, used in making medicine. Helping the world to evolve from hunting animals to instead preserving them is what they aim to achieve here and have succeeded.
In South Africa there is an annual event The Hermanus Whale Festival where the return of the Southern Right Whales is celebrated after they too were hunted for parts. It has been observed throughout Antarctica they have slowly been returning there as well.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re witnessing the raw, untamed energy of the Great Migration or the quiet, emotional connection of gorilla trekking, these are experiences that stay with you forever. They remind us why conservation matters and why, as travelers, we have the privilege—and responsibility—to support and protect these incredible wildlife encounters.
Healing takes time, harm was done without any education or training to know better, we are learning from our past along and with our teachers, guides and the local knowledge that can be shared. JLW Travel is so proud to be able to assist you to travel respectfully and responsibly as you journey landscapes worldwide!