Based on my travels as a wildlife photographer, I can certainly endorse your recommendations of the Serengeti and the Galapagos. The Galapagos are one of the most memorable wildlife spots for me, mainly because the animal encounters reliably match and exceed what you see on TV. Add to the fact that you can have great encounters on land and under water, as well as the absence of needing to slog through muddy rain forest or endure hot, dusty savanna, and you have one of the most laid back yet exciting wildlife adventures on earth.

As for additions to the list, Yellowstone is still my top spot for wildlife. I think the park gets a little backlash due to all the discussions about big summer crowds, but it's still the best place in North America to find an abundance of large and medium-sized wildlife in such a small space (relatively speaking, compared to the sprawl of Alaska).

Also, Costa Rica is near the top of my list. Wildlife encounters there have been much more numerous and intimate on my trips compared to what I experienced in the Amazon, so it remains my top destination (particularly Corcovado National Park).

Max

Reply