You don’t have to be a professional naturalist to be excited by the sight of animals going about their daily business of existence unconstrained by the presence of bars on a cage or fences between you and them. Although Africa is the most famous destination for a safari holiday – indeed the word is derived from the Swahili meaning to take a journey – you can experience close (but perfectly safe) encounters with animals in various parts of the world. Bridge & Wickers can offer a full menagerie, from whales in New Zealand and kangaroos in Australia, to elephants in Thailand and bears in the Canadian Rockies.  

Australia

From its giant ‘salties’ crocodiles in Kakadu National Park to cuddly koalas in the gum trees and whale shark in the Ningaloo Reef, from wallabies and seals on Kangaroo island to the penguins on parade at Philip Island, Australia offers an amazing diversity of wildlife, including safe encounters with animals that are unique on the planet.  

New Zealand

The greatest abundance of native wildlife, including the elusive kiwi, is to be found on Stewart, New Zealand’s third largest island, and the remote peninsulas of the south east corner. But another essential spot for sightings of both whales and dolphins is the Kaikoura Peninsula on South Island. 

Canada

Whales on both coasts, grizzlies and brown bears mostly in the west and, in the north, one of the most exciting of wildlife encounters on the planet, polar bears. Each autumn up to 1000 ‘Lords of the Arctic’ congregate along the shore of Hudson Bay while waiting for the waters to freeze over and support them so that they can hunt for seals. We also feature the Yukon and Alaska, both rich in wildlife.