Standing in a national forest in Uganda, I was surrounded by gorillas. I was told not to look them in the eyes. Be non-threatening. Turn off your camera’s flash. Don’t get in their way. Stay at least 5 m away at all times. I was able to experience something so few people will ever experience in their life. I came face to face with a community of mountain gorillas and I watched them in their natural habitat for over an an hour. Similarly, I sat down on a glacier in Antarctica and watched as thousands of penguins marched around me. I took a selfie with one of them and he inquisitively looked at me for more than a minute before continuing on his journey. From trekking gorillas to penguin selfies, I’ve been running wild this year but my animal side is just getting piqued. Encounters with wild animals are the most adrenaline-filled adventures. Regardless of how in control you feel or how prepared you are, you can’t control a wild animal, especially when you are a guest in their home. Here are 10 wild encounters to add to your bucket list and fantastic places to give them a try.
10 Wild Bucket List Ideas
1. Swimming with Whale Sharks in Mexico
(Usually takes place between May-September)
2. Diving with Great White Sharks in Mexico with Islander Charters
3. Trekking Gorillas in Bwindi National Park, Uganda with Africa Adventure Safaris
4. Trekking Chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, Uganda with Africa Adventure Safaris
5. Searching for Polar Bears in Manitoba, Canada with Churchill Nature Tours
6. Taking Selfies with Penguins in Antarctica with Bark Europa
7. Swimming with Manta Rays in Hawaii with Fair Wind Cruises
8. Swimming with Stingrays in Grand Cayman with Captain Marvins
9. Self-Driving on an African Safari in Namibia with ATI Holidays
10. Swimming with Pigs in Exumas, Bahamas
I would love to try swimming with manta rays some time! What an interesting list! I don’t know if I’m quite brave enough, and whether my budget could handle most of these trips, but it’s so nice to look at your photos!
The manta ray swim was in my top five. It was amazing. Depending on where you’re located, Hawaii isn’t as expensive. It’s only a short flight for us and we can find great deals in the off season. The actual swim isn’t as expensive either (comparatively). Have you been to Hawaii before?
I love pigs, so I would definitely go for the last option!
The pigs are so amazing. They are a little more aggressive than I anticipated but it’s beautiful and an adventure, which is a great combination. Have you been to Bahamas before?
It would have to be the penguins for me! I’d love to visit Antarctica and for me the penguins would be an absolute highlight. I grew up not far from a colony of little penguins, and it was always a thrill to go and watch them come in from fishing of an evening
The penguins might be my favorite, especially since I sailed to Antarctica as part of the training crew on tall ship, Bark Europa. It was an amazing adventure.
Where did you grew up? Sounds like a lovely place.
Great stuff! Love it! SHARKS!!
This is one of my favorite thing while traveling: animals! WOW i just want to go out and fly and swim among those Pigs and Manta Rays… are those for real?! Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs. I’m really in love with them now. They look so cute while on the water don’t they?
They were both a little intimidating in different ways. In Hawaii with the manta rays, the thought of what lurked in the water at night scared me, but when I saw the manta rays dancing in the water, I forgot all about everything else. The Bahamas with the pigs was the opposite. The surroundings were bright and beautiful but the pigs seemed a little aggressive. I was nervous of them, not the surroundings.
I would do both again in a heart beat and loved every second. Have you been to Bahamas or Hawaii?
I haven’t done any of these (yet!). Swimming with whale sharks is definitely top of my list, I think it must be an incredible experience. Followed quickly after by the pigs – too cute!
I only swam with whale sharks in the Georgia Aquarium, but I’m hoping to try it in Mexico in August. Are there any that you wouldn’t do?
Wow those look amazing, where did these pictures come from?
8 of the photos are mine during my adventure and two come from the company that offer the experience 🙂
Going to Antarctica has been a big dream of mine for a long time. I adore penguins. Hoping one day i’ll get there.
i swam with the sting rays and the reef sharks in Bora Bora – Terrifying but cool! i didn’t like that the rays wanted to rub against you!
i would love to see the gorillas!
Who knew pigs could swim? I think I’d choose swimming with whale sharks. No desire to bump into a polar bear. Ever.
I’d like to swim with the pigs… they look lovely!
Great list! As for bucket list worthy animal encounters I have a few! They include; seeing the great masses of Monarch butterflies in Mexico, seeing the caribou migration in Northern Canada, and the Great Migration in Africa to name a few!
Wow, so nice pictures! Thanks for sharing, it’s really helpful for me.