Are you an avid traveler who misses your furry friends when out and about? Do you love observing wildlife safely and ethically? Fear not, for we have got you covered!
Meet Nadia Bess, who has made it her mission to help others find joy in exploring the world through unique and authentic experiences. As the founder of Besst Travels, Nadia’s expertise and extensive knowledge of luxurious accommodations extend to a special niche: ethical wildlife encounters.
Being a mom to rescue dogs herself, Nadia loves animals and recognizes that ethical wildlife viewing opportunities bring much-needed funding to wildlife conservation and rescue efforts worldwide. For instance, when you stay at most safari lodges, a portion of your payment will be used to fund anti-poaching efforts, veterinary care, and rescue and research operations.
Here, we’ll delve into Nadia’s recommendations for animal encounters where you can indulge in an unforgettable getaway.
- Swimming with Otters: About an hour away from the coast north of San Diego, CA, Nurtured by Nature is absolutely worth the drive. “The day I spent at this animal sanctuary and otter rescue was one of the highlights of my life!” recalls Nadia. In the four hours you spend here, you will learn about and meet many rescue animals, from kangaroos to sloths to chinchillas.
The last portion is what makes this place famous – the otters! You will get in a pool to go swimming with the otters, which is a high-energy, laugh-inducing playtime. The best part of this visit? The cost of your visit also funds Make-A-Wish children to have the same experience.
Note: An experience this amazing is very in demand! They open their calendar one year in advance (typically in November in the year before but confirm in advance), and the reservations sell out a few hours after they go live. If you couldn’t snag one a year in advance, try following them on social media and checking their website regularly! Cancellations happen and get posted online.
- Pink Dolphins, Manatees, and Sloths: Aboard a luxury river cruise operator, such as Aqua Expeditions, you will sail down the Amazon in Peru, with prime wildlife viewing opportunities as this region hosts more than one-third of all recorded animal species in the world. Among them, the pink dolphin is a truly special animal you may encounter.
Only found in the Amazon River basin, zoologists believe they may have evolved to be pink to blend into the red mud along the riverbed. In fact, they are born gray and slowly turn increasingly pink as they age, and they become more pink when they are excited. Manatees and sloths can also be viewed during your visit along the Amazon.
- Ferret Training: At Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland, guests can attend the Ferret School, the first of its kind. Ferrets are friendly and highly intelligent beings, which originally allowed them to be trained to hunt rabbits. Adults and children (ages four and up) can learn the basics of ferret training at Gleneagles before racing their ferrets through a racetrack that resembles their natural burrows.
Ferrets not your thing? You can also participate in gundog training classes, as well as falconry and hawking at this property.
- Chimpanzee Habituation Experience: Many seasoned travelers are aware of the opportunity to Gorilla Trek in Rwanda, but very few know about the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience available in Kibale Forest National Park in Uganda.
With this experience, you will view a Chimpanzee family from a safe distance away, watching them hunt, feed, play with the children, interact, rest, and even build a new nest. While in Uganda, you can also participate in traditional safaris, where you can view tree-climbing lions, white rhinos, and Nile crocodiles, among many others. You can also participate in Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or tack a Uganda visit after visiting Rwanda.
These are just a few examples of the amazing wildlife encounters available throughout the world.
With Nadia Bess as your trusted luxury travel advisor, you can embark on unforgettable journeys with your beloved pets by your side. Nadia’s expertise and recommendations open up a world of possibilities for luxury travel experiences observing animals worldwide. Start planning your next adventure today and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Reach out to Nadia today on Instagram to receive personalized recommendations and expert advice on planning your next luxurious getaway with wildlife encounters. For more travel ideas, visit Nadia’s travel inspiration page and get ready to explore the world.