Have you ever thought of being lost in a thick, green jungle or watching wonderful animals in their natural habitat? Sounds amazing, right? But while witnessing the wonders of wildlife in their original surrounding may be a treat, such holidays must be undertaken responsibly. Responsible travel starts by securing your trip with travel insurance; and continues with respecting local cultures, following local laws and etiquettes, not littering, being mindful of the wildlife and its space, trying local foods, and more when you reach the destination.
What is wildlife tourism?
It's the practice of viewing and soaking in the beauty of flora and fauna in their natural environment. This is not simply about trekking and looking for a lion or an elephant; there is more to it than just enjoying nature. Wildlife tourism and conservation are centred on safaris, mountain tourism, and eco-tourism.
Unfortunately, the craze for wild animals and related tourism has led to their capture and illegal trade. When we explore national parks and conservation areas, the revenue generated from selling entry tickets goes towards the preservation of these places, training rangers, and protecting wildlife from poachers.
Top 5 international destinations for the best wildlife experience
Listed below are five perfect places for wildlife fanatics -
- Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: This World Heritage Site is home to several wildlife species, especially the wildebeest and zebra.
- Kruger National Park, South Africa: Among Africa's largest game reserves, this park is renowned for its density of the 'Big 5' (i.e., elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalos, and leopards).
- Galápagos Islands: This volcanic archipelago is home to diverse wildlife species.
- Yellowstone National Park, USA: Renowned for bison, wolves, antelopes, elk and bears, this national park comprises, alpine rivers, dense forests, hot springs, and canyons.
- Sundarbans, India: The world's largest mangrove area is a place famed for spotting the hard-to-find Bengal tiger.
Each of these places presents an astonishing view of wildlife in their natural habitat but at the same time promotes responsible tourism.
Key principles and practices of wildlife-friendly tourism
The following are some key principles that should be considered -
- Maintain your distance from breeding areas: Go closer to observe the wildlife but don't overdo it, and don't interfere in their habitats.
- Contribute towards conservation: Pick travel agencies that support the protection of endangered species, involve community members, and promote eco-tourism and sustainable practices.
- Adhere to local laws: Obey the orders of park staff, guides, and rangers. They are for your safety as well as the preservation of wildlife.
- Teach yourself and others: Don't isolate yourself; stay in a group. Don't get too close to wild animals and their young ones. Read up on environment-friendly practices and teach others as well.
Travel insurance considerations for wildlife tourism
Going for a safari is always fun and figures high on our bucket list; however, it has risks, which is why investing in travel insurance is a wise choice -
- Adventure activities: Make sure to acquire travel insurance that covers safaris, trekking, or boat tours.
- Medical emergencies: Wildlife tours entail taking tourists to remote parts of the world; hence, choose a policy that includes emergency medical evacuation.
- Trip cancellations/delays: Wildlife tours depend on the climate and other circumstances; however, travel insurance will ensure you can recoup some of the rescheduled costs for the trip.
- Lost or stolen gear: You can lose your camera, binoculars, and other valuables while travelling; therefore, it is essential to have a travel insurance policy to cover such lost or stolen valuables.
- Peace of mind: Travel insurance enables one to appreciate nature without worrying about what may happen in the wild.
Conclusion
Embarking on a wildlife adventure is an incredible way to connect with nature, but it’s vital to do so responsibly. Travel insurance underlines the element of safety so you can have a memorable holiday knowing you are covered against trip-related uncertainties.