South Africans are leading the world in choosing holidays for wildlife experiences

For many South Africans, planning a holiday isn’t just about beaches, luxury hotels or famous landmarksit’s about the chance to see incredible wildlife up close.

A new international survey has found that South Africans are more passionate about wildlife-focused travel than people anywhere else in the world, highlighting just how deeply nature is woven into the country’s travel culture.

Wildlife is shaping travel decisions

According to research conducted by adventure travel company Explore, an overwhelming 95% of South Africans say seeing wildlife influences where they choose to travel. That places the country at the top of a global ranking, ahead of travellers from Chile and Italy.

The findings come from a survey of 2,400 people across 12 countries, examining which animals travellers most want to see and the destinations they associate with unforgettable wildlife experiences.

Globally, nearly three-quarters (72%) of respondents said wildlife now plays at least some role when selecting a holiday destination, suggesting that nature tourism has become a mainstream travel priority rather than a niche interest.

Pandas top the global wish list

While South Africa is famous for the Big Five, the world’s most desired wildlife encounter isn’t found on African soil.

The survey found that pandas topped travellers’ dream sightings, with 41% hoping to see the iconic black-and-white bears in their natural habitat.

The five most sought-after wildlife encounters are:

• Panda (41%)
• Elephant (32%)
• Kangaroo (32%)
• Koala (30%)
• Whale (29%)

Interestingly, the elephant is the only member of Africa’s legendary Big Five to feature in the global top five, showing that while safari experiences remain popular, travellers are increasingly seeking a wider variety of wildlife adventures around the world.

South Africa remains a global wildlife favourite

Although Australia claimed the number one spot as the world’s preferred wildlife destination, South Africa secured an impressive second place.

More than one in ten respondents said South Africa would be their first choice for a wildlife holiday, ahead of countries such as Kenya, Canada and China.

The rankings reflect South Africa’s long-standing reputation for world-class safari experiences, diverse ecosystems and conservation areas that attract millions of international visitors every year.

From spotting elephants in national parks to watching whales along the country’s coastline, South Africa offers wildlife experiences that few destinations can match.

Nature tourism continues to grow

The survey also points to a broader global shift in travel habits.

Google search data from the past year recorded a remarkable 211% increase in searches for ‘wildlife holidays,’ suggesting growing interest in trips centred around animals and conservation experiences.

Travel experts say modern travellers are increasingly looking for meaningful experiences instead of traditional sightseeing, with many wanting to witness animals in their natural environments while supporting responsible tourism.

Luke Judd, a travel expert at Explore, said travellers are expanding their bucket lists beyond classic safari adventures.

He noted that people are now dreaming of everything from pandas in bamboo forests to whales in the open ocean and kangaroos roaming Australia’s landscapes.

According to Judd, wildlife has become one of the defining reasons people choose where to travel, rather than simply an added attraction.

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