One of my favourite reasons to travel is to see wildlife and I am fortunate to say that I have some incredible once in a lifetime wildlife experiences. So if you are looking for once in a lifetime wildlife destinations then you need look no further than our list! 

Once in a Lifetime Wildlife Destination: Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

Nothing says once in a lifetime wildlife experience like gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda! You have to book early as there are only 25 permits a day to see them for the gorillas wellbeing! It’s worth it though! There is nothing like and quite frankly words can not do justice to that moment you look into a silverbacks eyes. It is an almosft human connection and is the best once in a lifetime wildlife experience I have ever had

Why it won’t be once in a lifetime: having felt that connection with such a majestic creature I can’t deny my daughter this experience. We will take her as soon as she is fifteen (the age limit) and can take anti malarial tablets.

Thinking of going gorilla trekking check out our photography guide and guide on what to wear gorilla trekking

Would like to go gorilla trekking but worried you can’t do it in luxury? Check out our guide to the most luxury lodges in Uganda? 

Once in a Lifetime Wildlife Destination: Seeing tree climbing lions in Ishasha

There is only one part of the word you can see tree climbing lions and that is in ishasha! Think of the awe seeing a wild lion strikes and then imagine seeing them mere feet above you in a tree!

Why it won’t be once in a lifetime: Uganda is such a unique place for wildlife! Between chimps, gorillas and lions it is simply a place I must return to!

Once in a Lifetime Wildlife Destination: Seeing the worlds smallest dolphins in Akaroa

Akaroa is a wildlife hotspot! Home to the worlds smallest dolphins, Hectors Dolphins, and worlds smallest penguins it offers unique and once in a lifetime wildlife experiences! It is so easy to see the worlds smallest dolphins in Akaroa and you can even swim with dolphins in Akaroa!

Why it won’t be once in a lifetime: an all time dream of mine is to swim with dolphins but I don’t agree with it in captivity. The curiosity of the H dolphins means interaction and swimming with dolphins in the wild is easy in Akaroa and is conservationally controlled. A win for everyone and something great to do in New Zealand with kids! I’ll return to get in the water with them with my little girl when she is a bit older!

READ NEXT: For a full guide things to do in Akaroa! 

Once in a Lifetime Wildlife Destination: Seeing platypus Tasmania, Fernglade Reserve

The platypus is unique to Australia and is an animal I was keen to meet in our recent trip. A hike through Fernglade Tasmania offers a chance to spot this unwise creature in the wild along with other uniquely Australian mammals such as wallabies!

Why it won’t be once in a lifetime: We unfortunately didn’t see platypus only wallabies! It just gives us an excuse to return and try again

Read Next: Things to Do in Burnie Tasmania! 

Once in a Lifetime Wildlife Destination: Whale watching in Alaska

Alaska is unique landscape and has lots of wildlife on offer but my favourite has to be watching blue whales and orcas

Why it won’t be once in a lifetime: I fell in love with whales on our trip and can’t wait to see them again with my little!

What is your favourite once in a lifetime wildlife experience