New ranking reveals the 10 best wildlife encounters worth travelling for

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-08-31T05:26:16.701Z • Permanent link

Rwanda's mountain gorilla trekking program has been gaining international attention in recent years, but a new ranking by the International Gorilla Conservation Programme reveals that it is not just Rwanda that offers the best wildlife encounters worth traveling for. Botswana's African wild dog safaris, led by conservationists from the Wild Dog Conservation Trust, have taken the top spot, followed closely by Tanzania's Serengeti National Park, home to the Great Migration.

These rankings are based on data collected from over 1,000 tourists who participated in wildlife expeditions across Africa and Asia. The survey aimed to identify the most effective conservation efforts and the best wildlife viewing experiences that tourists can have while supporting conservation projects. According to the results, Rwanda's mountain gorilla trekking program has seen a significant increase in tourist numbers, with over 1,500 visitors in 2022 alone. This surge in tourism has provided a vital source of funding for the conservation of mountain gorillas and their habitats.

Botswana's African wild dog safaris, on the other hand, have been recognized for their unique approach to conservation. The Wild Dog Conservation Trust has been working tirelessly to protect the African wild dog, one of the most endangered species in Africa. The trust's conservation efforts have led to a significant increase in the population of wild dogs, and the safaris have become increasingly popular among tourists. The ranking is a testament to the success of these conservation efforts and highlights the importance of responsible tourism in supporting wildlife conservation.

The ranking of the best wildlife encounters has significant implications for the tourism industry and conservation communities. Companies such as Expedia and Booking.com are already taking notice, with many of them incorporating conservation efforts into their business models. For example, Expedia has partnered with the World Wildlife Fund to offer eco-friendly vacations that support conservation projects. This trend is expected to continue, with more companies recognizing the importance of responsible tourism in supporting wildlife conservation.

Research communities are also taking notice, with many of them using the ranking as a benchmark for measuring the effectiveness of conservation efforts. The International Gorilla Conservation Programme, for example, has used the ranking to inform its conservation strategies and to identify areas where more support is needed. The ranking has also sparked a debate about the impact of tourism on wildlife conservation, with some arguing that it can be a double-edged sword. While tourism can provide a vital source of funding for conservation projects, it can also lead to habitat destruction and disturbance of wildlife.

The ranking of the best wildlife encounters is not an isolated event, but rather part of a larger pattern of increased awareness and action on wildlife conservation. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of wildlife conservation, with many governments and organizations recognizing the need to protect endangered species and their habitats. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has also seen an increase in membership, with over 180 countries now participating in the convention.