Top 10 countries for watching wildlife

Updated Nov. 7, 2025, 4:22 p.m. | By Jacaranda FM

You'll never guess which countries outranked South Africa!

Southern white rhinos in Kruger National Park/iStock/Utopia_88

It is no secret that South Africa is renowned for its wildlife and stunning natural scenery, attracting people from around the world to experience the beauty of our country's natural wonders.

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International tourists in South Africa won't visit without planning a game drive, a safari, or at least visiting one of our beautiful parks.

From Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens to the Kruger National Park, South Africa is home to incredible natural diversity, and there is something for everyone.

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But SA isn't the only country with incredible wildlife offerings, and there are many countries worldwide that are just as renowned for wildlife travel.

Each destination has its own story to tell, showcasing the diverse ways in which animals live and behave, and how these environments support life.

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Wildlife experts at Go2Africa recently conducted a study using their Wildlife Index to determine the best places for animal lovers to visit.

According to Go2Africa, it "set out to create The Wildlife Index, a comprehensive data study that looks at the best destinations around the world for wildlife travel."

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They used the seven different data metrics to determine the results:

Megafauna Conservation – Measures national efforts to protect and preserve large, iconic species, using data on anti-poaching initiatives, conservation funding, and species recovery programmes.
Wildlife Species Richness – Assesses overall biodiversity by looking at the total number of known terrestrial and marine wildlife species in each country.
Endangered Wildlife Species – Looks at the total number of endangered and critically endangered wildlife species in each country.
Prevalence of National Parks – Evaluates the number and accessibility of national parks, which serve as vital sanctuaries for wildlife and destinations for eco-conscious travellers.
Extent of Protected Natural Areas – Considers the percentage of each country's land designated as protected for nature conservation, based on IUCN and WDPA classifications.
Indigenous Protected Areas – Assesses the proportion of land and marine areas under the management of local indigenous communities
Natural Environment Quality – Assesses the proportion of land and marine areas under sustainable management practices, reflecting long-term ecological viability.

Go2Africa wrote about the top 10 countries with the highest Wildlife Index score: "Chosen based on factors like the variety of wildlife, conservation efforts, and protected areas, each of these top 10 places offers something special. Whether you're aiming to spot hard-to-find predators or simply enjoy the sight of vibrant birdlife, these locations provide some of the most amazing opportunities to experience wildlife up close."

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You might be surprised by South Africa's result.

Here is the list of the top 10 countries for wildlife travel:

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1. United States

51,018 protected natural areas, the highest globally, include national parks, wildlife refuges, and conservation units.
Over 5,500 animal species.
61 national parks that offer unparalleled opportunities for encountering nature.

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2. Brazil

Large number of wildlife makes it the most biodiverse country on the planet.
Has the highest number of endangered or critically endangered species.
Challenges include widespread deforestation, loosening of environmental protection laws, and conflicts over indigenous land rights.

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3. Colombia

Has a high level of biodiversity with 6,113 unique wildlife species, 432 of which are classified as endangered.
Has 60 national parks, covering over 14% of the country’s territory.

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4. Australia

Diverse range of ecosystems supports one of the most unique collections of flora and fauna on Earth.
Leads in the number of national parks, with 685 protected areas dedicated to conservation and biodiversity.
7,799 recorded wildlife species, the third-highest number globally, many of which are found nowhere else on the planet, including iconic species like the koala, platypus, and echidna.

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5. Tanzania

Home to 3,945 wildlife species and 413 critically endangered or endangered animals.
Leads in megafauna conservation, earning a Megafauna Conservation Index (MCI) score of 96.69, ranking just behind Namibia and Botswana.

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6. Canada

Vast natural landscapes and strong commitment to conservation.
11,885 protected natural areas, including 47 national parks.
Its expansive boreal forests, mountain ranges, freshwater systems, and Arctic habitats, plays a crucial role in safeguarding global biodiversity.

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7. Peru – 75.8/100

Driven by its biodiversity and forward-thinking conservation strategies.
Home to 5,334 wildlife species, including the elusive jaguar, the Andean condor, the spectacled bear, and a variety of amphibians and birds unique to the Amazon basin.
Indigenous communities manage 21.64% of Peru's protected areas.
Community-led efforts are often more effective than those overseen by governments or private entities, thanks to generations of ecological knowledge, sustainable land-use practices, and an ingrained respect for nature.

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8. Spain – 74.4/100

Home to 451 endangered or critically endangered species, including the Iberian lynx, once the most endangered wild cat in the world, the Cantabrian brown bear and the Mediterranean monk seal.
4,131 protected natural areas play a crucial role in safeguarding vulnerable habitats and species, particularly as climate change and urban development pose increasing threats.

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9. Kenya – 73.6/100

Second African country on the list.
Home to 3,051 wildlife species, including 259 that are endangered or critically endangered, such as the Grevy's zebra and black rhino.
Scores highly for megafauna conservation with a Megafauna Conservation Index of 91.67.
12.47% of Kenya's 409 protected natural areas are managed by Indigenous communities, whose stewardship plays a key role in preserving the country's unique ecosystems.

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=9. Panama – 73.6/100

Despite its small size, Panama is part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, a biological bridge between North and South America.
Home to 3,216 wildlife species.
Its tropical forests, coastlines, and mountainous regions support a wide range of fauna, including jaguars, quetzals and the Geoffroy's tamarin.
Also scores relatively high on the Environmental Prosperity Index, with a score of 25

Yes, that's right.

With a score of 53.3 on the Wildlife Index, South Africa isn't even close to the top 10.

We might not be the top dogs in the wildlife world, as we have always thought.

Here are the top-performing countries in each of the seven data metrics.

Megafauna Conservation