For decades, the classic African safari—spotting lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo—has defined the ultimate wildlife travel experience. But a new study by tour operator Explore suggests that European and global travellers are increasingly dreaming of a different set of encounters: pandas in bamboo forests, kangaroos on Australian beaches, and whales breaching off the coast of Madeira.
The research, which surveyed 2,400 people across 12 countries and analysed Google search data from the past 12 months, reveals a marked shift in priorities. Searches for “wildlife holidays” have surged by 211%, and 72% of respondents say wildlife is at least somewhat important when choosing a holiday destination. The findings point to a broader appetite for nature-based travel that extends well beyond the traditional safari circuit.
The New Big Five: Where to See Them
Australia dominates the list of dream destinations, with 38% of respondents naming it their top choice for wildlife encounters. South Africa came second at 11%, followed by Kenya (9%), Canada (7%), and China (6%). Here are the five animals that now top travellers’ wish lists—and where to find them in the wild.
1. Giant Pandas
Topping the list, 41% of respondents said they most want to see giant pandas in their natural habitat. These black-and-white bears live in dense bamboo forests in China’s Gansu, Shaanxi, and Sichuan provinces. Once classified as endangered, they are now listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), making a sighting all the more special. Key locations include the Chengdu Research Base and the Wolong National Nature Reserve, the largest wild panda habitat in the country.
2. Elephants
The only animal from the original big five to make the new list, elephants are sought by 32% of respondents. Native to Africa and Asia, they are best seen in large numbers at Botswana’s Chobe National Park, home to up to 120,000 elephants—the highest concentration on Earth. In Asia, Sri Lanka’s Udawalawe National Park offers reliable sightings and also serves as a care centre for orphaned elephants.
3. Kangaroos
Also at 32%, kangaroos are synonymous with Australia. They inhabit grasslands and coastal regions alike. For guaranteed encounters, travellers can head to Kangaroo Island off Adelaide or Murramarang National Park in New South Wales, where Eastern Grey kangaroos are often spotted on the beaches.
4. Koalas
Koalas are a dream sighting for 30% of respondents. Despite sleeping 18 to 20 hours a day, they can be elusive in their eucalyptus tree homes. Kangaroo Island and Port Stephens in New South Wales offer good chances of seeing them in the wild.
5. Whales
Rounding out the list, 29% of travellers want to see whales. Their seasonal migrations make them one of the most achievable bucket-list experiences. Top spots include Hermanus in South Africa, self-proclaimed whale-watching capital, and Mirissa in Sri Lanka, a prime location for blue whales. For European travellers, Madeira in the Atlantic also offers excellent whale-watching opportunities.
The shift reflects a growing interest in wildlife experiences that are both accessible and diverse. As European travellers plan their next adventures, they might also consider how to support conservation efforts at home—for instance, by turning their gardens into wildlife havens during heatwaves. Meanwhile, the trend towards skill-based holidays, or “skillidays,” is also gaining traction, with nearly half of European travellers planning such trips this summer.
