Top 10 Wildlife in the World

The Okavango Delta is a vast inland system in the Kalahari Desert. It does not flow into an ocean. Instead, the river water spreads over sandy floodplains and islands. Plants absorb much of the water. The rest evaporates into the air. This cycle creates a unique wetland that supports a large variety of animals. Visit between June and September. This is when the annual floodwater covers the area. You will find it much easier to spot wildlife near the water channels during these months.

The Itaipu Dam sits on the Paraná River. It is a border landmark between Brazil and Paraguay. It ranks as the third largest hydroelectric dam globally by energy production. The name comes from a nearby island. In the local Guarani language, it means sounding stone. It produces massive amounts of electricity for both nations. Visit from May to August for better weather. While this is an engineering site, the surrounding river banks provide some habitat for local birds and aquatic species.

Lake Baikal is a massive rift lake in southern Siberia. It holds the record for the deepest lake in the world. It contains more fresh water than all of the North American Great Lakes combined. Its surface area is slightly larger than Belgium. The lake supports many unique species that live only in this isolated environment. Go in winter to see the ice or summer for hiking. The deep water keeps the local ecosystem stable. Be prepared for extreme temperature fluctuations depending on when you arrive.

Lake Louise is a glacial lake inside Banff National Park. Indigenous people called it the Lake of the Little Fishes. It has served as a destination for over a century. The lake sits near the Trans-Canada Highway. It is easy to reach compared to other mountain lakes. Mountains surround the shoreline on almost every side. Visit between June and September. The snow melts during these months. You can see mountain goats and other wildlife on the surrounding trails.

Whistler is a municipality in the Coast Mountains of Canada. It sits about 125 km north of Vancouver. Millions of people visit the area every year. The town is famous for alpine skiing and mountain biking. The local geography provides a home for black bears and marmots. These animals are often seen on the slopes. Visit in summer for wildlife spotting or winter for snow sports. The village is pedestrian-only, which makes moving around the town center simple.

Lofoten is a string of islands in northern Norway. It sits well above the Arctic Circle. The area features steep mountains and deep bays. The islands have a mild climate despite the high latitude. This creates a specific habitat for sea birds and marine life. Many people go here to fish. Travel during the summer months for the longest daylight hours. You will find that the ferries and roads are busy during July and August.

The Matterhorn is a famous peak in the Alps. It sits on the border between Switzerland and Italy. Its shape is nearly symmetric. The summit stands over 4,000 meters above sea level. It is one of the most recognized mountains in Europe. Many climbers try to reach the top every year. Visit from June through September. The weather is stable enough for hiking. You can see alpine animals like ibex on the lower slopes.

Stonehenge is a prehistoric site in Wiltshire, England. It uses massive standing stones that weigh up to 25 tons. The structure is aligned with the solstices. The monument is an outer ring with a smaller set of stones inside. It remains a mystery how people transported these stones in the ancient world. Visit between May and August for the best chance of clear weather. The site is outdoors and exposed to strong winds. You will spend most of your time walking in open fields.

The Dolomites are a mountain range in northeastern Italy. They are part of the Southern Limestone Alps. The mountains extend over several provinces. These mountains have a unique geological structure. They look distinct from other parts of the Alps. The range provides a habitat for diverse high-altitude plants. Go between June and September for hiking. The trails are well marked. You might see deer or eagles if you venture away from the main resort towns.

Uluru is a large sandstone formation in central Australia. It is sacred to the local Aboriginal people. The surrounding park includes springs and caves. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage area. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the country. The desert landscape changes color at sunrise and sunset. Visit from May to September. These months have cooler days. Summer heat is extreme and often unsafe for long hikes.