An endangered species, there are reportedly just over 1,000 mountain gorillas in the wild today, due to habitat loss, disease, and poaching. Gorilla trekking is a physically demanding activity that requires professional guides.Typically, this allows visitors to observe a family of gorillas for one hour in silence-often described as a magical, unique, and once-in-a-lifetime experience.

One of the best places for viewing wildlife in the United States is Yellowstone National Park. As a favorite adventure spot for travelers of all ages, Yellowstone offers tons more than just its stellar tourist spots such as Old Faithful, as there are more than 300 species of birds, 6 species of reptiles, and 67 species of mammals.Visitors are nearly guaranteed to spot herds grazing in the grasslands.

This is an incredible opportunity to see almost two million wildebeest(牛羚), along with zebras and gazelles, begin their journey north in search of water and better grazing grounds. Travelers can witness animals throughout the year, though the best chance of spotting wildebeest crossing a river is in August and September.

Travelers looking to have an up close and personal look at whales can’t do much better than Alaska, as it is home to multiple whale species during the summer months. Visitors can opt to see them on small whale-watching boat tours and on personal sea kayaks. From various viewpoints, swimming pods of killer whales are an extraordinary sight to behold.