The best places for a wildlife watching holiday

Why go? Experience unparalleled animal variety at this little-visited national park, where you stay in spacious bandas set riverside within ancient forest. Games drives can be tailored for children, walking safaris and fly camping are also available. The dozens of species in the park include lion, impala, buffalo, kudu, jackal, baboon, warthog and tortoise plus nearly 500 species of bird.

Price: Rates start from £422 per room per night.

Book: Visit i-escape for more information and to book.

Why go? Located right on the beach, Sri Lanka’s first tented hotel, Dolphin Beach, is even more remarkable for being so close to a coral reef marine sanctuary with over 250 species of fish, dozens of birds, dolphins and whales, which are best sighted on a morning sea safari. Wake up to the calm sea on your doorstep and just a couple of hours away lies Wilpattu National Park where you can spot elephants and leopards too.

Price: Rates start from £68 for a family tent.

Book: Visit i-escape for more details and to book.

Why go? Superb game watching in the large malaria-free Madikwe reserve, just 3.5 hours west of Johannesburg – expect to see a Top 10 including leopard, cheetah, hippo and rhino. Children are warmly welcomed with special family game drives for the over fives and daytime drives for under fives. Anxious parents can relax in the knowledge that the lodges are fenced off.

Price: Family rooms are available from £1,669 per room (1 king-sized and 2 single beds) per night.

Book: Visit i-escape for more information and to book.

Why go? Families will love seeing monkeys, coatis and agoutis exploring this tropical resort of jungle bungalows, tented cabins and beachfront rooms. Colourful birdlife onsite includes trogons, motmots and hummingbirds; look out for armadillos and iguanas too. Take a boat trip to see dolphins, whales and turtles. This is a great option for restless teens looking for adventure.

Price: Rates for a family suite start from £173 for a family room per night.

Book: Visiti i-escape for more information and to book.

Why go? Stunning scenery and an authentic wilderness experience await intrepid families at this working ranch of over half a million acres in East Kimberley. Fishing for barramundi, birding (dozens of species to spot including barking owls, eagles, kites and Gouldian finches), pony riding for kids, crocodile spotting, and nature tours are on offer.

Price: From £79 per night, in an eco tent.

Book: Visit i-escape for more information and to book.

Why go? Ranthambhore National Park boasts spectacular wildlife from antelope to peacocks, but you’re staying in these retro-styled tents to see wild tigers. Twice daily safaris, a pool, short drives and camel rides will keep young ones entertained whether or not you sight the elusive tiger.

Price: Tents are £389 per night.

To book: Visit i-escape for more information and to book.

Why go? Explore Scotland’s fifth largest island from these two new stone-walled lodges with hot tub and sauna: take a wildlife cruise, go trout fishing, try pony trekking, and there’s a bird reserve opposite for eagles and choughs.

Price: Rates start from £257 per night for a family room (sleeps 4).

Book: Visit i-escape for more information and to book.

Why go? Argentina’s greatest biodiversity is found in its oldest National Park with its pristine forests, Andean mountains, gushing waterfalls and deep lakes. Stay in these lovely log cabins to go horse riding, birdwatching (including condors) and fishing, and look for river otters, cougars, guanacos (large llamas), maras (large guinea pigs) and the fabled giant snake lake monster, Nahuelito (arg!).

Price: Rates start from £410 for a Junior Suite per night.

Book: Visit i-escape to book and for more information.

Why go? Get closer to nature on this unspoilt private island, two-thirds of which is a wildlife sanctuary. Look out for sea turtles, monitor lizards, komodo dragons, butterflies, monkeys and geckos. The Kids’ Club takes children on nature walks, while all the family will want to try snorkelling in these crystal clear waters.

Price: Rates start from £230 per night.

Book: Visit i-escape for more information and to book.

Why go? Family run and ethically managed, Huab Lodge is a thatch-and-pole lodge in the 8,000-ha Huab Nature Reserve, where outdoorsy kids will be captivated by the inspiring wildlife all around, including desert elephants, oryx, mountain zebra and ostriches to over 200 species of bird.

Price: Rates start from £199 per night for bungalow.

Book: Visit i-escape for more information and to book.