It’s a wonderful experience to observe animals in their natural environment. Imagine seeing a deer at dawn or a buzzard gliding over the fields. Now, imagine seeing wild animals on vacation that you’ve only ever seen at the zoo. A rhinoceros is right in front of you. You know it’s one of the most endangered species in the world. Are you out of place as a tourist there?

Nature conservation through tourism

If done right, wildlife tourism can also mean protection. In countries such as Kenya, for example, safari tourism is a mainstay of the economy. It generates revenue that finances national parks, secures habitats, and helps combat poaching. The years of the pandemic have shown that when tourists stay away, poaching increases. In Europe, birds of prey are particularly sought after by poachers, while rhinos are especially targeted in Africa.

The decisive factor is how and where you observe animals. Are they in their natural environment or are they an attraction? In our article, “Animal Welfare While Traveling,” we explain what responsible behavior toward animals looks like while traveling. We provide specific tips on topics such as selfies, feeding, souvenirs, rescue centers, and more.

If you would like to join us on our journey of respect for the animal world, here are a few places where you can do so in a sustainable way, including suitable accommodation!

1 Safari in Nepal: On the trail of tigers and elephants

A Bengal tiger in Chitwan National Park in Nepal.

Amidst the dense jungles, lush green grasslands, and mysterious riverways of Nepal lies Chitwan National Park, the country’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a little luck, you can observe rare animals such as rhinoceroses, Bengal tigers, sloth bears, and Ganges gavials—all in a sustainable way.

Our Green PearlsⓇ partner, the eco-resort The Pavilions Himalayas – The Farm in Pokhara (about a five-hour drive from the national park), highly recommends safaris with its partner, Tiger Tops. The small, family-run lodge is located on the edge of the park and offers a comfortable, nature-immersive experience, whether you choose a charming room or one of nine safari tents in the middle of the jungle.

Tiger Tops has worked closely with the International Trust for Nature Conservation (ITNC) for decades, supporting conservation projects such as the Long-Term Tiger Monitoring Project and Nepal’s first Ganges Gavial Breeding Program. The Ganges Gavial is the only surviving member of the Gavialis genus in the crocodile family.

Elephant riding? No, thank you

When you think of an Asian safari, elephant rides probably come to mind. But did you know that this practice causes the animals enormous stress? That’s why, in 2015, Tiger Tops stopped offering elephant safaris and developed a new, more respectful concept.

Rather than riding the elephants, you spend the day with them in a different way. You can watch them eat, rest, and run around while getting to know their different personalities. They live on an 18-hectare site where they have plenty of space to move around, socialize, and relax. This fosters a quiet closeness, allowing you to learn not only about elephants but also about yourself and your impact as a traveler.

By choosing this option, you support a new model for elephant treatment and set an example for sustainable travel in Nepal.

Spend the night and make an impact — back to Pokhara!

The Farm

Rajiv, the manager of The Pavilions Himalayas – The Farm, recommended Tiger Tops to us. In the Pokhara region, responsibility and impact are also important: organic farming, social engagement, and a charity project to protect women and children.

2 Underwater World – Encounters with dolphins, coral, and porpoises

Dolphins in the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Croatia 

Croatia: Dolphins around the Island of Iž

Are you looking for peace and quiet in nature—and hoping to catch a glimpse of a dolphin? If so, the Hotel Korinjak on the Croatian island of Iž is the place for you. The island is located in the Adriatic Sea surrounded by pristine nature. With a little luck, you can spot the dolphins that live in its clear waters during a boat trip.

“Encountering the dolphins that inhabit the Zadar archipelago is an unforgettable experience. I was there myself, and watching the animals was truly unforgettable. Seeing them swim and play made me feel like a child again—excited and happy.” – Anna from Hotel Korinjak

You can also spot wildlife on land, including seabirds, owls, and lizards, on hikes led by local guides. This is a great way to experience the island’s wild beauty. In an expression of its love for animals, the hotel avoids using any meat, milk, or eggs.

Maldives: Protecting the Coral Reefs at Gili Lankanfushi

The Maldives’ underwater world is breathtaking—and seriously endangered. Climate change and pollution have already destroyed many reefs. And tourism is not entirely blameless…. However, at Gili Lankanfushi, you can be part of the solution. Here, you can observe marine biologists breeding new corals and learn how the fragile ecosystem functions in lectures. If you can dive, you can actively participate in cleaning up the ocean or building new coral lines. Your commitment will have a positive impact here.

Germany: Porpoises in the Baltic Sea

Did you know that porpoises still inhabit the Baltic Sea, making it one of the last whale species in German waters? If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of them from the Lifestylehotel SAND when the sea is calm. The hotel actively supports the protection of these endangered animals because, as they say, “Whale protection is climate protection.”

If you’re curious about encountering one of these rare animals in the wild, read this report by Beatrice from Reisezeilen. She stayed at the Lifestylehotel SAND and had the following experience when the porpoises appeared.

3 Nature and national parks in the Alps and Middle Franconia

Dolomites: Wild animals right outside your hotel door

At the Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel in the heart of the Dolomites, your nature adventure begins right at your doorstep. The vegan-friendly hotel sits at an elevation of over 2,000 meters in the Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Park, a UNESCO-protected area. While hiking around the hotel, you may encounter deer, foxes, marmots, mountain goats, eagles, and falcons. The Schlern forests are also home to a variety of species, including berry-bearing dwarf shrubs, woodpeckers, owls, and capercaillies, which are large wild grouse.

Hohe Tauern National Park: Out and about with a Ranger

Glacier hike with a national park ranger.

The Hohe Tauern National Park is one of the oldest and largest national parks in Austria. It preserves the stunning Alpine landscape surrounding towering peaks over three thousand meters high, such as the Großglockner, Großvenediger, and Kitzsteinhorn. Due to its size, the park is home to nearly all of the Alps’ animal and plant species. Alpine ibexes, chamois, marmots, and golden eagles inhabit this area, and experienced rangers are highly trained to guide you through their habitats (and help you find them, which can be difficult).

If you stay at Naturhotel Outside, you will receive a free guided ranger tour. In addition, the hotel has its own hiking guides and an in-house hiking concierge who provided insider tips on Hohe Tauern National Park in this article. Other highlights include the large wellness area with several pools and the excellent cuisine. The restaurant has been awarded three Falstaff forks.

Middle Franconia: Wild horses and a microforests

Just a few kilometers from the Hotel Luise in Erlangen lies the extraordinary Tennenloher Forest nature reserve, home to wild horses, goats, and rare bird species. Various guided tours are also offered here. However, the wild horse tour requires a minimum of 15 participants.

There is also plenty to discover on the hotel grounds because, despite being a city hotel, biodiversity is promoted here. A microforest has been planted right in front of the hotel and is already home to hedgehogs, dragonflies, frogs, and squirrels.

4 Are wildlife enclosures sustainable?

Golden eagle

From a sustainability perspective, wildlife enclosures themselves are not problematic; it’s the concept behind them that matters. Those that focus on species-appropriate husbandry, environmental education, and the protection of endangered species can be useful for conservation and protection, especially in areas with limited refuges. For these enclosures to be effective, it’s important to have large areas, natural habitats, and places of refuge for the animals. Additionally, educational work must be transparent and distinguish itself from pure animal entertainment, as found in zoos. So, when visiting a wildlife enclosure with your children or friends, take a closer look. Does the place serve to protect and educate? Or is it just for quick entertainment? Below are some enclosures recommended by our partners (some of which they run themselves):

Dobeltal Game Reserve — a Black Forest idyll in Bad Herrenalb

If you’re traveling with children or simply want to experience native wildlife up close, check out the Dobeltal Wildlife Park in the Black Forest. Not far from the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, you will find a small paradise with deer, roe deer, and wild boars nestled in the tranquil setting of the German model forest. The winding paths offer completely new perspectives of native animals in their natural habitat. Taking a walk here is a real nature experience, especially in autumn or winter.

Feichti wildlife enclosure — above the rooftops of Pfunds, on the Kobl

Deep in the forest and high above the Tyrolean village of Pfunds lies the Feichti wildlife reserve on the Kobl. From the end of May to the beginning of October, guided hikes are offered there free of charge on Fridays with the Summer Card. Perfect if you are staying at one of the Summit Lodges Pfunds! These two log cabins are eco-friendly vacation rentals with mountain views, private saunas, and fireplaces. From there, the climb to the wildlife enclosure takes about 30 minutes. Once you arrive, you will find yourself in a peaceful forest clearing with views of deer, roe deer, and wild boars. Tip: Take the hiking bus for a relaxed, car-free experience of nature.

Wolf Center Dörverden: A fascinating encounter with the pack

Most of us will never see wolves in the wild. However, at the Wolfcenter Dörverden, you can observe these fascinating animals up close. Here, you will learn how wolves live and why they nearly disappeared from Western Europe. The Wolfcenter is clearly committed to education and considers its animals ambassadors for their wild counterparts. It’s an exciting trip for elementary school children and teenagers interested in wild animals (or Twilight 😉). We recommend staying at the nearby Eco-Hotel Okelmann’s, a family-run hotel with a cozy atmosphere, yoga, singing bowl massages, and a mindful lifestyle.

Naturresort Gerbehof — Wildlife watching right on the grounds

If you’re traveling to Lake Constance in search of sustainable relaxation, Naturresort Gerbehof is the perfect place for you. On the grounds, you will find an enclosure with pigs and wild boars, which is ideal for observing animals with children and learning about their way of life. With a little luck, you may even spot deer, foxes, or badgers in the surrounding area. It’s a perfect combination of contact with nature and a sustainable vacation in the countryside.

5 Wildlife feeding in Schwangau: A winter tour with an “aha” moment

Travel through the forest on a horse

In the Allgäu region, a centuries-old tradition continues in the winter: feeding wild animals. Though it may seem like interference with nature at first, it is actually a protective measure for the forest. Without additional food, deer would nibble on young trees and endanger their own habitat in the long term. In Schwangau, hunters have set up permanent feeding stations, and the Hotel Das Rübezahl offers guided tours to them.

Hiking through the snow-covered landscape, whether on foot or by horse-drawn carriage, is a highlight in itself. When a deer suddenly emerges from the forest and slowly makes its way to the feeding station where you can watch it feed from a safe distance, it’s an unforgettable experience. The tours are led by mountain guide Baschdi or the Thurm family, who are the innkeepers and also share interesting facts about the region. Important to know: Dogs are not allowed during feeding time to protect the wild animals.

6 Discover animals in their natural habitat

If you pay attention and take your time, you can spot wild animals on vacation without paying an admission fee or seeing any fences. Many of the sustainably managed Green PearlsⓇ accommodations are so close to nature that animal encounters are almost guaranteed, especially during the early morning or evening.

An early morning walk at the Birkenhof* Spa & Genussresort in the Upper Palatinate Lake District is well worth it: deer, hares, and even foxes regularly appear on the forest paths around the hotel. The Hotel Weihrerhof in Ritten, South Tyrol, also offers great views — literally. From your room, you can watch squirrels, wild birds, and sometimes deer. You can also see Lake Wolfsgruben, which is used for swimming in the summer and ice skating in the winter.

A young roebuck spotted in Germany

If you stay at the OLM Nature Escape, an energy-self-sufficient aparthotel in Sand in Taufers, you have a good chance of seeing deer, wild hares, and foxes in the evening or at night. And all of this right in front of the aparthotel, which blends organically into the natural surroundings with its round design and is nestled in the valley. At STURM in the Rhön, species conservation becomes a vacation experience. Here, bees buzz in the garden, frogs croak in the natural pond, and the stars shine particularly brightly at night because the surrounding area has light protection zones where nocturnal insects also feel at home.

Conclusion: Experience wildlife with respect

Whether you’re on a safari, visiting a wildlife park, or participating in guided feeding sessions, or experiencing chance encounters at dusk, if you travel with your eyes open, you will see the diverse relationship between humans and animals in sustainable tourism. The key is to always maintain a respectful distance and understand that genuine animal encounters are facilitated, not staged. After all, the greatest nature experiences are often the quiet ones.