Swimming with Dolphins, Tracking Gorillas : How to have the world's best wildlife Encounters

Encounters with wildlife are more accessible than ever, with a bewildering array of adventures on offer. This inspiring guide presents a range of ideas, from meeting the world's iconic wildlife to more unusual encounters, highlighting the best and the most ethical options. With nearly 20 years' experience travelling the globe, Ian Wood picks his favourite animal hot spots, from tracking mountain gorillas to kayaking with alligators in the Everglades; from being up close with elephants on a walking safari to snorkelling with whale sharks and climbing in search of condors. Pointers on how best to encounter each animal, what to see when, and what else you might see along the way, help you plan the journey of a lifetime.

Ian Wood is a writer and photographer specializing in wildlife, travel and nature.

Introduction   1. Forest/Rainforest Encounters with tigers; tracking mountain and lowland gorillas; tracking chimpanzees; up close with orangutans; primate communications; inquisitive lemurs; proboscis monkeys along the river; walking in the Costa Rican rainforest; watching grizzly bears catch salmon; Eurasian brown bears from a hide; trekking in search of Komodo dragons; macaws at a salt lick; getting close to mini beasts. 2. Savanna/Plains Walking in search of lions; tracking cheetah; African horse-riding safaris; tracking leopard by 4x4; elephants on a walking safari; the wildebeest migration; tracking rhino on foot. 3. Mountain Expedition in snow leopard territory; tracking wolves on foot; seeking out the giant panda; hiking and climbing in search of condors and vultures. 4. Polar Encounter with Polar bears; penguins: kayaking, walking and camping. 5. Riverine Watching hippos; kayaking with alligators in the Everglades; the Pantanal, jaguars and more; in search of the elusive shoebill. 6. Marine Swimming with wild dolphins; swimming and snorkeling with whales; diving with seals and sea lions; Galápagos encounters; snorkeling on a coral reef; swimming and diving with turtles; diving with sharks; snorkeling and diving with whale sharks; diving with manta rays; the world of the puffin.   Wildlife calendar Useful sources and wildlife operators Activities and destinations indexes Alphabetical index