HI Hostels Blog

5 hostels perfect for wildlife spotting

Monday 3 March is World Wildlife Day and a great opportunity to celebrate the stunning and varied species of the world’s wild fauna. Here at HI, we’ve come up with a list of five unique face-to-face animal encounters for true nature lovers.

How about some monkey business? For close interactions and an abundance of wildlife including native monkey species, visit Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica and spy on some White-Faced Capuchins.

Stay at Manuel Antonio – Hostel Vista Serena surrounded by lush jungle valleys and awe-inspiring panorama of the Pacific Ocean.

White-Faced Capuchins
White-Faced Capuchins ©James Joel

Experience a magical moment when a parade of cute little penguins emerge from the sea at Phillip Island Nature Park, Australia. For a truly unique experience, take an ultimate adventure tour and get near to see the miniature penguins with special night-vision technology on a secluded beach.

Stay at Phillip Island YHA – The Island Accommodation and get introduced to the secrets of this magical island.

Penguin Parade on Phillip Island Australia
Group watching Penguin Parade ©Phillip Island Nature Park

Known as Europe’s whale-watching capital, Húsavík, Iceland, is a great place to discover the amazing wildlife of the sea. Join the crew on a traditional fishing boat, sail out into the bay and experience a tour of a lifetime where you’ll be able to see the world’s largest mammals so close that you may not even be able to zoom out on your camera far enough to take a perfect shot.

Stay at Árbót, located just 20 minutes’ drive away and experience real Icelandic farm life.

Husavik whale watching
Húsavík whale watching ©MindsEye_PJ

Travel to Canada, British Columbia, for the ultimate outdoor experience and an adrenaline boost – take a grizzly bear tour and spot these dramatic creatures at their best. Seeing the bears so close may make you think that your time has come, but with highly experienced guides you can be sure to safely get back to your hostel.

Stay at HI – Prince Rupert hostel, right on the wild and beautiful Northwest Coast.

grizzly bears
Grizzly bears ©iwona_kellie

Take a safari tour through Kruger National Park and experience a truly special day seeing lions, zebras, giraffes and rhinos. Explore the largest South African reserve, enjoy the authentic African atmosphere and make memories of a lifetime.

Stay at Hoedspruit – Tom Cats Safari Inn set along side a picturesque dam and tranquil gardens.

Animals in the wild

Have you ever encountered any of these animals? Tell us more about it in the comments box below or email us at socialmedia@hihostels.com.


Turtle encounter
Turtle encounter

Interested in more wildlife discovery? Check out our Australian wildlife travel guide.

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