If you’re an animal lover, it can be difficult to find a holiday destination to tickle your fancy.

However, if you’re on the lookout for experiences with feathery friends, penguin pals or cuddly companions, we’ve compiled a list of the best holiday destinations for animal lovers that will let you get up close and personal without compromising safety or integrity of their habitats.

1. Antarctica

For the ultimate arctic experience, Antarctica is the perfect place to see penguins in action.  For fans of these polar pals, you’re best to visit between March and October to glimpse them in their natural habitat.

Snow Hill Island in particular is home to around 8,000 Emperor Penguins, and you can spot Antarctic whales in the water if you go boating.

2. Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has a wonderful subtropical climate, and a population of around 15 million people. For fans of a safari getaway, Zimbabwe is a fantastic fit.

Rhino and Wildlife Conservations like Imire are iconic to preventing Zimbabwe’s poaching epidemic by protecting endangered wildlife.

You can stay overnight on the conservation at Sable Lodge, with meals using homegrown produce.

3. Galapagos Islands

Holidays to the Galapagos Islands are highlighted by the presence of giant tortoises, finches, lizards and iguanas, and it was also the location where Charles Darwin observed animals to form his natural selection study.

You can paddleboard or kayak along the Itabaca Channel alongside mangrove forests and lava rock cliffs, or go snorkelling around Kicker Rock, volcanically formed rock that has been shaped by the surrounding sea.

4. Iceland

Iceland is one of the most amazing places to view colonies of puffins, as it houses around 60% of the world’s population.

The most ideal time to see puffins is during the summer time between May and August in the evenings, as they are commonly out fishing for most of the day.

You can embark on a puffin watching tour from Reykjavik for an hour to see their natural behaviour up close and personal without disturbing them.

5. Australia

Australia is the perfect location to see native species like kangaroos, koalas, dingos and wallabies.

Take a holiday where a local Indigenous guide can show you around the National Parks. Kakadu is Australia’s biggest National Park, and you can take part in croc spotting, birdwatching, and view spectacular waterfalls.

You can also take a trip to the famous Great Barrier Reef to take part in snorkelling and see the beautiful coral up close.

6. Norway

Famous for whale and dolphin watching, Norway is a fantastic place to view whales and dolphins from October to January.  Ordinarily you can view humpback whales easily, but from May to September you might catch sight of some killer whales too.

Additionally you may also glimpse some of the diverse array of animals including wolves, puffins, reindeer, and seals.

Do you know of any holidays perfect for animal lovers? Leave your answer in the comments below!