15 Black Women Who Had Epic Wildlife Encounters Across the World

Photo Credit: @j_lorae

By Danielle Pointdujour · Updated December 6, 2020

When it comes to experiencing the world, there’s nothing like taking in the wonders of nature. With everything from lush green jungles to crystal clear oceans, the beauty is a sight to behold. But there’s another side to nature that we just can’t get enough of – the animals! From swimming with turtles to walking with lions and chilling with penguins, when Black women are on the go, they love to walk on the wild side. If you’re looking for some inspiration for your own animal adventures, these women will blow your mind and have you ready to make some additions to your bucket list. Just remember to explore responsibly and be kind to your new animal friends!

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Dine With Giraffes In Kenya

Looking for a unique animal encounter, head to Giraffe Manor in Kenya. Just be sure to book early since rooms sell out fast!

Photo Credit: @asiyami_gold

Swim With the Pigs In The Bahamas

Exuma island in the Bahamas is where you need to be if swimming with pigs is on your travel bucket list.

Photo Credit: @_crecia_

Hug Jaguars In Honduras

Want to make some new furry friends? Take a trip to the private island of Little French Key in Roatán, Honduras.

Photo Credit: @itsrichrush

Go Llama Loving In Peru

Take a trip to Rainbow Mountain, Peru to spend time with llamas. Did you know llamas were related to camels?

Photo Credit: @lavidaloca_kiss

Cool Out With Elephants

Traveler @iamnursemo got up close and personal with elephants in Kenya, but you can see these majestic creatures in a few countries including Thailand and Namibia.

Photo Credit: @iamnursemo

Explore the Pyramids With Camels in Egypt

Camels and pyramids are part of a classic trip to Egypt.

Photo Credit: @deirdredares

Chill With Penguins In South Africa

Take a walk on the wild side with a colony of penguins in Cape Town, South Africa near Simon’s Town.

Photo Credit: @secretofdd @raffaelphoto_com

Pucker Up With Seals In Dominican Republic

Nothing like a juicy kiss in the Dominican Republic. You can also have a seal of a time at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas.

Photo Credit: @j_lorae

Get Cozy With Elephants In Thailand

Thailand often gets a bad rap when it comes to animal experiences, especially with tigers and elephants. Next time you’re visiting the country, skip riding the elephants and instead, go to animal sanctuaries like Elephant Jungle Sanctuary.

Photo Credit: @femmeetnoir

Dine With Ostrich Foodies In Curacao

@ashhnyc made new ostrich friends in Curaçao, but you can see them in South Africa too.

Photo Credit: @ashhnyc

Watch Goats Get Crafty In Morocco

Go to Essaouira, Morocco to witness goats climbing Argan trees, which are native to the country. Fun fact: the traditional method of making argan oil involves collecting and processing the undigested seeds from the goats’ poop.

Photo Credit: @eplleseed

Swim With Turtles in Tanzania

Head to Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond in Nungwi, Zanzibar to check swimming with turtles off your bucket list.

Photo Credit: @gracie_al

Earn Your Stripes With the Zebras In Zambia

Just want to blend in during your trip to Zambia? The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls has got you covered.

Photo Credit: @mrsneshaneesh

Hang With Lions In Senegal

Walk with the kings and queens of the animal kingdom in Senegal. Head over to Kenya, South Africa or Tanzania as well to walk alongside greatness.

Photo Credit: @astra_williams

Make New Friends in Namibia

Giraffe Manor in Kenya isn’t the only place to get up close and personal with these sky-high animals. The Windhoek Game Camp in Windhoek, Namibia has giraffes roaming freely on and around the property. If you’re lucky, one might pop its head in to give you a morning wake up call.