5 unforgettable wildlife tourism experiences at Avani Hotels

Thailand's Koh Lanta isn't just about those postcard-perfect beaches; it's where magnificent hornbills have claimed VIP status at Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort.

Talk about a lucky sighting! These massive birds with their eye-catching yellow-orange bills are like the unicorns of Southeast Asia being on the vulnerable list, making it rare, magical, and definitely worth bragging about.

The resort proudly hosts a pair of hornbills, Gok and Gek, who have nested in a tree overlooking the brilliant blue Andaman Sea. The Avani team has playfully nicknamed their leafy dwelling above the Sea View Pool Villas the 'Hornbill Hotel'.

Families learn about these impressive birds through various interactive activities like mask-making and wildlife themed arts and crafts at AvaniKids, complemented by a special bedtime story session featuring 'When Gok Met Gek' - a captivating tale illustrated by a talented Thai artist, alongside delightful hornbill-shaped cookies and drinks.

Dive into the Maldivian waters at Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort and join an underwater party with over 2,000 fish species and hundreds of coral types. Every swimming or snorkelling session becomes a new adventure – will today be the day you spot gentle giants like manta rays gliding through the crystal-clear waters?

The wildlife fun continues when you're towelled off too! Head to the Northeast beach to meet the resort's herons and black naped terns of Fares Island if you walk up to the arrival jetty.

At Avani Victoria Falls Resort, wildlife tourism experiences reach peak excitement. The resort offers thrilling Zambezi River safaris aboard specially designed boats that navigate rapids and shallow waters alike, accessing amazing parts of the river usually off-limits to visitors.

Speed over rapids before slowing down for leisurely wildlife spotting around the islands. During winter months (May to August), you might even witness elephants crossing the river to nearby islands, with herds of up to 30 individuals creating unforgettable spectacles as they navigate the currents. Talk about rush hour traffic, jungle style!

The wildlife tourism experience doesn't end with the boat trip, as giraffes and zebras casually roam the hotel property itself. Imagine sipping your morning coffee as a zebra grazes nearby! 'Excuse me, is this seat taken?' The design of the resort allows for safe wildlife movement, creating those jaw-dropping spontaneous wildlife encounters that'll have everyone back home thinking your photos are fake.

Who says wildlife encounters only happen in remote wilderness? Adelaide proves urban settings can deliver amazing animal experiences too! From Avani Adelaide Residences, you're just a short trip away from Cleland Wildlife Park, where conservation efforts have helped protect koalas since 1967.

Get up close with Australia's iconic creatures – koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and even the elusive echidna. It's the perfect wildlife tourism experience for travellers who want authentic animal encounters without sacrificing urban comforts.

Avani's properties across southern Africa offer gateways to incredible wildlife tourism adventures. From Avani Maseru Hotel in Lesotho, known as the 'Kingdom in the Sky', explore unique mountain ecosystems on traditional pony treks. These sturdy Basotho ponies are perfectly adapted to the rugged terrain, taking you through highland villages and dramatic landscapes.

Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino in Namibia offers access to the N/a'an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary, located just 42 kilometres outside Windhoek. This renowned sanctuary is home to rescued cheetahs, leopards, lions and baboons, as well as a host of other native species. Here, you can experience conservation in action whilst enjoying the spectacular Namibian sunsets and star-filled night skies that stretch endlessly over the savannah.

While at Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino in Botswana, guests can arrange thrilling wildlife experiences that truly showcase this country's incredible biodiversity. The nearby Mokolodi Nature Reserve offers guided rhino tracking walks where visitors explore the reserve on foot alongside expert rangers.

For those who prefer to stay closer to the city, Gaborone Game Reserve provides an accessible wildlife tourism opportunity just minutes from the hotel. Here, you can spot impalas, eland, zebra, and giraffes in their natural habitat. Botswana itself boasts the world's largest population of elephants—approximately 130,000 roam the country, particularly in Chobe National Park, making it a true elephant lover's paradise.

These wildlife tourism experiences offer not just spectacular photo opportunities but the chance to witness conservation in action – making them ideal adventures that contribute to the protection of our planet's natural heritage.