Around two thirds (62%) of people from Belfast say they dream of going on a wildlife holiday in their lifetime, to see endangered or rare animals in their natural habit. That’s according to new research by the luxury travel specialists Scott Dunn. But what animals are residents most keen to see?

Well, the travel trends report revealed that the people of Belfast are most interested in seeing a lion in the wild.

Nearly half (48%) said that having the chance to see lions in their natural habitat is one of their dream, ‘bucket list’ travel experiences.

Tigers were also a popular choice (41%), as were elephants (also 41%).

The animals that people from Belfast are most keen to see in the wild, in their lifetime: Lions (48%) ; Tiger (41%); Elephants (41%); Rhinoceros (31%); Polar bear (31%); Giraffe (31%); Panda (31%); Dolphin (28%); Monkeys (28%); Jaguar (28%).

Lions, tigers and elephants are commonly spotted on safari experiences, which are very popular across the nation.

Four in ten Belfast locals (41%) say they aspire to go on a safari holiday in their lifetime. A further quarter (25%) said they are particularly drawn to eco or ‘silent’ safaris.

Flying safari and hot air balloon safari are also experiences that many (17%) are keen to try.

Google searches for information on ‘safari experiences’ are up 40% in the last year alone, showing that this could be a top travel trend in 2025.

When asked what countries Belfast residents are most keen to visit for a wildlife holiday, almost half (45%) named Kenya, while four in ten (41%) named South Africa. 

Both of these are considered top locations for a safari, giving visitors the opportunity to spot 'the big five’ as well as giraffes and monkeys.

Scott Dunn’s own booking data revealed that there are twice as many people travelling to South Africa in the next year, versus the last year.

One of their guests’ most sought after animal experiences is the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, also known as the Giraffe Centre. Here, visitors can learn more about the sustainable environmental conservation of giraffes and even get up close via the feeding platform.

Parents and grandparents from Belfast are particularly keen to take their family away on a wildlife holiday (21% intend to do this).

Nearly a fifth (17%) of local parents specifically said they worry their children won’t get a chance to see endangered animals in their nature habitat, if they don’t organise a trip to make this happen.

Ali Holman, Africa Expert at Scott Dunn, added: “It’s amazing to see Brits placing so much value on seeing wildlife when choosing where to visit on holiday, and that they are willing to venture further afield to do so.

“Not only will this shift in travel behaviour help people to tick off once in a lifetime experiences, but it also supports wider conservation efforts, helping animals to thrive in the wild.” 

To find out more about Scott Dunn’s latest Travel Trends Report visit: https://www.scottdunn.com/inspiration/travel-trends/reports/2024/autumn  