Train travel offers an incredible way to explore the natural world. With panoramic windows and comfortable seating, trains provide a front-row view of some of the planet’s most stunning wildlife. From the African savannah to the rainforests of Central America, rail routes offer unique opportunities for spotting rare and exotic animals in their natural habitats. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply love the idea of combining nature and travel, here are some of the top rail routes for wildlife viewing.
The Rocky Mountaineer (Canada)
The Rocky Mountaineer is one of the most luxurious and scenic train journeys in the world. This route takes you through the majestic Canadian Rockies, where wildlife sightings are abundant. With panoramic windows and top-tier service, you can relax and enjoy the stunning vistas while keeping an eye out for wildlife.
Wildlife to Spot:
- Bears: Both black bears and grizzly bears are commonly seen along the route.
- Elk: Large herds of elk roam through the valleys.
- Mountain Goats: Known for scaling rocky cliffs, mountain goats are often spotted along the high-altitude sections.
- Bald Eagles: Look out for these majestic birds soaring over lakes and forests.
Best Time to Visit:
Summer (June to September) is the best time for wildlife spotting, though bears and other animals can also be seen in the spring and fall.
The Jungle Train (Sri Lanka)
Sri Lanka’s Jungle Train offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore the lush, tropical landscapes of this island nation. Traveling from Colombo to the Cultural Triangle or the hill country, this route takes you through dense forests, tea plantations, and along winding rivers—prime territory for spotting exotic wildlife.
Wildlife to Spot:
- Leopards: Sri Lanka’s famed Yala National Park is one of the best places to spot these elusive big cats.
- Elephants: Wild elephants are often seen near the parks and reserves along the route.
- Birds: Sri Lanka is home to hundreds of endemic bird species, including the Sri Lanka blue magpie and the Ceylon junglefowl.
- Monkeys: Watch for playful purple-faced langurs and toque macaques.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season from December to April, when animals are more likely to gather around water sources.
The Blue Train (South Africa)
The Blue Train offers an exclusive and luxurious journey between Pretoria and Cape Town in South Africa. This iconic train ride takes you through diverse landscapes, from arid deserts to lush grasslands, providing plenty of opportunities to view African wildlife in their natural environment.
Wildlife to Spot:
- Big Five: The route passes through areas where you can see the famous Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros), particularly in the Kruger National Park.
- Zebras and Giraffes: Plains full of zebras, giraffes, and wildebeests are common sights along the way.
Best Time to Visit:
The best months for wildlife viewing are April to October, when it’s easier to spot animals due to the drier weather and more open landscapes.
The Tazara Railway (Tanzania to Zambia)
The Tazara Railway runs from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia, offering a unique opportunity to see the heart of Africa’s wilderness. The route travels through Selous Game Reserve and skirts the Lusaka Plateau, both teeming with wildlife.
Wildlife to Spot:
- African Elephants: The train passes near Selous, one of the largest game reserves in Africa, where you can see large herds of elephants.
- Hippos: Watch for hippos lounging in rivers or lakes along the way.
- Birds: The route is also famous for birdwatching, with species like African fish eagles and hornbills.
Best Time to Visit:
The dry season from June to October is ideal for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around waterholes and rivers.
Conclusion
Train journeys offer a fantastic way to experience the natural world while enjoying the comfort of travel. Whether you’re exploring Africa’s savannahs, the Swiss Alps, or the Australian Outback, these rail routes provide a unique perspective on wildlife, all from the comfort of your seat. The combination of scenic landscapes, wildlife spotting, and the leisurely pace of train travel makes these trips an unforgettable way to connect with nature.
