If you're tired of only seeing animals in a zoo enclosure, then book a stay at one of these 10 hotels and resorts where the wildlife dwells just outside your room.
Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya
Have breakfast with a giraffe — Photo courtesy of Giraffe Manor
Located on a 140-acre wildlife sanctuary just outside of Nairobi, Kenya, you'll find a 1930s mansion where you might have some unusual guests join you for breakfast: giraffes. Eight resident Rothschild giraffes typically swing by in the morning to literally poke their heads in for a quick snack.
Animal Kingdom Lodge in Orlando, FL
A slice of Africa in Orlando — Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort
For an African safari experience a bit closer to home, stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge in Orlando. While these animals are technically in captivity, the folks at Walt Disney World Resort have gone through great lengths to recreate the natural habitat of the African savannah, and you can spot some 200 animals right from your balcony.
Atlantis The Palm in Dubai, UAE
Underwater suite at the Atlantis — Photo courtesy of Atlantis The Palm, Dubai
If you're willing to fork over the dough for one of the two underwater suites at the Atlantis The Palm in Dubai, you'll have the unique experience of watching the 65,000 marine inhabitants of the hotel's Ambassador Lagoon as you shower, brush your teeth and drift off to sleep at night.
Tree House Lodge in Limón, Costa Rica
Stay in the rainforest canopy — Photo courtesy of Costa Rica Tree House Lodge
The best way to ensure wildlife sightings in the Costa Rican rainforest is to stay right up in the canopy, and the Tree House Lodge lets you do just that. Parrots, monkeys, sloths and tree frogs are all frequent guests of the surrounding trees.
Hayman on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The Great Barrier Reef at your doorstep — Photo courtesy of Hayman
The Great Barrier Reef is perhaps the most spectacular place on earth for marine wildlife viewing, and the rooms at Hayman – a private island resort – put you just steps away from the 1,500 species of fish and 400 species of coral who call the reef home.
Ariau Amazon Towers Hotel in Manaus, Brazil
Hang out with the monkeys in the Brazilian rainforest — Photo courtesy of C. Sanches/Div/Globalstar
More than 6 miles of catwalks some 70 feet above the ground connect the rooms and common areas of the Ariau Amazon Towers Hotel, allowing guests to explore the Amazonian rainforest without disturbing the ecosystem. Keep your eyes peeling for monkeys, macaws, sloths, butterflies and parrots.
Iguana Crossing on Isabela Island, Galapagos
Galapagos marine iguanas — Photo courtesy of Lydia Schrandt
The Galapagos Islands contain one of the most fascinating and pristine ecosystems on the planet, and while most visitors choose to enjoy the wildlife by boat, it's possible to catch some Zs alongside marine and land iguanas at Iguana Crossing on Isabela Island.
Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, Australia
Wild Australia just outside the door — Photo courtesy of Southern Ocean Lodge
Known as the Galapagos of Australia, Kangaroo Island is home to a wealth of wildlife, including Tammar Wallabies, sea lions, fur seals, echidnas, wild koalas and, of course, kangaroos. At the Southern Ocean Lodge, daily guided excursions are included in the price of your stay, so you're sure to spot plenty of wildlife.
Eagle Island Camp in Botswana
Spot elephants from your private terrace — Photo courtesy of Philip Schedler - Eagle Island Camp
When you stay at the luxurous Eagle Island Camp, located on the remote Xaxaba island in Botswana, you'll have ample opportunities to spot big game and wild birds from your terrace or even in the swimming pool. Elephants are known to wander by, and it's possible to spot many of the 400 species of birds who frequent the delta.
Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort in Borneo, Malaysia
See some endangered primates in Malaysia — Photo courtesy of Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort
The wilderness of Borneo is home to the iconic and endangered orangutan. From the Rasa Ria Resort in Kota Kinabalu, you can easily encounter these beautiful animals just outside the resort, both in the nature reserve and at the rehabilitation center for orphaned and injured orangutans.
