Happy International Cat Day (officially 8th August but we won't worry about that!) While we celebrate our adorable domestic cats, it's also a perfect time to shine a spotlight on their wild relatives. From Romania to Patagonia, there are some truly spectacular places where you can witness big cats in their natural habitats. Here's our top five...

Ranthambore National Park, nestled in the heart of Rajasthan, India, is one of the world’s greatest destinations for spotting the majestic Bengal tiger. Spanning 1,334 square kilometres, this renowned park is home to a thriving tiger population, offering visitors an unforgettable chance to witness these magnificent predators in their natural habitat. Our very own Dace had the incredible experience of spotting a tiger here just earlier this year—truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment!

How to spot one?

We offer three holidays that include visits to this incredible park, with Dace’s adventure being part of our Heritage Trails of Rajasthan tour.

Spotting a snow leopard in the Himalayas is a bucket list experience for any wildlife enthusiast! These elusive and endangered big cats, perfectly adapted to the rugged, high-altitude regions of the Himalayas, are masters of camouflage. Their white-grey coats blend seamlessly into the snow and rocky terrain, making them notoriously difficult to track down—so when you finally do, it’s an incredibly special and unforgettable moment.

How to spot one?

Embark on our Shey Gompa and Inner Dolpo adventure, which takes you deep into the region of Inner Dolpo. This area was famously visited in 1973 by Peter Matthiessen, who accompanied renowned biologist George Schaller during his study of the elusive snow leopard. Follow in their footsteps for a chance to catch a glimpse of this majestic big cat.

The Carpathian Mountains, with their dense forests and remote, rugged terrain, are a sanctuary for lynx, making them one of the best places in the world to spot these elusive felines in the wild. The lynx’s solitary and secretive nature, combined with its incredible ability to blend into its surroundings, makes spotting one a rare and thrilling experience!

How to Spot One?

Join our Rural Romania and Backroads of Bulgaria adventure to explore Piatra Craiului National Park, a stunningly biodiverse area that’s home to one of Romania’s richest collections of flora and fauna. In addition to lynx, this beautiful park is home to wolves, brown bears, chamois, wild boars, red and roe deer, red squirrels, woodpeckers and owls.

This rugged and remote region of southern Chile and Argentina is renowned for its dramatic landscapes of jagged peaks, turquoise lakes and stunning sprawling grasslands. If this wasn't alluring enough, Patagonia also offers a rare and exhilarating chance to see these elusive big cats in their natural habitat.

How to spot one?

Embark on one of the world's most iconic treks: the classic 'O Trek'. This challenging route winds through the UNESCO-protected Torres del Paine National Park, taking you on a full circumnavigation of the Paine massif. As you traverse these majestic landscapes, keep an eager eye out for the puma as it roams the park’s remote corners, blending into the rugged beauty that surrounds you.

No list of big cat destinations is complete without Southern Africa, where the thrill of searching for the Big Five—especially lions and leopards—is unmatched. The excitement and anticipation of spotting a lion pride or a stealthy leopard in the wild is an experience like no other, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Africa’s untamed wilderness.

How to spot one?

Our range of safari experiences is vast and varied! Discover the enchanting Okavango Delta, the verdant floodplains of Moremi Game Reserve, or the rugged terrain of Savuti and Chobe National Park. Each offers a unique opportunity to witness these majestic predators in their element. Explore our top safari adventures below to begin your journey into the heart of Africa’s big cat territory.

KE's safari expert, Andy, recently embarked on an epic Southern Africa journey where he was lucky enough to experience an array of big cat encounters! Read about his adventure in Botswana's wild side here.