Species lists for national parks rarely match up with what you can realistically observe. I aim to give you a simple overview of what I saw, how well I saw it, and what other species are commonly reported from each park.

Every national park has something to offer, so I will also sum up the (completely subjective) positives and negatives of each park, include a gallery of my photos from the park, and list some simple information about prices, accommodation options, and how to get there.

Sightings are broken down by category:

Excellent Sighting - An extended view of a species possible without binoculars or a high-powered zoom camera. Great photos possible.

Good Sighting - A good view of a species when using binoculars or a long-lens camera. Good to great photos possible.

Sighting - A few seconds of a species. Either partly obscured or only a fleeting view. Photos possible if you’re quick enough!

Technically Seen - Species identified based on experience/knowledge but with very poor, very brief views. Photo impossible.

Not Observed But “Common” - Species I did not see but are often reported by other visitors to the park.

Dream Wildlife Listed For Park - These are the species you’ll see listed online. Think Clouded Leopards and other incredibly rare or difficult-to-see species.

For parks I’ve visited many times I’ll substitute the “Not Observed But Common” and “Technically Seen” categories for “Rare Sightings Over Many Visits”. These are some of the species I have viewed in that park (sometimes very well), but seem unlikely on a two or three-day visit. Bear that in mind before getting too excited about what you might see!

Disclaimer: Seeing wildlife depends on a host of factors, nothing is guaranteed and luck plays a major role. Sometimes I get excellent sightings of very rare wildlife, for these observations, I will mark them in BOLD to indicate a sighting should not be expected. Wear green, stay quiet, and listen for sounds to have the best chance of seeing wildlife in any park.