A seasonal guide to life in the wild

Richard Madden reveals when and where to see the world’s most alluring animals, from whales in Mexico to jaguars in Brazil

Few experiences stir the soul as much as a close encounter in the wild with one of the world’s great predators. It might be a grizzly bear fishing for salmon in the rivers of British Columbia, a jaguar stalking its prey across Brazil’s Pantanal wetland, or a tiger patrolling its territory in the Kipling country of northern India.

The problem, though, is managing expectation. Great wildlife sightings don’t happen every day and the exact timing of annual events, such as the wildebeest migration in Tanzania and Kenya, is ultimately down to the animals themselves.

We can, however, give ourselves the best possible chance of witnessing something special. This calendar draws on the experience of wildlife experts from around the world and matches each month of the year with the wildlife event, species or destination most likely to result in a never-to-be-forgotten encounter. Grumeti River into Kenya’s Maasai Mara beyond. Some of the best camps to be based in around this time include the tented Grumeti River Camp or even the super-luxurious Singita camps within the Grumeti reserves. A seven-day northern circuit fly-in safari staying at three different camps costs from £5,600 including all meals, park fees and internal flights but excluding international flights. Gamewatchers (07901 396513; porini.com)

July Whale sharks, Western Australia

Western Australia, and in particular Ningaloo Reef off Exmouth on the North West Cape, is one of the best places in the world to snorkel or dive with whale sharks, the world’s largest fish. The reef also attracts humpback whales, manta rays and loggerhead turtles between April and August. Despite being the most placid of creatures, a whale shark seen up close will take your breath away on account of its size – they can weigh more than nine tons and grow up to 40ft long . A 16-day diving package costs from £3,795 including return flights, transfers, b&b accommodation at a comfortable resort hotel and diving equipment. Dive Worldwide (01962 302087; diveworldwide.com)

August Grizzly bears, British Columbia, Canada

The sight of grizzly bears scooping salmon out of the Glendale River at Knight Inlet in British Columbia is unlikely to be forgotten. The pristine wilderness of Knight Inlet – a spectacular fjord carved by glaciers in British Columbia’s coastal mountains – is renowned for its excellent wildlife encounters both in the autumn and also in spring. A two-night Grizzly Bear Adventure at Knight Inlet costs from £844 including seaplane transfer from Vancouver, guides and meals but excluding international flights. Knight Inlet Lodge is an 18-room floating property anchored in Glendale Cove. Discover the World (01737 214250; discover-the-world.co.uk)

October Polar bears, Hudson Bay, Canada

As the great freeze begins again and the waters of Hudson Bay turn to ice at the start of winter, the Great Polar Bear Gathering convenes near Churchill, Manitoba, as the bears prepare to migrate north. Polar bears are the only creatures that view man as prey – but viewers here remain safe and warm inside big-wheeled tundra vehicles. A seven-day tailor-made polar bear tour costs from £6,200 including all flights and transfers, accommodation in a luxury lodge, Arctic clothing, excursions, and all meals. Audley Travel (01993 838700; audleytravel.com)

November