BEST WILDLIFE HOTELS

For an early morning alarm call with a difference, book into Giraffe Manor. It’s not unusual for these four-legged creatures to poke their long necks through the window and try to pinch your breakfast. If you can eat your croissant faster than they do, you can always feed them later in the garden.

In the dunes of the Liwa desert you’ll find the mini oasis that is Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara. Sand gazelles and Arabian oryx roam across the landscape around the hotel. You have the chance to spy them and more when you join the rangers for Sunrise or Sunset Walks.

Abu Camp doesn’t just come with one elephant – it comes with a herd. During your stay you are able to become one of the herd and join the pachyderms as they wander through the bush and forage for breakfast. You can also take part in giving them a mud bath and helping the vet team with their tasks. The resort also comes with a viewing platform that the elephants like to hang out by.

Walk along the beach of the Shangri-La Rasa Ria to reach the resort’s own orangutan sanctuary. Baby orangutans who need some TLC come to this rescue centre before being released back into the wild. It’s a great way for kids to have their first wildlife experience as they can also join the ranger team as junior rangers.