For many travellers, the highlight of a road trip isn't the destination, it's the wildlife you encounter along the way.

Imagine spotting bears fishing for salmon in Canada, watching kangaroos bound across the Australian Outback, seeing whales breach off the coast of New Zealand, or waking up to flamingos feeding on a Chilean salt flat.

Unlike guided tours, a road trip gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace, linger at wildlife hotspots, and take scenic detours whenever nature calls.

Better still, many of these unforgettable journeys can be surprisingly affordable with Imoova campervan relocations, where you can drive rental vehicles from just $1 per day across multiple continents.

Here are some of the world's most spectacular road trips for wildlife lovers.

1. Icefields Parkway, Canada

Few roads combine jaw-dropping scenery and abundant wildlife like the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper. Around almost every bend, there's the chance to spot some of Canada's most iconic animals.

Wildlife you might see

• Black bears

• Grizzly bears

• Elk

• Moose

• Bighorn sheep

• Mountain goats

• Wolves (rare)

• Bald eagles

The best viewing times are early morning and around sunset when many animals are most active.

2. Patagonia, Chile

Southern Chile offers some of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth and incredible wildlife to match.

Driving through Patagonia takes you past glaciers, turquoise lakes and towering mountains while offering chances to spot unique South American species.

Wildlife highlights

• Guanacos

• Andean condors

• Flamingos

• Rheas

• South American foxes

• Pumas (rare)

Further north around the Atacama region, you'll also find vicuñas and flamingos gathered around colourful salt lagoons.

Travel with Imoova

Imoova regularly features relocation routes throughout Chile, making it possible to explore Patagonia or northern Chile for a fraction of the usual campervan hire cost.

3. Australia's Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is famous for the Twelve Apostles, but it's equally impressive for its wildlife.

Koalas can often be seen sleeping in eucalyptus trees just metres from the roadside.

Wildlife

• Koalas

• Kangaroos

• Echidnas

• Cockatoos

• Crimson rosellas

• Southern right whales (winter)

The nearby forests and beaches create an incredible variety of habitats within a relatively short drive.

4. South Africa's Garden Route

South Africa's Garden Route is one of the few places where you can combine beaches, forests and safari experiences in a single road trip.

Wildlife

• Elephants

• Zebras

• Buffalo

• Ostriches

• Whales

• Dolphins

• Seals

• Penguins

Nearby game reserves such as Addo Elephant National Park make unforgettable detours.

5. Yellowstone National Park, USA

Yellowstone is one of the world's greatest wildlife destinations.

Its extensive road network allows visitors to explore huge areas while regularly encountering wild animals.

Wildlife

• Bison

• Wolves

• Grizzly bears

• Black bears

• Elk

• Moose

• Coyotes

Remember to always remain inside your vehicle unless you're in designated viewing areas.

Travel with Imoova

Imoova regularly features relocation routes to and from Bozeman, a short distance from Yellowstone.

6. Norway's Atlantic Road and Lofoten Islands

Norway isn't just about spectacular fjords. Its coastline is one of Europe's best places for marine wildlife.

Wildlife

• Sea eagles

• Puffins

• Orcas

• Humpback whales

• Otters

• Reindeer

If travelling during winter, you might even experience the Northern Lights after a day of wildlife watching.

Travel with Imoova

Selected Norway relocations through Imoova offer an affordable way to explore some of Europe's most scenic coastal drives.

7. New Zealand's South Island

New Zealand's South Island combines mountains, rainforests and rugged coastlines, creating habitats for an incredible range of wildlife.

Wildlife

• Fur seals

• Yellow-eyed penguins

• Albatross

• Dolphins

• Kea parrots

• Hector's dolphins

The Kaikōura coastline is world-famous for whale watching, while the Otago Peninsula is a haven for birdlife.

8. Namibia's Skeleton Coast

If you love remote adventures, Namibia delivers unforgettable wildlife experiences.

Wildlife

• Desert elephants

• Cape fur seals

• Jackals

• Oryx

• Springbok

• Brown hyenas

The Skeleton Coast is unlike anywhere else, where vast sand dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean.

9. Scotland's North Coast 500

Scotland's famous NC500 offers incredible scenery alongside surprisingly diverse wildlife.

Wildlife

• Red deer

• Highland cattle

• Golden eagles

• Dolphins

• Puffins

• Seals

• Otters

Take your time along the coastline, you never know what might appear offshore.

10. Costa Rica's Pacific Coast

Costa Rica may be small, but it's one of the world's richest countries for biodiversity.

Wildlife

• Sloths

• Monkeys

• Scarlet macaws

• Toucans

• Iguanas

• Sea turtles

National parks such as Manuel Antonio make easy stops along a road trip.

11. Iceland's Ring Road

Although Iceland has relatively few land mammals, its coastline is bursting with wildlife.

Wildlife

• Puffins

• Arctic foxes

• Seals

• Reindeer (East Iceland)

• Humpback whales

• Orcas

Summer is particularly rewarding for birdwatchers.

12. Alaska's Seward Highway

One of America's greatest scenic drives also delivers exceptional wildlife viewing.

Wildlife

• Brown bears

• Moose

• Dall sheep

• Bald eagles

• Beluga whales

• Sea otters

The route between Anchorage and Seward offers countless opportunities to stop and admire both the scenery and the wildlife. Imoova often have relocations going to and from Anchorage, making this bucket list trip possible on a budget.

Tips for Responsible Wildlife Watching

Seeing wild animals is a privilege, and it's important to protect them and their habitats.

Follow these simple guidelines:

• Keep a safe distance from all wildlife.

• Never feed wild animals.

• Stay inside your vehicle where required.

• Use binoculars or a zoom lens instead of approaching.

• Stick to marked roads and tracks.

• Be patient, wildlife sightings often reward those who wait quietly.

Save Money with Imoova

Many of the world's greatest wildlife destinations are also popular campervan locations. With Imoova campervan relocations, you can drive rental vehicles from just $1 per day while helping rental companies move vehicles between locations.

Relocations are regularly available across destinations including:

• Australia

• New Zealand

• Canada

• USA

• Chile

• Japan

• Much of Europe

Depending on the relocation, fuel, ferry crossings or other travel expenses may also be reimbursed, making it one of the most affordable ways to experience unforgettable wildlife encounters.

You can find all Imoova listings here.