The Best Locations for Animal Photography

1. The Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes, Netherlands

A tip from Dick van Duijn: "I live near the Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes myself. This is also where I started photographing wildlife. In the area you will find plenty of fallow deer and foxes.

You have to promise me you will visit at least once. I guarantee you will come home with something beautiful."

Find the Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes on Google Maps.

2. National Park De Biesbosch, Netherlands

If you enjoy bird spotting or want to photograph a kingfisher, the Biesbosch is the right place. Also to be found there: the beaver — around 300 of them, spread across the area.

Beavers can be recognised by their brown coat and flat tail. You will find them at the beginning or end of the day, near beaver lodges (stacked branches). Stay quiet and keep your distance.

Find National Park De Biesbosch on Google Maps.

3. Bird hide spots and the Dutch polders

A tip from Dick van Duijn: "In the Netherlands there are various public bird hides you can rent by the day. From these hides you can photograph birds and squirrels up close. On Vogelkijkhut you find all public bird hides in the Netherlands. On Fotohutfotografie you find hides available to hire."

Gustav Kiburg recommends the Dutch polders: "Excellent locations! You will find various birds including the kestrel, common buzzard, grey heron, ducks, and roe deer."

4. National Park De Hoge Veluwe, Netherlands

A tip from Dick van Duijn: "During the red deer rutting season (mid-September to mid-October) I sometimes visit National Park De Hoge Veluwe.

You will find many mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and insects. You can capture the large antlered stags and hinds from the Wildbaanweg with a zoom lens from 300mm. Note: arrive early, as many other photographers will be there during this period."

Find National Park De Hoge Veluwe on Google Maps.

5. National Park Zuid-Kennemerland, Netherlands

On the northern side of the park lies Midden-Herenduin estate, a quiet area where large animals are never far away. Scottish Highlanders, Shetland ponies and Konik horses keep the dune area from becoming overgrown.

The dune area also offers a great variety of insects such as dragonflies. For birds, visit the bird lake where you can find cormorants, little grebes, greylag geese, shelduck and reed buntings.

Find National Park Zuid-Kennemerland on Google Maps.

6. Onguma Safari Camps, Namibia

A tip from Jan-Joost Snijders: "Onguma is a private nature reserve in Namibia, bordering the better-known Etosha National Park. You will find four of the Big Five here (no buffalo).

From Onguma you can visit both Etosha and the private reserve. The guides are very knowledgeable. Onguma also has its own photo hide dug into the ground, allowing unique close-range wildlife shots."

Find Onguma Safari Camps on Google Maps.

7. Helgoland, Germany

A tip from Jan-Joost Snijders: "This is relatively close to home with lots of wildlife within walking distance. Helgoland is a small island north of Germany.

You will find Northern Gannets and seals here. The gannets, with their beautiful appearance, are a popular subject. Do not expect to be the only photographer on the island."

Find Helgoland on Google Maps.

8. Vancouver Island, Canada

A tip from Jan-Joost Snijders: "For photographing the bald eagle, Vancouver Island is the place to be. I have never seen so many eagles in one spot.

Since hunting was banned, numbers have become incredible. Vancouver Island also offers excellent opportunities for orcas, brown bears, sea otters and, if you are really lucky, wolves."

Find Vancouver Island on Google Maps.

9. The Deelerwoud, Netherlands

A tip from Peter van Wieringen: "The Deelerwoud, near Hoenderloo, is less well known than the rest of the Veluwe. A lot of wildlife can be found here, including red deer, wild boar, fallow deer, black woodpecker and pine marten.

Due to its relative obscurity it is quieter than other Veluwe spots. During the rutting season some areas are closed off."

Find the Deelerwoud on Google Maps.

10. The Bert Bospad, Netherlands

A tip from Peter van Wieringen: "The Bert Bospad is located in the peat meadow area near Westbroek. In this peat area you can photograph grass snakes, marsh grasshoppers, grey and purple herons, and dragonflies.

Particularly special is the population of bordered orb-weaver spiders, found in only two locations in the Netherlands."

Find the Bert Bospad on Google Maps.

11. Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria

A tip from Peter van Wieringen: "In Austria, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is highly recommended. Along this spectacular mountain pass it is possible to photograph alpine marmots and ibex at close range.

Your best chance is at the end of the Alpenstrasse near the car park."

Find the Grossglockner High Alpine Road on Google Maps.

12. Slangenbad, Germany

A tip from Peter van Wieringen: "In the German town of Slangenbad there is a wonderful population of Aesculapian snakes.

These large and harmless snakes can be beautifully photographed in the surrounding area. Slow worms are also common here."

Find Slangenbad on Google Maps.

13. Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa

A tip from Jan-Joost Snijders: "The lesser-known Pilanesberg, about 2 hours from Johannesburg, is relatively small and less crowded than Kruger Park. There are relatively many leopards here (my favourite animal) and you can explore the whole park in one day.

The local community shares lots of information and there is an eBook with the best photographic spots. Pilanesberg also has several hides overlooking waterholes."

Find Pilanesberg National Park on Google Maps.

14. Cairns Botanic Gardens, Australia

A tip from Marc-Peter Kooistra: "Cairns Botanic Gardens in Australia is easily accessible with a great variety of plants and huge biodiversity. Not for nothing is it known as a tropical paradise.

You can not only take amazing photos here, but also enjoy a beautiful walk in a stunning environment."

Find Cairns Botanic Gardens on Google Maps.

15. Kampina, nature reserve in Brabant, Netherlands

Kampina is Brabant as it once was. You can take wonderful photos there. You will find wet heathland with ponds, deciduous forests, fragrant bog myrtle, meadows and blue-grass grasslands.

You might even encounter a badger here — the species returned to the area in 2016.

Find Kampina on Google Maps.

16. Farne Islands, United Kingdom

Tip from Gustav Kiburg: "The Farne Islands — a group of small islands off the English coast. They are spectacular spots for puffins and other seabirds."

These islands are close and easy to reach by night ferry from IJmuiden or Rotterdam. Besides the natural beauty, there are also mysterious castles to see.

Find the Farne Islands on Google Maps.

17. Daintree Rainforest and River, Australia

Tip from Marc-Peter Kooistra: "Go to Daintree Rainforest and River in Australia. It is the oldest rainforest in the world. You can do wildlife cruises with Solar Whisper, the only solar-powered boat in Daintree National Park."

A natural wonder in northern Queensland, away from mass tourism. A real secret spot where more than half of all animal species in Australia live.

Find Daintree Rainforest and River on Google Maps.

18. Arenal, Costa Rica

Tip from Marc-Peter Kooistra: "Arenal Observatory Lodge has a real hummingbird garden. You can swim in a special drysuit between America and Europe."

From this eco-lodge you can capture amazing wildlife images. There are monkeys in the area, many bird species and raccoons.

Find Arenal on Google Maps.

19. Bay of Nicoya and Palo Verde National Park, Costa Rica

Tip from Marc-Peter Kooistra: "This National Park is superb. You will find many species of animals. La Ensenada Lodge arranges beautiful mangrove boat trips. You are surrounded by beautiful flowers and nature.

The owners of this lodge are very friendly and happy to share tips. Have a chat before heading out."

Find the Bay of Nicoya on Google Maps.

20. The Ude Forests and your own back garden!

Tip from Marloes van Antwerpen of Mieps the Guinea Pig: "First look at what nature is available near you. In my case it is the Ude Forests.

I usually take photos in my own back garden. It is wonderfully easy and you can create a kind of studio setting there. You do not have to keep moving your equipment."

My tip: remember that you do not always have to go far to take great wildlife photos.

Find the Ude Forests on Google Maps.