Sir David Attenborough, the beloved broadcaster and natural historian, celebrates his 100th birthday today, marking a century of transforming public attitudes towards the natural world. From Machiavellian chimps to heart-wrenching scenes of a pilot whale clinging to her dead calf, his documentaries have captivated audiences worldwide. Here are 15 destinations that showcase the marvels observed throughout his lifetime.
Sierra Leone: Rare Birds
In 1954, a 28-year-old Attenborough ventured to Sierra Leone's Gola Rainforest to film the white-necked rockfowl, a bird no European had seen alive in the wild. This expedition launched his career. Today, direct flights from Gatwick to Freetown make this avian paradise accessible.
Book a 10-night Sierra Leone Natural History Explorer tour from £3,425pp, including flights (rainbowtours.co.uk).
Madagascar: Lemurs and Oddities
Attenborough's prized possession is a giant elephant bird eggshell from Madagascar, acquired in 1960. The island's unique evolution produced dancing sifaka lemurs, wasps that pluck tadpoles from tree-nests, and a nano-chameleon the size of a match head.
Join a 14-day Madagascar tour led by wildlife presenter Mike Dilger from £8,995pp, excluding flights (wildlifeworldwide.com).
Fiji: Cultural Traditions
In 1960, Attenborough filmed firewalking and double-hulled boats on Beqa island. Today, the Damodar Arts Village showcases Fijian dances and crafts.
An 11-day stay at Royal Davui Resort and InterContinental Resort costs from £5,495pp (turquoiseholidays.co.uk).
Zambia: Wild Dogs
The 1965 Zambezi River expedition inspired later visits for the series Kingdom, focusing on leopards, wild dogs, lions, and hyenas in South Luangwa National Park. Stay at Olimba Camp and Nsefu Camp.
Six-night safaris from £5,533pp full-board, including flights (yellowzebrasafaris.com).
Australia: Cassowaries
Attenborough considers the Daintree Rainforest in Queensland the 'most extraordinary place on Earth.' Home to the prehistoric cassowary, a 60kg flightless bird with dagger-like claws.
A 13-day Birding in Queensland tour costs from £6,795, excluding flights (naturetrek.co.uk).
Uganda: Mountain Gorillas
Attenborough's 1979 encounter with baby gorilla Pablo in Life on Earth remains iconic. Today, gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is possible.
A 15-day Wildlife of Western Uganda Safari, including gorilla tracking, from £4,299pp (yellowwoodadventures.com).
Galapagos Islands: High Drama
In 2016, Planet Earth II featured racer snakes chasing baby marine iguanas. Attenborough's narration electrified the scene. Visit Fernandina island to see marine iguanas.
A ten-day trip on the Archipel I catamaran from £4,875pp (explore.co.uk).
Papua New Guinea: Adventure
In 1971, Attenborough greeted the Biami tribe with 'Good afternoon!' In 2015, he filmed birds of paradise. Today, tours explore remote islands.
A nine-day trip from £3,425pp (reefandrainforest.co.uk).
Borneo: Bats and Orangutans
In 2014, Attenborough observed two million bats at Gomantong Caves. Orangutans at Sepilok Sanctuary are also a highlight.
A ten-day Classic Borneo tour from £2,144pp (intrepidtravel.com).
Antarctica: Elephant Seals
The RRS Sir David Attenborough research ship continues his legacy. Male bull elephant seals joust on South Georgia.
A 22-day Springtime in South Georgia, Falklands and Antarctica voyage from £13,179 (swoop-antarctica.com).
Chile: Pumas
Patagonian puma Rupestre starred in Dynasties II. Torres del Paine National Park offers guided conservation tours.
A 14-day Chilean Patagonia self-drive itinerary from £6,300pp (pura-aventura.com).
Dorset: Dinosaurs
Attenborough's childhood passion for fossils led to the 2024 documentary Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster. The 150-million-year-old pliosaur skull is at The Etches Collection in Kimmeridge.
Doubles at The Pig on the Beach from £235 B&B (thepighotel.com).
Pembrokeshire: Puffins
Wild Isles featured Attenborough on Skomer Island with 40,000 puffins. Numbers have risen to 52,000. Visit between April and July.
Snorkelling experiences from £127pp (celticdeep.org).
Scotland: Capercaillie
The western capercaillie, the world's largest grouse, bowled Attenborough over. Find them in Cairngorms National Park.
A five-night Rewilding Journey in the Cairngorms from £1,952pp (wildernessscotland.com).
Costa Rica: Sloths
Attenborough described three-toed sloths as 'mobile compost heaps.' Also spot green sea turtles in Tortuguero.
A 14-night trip from £3,650pp for a family of four (stubbornmuletravel.com).
Mexico: Blue Whales
In the Sea of Cortez, Attenborough was dwarfed by a blue whale. From February to March, 400 blue whales visit Baja California.
An 11-day Baja's Ultimate Whale Safari from £8,195pp (naturalist.co.uk).
