That Yellowstone National Park is an extraordinary marvel of nature is no secret. Besides being a geothermal wonderland, it is also widely considered to be the greatest megafauna wildlife habitat anywhere in the lower 48. See here for more reasons why to visit Yellowstone National Park.

Boasting almost 60 species of mammals roaming the park, it is just made for a North American safari. Some of the most notable mammals are cougars, black bears, grizzly bears, bison, elk, moose, mountain goats, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, Canadian lynx, and the Rocky Mountain wolf.

What To Expect On A Safari

The are multiple wildlife tours available in this bio hotspot. If one is planning to take a wildlife tour, it is recommended to schedule it for the first day in the park. In this way, the guides can point out many useful insights, things to know about the park, and tips for touring around the park by themselves afterward.

These guided tours and safaris are great ways to see the bears, wolves, and many other animals that call this park home. As Yellowstone is the greatest wildlife display in the lower 48, one will not help but be impressed. See the animals in their pristine and natural habitat without disturbing them.

Incline one's ear and hear the wolves howling, bison snorting, elk bugling, birds singing, others squawking, while seeing a bald eagle screech overhead. It is important to keep in mind that the season affects different species differently.

Below are three example safari and animal watching options from three wildlife-guided tour companies in the Yellowstone National Park. These are just examples and there are many more options for those eager to see the stunning wildlife Yellowstone has on offer - including Bush Buck Wildlife Tours.

Related: This Is What To See In Yellowstone If You Only Have One Weekend

Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris

One of the main wildlife tours they offer is their Yellowstone Wildlife Safari Tour. Besides wildlife, they also delve into the geology and natural history of Yellowstone National Park. They start the day's tour traveling through the Grand Teton National Park and travel around Yellowstone's lower loop. See the Old Faithful (see here for the fascinating story of the geyser Old Faithful), Fountain Paint Pots, Mud Volcano, and much more. The exact route varies depending on the wildlife, the interests of the specific tour group, and road conditions.

  • Season: May to October
  • Group Size: Max 8
  • Duration: 10-12 Hours
  • Included: Hotel Pickup, Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch
  • Not Included: National Park Entrance Fees
  • Cost: $305.00 Per Guest (Two People Minimum)
  • Private: $1,400 For 1-4 Guests

Yellowstone Wildlife Tours

Yellowstone Wildlife Tours is a company that offers their bear and wolf watching tour with a private guide. They claim that Yellowstone is in fact the best place on earth to see wild wolves (and they specialize in wolves in particular). These are educational experiences with the experienced naturalists explaining all about the national park, its wildlife, ecology, and wolves.

Their guides track the movements of the wildlife almost daily and so they are well informed about where the wildlife is and how to see them. Watch foraging grizzlies, observe the behavioral dynamics of the wolf packs, and spot numerous other species within the park. They also offer their Yellowstone Family Tour for those with children.

  • Duration: 8 Hours
  • Note: Full Customizable
  • Cost: First Person $600, Second Person $100, Thereafter $50 Per Person
  • Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Yellowstone Guidelines

Yellowstone Guidelines' Yellowstone Wildlife Tour and Guided Safari enable one to see bears, wolves, and other animals within the park. Like many other wildlife tours, this tour starts the day early to take advantage of the animals being active in the morning (it is the best time to see bears and wolves). This tour focuses on the wildlife hotspots within the park-like Lamar Valley, Hayden Valley, and Slough Creek, etc. The specific area they focus on depends on lodging and the season.

  • Cost: $650 Per Day for 1 to 2 People ($700 for 3-4 People, Then Add $75 Thereafter)
  • Includes: Hotel Pickup, Lunch (Does Not Include Entrance Fee)

Related: Yellowstone Is Gaining Popularity, And Here's What Not To Do During Your Visit

When To Go Wildlife Watching

There isn't a bad time to go wildlife watching. In the winter it is easier to see the wolves, but the bears are hibernating. In the winter the migratory birds have gone, but in the summer the bears can move up the mountains. In the spring one can see the cubs and calves while in the autumn elk and bison are in the rut. What season to go really depends on which animals one wants to see and what behavior one would like to see them exhibiting.

But the best time of day to see the animals is in the early morning and in the evening when they are the most active.

Next: Most-Visited & The Least-Visited National Parks: Great Smokey Mountains Vs. Gates Of The Arctic