Are you the type of person who feels a weight lifted off your shoulders when out on a forest walk? Or are you the type of person to pull the car over to capture a beautiful sunset? Or are you the type of person who loves animals so much you feel like you could take everyone home that you see? Yes? You’re in luck. There are tons of destinations for anyone who loves diverse wildlife, scenery, and a splash of adventure. Below, we’ll explore some of the most incredible destinations for nature and diverse landscapes.
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Kruger National Park is one of the most famous safari parks worldwide. The national park spans 19,485 km², making it one of the largest national parks in Africa, let alone South Africa. It’s also a spot renowned for being filled with the ‘Big 5’ – every safari-goers dream. The big five refers to lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos. You can also find vultures, giraffes, and many more that make it the best South Africa safari.
Don’t be fooled into thinking it’s only vast open plains and intense African sun. Kruger National Park has mountains, forests, and all-important bush plains. Safaris will see you explore the various landscapes to provide you with the best chance to experience all the wildlife that this captivating part of the world has to offer.
When you’ve finished exploring, wind down in some of the most luxurious safari lodges in Africa that will put you on the doorstep of the outstanding conservation areas. The Kruger National Park lodges are nearly always kitted out with butler service, mosquito-protected beds, and views spanning miles across the bush plains.
Queensland, Australia
Australia is currently one of the most sought-after destinations for travellers. It has everything you could wish for. Stunning and somewhat endless coastlines, an abundance of wildlife including plenty of snakes and spiders, and outback terrain not for the fainthearted, Australia truly has it all.
Queensland has everything listed above, including the infamous outback. Queensland’s outback is actually one of the most vast and bountiful in terms of wildlife. But it isn’t the sort of place to explore alone. Tons of guides will take you on a tour of the unforgiving outback. What you can do without a guide is the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Four Mile Beach, Airlie Beach Lagoon, Tamborine Mountain, and the Cairns Botanic Gardens. Don’t forget the iconic Great Barrier Reef, which is just off the coast of Queensland.
Top tip, look at AirBnB’s for your stay – you can get some absolutely stunning beachfront AirBnB’s that’ll take your breath away and put you in the heart of the Queensland action for less.
Banff National Park, Canada
You might have looked at pictures of Banff national park on social media. One iconic photo captures the pure blue waters of Moraine Lake that are surrounded by tall, often snowy, mountains that’ll take your breath away. To experience that in person is a completely unique experience. The stillness, calmness, and serenity of the still waters and the prowess of the mountain that surrounds it are unmatched.
There are many national parks in Canada, but Banff should be at the top of your list of places to visit. Interesting fact, the town of Banff was actually designed to be a traveller’s dream. The picturesque views are simply the icing on top of the cake. Beneath that, you have rooftop bars overlooking the mountains, quaint cafes and shops, art galleries, and top-level restaurants. You might even occasionally see a deer strolling through town.
Kyoto, Japan
Japan is on many people’s wish-list of places to visit – but it’s often the hustle and bustle of Tokyo that features on people’s hit lists. Kyoto is where it’s happening. The former capital of Japan is known for being the quieter side, and Tokyo is known for the hustle and bustle. You can get to Kyoto by going to the Kansai region on the island of Honshu.
Once on the island, you’ll realise it’s a haven full of natural beauty, wildlife, and religion. Many of Japan’s classic Buddhist temples are located in Kyoto. The best time of the year to travel to Kyoto is during spring when the beautiful pink blossom trees flourish. A Nara day trip is a must during spring, as are trips to the monkey park in Iwatayama and Arashiyama. Arashiyama is a traditional town on the Oi River filled with natural beauty.
There are tons of locations on this earth with diverse wildlife and scenery. From the snow-capped mountains of France to the bush plains of Africa, we’re lucky to live in a world with an abundance of natural beauty and wildlife to go with it. What destination is on your bucket list?
