Nature has a unique way of filling our souls with peace, wonder, and adventure. If you find tranquility in the rustling of leaves, feel awe in a sweeping landscape, or marvel at the creativity and beauty of the natural world around us, this post is for you.
If you, like us, are drawn to the call of the wild, certain destinations offer profound and unforgettable experiences.
We have had the amazing fortune of visiting six of these natural wonderlands ourselves, and the seventh has been at the top of our mile-long list of dream destinations for almost 20 years. Masu. You’ll get there eventually!
7 vacation destinations for nature lovers
We hope you will check out all these places for yourself. Until then, here are the top 7 destinations that every nature lover should experience.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
For an unforgettable safari experience, visit Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Famous for the annual migration of more than 2 million wildebeest and zebras, the Serengeti offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa.
Here you can see the drama of predator and prey as it is. Accommodations range from luxury lodges to mobile camps, allowing visitors to stay in the heart of nature.
This is the only destination for nature lovers that we haven’t marked on our bucket list yet, but we hope to do so sooner rather than later. Waking up to the sounds of the Serengeti while camping is only enhanced if you see giraffes or elephants from your tent. This is common. Thinking of heading there yourself?you will probably need tanzania visa And a reputable guide.
banff national park, canada
Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a nature lover’s paradise. Home to surreal turquoise lakes such as world-famous Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, towering mountains, and diverse wildlife, Banff offers an unparalleled mountain vacation. Hiking enthusiasts can explore trails such as the Plains of Six Glaciers or take a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway.
In the summer, you can canoe on the turquoise waters of Lake Louise, or if you prefer a more tranquil setting, hike to Consolation Lakes for unforgettable views. There are hikes and trails throughout the park, plenty of backcountry opportunities, and a few hot springs to enjoy after a long day on the trails.
In winter, the entire park is transformed into a snowy wonderland, offering some of the best skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing in the world. What’s even better for us is that it’s only a few hours away from home and only an hour from Calgary when we lived there.
Amazon rainforest, South America
Spanning nine countries in South America, the Amazon rainforest is the world’s largest and most biodiverse rainforest. It is the living, breathing center of the earth, home to millions of species of plants and animals.
Adventure seekers can explore the jungle, see exotic wildlife and immerse themselves in the unique culture of indigenous peoples on guided tours. Amazon is more than just a destination. It is an experience that resonates with the fundamental essence of nature.
The time we spent in the Amazon included lots of hiking and exploring. At La Selva Eco Lodge we were able to see all five species of monkeys, thousands of macaws, and more than a few sloths and snakes. One morning we went fishing for piranhas and in the afternoon we went swimming with them. We learned how the indigenous people live and had the opportunity to canoe through stunning scenery. It was an unforgettable experience to say the least.
great barrier reef, australia
The world’s largest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef is a kaleidoscope of marine life and vibrant corals. Located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, it is a dream destination for divers and snorkelers. Coral reefs are home to an incredible variety of marine life, including turtles, sharks, and countless fish and corals. You can also explore the beautiful Whitsunday Islands and quaint coastal towns along the reef.
We spent months traveling the west coast of Australia and the land below is truly dotted with hidden natural gems. We have dived the Great Barrier Reef twice and still regret not going on a multi-day dive trip to go into more unexplored zones.
If you’re looking for underwater adventure, it’s hard to beat this part of Australia. I still consider the Whitsundays to be one of the most beautiful islands I have ever sailed to.
Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park is a spectacular place of fjords, rugged mountains, and lush rainforest. It is part of the larger UNESCO World Heritage Site Te Wahiponamu.
Nature lovers can explore the famous Milford Sound, take a boat ride to admire majestic waterfalls, or hike the famous Milford Track, Routeburn Track, and Kepler Track. Fiordland is a testament to its raw, unspoiled natural beauty and how close to civilization can be a rugged place.
We had a great time in this part of New Zealand’s South Island and I have to say it’s a beautiful piece of land. We went hiking, kayaking, and even took a cruise to a waterfall in Milford Sound. It was an amazing adventure. I’m glad I had the opportunity to see this part of New Zealand for myself.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands, located approximately 1,000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador, are a group of volcanic islands famous for their vast number of endemic species. These islands played an important role in Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, and their isolation led to the development of unique wildlife found nowhere else in the world.
The local fauna includes Galapagos giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and flightless cormorants, as well as large numbers of sea lions, sea turtles, blue-footed boobies, and even our own penguins.
The 18 main islands boast diverse ecosystems, ranging from barren lava beds to lush highlands. This diversity allows for a variety of activities, including hiking to the summit of Sierra Negra Volcano, snorkeling in the clear waters of Devil’s Crown, and exploring the mangroves in a kayak.
We spent three weeks in the Galapagos, including day trips from Isabela Island, and I don’t regret a minute of our time there. There seemed to be something everywhere you turned, from beautiful beaches to coves of water that formed lava tunnels that were home to sea turtles. Each of the three main islands has a very different feel, so I had the most fun snorkeling, relaxing on the beach, and looking for giant tortoises.
Sumatra, Indonesia
The world’s sixth largest island, Sumatra is known for its rugged tropical terrain, rich biodiversity, and vibrant culture. Considered by many to be Indonesia’s last unexplored frontier, this place is a perfect combination of adventure and untouched natural beauty.
The Sumatra rainforest is one of the most biologically diverse habitats on Earth. The Leuser Ecosystem and Kerinci His Seblat National Park are famous for being home to the endangered Sumatran tiger, elephant, and rhinoceros.
The most famous habitat is probably the Sumatran orangutan. Sumatran orangutans live primarily in the northern part of the island, the only place outside of Borneo where these soulful creatures still exist.
Mount Kerinci, Indonesia’s highest volcano, offers challenging treks and panoramic views. It is also home to Lake Toba, a huge volcanic lake, the largest in Southeast Asia, and a great place to swim in its deep, clear water. The southern part of Sumatra, centered around the town of Krui, is home to a long winding coastline with world-class surfing and some of the best surf breaks anywhere in the world.
To be honest, we never thought of visiting Sumatra until five Danes we met while traveling through South Asia convinced us to hop on a ferry and go there ourselves. It was. From the ferry ride itself, to hiking around Bukittinggi, seeing orangutans in the wild, and relaxing on the shores of Lake Toba with the locals, those three weeks were some of the most memorable we’ve ever encountered. I’m glad I was part of the trip and had the opportunity to see Sumatra. ourselves.
What makes these destinations special?
Each of these destinations offers something unique for nature lovers. Its diversity is astonishing, from the tranquil lakes and mountains of Banff to the vibrant underwater world of Great Barrier Reef.
The Amazon and Serengeti offer up close encounters with wildlife in their natural habitats, while Fiordland showcases the serene beauty of New Zealand’s landscapes. The Galapagos is unique in its own uniqueness, and Sumatra offers a glimpse into the past and a reminder to never underestimate the world’s natural wonders and the animals that call it home.
Tips for responsible travel
It’s important to travel responsibly when visiting these natural wonders. Always respect wildlife and their habitat, stick to designated trails, and follow Leave No Trace principles. Choose eco-friendly accommodations and travel companies that help preserve these areas. Remember that our actions can have a huge impact on preserving these natural wonders for future generations.
For those seeking a connection to the natural world, these seven destinations offer experiences that go beyond mere tourism. They offer an opportunity to connect with the Earth in its purest form, witness the wonders of the natural world and be reminded of the incredible beauty that our planet has.
Pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and set out on a journey that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.
