There are many amazing destinations for nature lovers all over the world. From pristine rain forests to awe-inspiring mountain ranges, these are some of the most beautiful and unspoiled places on earth.
1. The Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, and is home to a vast array of plant and animal species. It is one of the earth’s last refuges for jaguars, harpy eagles, and pink river dolphins, and is also home to sloths, black spider monkeys, and poison dart frogs.
It contains one in 10 known species on earth, 40,000 plant species, 3000 freshwater fish species, and more than 370 types of reptiles.
More than 60 per cent of the Amazon is located in Brazil, and the other main gateways are found in Peru and Ecuador. The gateway cities have many options for booking excursions, cruises and lodges.
Read: The world’s best wildlife trips
2. The Rocky Mountains
The Rocky Mountains are an expansive mountain range in North America, stretching from Canada to Mexico. The Rockies are home to vast forests, alpine lakes, and snow-capped peaks, and are a popular destination for hikers and mountain climbers.
Some of the most stunning topography in the continental United States can be found here, with altitudes of over 12,000 feet and several alpine lakes.
If you’re lucky, you may be able to spot moose, bears, elk, bighorn sheep, bobcats, mountain lions, deer, coyotes, marmots, pikas, and numerous birds. A trip to the Rocky Mountains is perfect for nature lovers or anyone simply looking to disconnect.
3. The Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti National Park is a vast wildlife reserve in Tanzania, home to lions, elephants, giraffes, spotted hyenas, leopards, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, giraffes, cheetahs, and baboons.
However, it is perhaps best known as the site of the annual Great Migration, when an estimated three million antelope – mostly wildebeest – migrate to Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve.
This has been hailed as one of the greatest spectacles in the natural world and is deeply moving to witness.
4. Kakadu National Park
In Australia’s largest national park, you’ll find rugged escarpments, lush rainforest and rock art galleries up to 20,000 years old. It is home to a vast array of wildlife, including crocodiles, wallabies and kangaroos, and is famous for its stunning wetlands and waterfalls.
The abundance of natural wonders in Kakadu can make it hard to believe it’s all real, especially witnessing the spectacular waterfalls sprinkled throughout the park.
Read: Uncover the ancient secrets of Kakadu
5. The Galapagos Islands
This group of volcanic islands off the coast of Ecuador should be on everyone’s wish list.
The Galapagos Islands are known for hosting a wide variety of wildlife that has evolved with little human contact or major predators for hundreds of years. This creates opportunities for observing the island’s beautiful animals in their natural habitat from a surprisingly close range.
A variety of rare animals, including giant tortoises and marine iguanas, call these islands home.
6. The Swiss Alps
The Swiss Alps are home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The Alps are a popular destination for hikers and skiers, and are famous for their picturesque villages and lakes.
If you want to cover as much ground as possible, check out the Glacier Express. This scenic train traverses the 291-kilometre-long (181 mile) journey through the centre of the Swiss Alps.
7. The rainforests of Borneo
Borneo’s tropical rainforests, swamps and mangroves provide habitats for an abundance of animals including elephants, sun bears, clouded leopards, proboscis monkeys, orangutans, and pangolins. There are also more than 400 species of bird, including hornbills and mountain serpent eagles.
At the ripe old age of 140 million years, the island’s forests are among the oldest in the world.
Read: Unexpected rainforest experiences in North Queensland
8. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is a vast wilderness area in Alaska, home to polar bears, caribou, and other Arctic wildlife. The refuge is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, and is considered one of the most beautiful places in North America.
Home to the greatest variety of protected plant and animal life within the Arctic Circle, the Arctic Refuge offers up unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities.
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