7 life-affirming nature experiences across the world
The world’s vast choice of nature and wildlife experiences can be bewildering. Handily, Flight Centre’s ‘open up the world for those who want to see’ ethos secures you the best authentic tailor-made travel experiences. Its well-travelled Experts make travel planning hassle-free, with superb deals for all travellers seeking unforgettable nature and wildlife experiences. Here’s our pick of the best…
1. Enjoy wine and wildlife in South Africa
Sweep from vibrant Cape Town along the famous Garden Route, savouring the wild plains of Karoo and thrilling safari drives, immersing yourself in this continent within a country. Be blown away by the view from Table Mountain (abseil off if you dare) and meet the African penguins of Boulders Beach, then taste Stellenbosch’s world-class wines. This classic self-drive journey meanders along the Garden Route with Knysna a highlight, thanks to its nature-rich sandy seaside and dense forest walks. Your trip of a lifetime culminates with four deeply dramatic game drives in the Addo Elephant National Park, where you’ll encounter these hugely impressive giants up close. Flexibility is always key at Flight Centre, with Travel Expert Rich Donaldson recommending: “For the best chances of seeing a leopard I highly recommend the safari lodges in Kruger; be patient, you won’t be disappointed!”
2. Get back to nature in California
Forget Disney – Flight Centre’s tailor-made holidays offer authentic experiences more Jurassic Park than theme park. San Francisco is the thrilling urban prelude to an adventure deep into nature. Marvel at Lake Tahoe, North America’s largest alpine lake, where you can hike and mountain bike in summer, or throw yourself into winter sports. The spirit-soaring world of tumbling waterfalls, shimmering lakes and surging rivers of the Yosemite National Park beguile too. Wildflowers burst alive in spring; the changing hues of the trees start in autumn. Sequoia National Park wows with its giant sequoia trees, including the world’s largest – General Sherman – as does the wildlife, from yellow-bellied marmots through to brown bears. In Palm Springs, the world’s largest spinning aerial tramcar soars you 2,596m into the mountains in just 15 minutes, taking you higher than any mountain in the British Isles.
3. Go wild in the Galápagos
Dive deep into the mind-blowing Galápagos. Learn about tortoises and land iguanas at the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, then visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, dedicated to preserving the islands’ unique ecosystem. Travel Expert Emese Graham stresses: “Only people who are born in the Galápagos are allowed to work here, including the expert naturalists who accompany you. My advice is to ask lots of questions!”. Snorkel with sea lions off Floreana Island’s sandy beaches, before a speedboat runs with the dolphins to Isabela Island to hike Sierra Negra Volcano, the archipelago’s largest volcanic crater. Choose a wildlife boat excursion viewing white-tip reef sharks, marine iguanas and penguins in Islote Tintoreras, or walk with the pink flamingos of the wetlands. What about exploring by kayak with sea turtles and manta rays? The choice with Flight Centre’s bespoke holidays is always yours.
4. Seek out unspoilt Thailand
Bangkok sets the ideal contrast with its frenetic, intoxicating urban energy, before you ease north to Chiang Mai, a mountain city that poses the perfect gateway to an unspoilt world of nature and bountiful wildlife. This senses-tingling rainforest is alive with wildlife, from geckos and lizards, through to wild boars, gibbons and macaques. Swirl in roaring waterfalls and meet mysterious hill tribes, at one with the land around them. Guided treks open up this life-affirming world, where man plays second fiddle to nature. Contrast awaits again with some of Thailand’s finest beaches in and around Phuket. Relaxation tempts, but Flight Centre suggests enjoying nature hikes in the wild national parks and taking boat trips to uninhabited islands, all the while looking out for dolphins and whales. Snorkelling and scuba diving in the balmy waters open up yet another side to the Land of Smiles.
5. From coast to countryside in Western Australia
Western Australia is the country writ large, with sweeping sand beaches, craggy coast and ancient forests. The state capital Perth sets the superb nature and wildlife tone with King’s Park, a 990-acre green oasis bursting with native flora and fauna. Breaking south brings the world-class wineries of Margaret River inland, with the coast home to myriad marine life – on a drive or walk, look out for dolphins and whales, whereas on land, kangaroos roam and the skies are alive with birdlife. Fremantle offers boat trips to pristine Rottnest Island, home to the winningly cute ‘happiest animal on earth’, the quokka. Flight Centre Travel Expert Brody Whiteman suggests a glorious add-on: “Go north to Ningaloo Reef and the Kimberley for perfect weather and fascinating wildlife from March to October. Hire a car – the space and otherworldly landscapes of the state call out for a road trip.”
6. Get your head in the clouds in Costa Rica
The buzz of irresistible San Jose is a striking introduction to the remarkable country, before you’re immersed in nature and wildlife on an intimate small group tour, arranged with Flight Centre. Hike the nature trails, whitewater raft or go canyoning around La Fortuna, before relaxing in the hot springs at Arenal Volcano. Monteverde brings a guided night walk in the jungle and options such as ziplining, horseriding and walking the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. Look out for sloths and monkeys while hiking in the Manuel Antonio National Park. Off its white-sand beaches, snorkel or scuba dive with tropical fish, dolphins and rays. Flight Centre Travel Expert Alex Cronin has insider advice: “Be sure to plan a visit to Corcovado National Park, as it’s one of the best regions (alongside Tortuguero) for getting into the remote jungle and spotting local wildlife.”
7. Witness the power of nature in Iceland
The Scandi-chic charms of Reykjavík are the gateway to Iceland’s deeply dramatic nature and wildlife. You’re soon climbing the Grábrók volcano crater overlooking a world of scything fjords, glistening glaciers and rugged mountains. Admire the Eyjafjördur fjord around the northern city of Akureyri, a base for discovering the pounding Godafoss waterfall and Lake Mývatn, with its unique geology and renowned array of birdlife, not to mention Arctic foxes and reindeer. Kálfaströnd’s lava formations compel, before chilling at Mývatn Nature Baths. The highlights keep rolling, with the lava labyrinth of Dimmuborgir and Europe’s mightiest waterfall, Dettifoss. You’ll also see Europe’s largest glacier in the eponymous Vatnajökull National Park. Jökulsárlón offers a boat tour surrounded by floating icebergs, and take in Eldhraun’s lava field and Reynisfjara’s black-sand beach. Also, the legendary Golden Circle, with its Geysir geothermal fields, Gullfoss waterfall and Thingvellir National Park, is unmissable.
