There are very few experiences in this world that are as majestic as coming face to face with some interesting animal species. Sometimes, people tend to forget they are just a part of this beautiful world and that their hasty, stressful lives are probably not what Mother Nature originally intended to them. Sometimes, we need to look Mother Nature directly in the eyes to reach this profound feeling and restore the balance in our lives.
Let us take a look then at some of the most exciting locations and majestic animals that will make your next vacation all the more exciting.
Addo Elephant Park, South Africa – Elephants
Not a lot of animals are as beautiful and dignified as elephants. These savannah sages are a true joy to interact with. The hulking animals are also very endangered and exposed to the constant attacks from the poachers so the safest way to see them is in one of the guarded national parks. Our choice is definitely Addo Elephant Park in South Africa that offers one incredibly self-driving experience across the large area with more than 120 kilometers of road.
Kanha Tiger Reserve, India – Bengal Tigers
Seeing the beautiful, lean, majestic, and dangerous Bengal tigers are one of the most iconic wildlife experiences you can ever have in your life. It is also one of the most exotic because these stunning cats make yet another entry on the long list of species humans have brought to the verge of extinction. Today, they can be seen only in protected environments like Kanha Tiger Reserve located in India. Besides tigers, this reserve offers shelter to other species like leopards, Indian wolves, sloth bears, and jackals.
Auckland, New Zealand – Dolphins and Whales
Although New Zealand is known as the prime tourist location for moviegoers, the country also features stunning wildlife definitely worth checking out. Just fly to Auckland, find an affordable car rental near Auckland airport, take a short drive to the coast, and you will get an opportunity to observe and interact with one incredibly rich and vivid marine life. Of course, the main stars here are mammals like whales and dolphins that always make a stunning display of grace and intelligence.
Tibetan Plateau, China – Chinese Mountain Cat
Although we are living in a globalized and well-connected world, China still remains a huge mystery to a western traveler. One of its most renowned treasures is definitely an elusive Chinese mountain cat, a species so rare and shy that we know barely anything about its life and habits. But, the vast Ruoergai Grassland is home not only to this beautiful species – here, you can also take a close look at Tibetan foxes, Tibetan wolves, Pallas’s cats, and Himalayan marmots.
Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica – Rare Birds
If you are tired of remote plateaus and hot African savannahs, why don’t you choose something more casual and treat yourself with a journey to Latin America and one of its most beautiful and colorful countries – Costa Rica. While you’re there, do yourself a favor and pay a visit to stunning Corcovado National Park where you’ll get an opportunity to play with native monkeys, gaze at the stunning butterflies and sea turtles, and observe more than 400 species of rare, colorful birds.
Antarctica – Penguins
This travel option has to be the most exotic, strenuous and out-there wildlife trip you’ll ever have in your lifetime. But, the journeys like these, the ones that take you out of your comfort zone, are usually the ones that can teach you the most about life. Take a trip to this inhospitable, ice-clad end of the world and you will find a thriving population of friendly and gentle penguins that somehow managed to adapt even to this harsh environment. Stunning ice blue vistas are only a plus.
Aoshima, Japan – Cats
This choice may sound a bit unorthodox but interacting with untamed animals doesn’t always have to imply a trip to the jungle. To quote Jurassic Park, “life finds a way” and no matter how hard we try to reshape the world to fit our needs, nature will always know how to adapt. Aoshima Island in Japan which has six cats for every island resident is a beautiful example of this dynamic. Humans and animals can coexist and share the same habitat. Pay a visit to the island and experience this first-hand.
We hope these few suggestions will give you an incentive to use your long-deserved vacation to learn something about nature and the place our species takes in the grand scheme of things. The best way to learn just how precious our planet is and do our best to preserve it for future generations is to try to experience as many of its different flavors.
