Travelstride | Top Nature Tours & Vacations 2024/2025 [reviews & photos] (2024)

If you like being outdoors — whether hiking in the hills among spring wildflowers, camping by a mountain lake, listening to the sounds of monkeys howling in the jungle, or taking a hike in the desert at sunrise — guided tours are a great way to get there, receive the support you need, and deepen your understanding of what you're seeing and hearing in the natural world.

Top Nature Tour Destinations

There are so many great travel destinations for getting closer to nature. Nature and wildlife tours usually include all the famous natural places at your chosen destination. If you have a specific destination in mind, you can also design a custom itinerary to tailor it to your goals. Following are some of the top nature tour destinations by continent.

Africa

When people think of a nature trip, most think of African safaris. Africa is a continent teeming with diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife — no matter what type of nature experience you're looking for, you're sure to find it in Africa.

From the vast savannas of East Africa to the lush rainforests of Central Africa, there's something for everyone to explore. Here are some top nature tour destinations in Africa:

Kenya: Witness the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra at Maasai Mara National Reserve or marvel at the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop while spotting elephants at Amboseli National Park.

Tanzania: Experience one of the greatest wildlife spectacles at Serengeti National Park and Tarangire National Park, or head to the Ngorongoro Crater, the world's largest intact volcanic caldera, for unparalleled wildlife viewing.

South Africa: Enjoy a classic African safari with Big Five spotting at Kruger National Park and discover unique flora and fauna in the Table Mountain National Park.

Botswana: Navigate through pristine waterways and witness incredible birdlife at the Okavango Delta. Cruise along the Chobe River for close encounters with hippos and crocodiles.

Uganda: Explore diverse ecosystems, including savannah, wetlands, and forests, at Queen Elizabeth National Park or see endangered mountain gorillas by trekking through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Morocco: From the Sahara Desert's rolling dunes to the Atlas Mountains' lush oases, Morocco offers breathtaking natural treasures to explore.

Egypt: Experience the timeless beauty of the Nile winding through ancient temples and fertile valleys, beckoning travelers to uncover its hidden natural wonders.

Asia

Asia offers a wide variety of destinations for nature enthusiasts. A nature trip to any Asian country promises unforgettable experiences through its lush forests, stunning beaches, exotic wildlife, thrilling treks, and historical landmarks.

Thailand: Soak up the sun on phu*ket's pristine beaches and trek through the country's lush forests to visit ethical elephant sanctuaries in Northern Thailand.

Nepal: Trek to the Everest Base Camp for a thrilling adventure to the foot of the world's highest peak.

Australia and New Zealand

Many nature tours to Australia or New Zealand include visits to both countries since they offer abundant opportunities to immerse yourself in nature's wonders. Both destinations promise unforgettable experiences for nature enthusiasts.

Australia: Visit Green Island and snorkel among the vibrant underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, a 6,000-year-old coral cay. Those not keen on swimming can join tours with glass-bottom boats! For land adventures, trek through the ancient Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest tropical rainforests on Earth, teeming with rare flora and fauna.

New Zealand: Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound, with its dramatic fjords, cascading waterfalls, and soaring mountain peaks. It's famous for its dolphin sightings and mountain peaks towering over the fjord. The country is also home to the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a world-renowned hiking trail offering panoramic views of volcanic landscapes, emerald lakes, and rugged terrain.

Europe

Europe has some of the world's most unique natural wonders, and many European tour packages include them. It's a treasure trove for nature enthusiasts. From the dramatic fjords of Iceland to the pristine lakes of Croatia, there's something for every nature lover on the European continent.

Iceland: Relax in the soothing geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon or discover the unique geological wonders of Thingvellir National Park, where you can witness the dramatic fissures and rift valleys of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Switzerland: Stay in a mountain lodge surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps and explore the lush vineyards and charming villages by the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva.

Spain: From the Costa del Sol's sun-drenched beaches to the Pyrenees' rugged peaks, Spain hosts an enchanting blend of coastal charm and mountain majesty.

France: Relish the verdant vineyards stretching across rolling hills, majestic mountains towering over quaint villages, and pristine coastlines beckoning with their timeless allure.

Croatia: Wander through the fairytale-like Plitvice Lakes National Park or hike through the rugged canyons and towering peaks of Paklenica National Park, renowned for its dramatic karst landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and challenging hiking trails.

Norway: Cruise through the majestic Norwegian fjords, where towering cliffs plunge into crystal-clear waters, and cascading waterfalls tumble down steep mountainsides, creating unparalleled beauty.

Austria: Admire the scenic trails of the Austrian Alps and the serene beauty of Lake Hallstatt, nestled amidst the towering Dachstein Alps.

Sweden: Sail through the Stockholm Archipelago, a network of over 30,000 islands and islets dotted with picturesque fishing villages. Also, experience the raw beauty of Arctic wilderness in Abisko National Park, above the Arctic Circle, where you can witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights.

Finland: Cruise through the tranquil waters of Finnish Lakeland, renowned for its countless lakes, islands, and lush forests. Near Helsinki, immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness of Nuuksio National Park, where dense woodlands, serene lakes, and rugged paths offer an idyllic retreat for nature lovers.

North America

You can seldom go wrong with a North American nature tour. The continent sports many different climates and landscapes in the United States and Canada, so your experience may differ significantly depending on which destination you visit.

For example, mountain lovers can visit the Canadian Rockies in the west and the Great Smoky Mountains in the east. For a thrilling nature tour, head to Alaska's Denali National Park to explore vast tundra expanses with their towering peaks and diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears and moose.

For those looking for the ocean, there are fantastic beaches in Florida, Hawaii, and Mexico. You've got lush rainforests in Washington State and the desert in California/Arizona. A North American nature tour is an excellent option for those who wish to experience different natural landscapes and are keen to make the most of their time.

Central America

One of Central America's most popular nature trips involves Costa Rica, which has an excellent mix of landscapes (and animal life!).

Costa Rica tours often include a visit to Tortuguero National Park. Here, you can see Arenal Volcano and the canals and enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs. Costa Rica is particularly famous for ecotourism.

South America

Adventurous souls will love South America for its dense Amazon rainforest and rugged landscapes of Patagonia offering breathtaking scenery and wildlife encounters.

Brazil: Embark on an Amazon river cruise, perfect for adventurous travelers, to explore the world's largest tropical rainforest, teeming with exotic flora and fauna. You can venture into the expansive wetlands of the Pantanal, where you can spot jaguars, caimans, and a wide variety of bird species.

Chile: Discover Patagonia's stunning fjords and glaciers in the remote wilderness of Torres Del Paine National Park. Then, head over to Easter Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, for the mysterious moai statues and rugged landscapes.

Peru: Delve into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon to encounter diverse wildlife and indigenous communities living amidst the lush Amazon rainforest. Manu National Park is perfect for spotting rare species like the giant otter and the Andean spectacled bear.

Ecuador: A unique wildlife adventure awaits you in the Galapagos archipelago, where you can observe iconic species like giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. Yasuni National Park is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, where the Amazon rainforest meets the Andes mountains, offering a haven for rare wildlife and indigenous cultures.

Antarctica

Antarctica offers a genuinely unique and untouched wilderness unlike anywhere else on Earth. On nature tours to Antarctica, visitors can expect awe-inspiring encounters with towering icebergs, massive glaciers, and pristine landscapes inhabited by penguins, seals, whales, and many other seabirds.

Crossing the infamous Drake Passage is an adventure in itself as travelers navigate the challenging waters known for their turbulent nature. It's a place of raw, unspoiled beauty where nature reigns supreme, offering an unforgettable experience for those seeking adventure in the most remote corners of the planet.

Types of Nature Tours

Nature is diverse, as are nature tours, each designed to provide unique experiences for naturalists and wildlife lovers like you. Whether you're seeking thrilling adventures in the wilderness or serene escapes into pristine landscapes, nature and wildlife tours offer something for everyone.

Wildlife Safaris: Embark on thrilling wildlife safaris across diverse ecosystems, from the African savannahs to the rainforests of South America, and witness majestic creatures in their natural habitats.

Birdwatching Expeditions: Join expert guides on birdwatching expeditions to discover rare and exotic bird species in breathtaking locations around the globe, from tropical rainforests to remote islands.

Eco-Trekking Adventures: Venture into remote wilderness areas on eco-trekking adventures. You'll hike through rugged terrain, explore hidden valleys, and encounter stunning natural scenery while minimizing your ecological footprint.

Marine Exploration: Dive into the ocean's depths on marine exploration tours. You'll snorkel among vibrant coral reefs, swim alongside graceful sea turtles, and marvel at the rich aquatic biodiversity of our planet's oceans.

Nature Photography Tours: Capture the beauty of the natural world on nature photography tours led by expert photographers, who will guide you to the most photogenic landscapes and wildlife habitats for stunning images and unforgettable memories.

Botanical Gardens and Nature Reserves: Stroll through lush botanical gardens and nature reserves, where you'll encounter diverse plant species from around the world and learn about the importance of conservation and biodiversity.

Rainforest Expeditions: Embark on immersive journeys into the heart of tropical rainforests, where you'll discover the incredible biodiversity of these ancient ecosystems and learn about the conservation efforts to protect them.

Whale Watching Tours: Set sail on whale watching tours to observe majestic cetaceans in their natural habitat, from breaching humpback whales to playful dolphins as they migrate along coastal waters and feeding grounds.

Volcano Exploration: Embark on volcanic expeditions to explore the awe-inspiring landscapes of active and dormant volcanoes, where you'll witness steaming vents, bubbling lava lakes, and otherworldly geothermal features.

Glacial Adventures: Experience the beauty and power of glaciers on glacier adventures, where you'll trek across vast ice fields, explore ice caves, and witness calving events as massive icebergs break into the sea.

Desert Safaris: Embark on desert safaris to discover the unique ecosystems of arid landscapes, from the towering sand dunes of the Sahara to the rocky outcrops of the American Southwest. You will also encounter desert-adapted wildlife like camels, foxes, and lizards.

Underwater Expeditions: Descend into the depths of the ocean on underwater expeditions. You'll explore vibrant coral reefs, underwater caves, and shipwrecks teeming with marine life, accompanied by experienced dive guides.

These are just a few examples of the diverse range of nature tours available for travelers to explore and appreciate the natural world in all its splendor.