It’s no secret that I love to disconnect from the online world now and then and escape into nature. With so many incredible landscapes to explore around the world, there’s an endless list of places that I want to see.
Here are some of my favorite nature vacations that I’ve explored over the years. Whether you’re looking to go on an epic road trip through Namibia‘s arid landscape, cycle one of the world’s deadliest roads or dive in pristine conditions – I’ve got you covered!
Here are some of the best destinations in the world for nature lovers!
Cape Point
South Africa
South Africa is one of the best countries to visit for nature lovers. Start your adventure off in Cape Town and explore the city’s numerous hiking trails.
Head up to the Drakensberg mountains and summit the highest waterfall in Africa or plan your trip around spring and visit the endless fields of wildflowers in Namaqualand. You can also kayak past Tsitsikamma National Park and experience some of the country’s best diving by attending the annual Sardine Run.
The Garden Route is one of the country’s best road trips. It will take you past some of South Africa’s most dramatic scenery and get you up close and personal with its diverse flora and fauna.
Read More: The Ultimate South Africa Travel Guide
Iceland
There’s a reason that Iceland is called the Land of Fire and Ice. The country’s landscapes include waterfalls, craters, lava fields, icebergs, and more!
Some of my favorites natural attractions in Iceland include Skogafoss (the most popular waterfall in the country) Vik, a small village with black sand beaches, Stampahraun Lava Field, and the Blue Lagoon (a geothermal spa that sits in the middle of a lava field).
Read More: The Ultimate Iceland Travel Guide
Skeleton Coast
Namibia
Namibia possesses some of the most stunning landscapes in Africa, and it’s incredible natural scenery make it one of the best road trip destinations in the world. The country’s natural wonders like red dunes of Sossusvlei and the famous Deadvlei salt pan attract thousands of visitors each year.
You can also explore the remote Skeleton Coast and search for shipwrecks along the coastline!
Read More: The Ultimate Namibia Road Trip Itinerary
Vietnam
Vietnam is a massive country that’s home to a variety of landscapes. You can spend your trip trekking through the rice paddies of Sapa, exploring the sand dunes of Mui Ne or discovering the largest cave system in the world!
Other highlights include cruising along Ha Long Bay, meandering past the Mekong River and sailing past the breathtaking scenery of Ninh Binh.
Read More: The Ultimate Vietnam Travel Guide
Australia
Australia is full of incredible natural wonders. From the Great Barrier Reef to Uluru, it’s easy to spend months exploring the country’s diverse landscapes.
There are lush rainforests, deserts, and some of the best hiking in the world. I’d highly recommend hiring a car and exploring the Great Ocean Road as well as stopping at national parks like Daintree and Kakadu.
Read More: Itinerary for Australia’s Great Big Outback
Rainbow Falls
Hawaii
Aloha! Hawaii has a wide variety of landscapes and excursions depending on what island you visit. The Big Island of Hawaii is made up of black sand beaches and lava tunnels.
Oahu is home to incredible mountain ranges, including the Ko’olau mountain range where you’ll find the infamous “Stairway to Heaven,” (Haiku Stairs) hike. Maui’s highlight is the road to Hana, a 65-mile drive that leads you to mesmerizing ocean views and waterfalls.
Kauai is the epitome of Hawaii with lush rainforests and the picturesque NaPali Coast!
Read More: Island Hopping from Island of Hawaii to Kauai
Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest makes up a large part of North America. It stretches across Seattle, Portland, and British Columbia.
Some of the region’s most famous natural attractions include Mount Rainer, Mount Shasta, Mount Hood, Mount Saint Helens, and Mount Garibaldi. The best way to soak up all the scenic beauty is to carve out time for a road trip.
Start in Portland and give yourself at least two weeks to explore as much as possible!
Read More: 10 Incredible Adventures to Have in North America
Bolivia
Bolivia is without a doubt one of the best nature destinations in the world. A lot of the country’s natural heritage remains untouched, and you won’t run out of things to see!
One of the highlights from my backpacking trip to Bolivia a few years ago was visiting the Uyuni Salt Flats. Cycling the infamous Death Road in Bolivia was also an experience I’ll never forget!
Read More: Visiting the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia
Tongariro Crossing
New Zealand
It’s safe to say that New Zealand has some of the most diverse geographical features in the world. From caves full of glowing worms to epic fjords, snow-capped mountains, alpine lakes, and miles of beautiful beaches – it’s a nature lover’s dream come true!
Read More: The Ultimate New Zealand Travel Bucket List
French Polynesia
French Polynesia
French Polynesia is by far the most beautiful tropical place that I have ever visited. Between the coral of Taha’a, the sparkling seas of Rangiroa, and the sunsets at Matira Beach in Bora Bora, you’ll be hard pressed to find a part of the region that doesn’t look like a picture-perfect postcard!
I recommend spending at least ten days in French Polynesia and using your time to island hop! If you’re a diver, you should try to do as many dives as possible, the conditions here are insane!
Read More: 10 Day Itinerary for French Polynesia
Colombia
Colombia may be a surprise to those who haven’t visited, but it is truly a nature lover’s paradise. It’s even considered one of the top places in the world for bird watching! From coffee plantations to beautiful coastlines, to tropical jungles, and beautiful scuba diving conditions, you can experience it all.
Near Medellin, explore El Peñón de Guatapé, or in the north, check out Minca for a stunning “mountain” experience, and Parque Tayrona for beach and hiking adventures.
Read More: 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Bogotá
Overall
We are blessed with incredible natural scenery all over the world. Hopefully, you’re inspired to travel to see some of these incredible destinations with your own eyes!
As big, big nature lovers, we love this post! We have been to a few of the countries listed, but we have so much more to visit. Which of these would be your top 3?
As corona is on its high, we might as well plan our trips way ahead in the future.
Hope to hear from you
All the best
Team Vandaya
Hey there! Oh, that’s so tough—each and every place has its own unique beauty. I do look forward to future trips!