Nature Travel
National Parks, Safaris, Glaciers, Snorkeling, & More
Nature travel invites you to lose yourself in the wild—whether trekking, tracking elephants across a sun-drenched safari plain or snorkeling among vibrant sea life in a coastal marine reserve—while waking each morning in a rural lodge, cozy cabin, or a tent. It’s the perfect blend of wildlife encounters, untamed landscapes, and simple, authentic accommodations that let you truly unplug and reconnect with the natural world.
Types of Nature Travel
Traveling to be/ get into nature is popular, and with climate change, folks are prioritizing these types of trips now more than ever. Nature-focused travel include wildlife-focused travel (safaris, birdwatching, whale watching), adventure activities in natural habitats (hiking, trekking, cycling, kayaking), phenomena chasing (auroras, eclipses), educational tours in rural/ natural areas (photography expeditions, volunteer trips), and eco-tourism which emphasizes sustainability and conservation. These travel styles can overlap, combining elements like trekking to see wildlife or taking a guided tour focused on photography and conservation. he following. Once you know what your personal motivation is, you can then determine how best to visit.
Landscape-Focused Travel (Mountains, Glaciers, Canyons, Waterfalls, Beaches)
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People motivated by a type of landscape can travel to take in whatever moves them.
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There are options to be extremely active (climb to the top of the mountain, rappel into the canyon, heli-ski) or not at all active (eco-lodges and spas where you can just take in the scenery).
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Make sure to consider how you want to spend your time once you are in the nature of your choosing so you have a starting point for planning the trip.
Wildlife-Focused Travel
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Safaris: Travel to observe animals in their natural habitats (think: the Great Migration in Kenya, or polar bears in Churchill, penguins in Antarctica, or the finches in the Galapagos).
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Birdwatching (Birding): A dedicated pursuit of observing birds in various locations, often led by knowledgeable guides.
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Marine Life Tours: Trips focused on spotting marine creatures like whales, dolphins, and other sea life.
Outdoor Adventure -- See Adventure Travel section of this website, here
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Hiking and Trekking: Exploring natural landscapes on foot, ranging from short day trips to multi-day treks in remote regions.
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Cycling: Exploring the outdoors by bike, which can range from leisurely rides to more challenging expeditions.
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Kayaking and Water Sports: Immersing oneself in nature by navigating rivers, lakes, and fjords.
Experiencing Natural Phenomena
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Aurora Chasing: Traveling to witness natural light displays like the Northern Lights.
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Solar Eclipse Viewing: Seeking out unique celestial events, such as a total solar eclipse.
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Stargazing: Venturing to dark sky parks or remote locations to observe the stars.
Educational and Responsible Travel
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Photography Expeditions: Journeys specifically designed to capture iconic images of wildlife and landscapes.
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Volunteer Trips: Engaging in activities that contribute to conservation efforts and the well-being of local communities.
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Ecotourism: A form of tourism that promotes responsible travel to natural areas while conserving the environment and improving the welfare of local people.
Combination & Specialized Tours
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Land & Sea Combos: Trips that combine land-based exploration with marine activities like snorkeling or scuba diving.
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Guided vs. Independent Travel: Options range from organized group tours with expert guides to private, more immersive trips for independent travelers.
Nature Tour Operators
Many of the tour companies for nature trips are the same as for family travel and/or action/adventure travel.
Offers small-group wildlife safaris and polar expeditions in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund, with itineraries from Arctic bears to Amazon river dolphins.
Active Trips to bucket-list destinations with expert leaders and carefully crafted itineraries. Biking, Hiking, Walking, Rafting, they have it all.
1,000+ ethical small-group trips in 100 countries, max 16 people.
Small-ship voyages that combine adventure, education, and conservation—led by naturalists, scientists, and National Geographic experts for exploration .
Pioneers of active small-group trips since 1978, with hiking, cycling, cultural immersion, and wildlife-watching itineraries on every continent.
Trekking, cycling and culture itineraries (Nat Geo “Best Tour Operator” winner)
Luxury and sustainable journeys across Africa, Asia, and Latin America—think gorilla treks in Uganda, river safaris in the Okavango Delta, or Galápagos cruises.
Budget-to-comfort adventures with a community focus, operating for 30+ years.
Ideas For Nature Trips
National Parks
Visiting a national park starts with matching your adventure to your comfort level—whether you prefer a scenic drive with short nature walks, day hikes on marked trails, or a true backcountry expedition requiring advanced gear and navigation skills. Next, decide whether you want the convenience of lodging just outside the park’s gates (where you’ll often find more dining and service options) or the immersion of staying inside—in historic park lodges, rustic cabins, or designated campgrounds that put you steps from sunrise vistas and evening wildlife sightings. And because campsites and in-park lodging fill up fast—especially during peak season—lock in your permits, campsites, and rooms as early as your park allows (sometimes six months in advance) so you don’t miss out on your ideal dates or preferred sites.
Safaris
Planning a safari starts with pinpointing the wildlife you most want to encounter—whether it’s the Big Five roaming Kenya’s Masai Mara (this photo of a cheetah was taken there in 2025), tree-climbing lions in Zambia’s South Luangwa, or vast flocks of flamingos in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater. From there, choose the country and reserve that specialize in those species and offer your ideal travel window—dry season for concentrated game viewing, wet season for lush landscapes and newborn wildlife. Finally, balance your budget by comparing luxury lodges, mid-range camps, and mobile-camp options, and be sure to factor in park fees, guide gratuities, and included game drives to get the best value for your cost.
As with many kinds of travel, you can work through a travel operator that books the safari experience for you or you can book directly with the safari provider.
Under the Sea
Start by identifying the marine life or habitats you most want to explore—whether it’s drifting with manta rays on the outer reef, photographing colorful corals and reef fish, or snorkeling alongside Galápagos sea turtles and, as shown, penguins. Next, pick your destination and dive operator based on those interests—tropical Queensland live-aboards for the Great Barrier Reef or small-boat cruises in the Galápagos Marine Reserve—and time your trip for optimal conditions (austral winter for cooler waters and plankton blooms, dry season for clear visibility, or seasonal migrations). Finally, compare budgets—day-trip dive packages and coastal lodges versus multi-day live-aboards or expedition cruises—and factor in park or permit fees, gear rental, and any optional guided dives to find the best value.