The world is a treasure trove of incredible destinations, from the vast savannahs of Zambia to the staggering mountains of Nepal and the deep blue fjords of New Zealand. For outdoor enthusiasts, these destinations promise unparalleled experiences. Whether you’re zip-lining through the jungle, spotting lions on safari or hiking to catch the sunrise, you won’t be short of things to do and see in these 5 top adventure destinations.
Bali is an island of Indonesia, an archipelago of over 6,000 islands between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty make it a hotspot for travellers in South East Asia, and it offers many magnificent experiences.
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a must for wildlife lovers. In this expansive nature reserve in Ubud, visitors can see over 1,200 macaque monkeys roaming freely amid ancient temples and shrines that date back to the 14th century.
Mount Batur is another popular adventure destination in Bali. Located only an hour north of Ubud, this active volcano promises some of the best views over the island. Taking only 2 hours to reach the summit, it’s one of the more accessible hikes in Bali, perfect for a trip at sunrise.
With deep roots in Hinduism, this island is home to some remarkable temples and spiritual sites. There are many temples to explore in Bali, each showcasing intricate design and thousands of years of Indonesian history. Uluwatu Temple, Tanah Lot and Lempuyang Temple are just some that should be on your list!
New Zealand is synonymous with adventure thanks to its extreme and diverse landscapes. From staggering mountain peaks to deep blue fjords, you can be sure to find adventure at every corner. Queenstown, a city on the South Island, is often referred to as ‘the adventure capital of the world’, thanks to its many exciting activities for thrill-seeking travellers.
Queenstown is the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping, and today, visitors can give this hair-raising experience a go. Jump from the iconic Kawaru Bridge with a free fall of 43 metres above the flowing Kawarau River, or for even more of a challenge, head to Nevis Bungy, the highest in Queenstown, dropping 134 metres!
Fiordland National Park stretches across 1.2 million hectares on the South Island, boasting incredible mountains, lakes, fjords and rainforest environments. Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most stunning natural wonders, where you can spot fur seals, penguins and dolphins, and engage in many different activities like kayaking, hiking or cycling.
Nepal is a landlocked country between India and China, home to some incredible adventure experiences. Perhaps the most famous natural landmark here is Mount Everest. This giant mountain range is the largest on Earth, reaching heights of over 8,800 metres. For many, tackling Everest is a bucket list experience, taking you on a journey along one of the most demanding hiking routes in the world.
Aside from Everest, Nepal offers many other exciting things to do and see. Annapurna is another fantastic hiking spot with a sub-tropical landscape teeming with wildlife, charming villages and neatly terraced rice fields. Here, you can venture on short or long treks that suit all types of abilities.
Pokhara is a beautiful city on the shores of Lake Phewa, and is renowned for its incredible views of the Annapurna range. Here you can enjoy vibrant sunsets, beautiful waterfalls, and even see the breathtaking Valley of Orchids.
There are some fantastic Nepal holidays on offer to travellers who want to experience the very best that this country has to offer. From guided treks to Everest Base Camp to family-friendly tours of Nepalese villages, there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy.
Zambia is a landlocked country in south-central Africa known for its lush parklands and safari routes. The country boasts some of the largest and least visited national parks in Africa, supporting a variety of wildlife, including rich concentrations of Elephants, leopards and wild dogs.
During a Zambia safari, guests will explore incredible regions such as South Luangwa. This park is famous for its walking safari tours, where an expert guide leads you on foot through the bush to spot elephants, lions and buffalo up close in their natural habitat.
Another beautiful safari spot is the Lower Zambezi, which covers 4,500 square kilometres of land, and visitors have the chance to sail down the Zambezi River and spot large herds of elephant, buffalo and zebra.
Victoria Falls is perhaps one of the most famous regions of Zambia, with over 650 million litres of water plummeting into the Batoka Gorge every minute! Here, visitors can embark on some fantastic water-based adventures, from slow-paced sunset cruises to adrenaline-pumping white water rafting.
Patagonia is a mountainous region covering Chile and Argentina in South America. This diverse landscape lends itself to many adventures, from glacier hiking to canoeing and even horseback riding!
One of the most iconic sites for hikers is the Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. This park is renowned for its bright blue icebergs, magnificent glacial lakes and jagged rocky landscape. Visitors can make their way to the summit of iconic mountains, like Los Cuernos or Cerro Fortaleza, and spot many guanacos as they explore the wilderness.
Gaucho culture, or nomadic horse riding and cattle rearing, dates back to the mid-18th century. In Argentina, these horse riders would roam the pampas lands, and today, visitors can engage with this important part of Argentinian history by embarking on horseback rides through the vast pampas fields with expert guides.
Whether you choose to scale Mount Everest, sail down the Zambezi River, or bungee jump over the Kawaru River, the opportunities for adventure on our diverse and beautiful planet are plentiful. Be sure to visit some of the destinations mentioned in this guide for a truly exhilarating journey through some of Earth’s most magnificent landscapes.
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