10 Breathtaking Nature Reserves Around the World

A stunning 900,000 square kilometers in area, Northeast Greenland National Park is one of the world’s largest nature reserve. Most of it is covered by ice perennially. It is one of the largest protected landmasses on Earth and located almost to the north of the globe with some spectacular and inspiring scenery. The land is inhabited by the Inuits, who are one of the most ancient civilizations found in this harsh land. There is a deep link with nature that is found in this land, which is ancestral and the only way of survival. Most of the park is covered with the Greenland Ice Sheet and wildlife like walrus, Arctic foxes, polar bears, seals, narwhals, and whales. The area is home to military bases, weather, and research stations, which is one of the most permanent human population. In an era where the planet is constantly threatened by pollution and melting ice and glaciers, Northeast Greenland National Park is testimony that the glaciers have still not disappeared yet. Almost roughly twice the size of France, the park is a virgin hinterland where polar bears and walruses cavort between crystalline icebergs. The tiny hamlet of Ittoqqortoormiit (try saying it repeatedly) is the silent and unofficial gateway into the silent and frosty area. For now, only scientists and extreme adventurers (for whom tours are available) can access the region. Access to the region is by plane or helicopter, and a permit is required. You can either head to Ittoqqortoormiit to try your luck or book well in advance after careful planning.

Just off the coast of Queensland in Australia lies the largest marine nature reserve, Great Barrier Reef. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, this splendid ecosystem runs across 2600 km and is made of thousands of coral reefs and habitats for a wide range of species. The breathtaking scene under the water attracts and astounds snorkelers, divers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Extending over 340,000 square kilometers, it provides shelter to a range of animal and vegetable variety and species. Despite the effects of climate change, this area of the Pacific Ocean remains a cornerstone of the canvas of biodiversity. The beauty of the nature reserve is that it can be explored by the sea and the sky. The diversity is unmatched and unparallel to none other and is a snorkeling and scuba diving haven for those who seek adventure at every juncture. For the ones who are not inclined aquatically, you can see the beautiful coral formations in all its splendid colors from a plane. Every year, this World Heritage listed site is frequented by about 1.5 million visitors. Diving, snorkeling, scuba diving are just some ways to experience this diverse and rich ecosystem. You could also try sailing, scenic flights, and others to try the ways to explore the getaway towns and scenic islands along the reef.

Ever wondered what a national park or nature reserve atop a volcano. Well, Yellowstone National Park in the USA is a 3500 square mile nature park that is perched on a dormant volcano and extends from Wyoming to Idaho. It is home to a fascinating, diverse wilderness that contains deep canyons, dense forests, and the largest number of geysers in the world. It is also a habitat for a large species of wildlife, including bears and wolves. The park also offers breathtaking views with an awesome display of the hidden powers of a volcano. The park can be described only in superlatives. It is the first natural park in the world with the largest volcanic area in the continent. With its famous geysers, mirror-like pristine lakes, captivating wildlife, the park encapsulates the ruggedness and diversity of the wild American West in the most panoramic manner. Home to over 60% of the geysers in the world, the natural hot springs have unique plumbing that causes them to erupt intermittently as towering explosions of boiling water and steam. If this astounding phenomenon coupled with the technicolor hot springs and bubbling mud pots is not enough to pull the crowds, then the surrounding mountains, forests, and canyons are attractions that bring in over 4 million people every year. America’s first national park is bustling with elks, bisons, wolves, and grizzly bears. The sights of the park were so fantastic that the first white person to visit it described its beauty in such a manner that he was thought to be insane or a compulsive liar. The paintings of Thomas Moran from the Hayden Expedition bought the beauty of the park to light and declared to the world that the nature reserve was just begging to be explored.

The oldest nature reserve in Canada, Banff National Park, includes the Canadian Rocky Mountains. It is as much a piece of Canadian history as much as a natural wonder and describes what Canada is all about. Accessible wilderness that caters to everyone- bus tour seniors to hardcore mountaineers. One of the greatest beauties of Banff is the contrast of the raw and the civilized. Diners sipping on cocktails in the romantic Banff Springs Hotel can have a close encounter with the grizzly bears that roam within a howling distance. Banff has two distinct ways to enjoy its beauty- touring within the resorts or backpacking in the rugged terrain. You can visit the snowy peaks, stare at the clear green waters of Lake Louise, or simply gaze at the stunning views of the harsh, glacial wilderness. A perfect getaway for hiking, water sports, fishing, climbing, and birdwatching. A hike is just the perfect reason to understand why Banff National Park is the crown in the jewel of Canadian Rockies. The park captures the beauty of the North American wilderness in a capsule.

In a historic moment and a path-breaking move, the North Western Hawaiian Islands were declared as the first marine National Monument in 2006. Covering an expanse of over 500,000 square miles, Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Park is the world’s largest protected marine nature reserve. It is also the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the USA for both cultural and natural reasons. Made up of 10 island clusters that contain atolls- low sandy islands formed on top of coral reefs and single rock islands. One of the biggest protected marine areas in the world, you can find green turtles, coral reefs, endangered monk seals and 14 million birds. Undoubtedly a stunning attraction, the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Park, has a deep history to its inhabitation. Human occupation began when the first Polynesian voyagers arrived at the Hawaiian archipelago. In recent times, Midway Atoll is the only island that is open to visitors.

Truly mesmerizing, this nature reserve is a 77.5 square kilometer section of Table Mountain National Park. It encompasses enchanting scenery, long captivating walks, birdwatching trails and deserted beaches waiting to be explored. The nature reserve is commonly referred to as Cape Point after its dramatic peninsula tip or promontory. About 250 species of birds have been spotted here that include the cormorants and ostrich families that hang around the Cape of Good Hope cliff, which is the southwesternmost point of the continent. There are several to explore this nature reserve. Bus tours to the reserve operate frequently, but if you are an ardent fan of nature, it is best to hike or cycle through the trails, which can be a very rewarding experience. The only things to keep in mind are that the weather condition is fickle, and there is very little shade. If you wish to embark on the spectacular 33.8 km circular Cape of Good Hope trail, then you need to make bookings in advance. A great way to experience the enchanting beauty of this national park includes a one night stay in a basic hut. If you don’t feel like doing anything tough, take the Flying Dutchman Funicular that runs close to the restaurant to the souvenir kiosk located next to the old lighthouse. It is not a hard uphill walk and takes less than 30 minutes. The path takes you along a spectacular ridgeway path to look down at the lighthouse and the cliffs that protrude right into the thrashing ocean.

Galapagos Islands, which is an archipelago in Ecuador, gives you the chance to see wildlife that does not exist anywhere else in the world. This is exactly where Charles Darwin was inspired to write about his Theory of Evolution. The incredible biodiversity of this nature reserve characterizes this place with minimal human influence and a declared UNESCO World Heritage site. The Galapagos fauna has become a National Park since 1959 and is located just off the coast of Ecuador. Home to some of the most fascinating and distinctive ecosystems, you can marvel at the giant tortoises, iguanas, or swim through the beautiful coral reefs. These islands inspire you to look at the world differently. Creatures which inhabit this place can be found nowhere else in the world. These islands are unlike the Bahamas and are not a tropical paradise. Most of the islands are devoid of any vegetation, and some look like dry, barren lands. There is some human population that has been generated owing to the thriving tourism. This isolated cluster of volcanic islands is a rare gem that must be experienced in one’s lifetime.

A nature reserve, incredibly protected in Africa, Serengeti National Park is famous for its annual migration of wildebeest and zebras. It is also home to the Maasai Mara. Listed by UNESCO as a Grade II site, people flock here to witness the array of wildlife and enjoy an African safari adventure to spot buffalos cheetahs, rhinos, antelopes, lions, and gazelles. You can also find- monkeys, baboons, ostriches, and hyenas- the list is endless. It is one of the top-ranked African National Parks and considered a sanctuary for wildlife in Africa. It is impossible to forget the first encounter with Serengeti. The view from Naabi Hill at the entrance of the park is mesmerizing. The grasslands simply appear to stretch to the end of the earth. The sight of the animals following the ancient rhythm of the seasons of Africa will captivate your senses. Spanning across 14,763 square kilometers, Serengeti is also known to offer chances of spotting the Big Five ( lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard). Bird watchers can also have a feast as it is home to over 500 species of birds.

A spectacular nature reserve, Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada is studded with vibrant and quirky communities that have been founded on fishing or logging jobs or trade and feature the word “Port “ in their first or last names. The locals around this region are proud of their surroundings and their distinct features. The island is easily the most densely populated mass of land between North America and New Zealand, with several attractions, activities, and experiences that leave the hustle and bustle of mainland Vancouver behind. Although the capital city Victoria is the arrival point to the place, it is not where you need to stop. Head on to the Cowichan Valley farm region where food and wine lovers can have a lovely time. Outdoor activity lovers must head for surfing at Wild West Coast that radiates from Tofino. Visitors heading to the north will be stunned to discover scarcely populated regions of friendly independent communities dotted by rugged wilderness

The nature reserve of South America, the Amazon Rainforest, is named after the female warriors of Greek mythology. The place itself has a magical and mythical ethos, and status to it, which traveler who loves the wild will not include the rainforest in his or her bucket list. The elusive and discerning tourists will have enough to fall in love with- towering trees, impressive wildlife, gorgeous water bodies like rivers, and waterfalls. A real-life spring to the planet we dwell in the Amazon forest definitely offers a Discovery Channel kind of experience to the visitor. Canoeing through the river, you can spot jaguars on trees, anacondas on shores, monkeys swinging on branches, and birds chirping their way to celebrate the flora fauna around them. The massive size of the river is legendary, and the sheer options that you can do to make your experience memorable make the visit special.

These nature reserves are protected for the current and future generations to experience the awe and wonders of natural landscapes. With the most enticing glaciers, largest waterfalls, dense foliage, thriving wildlife, deepest gorges, and canyons- the planet is inspiring. A link with nature is what everyone needs in today’s stressful life, and the above list of nature reserves give enough respite to those who seek a deep connection with nature. Each of these nature reserves is distinct and draws visitors due to their characteristic features. If these don’t bring you closer to the creator, then nothing else on the planet can!