Visiting a national park for the day is all well and good, but if you want to really get back to nature you need to spend a little bit longer in the great outdoors. Usually this would mean pitching a tent and readying yourself for an uncomfortable night’s sleep, but thanks to Booking.com, you can find yourself at home where the wild things roam. Read on and be inspired by the some of the locations to enjoy a comfortable place to stay surrounded by the wonders of nature and plenty of wildlife.
Red Tail Ranch, Groveland, United States of America
Beautiful property set on 50 acres (Credit/Booking.com)
Located in the Yosemite National Park, guests can sit on the porch and tuck into a tasty breakfast buffet that includes fresh eggs from the ranch chickens.
Binoculars at the ready for…
Deer, squirrels, raccoons and woodpeckers are easy to spot. Extremely patient and lucky visitors might also catch a glimpse of an American black bear, peregrine falcon or a golden eagle.
RH Casas de Campo Design, Parada, Portugal
Modern house in a quiet, quaint village (Credit/booking.com)
Want modern conveniences with a rustic aesthetic? This property offers both with plenty of added comfort. It’s also located at Peneda-Gerês National Park, meaning it’s only a short drive to the stunning waterfalls of the Lima River.
Binoculars at the ready for…
Wolves prowl while foxes, wild boars, ibex and deer are all frequent visitors of this park. It’s also home to the wild ponies that this area is most famous for.
Pondoro Game Lodge, Balule Game Reserve, South Africa
“Very luxurious, considering you’re in the middle of the bush.” (Credit/booking.com)
Set on the banks of the Olifants River, this luxury lodge occupies 98,840 acres of Balule Private Game Reserve. Inside the greater Kruger National Park, it features a rock pool and spa with waterfalls.
Binoculars at the ready for…
The lookout hide at this property has great views of the nearby waterhole. Guests can spend their days spotting hippos, giraffes and even lions all just metres from the property.
Gloria Manor, Kenting, Taiwan
Clean and spacious, with gorgeous mountain views (Credit/booking.com)
Delicious meals from local produce, an outdoor pool and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains… it’s enough to make any guest think twice about leaving the hotel grounds. However neighbouring Kenting National Park is definitely worth the short 20 minute drive.
Binoculars at the ready for…
Scuba diving is the perfect way to explore the unique underwater ecosystem, with thousands of reef fish and colourful corals. Stay on dry land to see the hundreds of birds that call this park home.
La Quinta Inn & Suites at Zion, Springdale, United States of America
Perfect location, near the entrance of Zion National Park (Credit/booking.com)
A breakfast buffet with fresh waffles sets guests up perfectly for a day of wildlife spotting in neighbouring Zion National Park. They can also spend time relaxing in the outdoor pool and hot tub.
Binoculars at the ready for…
Mule deer, wild turkey and plateau lizards can all be seen searching for shade on the dessert plains. As evening draws in and the temperature cools, gray foxes appear on the hunt for small rodents to feed their cubs.
Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge, Banff, Canada
Walking distance to town (Credit/booking.com)
Set against a backdrop of the stunning Rocky Mountains, this property gives guests instant access to a huge host of outdoor activities including skiing, hiking and white water rafting. It also has spa services and an indoor pool for a relaxing swim.
Binoculars at the ready for…
The diversity of this national park means it’s home to all manner of creatures. Grizzly and black bears along with cougar, lynx and weolverine inhabit the forest region. The moose tend to gather around the wetland areas, with mountain goats, porcupines and squirrels found across the park.
Etno Garden Apartments, Plitvica Selo, Croatia
Great location and super friendly staff (Credit/booking.com)
Located just 400 metres from Lake Kozjak, the views from this property are pretty spectacular. An outdoor playground is perfect for children and the nearby bike trails make it easy to explore Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Binoculars at the ready for…
Plitvice Lakes National Park covers alpine hills and stunning beaches. Along with an abundance of forest fauna, this park is also home to owls, woodpeckers and red deer, while large mammals like brown bears, wolf and lynx have also been spotted.
Heart Six Ranch, Moran, United States of America
Rustic and original decor (Credit/booking.com)
Rustic furnishing and stunning views of the natural surroundings and nearby Grand Teton National Park ensure guests get the real ranch experience. Visitors can even explore on horsebacks, with an onsite restaurant serving breakfast and dinner.
Binoculars at the ready for…
Be on the look out for golden eagles, wild boar and coyote. Along the Snake River, osprey circle in search of salmon and moose can often be spotted strolling through the meadows.
Camping Valle de Bujaruelo, Torla, Spain
Spectacular scenery from the bungalows
Traditional dishes and local recipes mean it’s easy for guests to really experience local life. Surrounded by the wonderful nature of Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, this property has a terrace view of the mountains.
Binoculars at the ready for…
Following any of the numerous hiking trails will lead guests past crashing waterfalls and rolling green valleys. It also gives wildlife fans the chance to spot Egyptian vultures and golden eagles soaring overhead.
Eco Hostal Yuluka, El Zaino, Colombia
Hostel rated for the best value in El Zaino (Credit/booking.com)
An outdoor swimming pool and stunning views of Tayrona Beach, along with an environmentally friendly ethos, make this the perfect choice for getting back to nature. It’s also possible to hire bikes to explore the area.
Binoculars at the ready for…
Hundred of birds and mammals call this park home, along with 70 different species of bat. The mantled howler monkey’s distinctive howl can be heard throughout the park, while deer roam across the fields.
Written By: Carol Beber