There are natural wonders around the world that look like vivid reanimations of our wildest dreams. Places that leap from the edges of our imaginations only to become heaven on Earth. Looking to plan a magical escape to one of those destinations? Well, now you have five to pick from. Add these to your bucket list!
Lake Bogoria, Kenya
Lake Bogoria can be found in the beautiful East African country of Kenya. You might not be the only visitor at the lake on the day as there are large numbers of lesser flamingoes for you to see. The birds come to eat the algae in the water and it is a sight that will take your breath away.
Image credit: Darwin’s Jackal/Flickr
There are also 200 hot springs and plenty of other wildlife. You can take a tour to see the sights or venture around on your own, but this is a worthwhile trip you should plan on making.
Caño Cristales River, Colombia
Cano Cristales is not only one of the most beautiful destinations in Colombia but also one of the most impressive and extraordinary places on Earth.
Image credit: Pedro Szekely/Flickr
The body of water looks pretty normal most of the time, from around July through November it bursts into a stream of colour.
During this time, Macarenia clavigera, a unique plant that lines the bottom of the river, turns a vibrant red, interspersed with blue waters, green moss, and yellow sand.
The island of Socotra, Yemen
One of the more notable species on the island of Socotra is the “dragon’s blood” trees. Their canopies look like flying saucers.
Picture: Andrew Svk/ unsplash
Dragon’s blood trees (Dracaena cinnabari) are evolutionary marvels of the plant kingdom, but they may not be around forever.
Native to a single island in the Socotra archipelago, off the coast of Yemen in the Arabian Sea, the extraordinary-looking dragon’s blood tree, which is classified as ‘vulnerable to extinction’ can grow to more than 30 feet in height and live for 600 years. Looming over the island’s rocky, mountainous terrain, it produces rich berries and a vermilion sap — the source of its name — that has been used for centuries as everything from medicine to lipstick, and even as a varnish for violins.
Tianzi Mountain, China
Remember the floating mountains in the Hollywood sci-fi movie Avatar? Such a mountain exists on earth called the Tianzi Mountain in China’s Hunan province.
Picture: Bill Hertha/Flickr
Located in the northern part of Wulingyuan Scenic Area in Hunan Province covering an area of 16550 acres, Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve is one of the most beautiful places in the region. Tianzi means the Son of Heaven, and the main mountain peak here rises as high as 4142 ft. Tianzi Mountain is also called the Monarch of the Peak Forest.
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand
Famous for their abundance of glow worms, extensive underground river system, and stunning stalactite and stalagmites formations, a trip to the Waitomo caves is a trip to another world. Keep reading to find out why you should discover the Waitomo caves.
Picture: Dr Thomas Liptak/Flickr
While in the Waitomo region, you can explore three caves on foot; the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Ruakuri Cave and Aranui Cave. Each cave is uniquely magical and comes with its history and culture.
The Glowworm Caves are the most famous of the Waitomo caves, having been a tourist attraction for over 130 years. Wonder through the cave and marvel at its tallest chamber, the Cathedral, before embarking on a boat ride through the glow worm grotto.
On the boat ride, you’ll sit in silence (glow worms don’t like noise) and be able to take in the magical creatures lighting up the cave above!
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Originally published in Getaway Magazine.
