City life? Time to go wild…

Calling all animal lovers and adventure seekers.

If you’re ready to leave the hustle of city life behind and dive into a world where nature takes the lead, it’s time to pack your bags for a wild escape.

Imagine exploring remote corners of the world, where untamed landscapes are home to some of the planet’s most incredible creatures.

From the vibrant jungles of Costa Rica to the sweeping plains of South Africa, these destinations offer more than just a getaway—they’re your invitation to witness wildlife up close and connect with nature in ways that will shape how you see the world after you return.

So, if you’re ready to trade the urban buzz for the thrill of the wild, your next adventure is just a flight away.

Here are 8 breathtaking wild wonders just a flight away.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Singapore

Though known for its urban landscape, Singapore is a hidden gem for nature lovers.

Visit Bukit Timah Nature Reserve to spot monkeys, turtles, and other jungle creatures. For bird lovers, Jurong Bird Park is a must-see, home to over 400 species, including the stunning Pied Oriental Hornbill. Whether you’re a nature photographer or just looking to connect with wildlife, Singapore offers a next-level escape.

How to get there: Flying from the UAE to Singapore is a breeze with direct flights from airlines like Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Etihad. The flight takes around 7 hours. Once in Singapore, you can hop on a bus to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Jurong Hill (30 minutes) or take the subway to Jurong Bird Park, Hindhede Dr (24 minutes).

Visa situation: While travelers from the UAE don’t need a pre-arranged visa for Singapore and can stay for up to 30 days, extendable to 90 days, all travelers must meet entry requirements determined by ICA officers upon arrival. For more details, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singapore.

Kruger National Park, South Africa 

Kruger National Park is South Africa’s flagship safari destination, home to the Big Five and countless other species. Visitors can explore the vast savannas, dense forests, and riverine landscapes, spotting giraffes, lions, elephants, hyenas, buffalos, and even leopards. The park offers a range of lodges and camps to immerse you in nature while providing exceptional game drives guided by expert rangers.

How to get there: Fly direct from Dubai to Johannesburg (8 hours with Emirates), then catch a domestic flight to Skukuza or Hoedspruit (1 hour). The total journey time is approximately 10–11 hours.

Visa situation: While UAE passport holders can enter South Africa without a visa for stays up to 90 days, visa requirements for residents of the UAE with other nationalities may vary. Check VFS Global for specific details.

Volcanoes National park, Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest of Rwanda, is one of the most iconic wildlife destinations in Africa. It’s home to a population of endangered mountain gorillas, which can be seen during guided treks through the park’s lush, mist-covered mountains. The park is also home to golden monkeys, another endangered species, as well as buffaloes, elephants, and a variety of bird species. The trek to observe these incredible creatures is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for wildlife enthusiasts.

How to get there: Direct flights from Dubai to Kigali, Rwanda, are available with Emirates and RwandAir, taking around 6 hours. From Kigali, Volcanoes National Park is just a 2-hour drive away.

Visa situation: All travelers need a tourist visa for Rwanda, which can easily be obtained via an eVisa application online. For more details, visit the Rwanda Immigration website.

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Yala National Park is home to the world’s highest density of leopards, along with a host of other animals like elephants, crocodiles, and wild boar. The park’s diverse habitats, including scrubland and coastal dunes, also make it a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 200 species to spot.

How to get there: Fly direct from Dubai to Colombo (around 4.5 hours with Emirates or SriLankan Airlines). From Colombo, it’s a 5-6 hour drive to Yala National Park, where leopards roam freely.

Visa situation: Travelers from the UAE need a tourist visa, which can be easily obtained through an online ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) application.

Jigokudani Monkey Park, Japan

Jigokudani Monkey Park, located in the steep, snowy valley of the Yokoyu River in Nagano Prefecture, is famous for its population of wild Japanese macaques, also known as ‘snow monkeys’. The monkeys are often seen bathing in the natural hot springs in winter, a rare sight that attracts visitors from around the world. The park is open year-round, but the best time to see the monkeys warming up in the pools is during January and February. This unique location, surrounded by steep cliffs and snow, is a paradise for these primates who have called the area home for centuries. The park has been a popular ecological observation site since its establishment in 1964.

How to get there: To reach Jigokudani Monkey Park from Dubai, fly directly to Tokyo Narita (9 hours flight) with Emirates or Japan Airlines. From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagano and then a bus to the park, making the journey roughly 4-5 hours.

Visa situation: UAE nationals require a tourist visa to visit Japan. It can be obtained through the Japanese consulate or embassy. For more details, visit the Japan Visa website.

Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio National Park, located along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is a biodiversity hotspot renowned for its abundant wildlife.

The park is home to different animals, including sloths, monkeys, and colorful toucans. Visitors can enjoy scenic nature walks through dense rainforest trails, and the park also offers beautiful beaches.

Known for its rich ecosystems, Manuel Antonio is an ideal destination for nature lovers and wildlife photographers. The nearby Osa Peninsula and other parks also offer excellent opportunities to spot sloths and other species.

How to get there: You can fly from Dubai to San José, Costa Rica, with connecting flights on airlines like British Airways or Air Canada. From San José, take a domestic flight with Sansa Airlines to Quepos, the nearest airport to Manuel Antonio National Park. Alternatively, you can take a 2-hour drive.

Visa situation: While UAE passport holders can enter Costa Rica without a visa for stays up to 90 days, visa requirements for residents of the UAE with other nationalities may vary. For more visa information, visit the Costa Rican Embassy website.

Johnstone Strait, Vancouver Island, Canada

Johnstone Strait, located off the coast of Vancouver Island, is one of the world’s premier locations for orca whale watching.

The waters are home to a pod of around 300 orcas, as well as humpback and gray whales. Visitors can experience the thrill of kayaking alongside these magnificent mammals or go on a whale-watching tour.

In addition to orcas, the region also boasts diverse marine life, including seals, sea lions, and different bird species, making it a must-visit destination for marine life enthusiasts.

How to get there: Fly from Dubai to Vancouver with Emirates or Air Canada. From Vancouver, take a domestic flight to Johnstone Strait or drive (about 4.5 hours) followed by a short ferry ride.

Visa Situation: Travelers from the UAE need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for stays of up to 6 months in Canada. For more information, visit the Canadian government website.

Kangaroo Island, Australia

Kangaroo Island, located off the coast of South Australia, is a wildlife haven.

Though known for its kangaroos, the island is also home to a large population of koalas. The koalas on the island were introduced in the 1920s and have since thrived. The island’s Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary offers the best opportunities for spotting koalas, kangaroos, and other native animals like echidnas and possums.

Kangaroo Island’s diverse ecosystems, from eucalyptus forests to rugged coastlines, provide a perfect environment for wildlife watching, making it a top destination for nature lovers.

How to get there: Fly from Dubai to Adelaide with airlines like Emirates or Qantas. From Adelaide, take a direct flight to Kangaroo Island Airport (KGC) with Regional Express (REX) Airlines, or drive (about 1.5 hours) and take a ferry from Cape Jervis.

Visa Situation: While UAE nationals require an Electronic Travel Authority (eTA) for entry into Australia for tourism visits of up to 90 days, other passport holders may also need a visa to enter Australia. For more details, visit the Australian Immigration website.

Images: Archive