Think of the word safari and generally a vision of hurtling across a dusty African plain in a bumpy jeep springs to mind, in hot pursuit of lions, giraffes or elephants. Given the nature of the Continent, we tend to do things slightly differently here in Europe although there are many wildlife watching opportunities for the intrepid traveller, which can make the perfect european safari.
The Dingle Peninsula of County Kerry in the south west of Ireland is a rough, inhospitable terrain cloaked in a natural beauty. The 1970 film `Ryan`s Daughter` used this location as a backdrop to its thundering story, with unforgiving waves challenging its wild, sandy beaches. Way in the distance the Cork and Kerry Mountains stand like a barrier to time itself.
These days this corner of Ireland is one of Europe`s best places in which to view whales, dolphins and seals. Take a boat along this glorious coastline and see humpback and fin whales, common and grey seals and most popular of all bottlenose dolphins. They are not short of a story or two in this part of the world. Fungi a mature bottlenose lives off the Dingle coast and likes to come to meet the boats that are out searching for him. There`s only one way to find out if this is true isn`t there?
It`s only an hour`s drive from the Bulgarian capital Sofia, but the Rila National Park is a true wilderness. Set in the highest mountain range in the Balkans with more than 100 peaks over 2000 metres high, it is home to amongst others, brown bears, grey wolves, Eurasian badgers and wild cats. Wild boars and red deer roam freely as well as the alpine ibex. Wonder at the sight of golden eagles, agile, all-powerful and majestic in this wild land. While you`re there take in the nearby Rila Monastery, UNESCO World Heritage Site and largest Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria.
If neither of these is for you perhaps consider a visit to Tenerife. Loro Park, Tenerife`s Wildlife Park boasts both the largest collection of parrots in the world and the largest indoor exhibition of penguins to be found anywhere. There are many other creatures that reside here which include alligators, pelicans and giant tortoises. On a gentler note, there is a beautiful wild orchid garden, home to some very rare plants indeed and a perfect spot for some thought and reflection.
Combine this trip with the great activities the sunshine paradise of Tenerife has to offer such as a cheap holiday in the Costa Adeje or one of the other popular resorts on this, the largest of the Canary Islands.
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