10 great animal day trips. For more daytrips in Belgium, switch to one of the other categories.
1. De zonnegloed - vleteren
De Zonnegloed is an animal sanctuary and care farm in Oostvleteren, Belgium, offering a safe refuge for rescued and abused animals. This special animal park is dedicated to the care of animals that can no longer live in the wild or come from illegal trade, circuses, or poor living conditions.
Visitors can encounter a diverse range of animals, from large predators to small mammals, all housed in a natural and animal-friendly setting. Besides rescuing animals, De Zonnegloed also provides educational programs to promote awareness about animal welfare and conservation.
More information can be found on the official website.
Visitors can encounter a diverse range of animals, from large predators to small mammals, all housed in a natural and animal-friendly setting. Besides rescuing animals, De Zonnegloed also provides educational programs to promote awareness about animal welfare and conservation.
More information can be found on the official website.
2. Pairi Daiza
Pairi Daiza is a popular zoo located in Brugelette (province of Hainaut). The park offers a unique experience with various themed areas from around the world, such as China, Africa, and the Amazon region, where visitors can admire exotic animals like pandas, elephants, and tigers. Additionally, Pairi Daiza is known for its impressive architecture and beautiful gardens. There is even a terraced rice field! The park is more than just a zoo; it is a place where nature, culture, and the animal kingdom come together in a magical setting. You can even stay overnight among the animals!
I finally visited Pairi Daiza in July 2020. The experience was likely somewhat different due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic at the time, which caused some paths to be closed. Nevertheless, it was still a wonderful experience. There are an incredible number of different animal species in Pairi Daiza, almost every species you can imagine.
For the past few years, Pairi Daiza has been named the best zoo in Europe, and I think that's no exaggeration.
I finally visited Pairi Daiza in July 2020. The experience was likely somewhat different due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic at the time, which caused some paths to be closed. Nevertheless, it was still a wonderful experience. There are an incredible number of different animal species in Pairi Daiza, almost every species you can imagine.
For the past few years, Pairi Daiza has been named the best zoo in Europe, and I think that's no exaggeration.
3. seals at the belgian coast
In recent years, more seals have been spotted along the Belgian coast. Even in Ostend alone, people see seals almost every day. Take your time and stroll around the port and nearby beaches, as the chance of spotting seals is greater there. If you're lucky, you might see one or more seals. Don't forget to keep your distance, even though it can be tempting to get closer for a clearer picture. These animals need their rest and privacy. Wouldn't you?
In Ostend, the seals have even been given their own little section at the small beach.
In Ostend, the seals have even been given their own little section at the small beach.
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4. HET ZWIN
'Het Zwin' was officially Belgium's first nature reserve. Located in Knokke-Heist, West-Vlaanderen, along the North Sea and the border with the Netherlands. The reserve covers approximately 770 hectares, with part of it extending into the Netherlands. The landscape is open and expansive, featuring dunes, waterways, and grassy areas. It’s a vital haven for birds, making it a hotspot for birdwatchers. Numerous bird species can be found here, including:
What makes Het Zwin truly special is its role as a migration stopover for birds traveling between Europe and Africa. The reserve offers fantastic viewing points and educational trails, perfect for learning about the region’s unique biodiversity. There's even a visitor center where you can explore more about the local wildlife and habitat conservation efforts. For practical information, check out the official website here. |
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5. NAUSICAÁ [FRANCE]
Nausicaá is the largest aquarium in Europe, located in Boulogne-sur-Mer in Northern France! This National Sea Center is just a one-hour drive from the Belgian border near De Panne or about a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Bruges.
The building houses various sections and water tanks, featuring a diverse range of animals (jellyfish, many species of fish, sharks, seals, penguins, rays, crocodiles, etc.). Since 2018, the aquarium has also been home to a giant manta ray—the only one in Europe!
TIP: Save the "Voyage en Haute Mer" section with its impressive 10,000 m³ giant aquarium for the end—it’s a spectacular highlight of your visit to Nausicaá!
Tickets and more information can be found on Nausicaá's official website.
The building houses various sections and water tanks, featuring a diverse range of animals (jellyfish, many species of fish, sharks, seals, penguins, rays, crocodiles, etc.). Since 2018, the aquarium has also been home to a giant manta ray—the only one in Europe!
TIP: Save the "Voyage en Haute Mer" section with its impressive 10,000 m³ giant aquarium for the end—it’s a spectacular highlight of your visit to Nausicaá!
Tickets and more information can be found on Nausicaá's official website.
6. ORANJEZON [THE NETHERLANDS]
Nature reserve Oranjezon is located in Zeeland, in the southern part of the Netherlands, and is easily accessible via the tunnel under the Western Scheldt near Terneuzen. This stunning reserve is nestled among coastal dunes and offers a diverse landscape teeming with wildlife, including abundant deer and wild horses. For the best chance to spot deer, consider visiting during early morning or just before sunset when these creatures are most active.
There are three well-marked walking trails in the reserve: the Forest Trail, the Fallow Deer Trail, and the Flower Trail, each offering a unique perspective on the area's natural beauty.
Oranjezon is a beautiful destination for nature lovers and a perfect spot to enjoy the tranquility of the Dutch landscape.
Practical Information:
There are three well-marked walking trails in the reserve: the Forest Trail, the Fallow Deer Trail, and the Flower Trail, each offering a unique perspective on the area's natural beauty.
Oranjezon is a beautiful destination for nature lovers and a perfect spot to enjoy the tranquility of the Dutch landscape.
Practical Information:
- Entrance to the park costs just 1 euro, although there is an additional parking fee during the summer season.
- Dogs are not permitted in the reserve to protect the wildlife.
- The tunnel under the Western Scheldt has a toll of 5 euros each way for cars, but will be toll-free from januari 2025!
- Be sure to leave the reserve before sunset to ensure a safe return (otherwise the park ranger will give you a big fine!
7. WALK WITH ANIMALS in THE FLEMISH ARDENNESI have added this activity to the list especially for families with children. There are several places in the Flemish Ardennes where you can literally go for a walk with animals!
For example, you can rent a donkey to walk with. You can also use it to carry your luggage or let your child sit on its back for an adventurous ride! Walks with ponies and alpacas are also possible! One of these renting locations is 'De Ijsmolenhoeve' close to Ronse, you can find more details on their website. Another place is called donkey farm 'Gitaene', located in Maarkedal. The flemish ardennes are located in the province 'Oost-Vlaanderen'. There are also a lot of walking trails in that area. Check out the 'Nature page' since there is a topic about the Flemish Ardennes. |
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8. BEEKSE BERGEN [THE NETHERLANDS]
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De Beekse Bergen is a safari park just over the border in the Netherlands and is the largest animal park in the Benelux in terms of area. With more than 150 animal species, the park offers a unique experience. One of its main features is the car safari, where visitors can drive their own vehicles through the park and observe animals in their natural environment. How amazing!
Unfortunately, there have been incidents in the past, such as in 2012 when a young boy was bitten by a leopard. A few years ago, videos surfaced on social media showing people getting out of their cars during the car safari! So don't walk outside of your car! In addition to the car safari, there are also walking, boat and bus safaris, as well as animal encounters. Educational programs and explanations from caretakers provide insight into animal behavior and conservation efforts. With its unique safari experience, De Beekse Bergen is a fantastic destination for animal lovers and families seeking adventure. |
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9. BIsONs
Bisons are incredible animals and are very hard to find in Belgium, especially outside of a zoo, but actually it is possible. The most known place to find bizons in Belgium, is the Bison Ranch in Orchimont, which is located in Wallonia. It's actually a small cowboy village, with a saloon and shop. You can also eat or buy Bison meat. You can view the bisons from close by during a 'wagon trail'.
For more information about the 'Bison Ranch', visit the official website.
Also in the province of East-Flanders, bizons can be found in a remote field. I'm planning to go there soon, to know the correct location and take some shots and to mark out a hike in the surrounding area.
For more information about the 'Bison Ranch', visit the official website.
Also in the province of East-Flanders, bizons can be found in a remote field. I'm planning to go there soon, to know the correct location and take some shots and to mark out a hike in the surrounding area.
10. Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen
Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen is a nature reserve in Ghent, covering 230 hectares. Known as a "green lung" for the city, it provides a refreshing escape from urban life while being conveniently close to the city center. The reserve features wetlands, grasslands, ditches, and canals, creating a vital habitat for numerous bird species and wildlife.
Wildlife you might encounter:
With its walking trails and observation points, Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. It beautifully demonstrates how urban areas can coexist with nature, offering a vital refuge for wildlife and a peaceful retreat for visitors.
Wildlife you might encounter:
- Waterfowl: Ducks and geese like the shoveler, barnacle goose, mallards and greylag geese.
- Birds: Look for the vibrant bluethroat, colorful kingfisher, cormorants, tawny owls, and various woodpeckers. Birds of prey, such as hawks and buzzards, are also common.
- Insects: Dragonflies and butterflies thrive in the summer months.
- Amphibians: newts, toads, and frogs
- Mammals: rabbits, hares, shrews, as well as larger animals like roe deer.
- Predators: polecats, stoats, red foxes, and weasels
With its walking trails and observation points, Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. It beautifully demonstrates how urban areas can coexist with nature, offering a vital refuge for wildlife and a peaceful retreat for visitors.