The Netherlands has a high visitor. After all, it looks like the wolf will settle in the Netherlands again after 200 years. Drenthe is the lucky province with a chance of this impressive new resident(s). Images and tracks of the wolf have been found in recent years. Visitors to nature reserves even seem to have seen the wolf. Whether it makes the Netherlands its new home is only exciting. It only becomes official when the wolf endures in the Netherlands for six months. Fingers crossed!
You wouldn't know it, but the Netherlands has a lot more wildlife. Did you know that the Netherlands also has the Big 5? In our country, the Big 5 consists of the red deer, the wild boar, the roe deer, the badger and the fox. Would you like to observe these animals? See the wildlife in real life? We have listed the 6 most fun excursions for you.
1. Wild boar spotting in the Veluwe
Spot the wild boar, which belongs to the Dutch Big 5, on the Veluwe. During this excursion in the Hoge Veluwe National Park, you will go on an investigation and learn all about the life of the wild boar. Wild boars live in large groups and can often be found near mud pools. After all, they love mud. Together with a forest ranger, you take an adventurous 10-kilometre walk through the habitat of this omnivore. Are you not afraid of getting dirty? Do as the pigs do, put on a comfortable safari outfit, binoculars and hop into the mud! Hopefully you will spot part of the Dutch Big 5 on the Veluwe. Check here for all wildlife excursions on the Veluwe.
2. Wisent excursion in the Maashorst
The European bison. An impressive and interesting animal. You do not just come across this large grazer and it can only be found in the Maashorst. The wisent is one of the last remaining species of bison and is very rare. A small herd of these ancient animals lives in the Maashorst. Would you like to know everything about this largest living land mammal in Europe? Come along on an excursion. Sign up here.
3. A canoe expedition to the otters
This is one of my favourite excursions. On this excursion, you learn more about how the otter lives in the Netherlands. In a canoe, you sail through the otter's habitat and observe it up close. Together with a guide, you look for traces of this peculiar 'water rat' from the water. Are you coming along on an expedition?
4. Tracking beavers in the Biesbosch
The beaver belongs to the Dutch Big 5. During this excursion for the whole family (6+), you board a boat and go in search of the beaver. The guide will tell you all about the life of these dam-builders. Did you know, for example, that there are beaver dams of more than 800(!) metres? Busy bees, those beavers. For the kids, a nice surprise awaits at the end of the beaver safari. Will you join us in the search for the beaver? Check here how to find beavers in the Biesbosch.
The Netherlands is beautiful. The Dutch wilderness is well worth discovering. Get to know our very own ‘Big 5’ in places such as the Veluwe. Enjoy and learn from the wildlife in our natural surroundings, but please treat their habitats with respect. Have fun discovering our own wildlife.
With love,
Luus