safari amsterdam

Wetlands Safari

Outdoor canoe excursion near Amsterdam since 1995

Canoe Fresh Air Tour

All year round.

Fresh Air Tour is a guided canoe trip for small groups. With maximum ten guests and a guide, we float away into nature with a Canadian canoe. We enter a nature reserve what you can only visit by boat. And we paddle through a small Waterlands village. After this tour you get just in 2 hours a better view why Amsterdam is build the way it is. Info Canoe Fresh Air Tour

Canoe Day Tour

End march – september.

In canoes you will explore far into the moorland-meadows. We will get out of the canoe for a small walk in the reed lands. An expert guide, English speaking, will inform you about plants as sundew (carnivorous plant) and wildlife such as the black-tailed godwit and the origins as well as the origins of this special landscape. A landscape that inspired Holland’s most famous painters back in the Golden Age, painters like Rembrandt and Ruysdael. Info Canoe Day Tour

Canoe Sunset Tour

May – august.

Come canoeing in the evening light in beautiful Waterland. Paddle through the village with the wooden houses. Enjoy the Dutch Landscape with the cows, jumping hare and singing birds. We will have a picnic at a lake with local products. The guide likes to tell you all about this polderland.

Info Sunset Tour

“It was definitely worthwhile and we would recommend it to anyone! “  “A real nice, unusual, close to nature, Dutch experience! “

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An active nature excursion close to Amsterdam

During a Wetlands Safari, in business since 1995, will guide you through a 17th century landscape, through villages that still are built on land and water. In this unique watery landscape dominated by dense reed lands, you will watch numerous water fowl and singing birds. Enjoy the wonderful, spicy smelling waterplants with their fascinating flowers.

So turn your back to Amsterdam and face the wetlands of Waterland. Take your casual clothing from your suitcase and book a Wetlands Safari. For environmental reasons the group size is limited.

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Oostvaardersplassen – a safari through Amsterdam’s wilderness park

When visiting the cultural and style capital of the Netherlands, one doesn’t immediately think of wild nature; of wetland birds; boxing bucks; or sparring konik ponies. Yet take the train from Amsterdam’s Central Station and within an hour you could be on safari, writes Andrew Forbes .

Each season offers something unique in nature, so if you’re planning a city break to Amsterdam this autumn or spring, then consider adding a half day trip out to Oostvaardersplassen , one of Europe’s most interesting nature reserves.

It’s even more remarkable when one considers that these 56 square kilometres of protected terrain are sandwiched between modern urban Dutch civilisation – close to the vibrant city of Amsterdam, as well as the strikingly new town of Almere (which by the way is worth a visit if you’re interested in contemporary urban architecture).

In Oostvaardersplassen amongst the wetlands, marshes, grasslands and meadows lives an abundance of wildlife. Although much of the surrounding countryside is open for hiking and cycling, the main park is strictly protected, so to access the natural wonders of this area you must be part of an organised guided safari tour.

Head to De Oostvaarder, the official visitor centre, where you can join regular safaris that leave with trained rangers.

Whatever the season you will be assured of impressive sights, including of herds of red deer. These graceful, timid and elegant animals play an important role in maintaining the ecosystem, as their grazing opens areas for geese and other fowl.

There are herds of wild cattle too and a few large groups of wild konik ponies, which make for a fascinating sight.

Birdlife is everywhere, including great egrets, which thanks to the park have returned to the Netherlands after more than a century. If you keep your eyes peeled on the safari you might also see hares and foxes.

Upon your return to the visitor centre you can eat well in the visitor centre restaurant, and if you like shopping allow time to be tempted by the main unique gifts in the boutique.

It’s quite the contrast to the urban attractions of Amsterdam, but is well worth adding to a weekend break.

Information

Oostvaarders Nature Observation Centre, take a short train journey from Amsterdam Central to Almere Oostvaarders, and from there it’s around a 25-minute walk to the centre. Alternatively, get the train from Amsterdam Central Station to Lelystad Centrum (around 40 minutes), and from there it’s only a short bike ride to De Oostvaarder. You can rent an OV rental bike from the station in Lelystad.

For more details on some of the finest Dutch restaurants and luxury hotels, see our collection of luxury Amsterdam Interviews and reviews here .

Andrew Forbes

Andrew is a Marketing Communications consultant, working within the wellness, travel & lifestyle sectors. His track record in PR, marketing and branding spans 30 years. He writes regularly on international wellness, travel, and lifestyle themes with a particular passion for the Mediterranean and the Americas. Originally from the UK, Andrew Forbes has lived in the US and France but now calls southern Spain his home, where he is a specialist in hospitality marketing and content, as well as a Contributing Editor for Spain’s leading English language newspaper. www.andrewforbes.com

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Two young elephants have been born!

On safari in beekse bergen.

Are you coming to visit the three young elephants?

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Opening hours

Beekse Bergen is open all year round, including public holidays. View all current opening hours and plan your visit.

Feeding times

A ranger will explain the eating habitsof the animals and their diets.

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Experience an unforgettable safari together

Go on a adventure by foot, car, bus or by boat

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Discover the game drive

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CITY SAFARI TOURS

Discover the wonders of nature on your doorstep in the wild city ecosystem of amsterdam.

Location: Multiple points around the city depending on activity

Dates: On demand for businesses, groups or individuals

Cost: Dependant on tour chosen and number of participants (discount for larger groups)

Guides: Kristian de la Riva (wilderness/safari guide) & Joost Janmaat (author of Het Wilde Noorden, purchase a copy at   https://excelsior-recordings.com/products/het-wilde-noorden-stadsnatuurgids-voor-amsterdam-noord )

Do you crave a wild NATURE experience in the city?  

Then join us on a range of safaris and tours geared towards showcasing the hidden gems, wild edibles, stellar species, bizarre discoveries and natural wonders of Amsterdams wild city ecosystem.

Urban green spaces are the first and often the only point of contact with natural environments for many city dwellers, yet despite such importance cityscapes are rarely credited as nature reserves in themselves. But if you know where to look, they burst with natural abundance and host a wealth of endangered species and unique predators throughout the seasons. You don’t have to journey to bona fide National parks to experience big nature, in fact here in the heart of the city of Amsterdam you can find more species of plants and trees than on the entire Hoge Veluwe and more biodiversity than in the shifting sand dunes of Texel.  

Amsterdams ecological roots are grounded in the swamp it once was, rising up from this marshland are towers of steel and concrete that mimc the cliffs, crags and crevices of rock faces. Such a backdrop plays host to a cosmopolitan community of flora and fauna that provide a melting pot of local urban evolution. Amongst it all, you can choose to go on a doorstep tour of wild edible plants,  track Schotse Hooglanders (Highland cows) in the vibrant scrublands of Noorderijpolder, discover bush crafting in the suburbs or sign up for the expedition of a city lifetime by traversing natures golden route along the A10….safari style!  

Grand nature and big adventure await you within the boundary of the city’s walls.  

LIST OF EXPEDITIONS:

-Wild edibles and plant ID on your doorstep: AKA THE CITY SALAD BOWL!

Patches of wild nature that you pass by everyday hold a host of plant species that are lost to memory but which are delicious wild edibles and have a host of  medicinal properties. Discover their habitats in parks , scrublands and pockets of wild nature across the city

-A10 safari Expedition: 1 day expedition into uncharted nature. Not for the faint hearted!:

Traverse the north side of the A10 in a day, crossing canals by raft and discovering pockets of wildlife and histories hidden to the everyday commuter. Brings a deep knowledge of your natural surroundings. Your experience of the city will never be the same again.

-Bushcraft in the city: ever fancied living in that park bush you always walk past? discover here the secrets to that success:

Relearn skills from our not so distant past. The city provides a range of natural materials that can be utilised for everyday use for free. All that is needed is respect and acknowledgement of reciprocity for the materials we shall harvest from the urban land. Learn which plants you can use to brush your teeth and which are the best for sunburn or wounds, learn how to make quick rope from plants you walk past daily. Great for families and small business team bonding events.

-Birding on the ferry: Be accompanied by birding experts that reveal mysterious migrants and common wonders as we ferry hop on Amsterdams favourite public transport:

Join Joost an avid city birder and migration expert on one of the many ponts/ferries that connect the travelling city. Its surprisingly the perfect bird watch hide in Europe 

-Nature in the cracks: A wildlife tour of the Red light district’s hidden green underbelly:

Nooks and crannies, cracks and holes are natures favourite places. Amidst the neon lights natures green glows strongly. 

All participants join at course at their own discretion. European walking safari will not take responsibility for lost items and injuries during the period of the tour. Indemnity forms will be signed before participation.

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For all bookings & enquiries please contact: [email protected]  

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Wetlands Safari

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Joan Melchior Kemperstr 47-A3

1051 TJ Amsterdam

The Netherlands

Staatsliedenbuurt, West

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I was the only person on my tour this particular day 3 Aug, 2016, just me and the owner Majel, who lives in Amsterdam. I am traveling alone, and first arrived in Amsterdam a few days earlier, to meet my Viking Grand European River Cruise, so I signed up for this Wetlands Safari, seeing it on Rick Steves. I was under the impression that I would be renting canoes from an outfitter who owns a facility out there. But Majel meets you at the bus terminal, pays for my public transportation to take bus out to the wetlands (about 30 min outside Amsterdam). There, a small hotel or B&B has some canoes for rent, and that is what Majel rents for us. Majel buys me a hot cocoa from the hotel drink menu and then we get into the canoe together. We paddle past cute houses full of colorful flower landscaping on the canals, and then go out to canals where there are no houses. There is much grassland, that I ask Majel how come they do not put more cows to graze and make beef cheaper. She said it was all about making habitat and breeding conditions ideal a particular bird that they are trying to save. She described how conscientious Holland was about wildlife preservation. I was so impressed. I wish USA were like that in that animals and environment have NO DEFENSE AGAINST HUMANS' WILL IMPOSED UPON THEM. But USA is all about raping nature for money and greed. After a picnic of MANY choices of crackers, fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, and various spreads and cheeses and drinks, Majel showed me frogs and flesh-eating plants like Venus fly-catchers on our "nature walk" in the wetlands. The most amazing thing was when Majel jumped up and down on the boggy ground, showing the bog I was standing on was a floating trampoline, that bounced up and down, because it was not on solid ground. Ground we are walking on, is a grass mat floating on water. That is why in some places, there are wooden planks to keep your feet from sinking in too far in the bog. Majel told me she has been taking people like this, on the canoe safari for 22 years! Majel met Rick Steves, but said he did not have time to complete the full Wetlands tour. He never has time. In the winter off-season, she travels around the world, herself. Our paddling is about 1.5 hours. Then we come back to the little hotel and I can have another drink. And we take the bus back to the City. This Wetlands Safari was the highlight of 4-day Amsterdam visit, because I love the outdoors, nature, and camping, and Majel is an A+ hostess and tour guide, and I highly recommend this Safari to do with your travel companions. Keep Majel busy for the next 20 years.

I can't say enough great things about this tour, and about Majel. She's truly a wonderful and delightful person. I'm one of those people that researches tours and things to do quite extensively for my trips. To me, it's part of the fun. I was really excited to read about this amazing experience. The reviews are fantastic, it all sounded so cool, and it certainly lived up to my very high expectations. Majel is so incredibly sweet and thoughtful. She thinks of everything, and you just go with it and let her guide you along the entire experience, from start to finish. I absolutely love Amsterdam, and at the same time, I really loved the idea of being able to so quickly and easily get out of the city and into a whole new world of outdoor adventure in the country. This was one of the best experiences I've had on a trip, ever. Truly magical. Thank you, Majel!

Wetlands Safari Canoe Tour is a super fun way to spend a half day outside the city and experience a mix of iconic Dutch things: waterways, cows, farmland, windmills and quaint villages all in one go. You have a choice of the longer trip during the day (5 hours from pickup to drop off) or the shorter sunset trip (4 hours) The group meets at the bus platforms behind Amsterdam Central Station and takes a 15 min. bus ride north to the starting point. Each canoe fits two to three people. Life vests are available on request, but as they point out, not necessary since most of the waterways aren't too deep. Canoeing is surprisingly easy and it gives you a chance to participate in your trip instead of just looking around. You paddle through the farmlands with cows galore; pass by windmills and different kinds of birdlife; and glide through picturesque small villages with wooden bridges, houses with thatched roofs and swans and ducks. A delicious wine and cheese picnic is spread out on a small island at the halfway point. Owner/guide Majel is super friendly, responsible and shares various bits of interesting info along the way. This is a must if you have a few extra days in the city and are looking for something special to do. Watch our vid here: https://youtu.be/HS4am8PdfEU

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Tulip Festival Amsterdam

Enjoy the tulips in Holland

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Exclusive Tulip Safari Tour with local guide

Discover the tulip fields in a unique way with the Tulip Safari Tour in a Land Rover. Your local guide will show you the most beautiful spots in the countryside near Amsterdam . Drive along the flower fields and take great photos among the blooming daffodils, hyacinths and, of course, tulips.

Exclusive Tulip Safari Tour

Great with friends and / or family, land rover defender, your local tour guide, tulip safari departure times, price tulip safari tour, departure location.

Explore the tulip fields with a local guide in a Land Rover Defender. Along the way, you will see and hear all about Holland’s symbol, the tulip. You will go on safari exclusively with a small group (max. 8 people).

• Including local guide (English/Dutch) who knows where the best flower fields are blooming
• Travelling in a Land Rover Defender
• Exclusively with a small group (max. 8 people)
• in 2.5 hours you will discover everything about tulips in Holland
• Start location close to Keukenhof Gardens

The Tulip Safari tour is great to experience with a group. Your group can consist of up to 8 people. Gather your friends and or family and go for an unforgettable adventure among the tulips.

The tour is driven in a tough Land Rover Defender . This car has room for up to 8 passengers . All participants have a good view over the flower fields through the many windows.

Your local guide knows the most beautiful spots and will take you there safely. The guide knows a lot about the area and the flowers grown in the region. Of course, the guide can also take a nice group photo.

The Tulip Safari Tour departs during tulip season on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. There is a morning tour at 9:45 am and an afternoon tour at 1 pm.

The Tulip Safari Tour has limited availability. The tour is given only on weekends and has space for only 8 people per tour. The Tulip Safari Tour is suitable from 6 years and up.

On the calendar below, you can immediately see if the Tulip Safari Tour is still available on the day and time of your choice and book your tour directly.

The Tulip Safari Tour departs from Heereweg 10 in Lisse. This location is just a 10- to 15-minute walk from Keukenhof Gardens. You can also book a Hotel pick-up transfer from Amsterdam .

• Heereweg 10, 2161 AG Lisse
• Book your tour

Popular links

Are you planning to visit the best (flower) activities in Holland? Make sure to check out the most populair activities:

• Everything you want to know about  Keukenhof Gardens
• Check out our information about the  Flower Parade in Holland
• Our top sightseeing tours for exploring the flower fields
• Buy Keukenhof quality tulip bulbs online and create your own tulip garden
• Check out our hotel tips for visiting Keukenhof and the tulip fields
• Stay informed about the blooming of the flowers in Holland with our free  Flower Forecast
• Want to experience the real thing? Visit a  tulip farm in Holland
• See the best flower events during your visit to Holland? Check it out in our  events calendar
• Our tips for  the most populair tours in Amsterdam  during your stay in Holland
• Get the most out of your visit with our  tips for visiting Amsterdam
• Read more about the Tulip Festival Card

About This Site

Tulip Festival Amsterdam is all about the flower events in Holland . Read our tips for visiting  Keukenhof Gardens , Flower Parade , Flower Farms ,  Amsterdam  and our Flower reports about the growth of the flower fields.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us .

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Small Group Half Day Seal Safari at UNESCO Site Waddensea from Amsterdam

On this half day Seal Tour, we will take you on a journey along the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site Waddensea. We will explore the Waddensea by boat at low tide, scouting for gray seals, harbor seals and migrating birds. We will visit the historic town of Medemblik on the IJsselmeer coast, the 17th century village of Twisk, and we will see the famous enclosing dike between Noord-Holland and Friesland up close, on this family friendly trip.

Enjoy a half day seal spotting safari at the Unesco World Heritage site Waddensea! This is a small group tour and the durations is approximately seven hours. We recommend it for families, children, nature lovers and everyone else!

Included in this tour:

• Binoculars to scout for gray seals, harbor seals and migrating birds
• A visit to 17th century town and village on IJsselmeer coast
• Transfer from and to Amsterdam
• all fees for transfer and boat, two drinks and a snack on board

UNESCO Wadden Sea site Experience the amazing beauty of the unique mud flats at the UNESCO world heritage site Waddensea . Join us on our ship to go seal spotting on the mudflats of an empty sea. Listen to the thousands of birds that stop here during their migration. Enjoy the picturesque traditional towns along the IJsselmeer coast. Capture yourself on a selfie next to the famous enclosing dike.

Itinerary This half day small group heritage adventure will take you from Amsterdam to the largest unbroken system of intertidal sand and mud flats in the world. We will pick you up right in the center of Amsterdam in the morning and drive you through the beautiful Dutch country side: land claimed from the sea; past farms, villages and windmills.

Upon arrival, we will board our ship that takes us onto the Waddensea. Because of its unique coastal wetlands and tidal system, it is a refuge for a huge number of animals, including marine mammals such as the harbor seals, gray seals and harbor porpoises. The Waddensea World Heritage area is a crucial stopover for millions of migrating birds. The Waddensea is a calm sea with hardly any risk of uncomfortable swell. We will sail along the famous enclosing dike between Noord Holland and Friesland, which protects the low country against flooding.

Once back in the harbor we will drive through the beautiful 17th century village of Twisk to the historic town of Medemblik on the IJsselmeer coast. You will have some time to wander the narrow streets, visit the windmill, brewery or the castle, shop or have lunch!

If you are traveling by yourself we welcome you to join our tours ! Please call or email for availability!  [email protected]

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