There is something magical about aerial photography; seeing the world from a whole new perspective.
Here are eight shots that caught our eye at Freedom Destinations, captured in some quite incredible locations, from the deserts of Nevada to the wetlands of the Okavango Delta in Botswana.
Which is your favourite and which will you visit first?
1. Hutt Lagoon, Port Gregory, Western Australia
The mind-blowing colours of Hutt Lagoon, also known as the ‘Pink Lake’, are due to the presence of a natural algae, “Dunaliella Salina”. The shades of colour vary depending on the season and even time of day – with the most vivid hues typically between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, when the sun is shining (though bear in mind, the lake is much drier in the summer).
Approximately 40 minutes south of Kalbarri or 5 to 6 hours north of Perth, Hutt Lagoon is a perfect stop on a self drive tour of Western Australia. Who’d imagine a lake could be so colourful!
2. Pavilion of the Enlightened, Ancient Siam, Bangkok, Thailand
The architecture of this incredible complex symbolises an historic story in which 500 enlightened monks from a variety of cultural backgrounds, different codes, beliefs and practices, attained Nirvana together.
Ancient Siam is one of the largest outdoor museums in the world, spanning over 200 acres and built in the shape of Thailand! The park includes replicas of many of the country’s treasures, such as the Tiger King’s Palace of Phetchaburi, and Wat Khao Phra Viharn, an ancient Khmer temple.
Experience the wonders of Thailand on a 14 day holiday taking in the capital, culture and coast.
3. Victoria Bridge, State Highway 6, New Zealand
State Highway 6 extends the length of New Zealand’s spectacular South Island; through the vineyards of Marlborough, down the rugged West Coast, and then back inland, where it follows the Kawarau River for around 50 km, at times clinging to the narrow gorge the turquoise blue waters have carved through the mineral-rich schist base rock. Why not hire a campervan in Queenstown to explore the South Island for yourself?
4. Okavango Delta, Botswana
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Okavango Delta is located in northern Botswana and best viewed by mokoro, a traditional Botswanan canoe, or from the air, where you can observe buffalo, elephant and other large mammals wade through its flooded plains.
The world’s largest inland delta, it is the end point of the Okavango River; the permeable sands of the Kalahari Desert preventing it reaching the ocean. The waterways and grassy plains the delta creates are a haven for wildlife, making it an essential stop on a Botswana safari.
5. Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia
The beaches of Nusa Dua are some of the best in Bali, boasting golden sands and clear turquoise seas. The town itself has a variety of bars and restaurants, artisan shops selling unique gifts, and a host of accommodation styles. Around 35 minutes away is the famous clifftop temple of Uluwatu.
If you’d like to experience utopia, check out these holidays to Bali.
6. The Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada, America
A geological wonderland, the Valley of Fire State Park covers an area of 46,000 acres in the Mojave Desert, Nevada. 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas, the park derives its name from the 150 million year old, fiery, swirling sandstone formations it protects, some of which have ancient petroglyphs carved into them.
It’s easy to see why the Valley of Fire is a favourite location for hiking and camping, and a popular stop on a self drive tour of Western USA.
7. Niagara Falls, Canada/America Border
Iconic Niagara Falls; a mesmerising group of three incredible waterfalls, the tallest reaching 57 metres in height, spanning the border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the US State of New York. Its unabated power is a sight to behold by day or night, when the tumbling waters are illuminated by thousands of LED lights.
There are a variety of ways to experience Niagara Falls; including a boat trip into the mist, a helicopter ride above or a journey behind the falls, through tunnels carved into the bedrock. It’s certainly something to tick off the bucket list.
8. Dune 45, Sossusvlei, Namibia
The golden red sands of the Namib Desert, high in iron oxide, give the landscape its rich, warm colouring. Easily accessible on a Namibia self drive, Dune 45 is thought to be one of the most photographed in the world, travellers fascinated by its sheer size and perfect shape. From above, you can see how the position of the sun can dramatically change your perception.
View more great images of the world from above, or to plan your next adventure at freedomdestinations.co.uk.