As one summer draws to a close, bespoke travel outfitter Natural World Safaris (naturalworldsafaris.com) shares its recommendations of where to book now for travel in summer 2024. Fitting with the company ethos of ‘right place, right time’, plan now to be in position to witness some of the most incredible seasonal spectacles in the natural world.
Kenya Why: The Great Migration typically takes place in the famed Masai Mara Game Reserve during July to September. Sure to be in the spotlight thanks to the July 2024 premiere of Mufasa: The Lion King, one and a half million wildebeest, along with 250,000 zebra and several 100,000 gazelle will cross crocodile infested rivers. And remember that following the herds are an array of predators. Spotlight itinerary: Classic Kenya Safari, 15 days Price From: £9,000 per person, exclusive of international airfare
Borneo
Why: July to September provide optimal chances for good sightings of orangutans in the wild, as these months are when the trees are fruiting in Borneo. Orangutans can often be seen swinging from branch to branch in search of plump ripe fruit to feast on. Spotlight itinerary: Luxury Borneo Safari, 14 days Price From £9,370 per person exclusive of international airfare
Svalbard
Why: From late June onwards the pack ice that encompasses this archipelago begins to melt. Consequently, the polar bears are often more concentrated in the remaining icy areas. For the NWS small group photographic safaris that navigate by boat, it is possible to push further north and cover more ground, resulting in increased chances of sightings of polar bear, reindeer, arctic fox, whales and bird cliffs teeming with nesting birds. Spotlight itinerary: Polar Bear Explorer, 10 days Price From £8,095 per person exclusive of international airfare
Ecuador
Why: The months of July and August are optimal for viewing the thousands of hummingbirds and toucans in the Ecuadorian cloud forest since this is fruit season in the trees. Meanwhile in the Galapagos Islands, it is the time to witness the fascinating mating ritual of the blue-footed booby and newly birthed Galapagos Sea Lion among other extraordinary wildlife. Spotlight itinerary: Classic Ecuador Safari, 12 days Price From £6,500 per person exclusive of international airfare
Botswana
Why: July through to September is when the water levels of the Okavango Delta are typically at their highest. This allows for visitors to incorporate game viewing by both boat and mokoro (dug-out canoe) along the waterways and channels for which Botswana is renowned. Outside of the Delta, the dry season is easier to travel as roads and trails become more easily traversable and it is easier to spot wildlife in the short grasses and dry plains. Spotlight itinerary: Ultra-luxury Botswana Safari, 10 days
Price From £15,000 per person exclusive of international airfare
Costa Rica
Why: The off-peak months of July and August provide spectacular marine wildlife sightings in Costa Rica. During these months visitors have the opportunity to witness green sea turtles hatch and make their way to the sea for the first time along the coastline of Tortuguero National Park and humpback whales congregate in the waters of Dominical and Marino Ballena National Park. Spotlight itinerary: Classic Costa Rica Safari, 11 days Price From £5,500 per person exclusive of international airfare
Brazil
Why: July to September are the months when the world’s largest tropical wetland - the Pantanal in Brazil - are at their driest. These months are optimal for wildlife sightings, with giant anteaters, jaguars, giant river otters and tapir all more easily spotted during the dry season. Spotlight itinerary: Short North Pantanal Safari, 5 days Price From £4,295 per person exclusive of international airfare
For further information and to explore itineraries please visit www.naturalworldsafaris.com or call +44 (0)1273 691642.
