How to get up close with the stars of Dynasties II
Head to Chile, Zambia and Kenya to meet the A-listers of BBC1’S new wildlife series, says Sarah Marshall
Nature soothed our souls during the pandemic, even though some of the greatest wildlife regions around the world were temporarily off limits. BBC One’s new Dynasties II is a reminder of what we’ve all been missing, providing an incentive to get out and explore once again.
During the four-part series, David Attenborough unravels the complex lives of several animal families, presenting their highs and lows, and providing us with an intimate insight into the challenges they face. But if you want to meet the stars in the flesh, here’s where to go…
Pumas: Torres Del Paine, Chile
Fierce winds and bone-jingling temperatures might be challenging for humans, but South America’s charismatic mountain lions have found a comfortable home in the icy wilds of Patagonia. Although the area is rugged and remote, it’s surprisingly easily to spot the animals in one of the region’s most popular tourist attractions – Torres del Paine.
Rupestre, the puma featured in the opening episode of Dynasties II, is well known by guides and trackers in the Chilean national park, and can often be seen along the Hunter’s walking trail.
“Being on foot, you live the day as the puma would live it; you feel the same temperatures, the wind in your face,” explains producer Felicity Lanchester, who admits she was amazed by the amount of drama the team managed to capture during an 18-month window of filming.
Although it’s possible to encounter pumas along trails in the park, one of the best, and most ethical, ways to witness the cats is by signing up to a day safari with Fundación Cerro Guido Conservación, who operate in an estancia neighbouring the park.
How: Abercrombie & Kent (abercrombiekent.co.uk) offers a seven-night stay in Chile from £5,399 per person, including a five night allinclusive stay at Tierra Patagonia, transfers and flights. Puma experience costs extra.
Cheetahs and spotted hyenas: Liuwa Plain National Park, Zambia
A remote corner of western Zambia sets the scene for two stars of the series each in a remarkably different environment. Wide open expanses provided a backdrop for cheetah Kali and her cubs, forcing the camera crew to travel up to 50km in a morning, to catch up with them.
“One of the biggest challenges facing cheetahs is that they need a huge space to roam,” says series producer Simon Blakeney, reflecting on why the species is in alarmingly rapid decline.
How: Wildlife Worldwide (wildlifeworldwide.com) offers an 11-day Zambia’s Wild West: Kafue and Liuwa Plain group trip from £6,595 per person (two sharing), including flights.
Elephants: Amboseli National Park, Kenya
Some of the last big tuskers can be found in Kenya, on the border with Tanzania, congregating on grasslands in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. Although elephants have been under threat across Africa, numbers are bouncing back in this patch of East Africa. But cause for celebration is tempered by the dangers of drought and the threat of predators.
How: Coral Tree Travel (coraltreetravel.com) offers a sixnight family holiday, at Elewana Tortilis Camp, Amboseli National Park, from £2,300 per person.