Travel news
From volcanic eruptions responsible for crafting much of the earth’s surface, to weather patterns changing our way of life, forces of nature continue to reshape the world.
Sir David Attenborough’s latest BBC series, A Perfect Planet, studies these powerhouses, and looks at how different species have adapted to their demands. Here, discover some of our favourite creatures from the series, and find out how to see them in real life when travel restrictions are lifted.
Flamboyant cuttlefish
Less than 5cm long, this tiny muck dweller is one of the ocean’s most colourful characters. When a female comes into view, the super-charged suitor gives an electrifying display, dazzling his larger lady (four times his size) with a jukebox of flashing lights.
Find them: Lembeh Strait, Indonesia. Visit diveworldwide.com
Arctic wolves
Stealthy predators reign supreme in the harshest conditions. Some populations can survive for months without sunlight.
Find them: Ennadai Lake in Nunavut, Canada, is used as a denning site by wolf packs. Windows On The Wild offers trips from £10,500pp, including flights and helicopter transfers. Visit windowsonthewild.com
Carmine bee-eaters
Fluttering like petals of sunset-red confetti, these elegantly attired birds decorate Zambia’s riverbanks. Droughts are increasingly rendering their waterside homes unstable.
Find them: Zambia’s South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi. Time +Tide offers safari from £8,285pp, excluding flights. Visit timeandtideafrica.com
Lesser flamingos
Scenes of flamingo chicks racing across the caustic soda flats of Tanzania’s Lake Natron will stay with audiences forever.
Find them: A helicopter ride from across the border in Kenya. Alex Hunter offers a safari from £7,300pp, exc international flights. Email alex@royalafrican.com.
Red crabs
Imagine a crab who’s afraid of water? Somehow crustaceans on Christmas Island survive without getting their claws too wet.
Find them: Dive Worldwide offers a 10-day Discover Christmas Island trip from £2,145pp, including flights. Visit diveworldwide.com or call 01962 302 087.