HELP PROTECT ICONIC SPECIES

GET IN STEP WITH BENGAL TIGERS India

Give yourself the best possible chance of seeing the critically endangered Royal Bengal tiger in Ranthambore, Rajasthan – the best place in the world to observe tigers in the wild. Your guide will be Jaisal Singh, one of India’s top conservationists, who has a family connection to Ranthambore spanning three generations and has dedicated his life to protecting these majestic big cats. His knowledge of the region, along with his team of expert drivers and trackers, make this a unique conservation safari. Book through the Sujan Life (01295 758150): full-board prices at Sujan Sher Bagh start at £685 per night, based on two people sharing; rates for Jaisal as a private guide are available on request

TRACK BROWN BEARS Finland

Step into the world of a nature documentary while tracking and spotting brown bears on a trip to Kuhmo in Finland’s remote eastern wilderness. There is no better place to seek out these charismatic animals than in their natural habitat of the ancient taiga forests. You will be staying at the timber-built Hotel Kalevala on the shores of Lake Lammasjarvi with one overnight in a bear hide on the edge of the lake and a visit to the Petola Nature Centre.

Discover the World (01737 214250; discover-the-world.com) offers a four-night stay from £840 including most meals but excluding flights. Departs May-September i Burning bright: track Royal Bengal tigers in Rajasthan

j Head in the clouds: explore the forest canopy by gondola in Ecuador’s Mashpi Reserve

FEEL THE LYNX EFFECT Spain

This in-depth itinerary goes in search of the Iberian lynx of the Sierra Morena mountains of southern Spain. Although numbers are now on the rise with a population of around 500, at the turn of the millennium it was estimated there were only 100 left. With birds, otters, bison, wild boar and red deer also to be seen, the itinerary has been created in conjunction with wildlife and conservation experts at the European Nature Trust. You will meet with local researchers working to protect the lynx.

Steppes Travel (01285 880980; steppestravel.com) offers a six-day guided trip from £2,995, including accommodation and most meals, flights and a donation to lynx conservation

FOCUS ON FABULOUS BIRDS Worldwide

Swarovski Optik and &Beyond have developed a portfolio of five itineraries to key birding hotspots around the world including Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Ecuador, South Africa and Botswana. While many itineraries focus on specific species rather than on luxury accommodation, these do both – so birders and non-birders alike will enjoy the experience. Avid birders will be given time alongside fellow twitchers, while non-birders can immerse themselves in the culture and wildlife. &Beyond (0152 796 2339; andbeyond. com) offers eight- and 10-day itineraries from £4,900, including half-board accommodation and guides but not flights. Departures from November 2022 to May 2023