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Where to go in February for wildlife and

nature
TIPS & ARTICLES

LONELY PLANET
Lonely Planet Writer

In this round-up we take to the land, sea and sky to bring you the top spots to
discover wildlife and nature in February.

For land-lovers, snow leopards and huge vistas of ice await in India;
underwater explorers can swim with whale sharks in the balmy waters of the
Philippines; and theres a special treat for spotters who can bear witness, not
only to spectacular birdlife in Japan, but to the spectacle of millions of
monarch butterflies taking flight in Mexico.
 Trekking the Chadar route along the frozen Zanskar River
Koonyongyut / Getty Images

Head to Ladakh, India, for snow leopards and ice trekking

Brrrrrrr! Its not warm in the Himalayan heights of northwest Indiaright now
(days around 21F; -6C). But its worth braving the cold for a couple of very
special experiences. Wildlife fans should head for Hemis National Park, home
to a 400-year-old monastery, and one of the few places on the planet where
the elusive snow leopard isnt quite so elusive. During winter mating season
which peaks in February the high-dwelling big cats descend to the valleys
here to find mates, making them easier to spot. Alternatively, trekkers can
check out the Chadar. This challenging winter hike starts near Leh, and uses
the frozen Zanskar River as its path walking on this icy meander is the only
way to access the highland villages at this time. February is when the ice is at
its most stable; the temperature is biting, but the snow-cloaked mountains
spectacular.
Trip plan: Fly to Leh. Hemis is 6
miles (10 km) south, where guided
treks in the Tarbuns Valley may yield
leopards. The Chadar hike starts in
Chilling, 40 miles (65 km) from Leh,
and takes six days.
Need to know: Leh is at 11,483ft
(3500m) so stay well-hydrated to help
altitude acclimatisation.
Other months: Nov-Mar cold,
snowy (Jan-Feb: Chadar possible);
Apr-May & Oct quiet, cool; Jun-Sep
best for regular trekking.
Watch millions of monarch butterflies take flight in Mexico

Visit Michoacns forests on a sunny February morning and youll witness an

astonishing spectacle: hundreds of millions of orange-black wings flexing then
fluttering as vast clouds of monarch butterflies take to the air. Each winter up
to a billion of these incredible insects migrate thousands of miles from
northeastern North America to the warmer climes of Mexico, specifically,
Michoacn Provinces Oyamel fir forests, some of which are now protected as
the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve; head to the El Rosario or Sierra
Chincua sections. Here the monarchs breed before returning to their summer
grounds far, far to the north.
Trip plan: The butterfly reserves can
be visited on a day trip from Mexico
City or Morelia, but better to stay
nearby, perhaps in Angangueo or
Zitcuaro. Another option is a
clockwise circuit from Mexico City,
taking in the butterflies, the colonial
charm of Morelia, artsy San Miguel de
Allende and the Toltec/ Aztec pyramid
site of Tula.
Need to know: Wildlife fans
travelling now could combine
butterflies with whales either
humpbacks off Puerto Vallarta (Pacific
Coast) or grey whales off Baja
California.
Other months: Oct-Apr butterflies
present; May-Sep wetter season, hot.
 Swim alongside giants in the Philippines davidevision / Getty
Images

Swim with big fish in beautiful weather in the Philippines

Whale sharks are the worlds biggest fish, growing up to 13m long. Snorkelling
alongside one is more like finning with a slow-moving train than a living
creature. Simply, its up there with the greatest travel experiences. Donsol, a
coastal village at the bottom of Luzon island, is one of the worlds best places
to do it. During whaleshark season, which runs November to June (peaking
February to May), there might be more than 10 whale sharks in the water at a
time. Plenty of eco-operators run boat trips that allow you to snorkel with the
fish in a sensitive fashion. Being the middle of the dry season, this is also a
good time to explore further the Philippines has over 7000 islands to choose
from!
Trip plan: Fly from Manila to
Legazpi, near Donsol, for whale
sharks. Then fly south for cultural
Cebu, the Chocolate Hills and wildlife
of Bohol, and the dazzling beaches of
Panglao.
Need to know: Before embarking on
a whale-shark trip, you must attend a
briefing on how to behave around
them.
Other months: Nov-Apr dry; May-
Oct wet.
 Be dazzled by the courtship dance of the red-crowned crane in
Hokkaido, Japan Paul & Paveena Mckenzie / Getty Images

Visit Hokkaido for perfect powder, bird love and a whiskey or two

Hokkaido is Japan, but different. The northernmost of the countrys main

islands is a wild, mountainous region with spectacular wildlife and a
reputation for some of the finest powder snow on the planet. Snowstorms
from Siberia sweep across and dust the west of the island head to Niseko in
February for world-class powder, with three large ski areas and plenty of
backcountry to explore, with ski, board or snowshoe. Naturally there are
steaming onsens in which to soak those weary bones after a hard day on the
slopes and plenty of spots to sip the local Nikka whisky. Winter is also the
time for two of Japans most spectacular wildlife encounters. Head east across
Hokkaido to Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary to witness the extraordinary
courtship dance of the 5ft-high (1.5m) red-crowned crane and to the small
town of Rausu to see hordes of white-tailed and Stellers sea eagle with a
wingspan of up to 8ft (2.5m), arguably the worlds largest.

Cancun, Cozumel & the Yucatan travel guide

$21.99

Few Mexican destinations can dazzle you with ancient Maya ruins, azure
Caribbean waters and colonial cities all in one fell swoop.

VISIT SHOP

Trip plan: Fly to Sapporo for a few

days on the slopes before crossing the
 island to explore the wilder reaches of
the east.
Need to know: Refuel with
Hokkaido cheeses or Ishikari nabe
salmon hotpot.
Other months: Dec-Mar snow;
Apr-May spring, blossoms; Jun-Aug
warmest; Sep-Nov fall colours.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our book Where To Go Whenfor 360
ultimate escapes from family-friendly adventures to animal encounters and
relaxing retreats.
PUBLISHED JANUARY 2017
Where to go in July for wildlife and
nature
TIPS & ARTICLES

LONELY PLANET
Lonely Planet Writer

The classics are the classics for a reason and this round-up of iconic wildlife
encounters is no exception.

Explore Brazils wetlands in search of jaguars; search out brilliant bears in

Alaska; visit a whole island dedicated to Australias national animal; and
cruise next to crocs down Botswanas Okavango Delta.
 Visit Kangaroo Island without the crowds in July Auscape / Getty
Images

Head to Kangaroo Island, Australia, for wonderful wildlife at wonderful

prices

Lying just eight miles (13 km) off the South Australian mainland, Kangaroo
Island hasnt gone unnoticed. This sizeable outcrop (the countrys third-
largest island) is ruggedly handsome and renowned for wildlife humans play
second fiddle to koalas, echidnas, fur seals, sea lions, little penguins and, of
course, kangaroos.

Such a reputation attracts tourists and raises prices, especially in peak season.
However, a visit in wintry July reduces both, so you can afford to spend longer
exploring the beautiful beaches and bushland, with fewer other people. As an
extra bonus, this is when you might spot newborn roos and wallabies
emerging from their mothers pouches. Its not even that cold (8-15C; 46-
59F) chuck on a jacket and youll be right.
Trip plan: You could do a day-trip,
but take advantage of off-season prices
to stay for longer. Wildlife hotspots
include Seal Bay, Hanson Bay
Sanctuary (koalas) and Flinders Chase
National Park (kangaroos). Also visit
Cape Willoughbys lighthouse, view
the Remarkable Rocks and slurp
oysters.
Need to know: Ferries from Cape
Jervis (mainland) to Penneshaw take
45 minutes.
Other months: Jun-Sep colder,
cheaper, whales; Oct-Nov spring,
flowers; Dec-Feb hottest, animals
retreat into bush; MarMay warm,
calm.
Great wildlife and growing waters make this an ideal time to visit
Botswanas Okavango Delta

Oddly, Botswanas vast Okavango is wettest when its dry. The delta is fed by
the Okavango River, which rises far away in Angolas highlands; the rain falls
there at the start of the year and takes six months to trickle down to
Botswanas 5800 sq miles (15,000 sq km) of floodplains, reed-beds, papyrus
swamps and vein-like channels by which time, skies here are cloudless blue.
The waters usually arrive in June, so as July progresses, more of the fingery
tributaries become navigable by mokoro (dugout canoe), enabling wonderful
water-level wildlife viewing. Guides will punt you past crocs, hippos,
waterlilies and birds; animals are drawn to the banks to drink, ensuring
excellent sightings. This is peak season, but Botswanas focus on low-volume,
high-value tourism means youll still see few other people.
Trip plan: In the Okavango, consider
staying on a private concession rather
than Moremi Game Reserve; in the
former, night drives and walking
safaris are permitted. Combine the
Okavango with Chobe National Park
(renowned for elephants). Note, lodges
can be exquisite, but commensurately
expensive.
Need to know: Mornings can be
chilly May to August take warm
clothes for sunrise game drives.
Other months: Nov-Apr wet, hot,
green season, low prices (Jan:
wettest); May-Oct dry, hot.
 Alaska's long, warm days bring grizzly bears out to play Naphat
Photography / Getty Images

Visit Alaska for the best weather and brilliant bears

They say the best things come in small packages, which is true of Alaskas
summer season. The USAs northernmost state is only fully explorable for a
few precious months; to see its unique highlights, you need to visit when the
days are long and warm, and the region most accessible.
This is especially true of Denali National Parks six million acres of wilderness
the one road here is only navigable from early June, and the shuttle buses
that open up the majestic backcountry stop running in September. Similarly,
viewing the best bear action requires a July or September visit. For instance,
Julys a great month to be at Brooks Camp in Katmai National Park, when up
to 100 grizzlies stand mid-river to fish for sockeye salmon.
Trip plan: A two-week trip could
include the glaciers, icebergs and
whales of Kenai Fjords National Park,
wildlife watching and short hikes in
Denali, close encounters with grizzlies
in Katmai and a ride on the scenic
Alaskan Railroad.
Need to know: Distances are vast.
Consider floatplanes/scenic flights to
reduce travel time (and get great
views).
Other months: May & Sep-Oct
shoulder months, colder, quieter; Jun-
Aug warmest, busiest; Nov-Apr
snow pursuits, aurora.
For a wet wildlife wonderland in the dry visit Pantanal, Brazil

The Amazon steals all Brazils biodiversity headlines, but its actually in the
countrys Pantanal wetland (which lacks the Amazons obstructive jungle) that
youre more likely to spot wildlife. This is especially true during dry season,
when foliage is even thinner and creatures gather at shrinking pockets of
water.

Animals are abundant here species include giant otters, giant anteaters,
howler monkeys, capybara, caiman, tapir, toucans and hyacinth macaws.
Probably most sought is the jaguar. Supporting the worlds highest density of
these usually elusive cats, the Pantanal is the best place to spot one, especially
June to August, when the deeper wilderness areas are easier to access. Travel
at this time and spend a week making excursions from Porto Jofre, at the end
of the Transpantaneira highway, and your chances of a jaguar sighting are
high.

Brazil travel guide

$29.99

Party at Carnaval in Rio, come face to face with monkeys and other creatures
in the Amazon, or snorkel the aquatic

VISIT SHOP

Trip plan: In two weeks, use internal

flights to combine Rio with a visit to
Iguau Falls, time at a lodge deep in
the Pantanal (making forays by boat,
 kayak and on foot) and a cruise on the
Amazon.
Need to know: Cuiaba, gateway city
to the Northern Pantanal, has an
airport.
Other months: May-Sep dry; Oct-
Apr wet.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our book Where To Go Whenfor 360
ultimate escapes from family-friendly adventures to animal encounters and
relaxing retreats.
PUBLISHED MAY 2017

Where to go in February for wildlife and nature

Where to go in July for wildlife and nature