Where the Wild Things Are

From eco-friendly safaris to photography exhibitions to capture elusive, almost mythical beasts, this month we look at options for getting up close and personal with some of the world’s most stunning wildlife.

FINLAND

Sleep in an igloo under the stars at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort.

Head to this northern land of almost 200,000 lakes to spot some spectacular wildlife. Responsibletravel.com has a 100 per cent success rate on photography expeditions to capture the elusive wolverine and can also help you get your eyes on reindeer, moose, brown bear, wolf, osprey, Arctic fox, pine marten, beaver, black woodpecker and hundreds other endangered, rare or endemic species throughout Finland’s forests, bogs, moorlands and Arctic highlands.

Warm up with a few days in the capital, Helsinki. Hop on a ferry to Suomenlinna, a giant maritime fortress spread across seven islands. Check out the sparkling whitewashed Helsinki Cathedral and Temppeliaukio, a church that’s partly underground and hewn out of rock. The city also has a burgeoning culinary scene with cooking schools, food trucks and Michelin stars. Shopping is a favourite pastime, alongside outdoor sports. And visit in summer to take advantage of nightlife in the midnight sun.

AZORES
These beautiful islands in the mid-Atlantic off the coast of western Africa are one of the world’s top spots for sighting an abundance of whales and dolphins since the seas are a migratory route. In May and June, baleen whales – including blue, sei, fin and humpback whales – pass through these waters on their annual migration to their summer feeding grounds in the north Atlantic. They may also be spotted here in July and August. Resident sperm whales, pilot whales and orca are frequently seen along with several species of dolphin, manta rays, sea turtles and sea birds; this is one of the world’s most diverse and abundant gatherings of marine life!

This autonomous Portuguese territory is made up of nine volcanic islands, each with a distinct character. Other activities include Jeep tours, nature walks, bathing in volcanic hot springs and seeing bubbling hot geysers, kayaking, mountain biking and paddle boarding. There is also a big sailing community and boating is a common pastime.

Tuck into great seafood at the famed Peter Cafe Sport, Horta, surrounded by years of sailing regalia and a fair few sailors.
Make sure to visit the Algar do Carvao caves on Terceira Island.

Tuck into great seafood at the famed Peter Cafe Sport, Horta, surrounded by years of sailing regalia and a fair few sailors.

Roughly 50 miles off the Coast of Pico Island lies one of the best dives sites found throughout the whole of the Atlantic Ocean.

The vineyard landscape of Pico was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004.

Try rapelling down a waterfall on the island of Flores.

The view down into the Lagao das Sete Cidades, volcanic crater lake, on Sao Miguel Island, is worth the trek.

You’re almost guaranteed some impressive whale sightings on these magical islands.

UGANDA
Gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The park itself is impenetrable and is home to half of the country’s endangered mountain gorillas.

Trekking to see critically endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that few people will get the chance to enjoy.

Head to the Ssese Islands on Lake Victoria for some R&R.

Gorilla-tracking-uganda.com runs small tours with a maximum of six people and no under 15s. Trekking depends on the availability of permits, issued by the relevant authorities to protect the animals. As an extra to your trip, why not add a chimpanzee tour or take in white water rafting on the river Nile.

While in Uganda, take a day trip to Kampala and head to the Ndere Centre for a dinner and a theatre performance with traditional dancers and musicians. Pass by the Kamapal Fair, which sells gorgeous women’s kiteng dresses, and head to Mengo Palace, the former home of the King of Buganda.

You may find accommodation rough and ready while out in the parks but in the urban areas there are amazing resorts and many initiatives to invest in the local communities.

Take a tour of Kampala’s famous Kasubi Tombs.

Kampala’s Owino Market is said to be one of the largest in the region.

Try your hand at white-water rafting on the Nile at Nalubale.

Experience local colour and culture at the Ndere Centre.

Take a trip to tranquil Lake Bunyonyi.