Leading long-range optic specialists SWAROVSKI OPTIK, has partnered with wildlife specialist Natural World Safaris, to offer exclusive tips for nature enthusiasts looking to explore the ‘unseen’ and spot incredible wildlife throughout the year in different destinations across the globe.

From spotting the elusive Snow Leopard in the Himalayas from January to encountering the striking Puma in Chile from December, Natural World Safaris’ exclusive tips, along with a pair of Swarovski Optik binoculars, will help nature lovers to plan and create captivating wildlife adventures for the year ahead.

Natural World Safaris’ must-visit destinations for spotting wildlife in 2022 are:
Snow Leopards in the Himalayas from January

  • January in the Himalayas brings cold and harsh conditions where one would think nothing could survive, but snow leopards know where to hide.
  • Spotters go out in the early hours searching for tracks or the sign of a kill to provide the best chance to spot these elusive animals.
  • With only a few thousand snow leopards left dotted throughout the Asian mountain ranges, any sighting is one to treasure.

Swim with Whales in Dominica and Sri Lanka from February to March

  • From February, one of the most relaxed marine mammals in the world, the Sperm Whale, traverses the coastline around the volcanic island of Dominica.
  • Some of the best sightings of Blue Whales happen in March, with Sri Lanka being one of the best places in the world to spot these gentle giants.
  • Natural World Safaris are one of select few travel operators worldwide able to secure permits for this exclusive experience, allowing visitors, alongside specialist guides and world-renowned photographers, to dip under the waves and free dive with the marine mammals

Bengal Tigers in India or Siberian Tigers in Far East Russia from April

  • Delve into India in April, when Bengal Tiger movements become easier to predict as the tall grasses die back and water sources dry up, resulting in easier sightings and great photography opportunities of these majestic big cats.
  • Alternatively, venture to the remote Durminskoye Reserve in Russia’s Far East – the home of the endangered Siberian Tiger. Assist renowned conservationist and Siberian Tiger expert, Alexander Batalov, with setting up camera traps to track and monitor the world’s largest feline.

Polar Bears in Svalbard from May

  • Discover white-capped mountains fronted by desolate tundra, glittering glaciers under a constant midnight sun and brilliant blue skies in the summer months.
  • As the ice starts to thaw in May and permits access to the frozen North, and therefore Polar Bears, it is the best time of the year to visit for anyone wishing to spot the ‘Kings of the North’ in all their glory.
  • Experience Polar Bear Explorer trips with Natural World Safaris and take aboard the M/V Kinfish expedition ship with just six passenger cabins, perfect for a small group wildlife adventure in the Arctics.

Jaguars in the Pantanal from June

  • June marks the beginning of the Jaguar watching season in the Pantanal as temporary water sources dry up and jaguars are forced to come to the riverbanks, making it easier to spot and photograph the typically elusive animals.
  • Jaguar spotting safaris are principally carried out in boats as you patrol the riverbanks, scanning for the formidable predator.

Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara from July

  • Every year, more than 2 million animals (wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles) migrate in a clockwise direction across the ecosystems of the Serengeti Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya.
  • The rivers crossings offer high drama, with the wildebeest herds risking their lives to cross the Mara River and it is a magnificent sight to witness on African safaris.

 Elephants in Sri Lanka’s Minneriya National Park from August

  • August in Minneriya National Park is the optimum time to witness one of Asia’s finest wildlife experiences, the elephants’ gathering, where as many as 300 elephants congregate around the ancient Minneriya water tank, which dates back to the third century AD.
  • Like many other species, loss of water forces the herd to move in search of more regular hydration sources, using the ancient water tank to their advantage.

 Wild Dogs in Zimbabwe from September

  • Zimbabwe’s dry season in September provides the perfect conditions to discover the Wild Dogs of Mana Pools National Park, prominently featured in David Attenborough’s BBC Dynasties series.
  • Follow the formidable Whiskey and Laili, the stars of the wildlife series and new alpha females of the pack, on a specialist safari led by award-winning wildlife photographer Nick Dyer.

 Baby Lemurs in Madagascar from October

  • Madagascar, often referred to as the ‘Galapagos of Africa’, with its resplendent breadth of biodiversity and array of endemic wildlife, provides one of the most unique wildlife adventures left on the planet.
  • The nation’s endangered Ringtail Lemurs typically give birth between August and September, making October the perfect month to visit if one wishes to see the bouncing young cups, exploring their surroundings with the utmost fascination.

 Swim with Orcas in Norway from November

  • As the low winter sun colours the sky pink, a perfect backdrop is created to the snow striated mountains that rise up from the fjords in Northern Norway. Below the surface of the inky black water, a feeding frenzy takes place during the winter months as orcas gather and greedily feast on migrating herring.
  • Enter the water amidst the action and swim with the iconic marine predators as part of Natural World Safaris’ ship expedition.

 Pumas in Chile from December

  • The landscapes of Chile and Patagonia, make the elusive pumas easier to track during the winter season, starting from December.
  • For the best chance of encountering the South American Puma, venture through the wild landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park and the Lake District and follow the footsteps of the striking big cat.

The world belongs to those who can see beauty.
Experience the moment!
SEE THE UNSEEN.
www.swarovskioptik.com

For further details on Natural World Safaris visit www.naturalworldsafaris.com.

NOTES TO EDITORS
Photo caption:

  • Swim with Blue Whales in Sri Lanka from March – Credit Andrew Sutton.
  • Spot Jaguars in the Pantanal from June – Credit Steve Winter.
  • Experience Polar Bears in Svalbard from May – Credit David Yarrow.

For high-res images, visit:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/6avuoo30vkvxcta/AABFYGxZF-W1hCyUEvPOK-2Ha?dl=0

ABOUT SWAROVSKI OPTIK
SWAROVSKI OPTIK, headquartered in Absam, Tyrol, is part of the Swarovski group of companies. Founded in 1949, the Austrian company specialises in the development and manufacturing of long-range optical instruments of the highest precision in the premium segment of the market. The binoculars, spotting scopes, rifle scopes, and optronic instruments are products of choice for demanding users. The company’s success is based on its innovative strength, the quality and intrinsic value of its products, and their functional and aesthetic design. The appreciation of nature is an essential part of its company philosophy and is reflected commendably in its environment-friendly production and its long-term commitment to selected nature conservation projects. The turnover in 2020 was 163.5 million euros (2019: 158.7 million euros), with an export ratio of 91%. The company has around 1,000 employees.

ABOUT NATURAL WORLD SAFARIS
Natural World Safaris is a wildlife travel outfitter known for combining exploration with elegance on bespoke and small group specialist-led safaris. We create journeys into the extraordinary in pursuit of respectful up-close and personal wildlife encounters. NWS don’t specialise in specific countries like other companies do – instead, we can take you to over 40 different destinations worldwide, focusing always on the wildlife experience, from the iconic savannahs of Africa to Earth’s wildest fringes.

“Specialist” tour operators are not so specialist anymore in today’s day and age, but we believe our wildlife-centred approach is unequalled in the industry. Whether it’s photographing polar bears on the remote archipelago of Svalbard, tracking the elusive snow leopard through the Himalayas or bringing you face-to-face with endangered lemurs in Madagascar, we craft itineraries that will leave you with unforgettable wildlife sightings.

For Media Enquiries, Images and SWAROVSKI OPTIK Product Loan, contact:
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