10 amazing winter wildlife holidays
Nick Trend picks the best spots for wildlife watching in winter, from Yellowstone National Park to the frozen coast of Iceland.
1. Big beasts in Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park is home to golden eagles, bison, mule deer and moose – but wolves, which were reintroduced here in the Nineties, are also well established in this winter wonderland. You can follow them as they hunt alone or in packs. Itineraries also take in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park and the National Elk Refuge near Jackson Hole, staying in remote lodges.
The Yellowstone Ultimate Wolf & Wildlife Safari departs in January and February, from £4,895 for six nights, full-board, including transfers but excluding flights. Wildlife Worldwide (wildlifeworldwide.com).
2. Eagles in Scotland
The Isle of Mull, off Scotland’s west coast, is a favourite haunt for golden and white-tailed eagles, hen harriers and short-eared owls. Iolo Williams, the wildlife expert and television presenter, leads winter tours from Tobermory to seek out seals, otters, minke whales and dolphins in coastal waters.
Isle of Mull Wildlife Experiences with Iolo Williams cost from £1,195 departing Nov 11 2019 for four nights, full-board, land only. Nature Scotland (naturescotland.com).
3. Wolves in the Alps
After the complete disappearance of wolves from the French Alps in the last century, increasing numbers have returned to the mountains. Snowy ground allows wildlife experts to monitor the animals by following their tracks over wide areas, although there is no guarantee of sightings. Group sizes are kept to around four to six people to keep noise to a minimum, and accommodation is in simple mountain refuges with communally prepared evening meals.
Wolf Tracking in the Alps departs between December and April, from €594 (£520) for two nights, full-board, including transfers. Excludes flights. Undiscovered Mountains (undiscoveredmountains.com).
4. Moose in Canada
Winter is an ideal time to spot the larger mammals of northern British Columbia as they move down from the higher snow-covered slopes of the Cariboo Mountains in search of food in the lower valleys. Moose, timber wolves, deer and caribou live in this scenic Canadian region, alongside the elusive lynx and cougar. Remote lodges offer wildlife excursions combined with snowshoeing, dog sledding and hiking through snow-laden forests.
Call of the Winter Wild: Wilderness, Moose, Wolves & Nature at Pyna-Tee-Ah Lodge departs from January to April from £3,185 for seven nights full-board with transfers. Excludes flights. Frontier Canada (frontier-canada.co.uk).
5. Penguins in Antarctica
It may be the southern hemisphere summer between November and March, but the spectacular ice floes, snow-covered mainland and icy waters of Antarctica still feel like a winter landscape to us. They are home to some spectacular wildlife, from penguin colonies and humpback whales to leopard seals. Polar expedition cruises depart from the Argentine port of Ushuaia, voyaging to the South Shetland Islands and Drake Passage, with land excursions by small Zodiac boats in the company of wildlife experts. Orne Harbour’s colony of chinstrap penguins is among the highlights for visiting tour groups.
Antarctic Explorer – All Inclusive departs from November to March 2019, with prices from £5,300 for nine nights, full-board on the cruise. Excludes flights and transfers. Exodus (exodus.co.uk).
6. Birds in Sweden
Despite the freezing winter temperatures in central Sweden’s snowy valleys of Svartadalen, it is home to an impressive quota of birds. Ornithological tours visit this area for the chance to spot waxwings, crossbills and bullfinches, plus larger birds of prey including goshawks and hawk owls. Resident animals include lynx, wolves and wild boars. After a day out with the binoculars, cosy rural guesthouses offer warming fires and hearty, home-cooked dishes.
The Sweden in Winter tour departs Feb 14, from £1,595 for three nights, full-board, including flights and transfers. Naturetrek (naturetrek.co.uk).
7. Waders in Norfolk
Fringed with salt flats, creeks and marshes, North Norfolk’s long coastline is a favourite wintering ground for the seasonal flocks of waterfowl and waders that arrive as temperatures drop. Ornithologist David Fairhurst leads small group tours to the RSPB flagship reserve at Titchwell Marsh and other bird-rich areas along the coast and inland to spot a range of species, from snow buntings to pink-footed geese.
The Norfolk Coast tour departs Nov 1 2019, from £585 for three nights full-board, land only. Limosa Holidays (limosaholidays.co.uk).
8. Snow monkeys in Japan
The best spot for observing the antics of Japan’s snow monkeys – unfazed by human visitors – is the Snow Monkey Park in the mountainous Yudanka Onsen region, near Nagano. In winter, these primates wallow in the steaming hot spring pools to warm up. Some Japan tours include this remote region, combining the mainstream highlights of Tokyo, Kyoto and Mount Fuji with an opportunity to mingle with monkeys in their natural habitat.
The Snow Monkey Explorer tour departs Jan 6 and Feb 3, from £4,395 for 12 nights’ B&B, including one dinner. Excludes flights and transfers. On The Go Tours (onthegotours.com).
9. Boars and bison in Poland
North-eastern Poland’s wetlands and bogs are a prime spot for wildlife watching in the winter months. Elk, red deer and a reintroduced herd of European bison roam the National Park of Biebrza Marshes, while the Bialowieza Forest (a two-hour drive away) is home to wolves and wild boars. Specialist tours offer the chance to spot great white egrets, whoopers and black-throated and red-throated divers, plus a range of northern duck species.
The Poland’s Winter Wildlife tour departs Feb 28, from £1,395 for seven days, full-board, including flights and transfers. The Travelling Naturalist (naturalist.co.uk).
10. Orcas and the aurora
Shoals of herring, which swim around Iceland’s Snaefellsnes peninsula, attract hungry orca whales in the winter months. The chance to see dolphins and a wide variety of seabirds is also offered on boat trips that depart from the fishing village of Grundarfjordur. More elusive are the Arctic foxes, their white coats camouflaged against the snow. If the skies are clear, there is also a great chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
The Orcas and Aurora tour departs in February, from £1,079 for three nights’ B&B, including one dinner. Excludes flights and transfers. Discover the World (discover-the-world.com).
