Vanishing Wonders

Some places feel eternal - ancient cities, untouched landscapes and wildlife havens that seem frozen in time. But the reality is, many of the world’s most amazing destinations are under threat, whether from climate change, rising sea levels or over-tourism. If you’ve thought about visiting these wonders one day, make plans today before they change forever or vanish entirely.

The Arctic

The Arctic is changing faster than almost anywhere on Earth. As rising temperatures cause glaciers and sea ice to melt, polar bears are losing their hunting grounds. These predators rely on floating ice to ambush seals, their main food source. Without it, they are forced to swim for miles in search of food, leading to starvation and declining populations. If current warming trends continue, the Arctic as we know it could be ice-free in summer within a few decades.

The Dead Sea

Bordering Jordan and Israel, the Dead Sea is famous for its ultra-salty waters and mineral-rich mud. But this natural wonder is shrinking at an alarming rate and dropping by over a metre per year. Decades of water diversion from the Jordan River, combined with mineral extraction, have caused the sea to retreat and leave behind sinkholes. If action isn’t taken to replenish it, the Dead Sea could become just a memory in less than 30 years.

The Congo Basin

Often called the ‘lungs of Africa’, the Congo Basin rainforest is the world’s second-largest tropical forest and a place of remarkable biodiversity. Home to endangered species like mountain gorillas, forest elephants and bonobos, in the last 10 years along over 700 new species of wildlife and plants have been identified in the region. However, illegal logging, mining and agricultural expansion are rapidly chipping away at this vital ecosystem. Conservationists warn that if deforestation continues unchecked, we could lose this irreplaceable wilderness within a century.

Machu Picchu

Perched high in the Andes, Machu Picchu is one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites. However, its popularity is putting it at risk. With over a million visitors annually, the site is under strain, leading to tighter regulations. New rules limit the number of visitors to 5,650 per day during peak seasons and all visitors must be accompanied by a guide with a maximum of 10 people per group. If you want to experience this Incan wonder, ask us about travelling with a reputable tour company that’s invested in the protecting this otherworldly realm and its local community.

Madagascar 

Madagascar, home to some of the most unique wildlife on Earth, is rapidly losing its forests. Deforestation caused by agriculture, logging and fires is wiping out habitats for species found nowhere else like lemurs, chameleons and the fossa. Scientists estimate that at the current rate of destruction, Madagascar’s rainforests could disappear within a few decades, taking countless species with them.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Africa’s tallest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, is famous for its snow-capped summit, but those iconic glaciers are disappearing fast. Over 80% of its ice has melted in the last century due to rising temperatures and some experts believe the remaining ice – now reduced just to isolated patches - could vanish completely within a few decades. If you want to see this legendary peak crowned in white, get your hiking boots on.

The Sundarbans

Spanning India and Bangladesh, the Sundarbans is the world’s largest mangrove forest and a vital habitat for the endangered Bengal tiger. Rising sea levels and increasing salinity are threatening this delicate ecosystem, with more of the forest being overtaken by encroaching tides each year. As the forest shrinks, both wildlife and local communities are facing escalating threats. The shrinking of freshwater fish populations not only disrupts the livelihoods of fishermen, but also impacts human health, as these fish are a vital source of protein and nutrients for the local population.