Issue 167: Tree Climbing Lions

Hey Explorer,

This is Adventure Fix, the newsletter that helps you discover extraordinary journeys and experiences across the globe.

Here’s what we've got for you today:

• Stays: Fiordland Lodge

• Wildlife Encounters: Tree-Climbing Lions at Tarangire

• Natural Wonders: Zao Snow Monsters

Fiordland Lodge

Fiordland Lodge isn't just a destination; it's a launchpad for your next epic adventure.

Set against the jaw-dropping backdrop of Fiordland National Park—a sprawling three-million-acre playground of rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and dense rainforest—the lodge sits above Lake Te Anau, giving you stunning panoramic views.

With its rugged timber and stone construction, floor-to-ceiling windows, and rooms that spill out onto balconies, this place blurs the lines between indoor comfort and outdoor thrills. Perfect for traveling with family or friends, the self-contained log cabins are built for basecamp vibes.

At Fiordland Lodge, it’s all about getting out into nature, whether you’re kicking back with the stunning views or heading out to explore. You’ve got plenty of options, from hiking and cycling to kayaking, fly fishing, and bird watching. And if you’re up for something a bit more epic, the lodge even has its own helipad, so you can take to the skies for a bird’s-eye view of the wilderness.

Explore more:

• The Lodge Experience (video)

• Fiordland Lodge (booking info)

Tree-Climbing Lions at Tarangire

Many first-time visitors to Tanzania head to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater for exceptional game viewing. However, if this is your second visit, diving deeper into more specific regions can offer a fresh and unique experience.

One exciting option is Tarangire National Park, home to the fascinating tree-climbing lions. This destination is perfect for travelers seeking a more exclusive safari experience, with abundant wildlife and fewer tourists.

There are a few theories as to why these majestic big cats have developed the unusual habit of climbing trees. Some suggest it’s a behavioral adaptation to avoid the irritation of insect bites that plague them while resting on the ground. Others believe it's a way to escape the sweltering heat and gain a better vantage point for spotting prey.

Explore more:

• Meet the Tree Climbing Lions of East Africa (article)

3 Epic Adventure Lodges For Water Adventures

If you are planning your next adventure trip and still haven’t decided where to go next, here are some suggestions of epic island lodges you can start planning now to travel next year.

Matafonua Lodge, in Tonga. Located on one of the South Pacific's most beautiful beaches on the northern tip of Foa Island, in the Ha'apai island group, this lodge is something else. Spend your days in isolation scuba diving, kayaking, sailing, SUPing, kiteboarding, and swimming with Humpback whales!

Ratua Private Island Resort, in Vanuatu. If you are dreaming of an idyllic tropical island but, if you are like me, can’t stand the awkward pampering by staff in white polos that come with resorts, this is the lodge you’re looking for. It’s a wild, magical place with authentic people who offer a simple yet comfortable stay in a naturally beautiful environment with great hiking, diving & kayaking right out the door.

Moheli Laka Lodge, in Comoros. If you are looking for a real off the beaten path place with stunning scuba diving, pristine reefs, very reasonable prices and the possibility of swimming with Humpback whales without other tourists around, this is the place for you.

Don’t forget to check out the Latest Edition of the Trip Planner for a full list of adventure lodges and trip recommendations.

Zao Snow Monsters

The Zao Snow Monsters are a winter wonder found on the slopes of Mt. Zao in Japan. These "monsters" are actually trees covered in thick snow and ice, thanks to freezing Siberian winds and heavy snowfall.

Over time, they take on strange, almost mythical shapes, turning the landscape into a magical, frozen forest.

Between January and February, people come from all around the world to see these snow creatures, especially at night when they’re illuminated. You can take a cable car to the top for an amazing view or explore the area while skiing or snowboarding.

Afterward, relaxing in the local hot springs is the perfect way to warm up and enjoy the full winter experience.

Explore more: 

• Zao Snow Monsters: The Juhyo Effect (article)

Unique Experiences: Hyena Pans Sky Beds 

Travel: 5 things to do in Nunavik, Quebec's Arctic Wilderness

Interview: Otherworldly Antarctica - White Desert Founder Robyn Woodhead

Safari: What it's like to go on a bushwalk in the Kalahari Desert

Wildlife: The smallest wild cat in the Americas is also the cutest bad omen

Where in the World

Wanna flex your adventure geography skills? Guess where this pic was snapped!

Stumped? No worries. The answer is at the end of this email.

I’d love to hear what you think of this issue, scroll down to the poll to let us know.

Until next time…

Keep exploring,

-Amanda

 ANSWER: Nubra Valley, India