Issue 189: Tracking Wild Dogs on Foot

Hey Explorer,

Before we dive in, I wanted to share some exciting news—we’ve just launched a brand-new expedition for 2026 to Shark Bay, Western Australia!

Bookings are already open, so if you're up for an epic adventure in one of the most remote and stunning coastal regions of Australia, with world-class kayaking and snorkeling, check it out here.

Now, let’s get into this issue.

Here’s what we've got for you today:

• Hiking Routes: Nangma Valley Trek

• Wildlife Encounters: Tracking Wild Dogs on Foot

• Films: In the Wake of the North Wind

Nangma Valley Trek

If you’re looking for a trek that gives you jaw-dropping mountain views without totally wrecking your legs, Nangma Valley is it.

It’s like stepping into a hidden version of Yosemite, but in the middle of Pakistan’s Karakoram Range—without the crowds.

The hike starts in Kande Village, where you follow a mellow trail through green meadows and past towering juniper trees.

After a few miles, the landscape shifts, and suddenly, you’re staring up at these massive granite spires, like Amin Brakk (19,200 feet / 5,850 meters) and Great Tower, shooting straight into the sky.

Most people do this as a two- or three-day trek, camping at Base Camp, which has some of the best sunrise and sunset views you’ll ever see. At night, the stars light up the sky, and the whole valley feels like something out of a dream.

The best part?

It’s super quiet. No teahouses, no big trekking crowds—just you, the mountains, and maybe a handful of climbers gearing up to take on those granite walls.

Explore more:

• I Found The Yosemite of Pakistan (vlog)

• Nangma Trek (tour)

Tracking Wild Dogs on Foot in Mana Pools

A walking safari in Mana Pools is hands down one of the coolest ways to experience Africa’s wildlife, especially if you’re hoping to see African wild dogs.

Nowhere else in the world is it possible to spend time at eye level with one of the planet’s most endangered carnivores.

Unlike a typical game drive, where you’re safely seated in a safari jeep, here you’re out in the open, fully immersed in the sights, sounds, and even the smells of the bush.

Mana Pools, with its wide-open floodplains, shady forests, and the Zambezi River glistening in the background, is the perfect setting for this kind of adventure.

Wild dogs—also called painted wolves—are one of the park’s biggest highlights. These incredibly smart and social animals are always on the move, hunting in packs with military-like precision.

Tracking them on foot is an adrenaline rush. One minute, you’re following fresh paw prints in the sand; the next, you might hear their high-pitched chatter as they communicate.

If you’re lucky, you’ll catch them mid-hunt or just goofing around, playing with their pups.

Unlike lions and leopards, which are often snoozing during the day, wild dogs are super active, so there’s a good chance you’ll get to see them in action.

Explore more:

• Walking with Wild Dogs in Mana Pools (video)

• Tracking wild dogs in Mana Pools, Zimbabwe (blog)

In the Wake of the North Wind

In the Wake of the North Wind is a cinematic journey through the untouched beauty of East Greenland. Aboard the wooden two-masted schooner Ópal, the crew navigates the vast and remote fjord system of Scoresby Sund—one of the wildest and least inhabited places on Earth.

Sailing at 71° North, this expedition immerses viewers in the raw, unforgiving beauty of the Arctic, where towering icebergs, rugged peaks, and endless silence define the landscape. Along the way, the adventurers encounter more Greenland Dogs—Qimmeq Qimuttoq—than people, offering a rare glimpse into the region’s deep connection with its sledding heritage.

With each passing day, the challenges of Arctic exploration evoke the spirit of past expeditions, revealing the resilience required to journey through these extreme conditions.

From the icy waters to the isolated settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit, In the Wake of the North Wind captures the untamed majesty of Greenland’s wilderness—an experience that surpasses all expectations and leaves an unforgettable mark on those who dare to venture into the high north.

Watch the film for free here » 

Hiking: The Walls of Jerusalem Circuit, Tasmania 

Stories: A White Dream

Art: Natural Sculpture

Deep Sea: Meet the Huge “Sea Elephant” Heteropod in Palau’s Ocean

Photo: How We Risked Everything to Film Snowy Owls

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

Whenever you’re ready, here’s how we can help you plan truly unique adventure trips:

• Get inspired with our adventure eBooks.

• Plan your next trip with our tool Adventure Finder.

• Book a scheduled adventure trip to some of the most unique travel destinations with Adventure Fix GO.

 ANSWER: Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, Oregon, USA