5 Phenomena You Need To Experience
In this blog post, we're embarking on a journey to explore five captivating phenomena that should be on every traveler's bucket list. Whether you're an avid globetrotter or simply seeking inspiration for your next adventure, these extraordinary experiences from around the world will leave you in awe and wonder. So, pack your bags, and let's dive into these otherworldly experiences!
Our Responsibility
Through our platform, we hope to provide tools and help you create a connection with these wild places that fuels a shared responsibility to protect and cherish them. Together, we have the responsibility of taking care of the outdoors and leaving it better than we found it. Always respect and follow Leave No Trace principles. By committing to LNT, we contribute to the preservation of these landscapes, ensuring they remain pristine for future generations to come.
Monarch Migration
The Monarch Butterfly migration in Angangueo, Mexico, is a spectacle that can only be described as a true marvel of nature. Every year, millions of these delicate and vibrant butterflies embark on a journey that spans thousands of miles, a journey that begins in the United States and Canada and culminates in the lush, mountainous region of Angangueo in central Mexico. There are plenty of places around the world to view the migration, such as California, Ontario, and other areas of Mexico however, we loved our time in the small mountain town of Angangueo.
We visited El Rosario Monarch Butterly Preserve, which is a sanctuary that allows you to visit the nesting sites of the butterflies. The trails are roped off and well maintained, and give the Monarchs plenty of distance from any human. Please obey all the signs, and do not pass the ropes. This is a very sensitive habitat.
We arrived in the morning when it was still cool outside, and made our way up the trail which took about 45 minutes to get to the top. Once we were up there we had to wait until it was a little warmer out before we were able to see the magic.
For a while, there were just a few fluttering around, and before we knew it, the sun came out of the clouds and thousands of butterflies took off right before our eyes. The air was filled with a kaleidoscope of golden Monarchs, and it was one of the most magical things we have ever experienced.
From that moment on, there was a constant stream of Monarchs coming from the nests. Every bit of the trail from the top to near the parking lot was covered in butterflies. There are well over 100 million butterflies in El Rosario, so you can imagine how much space they can cover once they’ve taken flight.
How to get there:
We flew into Mexico City, rented a car at the airport and took the 3.5 hour journey to Angangueo. From there we spent the night at a local’s bed and breakfast, and woke up early to head to the sanctuary. If you aren’t comfortable driving in Mexico, there are a ton of different tour groups you can take, whether it’s overnight or just a day trip from Mexico city.
Aurora Borealis
The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is one of the most breathtaking and otherworldly natural phenomena on Earth. It is a celestial display of dancing lights that occurs in high-latitude regions, particularly in the polar zones of the Northern Hemisphere. During our trip to Iceland in January of 2023, we lucked out with clear skies and 4 evenings of magnificent displays.
To plan your own Northern Lights trip, take a look at countries that are in the Arctic Circle such as Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Alaska, and more. Visit between October and March for the best chance of seeing the lights. During this time, the daylight becomes less and less, which means more possibility of it being dark when the show begins.
To predict when the Northern Lights will occur, we used the “Aurora” app, which notifies you within one hour of when there is an increased viewing probability.
Any time the KP value was around 3 or higher, we made sure to watch the skies. Most of the nights we went out, if the KP was forecasted around 3 it ended up being much higher. We had brilliant displays of green, pink and purples, and it is difficult to fully describe to you what it felt like in person. The sky was literally pulsating with color, with rivers of magnetic energy flowing across the sky.
We really hope you get to experience this for yourself someday!
Fairy Circles
The fairy circles of Namibia are a remarkable natural phenomenon that has long puzzled scientists and captivated the imagination of those who encounter them. These mysterious circular formations, often resembling a lunar landscape, are primarily found in the arid grasslands of Namibia, particularly in the Namib Desert.
We came across the fairy circles while staying in Kwessi Dunes in the NamibRand Nature Reserve when our guide took us on an evening drive. We had no idea that fairy circles existed until this moment. Our guide mentioned that it was still a complete mystery as to why they are there, but there are many theories ranging from supernatural to natural, such as underground dragons, termites feeding on the roots, poison, and more.
Miles of fairy circles can be seen parallel to the C27 route near the NamibRand Reserve. The exact spot we were in was accessed from Kwessi Dunes, so I can’t say whether or not there is public access. If you are in this area, ask your accommodation for tips, and go exploring on your own, or hire a guide to take you.
BE AWARE: Make sure you are fully prepared when venturing out alone. There is NO cell service here. Have an offline map, and if you are exploring off the highway, you NEED experience with off-roading because a lot of these roads require a 4x4 vehicle and are VERY sandy.
Giants Causeway
The Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland is a stunning natural wonder, featuring thousands of hexagonal basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a surreal landscape, evoking a sense of myth and mystery.
The Giant's Causeway was formed around 50-60 million years ago during intense volcanic activity. As lava flowed across the landscape, it cooled and solidified, creating a vast plateau of basalt. The unique hexagonal columns that characterize the Giant's Causeway were a result of the cooling process. As the lava contracted, it cracked into these distinct polygonal shapes, forming the stunning geometric pattern we see today. Over time, erosion and geological forces further shaped the landscape, revealing the remarkable beauty of this natural wonder along the Northern Ireland coast.
How to get there?
The Giants Causeway is located an hour north of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Park at the Giants Causeway Visitor centre and enjoy a scenic 3 mile (4.8km) roundtrip hike along the coastline. Although the path is generally accessible, bring sturdy footwear. The terrain varies, including coastal paths, uneven surfaces, and some steep sections.
More trail information can be found here
Geothermal River
One particular valley boasts arguably one of the most rejuvenating phenomenons. Reykjadalur, translated as "Steam Valley," is a hidden gem nestled in the otherworldly landscapes of Iceland. What sets this location apart is the ethereal geothermal river that winds its way through the valley, inviting visitors into a soothing embrace of warmth and natural beauty.
Tips for a better experience:
Visiting Reykjadalur requires appropriate hiking gear, sturdy footwear, and weather-appropriate clothing. The trip is approximately 3.5 km each way, with some elevation gain. The trail winds through picturesque landscapes, including hills, meadows, and steaming geothermal areas.
Bring your swimsuit and towel!
The weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, so checking conditions before your hike is essential.
During winter crampons may be necessary for the hike
How to get there?
The drive from Reykjavik is approximately 45 minutes. Follow route 1 until you reach the town of Hveragerði and take a left at the roundabout. You can reach the trailhead by following signs or using GPS coordinates (64.0155° N, 21.1965° W).
Please leave no trace, and bring everything back out with you. Be respectful of the area and others.
Thank you for reading!
