Where to travel in August

Greenland

August is one of the best months for discerning travellers to explore Greenland. Retreating sea ice reveals fjords, glaciers and remote coastal stretches once out of reach. Disko Bay and Ilulissat Icefjord are at their most magnificent, with vast icebergs drifting through deep, blue water. Humpback and fin whales gather here to feed, adding movement to an already shifting landscape.

Further north, parts of the Northwest Passage begin to clear, allowing access to rarely explored routes rich in history. Conditions are relatively mild, making landings and Zodiac outings more comfortable. We recommend small-ship expeditions or private boat trips, offering close contact with ice, wildlife and local communities.

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Madagascar

August is one of the best times to visit Madagascar. Along the coast of Île Sainte-Marie, humpback whales arrive to breed and calve, often breaching close to shore. Inland, cooler, dry conditions make exploring Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park especially pleasant, with jagged limestone pinnacles and hanging bridges creating a striking backdrop.

Wildlife is easier to spot, from lemurs and chameleons to vivid birdlife across forests and reserves. Clear skies and reliable conditions allow for smooth travel between regions. We suggest combining time on the coast with spectacular guided walks and wildlife adventures inland.

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Iceland

August is one of the best times to visit Iceland. Days are long, the weather is mild and the Highlands are fully open to travellers. Glacial rivers run fast, and tracks closed for much of the year become accessible by 4WD, revealing remote interiors.

Our insider knowledge means we can arrange for you to venture deep inland with a private guide, hike across lava fields and stand beside powerful waterfalls, often far from the main routes. August is also prime time for whale-watching. From Húsavík, boats head into Skjálfandi Bay where humpbacks and minke whales feed.

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Borneo

In Borneo, the weather is warm in August with lower rainfall, making river travel and rainforest trekking more comfortable. It is also an excellent time to see orangutans and Bornean pygmy elephants in the wild.

Our Destination Experts can arrange private guiding along the Kinabatangan River in Sabah, where orangutans move through the canopy and pygmy elephants gather at the water’s edge. Early mornings are especially special, with hornbills and proboscis monkeys active.

Calm seas also make this a good time for snorkelling and diving, with local festivals adding a cultural dimension.

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Brazil

Dry-season conditions in August make The Pantanal one of the most exciting wildlife destinations in Brazil. Shrinking waterways draw jaguars close to riverbanks, and with a private tracker and boat, you can watch them alongside capybara, giant otters and vibrant birdlife.

In the north-east, Lençóis Maranhenses reaches its peak, with rain-filled lagoons framed by vast sand dunes. Guided walks reveal hidden pools and stunning light for photography. Meanwhile, Rio de Janeiro enjoys cooler winter weather, clear skies and sweeping views from Corcovado and Sugarloaf mountains.

Coastal regions such as Fernando de Noronha offer calm seas for snorkelling, regular dolphin sightings and the chance to witness migrating humpback whales along the coastline.

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Zimbabwe

In August, wildlife congregates around permanent waterholes in Zimbabwe, creating some of the most memorable safari encounters in Africa. In Hwange National Park, elephants roam in large herds alongside lions, buffalo and a wealth of other predators, resulting in spell-binding game-viewing moments.

Mana Pools National Park delivers a rare sense of total immersion, with guests tracking wildlife on foot or by canoe along the Zambezi River and spotting hippos and elephants drawn to the water. Lake Kariba combines wildlife with relaxation, allowing for gentle boat trips along the shoreline. Victoria Falls is worth exploring at this time of year, as lower waters reveal geological formations and unobstructed views.

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Best places to travel in August

Greenland

Madagascar

Iceland

Borneo

Brazil

Zimbabwe

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