Crane Observation Centre, Izumi

National GeographicOct 7

11 Places to See the World's Most Magnificent Wildlife Migrations

Seeing an immense number of creatures assembled in one place is a phenomenon worth travelling for. Here’s when, where and how to experience some of nature’s wildest gatherings.

located in front of Izumi's crane migration grounds

15 things in this story

Crane Observation CentreSightlocated in front of Izumi's crane migration grounds
Elsewhere
Danube deltaGardenTulcea, RomaniaEurope's largest natural wetland, a paradise for pelicans
Tortuguero National ParkSightTortuguero, Costa Ricahotspot for sea turtles, largest green turtle rookery
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere ReserveSightMichoacán, Mexicohome to more than half of overwintering colonies
El RosarioSightMichoacán, Mexicoeasiest sanctuary to reach for monarch butterflies
Sierra ChincuaSightMichoacán, Mexicolesser-visited sanctuary, can be explored on horseback
Mineral de AngangueoNeighborhoodMichoacán, Mexicocolourful, cobblestoned town makes a good base
FinnmarksviddaSightFinnmark, NorwaySámi stronghold in northernmost Norway
Sardine RunSightEastern Cape, South Africamillions of sardines swarm north off South African coast
Bute InletSightBritish Columbia, CanadaHomalco First Nation run bear-watching trips here
Kasanka National ParkSightKasanka, Zambiaoverwhelmed by 10 million straw-coloured fruit bats in October
South Luangwa National ParkSightSouth Luangwa, Zambianearby park, home to prolific wildlife and walking safaris
SkomerSightPembrokeshire, United Kingdomvolcanic outcrop bucking puffin population decline trend
Martins HavenSightPembrokeshire, United Kingdombeach where boat trips run to Skomer Island
Yakushima IslandSightKagoshima, Japanwonderland of moss-cloaked trees, endemic deer and macaques

Read the full piece at National Geographic →

Crane Observation Centre

In the coverage1 story

11 Places to See the World's Most Magnificent Wildlife Migrations