Whether you believe in global warming or not, an undeniable fact is that many of the world’s most incredible countries and heritage sites are vanishing before our very eyes. From perfectly preserved medieval villages which are crumbling under the weight of cars to whole islands that are sinking beneath rising sea levels. But don’t panic, we’ve got together a list of must-see destinations that you should get to before they’re gone.
Hemmingway’s Melting Mountain
A sight witnessed by few yet immortalised across the world through photographs and literature, the snowy heights of Africa’s Mt. Kilimanjaro could soon be no more than a distant memory. With a whopping 80 percent loss in snow mass since 1900, scientists are predicting that the summit will be bare by 2033.
How to get there: Fly into Kilimanjaro or Dar es Salaam Airport and catch a shuttle bus to Moshi, where you’ll meet your registered guide (required) and begin your epic journey.
Where to stay: Sentrim Amboseli, Amboseli National Reserve, Kenya
The (not-so) Floating City
Ah yes, Venice, the city where the streets are paved with… water. On quiet rivers float the gondoliers with their straw hats and striped shirts, punting loved-up couples across town. Well, guess what? In years to come, this idyllic scene will be no more than a smudgy oil painting in an Italian gallery. Due to rising sea levels, rainfall increase and frequent flooding, the fate of this watery icon is precarious to say the least.
How to get there: Fly into the mainland airport of Marco Polo then catch a water taxi into Venice city.
Where to stay: Hotel Danieli, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Castello, Venice
They’ll Soon be in De-Nile
With 4,000 years as iconic structures and the title of last remaining of the original seven world wonders under its belt, you’d think that The Pyramids of Giza would last forever, but think again because this could all be swept away in a matter of years. Despite being a treasured site across the world, Egyptian officials have yet to put in place preservation laws on the monuments, meaning that human erosion is crumbling the pyramids and the surrounding areas, little by little every day. To make the journey, but conserve the treasures, we recommend booking your tour with an eco-friendly guide or company.
How to get there: Fly into Cairo International Airport and take the Metro Line 2 to Giza station, where there are a number of shuttles and minibuses to take you closer to the pyramids.
Where to stay: Four Seasons First Residence, Cairo, Egypt
Honey, I Shrunk The Alps!
That’s right folks, Kilimanjaro isn’t the only snowy mountain range you have to worry about, The Alps are on their last leg too! Due to relatively low altitude the Alps are more susceptible than other prominent peaks to temperature changes and are shrinking at an alarming rate. Some are even forecasting a full disappearing act by 2050.
How to get there: Depending on your chosen resort, you can fly into Geneva or Zurich Airport, then hop in to your pre-booked transport or catch the next train.
Where to stay: Badrutt's Palace Hotel, St. Moritz, Switzerland
There’s Not Machu Can Do
Since it was revealed to the world in the early 1900s Peru’s Machu Picchu has fast become one of the most popular destinations on the planet and, at the same time, one of the most endangered. With years of unregulated tourist stampedes roaming across (and on) the site, the human erosion of the sacred city has become a cause for concern among leading preservationists. More pressingly, it has recently been discovered that the ruins lie directly on the Tambomachay Fault, so if the tourists don't destroy it, one small earthquake might. While it may have been around for 600 years, we recommend that you hot-foot it to Machu Picchu asap as it could disappear at any moment.
How to get there: Remember to book your admission tickets to Machu Picchu in advance! Fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cuzco then either pre-book private transfer to Machu Picchu or challenge yourself to take the 28-mile hike along the Inca Trail, which takes approximately four days.
Where to stay: Belmond Hotel Monasterio, Cuzco, Peru
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