If there’s one magazine that continuously showcases the most beautiful pictures from around the world, it’s Nat Geo . Its prestigious photo contests attract some of the best photographers, and viewing their stunning shots you can’t help but feel your connection with Mother Earth strengthening. 2017 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest is no different.

The submissions of the competition were closed on the 30th of June but its winners won’t be announced until August. To make the waiting easier, Nat Geo editors have released their favorite entries, and we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share them. Here are some of the best Nature entries to the contest that are currently battling for the category’s top spots and the grand prize – a ten-day trip for two to the Galapagos Archipelago with National Geographic Expeditions.

#1 The March

On safari in Zambia, the grass was so tall that it seemed there was no chance to see anything interesting. Then this pride of lions came walking toward us, taking advantage of the road to travel on. They too, seemed they were tired of the tall grass swatting at their faces! (Photo And Caption By Torie Hilley / National Geographic Travel Photographer Of The Year Contest)

#2 Green Gours Reflection

Reflection of the Green Gours at the Watch Out for Dinosaurs first doline in Hang Sơn Đoòng, the largest known cave passage in the world. You need to do trekking for 2 days before you arrive to this magnificent place. Hang Sơn Đoòng cave is located in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh province, Việt Nam. (Photo And Caption By Ronald Fritz / National Geographic Travel Photographer… Read More

#3 Provence, The Summer Haircut

I went to Valensole hoping to get a new angle than the classic view. I knew this was harvest season so I looked for tractors and waited patiently until some started to harvest in a pattern that would create a pleasing composition from above. I just had to start the drone engine and capture the photo against really strong wind. (Photo And Caption By Jerome Courtial / National Geographic Travel… Read More

#4 Buff Tailed Coronet

I had been to Ecuador the paradise for hummingbirds in the month of January. Hummingbirds flap wings around at a rate of 50 time per second. They feed on nectar from the flowers. Ecuador is filled with rain forests and cloud forests, which make it very conducive for the hummingbirds to make a habitat. When we landed in Guango lodge which is in a high-altitude town called Papallacta. I was… Read More

#5 Forest Of The Fairy

Shooting in the forest. (Photo And Caption By Y. TAKAFUJI / National Geographic Travel Photographer Of The Year Contest)

#6 Underwater View Of The Winter Lofoten

View of the village Å. Panorama from two shots. Lofoten, Norway. (Photo And Caption By Sergey Lukankin / National Geographic Travel Photographer Of The Year Contest)
Sergey Lukankin Report

#7 Wings Toward The Sun

The only sound throughout the swamp on this late spring morning were three geese honking at one another. They gathered at the head of the lake, where a fog bank rolled in just as the sun peaked over the trees to wrap the area in an ethereal glow. As I watched, the goose in the center of the trio pivoted toward the sun and, as if in greeting, arched out… Read More

#8 First Dive

A young hawksbill turtle ducks under its first wave just minutes after hatching. Its struggle will be long and tiresome and the odds of survival are sadly stacked against it. A slow shutter speed used with flash enabled me to capture the amazing ambient light. (Photo And Caption By Matthew Smith / National Geographic Travel Photographer Of The Year Contest)
Matthew Smith Report

#9 Solidified Lava Vs Forest

I shot this picture in Sicily, with my drone. Those waves of lava are from Etna’s big eruption back in 2002, this eruption was so spectacular that was recorded by Lucasfilm and integrated into the landscape of the planet Mustafar in the 2005 film Star Wars: Episode III (Photo And Caption By Placido Faranda / National Geographic Travel Photographer Of The Year Contest)

#10 Infinite Road To Transylvania

This is Cheia (DN1A) road that takes you to Transylvania. Yes, THAT Transylvania, the birthplace of the legendary Count Dracula (Vlad Tepes). The legend says that this shot imagines what he might have seen on his nocturnal flights! Nevertheless, it’s a breathtaking view with a magnificent road. (Photo And Caption By Calin Stan / National Geographic Travel Photographer Of The Year Contest)