Wilderness & Safari Adventures

Covering most of southern South America, Patagonia is blessed with magnificent landscapes, from the towering peaks of the Andes in Chile, to the vast pampas of Argentina. Home to freshwater lakes, awe-inspiring icefields and glaciers, explore the diverse, rugged landscape affording a rare glimpse of a wild frontier encountered by a privileged few.

Set in Bolivia’s southwest corner, the desert outpost of Uyuni affords a welcome oasis among the hauntingly beautiful moonscape that surrounds it. The small town is known for its warm, hospitable locals and easy access to the awe-inspiring vastness of the Salar de Uyuni (Uyuni Salt Flats).

Watch thousands of zebra and blue wildebeest follow ancient migratory routes into Botswana’s ancient, otherworldly Makgadikgadi Pans, attracted by lush grasses in the rainy season. Romantic 1940s-style Jack’s Camp is one of only three in a million-acre private reserve, offering exclusive front row seats to this extraordinary natural spectacle.

Meerkats are members of the mongoose family whose everyday behaviour is as fascinating as it is fun to watch. Take in the animated spectacle of a meerkat community on the plains of the Kalahari. Comical and human-like in their mannerisms, your guide will enlighten you on the nuances of this complex society and share insights to their way of life.

Living amidst rivers, marshes and floodplains, the elephants of Chobe National Park are the largest of all African elephants. Set out in search of these massive mammals on an exciting boat safari, watching as they wade with their young along the banks and playfully splash in the shallows. Keep binoculars handy - lion, leopard or Cape buffalo can sometimes be seen.

The crystal-clear waterways of Botswana’s Okavango Delta — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — provide a lush haven for a wide range of thirsty wildlife. Glide quietly through the reeds aboard a mokoro (dug-out canoe), spotting creatures great and small, from dozing hippos to a frog clinging to a papyrus reed.

Brazil’s vast Pantanal comprises the largest continuous wetland on the planet. Here, jaguar and caiman preside over a wild aquatic kingdom, its boundaries ever shifting with the ebb and flow of the Paraguay River’s tributaries. Venture into the heart of this endless marshland to join a jaguar habituation team as they go about monitoring this near-threatened species.

Uncover nature’s wonders on a journey into the Amazon Basin. Head to one of Brazil’s, and the world’s, greatest fluvial archipelago systems, Anavilhanas Ecological Station, a 100,000-hectare mosaic of dense forest and interlocking waterways listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. For something truly unique join our exclusive trip to stay with the remote Kayapo Indigenous community deep in the forest.

This luxury camp experience is like nothing you’ve ever seen before with 15 custom-designed tents perched above the river channelling the traditional vintage wildlife safari. Meander on one of the estuary boats along the waterways or trek with experienced rangers in search of wild elephant, bear, gibbon and even tiger. Culinary excellence means amazing meals, combining locally foraged delicacies with global gastronomy.

Discover the fascinating wildlife of Jasper National Park, the largest in the Canadian Rockies and a haven for moose, black bear, elk, bald eagle and more. Your local guide will curate the experience to your interests, avoiding the crowds and sharing hidden gems off the beaten path.

Drive into Whistler backcountry in a luxury 4x4 seeking out bear with your expert naturalist. Return to the Audain Art Museum for a private lunch with a local bear expert, learning how these curious creatures adapt to environmental changes. A private tour by the museum’s curator caps off the day.

Suit up in a Mustang Survival Suit, board a 12-passenger high-speed Zodiac and set out in search of Orca and Humpback whale. Your experienced Captain, who doubles as a marine naturalist, will be on the lookout for other sea mammals, sea birds and whales.

Icewalk in wonder along the frozen bottom of Maligne Canyon, only possible in winter. Follow your guide through a rocky maze of sculptures, ice caves and fossils, and past spectacular waterfalls frozen in time. You’ll learn fascinating insights into the karst topography, valley and the mysteries of Medicine Lake.

Take a helicopter through spectacular Cougar Canyon before touching down in an alpine wilderness. Embark on a curated hike with a certified mountain guide – from a gentle meadow walk to a trek along an alpine ridge – learning all about the plants and animals that call the Rockies home.

Located 2,400 metres above sea level, the Atacama region is home to a spectacular range of rare sights, from dramatic geysers that shoot high into the air, to salt lakes stretched out along the plains soaking up the sun. Base yourself at a luxury lodge and take daily excursions to explore this captivating region.

Set amid the misty haze of a vast cloud forest, Colombia’s lush Cocora Valley harbours a protected enclave of wax palms, a tall, slender palm species teetering on the brink. Hike Los Nevados National Natural Park, exploring this misty forest as you learn about efforts to conserve this important ecosystem. Then, play your own part in this vital mission as you plant a wax palm at the base of the valley

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is one of Central America’s most important wildlife sanctuaries. Criss-crossed with trails and tree-top walkways, the area’s mist-covered, emerald green foliage is home to abundant flora and fauna with 2,000 exotic plant species and 400 species of bird, including the astonishing quetzal.

Tortuguero offers you the opportunity to explore rainforest, mangroves, wetlands, coastal beaches and experience an amazing display of wildlife, such as alligator, iguana and monkey. There’s abundant birdlife on show here too.

The Galápagos Islands harbour a staggeringly rich biodiversity of species. Embark on a five to eight day voyage aboard a purpose-built expedition vessel accompanied by a team of naturalist guides. You’ll encounter the island’s endemic iguanas, lizards, giant tortoises, land birds, sea birds and marine life. Delve deeper into this paradise as you snorkel, kayak and hike amongst pristine coral reefs and rugged lava formations.

One for wildlife lovers, the Mashpi Biodiversity Reserve is a part of one of the greatest biodiversity ‘hot spots’ on earth. The reserve is home to a profusion of plants and animals, including over 400 species of birds, orchids and bromeliads, amphibians (including glass frogs), and larger mammals such as monkeys and even puma. A stay at the Mashpi Lodge is a remarkable and unforgettable experience.

The waters off Reykjavik’s coast afford an ideal marine habitat for more than 20 species of whales, with humpback and minke whales being the most commonly sighted. Cast off into Faxafloi Bay for a chance encounter with one of these gentle giants, keeping an eye out for the North Atlantic’s resident seals, dolphins and puffins as you cruise.

There are few phenomena that capture the imagination like the Aurora Borealis. A seasonal wonder, the Northern Lights appear at high latitudes on dark nights from September to March, and lucky stargazers can witness anything from an ethereal green glow on the horizon to scarlet streaks shooting across the sky.

The powerful Gullfoss waterfall, the explosive geothermal Geysir, and the monumental Thingvellir National Park — Iceland’s Golden Circle landscapes showcase world-renowned natural wonders and humbling historical sites. Rich in culture, riveting heritage and spectacular Nordic scenery, a visit to this glacial wonderland will take your breath away.

Join naturalist guides on jeep safaris, bird watching excursions and safari walks on the look out for the elusive Bengal tiger in Ranthambore, or the Asiatic lion in Gir National Park. See sleek leopard or majestic elephant when exploring Panna National Park, and with over 1,200 species of birds, the many safari destinations are sure to surprise and delight.

In County Kerry, at the foot of Macgillycuddy’s Reeks — the highest mountain range in Ireland — lies the 26,000-acre Killarney National Park. Visit Ross Castle or Muckross House and Gardens, or venture forth in search of the region’s only wild herd of native red deer, amid soaring mountains and ancient oak woods.

Meet the last two northern white rhinos left on our planet - Najin and Fatu - in central Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Hear the amazing story of how the pair were transported from a Czech Republic zoo and learn about the incredible efforts being made to save this species from extinction.

Join a specially trained guide to learn about and track the lions of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, contributing to conservation efforts as you do. Help researchers gather vital information needed to monitor collared lions, first locating a pride, and then identifying individual animals using tell-tale characteristics, during a fascinating wildlife experience in the foothills of Mount Kenya.

Experience the awe-inspiring natural phenomenon that is the Great Migration, when nearly two million wildebeest, Burchell’s zebra and Thomson’s gazelle make the year-long, round-trip trek in search of water and fresh grasses, while apex predators such as lion, cheetah and crocodile eagerly await their every move.

Take off in a hot air balloon with your expert pilot for a bird’s-eye view of the Masai Mara or Serengeti wilderness. Gain a stunning new perspective on these timeless landscapes, capturing once-in-a-lifetime photographs and taking in far more than you could ever hope to experience on land.

Venture into the remote regions of northern Laos where friendly elephants roam wild. Learn all about conservation, education and elephant welfare, in a forested safehaven for rescues. Spot them foraging in the forest, splashing in the river or munching on fresh fruits, observing the giants in their natural habitat.

Madagascar is home to approximately half the world's 150 or so species of chameleons. These extraordinary reptiles are famous for their bulging eyes that move independently of one another, and ability to dramatically change colours, usually to convey emotion, defend its territory, and communicate with mates.

Accompanied by an expert naturalist guide, hike amidst rare orchids and waterfalls in the Mantadia National Park on the lookout for the wailing indri, the world’s largest lemur, the dancing sifaka and more of the island’s unique and endangered primates. Learn to identify each one by their distinctive markings.

Experience a fascinating afternoon feeding of Borneo’s endangered orangutans, immersed in the picturesque rainforest that surrounds the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. Be captivated by the resident experts as they educate on the dedicated efforts to rehabilitate and protect these iconic animals, before witnessing the feeding firsthand, watching young apes at play and learning how to survive in the wild.

Venture on foot into the vast Sossusvlei clay pan and scale its towering red dunes to admire the austere, otherworldly beauty of this striking terrain. Crest a dune to take in the monochrome sand sea that lies beyond, stretching endlessly out toward a distant horizon.

Nepal’s most famous wildlife reserve, Chitwan National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jeep safaris with skilled rangers reveal rare animals, such as the endangered one-horned rhino, Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, sloth bear and over 550 bird varieties.

Deep within Fiordland National Park lies Milford Sound, New Zealand’s most stunning natural attraction. With its magical combination of mountain peaks, ink-dark waters, gushing waterfalls and superb dramatic forest-clad cliffs, Milford Sound captivates even the most experienced traveller with its beauty.

An airboat safari on the Mary River wetlands is utterly exhilarating and the only way to truly experience an environment that is home to thousands of Magpie Geese, Plumed Whistling-Duck, Egrets, Ibis and a host of other birds. Keep an eye out for crocodiles and look on in awe as flocks of birds take flight as you zip across the floodplains on your airboat.

On the edge of the Norwegian Sea, far above the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands are a rare wilderness outpost, an idyllic paradise of rolling green pastures, picturesque villages, majestic mountains, surf-swept beaches and deep fjords.

The Wahiba Sands is a vast area of golden undulating dunes, home to some 3,000 Bedouin and a wide array of flora and fauna. The ever-changing patterns and breathtaking landscapes are a photographer’s delight.

Take to the silver-blue waters of Lake Rwanyakazinga in an eight-seater swamp cruiser for a unique boat safari. Experience wildlife viewing from a unique perspective, with opportunities to view elephant and buffalo as they gather on the waters edge, as well as hippo, crocodile and an abundance of birdlife.

Join an expert guide to track some of the world’s last wild mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Come face to face with a gorilla family, observing them play and forage while you commune with one of mankind’s closest, and most endangered, genetic relatives.

Connected to Scotland’s northwest coast by bridge, lose yourself in the remarkable scenery of the Isle of Skye. Explore the indented coastline of peninsulas and narrow lochs, witness cascading waterfalls at Fairy Pools, and traverse historic mountain trails leading to breathtaking views of the incredible highland landscape.

Comprising Kruger National Park and a handful of private game reserves such as the Sabi Sand and Timbavati, the greater Kruger area rolls across a vast expanse of bushveld, granite hills, mountains, savannah and tropical forest. It is inhabited by all of Africa’s iconic safari species, including elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, rhino, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and zebra.

Come face-to-face with the awe-inspiring great white shark on a spine-tingling cage dive. Climb into your wetsuit before, accompanied by marine experts, you are lowered into the water for an up-close encounter with these impressive apex predators in their natural environment, an exhilarating wildlife experience.

Appreciate the scenic beauty and diverse wildlife of Kangaroo Island. Start with a visit to a colony of endangered sea lion at Seal Bay followed by lunch at Vivonne Bay General Store before continuing on to the famous Flinders Chase National Park. Stop at Remarkable Rocks and spend time at Cape Du Couedic, Weirs Cove and Admirals Arch all while spotting native wildlife before enjoying a swim or a walk at one of the many picturesque beaches.

Get out into nature with an off-the-beaten-path walk through Sri Lanka’s spectacular Central Highlands. The Pekoe Trail takes you along scenic walking paths that are centuries old, rich in history, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Embark on a jeep safari through Minneriya National Park. Keep your camera handy for elephant, buffalo and a variety of endemic wildlife. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot sloth bears as they feast on berries of the Palu tree, or even the elusive Sri Lankan leopard.

Yala National Park stretches across the beaches, forests, bushlands, grassy plains and lagoons of Sri Lanka’s stunning south-eastern coastline. Embark on a morning game drive in search of the park’s elephant, crocodile, buffalo, monkey, and the elusive leopard — a rare sight spotted by only a lucky few.

The Serengeti National Park supports one of the world’s largest concentrations of wildlife — a vast realm teeming with antelope, hyena, leopard, giraffe, lion, buffalo, cheetah and so much more. Take to the skies by hot air balloon for a bird’s-eye view of the game rich Serengeti plains, and capture once-in-a-lifetime views.

Trek through Mahale Mountains National Park, led by local guides, in search of chimps. The park is one of two chimpanzee protected areas in the country with the largest number of these charismatic primates. Revel in their lively behaviour and observe the complex social and political machinations which play out while in their natural habitat.

Engage your senses on a thrilling walking safari in wild and remote Ruaha in southern Tanzania, one of Africa’s hidden gems. See the bush from a different perspective with your tracker spotting tiny creatures up close and larger rarities from a distance. And with only a handful of accommodation options, you’ll almost have the place to yourself.

Experience an unforgettable flight over the peaks of Denali National Park, as your pilot shares fascinating details about its braided rivers, deep gorges and bright blue glaciers. Land on a glacier’s surface and tread over this miracle of nature, surrounded by a pristine panorama of snow-veiled crests.

Soar over the Alaskan wilderness to Chinitna Bay, where a multitude of brown bears feed on the protein rich sedge grasses. From May to September, witness these magnificent animals digging for clams on the riverbanks as your guide shares tales of the bears and their families.

Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most biodiverse game reserves in the world, with 95 different species of mammal and over 600 kinds of exotic birds. It is also home to the famous tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha Plains which can be seen high in the fig trees ready to pounce on herds of unsuspecting Uganda kob.

Majestic, powerful and critically endangered, the world’s remaining mountain gorillas are estimated to number around 880. Join expert guides tracking the thickly forested slopes of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for an encounter with an habituated gorilla family which will leave you thoroughly mesmerised.

Zambia’s vast and rarely visited Liuwa Plains harbour a dizzying array of wildlife, from wildebeest to lion and cheetah. Birdwatching is spectacular from January to May, when migratory species darken skies. As there is only one permanent camp in this national park, expect every animal encounter to be exclusive.

Take to the mighty Zambezi by canoe gliding silently along the banks with your expert river guide. Glimpse elephants coming to drink, the ripples of hippo resting beneath the surface and bee-eaters and skimmers as they duck and weave in the breeze. Refreshments are on hand as you travel from your own cooler box.

Lace up your boots in readiness for a walking safari in the South Luangwa, one of Zambia’s finest national parks and home of the walking safari. Its wildlife is prolific and especially exhilarating when encountered on foot as you track game more stealthily, with your local guide leading the way.

Marvel at the grandeur of the spectacular Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders), considered to be one of the world's largest waterfalls with a width of 1,708 metres. Experience this natural wonder from both banks of the Zambezi, cruise a stretch of the river below and explore the mist-soaked forest that surrounds the falls.

One of the most prominent and enduring natural features of Gonarezhou National Park is the beautiful Chilojo Cliffs. Stretching 30 kilometres across, these magnificent red sandstone cliffs have been formed through eons of erosion. They overlook the scenic Runde River valley, and are truly a site to behold.

Leave the 4WD behind as you set out on foot into the bush in Ruckomechi with your expert safari guide. See the terrain and the wildlife from a different perspective and experience the exhilaration of closing in on rare wildlife at ground level, and at close quarters.

The largest of Zimbabwe’s national parks, Hwange’s 14,645 square kilometres of grassland and mopane woods harbour some 40,000 elephants, one of the world’s largest populations. The park also features 500 bird species, lion, giraffe, leopard, cheetah, hyena as well as one of Africa’s largest populations of the endangered wild dog and rare species such as roan and sable.