DROne of the most immersive experiences is to watch wildlife in their natural habitat. We bring you a collection from around the world
CANADA
Yukon
This remote region of Canada just south of the Arctic Circle is home to a natural wildlife phenomenon that occurs nowhere else on earth: the “ice grizzlies”. Venture to the area surrounding Bear Cave Mountain Camp at the optimum time of year to explore the breath-taking Yukon Territory, while watching and photographing these unique grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Thanks to the drop in temperature during Canada’s autumn/winter months (with water continually flowing due to thermal springs below the river), the wet fur of these huge bears freezes into icicles, providing fantastic photography opportunities. Although this is an extremely remote safari destination, the experience will be worth it!
Best time to visit: Late September to November.
SEYCHELLES
North Island
The Seychelles are often synonymous with luxurious beach honeymoons, and although we know they are fantastic for this, we also rate them highly as a safari destination for those who are looking for a bit more than just sea and sand during their relaxing break. The impeccable North Island resort allows you to stay in pristine accommodation while enjoying wildlife encounters that are suitable for the family. Not only can you swim with stunning marine wildlife among the coral reefs, see giant tortoises wandering around the site and spot huge numbers of birds in the trees, but the owners also take it into their own hands to nurture endangered animals and reintroduce them to the wild! This is a truly unique place to combine wildlife and relaxation.
Best time to visit: April to October (July and August if windy weather is fine)
UGANDA
Virunga Mountains
If you’re looking for a once in a lifetime experience, a unique tour that you can brag about to your friends, then the Gorilla Tracking Safari is for you. Take a 3-day Gorilla Tracking Group Tour within the boundaries of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This safari takes visitors through the Virunga mountains of southwest Uganda where sleeping accommodations await you after your adventures.
Best time to visit: April, May and November
INDONESIA
Sea Safari
A rare opportunity to explore the most biodiverse marine habitat in the world at Raja Ampat in Indonesia. Guests aboard the Tiger Blue (a 110 ft Phinisi yacht) can dive or snorkel with manta rays, barracuda, dogtooth tuna, dolphins, black tip sharks, pygmy seahorses and nudibranchs. The itinerary also includes a stopover at Nihi Sumba Island (formerly Nihiwatu), one of the best wilderness lodges in the world, and rockpooling with the Sumbanese villagers as they forage for octopus, fish and crab to use in their traditional cooking.
Tigers of Indonesia
Sumatran tigers are critically endangered and this citizen science project run by Biosphere Expeditions, a non-profit conservation group, is being carried out by volunteers helping scientists in their work. As part of an international team, you will be living in a traditional timber house inside the rainforest and travelling by boat and on foot looking for tracks, kills, scats and setting camera traps while hoping for a rare sighting of these elusive animals themselves.
Volcanoes, Dragons and Sharks
Opened in 2017, the Kalimaya Dive Resort on the edge of Indonesia’s famous Komodo National Park, offers incredible biodiversity and a rare opportunity to dive in to an underwater volcano (Sangeang). Expect thrilling drift dives, schooling pelagics and sharks, while mandarin fish, bumblebee shrimp, turtles, nudibranchs, pipefish and pygmy seahorses patrol the coral reefs.
KENYA
Flying Safari
This unique air safari to study the plight of Kenya’s endangered wildlife will transport guests to the most remote and inaccessible parts of the country (Maasai Mara, Laikipia, Samburu, Lewa) while meeting world experts including Saba Douglas-Hamilton and the cheetah expert, Dr. Elena Chelysheva. Species studied will include lion, cheetah, black rhino, elephants, wild dog, Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe. Guests can learn in depth (and in luxury) about each species and the threats facing them.
OMAN
Coral Reef Project
Here’s an opportunity to join a pioneering long-term study mapping and monitoring the exceptionally diverse coral reefs of the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman’s mountainous Musandam peninsula. In the wake of heightened awareness about the plight of the world’s coral reefs, the research data is a crucial tool in preserving these reefs against development plans. The expedition will follow the protocols of an internationally recognised coral reef monitoring programme – and the price includes training as a Reef Check EcoDiver.
AUSTRALIA
Wilderness Self-drive
Focusing on three of Australia’s top wilderness and wildlife regions, this flexible self-drive itinerary visits the crocodiles and bird life of the wetlands of Kakadu National Park in Northern Territory, followed by the koalas, possums, platypus and sea lions on Kangaroo Island, off Adelaide. A hop across the water rounds the trip off with a visit to Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain, home to furry wombats, irresistible quolls and those famous Tasmanian devils.
TANZANIA
Beho Beho
Beho Beho meaning breeze in the local dialect, is the most comfortable lodge in the Selous Game Reserve. It is renowned for its walking safaris, and the standard of guiding is as good as it gets. Options include early morning bush walks with a picnic breakfast and late afternoon walks ending up with sundowners. But best of all is fly camping, sleeping out under the stars with nothing between you and the lions but a flimsy mosquito net.
Kichaka Bush Camp
For safari diehards, this small, back-to-basics, no-frills bush camp is the way to experience the rugged beauty of Tanzania’s wildest big-game stronghold. The accent here is on walking safaris, led by the owner, Andrew “Moli” Molinaro, whose knowledge of Ruaha and its wildlife is legendary. Back in camp at the end of the day, guests can look forward to outstanding meals by Noelle Herzog, Moli’s partner.
