Wildlife Holidays

Image of Gorillas

A wildlife tour can be the one of the experiences of a lifetime, and observing the animal kingdom is an integral part of many Explore tours. Whale searching, tiger tracking and gorilla spotting are all activities that we undertake in small groups, lessening our impact on the animal's environment. A pride of lions stalking its prey, a family of gorillas quietly foraging, or a polar bear padding across the ice only a few metres away, are timeless sights to treasure forever. Not just the sights but also the sounds and smells, as all your senses become more attuned to nature in the wild. And as all our tours are in small groups, we cause minimum disruption, allowing us to get closer, enjoy more and perhaps get that perfect photograph. The thrill of seeing animals close up excites both young and old on our special family wildlife holidays.


Wildlife tips:

  • Check out the best time of year to go
  • Take a good pair of binoculars
  • Carry plenty of film or memory cards
  • Wear inconspicuous clothing
  • Always keep quiet around animals and keep inside the vehicle or boat
  • If you are focused on one particular area or species, then look at our s hort break holidays that go straight to heart of the action.

The greatest wildlife centres are probably the islands separated from the continents, which over time have developed their own species. The most famous is the Galapagos Islands off South America with their special array of animal, reptile and marine life. Madagascar has similar unusual groups of flora and fauna, seen nowhere else on earth. Our wildlife adventures operate throughout the year, so there is always something to choose. Many of our expedition voyages concentrate on polar wildlife at the very extremes of our world.

Wildlife in Africa

Rhinos , one of the 'Big Five'

Rhinos, one of the 'Big Five'

Searching for wildlife in Africa is a tremendous adventure. Classic East African safaris look for the 'Big Five' in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, which is also the centre of our gorilla and chimp safaris. But many other African countries have opened their game parks for the curious visitor, such as Botswana, Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique. To see animals in unique semi-desert and dry grassland areas, head for Namibia and South Africa. West Africa is a great centre for birdlife, best seen whilst cruising along the Gambia River or travelling through the Ashanti kingdom of Ghana. Bird watching and ancient cultures are the high altitude attractions on the other side of Africa, in both Ethiopia and Eritrea. For the weird and wonderful try the isolated island of Madagascar with its unique lemurs, birds and trees.

Wildlife in Europe

Image of Leviathans of the deep

Leviathans of the deep

Taking a wildlife holiday does not mean travelling halfway around the world, with plenty of opportunities right here in Europe. This usually means heading into the most rural and remote parts. Quiet areas of Poland are still home to wild boar and bison, whilst brown bears can sometimes be seen in the Transylvanian Alps of Romania and on the Russian border of Finland. The Danube Delta on the Black Sea offers a great wealth of birdlife, as we cruise around the silvery waterways in a local 'ponton', which acts both as our transport and hotel. Other regions famed for their bird populations are the Faroe Islands and the Swiss Alps. Away from land, we can scan the teeming waters of the North Atlantic for minke whales off Iceland, and killer whales off Norway.

Wildlife in Asia and the Americas

Komodo Dragon

Komodo Dragon

In South East Asia discover Borneo's unique wildlife and impenetrable forests, famous for several species of primates, or sail through the East Indies to find the jurassic Komodo dragon.

South and Central America have a tremendous wealth of wildlife, with the world-renowned Galapagos Islands topping the list. But also take note of the newer destinations, such as Costa Rica and Brazil, with their amazing varieties of mammals, reptiles and birds. Birds are everywhere, but of particular note are Guatemala, Belize and Trinidad and Tobago. For birds of the tropical rainforest, check out Guyana in the north and Bolivia further south.

Wildlife for Families

Image of uneasy neighbours

Uneasy neighbours

Recognising that man cub is even more fascinated with the animal kingdom than the grown up, as part of our family adventures programme, we have devised certain tours aimed at wildlife fans of all sizes. The larger animals are always popular, with East and Southern Africa having the variety and adventure to suit everyone. Elephant, rhino, hippo, giraffe - the list is endless, as we travel in purpose-built game-viewing vehicles or boats around the game parks. Thrill to the sound of a lion's roar at night, or the thundering hooves of thousands of antelopes as they race past. In Asia see orang utans on the island of Borneo, or monkeys and turtles in Indonesia. In the Americas, the focus is also on the natural wonders of Canada, Costa Rica, Brazil and the Galapagos.

Wildlife Short Breaks

Image of close encounters with a whale

Close encounters

Don't let time restrictions stop you enjoying the thrill of watching wildlife up close. Whale watching over four or five days is an ideal short break in locations as varied as Norway and the Azores. We track the elusive brown bear in both Finland and Romania, where we might also see wolves. Further afield and lasting six or seven days are safaris in Kenya, gorilla spotting in Uganda and tiger tracking in India. But the most exotic short break must be the polar bear encounter in northern Canada. A few days for a great adventure. Imagine telling your workmates about that one!