Wildlife, Birding and Megafauna
Wildlife travel is the beating heart of Great Expeditions. As photographers, twitchers, and animal lovers with decades of first-hand global wildlife travel experience, we excel at designing for travel that optimizes for unscripted wildlife observation in the company of knowledgeable local guides.
We often find that travelers who love wildlife and birding also love a variety of experiences. Unlike the die-hard group departures that only focus on a specific wildlife species or event, we design for a holistic wildlife journey that incorporates the destination highlights with your personal interests. We take into consideration seasonal and wildlife nuances to provide guidance that accounts for your individual goals as well as the parameters of nature. While there is no guarantee when it comes to nature, you can expect the spontaneity of a wild adventure tailored to your interests and paired beautifully with enthusiastic local guides, uniquely immersive accommodations, and breathtaking landscapes.
Global Inspiration
East Africa – Wildlife of the Great Rift Valley
The combinations in East Africa are endless, from trekking to the endangered mountain gorilla in Uganda and Rwanda, observing chimpanzees in the wild of Lake Tanganyika, to the massive volume of megafauna across the Serengeti and Masai Mara, this is truly an earthly Eden. Combined with warm, friendly hospitality, proudly shared indigenous culture, archaeological roots of humanity, and stunning landscapes, it is no surprise that East Africa is a bucket list destination for wildlife lovers.
Ecuador - Amazon, Highlands, and Galapagos Islands
Ecuador packs an incredible wildlife punch with the highest biodiversity of any country acre for acre. It has life zones that span from converging ocean currents to the thin air of Andes peaks, housing over 1,700 bird species. The volcanic islands that inspired the work of Charles Darwin remain a global natural treasure where habituated marine animals and unique birdlife await. Combined with the rich cultural heritage of UNESCO historic monuments and vibrant indigenous communities from the highlands to the rainforest, each day will be as diverse as the ecosystems it contains.
Australia - Monotremes, Marsupials, Cockatoos, and Kookaburras
An island continent the size of the United States with species unique to the planet, it may come as a surprise that wildlife opportunities are not obvious, but a well-designed Australian wildlife adventure can offer a rich diversity of experiences. Explore on night walks with aboriginal guides for nocturnal endemic species while learning the deep connection of indigenous heritage to the land. Savor locally grown wines beneath the eucalyptus forest ornamented by koala bears. Listen for the unique call of the glossy black cockatoos of Kangaroo Island and visit the new mother humpback whales protecting their calves in the shelter of Hervey Bay.
Australia - Monotremes, Marsupials, Cockatoos, and Kookaburrass
India – Brilliant Birdlife and Regal Megafauna
The Indian subcontinent is an isolated landmass blossoming in biodiversity. India is an under-appreciated wildlife destination often eclipsed by well-known cultural travel and overwhelming population density, but the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s the Jungle Book remains a place of natural beauty and quiet wonder.
Seychelles - Birds and Beaches
The essence of this Indian Ocean archipelago is truly revealed at nature’s pace. 12 endemic bird species, an array of migrant seabirds, the UNESCO coco de mer palm jungle of Vallée de Mai, and the bicycle-only roads of La Digue make this a nature lover's island-hopping paradise. The pull of lapping waves, the urge to abandon shoes, the eternal sea-carved granite beaches, and brilliant star-filled Indian Ocean night will be as memorable as discovering the island's fairy terns and paradise flycatchers.
Chile - Penguins and Pumas
Spanning nearly 2,700 miles from the border with Peru to the end of the continent, it’s no surprise that Chile’s bird life, landscapes, and unique fauna are one of a kind. This is a destination where flamingos are found from Patagonia’s frozen lakes to the Atacama Desert moonscape. In Chile, pumas saunter across pampas grasslands, Andean condors soar overhead, Magellanic penguins scamper across fjord islands, humpback whales relax in the straights, seabirds drift with the Humboldt current, and guanaco sentinels graze judgingly. Hiking, kayaking, gaucho culture, outstanding wine, local cuisine, and otherworldly landscapes are all on the menu to be peppered into the Chilean wildlife experience.
Zambia - Walking, Wildlife, and Waterways
Zambia is one of Africa's greatest treasures. The birthplace of the walking safari and the conservation-based tourism model, Zambia offers excellent megafauna safaris yet remains far from a mainstream experience. Drift along tranquil rivers with a water-level view of a herd of elephants quenching their thirst. Search for big cats within some of the densest leopard territory of Africa and take in the views from intimate camps surrounded by pristine ecosystem housing over six hundred bird species.
Great Expeditions consultants are skilled and experienced at crafting itineraries incorporating the natural world, but also with the destination knowledge for where and when to go.
“ Oh my good gracious, I have no words that can describe how absolutely amazing the safari was!!! It was, without a doubt, the greatest adventure of my life. There were so many magic moments -hundreds upon hundreds of elephants, everywhere we went -watching a baby elephant learn to use its tusk - encountering sable antelope, a lively pack of wild dogs, and prides of lions. I really, really, cannot express how amazing it has been. Without a doubt, I am going on the Botswana again…that they now have a special place in my heart”.
— Karen Watt