Safari | Journey | Expedition

The word “Safari” usually sends the mind into a thrilling African wildlife adventure – the wind in your hair as you traverse game filled savannahs before returning to a crackling fire with gin and tonic in hand. However, taking the word “safari” in its purest form, it simply means a “journey” or “expedition” in search of flora, fauna and wildlife in their natural habitats. So, whilst we have over 80 years of combined experience delivering African safaris here at Exceptional Travel HQ, we also have extensive experience taking our nature loving clients deep into other parts of the world to uncover some of the world’s most unique species in their natural environments.

Below are just a few:

BORNEO
Rainforests and Primates

Borneo epitomises the true meaning of natural luxury, a land of rugged, unspoiled charm, enjoyed most when exploring away from the crowds. Offering intimate moments with fascinating wildlife, serene seclusion of rainforest retreats and the rewarding impact of eco-friendly travel, a trip to Borneo will leave you brimming in awe. From the iconic orangutans and proboscis monkeys to shy sun bears and delicate sun birds, Borneo delivers a wild elegance found no-where else on earth. You cannot help but connect with the indigenous communities and embrace the liberating rhythm of the Bornean life.

INDIA
Snow Leopards of the Himalayas

Whilst better known for it’s tiger population, India has another feline species that lures wildlife enthusiasts into the far flung mountain regions of the Himalayas.

Living in the cold, high altitude and rugged landscapes of Ladakh and Hamis National Park, a sighting of a snow leopard (or the grey ghost as they are known) is truly prized. Their silvery fur camouflages beautifully into the natural surroundings and it’s natural shy-ness makes it essential to travel with an expert led team of trackers, guides and porters. We know just the people.

Snow leopards are most active during dusk and dawn so between these times, days are spent on beautiful hiking trails through small villages steeped in Tibetan Buddhist culture with the opportunity to spot other mammals such as yak, ibex, Tibetan wolf and red fox.

PERU
Amazon River Safari

Photo credit: Delfin

Peru doesn’t just stop at Machu Picchu. Roughly 23.9% of the Amazon River is found in Peru and is a treasure trove for wildlife lovers. With over 3,000 species of fresh water fish, the Amazonian Rainforest boasts an extraordinary array of wildlife within its vast canopy’s as well as multiple waterways. Famous to the Amazon River and shrouded by myths and legend is the Pink Dolphin, a species one always hopes to find.

Whilst staying on a luxury riverboat, all of this can be discovered, in the safe hands of expert naturalists. Explore the rainforest on foot or be led down smaller creeks and tributaries by kayak or paddleboard. Fishing is always a fun way to encounter the mighty peacock bass, gigantic Amazon catfish or piranha (catch and release only). And whilst cruising on board, your binoculars should never be too far from your hand as you never know what will suddenly appear from the canopy above or the water below.

ANTARCTIA
Polar Safari

Going on a safari to the Antarctic offers a rare and unforgettable adventure. Whilst different to an African safari, the experience is just as rich in wildlife, natural beauty and wonder. The last truly wild place on earth where you can see penguins (including the regal emperor penguins) in enormous colonies, seals, whales and magnificent seabirds such as albatrosses and skuas.

The scenery is just as impressive, completely pristine and almost surreal as the wildlife that lives in this frozen land. Towering icebergs in shades of blue, jagged mountains rising out of the snow, endless glaciers and frozen seas and dramatic polar sunsets as you drift off to sleep.

Expedition vessels take you to Antarctica then smaller zodiacs are used for close-up explorations and shore landings to walk amongst the penguins and ice fields.  Kayaks provide a peaceful sense of exploration and sense of insignificance compared to your mighty surroundings, and, for those brave enough, the polar plunge…

For more information please contact us: info@exceptional-travel.com