There is a very special group of Atlantic spotted dolphin living on the edge of the Bahama Banks around Bimini Island. These dolphins have developed a unique bond with the humans. A voluntary relationship based on play and curiosity has developed over the years, never reinforced with hand- feeding or training. This has given us the chance to learn from the dolphins in their world and on their terms. Spotted Dolphins are fun loving sea mammals that are intelligent, friendly, and playful. Interacting with these wild dolphin is spiritually communicating with a highly intelligent being using body language. Possible they have been trying to interact with humans for centuries, but it has been only in the past few decades that humans have started to look at them as intelligent complex individuals.

So, what is it like to swim with a wild dolphin? In a word - incredible! For many people it is a very personal event, for some it can be a life-changing experience. There is very little doubt when you look into a dolphins eye there is someone intelligent looking back. In the water you can hear the dolphins communicating with whistles and echolocating with clicks and a humming sound you can feel as a tingling sensation. Graceful, fast and highly maneuverable, they are perfectly adapted to their liquid environment. Snorkeling and free diving during wild dolphin encounters you glide along side by side. Mimicking each others moves. A few of them will instigate tactile interaction with humans. They will rub along side of you or touch you with a fin. Some of these enjoy a gentle rub. Most of the dolphin prefers if you swim with your arms down at your sides and not reaching out for them. So they can swim shoulder to shoulder with you. Their eye to eye contact is hypnotic. These wild spotted dolphins come to play with us of their own free will. It is a natural encounter with wild dolphins that are in complete control of the interaction. They can appear or disappear at anytime. Dolphin encounters can last from a few minutes to several hours each.

A live aboard boat is the best way to get the ultimate in wild dolphin experiences. The live aboard experience is where you sleep, eat and swim from the boat, similar to a cruise ship only much smaller and much more personal. The dolphins live in the ocean, so for the best encounter you should live on the ocean in a comfortable and safe boat. Imagine waking up in the morning and going to bed at night with dolphins swimming around the boat. The Dolphin Dream is the only operator who offers night time dolphin encounters. Snorkeling with dolphins at night while they feed under twelve 500 watt lights on the boat.

In 2019, the brilliant photographer, Amos, lead a scouting trip off the coast of the Eastern-Central Pacific where he had a special opportunity to witness the effects of a natural phenomenon called upwelling — the process of upward movement to the ocean surface of nutrient-rich, deeper, colder waters.

What does this mean? It means that the added nutrients attract bait fish like sardines, lantern and anchovies, which in turn attract predators like super-pods of dolphins, whales, turtles, mobula ray, stingrays, and more. The upwelling event he was fortunate enough to be apart of was first discovered by local fisherman who noticed the abundance of wildlife that congregated offshore when the moon is full.

Following their advice on timing, the team went at the time they recommended and the trip was so amazing and productive that he’s decided to run an expedition in February 2021. The expedition will be six days long, and the event takes place 40 miles offshore. While you’re at sea, you will live aboard the dive vessel the Aquila, which is well-equipped for comfort, diving and cruising in open ocean.

The activity will be a mix of free diving and at times, the use of Pony tanks – we use pony tanks in order to be more flexible ready for action versus the standard large scuba tank, and extend our bottom time underwater

In addition to this expedition, if you have time, we recommend spending an extra four days to see the rain forest. Amos has been all over the world, and he can say that this is one of the most extraordinarily beautiful places he’s seen in all his travels.

Trips to Galapagos usually force you to choose between land and sea, but if you join Amos on this unique Big Animals expedition to one of the most significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites on Earth, then you will get to experience the best of both worlds. We make this possible for you through a strong collaborative relationship with the most knowledgeable team on the islands guided by the steady and innovative leadership of the incomparable Fiddi Angermeyer. His family members were some of the first colonizers of the islands, and he has lived on Galapagos his entire life. There is no one more intimately familiar with these islands both topside and underwater than Fiddi, and he will be accompanying us to make sure we have a truly epic voyage on board the Passion for 2 weeks!

This archipelago and its many volcanic islands traversing both sides of the equator are all impacted by three powerful and opposing currents creating the unique and wondrous laboratory of life both on land and underwater that is Galapagos. The islands north of the equator are affected by the warm Panama Current, the islands below it are shaped by the cold Humboldt Current arriving from Antarctica, and the western islands feel the effects of the Western Pacific Current.
Who is Amos? Amos Nachoum is both a master of photographing big animal behavior while guiding the small groups of adventurers who accompany him on his expeditions. He free dives with blue whales off the Eastern Pacific, scuba dives in the Okavango delta with crocodiles and goes face to face with the great white shark. One of only five people ever to swim and photograph polar bears underwater… More people were on the moon (12). Since 1980, he has taken over 5,000 people to explore every significant body of water (and land too) from the North Pole to Antarctica. Joining Amos is a life changing experience!

Itinerary:

Arrival Day: We meet you at Moorea airport or Ferry Terminal | transfer to the Lodge (check-in after 1.00pm)

Your Tour Briefing is at 6.30pm, followed by the Welcome dinner on the verandah at Moorea Beach Lodge at 7.00pm

Day 1: Breakfast | pickup by whale swim boat from the beach | boat briefing | how to swim with whales training (so they don’t swim off) | out with the whales (4 – 4.5 hours) | lots of fun | return to the lodge | free evening.

Day 2 – 8: Breakfast | pickup by whale swim boat from the beach | out with the whales (4 – 4.5 hours) |lots of fun | return to beach | Farewell dinner at Moorea Beach Lodge on last night. (4 evening meals at the Lodge are included in the tour package)

Day 9: Breakfast | End of tour | transfer to the airport or ferry terminal.

Your Base

A little corner of paradise along a white sandy beach facing the turquoise lagoon surrounded by a tropical garden, the Moorea Beach Lodge is located on the West side of Moorea Island. The peacefulness of the Lodge and its beauty will be appreciated by all. All the Bungalows (4 Beach Bungalows & 6 Garden Bungalows (photo right) have air conditioning, a Queen size bed, a sofa witch converts into 2 single beds (except for the Honeymoon Bungalow- if available on request), a ceiling fan, a small refrigerator with tea and coffee facilities, a wardrobe, a personal safe, a bathroom with shower and a private deck. Every bungalow comes with a private bathroom with free toiletries. Moorea Beach Lodge also includes a sun terrace. Guests can enjoy a drink at the on-site bar. The property has a private beach area and free use of bicycles is available.

Ocean side, exploration of the lagoon can be done under water and above, or in the deep blue with Moorea Fun Dive diving center, directly accessible from the beach.  Mountain side , stroll along on a bicycle or on foot, explore the numerous mountain tracks, and at the end of the day, enjoy the sunset.  Half a dozen restaurants and snacks are only a few minutes walk from the Lodge.

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN DELHI

Upon arrival at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, you will be welcomed by your &Beyond India host and chauffeured to The Oberoi, New Delhi.

Delhi was established around 900 BC and is today the capital of the largest democracy of the world. A mixture of bustling international metropolis, medieval chaos and regal splendour, the city is crammed to bursting point with tombs, temples, monuments and ruins, all of which exist side by side with modern suburbs and glass and chrome skyscrapers.

In this quintessentially Indian city a surprise lies around every corner. Colonial architecture in New Delhi is combined with ancient Islamic and Mughal ruins, modern suburban developments and even a touch of rural India. It houses two UNESCO World Heritage sites; Humayun’s Tomb and The Qutub Minar.

Located in New Delhi, India’s capital city, The Oberoi New Delhi reflects the city’s spirit in a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary sophistication. Located close to the city centre near business, commercial and shopping districts, the luxury hotel overlooks Delhi’s prestigious Golf Club on one side and the heritage site of Humayun’s Tomb on the other. 

Day 2: DELHI

After breakfast, meet your expedition leader Aditya Panda in the lobby for a quick brief about the day’s events before setting out for a sightseeing tour of Delhi. Start the day with a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Humayun’s Tomb, a complex of buildings built as the Mughal Emperor Humayun’s Tomb, commissioned by Humayun’s wife Hamida Banu Begum in 1562.  Followed by the tour you will embark on a drive through New Delhi’s former colonial expanse, stopping by the magnificent President’s Palace, known as the Rashtrapati Bhawan, India Gate, the World War I memorial. The official residence of the President of India stands at the opposite end of the Rajpath from India Gate. 

India Gate is a 42m (137ft) high stone arch of triumph stands at the eastern end of the Rajpath. It bears the names of 85,000 Indian Army soldiers who died in the campaigns of WWI, the North West frontier operations of the same time, and the 1919 Afghan fiasco.

Return to your hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure.

Enjoy a cocktail reception and an interaction with a renowned conservationist. The focus of the conversation today will be the challenges and the successes of tiger conservation in India. How science and money from various sections of the society and government helped in the overall conservation of habitat. The protection of landscapes lead to an increased population of wild tigers and many other iconic animals. This will be followed by a delectable dinner at the hotel.

Day 3:  AGRA

This morning you will be driven to Agra (an approximately four-hour drive).

The city of Agra flourished under the patronage of the emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan and attracted artisans from Persia and central Asia. Agra is where Emperor Shah Jahan celebrated his immortal love for his Empress in marble, the Taj Mahal. Agra is still famous for handicrafts products such as inlay work on marble, carpets, jewellery, zari and embroidery work. 

You will be met on arrival and assisted to check-in at The Oberoi Amarvilas.

The Oberoi Amarvilas is considered one of India’s best hotels is a mere 600m (1968ft)  away from the Taj Mahal, every single room in this property looks towards the monument. After settling in, you will embark on a guided tour of the Agra Fort and Taj Mahal to view it at sunset. For many years through the Mughal rule, especially during the period when Agra was the capital of the Empire, Agra Fort was expanded and reworked extensively with marble and pietra dura inlay. Notable buildings within the fort include the Diwan-e-Am and Diwan-e-Khas (halls of public and private audience), Jehangir’s Palace, Khaas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal (mirrored palace) and Musamman Burj. The Taj Mahal is said to be one of the most elegant and harmonious buildings in the world and is the manifestation of the wealth and luxury of Mughal art as seen in its architecture, garden design, painting, and calligraphy.

Day 4: RANTHAMBHORE NATIONAL PARK

Revisit the spectacular Taj Mahal at sunrise and then return to the hotel for breakfast. Afterward drive on to Ranthambhore National Park (approximately five-hour), stopping en route at Abhaneri. The village of Abhaneri has a spectacular 9th-century multi-tiered step-well, known as the Chand Baoli. After lunch at the nearby restaurant, you will continue on your journey to Ranthambhore National Park.

Tucked between the rugged Aravalli and Vindhya hills, the Ranthambhore National Park boasts a magnificent landscape with boulder-strewn highland plateaus, lakes, and rivers, dotted with old forts and abandoned mosques, creating a wonderful atmosphere for both bird and mammal viewing. Ranthambhore National Park is perhaps most famous for being one of the original ‘Project Tiger’ reserves and it still affords some of the best opportunities anywhere in India to see a tiger. At the center of the park lay the ruins of the 10th to 16th century Ranthambhore Fort which dominates the leafy forests from its perch atop a dramatic rocky outcrop. You will be met on arrival and assisted to check-in at Sujan Sherbagh, an award-winning camp inspired by the safari campsites of the 1920s.

Day 5: RANTHAMBHORE NATIONAL PARK

Embark on a scheduled early morning and afternoon safari in an exclusive vehicle. Park drives in Ranthambhore National Park are in open 4×4 vehicles. You will be accompanied by an experienced naturalist who will explain and point out interesting flora and fauna. 

The park is one of India’s finest examples of dry deciduous forest interspersed with grassland. It is where the zoogeographical zones of the Orient and the Ethiopian merge and it is possible to see tigers from the orient hunt chinkara (gazelles) and antelope. The entire forest has scattered battlements and remnants of abandoned buildings that tigers are said to frequent. 

Ranthambhore National Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and became one of the original Project Tiger Reserves from 1973. The mammalian diversity of the park mirrors its significance as a premier conservation site. Apart from its flagship attraction, the forest is also home to the leopard, sloth bear, the jackal, hyena, wolf, and caracal among the carnivores, besides a wide variety of ungulates, the most prominent of which are the nilgai, India’s largest antelope, and the majestic sambar, a forest deer.  Ornithologists will appreciate the reserve’s woods and lakes that are home to over 250 bird species making it an important bird sanctuary in its own right.  Easily the most visible of these is the plucky rufous treepie, which is famous for its catwalks on top of safari vehicles and vans. Other fascinating water-birds such as the painted stork and the purple heron can be seen in large numbers along the park’s many lakes and water-bodies. The crested serpent eagle and the fishing eagle are among the raptors at the top of the avian hierarchy.

Days 6-7: RANTHAMBHORE NATIONAL PARK / JAIPUR

Enjoy an early morning safari seeking out wildlife. Marvel at the copper coat of the Bengal tiger, as it seeks refuge from the harsh sun and cools off in nearby rivers, inhabited by stealthy, snub-nosed marsh crocodiles. Listen to the sounds of the Indian jungle as the elegant spotted chital deer alerts its kin to the presence of any predator, the wide-eyed sambar deer graze the grasslands and colonies of langur chatter in the treetops. The enigmatic jungle, with its many moods, is sure to mesmerise and delight. Hop in the vehicle of a thrilling half-day safari in the afternoon that begins at around 12h30 and ends at sunset…The next day, experience a scheduled morning safari drive in an exclusive vehicle.

Return to your hotel for breakfast and spend the remainder of the morning at leisure. After an early lunch, you will be met and driven to Jaipur (approximately 3½-hour drive). You will be met upon arrival and assisted to check-in at the Jaipur Marriott Hotel, where guests looking to relax and recharge can indulge in the revitalizing services at the hotel spa.

Day 8: KANHA NATIONAL PARK

Your morning starts early with a packed breakfast as you are driven to the airport (approximately 10- minute drive) for your flight to Delhi.

Upon arrival at New Delhi Airport, you will be assisted to connect for your onward flight to Raipur. You will meet on arrival at Raipur Airport and be driven to Singinawa Jungle Lodge on the edge of Kanha National Park with charming styled cottages set in a forest area (approximately a four-hour drive). 

Kanha National Park has an ideal habitat for tigers and their prey species. Prime tiger wilderness, it was one of the first areas to be protected under Project Tiger and is one of the largest conservation areas today. Lush sal and bamboo forests are interspersed with vast grassy meadows while the Banjaar River forms the south-western border of the park and provides a steady water source for the abundant wildlife.

Days 9-11: KANHA NATIONAL PARK / KOLKATA

Explore the dense jungles of Kanha National Park on early morning and afternoon park drives in an open 4×4 safari vehicle. A specially trained naturalist will accompany you throughout, pointing out and explaining details about the jungle.  Step into the famous Jungle Book as you look out for large herds of spotted deer and swamp deer that are preyed on by packs of dhole (Asiatic wild dogs) and tigers. A series of large meadows are interconnected by an excellent network of forest tracks and dirt roads.  Nocturnal animals like fox, hyena, jungle cat, civets, ratel, or honey badger and hares can be seen outside the park confines. Gliding in the water, turtles, and amphibians drift and float. Cast your eye to the tops of shady trees and glimpse kaleidoscopic fluttering as hundreds of bird species paint the sky with magnificent splashes of color.  On one of the evenings, you will be joined by renowned tiger scientist, Dr. Raghu Chundawat who will share his experiences from many years of field research and a lifetime of knowledge on Indian wildlife and its conservation.

The next day, you will hop in the game vehicle for a short early morning safari in shared vehicles. After an early lunch you will be driven for four-hour to Raipur Airport to connect for your flight to Kolkata. You will be met on arrival and driven to The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat, conveniently located close to the airport. Take a dip in the outdoor pool or indulge yourself in the Heavenly Spa.

Day 12: KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK

This morning you will be met and driven to the airport for your flight to Jorhat. On arrival at Jorhat Airport, you will be met and driven to the nearby Haroo Charai Tea Estate (approximately 30 minutes’ drive) for a delicious lunch with a walk around the estate learning the intricate art of tea cultivation. After lunch, continue for another two hours to Diphlu River Lodge in Kaziranga National Park.

Diphlu River Lodge has a boundary river that separates its extensive grounds from the national park itself, and the jungle views are exceptional. The lodge makes full use of local materials and artifacts that blend in with the stunning natural surroundings. Home to some of India’s largest mammals, Kaziranga National Park boasts a thriving population of one-horned rhino, Asian elephant, and Asiatic wild buffalo, as well as the swamp deer known as barasingha, wild boar, sloth bear, and tigers. Everything appears larger than life here. Some of the largest snakes in the world, including the reticulated and Indian pythons, king cobra, and banded krait, slither through the vegetation. The reserve is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with almost 500 species encountered, including many migrants.

Day 13: KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK

Embark on a scheduled early morning and afternoon safaris in shared vehicles.  A park drive inside Kaziranga National Park is very different from other parks in India. Large parts of the park are made up of tall grasslands with patches of swampy water bodies covered with beautiful water lilies. One-horned rhinos and herds of Asian elephants are seen busily grazing. Swamp deer or barasingha are often seen wading through the water bodies chomping on weeds, and during the rut hanging weeds on their large antlers to impress the females. 

Incredible for birdwatching, a variety of water birds are found around the waterbodies as well as an impressive number of birds of prey in the forested areas. Carry your binoculars and look out for the endangered hoolock gibbons and the swamp francolin. In between the safaris you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) located close to the national park. 

CWRC is a facility where orphaned or injured wild animals of several species are treated and subsequently returned to the wild. The centre is run by Wildlife Trust of India and the International Fund for Animal Welfare. The centre attends to a wide range of wildlife emergencies resulting from natural or anthropogenic causes. Observe how the handlers tend to the orphaned animals and learn about the various challenges that are faced in these areas and how the animals are rescued and rehabilitated.

You will be guided through the centre getting to see the animals and thereafter attend a talk explaining the kind of work they do.

Day 14: KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK

Early this morning you have the option to go on another exciting safari inside the national park. Return to the lodge and we will drive (approximately 1-hour drive from Lodge) to Silghat for a river cruise (in lieu of the afternoon safari) on the Brahmaputra River. 

Home to many magnificent freshwater residents, the Brahmaputra River is one of the key waterways in Asia, spanning 3 848km (2 391mi.) in length. The river drains the Tibetan plateau and then flows through India and Bangladesh. Along its journey it is fed by many smaller rivers and streams.  Lunch, tea, coffee and snacks will be served on-board and the cruise will last about five hours. Look out for the sleek Gangetic dolphins.

Days 15-16: DELHI

Embark a last captivating short early morning safari in shared vehicles.

Later with a packed lunch, you will be driven for four hours to Guwahati Airport to connect for your flight to Delhi. You will be met on arrival and driven to JW Marriott Aerocity, where you can relax, work out in the fitness center, treat yourself to a spa treatment or take a dip in the shimmering swimming pool.

Early the next morning, embark on a last captivating short early morning safari in shared vehicles. Later with a packed lunch, you will be driven for four hours to Guwahati Airport to connect for your flight to Delhi. You will be met on arrival and driven to JW Marriott Aerocity, where you can relax, work out in the fitness center, treat yourself to a spa treatment or take a dip in the shimmering swimming pool.

MantaFest - Yap

Join a 4, 7 or 14 night trip to Yap to dive with the Mantas and other marine life while honing your photo skills. Hosted by Manta Ray Bay Hotel, there will be multiple educational and fun photo workshops undersea and on land.  There will be a photo contest with many different categories at the end with amazing prizes. On Manta Dives, we dive to a cleaning station and remain stationary at the bottom, and the Mantas come to us.

The Mantas approach, more often than not two or three at a time, and hover at the cleaning station. The Cleaning Wrasse get into the action and nibble away at parasites in the gills and on the skin, getting a free meal while the Manta gets rid of uninvited and irritating guests.

The Mantas will be as close as a few feet from the divers, and the action often goes on for quite some time. The shallow depth and the divers remaining stationary at the cleaning station allows for extended dive times, a typical dive can last 55 to 75 minutes with several Mantas or groups of Mantas being “serviced” at arms length – cleaning station encounters are outstanding for photography. This is an experience that cannot be put in words. This is fun-filled annual event in Yap, not to be missed!

BENGUERRA ISLAND - 4 nights

Day 1: After landing in Mozambique’s Vilanculos International Airport, you will be ushered onto a helicopter for short and breath-taking flight to Benguerra Island. You should arrive just in time for lunch, followed by an orientation of your surrounds.

You will have the rest of your afternoon to spend at your leisure before heading to the lodge library for a briefing of the next few days line-up. This briefing will be hosted by Dr Tessa Hempson, the Oceans Without Borders Program Manager and Principle Scientist. She will explore the importance of coral reef ecosystems, climate and people and their interconnection, together with the conservation role of apex predator tagging, what you can expect from the experience, and how the next few days will unfold.

Day 2: It’s an early start today as you rise before the sun to follow the research boat out to sea as they search for marine predator species such as giant trevally and grey reef sharks. Isac will accompany you and share first-hand insights on the marine research happening within the archipelago. Mother Nature can be unpredictable at best, so we have allowed two days for this experience to unfold; to better your chances of participating in the tagging on the research boat.

In addition , you may well have the opportunity for catch-and-release fishing. (Your adventure will last the morning; you’ll then break for lunch back at the lodge).

Afterwards, you’ll have the opportunity to unwind, freshen up and take some time for reflection before opting to go on a horseback ride on the beach, or perhaps taking a scenic helicopter flight over the marine park, in search of the elusive dugong and whales from the air. This flight would attract an additional cost. Tonight, feast on the beach alongside your hosts and a representative from African Parks who will talk about the fascinating projects such as coral reef conservation and other measures being taken to protect the waters of Mozambique. 

Day 3: Make a splash this morning, either on a scuba diving or snorkeling excursion (depending on what you are comfortable with) to a nearby coral reef.  Following on the evening discussions, this is your opportunity to view for yourself the beauty and fragility of these marine habitats. After a fun-filled morning, you will head back to the lodge for lunch and the opportunity to freshen up before spending the afternoon on an island drive. You’ll be visiting some current Africa Foundation community projects and witnessing the important role played by these island communities in marine conservation. The opportunity for a spectacular sundowner stop on the “wild side” of the island, amidst pristine sand dunes, will bring your afternoon to the perfect end. Tonight, enjoy a dinner with your hosts and the research team or simply choose to take a little time out to enjoy your meal in privacy.

Day 4: Today, you will have the option of once again heading out with the research team to fish for, and tag, predator species, or you can spend the morning unwinding and enjoying the many lodge activities available to you. For lunch, you will be whisked away for an island picnic, on the northern point of Benguerra, with the full research team to celebrate your expedition’s success. In the late afternoon, meet at the Dhow Bar for sundowners and the opportunity to see a VEMCO receiver, learn more about hydrophones, also known as a ‘GT telephone’, where you will even get to listen to the signals from the tags. Tonight, will be your final dinner with the lodge manager.

Day 5: Spend time at your leisure this morning before we wave a fond farewell as you hop onboard the helicopter flight back to the mainland, where you will catch your onward flight.

Day 1: ARUSHA COFFEE LODGE

You will arrive at Arusha Coffee Lodge and will be met by your host, your private Regional Ranger Trainer. The aptly named Arusha Coffee Lodge lies hidden amongst the sprawling grounds of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantation, set below the rugged peaks of Mt Meru. The charming town of Arusha is renowned as the safari capital of Tanzania and offers a plethora of attractions and adventures. Take a stroll through one of the oldest coffee plantations in Tanzania – a wonderful experience. Dinner will be hosted and you will be briefed on the adventure that awaits.

Days 2-4: KLEIN’S CAMP

After breakfast you will be driven to Arusha airport to catch your flight to Klein’s Camp. On arrival you will met by your Maasai guide, Karipoi, whom will also be accompanying you on your adventure. You will then be whisked away on a scenic game drive to the lodge. In a remote corner of the game-rich Serengeti National Park, Klein’s Camp offers you an exclusive Tanzanian safari adventure. Perched on the edge of the Kuka Hills, enjoy breathtaking views down the valley that borders both the Serengeti and the Masai Mara National Reserve. Embodying the very soul of the Serengeti, this private and remote camp offers guests the spirit of wild Africa. Relish a delicious lunch at the camp.

Enjoy a thrilling afternoon game drive with excellent lion and cheetah sightings, other predators including leopard, golden and black-backed jackal, African wild dog and spotted hyenas as well as giraffe, Grant’s gazelle, impala, topi and eland.

Visit the Mwewe Ranger Training School, situated near Klein’s Camp, for a delicious brunch. Here, you will have exclusive access to go behind the scenes as you discover what it takes to become a guide. Learn how hopeful trainees are constantly pushed to the limit and faced with adversity, challenges and triumphs. The course delves far beyond general knowledge, guiding skills and flora/fauna identification and interpretation. It also shapes and develops interpersonal, hospitality and communication skills that are crucial in the field of guiding. Each trainee also undergoes a series of official walking, shooting, birding and game drive assessments. Be enchanted at the evening sundowner stop with drinks, snacks and spectacular views of the Serengeti. Enjoy a delicious dinner with your hosts as you prepare for the next days adventures.

Day 5: SERENGETI UNDER CANVAS

After an early breakfast, strap on your walking shoes for a six-hour walk from Klein’s Camp towards Lobo airstrip. Accompanied by your Regional Ranger Trainer, and a Maasai guide, learn about the bush from a different perspective.

Learn to identify different plant species, the medicinal uses for both humans and animals, and spend some time appreciating and learning about the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem. This is also an opportunity to hone your tracking skills, mimic the bird calls nearby, identify different wildlife species from their tracks and scat, and get up-close to some of the region’s famous inhabitants.

Around midday, be rewarded with a sumptuous lunch set up in the middle of the Serengeti at Seronera. You will then be driven to Serengeti Under Canvas where our friendly staff and your luggage will be waiting for you.

Experience a classic tented safari in soothing solitude and spectacular comfort, with only the canvas walls of your tent separating you from the wonders of the Serengeti.

The ultimate in luxury camping, enjoy a private butler service, silverware, crystal, ensuite flush WC, outdoor heated bucket style showers and comfortable beds with fluffy duvets. Custom made rugs and polished brass samovars add a touch of elegance and romance. Enjoy an optional afternoon game drive through the Serengeti. Relax under the dark velvet night sky and savor hearty cuisine served on sparkling crystal and silver that reflects the twinkling light of millions of shining stars. Cluster around a roaring campfire with your feet up to share stories of the day’s magic and listen to the African night come alive.

Days 6-8: GRUMETI SERENGETI RIVER LODGE

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Serengeti National Park on a once-in-a-lifetime private hot air balloon flight. Before dawn, rise as the sun greets the day and float in whichever direction the winds of the morning take you. Your pilot can precisely control the altitude of your balloon, sometimes flying at treetop height, sometimes much higher, offering a unique perspective and great photographic opportunities of the wildlife below.

A Serengeti balloon safari is an extraordinary opportunity to get a bird’s eye-view of the phenomenal sweeping plains below. Tiny little dots rove across the diverse landscape and as you get closer you are spectator to the most magnificent view of dramatically striped black and white zebra, sashaying enormous grey elephants meandering towards the river, wiry warthogs foraging in the grassy scrub and subtle swishes of golden tails reveal lions lolling under a shady tree. Drive to Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge and tuck into a delectable lunch.

Situated on the banks of a tributary of the Grumeti River, the proximity to water draws a profusion of game looking for water and seasonal resident hippo pods can be seen in the river pools, right in from your tents. Located in the remote western reaches of the Serengeti, there are few other lodges here, and one rarely sees other vehicles. This makes for an exceptional game viewing experience, with the feeling of the ultimate exclusivity.

Hop in a safari vehicle for your afternoon game drive and encounter large lion prides and clans of hyena, big herds of resident plains game and black and white colobus monkeys, found nowhere else in the Serengeti. Enjoy an unforgettable dinner in a traditional African boma with the sounds of the night providing a gentle backdrop to tales of the day’s safaris.

Day 9: ARUSHA

Enjoy a slower start and delicious breakfast. You will be transferred to the airstrip for your fixed wing flight to back to Arusha. Wave a fond farewell as your unforgettable journey with us comes to an end.

Humpbacks of Tonga

Whale season in Vava’u is mid-July through October. Some days are sunny; some days are cloudy. The weather is warm, but you’ll want to bring a wind jacket to keep you comfortable on the boat. Water temperature is around 77 F (25 C).

Only snorkeling is allowed with the whales as they don’t like divers’ bubbles, and it’s hard to keep up with whales on SCUBA. The topography of the islands allows us to work in most conditions, excluding intense weather days of course.

We will go out and swim with the whales in most conditions; the weather and seas don’t seem to affect the whales at all. We search for the whales in calm, sheltered bays, open sea — pretty much wherever the day takes us!

Tongan waters are birthing and mating grounds for a specific population of humpback whales, which means they are around for months each year. Even better, the islands that surround Vava’u provide protection from the winds, ensuring that we can go out on the water almost every day.These are snorkel trips, as it’s near-impossible to scuba dive with whales since they move quite quickly. Clients should have snorkeling experience and understand that there is a lot of swimming involved on these tours.

We generally get in the water with whales almost everyday, it really comes down to the quality of those swims. We aim to get 1-2 quality swims on a 5 swim day trip, and 3-4 quality swims on a 8 swim day trip. A high quality encounter to us is one that lasts over 10 minutes and is in close proximity to a set of whales.

The Itinerary:

Day 1: Fly into Shumba Camp, where you will be met by team members, including the Director of Panthera’s KAZA and Cheetah programmes, Dr Kim Young-Overton. After an afternoon game drive, enjoy a hearty dinner and an informal discussion about the Kafue. In preparation for the following day’s activities, gather around the fire for a post-dinner chat on the vast Kafue ecosystem.

Day 2: A sunrise start, and a game drive introduction to camera trapping before a bush brunch at Kapinga Island. Back in camp, relax by the pool before meeting the team from the Zambia Carnivore Program, which together with Panthera conducts long term carnivore research projects in the Kafue. Dinner is in Shumba’s traditional boma, after which there’s a roaring fire to round off the evening.

Day 3: Join the dedicated Kafue lion monitoring teams as they delve into the details of carnivore tracking, using both traditional and radio methods, and learn to identify individuals. Participate in a snare sweep or SMART patrol in the afternoon, before dinner in camp, and a fireside discussion.

Day 4: Conduct an early morning game count during the morning game drive. Meet the wildlife police, who will share insights into their daily lives before an afternoon game drive and snare sweep. After dinner, Kim will discuss her lion conservation experiences and what it takes to conserve a species at risk in today’s world.

Day 5: Explore more of the sweeping Busanga Plains on a morning game drive. Relax around the pool after brunch. After tea, either enjoy another game drive or spend a leisurely afternoon in camp. Soak in the night sky around the campfire, after dinner.

Day 6: Retrieve the camera traps while out on the morning game drive, and then analyse them back in camp. After tea, there’s a game drive and dinner in the bush, to round off an exceptional week. Around the fire, share lion conservation ideas, challenges and solutions with Panthera.

Day 7: After a short game drive it’s time to depart for the airstrip to meet your chartered flight to Livingstone.