7 Amazing Luxury Wildlife Travel Experiences to Try Today

Opulence in the lap of nature entails staying amid the dense wilderness at boutique resorts. At the same time, you’ll also want to be guided by the most knowledgeable naturalists, have more comfortable safari vehicles, and above all — have an exquisite dining experience and service fit for royalty. Below are some of the best luxury wildlife travel destinations to visit. 

1. Scotland

Discover an abundance of wildlife aboard a company-owned boat on a spectacular 12-day adventure covering the coastline and exploring the intriguing diversity of the wild islands off the west of Scotland.

Starting from the Hebrides to the remote and inhospitable isles of Foula and St Kilda and onward to the Orkney and Shetland islands, guests can expect to come across the largest seabird colony in the world and spot sharks, seals, and dolphins.

You will also visit remote communities, picturesque villages and ancient Scottish castles which at one time served as strongholds of the locals. Booking through reputed sites like Wildfoot Travel can ensure a hassle-free adventure in the wild. 

At the same time enjoy luxury full board accommodation on the ship with all meals and free wine, beer, and soft drinks during dinner. This includes the welcome and farewell four-course dinner by the captain of the ship, complete with cocktails, house beer, and wine.

2. Ecuador

Travel in style on a brand new luxury yacht for ten days through some of the most famous Galapagos islands accompanied at all times by a fully certified Galapagos National Park Service guide.

Discover a fascinating variety of birds and marine life during this luxury Galapagos west and central island trip. Besides the stunning scenery, it also guarantees complete comfort as you explore the islands of Floreana, Santa Cruz, and Isabela — to name a few.

Spot flamingos, tortoises, iguanas, sharks, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies in large numbers against the backdrop of stunning volcanoes, cliffs, and beaches. Wander through the exotic city of Quito, before and after the cruise as well as the Charles Darwin Research Station to join an excursion to view wild tortoises.

Single supplements are available on the vessel. It is a perfect option for solo travellers who find exploring alone the best way to see this iconic part of the world.

3. Brazil

The Brazilian savannah, along with the Amazon and the Pantanal are said to offer one of the most unique wildlife travel experiences on earth. As guests enjoy top-class service in beautiful eco-lodges surrounded by dense jungle, there is every chance of coming across the jaguar, caiman, maned wolf monkeys, and many other mammal and reptile species.

During your 11-day stay right in the heart of these unique destinations, expect a number of enjoyable excursions and activities. These are exclusively designed to showcase the remarkable flora and fauna that Brazil is known the world over for. Activities are undertaken by Caimeners, who have in-depth knowledge of all the Pantanal’s bird, plant and animal species through canoe rides, nature walks, and ecological safari trips.

4. Arctic

The island of Svalbard and the stunning coastline of Spitsbergen are the habitats of the iconic polar bear. This custom-built luxury 12-day itinerary will allow you to sail through these spectacular destinations aboard a brand-new polar vessel. Enjoy nearly 24 hours of Arctic sunlight as you cruise past the glaciers of Spitsbergen and try to spot polar bears, ringed seals, walruses, colonies of auklets, puffins, and many many more.

As you sail around the coastline, expect to see deep fjords, glacier-covered peaks, and fossil-rich plains. There is also exceptional Arctic wildlife like reindeer. On foot, you will pay a visit to an abandoned whaling station on the lookout for Arctic foxes, walruses, and millions of migratory birds that have found refuge in this part of the land.

Guests get full-board accommodation during the entire duration of the trip. This includes all major meals, snacks, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks at dinner time. Meanwhile, the Captain’s Welcome and Farewell dinner will include a four-course spread, house cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages.

5. Botswana

A week-long ultimate luxury Botswana safari covers some of the most untouched tracts of wilderness remaining in the whole of Africa. This magical trip, which is tailor-made for families in particular, will not only bring members close to the environment but also to one another.

Bond with the family on the Chobe Deck of Fame while witnessing the largest concentration of elephants in Africa. Spot massive herds of buffalo and big cats, along with myriad species of birds. Stay in exclusive resorts on an all-inclusive basis with a dedicated host in every camp to help you with planning activities and meals on a day-to-day basis in the remarkable areas of the Okavango Delta by helicopter and the Chobe National Park.

6. South Africa

Combine the thrills of an epic safari at the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa with a fantastic beach holiday on the incredible Azura Benguerra island. Soak up the sun in Mozambique for the ultimate luxury wildlife travel. Your dream trip of 11 days will begin at the famous Sabi Sands Earth Lodge. Here, you will spend four nights in total luxury which includes all meals, in-house beverages, exclusive open vehicle safaris by Land Rover, and walking safaris with an expert guide.

In Kruger, you will search for the Big Five on exciting game excursions, both by vehicle and by foot in the Sabi Sands region. You will then fly directly from Kruger to Vilanculos Airport in Mozambique, where you will be spending another four nights. In Mozambique, you will check in at the luxurious Azura Benguerra Beach Villa on an all-inclusive basis with beach dinners and local drinks, services of a local butler, and daily cocktails served during sunset.

Other highlights of the trip include a drive-by Land Rover around the island, a sunset dhow cruise, the use of paddle boards and kayaks, and free use of the Peri Peri Beach Club.

7. Zimbabwe

Discover Zimbabwe in superior style: Stay in luxury lodges, get pampered day in and day out and enjoy a wealth of wildlife experiences in three diverse and spectacular regions. This ultimate Zimbabwe 12-day itinerary will cover as many as four national parks, including a trip to see the cascading might of Victoria Falls.

From the big cats to elephants, zebras and buffalo, there will be no dearth of wildlife action as you get close to some of these iconic species. This upgraded itinerary includes the best accommodation throughout the stay-on, full-board basis. Enjoy vehicle and walking safaris in Hwange, Mana Pools, Mosi Oa Tunya, and Matusadona national parks.

There is fantastic birdwatching to be enjoyed in the pretty Lake Kariba area, in the company of expert guides. They will not only point out the different species, but also explain what you need to know about the destination you are visiting.

Also read: 10 Tips for Getting Cheap Flights in the Summer

So, which of these luxury wildlife travel experiences are you most interested in?