I hear them before I see them: the swaying foliage of the Congo Basin a sign that something wild is coming my way.
Africa’s largest tropical rainforest is home to 400 mammal species, but this morning I’m with Kamba African Rainforest Experiences in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Odzala-Kokoua National Park, tracking just one: the endangered western lowland gorilla.
I’m allowed just an hour with the apes as they tumble, forage and clamber the trees that tower overhead, oblivious to the magical memories they’ve made by going naturally about their day: uncaged, unchained and wonderfully wild and free.
Be kind
Thanks to documentaries, media coverage, and campaigns from welfare organisations including World Animal Protection, consumers are increasingly choosing ethical wildlife encounters, and thinking twice about supporting attractions and activities which exploit animals, such as elephant rides, rodeos and aquarium shows. Operators and resorts are adding exciting new wildlife experiences to their portfolios, which appeal to a broad range of travellers looking to make kinder choices.
“Our wildlife holidays have seen a significant increase in bookings in the last year, showcasing that wildlife tourism is only getting bigger,” says Brendan Phelan, Sales Director at Exodus Adventure Travels, which has just launched several new wildlife tours.
“These holidays allow travellers to get up close and personal with the world’s most incredible species, creating lasting memories, while also providing education about the animals and spotlighting the conservation efforts in play to protect them.”
Dedicated wildlife offerings, such as Canadian bear-viewing lodges, Galapagos small-ship cruises and African bush camps are also popular with animal-loving travellers.
“Our clients love immersive experiences where their entire stay is focused on wildlife, rather than seeing a certain species on a day trip during a longer stay,” explains Maggi Smit, Founder and Managing Director of specialist travel operator, Windows on the Wild. “Clients also benefit from more ‘by chance’ viewing opportunities if they stay at one of these locations and from also the the expertise of the onsite guides and naturalists.”
International resorts are also appealing to the younger eco-conscious generation with conservation-focussed activities for families such as reef restoration projects.
Four Seasons partners with global marine education and conservation organisation WiseOceans at resorts in Bora Bora, Seychelles, Anguilla and now Vietnam, with The Nam Hai, Hoi An offering hands-on, immersive nature programmes.
“Working closely with WiseOceans has enabled our team to create even more meaningful experiences for guests, while also advancing our sustainability goals,” says General Manager, Marcel Oostenbrink. “Through education and interaction, we hope to inspire a collective effort to protect our precious marine and terrestrial environments for generations to come.”
The accelerating biodiversity crisis continues to inspire conscious consumers to choose positive-impact travel which directly benefits the natural world, with wildlife tourism supporting habitat restoration and conservation projects, along with local communities.
At a time when habitat is under threat globally from extractive industries such as oil, gas and mining, visiting national parks and wilderness areas can encourage governments to pledge they will protect them, if only for the economic benefits the parks attract.
As Kristina Plattner, Managing Director of Kamba African Rainforest Experiences – which operates three lodges in the Republic of the Congo – says: “Just by being present in the national park, visitors are helping to protect the Congo Basin’s gorillas and show their global importance.
“Our guests are very much ‘Guardians of the Forest’ and all the animals that call it home.”
Five new wildlife experiences
Go on an ethical elephant adventure in Thailand: Mahouts Elephant Foundation works in partnership with Thailand’s remote Karen hill tribes to offer a four-day Mountain Adventure near Mae Sot, which includes a home-stay in a local villageand the chance to observe elephants rescued from the tourist entertainment industry, roaming free. experiencetravelgroup.com
Book an accessible safari in Africa: Wild Paths has introduced bespoke African safaris for guests with mobility challenges. The ‘Cape Town, Kruger and Victoria Falls’ accessible safari includes visits to Table Mountain and the Falls, and uses adapted safari vehicles to explore Kruger National Park, with 30% of profits supporting grassroots projects. wild-paths.co.uk
Join overnight whale-watching in Australia: Fraser Island Boat Charters has launched Australia’s only overnight whale-watching experience. Up to six guests can enjoy a two- or three-day private yacht cruise to search for humpback whales in the UNESCO Heritage-listed Great Sandy Strait on the Fraser Coast. The cruise is skippered. fraserislandboatcharters.com.au
Release baby turtles in Malaysia: Tourism Malaysia has introduced a Turtle Discovery Experience, offering visitors the chance to contribute to the conservation of endangered green sea turtles and release baby turtles into the wild at the Chagar Hutang Turtle Sanctuary on Redang Island, off the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia. almuneertours.com
Explore the Amazon and the Galapagos: Certified B Corp, Exodus Adventure Travels has programmed a new 15-day ‘Highlights of Ecuador and the Galapagos’ guided group tour, which includes a night safari and visit to the amaZOOnico rescue and rehabilitation centre in the Amazon Rainforest, plus snorkelling with wild sea lions in the Galapagos Islands. exodus.co.uk
Book it:
Windows on the Wild offers a 13-night ‘Costa Rica Wildlife and Wonder’ itinerary from £3,050pp, including accommodation. windowsonthewild.com
