Get closer to nature, the Intrepid way.
From Borneo’s rich jungle ecosystem to the islands of the Galapagos, our small group tours take you to the very heart of nature all over the world. Marvel at elephants as they’re silhouetted against an African sunset, watch chimpanzees swinging in the treetops above you, and come face to face with animals you’ve only ever read about or seen on TV in the wilds of Costa Rica. With incredible local leaders guiding the way and wildlife experts accompanying you on game drives, informational walks, informal sessions, and educational talks, our trips offer an unforgettable chance to observe these captivating creatures in their natural habitat, all while staying in a range of accommodations almost as memorable as your animal sightings - think safari lodges and wilderness camps.
But, before you take out your camera, we ensure that any interactions are done responsibly, and with the greatest level of respect. We believe that wild animals should be viewed – without our interference – doing what they do best: living in the wild.
World Sale. Up to 20% off selected trips*
Lock in your summer plans and save up to 20% off* Asia, Africa, South America and beyond!
Terms & Conditions
Top-selling wildlife adventures
15 Days
From
1733
Travel to Costa Rica and discover a tropical playground of immense natural beauty....
10 Days
From
1341
Tour through Johannesburg, Maun, Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta and Victoria...
16 Days
From
3312
Encounter the wildlife of Kenya and Uganda on this adventure including a gorilla trek...
11 Days
From
1811
This Sabah Adventure tour through the Borneo wilderness will truly capture your...
8 Days
From
2043
Explore the Galapagos Islands on this island-hopping trip, beginning in Quito and...
8 Days
From
1743
Roam the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Amboseli National Park to spot Africa's Big...
Our wildlife trips
15 Days
From
1733
Travel to Costa Rica and discover a tropical playground of immense natural beauty....
10 Days
From
5243
Travel to the Galapagos Islands and sail around the central eastern islands, witnessing...
10 Days
From
1859
Journey through Borneo on a wild 10-day adventure from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan,...
10 Days
From
1341
Tour through Johannesburg, Maun, Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta and Victoria...
18 Days
From
2651
Spend some time exploring Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe with included safari...
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
14 Days
From
8577
Set sail for the trip of a lifetime – a 14-day journey on board the Ocean Endeavour,...
16 Days
From
3312
Encounter the wildlife of Kenya and Uganda on this adventure including a gorilla trek...
9 Days
From
1170
Encounter the natural beauty of Costa Rica, from La Fortuna’s volcano and Monteverde’s...
22 Days
From
2237
Spend three weeks exploring South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, from Cape...
10 Days
From
3027
Discover amazing wildlife and natural beauty in the Galapagos Islands.
10 Days
From
2880
Travel through East Africa from Kenya to Tanzania, stopping at the Masai Mara, the...
8 Days
From
1169
Experience Kenyan wildlife on an eight day trip travelling from Nairobi to Lake...
13 Days
From
3796
Take safaris through Panna National Park, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Satpura National...
9 Days
From
2048
Discover the culture, wildlife and waterways of Botswana on this upgraded adventure...
14 Days
From
2644
Embark on a wildlife and jungle-filled adventure through Madagascar visiting...
9 Days
From
1311
Travel to Borneo to visit orangutan sanctuaries and explore lush jungles. See the best...
13 Days
From
3632
Travel through East Africa from Kenya to Tanzania, stopping at the Masai Mara, the...
12 Days
From
2032
Experience the beauty of the Ngorongoro and Serengeti, Usambara Mountains and Zanzibar...
11 Days
From
6645
Experience the magic of the Antarctic Peninsula and its islands aboard the Ocean...
15 Days
From
2929
Uncover Kenya and Tanzania on a 2 week trip with Serengeti safaris, Ngorongoro, Nakuru,...
8 Days
From
2043
Explore the Galapagos Islands on this island-hopping trip, beginning in Quito and...
8 Days
From
1743
Roam the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Amboseli National Park to spot Africa's Big...
9 Days
From
1309
Take on a safari adventure through Hwange National Park, Matobo National Park, Kruger...
27 Days
From
5463
Go deep in East Africa on this epic trip, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar.
16 Days
From
3447
Visit Africa and travel through southern Africa's beautiful regions. Visit South Africa...
14 Days
From
8078
Experience the rare opportunity to explore both the eastern and western sides of the...
10 Days
From
3698
Visit Africa and travel through Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe on a tour from Windhoek...
8 Days
From
1679
Travel from South Africa's capital to Botswana and Zimbabwe, visiting two of southern...
18 Days
From
7376
This 18-day tour hits Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania for tracking gorillas in...
8 Days
From
4887
Embark on an eight-day Premium adventure from Johannesburg to Chobe National Park, via...
10 Days
From
1535
Take your family to Victoria Falls, Okavango River and Chobe National Park on this teen...
10 Days
From
1553
This family-style trip through Costa Rica begins and ends in San Jose, taking in the...
9 Days
From
1932
See the Galapagos Islands on an eight-day adventure including Isla Isabela, Isla Santa...
22 Days
From
2168
Embark on a 22 day Southern African odyssey through wildlife-rich game parks, idyllic...
10 Days
From
5243
Sail the aquamarine waters of the Galapagos’s central southern islands taking in...
10 Days
From
5100
Spend 10 unforgettable days on board the Grand Daphne, discovering the central islands...
22 Days
From
6834
Jump onboard an exhilarating journey from Cape Town to Victoria Falls through the...
7 Days
From
1162
As far as face-to-face wildlife encounters go, the Galapagos wildlife experience rivals...
14 Days
From
7803
This 14-day Premium journey through southern Africa reveals the best wildlife and...
22 Days
From
2260
Discover the unique and contrasting lands of Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South...
9 Days
From
4033
Travel through Rwanda and Uganda in search of natural beauty and the gentle mountain...
17 Days
From
5551
Focus on two of South America's heaviest hitters on this 17-day tour through both the...
20 Days
From
3243
Step out onto the Serengeti and keep your eyes out for rhinos, lions, leopards and a...
41 Days
From
4410
See Africa on this incredible overland adventure from South Africa to Tanzania. Soak up...
15 Days
From
4586
Explore the wonders of Tanzania and Kenya, including a trek to the summit of Mt...
11 Days
From
6000
Set off on an 11-day expedition on board the Ocean Endeavour, revealing the landscapes...
10 Days
From
5100
Take an active 10-day adventure cruise though the Galapagos Islands, from Isla Santa...
10 Days
From
5132
Travel to the Galapagos Islands from Quito and embark on a sailing adventure around...
10 Days
From
5132
Explore the best of the otherworldly Galapagos Islands on this 10-day tour that takes...
13 Days
From
6916
Embark on an immersive Adventure Cruise through the Galapagos Islands and experience...
6 Days
From
4883
Encounter remnants of Kigali’s turbulent past and come face to face with mountain...
12 Days
From
2216
Uncover Sri Lankas wildlife on safaris, discovering Yala, Wilpattu, Gal Oya, Kumana...
20 Days
From
3107
Travel through the wild, untamed lands of beautiful Borneo. From magnificent Mt...
15 Days
From
9203
Discover the best of Kenya and Tanzania on a Premium adventure through the Masai Mara,...
10 Days
From
1501
Discover the best that Borneo has to offer on this unforgettable family adventure...
7 Days
From
3634
Experience the wild heart of Botswana on a Premium adventure through Chobe National...
8 Days
From
4667
Journey through the highlights of Tanzania on a Premium adventure covering Tarangire...
9 Days
From
1743
Marvel at East Africa from Nairobi to Stone Town on this epic trip with safaris, hikes...
8 Days
From
2079
Track your way across the plains of Kenya on this thrilling safari, covering Nairobi,...
9 Days
From
1877
Travel from Zimbabwe to South Africa via Botswana. The Okavango and Beyond trip is the...
17 Days
From
1649
See East Africa in 17 days including Victoria Falls, Matobo, South Luwanga, Lake Malawi...
30 Days
From
3519
Take a month long southern African adventure from Cape Town into Namibia, Botswana and...
7 Days
From
3345
Discover the treasures of the northern Galapagos Islands on this cruise, including Isla...
7 Days
From
3300
Take to the water and explore the beautiful Galapagos Islands. See huge populations of...
7 Days
From
2624
Explore the beautiful Galapagos Islands. See huge populations of animals and experience...
6 Days
From
2624
Explore the Islands of the Galapagos on this startling adventure that highlights the...
6 Days
From
2624
Explore the central islands of the Galapagos on this startling adventure that...
17 Days
From
9380
This Galapagos adventure cruise is the perfect way to explore the islands of Isabella,...
14 Days
From
7620
Travel to Ecuador and join a 13-day Intrepid journey in the Galapagos’. Visit Isla...
10 Days
From
1372
Hit the (dirt) road through Kenya and Tanzania. Safari in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro...
64 Days
From
9864
This epic journey with explores Southern Africa in detail including Botswana, Kenya,...
37 Days
From
5162
Travel the waterways of Botswana, the beaches of Zanzibar and the savannahs of the...
21 Days
From
15089
Search for Gorillas in Uganda, uncover the history of Rwanda, explore the wild plains...
49 Days
From
6273
Experience the ultimate African adventure on this epic trip including Kenya, Botswana,...
7 Days
From
3798
Embark on a seven-day Premium journey through Kenya’s wild grasslands and vast plains...
8 Days
From
4591
Hop aboard the M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz for a wildlife-filled 8-day adventure around the...
13 Days
From
9126
Search for Gorillas in Uganda, uncover the history of Rwanda, and explore the wild...
15 Days
From
9693
Embark on a 15-day Premium Adventure through Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana...
21 Days
From
10020
Spot seals, whales and albatross aboard the Ocean Endeavour. Retrace the steps of...
23 Days
From
17230
This trip is an Antarctica expedition like no other. Try wildlife photography and see...
12 Days
From
8000
Witness Antarctic Peninsula whales on this epic journey at sea. Spot seals and penguins...
9 Days
From
928
Explore diverse southern Africa on this nine-day adventure, including Kruger National...
42 Days
From
7133
Explore Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe on this epic trip that included a...
6 Days
From
2604
See the best of the Galapagos Islands on this action-packed adventure cruise, touring...
16 Days
From
4994
Explore the wonders of Tanzania and Kenya including a trek to the summit of Mt...
63 Days
From
8380
Set out on a mighty African adventure through Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe...
28 Days
From
3643
Discover East African wilderness and the animals that call it home on an adventure...
7 Days
From
632
Get the best of the Galapagos on a 7-day tour for 18 to 29 year olds that visits Isla...
30 Days
From
6254
Experience the highlights of Peru and the Galapagos Islands on this 30-day tour,...
40 Days
From
3808
Explore Africa on an epic wildlife-rich adventure from Tanzania to South Africa while...
48 Days
From
5512
Tour Africa's best from Kenya to Cape Town through Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zimbabwe...
17 Days
From
8390
Experience otherworldly landscapes and magnificent wildlife on a 17-day Premium...
14 Days
From
2028
Explore the wildlife-rich plains of Kenya and Tanzania and then unwind in Zanzibar....
8 Days
From
2223
Take your family on a holiday with a difference to the Galapagos Islands. Snorkel with...
17 Days
From
9385
Discover the bizarre and the beautiful on this 17-day cruising tour of the Galapagos...
9 Days
From
1704
Explore Tanzania on this trip travelling to Nairobi via the Serengeti and the Usambara...
9 Days
From
3698
Spent 9 unforgettable days exploring Rwanda and Uganda, including a special gorilla...
8 Days
From
4400
Come face-to-face with the extraordinary central islands of the Galapagos on an 8-day...
16 Days
From
1608
Track rhinos on foot and embrace the sights and sounds of Eastern Africa on this unique...
52 Days
From
8982
Experience the waterways of Botswana, the beaches of Zanzibar, the savannahs of the...
27 Days
From
3698
Explore the wilds of East Africa on a trip from Nairobi to the Serengeti, Usambara...
15 Days
From
4811
Explore the wonders of Tanzania and Kenya including a trek to the summit of Mt...
27 Days
From
5585
Spend 27 days exploring the wonders, wildlife and tribal cultures of East Africa to...
31 Days
From
17583
Set off on the adventure of a lifetime through Africa on a 31-day Premium journey,...
19 Days
From
1892
Explore East Africa from Zanzibar's beaches to the roar of Victoria Falls, seeing...
9 Days
From
2464
A 9-day wildlife tour around Comoros from Moroni on Grand Comore. Visit Nioumachoua and...
4 Days
From
4180
Visit Rwanda and travel through some of Africa's most incredible landscapes. Explore...
29 Days
From
3506
From Johannesburg to Botswana, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Lake Malawi and...
12 Days
From
1920
Get a true taste of eastern Africa on a 12-day trip to Zanzibar, the Serengeti,...
4 Days
From
2608
Discover the wonders of Tanzania – the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park –...
37 Days
From
22797
Set off on the adventure of a lifetime through Africa on a 37-day Premium journey,...
4 Days
From
530
Journey through the Amazon Jungle in Peru and discover stunning wildlife and friendly...
12 Days
From
2318
Head into the depths of Borneo’s forests in search of orangutans and other wildlife....
3 Days
From
223
Experience a different side of Chiang Mai by hanging out with elephants at a...
4 Days
From
913
No holiday to South Africa is complete without a safari in Kruger Park. Spot wild...
3 Days
From
778
Head out into the wilds of Kruger National Park on thrilling game drives. Stay in...
20 Days
From
1955
Travel from the thundering Victoria Falls to the spice plantations of Zanzibar via...
4 Days
From
2530
Travel to Africa to meet some of Uganda's rare and beautiful mountain gorillas. Visit...
5 Days
From
1180
Experience South Africa's Kruger Park and surrounding region on this five-day tour....
17 Days
From
16130
Take an Ocean Endeavour expedition to the Northwest Passage from Canada to Greenland....
43 Days
From
7358
Take an epic trip through eastern Africa, via Victoria Falls, the Serengeti and...
18 Days
From
2944
This Adventure tour through Malaysia will truly capture your imagination.
4 Days
From
810
Answer the call of the Kruger, South Africa's vast and famous game park that is teeming...
11 Days
From
2620
Enjoy the African wilds on a safari in Kruger, travel along the breathtaking...
3 Days
From
1215
Travel to Kenya and visit Nairobi. Embark on a journey across the Great Rift Valley to...
12 Days
From
12555
Join Intrepid on a 12-day journey along some of Greenland's most remote coastline,...
15 Days
From
10040
Hop aboard the Ocean Endeavour ship for an exploration across the seas to Newfoundland,...
13 Days
From
11210
Set sail around Spitsbergen and head south toward Jan Mayen on an Arctic adventure. See...
13 Days
From
10050
Cruise the wild fjords of south Greenland and learn about Viking history. Spot whales...
13 Days
From
13800
Experience the majesty of Greenland’s soaring glaciers, gorgeous fjords and vast...
10 Days
From
21400
Take a cruise through West Greenland’s glaciers, fjords and icebergs on a journey...
17 Days
From
18000
Take a 17-day polar expedition with Intrepid from Toronto via western Greenland through...
13 Days
From
12215
Traverse the untamed coastline of Greenland and Northern Canada on board the Ocean...
13 Days
From
13185
Explore the wild coastline of Northern Canada and Greenland on board the Ocean...
12 Days
From
11100
An Arctic expedition through East Greenland and Iceland is the perfect opportunity to...
7 Days
From
5550
Take a voyage across the Arctic Circle via the Svalbard Archipelago and north-east...
12 Days
From
14070
Head north on a 12-day Arctic expedition towards Canada’s most northerly islands,...
9 Days
From
9030
Embark on an expedition that seeks the essential sights and sites of the Canadian High...
11 Days
From
27700
Tick Greenland off your bucket list on this 10 day cruise along the country's...
19 Days
From
5872
Explore India's iconic cities and wildlife parks on a 19-day Premium adventure visiting...
7 Days
From
7150
Take a cruise adventure on the Ultramarine to Spitsbergen in the Arctic and watch out...
4 Days
From
2285
Journey deep into the Amazon and spend three days in the jungle searching for wildlife,...
10 Days
From
9650
Breathe in the crisp Arctic air and discover Spitsbergen, the largest island in Norway...
12 Days
From
12850
Take an Arctic adventure aboard the Ocean Explorer and see Spitsbergen, the largest...
11 Days
From
10600
From Reykjavik, Iceland, you’ll cruise the seas on the Ocean Explorer to Northeast...
15 Days
From
16250
From Helsinki, experience the wonders of Spitsbergen, East Greenland and Iceland on a...
14 Days
From
15250
Circumnavigate Spitsbergen and more of the Svalbard archipelago, stopping by unique...
4 Days
From
413
Travel to Nepal and visit the Chitwan National Park for a spectacular wildlife...
14 Days
From
11350
Embark on an Arctic expedition to Scotland, Denmark and Spitsbergen.
14 Days
From
12550
Grab your camera and capture the incredible wildlife and landscapes of Svalbard on this...
Wildlife trips by region
Bucket list wildlife experiences
Search for the Big Five in Tanzania
On safari, it’s all about getting as close as you can to the elusive Big Five – the African elephant, Cape buffalo, African lion, African leopard, and the endangered black rhino. Charge your camera, pack your binoculars, and keep your eyes peeled to the grassland floor of the Ngorongoro Crater as you travel in a custom-built, open-roof Overland vehicle on the animal-spotting trip of a lifetime.
Seek out the unique wildlife in Borneo
From crocodiles, macaques, cheeky proboscis monkeys, and pygmy elephants spotted on a cruise along the Kinabatangan River to meeting the patients at the centre for injured and orphaned orangutans in Sepilok and joining researchers as they watch sea turtles waddle up the sand to lay their eggs on Turtle Island, you won’t be able to resist the call of Borneo’s wildlife experiences.
Isolated island encounters in the Galapagos
As far as wildlife meetings go, few places come close to the otherworldy islands of the Galapagos. Whether you want to strap on a snorkel and swim alongside friendly sea lions, watch the slow movements of giant tortoises, or marvel at the parade of iguanas prowling the beaches like a scene from a tiny Jurassic Park, exploring this ancient archipelago by boat or on foot - with a naturalist guide by your side – will be one for the highlight reel.
Visit wild gorillas in the forests of Uganda
Trek through the steamy forest of Uganda’s Bwindi National Park alongside Park Rangers and expert trackers to catch a glimpse of these rare animals in their natural habitat. Be mesmerised as you watch them eat, sleep, groom, and play – the troop’s giant silverback surveying the scene while the little ones play like children. Spend an unforgettable hour in their presence and come back having ticked off another experience on your bucket list.
Track rhinos on foot in Zimbabwe
Hop out of the 4WD and tackle this next adventure on foot with an expert local guide through the hilly terrain of Matobo National Park. Spend an exhilarating morning tracking black and white rhinos, spotting other wildlife such as leopards, warthogs, springhares, and klipspringers as you go, as they wander through the wilderness on their daily routine.
Spot exotic animals in Costa Rica's jungles
When you’re deep diving into the awe-inspiring jungles, swamps, and mangroves of Costa Rica, you’re bound to come face-to-face with an exotic animal or two (or twelve). From long-nosed tapirs and elegant ocelots to white-faced capuchin monkeys and three-toed sloths, this geologically rich country is a wildlife lover’s dream just waiting to be explored.
Counting lemurs in Madagascar
Madagascar isn’t just about breathtaking landscapes and memorable experiences – it’s also about how many species of lemur you can spot. Dust off your binoculars and trek through Isalo, Anadsibe, and Ranomafana national parks in search of those fluffy little animals and check off how many you see. (Hint: there are 33 different types to find).
Marvel at Antartica's animals
When you leave land far behind you and set sail for the world’s whitest continent one thing you can expect to see is wondrous wildlife. From visiting penguin rookeries and spotting humpback whales as they breach the water’s surface to looking out for leopard seals and watching albatross soar above you, you’ll never forget the animals of Antarctica.
Popular safari destinations
Wildlife trip features
Supporting wildlife
Not only does our entire range of wildlife trips promise to give you unforgettable animal experiences, but they also directly support the conservation of wildlife and the people who take care of that wildlife. So, you can rest assured knowing that the money you spend by travelling with us is reinvested into the protection of the wildlife you see and the communities you visit like the jewellery workshop run by a team of women in Zambia that donates funds for anti-poaching patrols.
Local expert-led tours
Is your lemur knowledge almost non-existent? Do you have any idea about the intricacies of Borneo’s jungle ecosystem? Don’t know the orangutans from the chimpanzees? On an Intrepid trip, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Every wildlife trip includes at least one local wildlife expert – from park rangers knowledgeable about mountain gorillas to indigenous people with a special connection to land - to take you on guided walks, conduct informal sessions, and participate in educational conversations.
Range of experiences
Traditional Game Drives, boat safaris, and nature walks are all par for the course on one of our wildlife trips but at Intrepid, our itineraries delve deeper to provide you with the whole, unique picture. Incorporating a range of different opportunities for travellers to experience the world’s wildlife such as a visit to a Wildlife Forensic Laboratory in Zambia where officials investigate wildlife crimes (just like CSI but for animals!) and learning firsthand about Antarctica’s ecosystem from your onboard marine biologist.
Responsible travel & conservation
We are not only giving back through offering safaris that make a difference but also partnering with conservation projects on the ground to raise awareness and important funding through the Intrepid Foundation.
Animal welfare
At Intrepid, we believe that it’s our responsibility to help preserve the planet for the next generation of travellers, as well as for the communities – and animals – that call these places home. That’s why we’ve worked with World Animal Protection to create a set of guidelines each and every one of our trips follows.
Our animal welfare pledge
We’re also working with the team at Blood Lions as a commitment to actively working towards a solution to lion exploitation by signing their ‘Born to Live Wild’ pledge.
Visiting animals
We only visit facilities involving wild animals in captivity if the reason for the facility directly helps, and is in the best interest, of the animals involved. For example, rescue centres operating with the highest animal welfare and conservation standards possible.
Being a wildlife-friendly traveller
From doing your research to never using animals as a photo prop, there are a few easy ways to become a wildlife-friendly traveller. Join Intrepid co-founder Geoff Manchester and Lek Chailert, the founder of Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, to find out more about Intrepid's ban on elephant rides and what you can do to help protect wildlife on your travels, or check out the partnerships between The Intrepid Foundation and various conservation organisations around the world.
How we help
We actively discourage the participation of travellers in any activities that exploit wild or domestic/working animals. Lately, there’s been a rise in animal-related incidents around the world, and it doesn’t sit well with us. That’s why we have this toolkit in conjunction with World Animal Protection, with the hope that it will help the tourism industry rebuild more ethically during the COVID-caused travel shutdowns.
Park & conservation fees
Did you know a portion of all national park fees (included in your trip price) go back into the conservation for the parks? In some countries, this can be a considerable amount and goes towards park upkeep, wildlife rehabilitation and protection, and funding for park rangers.
Become a Citizen Scientist
Contribute in a very real way on your trip to Antarctica by undertaking scientific studies, recording cloud cover with NASA, participating in the ‘Happy Whale’ initiative (taking photos of whales’ flukes and uploading them to a special database), and conducting seabird surveys.
Our WWF partnership
Embark on an Antarctic adventure with WWF, a conservation organisation working to protect endangered habitats and reduce threats to plants and animals, and learn about their non-invasive whale research project from onboard scientists.
Giving back
Our wildlife trips are specifically designed to include local communities, businesses and NGOs that are working to support the conservation of wildlife, or the people protecting the wild.
Meet the experts
Alex - Antarctica Expedition Leader
Alex has long held a fascination with the natural world and polar regions. A graduate of Cambridge in Natural Sciences, Alex had been a polar guide for over a decade and is the co-founder of the Polar Citizen Science Collective, an organisation devoted to harnessing the research and data collection power of polar tourism. When not on a ship he can usually be found with skis or sticky rubber on his feet.
Twongyeirwe - Head Ranger (Uganda)
Growing up in a family with a conservation background, Twongyeirwe quickly developed a dream of becoming a wildlife ranger, working with mountain gorillas in the forests of Uganda. He's been living that dream for 16 years (and counting), learning about gorilla behaviours, tracking their movements and passing on that knowledge to passionate travellers just as awestruck by the majesty of these animals as he is.
Jessica - Naturalist Guide (Galapagos Islands)
Jessica grew up surrounded by sea lions, sea turtles, iguanas, amazing landscapes, and friendly people on the Galapagos Islands so it's no surprise she turned to a career teaching people about the diversity, endemism, and the marine life of the region she's loved since she was little. When she's not working, you can find her scuba diving, snorkelling and exploring as much of this magical Ecuadorian world as possible.
Eva – Citizen Science Coordinator (Polar)
Eva is a polar scientist, with a particular passion for marine mammals. Her love for whales led to her graduating at the top of her class with a Master's in Polar Science from the Scott Polar Research Institute at the University of Cambridge. Researcher, Naturalist, Photographer, Educator, Surveyor, Skipper and Wildlife Officer, Eva has travelled extensively throughout all 7 continents, but her heart remains in the polar regions.
Reviews
Wildlife FAQs
Trips on or before 31 December 2022
If your Intrepid trip starts on or before 31 December 2022, you must provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
If you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons, you may apply for an exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must provide a medical certificate from a medical professional.
Children under 18 are exempt. Children aged between 5 and 17 years old must provide proof of either vaccination, recovery or a negative COVID-19 test.
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises). However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.
Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 proof of vaccination policy
At Intrepid, the welfare of our people and our travellers is our highest priority, and we never put tours in a potentially harmful or dangerous position. To ensure that all travellers are safe while trekking or visiting wildlife conservation areas, there are a set of rules and regulations that everyone must observe at all times, which you'll be briefed on when necessary. Both your leader and the professional wildlife expert that accompanies you on specific activities such as gorilla trekking, will be happy to answer any questions you might have and make sure everyone's obeying safety precautions.
Our wildlife tours range from having a lower physical rating (2 out of 5 stars) to a higher physical rating (3 out of 5 stars) which indicates that you should have a reasonable level of fitness to be comfortable throughout your trip. Most wildlife trips visit at least one national park so you can expect to participate in a couple of walks or longer hikes.
Animal movements can be unpredictable so we can't 100% guarantee that you'll see gorillas on your trek. Having said that, it's highly unlikely not to. You will be accompanied by a gorilla tracker on your trek and they'll have specific knowledge on how to find the gorillas and where they might be so you don't have to worry about a thing.
There's not a huge difference between gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda when it comes to actually seeing the animals, but the terrain of both countries varies. Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park has a more open and less dense landscape than the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda so it can often feel easier to trek through. Uganda also experiences more rain and this can make tracks slippery and harder to navigate. Another difference is that the permit for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is more expensive than in Uganda and this can deter budget-conscious travellers.
The type of vehicles you'll travel on during your Game Drive is dependent on the style of your trip (basix, original, comfort, or premium) but all trips will use a 4x4 or alternate vehicle for at least one of those rides so you have the best opportunity to experience the wildlife from a unique perspective. If you want more details, check out the trip notes/itinerary information for your chosen trip.
Regardless of the style, every single one of our wildlife trips directly supports the conservation of wildlife or the people protecting the wildlife. A portion of any National Park or Game Reserve entrance fee (which is included in your trip price) is also fed back into protecting and conserving the park's natural and cultural heritage. This money is crucial to safeguarding these habitats for wildlife to breed and survive together with its surrounding local communities. Our wildlife trips are also designed to seek out and support local projects, communities, and businesses that are actively working to protect wildlife, and educate and empower local communities to be custodians of conservation.
Absolutely! Our trips feature a whole heap of fun activities such as Game drives, nature walks, and boat safaris, as well as unique experiences such as visiting a Wildlife Forensic Laboratory in Zimbabwe (which is exactly what it sounds like - a unit investigating wildlife crimes) and sitting down to dinner with a local park ranger where you'll learn about life in the wilderness and their special relationships with the mountain gorillas (guaranteed to be one dinner conversation you've never had before)!
You'll have access to your trip leader who already has an impressive base of knowledge about the countries visited in the itinerary, and the local flora, fauna, cultural, religious, and social aspects associated with them but we also use additional local guides and wildlife experts who have a deeper and more specific knowledge about the places you go to and the animals you see. This is to add to your overall experience and make sure you're getting the full, well-rounded picture so expect to spend some time with wildlife veterinarians, park rangers, naturalist guides, and conservation researchers. For some trips, you will be accompanied by these experts for the entire duration, such as on our Antarctica departures where there's a naturalist and marine biologist onboard.
There's a good chance you'll see a wide variety of animals on any Galapagos Island since there are over 300+ different species that inhabit this archipelago. It's the sheer diversity and variety of life on land, in the air and under the water that makes the Galapagos such a drawcard for nature and wildlife lovers and each trip will give you the opportunity to experience as much of it as possible.
See below for some of the animals known to frequent the Galapagos Islands:
- Sea lions are found across all islands.
- Penguins are found across Santa Cruz, Santiago, Isabela, Fernandina, Floreana, and Bartolome islands.
- Giant tortoises are found across Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, and Floreana islands.
- Green sea turtles are found across all islands.
- Land iguanas are found across Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Plaza Sur, and North Seymour islands.
- Flamingoes are found across Santa Cruz, Santiago, Isabela, Floreana, and Rabida islands.
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance
Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. However, we’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.