Wildlife & Natural History Blog Posts | Wilderness Travel Tour Agency in Berkeley, California Mon, 08 Dec 2025 21:34:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.wildernesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cropped-Wilderness-Travel-favicon-144x144.png Wildlife & Natural History Blog Posts | Wilderness Travel 32 32 232024815 What to Expect on a Uganda Wildlife Safari https://www.wildernesstravel.com/blog/what-to-expect-on-a-uganda-wildlife-safari-in-june/ Thu, 11 Dec 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.wildernesstravel.com/?p=62534 All you need to know about a wildlife safari in Uganda in June, including searching for mountain gorillas in Bwindi and visiting Kibale and Kazinga Channel.

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Text and photos by WT adventurer Owen Floody

While Uganda is known for its gorillas and chimpanzees, you’ll find plenty of other animals on a WT Uganda wildlife safari, which includes visits to savannas, rainforests, rivers, and breathtaking destinations like Murchison Falls.

From trekking through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in search of mountain gorillas to scanning the treetops for playful chimpanzees in Kibale to cruising along the Kazinga Channel near a herd of elephant or a bloat of hippo, you’ll experience incredible animal sightings on a Uganda wildlife safari.

Uganda is one of Africa’s best safari destinations, and The Ultimate Uganda Safari by Wilderness Travel is designed to bring you to the best places on one adventure. On this safari, expect to encounter iconic African species like lions, leopards, giraffes, and hippos, alongside fantastic birding opportunities to search for the prehistoric-looking shoebill stork and the adorable squacco heron.

Wilderness Travel’s Ultimate Uganda Safari Itinerary

Here is a glimpse of my safari experience in Uganda in June 2025.

This safari was 12 days long and very ably led by our Trip Leader, Robert Sunday.  After one night in Uganda’s capital of Entebbe, we began the first of several long drives, this one to Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda’s northwest. Fortunately, the drive was broken up by an hour at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. 

There, we had the privilege of tracking white rhinos on foot. The high point was a standoff between one male and several females. Positions were defended, and several mock charges occurred. These raised some dust but led to no contact or harm.

One of the beauties of Murchison Falls is the variety of activities it offers. We enjoyed two Nile cruises, one to the base of the falls, the other to the Victoria Nile Delta in search of shoebills, large storks prized by birders. For balance, we drove to the top of the falls, where we surrendered our barrels and marveled at the volume of water being forced through the tiny opening in the rock. 

We went on several game drives, during which we managed to tear our eyes off the giraffes for long enough to enjoy the many other lovely animals and birds.

At the end of this exciting introduction to Uganda, we made the long drive south to the Kibale Forest National Park. This park is one of the few in East Africa featuring rainforest rather than savanna. 

And this diverse rainforest shelters a large population of chimpanzees and other forest primates. Over the years, many of the chimps have been habituated to humans, making it possible to visit and view them at close range. My highlight of our time in Kibale was the two hours that we spent alternately crashing through the undergrowth and quietly hanging out with a troop of chimps that seemed to ignore us completely.  Other forest primates are much more difficult to view since they are shy and spend most of their time high in the canopy. 

We were lucky to spot a few individuals or groups alongside the road. Out of the forest completely, we enjoyed a walking tour of Bigodi village which included visits to a coffee farm, a banana-beer brewer, and a native-plants herbalist. Fortified by the coffee, beer, and herbs, we hit the road again for the relatively short drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, perhaps Uganda’s best known savanna park.

We sought grassland animals on our own and along with researchers tracking radio-collared lions and leopards. And we came back to the theme of cruises, as we enjoyed a small-boat ride on the Kazinga Channel, linking Lakes Edward and George. 

Along with the Nile cruises at Murchison Falls, this is among the best places to see water-adapted wildlife in Africa. The hippos were impressive, and a hyena made a surprise appearance, but it was the multitude of lovely birds that stole the show.

Finally, it was time for our last stop, at the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, near Uganda’s southwestern corner. Like all visitors to Bwindi, we were there for up-close-and-personal views of mountain gorillas—Uganda gorilla trekking is a must-do when you’re visiting the country. But we were not in a zoo and gorilla treks in an “impenetrable” forest are not sure things. Fortunately, Wilderness Travel anticipated this issue and increased our odds by scheduling two gorilla treks on separate days. The first of these was difficult and culminated in limited views; the distances and slopes were not excessive, but a critical part of the hike took us over vegetation which had been trampled and become very slippery. 

Fortunately, our second trek was short and sweet, providing incredible views at very close range.  It is simply amazing how moving it is to see such majestic animals so completely at ease and just a few feet away.  This experience by itself would have been worth the trip.

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Into Brazil’s Wild Pantanal: An Invitation From Your Expert Guide https://www.wildernesstravel.com/blog/exploring-pantanal-brazil-with-expert-guide/ Tue, 09 Dec 2025 11:57:00 +0000 https://www.wildernesstravel.com/?p=62779 Explore Brazil’s wild Pantanal with expert guide Sergio Freitas and discover vibrant wetlands and unforgettable wildlife.

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A jaguar steps over a fallen log near water plants in the Brazil Pantanal while an expert guide in a blue shirt and hat observes from the foreground.

Dear Wilderness Traveler,

It is with great joy that I invite you on an unforgettable adventure with Wilderness Travel, Brazil: Jaguars & Wildlife of the Pantanal, to a place I consider one of the most magical and inspiring corners of the planet: the Pantanal, Brazil.

The Pantanal is a world apart. It is the largest tropical wetland on Earth, a paradise of water where flooded grasslands, palm forests, and winding rivers come alive with wildlife. Every moment here is a discovery: hundreds of birds in flight, caimans basking on riverbanks, families of capybaras grazing peacefully, and, of course, the majestic jaguar, the true king of this land.

As a researcher with a passion for travel and wildlife photography, I’ve had the privilege to introduce travelers to this exquisite region of Brazil for years. There is a unique rhythm here—the light, the sounds, the feeling of being immersed in pure, untouched nature. Sharing this with our guests and seeing the sparkle in their eyes when they first spot a jaguar, a giant river otter, or a hyacinth macaw is a thrill that never fades.

A blue macaw with yellow eye and beak markings perches inside a hollow tree trunk in Brazil’s Pantanal, looking directly at the camera.
A capybara lies on sandy ground with its eyes closed while a small yellow bird perches on its back; green foliage blurs in the background, capturing a tranquil moment in the wild Pantanal.

Our Brazil wildlife tour begins in the Porto Jofre region, where we will explore the Meeting of the Waters State Park by boat. This is the best place in the world to observe jaguars in their natural habitat along the Cuiabá River. We’ll navigate the rivers, allowing nature to reveal its secrets at its own pace. At a remote ecolodge in the heart of the Pantanal, our days are filled with safari-style outings in 4WD vehicles and canoe trips in search of giant anteaters, caimans, and Brazilian tapirs.

We’ll also have the opportunity to meet researchers from the Jaguar Identification Project, whose dedicated work helps us understand and protect these magnificent animals. Their insights will add even deeper meaning to our experience.

To conclude our journey, we’ll head north to Chapada dos Guimarães National Park, a stunning contrast of landscapes with waterfalls cascading over red cliffs and trails winding through the cerrado, a biome of endless horizons and dramatic beauty—it’s the perfect ending to our adventure.

For me, the Pantanal is not just a destination, it’s a feeling. It’s the quiet of the river at sunrise, the call of the macaws overhead, the warmth of the local people who welcome us so kindly. I can’t wait to share all of this with you.

If you have any questions about the trip, please contact our Latin America Specialists at latinamerica@wildernesstravel.com.

I hope to see you soon in the wild heart of Brazil.

Sincerely,
Sergio Freitas
Trip Leader, Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences

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Snorkeling in Cenderawasih Bay in July https://www.wildernesstravel.com/blog/snorkeling-in-cenderawasih-bay-in-july/ Tue, 01 Apr 2025 16:54:27 +0000 https://www.wildernesstravel.com/?p=54809 I still remember my first visit to Cenderawasih Bay in 2011, which was driven by sheer curiosity. I had heard about the regular sightings of whale sharks thanks to a scientific study, and I couldn’t resist the chance to witness this phenomenon firsthand. As I flew into the remote town of Nabire, I was struck […]

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I still remember my first visit to Cenderawasih Bay in 2011, which was driven by sheer curiosity. I had heard about the regular sightings of whale sharks thanks to a scientific study, and I couldn’t resist the chance to witness this phenomenon firsthand.

As I flew into the remote town of Nabire, I was struck by the breathtaking landscape below—vast, dense forests, deep valleys, and a sense of remoteness unlike anywhere else in Indonesia. And snorkeling alongside gentle whale sharks was an experience I’ll never forget. It was clear from that first trip that this was a place I would return to again and again. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of exploring more of this untouched region—both diving and snorkeling—and each visit has revealed new wonders. 

A Snorkeler’s Paradise

Located off the northern coast of Papua, Cenderawasih Bay is right in the heart of the celebrated Coral Triangle. Here the calm, crystal-clear waters make for incredible snorkeling, with pristine coral reefs, historic World War II wrecks, and abundant marine life. But what truly sets this bay apart is its resident population of whale sharks. Unlike other parts of the world where these gentle giants are only seasonal visitors, here they can be found year-round, often gathering around the bagans—traditional fishing platforms. Swimming alongside these massive yet docile filter feeders is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Beyond the whale sharks, the bay’s reefs teem with vibrant corals, schools of tropical fish, sea turtles, dugongs, and even rare species like wobbegong sharks. Because of Cenderawasih Bay’s remote location, the marine ecosystem remains largely untouched, offering an authentic and unspoiled underwater adventure.

In the clear blue waters of Cenderawasih Bay, a snorkeler glides effortlessly among vibrant coral reefs and colorful fish, with distant islands silhouetted under a partly cloudy July sky.

Why Visit Cenderawasih in July?

July is an ideal time to visit Cenderawasih Bay, as it falls within the region’s dry season. This means calmer seas, excellent visibility, and stable weather conditions—perfect for snorkeling and spending extended time in the water. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a beginner, the conditions in July provide the best opportunity to fully experience the bay’s underwater wonders

Beyond the Water

While the marine life is extraordinary, the topside scenery of Cenderawasih Bay is just as breathtaking. Surrounded by jungle-covered mountains, rugged limestone cliffs, and pristine white-sand beaches, the bay’s landscapes feel like a lost paradise. Dense rainforests stretch down to the water’s edge, filling the air with the sounds of bird calls, while hidden waterfalls cascade through the thick foliage.

For wildlife enthusiasts, the region’s mangrove forests and coastal ecosystems are home to rare bird species, including the striking red bird-of-paradise. Visiting remote villages offers a rare glimpse into traditional ways of life, where warm hospitality and simple living provide an unforgettable contrast to the modern world. Few places on Earth still evoke such a sense of true exploration.

Every visit to Cenderawasih Bay feels like a privilege—a chance to step into a world that remains wild, remote, and profoundly special.

I look forward to sharing this extraordinary journey with you!

Written by Wendy Brown, Trip Leader.

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Returning for the Great Elephant Migration https://www.wildernesstravel.com/blog/returning-for-the-great-elephant-migration/ Fri, 21 Feb 2025 20:49:38 +0000 https://www.wildernesstravel.com/?p=53724 Two WT adventurers return on the same safari after six years to enjoy new wildlife experiences with some surprise itinerary changes.

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Some Wilderness Travel trips are so great, it makes sense to go a second time to fully appreciate everything there is to see. For us, that trip is the Great Elephant Migration Safari. We went on this trip back in 2018, the very first time it was offered, and we loved it! So, when a slightly different itinerary was offered in 2024, we jumped at the chance.

This time, we began the trip on Caprivi Strip in Namibia’s northeast corner just across the river from Chobe National Park in Botswana. Boating up river to Elephant Bay, we saw Cape Buffalo and monitor lizards, fearsome crocs and numerous water birds. We also watched parades of elephants gathering next to the river and a pride of lions eying the calves. Were they waiting to make a kill? Or were the lions thirsty?

We never got the answer because several bull elephants came charging onto the scene and scared the lions away.

A quick flight from Vic Falls brought us to Nehimba Lodge, our first camp in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park. Here, the waterholes and lodge swimming pool were teeming with elephants.

We also spent a very windy morning at a nearby waterhole with two male lions and some of the Ponies (daughters of the aptly named Horse, the largest female lion anyone has ever seen in the park).

On our final morning at Nehimba, we found ourselves in the middle of an epic “battle.” A group of Cape Buffalo “Dagga boys” had just enjoyed a mud wallow and were on the move across the veld, when the Ponies started stealthily encircling them. From out of nowhere, an impala came charging across the clearing, a wild dog in close pursuit and barking loudly for reinforcements from the pack. And into the middle of all this chaos, a hapless young male lion came sauntering. All the animals scattered in different directions!

We took the famous open-air Elephant Express train along the park boundary south to Camelthorn Lodge. This was another change from the original itinerary. We spent lovely days visiting the regional Ngamo High School where the students welcomed us with singing and dancing.

Afterward, we picnicked at a waterhole while watching elephants come out of the bush to quench their thirst. But for us, the highlight was spending time with Thuza and Kusasa, the two endangered Southern white rhinos at the Community Conservation Rhino Sanctuary right next door to Camelthorn.

A long drive brought us to Jozibanini Camp. We’d spent time at Jozi on our previous visit, but it never gets old. Morning games drives let us see so many animals, especially birds and giraffe. Late in the afternoons and early evenings, we spent in the hide—a shipping container partially buried in the Kalahari sand. To see hundreds of elephants lumbering out of the bush, the babies and juveniles charging past their mothers and aunties was sheer joy! One day we watched as a calf slipped in the mud and landed butt down in one of the boreholes. His screams were heart wrenching, but his mother calmly lifted him out with her foot. He stayed close by her after that but was none the worse for the frightening experience.

We think the sunsets were even more beautiful during this visit, and as photographers, we enjoyed playing with the light.

—Text and photos by 15-time WT adventurers Jeannée Sacken and Michael Briselli, Great Elephant Migration Safari. Read about their first Great Elephant Migration Safari here.

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Unique Wildlife Adventures in Borneo https://www.wildernesstravel.com/blog/unique-wildlife-adventures-in-borneo/ Wed, 18 Dec 2024 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.wildernesstravel.com/?p=51478 Exploring throughout northern Borneo's rainforest to see unique wildlife including orangutans, colorful birds, and nocturnal reptiles.

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One of our groups returned from their journey to Borneo, where they experienced wonderful wildlife encounters as they explored different landscapes. Here is a look at some of their photos and videos.

In September 2024, we joined Wilderness Travel’s Wildlife Adventures in Borneo trip, which brought us to four different locations in northern Borneo’s rainforest: Sepilok Forest Reserve, Tabin Wildlife Reserve, the stunning Danum Valley, and along the Kinabatangan River.

Thanks to the guides, we saw a fantastic selection of wildlife: five different primates, two cats, skunk, deer, four types of hornbills, three birds of prey, three kingfishers, other birds, snakes, frogs, fireflies etc. Several of these were a real surprise, even to an avid David Attenborough fan.

The evening outings to search for nocturnal wildlife was particularly fun.

I began to appreciate how the diversity in this part of the world led William Wallace to his understanding of evolution at the same time as Darwin. Here is a video of some of the mammals we saw:

In the rainforest, most of the critters live high in the canopy, so binoculars and telephoto lenses are essential.

This also meant that they kept on disappearing behind branches and leaves after catching a glimpse. Without the guides we would have just seen trees galore. Here is a video of some of the birds, reptiles, and insects we saw on our trip:

The WT Trip Leaders were excellent, knowledgeable locals, and the guides at each resort were also first rate

To see all this wildlife, we lived in the rainforest environment, which was very hot and humid. Luckily it was less “buggy” than I expected, but the humidity added a challenging factor. As with all WT trips we have taken, we were kept on the go, with flexibility to take a break if you wanted. The accommodations were in comfortable forest resorts.

Here is a video of our entire trip:

—Text and photos by 5-time WT adventurer Michael Watts, Wildlife Adventures of Borneo.

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Letter of Invitation: Searching for Snow Leopards in India https://www.wildernesstravel.com/blog/searching-for-snow-leopards-in-india-invitation-letter/ Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:46:52 +0000 https://www.wildernesstravel.com/?p=38883 Join us on a journey into the heart of the Himalayas and the snow leopard capital of the world.

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Dear Explorers,

I hope this message finds you ready for an adventure because we’ve got something incredibly special coming up—a journey into the heart of the Himalayas and the snow leopard capital of the world. This adventure is not only about Ladakh’s breathtaking landscapes and elusive big-cat encounters, but also about making a positive impact on the environment and local communities.

I would like to invite you to join me on: Searching for Snow Leopards in India.

Why am I so pumped up about this itinerary? Well, picture this: you, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Himalayas, crisp mountain air kissing your face, and the possibility of spotting the magnificent snow leopard, one of the most elusive big cats on the planet. But here’s the kicker—this trip isn’t just about chasing rare sightings. It’s about creating a positive ripple effect. By joining this adventure, you are supporting local conservation and community livelihood projects in Ulley, Ladakh. Your journey directly contributes to the protection of these incredible creatures and helps uplift the communities that coexist with them. We’re not just tourists; we’re stewards of the land and champions of the snow leopards.

Now, let me take you through what your days in Ulley will look like. Imagine waking up to the first light of dawn, sipping on a hot cup of chai while the snow-capped peaks glow in the early morning sun. Our expert team, practically walking encyclopedias on snow leopards, lead you on daily excursions into the heart of their territory.

You’ll be trekking through high, rocky landscapes straight out of a dream, with the possibility of catching a glimpse of this elusive cat in its natural habitat. As you traverse this enchanting land, you won’t just be observers; you’ll be part of an extraordinary journey towards conservation.

But it’s not all about the big cats. You’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant Ladakhi culture, sharing laughter and stories with the locals, enjoying traditional dances, and relishing Ladakhi cuisine that’ll leave your taste buds dancing.

And the evenings? Oh, they’re for unwinding. Share tales of the day’s adventures around a crackling bonfire under a canvas of stars, the cold mountain air tinged with excitement and camaraderie.

This trip isn’t just a checkmark on your travel bucket list; it’s a meaningful opportunity to be part of something bigger than yourself. So, are you ready to be on a life changing journey into the heart of the Himalayas and be a catalyst for change?

Let’s make memories, make a difference, and make this the adventure of a lifetime!

Your friend from the Himalaya,

Gulzar
Trip Leader

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Visiting the Mountain Gorillas of Uganda https://www.wildernesstravel.com/blog/visiting-the-mountain-gorillas-of-uganda/ Tue, 06 Jun 2023 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.wildernesstravel.com/?p=38948 One of our groups followed our expert tracker into Uganda's Impenetrable Forest and Kibale Forest for amazing wildlife encounters.

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One of the most thrilling wildlife experiences on the planet is being in the presence of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Our groups join expert trackers to visit different gorilla clans deep in Uganda‘s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and we’re always happy to see and share photos from their adventures.

We went to Uganda to see the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, but came home with so much more.  The Ugandan people are warm, friendly, and excited to share their culture with others.  There is a lot of wonderful non-profit work being done there including tracking the health of the mountain gorillas, working with the local communities to live in harmony with nature and the wildlife, and empowering women to develop their own businesses.

Our first day in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest took us to the top of the mountain and then down into the forest. The hiking was challenging but also exhilarating, and made much easier with the help of our amazing porters! 

Final Instructions before seeing the gorillas

During our two days of gorilla trekking, we were able to spend time with two different gorilla families.  Truly a once in a lifetime experience!

A true Dian Fossey / Gorillas in the Midst Moment


We also spent two days in the Kibale Forest trekking Chimpanzees, colobus, red-tailed, and vervet monkeys.  We felt like kids running through the forest, ducking branches, “oohing and ahhing” over these remarkable primates.

Cultural adventures included a very local coffee roaster, beautiful basket weavers, the banana beer man, and singing children greeting us wherever we went.

Several days in Queen Elizabeth National Park where we observed leopards in trees, lions, elephants, hippos and more rounded out the trip.   Food and accommodations were everything you expect from WT – in other words, top notch!

—Text and photos by 4-time WT adventurer Nancy Moser-Sears, Mountain Gorilla Safari.

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Adventures in Canada’s Bay of Fundy https://www.wildernesstravel.com/blog/adventures-in-canadas-bay-of-fundy/ Tue, 23 May 2023 20:00:00 +0000 https://www.wildernesstravel.com/adventures-in-canadas-bay-of-fundy/ Four friends join our Adventures in the Bay of Fundy to explore Canada's delightful culture, hike coastal trails, and savor fresh cuisine straight from the sea.

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Some of our WT adventurers traveled up to an enchanting corner of Canada on our Adventures in the Bay of Fundy journey to hike the Bay of Fundy Trail, see the world’s biggest tides, and savor New Brunswick’s renowned sea-to-table cuisine along the way. Read on to see some experiences from their trip in 2022.

The four of us landed in Saint John, New Brunswick, on a warm but stormy August night and were happy to see the smiling faces of our WT guides, Mike and Nick, at the tiny New Brunswick airport.  They brought us to our hotel and helped us get checked in so we could collapse into bed after a long travel day from Seattle. We reluctantly crawled out of bed the next day with bleary eyes to explore this historic port city on the Bay of Fundy.  That evening, we enjoyed a hardy welcome to Saint John at the Cask & Kettle Irish Gastropub. 

Complete with musicians!

Hiking along forested trails, our guides shared not only the unique story of the huge tidal changes and amazing amount of water that passes through the bay twice per day, but also its unique ecosystem and its rich ship-building and lobster-fishing history. 



We kayaked near the fascinating St. Martin sea caves. And later, our guides and crew showed off another of their many talents by creating a tasty barbecue on the bay featuring local salmon grilled over a beach fire plus all the fixings—a beautiful ending to a perfect day!

We hiked through the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere overlooking the bay.

And explored the colorful eroded sandstone cliffs accessible by trails over the ocean floor during low-tide.

From our whale-watching boat we spotted many right whales as well as this iconic light house on Campobello Island, where Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt spent many summers with their family.

We toured the Roosevelts’ lovely island home located near our lodging, a turn-of-the-century cottage, and heard many fascinating stories about the Roosevelts’ days on the island.

This 100-year-old wind mill on the Minister Island summer estate of Sir William Van Horne, the visionary builder of the Canadian Pacific Railway.  He was also principally responsible for turning the fishing village of St. Andrews into a seaside resort with charming historic architecture alongside shops and art galleries.

We enjoyed our last night’s traditional dinner in St. Andrews with our remarkable guides in the stunning Kingsbrae Gardens’ award-winning restaurant Savour in the Garden.  Mike and Nick had done an amazing job sharing their knowledge of the area, its maritime history, and the uniqueness of the bay and its ecology.  But their attentive care and personal connection was what guaranteed that we all went home with special memories of our time spent in the favorite places of their beloved New Brunswick.

After our adventure in the Bay of Fundy, we headed to Montreal, where we took a walking tour through historic Old Montreal.

Laurie and Anita had to stop and join these three chatty ladies before we wandered along the waterfront of the St. Lawrence River.

A relaxing three-and-a-half-hour train ride brought us to the cosmopolitan city of Quebec with the lovely Fairmont Chateau Frontenac, where we were entertained by this pole acrobat outside of the Chateau…

We enjoyed beautiful flowers and outdoor art…including this hungry pig.

On our last day we took a superb ebike tour around Ile d’Orleans, an island in the St. Lawrence River just outside downtown Quebec City. We visited a local strawberry farm, a heavenly chocolatier, tasted wine from an island winery, learned about the latest sap-collecting methods to help preserve the maples used for making maple syrup, and ended the day by sampling dessert wines made from the cassis berry. The next morning we were back on the train to Montreal for our flight home to Seattle, our own beds, and a little more of what the summer sun brings to the Pacific Northwest.

—Text and photos by seven-time WT adventurer Anita Collings, Adventures in the Bay of Fundy.

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Tracking Polar Bears in Churchill https://www.wildernesstravel.com/blog/tracking-polar-bears-in-churchill/ Sat, 17 Dec 2022 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.wildernesstravel.com/tracking-polar-bears-in-churchill/ One of our travelers searches for Polar Bears with expert guides and researchers from Polar Bears International (PBI) in Churchill, Canada.

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When one of our travelers wanted to see polar bears, our Churchill Polar Bear Expedition was the perfect adventure that combined polar bear viewing with delightful activities including a visit to Inuit structures, art murals, and a wonderful dog sledding excursion. Read more to see some of her fantastic photos.

Churchill is an isolated small town in the Canadian subarctic on the Churchill River and Hudson’s Bay, accessible only by plane or train. After the flight to Churchill, we enjoyed a driving tour of the area. Many of the buildings in the area have murals on them in different artistic styles and subject matter, even one reminiscent of Dalí.

The beach is a great place to view the aurora (weather permitting). An inukshuk, an Inuit means of communication, stands on the windy shore of Hudson’s Bay.

Bear safety is a way of life there, so there are few negative human-bear interactions. There is a bear siren at 10:00 pm every night to remind people to get inside and to walk in a group if outside, a 24-hour polar bear sighting hotline for the town, and bear guards at Cape Merry. There is also a “polar bear jail” where nuisance bears are brought for a short stay before being tranquilized and airlifted to a safer area.

One afternoon, we had a dog sledding adventure. It was exciting to sled through the forest and was much smoother than I expected. Those dogs love to run!

We had two full days on the tundra in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area, a former military base and artillery range with a network of trails the Tundra Buggy traveled on during our search for polar bears and other wildlife. The scenery was bleak but striking. Our buggy driver Neil had a sharp eye for spotting wildlife and always got us in a great spot for observation and photos. We saw ptarmigan, silver fox, and arctic fox. Here was an arctic fox hunting a vole under the snow.

Our first day on the tundra was windy with light snow. The bears aren’t as active when the weather is like this but we saw several bears and were fortunate to have an unobstructed view of a mother bear and her cub waking up from a nap. The mother bear was wearing a radio collar. I wonder if she was the bear that was just named Betty White.

On our second day on the tundra, the weather was better, and we did see bears! They are huge and majestic and words can’t describe seeing them in the wild. The bears are very curious and a couple of them even closely approached the Tundra Buggies. We were also accompanied by a researcher from Polar Bears International (PBI) who answered our many questions.

We watched a pair of young male bears sparring. It looks like a serious fight as they bite and push and swing at each other with their enormous paws, at times reminding me of huge furry wrestlers. The bears were silent during their sparring matches, which means they are playing, practicing for the time they have to fight for territory and mates. Then they would take a break before sparring again.

Our buggy driver got word that some bears got an unexpected meal, which doesn’t happen often; an unlucky seal was stranded at low tide. We arrived in time to watch three bears and a bold raven feeding on the carcass, a sight I won’t soon forget.

This was an interesting, informative trip both about polar bears and life in Churchill. Our guide Alex had everything well in hand and was very flexible depending on the circumstances. The hotel was comfortable and the food was very good. The ladies at the Tundra Inn make great soups!

Seeing polar bears in the wild is a truly special experience and the loss of sea ice where they hunt is a sobering thought. If you want to see polar bears in the wild, this is the trip for you. Just be sure to dress in warm layers!

—Text and photos by 11-time WT adventurer Maggie Grall, Churchill Polar Bear Expedition. Be sure to check out Maggie’s blogs about Komodo, Cenderawasih, and Alaska.

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Top 5 Places to See Big Cats https://www.wildernesstravel.com/blog/top-5-places-to-see-big-cats-in-the-wild/ Tue, 29 Nov 2022 00:08:27 +0000 https://www.wildernesstravel.com/top-5-places-to-see-big-cats/ Where to enjoy amazing wildlife encounters while supporting conservation.

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Join us on the trail of the big cats! Whether you’re seeking the regal beauty of Bengal tigers, the mystique of snow leopards, or the stealth of wild cheetahs, witnessing these big cats in their natural habitats is an extraordinary experience.

Not only do our impeccably designed trips give you the best chance at seeing these elusive creatures, they also support crucial conservation efforts. Get fully immersed in the stunningly beautiful landscapes and phenomenal wildlife of Asia, Africa, and South America while our expert Trip Leaders guide the way.

Check out our trips below and contact our Area Specialists at 1-800-368-2794 or email info@wildernesstravel.com to book your spot.

Snow Leopards & Tigers of India

Seek the elusive snow leopard in the high Himalayas of Ladakh, then venture to the subtropical world of Kanha National Park to track royal Bengal tigers. A portion of your trip funds go to the Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust and TOFTigers.

Desert Lions of Namibia

Venture to hauntingly beautiful Namibia, where an amazing story of wildlife conservation unfolds. Go behind the scenes at AfriCat Foundation to track the world’s only population of desert lion while a portion of your trip funds supports the foundation. This trip was featured in AFAR magazine.

Jaguars of Brazil

Journey to the heart of Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetlands, whose open habitats are ideal for viewing the majestic jaguar. As you travel by boat via the Paraguay River, you’ll spot jaguars as they drink, swim, and hunt. We’ll also safari by 4WD vehicle and canoe to see extraordinary birdlife such as macaws and huge jabiru storks, and perhaps catch a glimpse of giant anteaters and giant otters as well.

Pumas of Patagonia

Spend three full days tracking pumas, known as the “ghosts of the Andes,” on this brand-new trip to Chilean Patagonia. Paine National Park is thought to hold a higher concentration of pumas than anywhere else on Earth. You’ll likely see guanacos, native foxes, armadillos, flamingos, and soaring condors too.

Tigers of Central India

This safari-style trip explores four unique reserves run by Project Tiger, an innovative conservation program launched in 1973. Search for fascinating big cats as well as leopard, sloth bear, spotted deer, dhole (Indian wild dog), and the full diversity of Indian wildlife. Rest up in welcoming boutique-style game lodges. Get a glimpse of the adventure in the video below.

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