Special Events

full sun eclipse, red galaxy in space.

Solar Eclipses, Wildlife Research & Symposia on Ancient Cultures

Imagine discussing wildlife conservation issues with world-renowned researchers in Africa’s game reserves, joining the world’s leading archaeologists for exclusive access to recently discovered Egyptian tombs, or watching a total solar eclipse in a remote corner of the planet with top astronomers—these are just some of the unique experiences to be had on our Special Events. These specially-themed journeys, each featuring a team of esteemed guest experts, bring you a unique insider’s view, and you can only find it with Wilderness Travel.

Our list of past luminaries is lengthy and has included: Jane Goodall, Sir Edmund Hillary, Mary Leakey, wildlife biologist George Schaller, author Barry Lopez, astronomer Alex Filippenko, adventurer Thor Heyerdahl, and mountaineers Reinhold Messner, Conrad Anker, and Alex Honnold.

Read about our upcoming Special Events below, and scroll down for a look at some of our past programs!





past events

Total Solar Eclipse

Witness the awe of the cosmos far from the crowds in remote locations where the sky is clear and the landscapes are breathtaking. Led by expert astronomers and seasoned guides, you’ll gain deep insights into the science and cultural significance of eclipses while enjoying exclusive access to hidden local gems.

  • 2023 Kimberly to Komodo Alex Filippenko
  • 2021 – Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands Alex Filippenko, Conrad Anker, and Tim Jarvis
  • 2019 – The Isles of Polynesia Alex Filippenko, Rick Fienberg, and Mark Eddowes
  • 2016 – Darwin to Kota Kinabalu Rick Fienberg
  • 2016 – From Bali to Borneo Alex Filippenko
  • 2013 – Morocco to Cape Verde Alex Filippenko and Olga Stavrakis
  • 2013 – Spain to Sierra Leone Rick Fienberg, Christine Drake, and Deborah Mack
  • 2012 – Bali to Australia Alex Filippenko
  • 2012 – Fiji to New Caledonia Rick Fienberg, Holly Gilbert, and Mark Eddowes
  • 2010 – Tahiti Alex Filippenko, Jay Anderson
  • 2009 – Polynesia Alex Filippenko, Owen Gingerich, and Rick Feinberg
  • 2008 – Mongolia Alex Filippenko
  • 2006 – Egypt, Turkey, and the Mediterranean Joel Weisberg, Perry Hackman, Owen Gingerich
  • 2001 – Zimbabwe Alex Filippenko and Perry Hacking
  • 1999 – Turkey Alex Filippenko and Joel Weisberg
  • 1998 – Caribbean Alex Filippenko and Owen Gingerich
  • 1998 – Galapagos Islands Perry Hacking and Tom Bullock
  • 1995 – India, Thailand, and Cambodia George Smoot, Donald Goldsmith, Owen Gingerich, Tom Bullock, Alex Filippenko, Perry Hacking, Robert Havlen, and Joel Weisberg
  • 1994 – Chile and Peru George Smoot, Donald Goldsmith, Owen Gingerich, Tom Bullock, Alex Filippenko, Perry Hacking, Robert Havlen





past events

Archaeology, Anthropology & History

Led by world-renowned archaeologists and cultural experts, you’ll explore ancient ruins, engage in thought-provoking discussions on human history and culture, and enjoy exclusive access to recent discoveries that bring the past vividly to life.

  • 2022 – Wonders of Ancient Egypt Kent Weeks, Mark Lehner, Zahi Hawass, Salima Ikram, Mostafa Waziri
  • 2017 – World of the Maya: New Discoveries in the New Millennium Richard Hansen, Marcello Canuto, Francisco Estrada-Belli, Simon Martin, and Tomás Barrientos
  • 2015 – The Arc of the Sacred Helen Ibbitson Jessup, Vasudha Narayanan, Todd Lewis, Damian Evans, and John Sanday
  • 2014 – Perspectives on East Africa Iain Douglas-Hamilton, Louise Leakey, Richard Estes, Laurence Frank, and Frans Lanting
  • 2012 – World of the Maya: Cycles of Time Anthony Aveni, Susan Milbrath, Harvey Bricker, Victoria Bricker, Karl Taube, Alfonso Morales
  • 2011 – Ancient Kingdoms of Peru Richard Burger, Michael Moseley, Walter Alva, Joanne Pillsbury, Luis Jaime Castillo 
  • 2011 – Wonders of Ancient Egypt Zahi Hawass, Mark Lehner, Kent Weeks, Jean-Yves Empereur, Raymond Johnson
  • 2009 – World of the Maya: New Discoveries at Ancient Copán Robert Sharer, Ricardo Agurcia, Marc Zender, Ellen Bell, Francisco Estrada-Belli, Loa Traxler
  • 2005 – A Greek Odyssey Andrew Szegedy-Maszak and Albert Leonard, Jr.
  • 2004 – World of the Maya: Palenque Merle Green Robertson, Bill Fash, Anthony Aveni, Marc Zender, Alfonso Morales, Julie Miller
  • 2004 – Wonders of Ancient Egypt Zahi Hawass, Mark Lehner, Kent Weeks, Lanny Bell
  • 2003 – Dubrovnik to Venice Larry Wolff and Ida Sinkevic
  • 2001 – Crossroads of History in the Mediterranean Kathryn Miller and Carolina Lo Nero
  • 1999 – World of the Maya: The Millennium at Tikal Clemency Coggins, Federico Fahsen, Christopher Jones, Robert Sharer, and “Chip” Morris
  • 1998 – Empires of the Sun: Tiwanaku to Cusco Michael Moseley, John Hemming, and Charles Stanish
  • 1997 – World of the Maya: Copan Pat Culbert, Bill Fash, Anthony Aveni, David Stuart, Ricardo Agurcia, and Barbara Fash
  • 1996 – The Incas Brian Bauer, Jorge Flores Ochoa, Gordon McEwan, Susan Niles, Jean-Pierre Protzen, Johan Reinhard, and Gene Savoy
  • 1995 – Archaeology of Peru Thor Heyerdahl, Richard Burger, Gary Urton, Johan Reinhard, Walter Alva, Alan Kolata, Federico Kauffmann-Doig





past events

Conservation & Natural History

Visit pristine wilderness areas and biodiversity hotspots around the globe. Guided by leading conservationists and naturalists, you’ll explore vital ecosystems, observe rare wildlife, and engage in meaningful discussions on conservation efforts, climate challenges, and the intricate connections between nature and humanity.

  • 2022 – Wilderness and Wildlife of Alaska’s Inside Passage Kim Heacox and Debbie Miller
  • 2019 – Wildlife & Community in Namibia Garth Owen-Smith, Tammy Hoth-Hanssen, Simson Uri-Khob, Julian Fennessy, and Flip Stander
  • 2018 – Climbing & Conservation in Patagonia Kris Tompkins, Rick Ridgeway, Alex Honnold, and Conrad Anker
  • 2017 – Alaskan Dreams Barry Lopez and Richard Nelson
  • 2015 – Alaskan Passage Barry Lopez and Richard Nelson
  • 2007 – Perspectives on Southern Africa Mark Vandewalle, Anthony Hall-Martin, Laurie Marker, John McNutt, Dereck & Beverly Joubert, Mike Main
  • 2003 – Whales and Wildlife of the Sea of Cortez Reinhold Messner and Joe Kane
  • 2002 – Circling the Bering Sea Galen Rowell, Frans Lanting, Orcutt Frost, Aldona Jonaitis, Mark Brazil, Angela Kepler, Tony Huntley, and Bob Rubin
  • 2002 – An Antarctic Odyssey Will Steger, Barry Lopez, and Galen Rowell
  • 1999 – Perspectives on East Africa Jane Goodall, Cynthia Moss, David Bygott, Richard Estes, Esmond Bradley Martin, Sarah Cleaveland, and Sarah Durant
  • 1996 – Perspectives on East Africa Jane Goodall, Mary Leakey, Jeannette Hanby, Frans Lanting, Joyce Poole, and Daphne Sheldrick





past events

Exploration & Photography

Journey through breathtaking landscapes, sharpen your photography skills, and gain a deeper appreciation for the art of visual storytelling and the thrill of exploration in these events led by acclaimed explorers and world-class photographers who capture the beauty and wonder of our planet.

  • 2016 – Legendary Explorers Conrad Anker, Tim Jarvis, Carl Safina, and Frans Lanting
  • 2015 – Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands Photography Cruise Frans Lanting
  • 2014 – Galapagos Photo Workshop Frans Lanting
  • 2007 – The Alps: Perspectives on a Climber’s World Reinhold Messner, David Breashears, John Cleare, Peter Hansen, Angelika Fleckinger, Eduard Egarter-Vigl
  • 2006 – Antarctica: In the Wake of the Great Explorers Reinhold Messner, Conrad Anker, Caroline Alexander, Frans Lanting, Jerry Kooyman
  • 2006 – Arctic Odyssey Will Steger and Frans Lanting
  • 2002 – Perspectives on the Himalayas Sir Edmund Hillary, George Schaller, Conrad Anker, Galen Rowell, John Sanday, Chokyi Nima Rimpoche, Thomas Schrom, and Lee Birch
  • 1996 – Photography With The Masters Galen Rowell, Frans Lanting, and Robert Holmes



Learn More

Talk to an Expert

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our Special Events. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!