Exodus, one of the UK’s leading adventure tour operators, is offering a host of new, once in a lifetime wildlife encounters for 2015/16. These include an incredible trip in search of Papua New Guinea’s birds of paradise, a chance to accompany scientists researching whale sharks in the Sea of Cortez and a specialist photography trip to the Svalbard Archipelago.
The trips are designed to support conservation whilst exploring new frontiers in the company of top experts. Starting in May 2015, possibly the most exciting wildlife encounter starts in Papua New Guinea, one of the last few places on earth yet to be fully explored. This is Exodus’ first trip to the country and offers a chance to visit a destination where new species are still being discovered and tribal life has not changed for hundreds of years.
Meanwhile, the new Sea of Cortez trips takes an in-depth look at one of the most biodiverse marine areas in the world, with the chance to join world-renowned research scientists.
Exodus is also launching two exclusive trips to Spitsbergen in summer 2016, led by expert Exodus guide Paul Goldstein and award-winning conservationist and photographer Mark Carwardine. The two limited departures will journey through the Svalbard Archipelago in 24-hour daylight, getting travellers and their lenses up close to all manner of Polar wildlife, including the formidable polar bear.
In response to Botswana being one of Exodus’ bestselling wildlife destinations in 2014, Exodus has also created a new Botswana & Zimbabwe Lodge Safari, where guests will have the chance to observe some of the world’s largest elephant herds in Chobe National Park.
Papua New Guinea – Tribal Paradise
Few places evoke such wonder as Papua New Guinea. As one of the last places on Earth that still has uncontacted tribes, it remains a mysterious place. The new trip from Exodus offers guests the opportunity to experience the incredible way of life that many contacted tribes still adhere to. Dense jungles and misty highlands are home to these fascinating tribes including the yellow painted Huli Wigmen whose dances and songs replicate those of the famed birds of paradise. Nature walks and tribal visits interweave with stays in three remote wilderness eco-lodges and guests will get the chance to see the extraordinary birds of paradise in the Tari area, which boasts an amazing 217 species of birds including 13 different species of birds of paradise. This is a 13-day, adult group trip (min. age 18 years). Prices from £5,949pp including flights, all accommodation, most meals, all transport and listed activities. First guaranteed departure is 24th May 2015.
The Sea of Cortez, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has an abundance of marine life. It is one of the most bio-diverse seas on Earth with thousands of species of marine mammals, birds, fish and invertebrates calling it home. Guests can truly immerse themselves in the raw, untouched beauty of the sea whilst staying aboard the ship MV Adventure. There are also special whale shark departures that extend the opportunity for guests to participate in researching this majestic animal alongside the world-renowned whale shark scientist Dr. Deni Ramirez Macias. This is a seven-day, adult group trip (min. age 18 years). Prices from £2,399pp including flights, all accommodation, all meals whilst on board, all transport and listed activities. Next departure is 24th October 2015.
In June and July 2016, Exodus is offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore Spitsbergen, part of the larger Svalbard Archipelago. Guests will experience 24 hours of daylight whilst searching for polar bears, walrus and vast bird colonies. These are specialised photography trips led by the enigmatic Paul Goldstein and zoologist and author Mark Carwardine, both award-winning photographers. They provide expertise to guests to help them capture outstanding wildlife shots, with a healthy dose of gusto to accompany the advice. This is a 12-day, adult group trip (min. age 18 years). Ship only prices from £4,799 (twin-share cabin) including all accommodation, meals, transport and listed activities. There are two departures, 22nd June 2016 and 3rd July 2016.
Botswana & Zimbabwe Lodge Safari – witness huge elephant herds in Chobe National Park
This trip is one the best for wildlife encounters in Africa, as guests can see the huge elephant herds of Chobe National Park as well as giraffe, rhino and leopards to name but a few. Guests travel by jeep and dug-out canoe as they explore the stunning natural beauty of these two countries. One of the only trips to combine these two forms of safari, this adventure has it all from visiting the cascading Victoria Falls to exploring the meandering waterways of the Okavango Delta and the shimmering Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Starry skies and burnished sunsets complete the backdrop to this magical trip. This is a 16-day, group trip (min. age 16 years). Prices start from £3,499pp including flights, accommodation, most meals, all transport and listed activities and tour leader throughout. First departure is 25th July 2015.
See the gorillas of Rwanda after any Kenyan or Tanzanian safari
Exodus is now offering guests on all Kenyan and Tanzanian safaris the opportunity to extend their stay with a visit to Rwanda to see mountain gorillas in the Parc National des Volcans. Guests will track a habituated family of mountain gorillas and spend time in the company of these gentle giants. A close up encounter with mountain gorillas is arguably one of the most sensational wildlife experiences of them all. This extension operates throughout the year, including two nights’ accommodation, one gorilla trekking permit and all meals. Prices from £1,599pp excluding flights.
For more information or to book please visit www.exodus.co.uk or call 0845 863 9601.
Picture credit: ‘Polar Bear – Alaska’ by Alan Wilson – www.naturespicsonline.com
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