2019 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

Wilderness Travel j o u r n e y s f o r t h e y e a r 2 0 1 9

Awaken

your inner traveler

Dear Adventurer,

We are delighted to share our new Catalog of Adventures with you. From its start more than 40 years ago, Wilderness Travel has been made up of people with an absolute passion for creating great travel experiences, from our dedicated Area Specialists to our phenomenal Trip Leaders, who are truly the best in the business. Wilderness Travel is proudly independent and family owned—we answer to you, our travelers, not to stockholders. I am exceptionally honored to introduce my daughter, Nicole Abbott, who has joined WT, bringing her tremendous skills, energy, and dedication to her leadership role here. With the second generation deeply committed to the values and principles that have guided us for four decades, know that whichever adventure you choose, whether a classic we have honed to perfection or one of our exciting new WT Expeditions, your trip will have all the elements of our signature style, which has won us the top awards in the business. I invite you to join us!

Bill Abbott, Founder and President

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Experience

the world’s wonders

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Our Area Specialists are destination experts. They work with you directly on every aspect of your trip. Our website is also filled with helpful features, including lodging photos, route maps, trip comparisons, Trip Leader schedules, and Detailed Itineraries you can download or email to a friend. Check it out at www.wildernesstravel.com , and be sure to read the Client Comments on each trip—they’ll give you a sense of the great adventure ahead!

“Wilderness Travel is at the top of its game in adventure travel. You are a fantastic company providing fascinating outdoor adventures. Keep up the great work!” Emily S., San Mateo CA

Just pack your bags—we’ve got the logistics covered! When you’re on a WT adventure, every detail is taken care of for you; you can relax and truly experience the moment. You’ll find yourself seeing places you’ve always dreamed of, and connecting with extraordinary people and places in genuine ways. These are the moments you’ll remember long after you return home, and will have you dreaming of your next journey.

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Savor

the moment

“WT has a style that other travel companies can only dream about. Thank you for setting the bar so high.” Kate R., Albany CA

Our lodging is carefully chosen and wonderfully comfortable. Find yourself being welcomed to a private 17th century estate in Tuscany by a noble family, at a historic estancia in Patagonia, or stepping aboard beautiful yachts in the Galápagos. Many of our African safari camps are exclusive to our groups, and on trek you’ll hike lodge to lodge or enjoy our celebrated Wilderness Travel camping style, waking each day to a hot cup of coffee and a jaw-dropping mountain view!

Connect

with our world

Choose

how you travel

Small Group Adventures With more than 300 journeys worldwide, our Small Group Adventures offer a trip for every interest. You’ll experience unparalleled leadership, the intimacy of a small group— just 12 to 16 travelers—and captivating itineraries. From thrilling African safaris and delightful hiking trips in Europe to high Himalayan treks and snorkeling odysseys in the Coral Triangle, our incredible collection of adventures explores the farthest reaches of the globe—in WT style.

Cruise Collection We’ve searched the world over to find the finest small ships with the most intriguing itineraries. Our cruises explore off-the- beaten-path destinations with active on-shore adventures on foot and even by bike! You’ll enjoy fascinating on-board presentations, great camaraderie, and an attentive staff. Our full Cruise Collection can be found on our website, and have their own special brochure. Give us a call or email to request your copy.

Private Journeys Your family or friends, your trip dates, your dream adventure! Our Private Journeys are crafted with meticulous research, superb itinerary design, and hand-picked accommodations. We’ve designed them to include the most fascinating routes and must-do experiences. Book them as they are or tinker a bit to customize the adventure just for you. Celebrate a birthday, graduation, or anniversary with your family, friends, or just that special someone.

“The world sure looks good via Wilderness Travel, with superb planning and execution at every step of the process.”

Jack G., New York NY

Difference the wilderness travel

A COMPANY FOR TRAVELERS You’ll find the world in these pages. Wilderness Travel was founded more than 40 years ago, with the vision of providing superb and authentic travel experiences to discerning travelers. Following the deep values that have guided us for decades, we strive to bring meaning to every moment of your journey.

THE ART OF ITINERARY DESIGN—REMOTE OR ICONIC—ALWAYS ORIGINAL Recognized with the top awards in the business, our itineraries are perfectly paced, revealing the culture, cuisine, and treasures of each destination. Your adventure has been designed with insight and experience, every step of the way.

EXPERT TRIP LEADERS, NEWFOUND FRIENDS There is magic in small group travel—kindred spirits discovering the world together, finding adventure, and exploring the world alongside our phenomenal Trip Leaders.

SUPPORTING CONSERVATION AND COMMUNITY WT is proud to support many conservation groups including the Jane Goodall Foundation, the Galápagos Conservancy, and the Tompkins Conservation. See the full list on our website!

AUTHENTIC ACCOMMODATIONS, LOCAL FLAVORS, INSIDER ACCESS Our goal is to provide you with a travel experience that makes you feel as if you have a best friend in the country, who knows just what to share and where to take you. Special access to museums, a tasting menu with a rising young chef, meeting master craftsmen—let us bring you inside each destination.

YOUR DREAM JOURNEY, DESIGNED WITH OUR 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE With trips on every continent, our journeys range from delightful European hiking adventures to safaris that could come from the pages of an explorer’s journal. There is a huge range here, yet we bring to the design of every journey all that we have learned from 40 years of exploring the world and sharing it with our travelers.

Follow

our leaders Trip Leaders with passion and deep knowledge of their destination make all the difference to your experience. They take care of the details so that you can savor the moment. And our Trip Leaders are experts in their fields—naturalists, art historians, photographers, mountaineers—who have a remarkable gift for sharing their insights and introducing you to their favorite places, people, and behind-the-scenes spots you won’t find in any guidebook. Our leaders are highly skilled professionals, yet they are also wonderfully warm people who have endless energy, a great talent for creating a fun experience, and genuine excitement about welcoming you to their beloved corner of the world. They have that special “it” factor that transforms a trip into an unforgettable journey. Here are just a few of our extraordinary leaders. You’ll find our full team, their schedules, and our clients’ comments about them, on our website: www.wildernesstravel.com

FOR EVEN MORE DETAILS ON OUR EUOPEAN TRIPS VISIT WWW. WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM /TRIPS/EUROPE 14

Anne Brearley has probably spent as much time in the mountains in a single season as most people do in a lifetime. She is a member of the British Association of International Mountain Leaders and the Club Alpino Italiano, and guides our hiking trips in Italy, Switzerland, France, and Montenegro. Anne has climbed over

Goodluck Urassa, known as “Urassa,” is our Tanzanian safari guide extraordinaire with a deep understanding of the Serengeti’s habitats and the interdependence of its wildlife. He has a keen spotter’s eye, a love of the bush, and a gentle manner that make him a great safari companion. Born near Mt. Meru, Urassa

25 of the world’s 4,000-meter peaks, including the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. When she’s not guiding, you might find her rock climbing, competing at the national level in orienteering, or participating in ski marathons. She lives in Trieste, Italy.

gives back to his community by doing environmental work in his home region. He founded a group that helps local children plant native mpingo trees at the foot of Mt. Meru, Tanzania’s second highest peak (after Mt. Kilimanjaro).

Stefano Pozzi, originally from Italy, has resided in Norway for the last eight years and is a full-time Trip Leader for us in Norway, Finland, and the Alps. He says “I love being out in nature and being amazed by its beauty, and my hope is that I can share my knowledge with trip members, and in turn, learn something new from

Peter Bersani is a trained chef, winemaker, and an exceptionally experienced Trip Leader. Originally from Boston, he has made New Zealand his home for more than 25 years. He and his wife, Fiona, have started a number of eateries around the South Island, and he has a keen interest in New Zealand’s history and a close

them.” An adventurer at heart, he studied Arctic natural history for a year on the island of Spitsbergen above the Arctic Circle. His wilderness and mountain experience, language skills, and genuine love of people make him a great Trip Leader.

connection to the nation’s past through his wife’s family (Lake Mackenzie is named after her grandfather). Peter is an avid hiker and mountain biker who loves sharing the joys of the South Island, and his background as a foodie means the dining on his trips is second to none!

Bhuwan KC, born to a farming family in the Dhaulagiri region of Nepal, holds a degree in biology from Prithivi Narayan College in Pokhara, and studied natural history in London’s Kew Gardens and at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh. Starting out as a porter on treks, he worked his way through the ranks and

Leila Thompson has led trips for us for over two decades, from Nepal and Tibet to the Alps and the mountains of the Republic of Georgia. She says “For me, one of the most wonderful things about guiding is starting a trip with a group of strangers and finishing with a group of friends.” Leila is conversant in German, Nepali, French,

has now led over 100 treks, from Everest to remote regions such as Upper Dolpo. In 2006, he was awarded the Paul Morrison Wanderlust Guide award from the Royal Geographic Society in London. When not on the trail, he writes on environmental issues and is an avid birder.

and Italian. When not guiding, Leila is a nurse in Bend, Oregon, where she lives with her husband (and fellow WT guide) Sean Morrissey. She enjoys cycling, hiking, climbing, skiing, and a personal sports addiction—pickleball.

Teresa Baldi, daughter of beloved WT Trip Leader Stefano Baldi, grew up on the family farm near Florence, Italy. She has a degree in art history from the renowned University of Florence and has a passion for good food and wines, which she happily shares with her travelers. Regarding the good fortune of being a Tuscan native, she

Cecibel Guerrero, from Ecuador, holds a Level III Naturalist Guide license (the highest level) from the Galápagos National Park Service and the Charles Darwin Research Station, and she is also a certified Guide Trainer in Environmental Interpretation. With nearly 20 years of experience in guiding in Darwin’s

says “I’m lucky to have wonderful hiking trails to share with trip members, and at the same time be able to step from nature to the glories of the Renaissance.” Teresa enlivens any group with her wit, enthusiasm, and positive energy.

Islands, her knowledge of this unique environment is phenomenal. Cecibel is a dedicated professional with an incredible ability to communicate. Her passion for the Galápagos really shines (some trip members have called her “the penguin whisperer”).

WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 15

The Total Solar

ECLIPSE CRUISE IN TROPICAL POLYNESIA WITH SPECIAL GUEST JEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU AND ASTRONOMER ALEX FILIPPENKO, PHD DECEMBER 5 - 19, 2020

ETHAN DANIELS RICH CAREY

For our ship-based program, we travel the South Pacific aboard the luxurious 332-passenger Paul Gauguin . The benefits of being on a ship include flexibility to maneuver to the ideal viewing position on Eclipse Day as well as superb comfort. The eclipse in Polynesia is relatively short—totality will be 38 seconds —but a shorter eclipse provides rare features such as the fiery red chromosphere being visible the entire length of totality. Our veteran team of eclipse experts will be with us: astronomers Alex Filippenko, PhD, and Rick Fienberg, PhD , and cultural anthropologist Mark Eddowes, joined by special guest Jean-Michel Cousteau, explorer, environmentalist, and educator. The eclipse is reason enough for the journey, but we’ll also visit some of French Polynesia’s most celebrated islands, including the Marquesas, Bora Bora, and enchanting Mo’orea.

December 15-17 The Tuamotus / Fakarava / At Sea Explore the clear waters of Fakarava, a sanctuary for rare birds, plants, and crustaceans in the remote and pristine Tuamotu Islands. Stroll the pink-sand beaches and perhaps visit the island’s black pearl farm or the ruins of the first church in French Polynesia, built entirely of coral. December 18-19 Mo’orea / Papeete After we visit the charming island of Mo’orea, with its spiky green peaks and symmetrical bays, we continue to Papeete and disembark. Our Guest Speakers Jean-Michel Cousteau, an impassioned diplomat for the environment, is the founder of Ocean Futures, a marine conservation and education organization. He has produced more than 80 films, including the IMAX film Secret Ocean 3D in 2015. Alex Filippenko, PhD, is a leading authority on exploding stars, active galaxies, and black holes. He was voted “Best Professor” at UC Berkeley a record nine times. This will be his 12th eclipse with Wilderness Travel, and his 17th in total. Rick Fienberg, PhD, has done research on aurora borealis, asteroids, active galaxies, and the Milky Way. Eclipse 2020 will be his 15th voyage to totality. Mark Eddowes is an authority on Polynesian anthropology and in 2016 was named a National Geographic Expert in the archaeology of French Polynesia.

Our Itinerary December 5-6 Papeete, Tahiti / Taha’a Embark aboard the Paul Gauguin in Papeete and sail to Taha’a, with a full day on this idyllic, isolated island and a delicious barbecue lunch. December 7-9 Bora Bora / At Sea Bora Bora’s legendary lagoon is a must-see—and a great place for a swim or snorkeling. After a day of exploration, we continue our voyage to the eclipse path. Our days are enriched with presentations by our Special Guests on astronomy, Polynesian culture, and the ocean environment. December 10-13 The Marquesas / Hiva Oa / Nuku Hiva / At Sea With breathtaking vertical peaks reach- ing into the clouds, the Marquesas are one of the most beautiful island groups in the South Pacific. On Hiva Oa, final resting place of artist Paul Gauguin, we visit the ruins of Tiu. We explore Nuku Hiva, with its impossibly blue bays, sky-high waterfalls, and ancient ruins.

December 14 Eclipse Day! Our viewing of the Total Solar Eclipse today includes the unusual opportunity to see the partially eclipsed sun rise from the ocean. Being on a ship provides us the opportunity to maneuver to an ideal location between any clouds.

Program Cost: TBA

CALL FOR DETAILS 1.800.368.2794 16

Eclipse of 2020

ECLIPSE ADVENTURE ACROSS THE ANDES WITH NASA ASTRONOMER RICHARD TERRILE, PHD DECEMBER 9 - 15, 2020

KEVIN SCHAFER TOP: TODD RYBURN ARTHUR DRESSLER

For our land-based 2020 eclipse program, we’ve selected a site on the eclipse path in the Andes that combines good viewing prospects, the length of totality—around two minutes and eight seconds —and a spectacular region of the Andes studded with scenic lakes and volcanoes. Our eclipse adventure begins in the scenic mountain town of Bariloche, Argentina, and brings us across the Andes to our private viewing site close to Pucón in Chile’s Lake District. Our special guest, astronomer Richard Terrile, PhD, of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, will guide us through this spectacular phenomenon and provide presentations on eclipses and astronomy during the trip. Dr. Terrile is a veteran of seven total solar eclipses as well as an expert on eclipse photography, planetary exploration, and artificial intelligence.

Our Itinerary December 9-11 Bariloche, Argentina / San Martín de los Andes Arrive in Bariloche, a mountain town set on the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi. We’ll have panoramas across snow-capped Andean peaks from Cerro Campanario, then gather for a Welcome Reception and Dinner. A boat journey brings us to Isla Victoria, and we’ll head to the Bosque de Arrayanes for a walk in this rare forest of native myrtle trees, then enjoy an eclipse presentation by Dr. Terrile. A beautiful drive on the “Route of the Seven Lakes” brings us to our hotel outside the charming mountain town of San Martín de Los Andes. We’ll stop along the way for photography and a hike, then gather in the evening for an astronomy presentation.

December 12-13 Volcán Lanín / Pucón, Chile / Hiking and Cultural Activities We’ll enjoy a hike at the base of towering, snow-capped Volcán Lanín and a walk in a native araucaria forest in Lanín National Park before we cross into Chile. Our Chilean hotel is in Pucón, set at the foot of Volcán Villarrica in the Chilean Lake District. In Pucón, we have a choice of hikes, excursions to hot springs, and an exploration of Mapuche culture as well as continuing astronomy presentations. December 14 Eclipse Day! We view the Total Solar Eclipse from a private location close to Pucón, and this exciting day ends with an eclipse slide show and festive Farewell Dinner. December 15 Temuco / Santiago / Depart Transfer to Temuco for a charter flight to Santiago and connect with homeward-bound flights.

Our Guest Speaker Dr. Richard Terrile is a Voyager scientist who discovered several moons of Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. He is a frequent lecturer on Total Solar Eclipses and also offers science consulting for the movie industry. Dr. Terrile was featured in The Farthest, a Voyager documentary shown on PBS. Program Cost: TBA This program can be combined with a variety of extensions and trips in Argentina and Chile.

Serengeti Wildlife Safari THE GREAT MIGRATION, TARANGIRE,

(December-March “Southern Serengeti” itineraries) Days 1-5 Arusha / Serengeti Our secluded private camp in Serengeti National Park is set close to the wildlife and far from the game lodges, with prime access to a rich mosaic of habitats crisscrossed by the rivers that run through this legendary park. We’ll see vast numbers of migrating wildebeest and zebra as well as giraffe, hippo, crocodile, large prides of lion, clans of spotted hyena, and cheetah along the river tracks. Days 6-8 Lake Manyara / Ngorongoro Crater We visit Olduvai, where in 1959 Mary Leakey made her now-famous discovery of the Zinjanthropus skull, explore Lake Manyara National Park, home to tree-climbing lions and troops of baboons, and stay at a lodge on

The Great Migration in the Serengeti is the largest mass movement of animals on Earth—over a million wildebeest

cross these famed grasslands, closely watched by predators, from lion and hyena to crocodile. Our active safari gives you a front row seat for this spectacle, combining boutique lodges with exclusive luxury camps to grant you unparalleled access to the migration. This amazing safari includes the legendary Ngorongoro Crater and exquisite Tarangire National Park, with its enormous herds of elephant and Cape buffalo and excellent leopard

“We were immersed in the bush— its grandeur, its wildlife, its culture. When we reflect on the trip, the first word which comes from each of us is ‘Wow.’” Bob K., Orinda CA

Our decades of experience in Tanzania bring you a finely tuned seasonal itinerary that ensures fantastic wildlife encounters, superb private camps, and deluxe lodges. PHOTO BELOW: ANUP SHAH WILLIAM GRAY

sightings. Expect phenomenal safari guides, superb logistics, a camp crew who become like family, bush walks, night game drives, and cultural encounters with the Masai. Top off each day with Champagne at sunset, a fine meal shared with your safari companions, and relaxing by the campfire with a billion stars overhead. This is the ultimate safari!

FOR EVEN MORE DETAILS ON OUR EUOPEAN TRIPS VISIT WWW. WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM /TRIPS/PACIFIC 18

NGORONGORO CRATER

the rim of Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. The crater’s 105-square-mile floor is home to Africa’s largest permanent concentration of wildlife in a phenomenally scenic setting. Days 9-13 Tarangire / Arusha It is astounding to see Tarangire’s tremendous year-round concentrations of big game: elephant gathered in the hundreds, huge herds of zebra, wildebeest, Cape buffalo, eland, and impala, oryx, kongoni, and Grant’s gazelle. Leopard can often be found resting in trees, and lion are seen along the river. From our private camp, we explore on foot with trackers, set out on night game drives with a spotlight, and visit the Maasai. Options include a hot air balloon safari with a Champagne brunch. Depart on Day 13 via Arusha.

DENIS HUOT PAUL JOYNSON-HICKS

HIGHLIGHTS • Exclusive luxury camps set in ideal locations for game viewing, far from crowded lodges • Exciting bush walks, night game drives, off-road travel, cultural encounters with the Maasai • Four full days in the Serengeti, four in Tarangire National Park • Custom-designed Land Cruisers with guaranteed window seats • Expert Trip Leader who is with you the entire safari • Private charter flight, Olduvai Gorge, incomparable Ngorongoro Crater DETAILS • 13-day trip begins and ends in Arusha • 4 nights deluxe game lodges, 8 nights exclusive private camps • All meals included

• Experience tropical Zanzibar Island’s white-sand beaches and ancient Swahili culture • Track endangered mountain gorillas in the montane forests of Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans, where primatologist Dian Fossey worked EXTEND YOUR ADVENTURE

DATES Dec 22, 2018-Jan 3, 2019 Jan 6-18, 2019 Jan 23-Feb 4 Feb 8-20

Feb 24-Mar 8 Mar 20-Apr 1 Jun 13-25 Jun 28-Jul 10

Jul 18-30 Aug 9-21 Sep 4-16 Dec 23, 2019-Jan 4, 2020

TRIP COST $8995 (10-15 members) $9495 (4-9 members) Single supplement: $750 Charter flight: $370 Holiday surcharge (Dec): $600 Park fees: $1700 Zanzibar Extension: from $1395 Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans Extension: from $2495 TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 4WD game viewing, optional guided game walks, evening game drives

BILL ABBOTT

SEE WHY WT’S SERENGETI SAFARI IS THE BEST: WILDTRAV.COM/WT/SERENGETI-SAFARI 19

Our Lemosho-Crater Camp Route is hands-down the best route on Kili, with uncrowded campsites and seven days on the ascent for maximum acclimatization—the key to summit success.

Climb Kilimanjaro! TREK TO THE SUMMIT OF AFRICA’S HIGHEST MOUNTAIN

We’ve perfected the climb to the celebrated “snows of Kilimanjaro” on our stunning Lemosho-Crater Camp Route, a beautiful, uncrowded trail on Kili’s remote southwest flanks. With

day at this elevation is essential to getting us used to the altitude. From Crater Camp (18,500'), our extraordinary camp by the Furtwangler Glacier, we can explore the inner crater and Ash Pit on an optional hike. The next day, our two-hour climb from Crater Camp is short, bringing us to Uhuru Peak (19,341'), Kili’s true summit, the roof of Africa. We’ll be on the summit for sunrise, with surreal views of the vast African plains spread beneath our feet before the daytime clouds arrive. A descent along the Mweka Route brings us back to our lodge for a well-deserved shower and victory celebration. Depart in the evening of Day 11, or join one of our post-climb extensions. EXTEND YOUR ADVENTURE • Big Five game viewing on a 5-day post-climb safari: Ngorongoro & Serengeti • Track mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s renowned Parc National des Volcans • Snorkel, bike, and windsurf on the spice-scented isle of Zanzibar

Days 1-2 Arusha National Park / Acclimatization We start our Kilimanjaro climb the perfect way—with two overnights at our private camp at 6,500 feet on Mount Meru in Arusha National Park. This allows us to acclimatize to the altitude, take warm-up hikes, and look for bushbuck, giraffe, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Days 3-5 Kilimanjaro / Shira Plateau At the trailhead at 7,500 feet, we meet our porters and trail guides and hike through dense montane forest festooned with lichens. We’ll keep an eye out for a colorful array of birdlife and evidence of forest elephant. Ascending through the giant heath zone where Kili’s ancient lava flows are still visible, we move up to Shira Ridge Camp (11,500'), then Moir Camp (13,100'), set on a bluff on the immense crater of the Shira Plateau. Days 6-11 Lava Tower Camp / Crater Camp / Summit Day Entering Kili’s alpine desert zone, we have an important acclimatization day at Lava Tower Camp (15,240'). An extra

seven days on the ascent for maximum altitude acclimatization, you’ll have the best chance of peak success—plus just a

“This is the best Kilimanjaro trek that you are going to find anywhere, with any company. I highly recommend it!” James H., Newton Center MA

short climb to the summit to view the

sunrise (not the grueling 9-hour climb in the dark required on other routes!). Our camps provide the finest amenities on the mountain, with fresh, hearty cuisine, full porter support, and comfortable tents, and our legendary, highly skilled guides and crew bring experience, camaraderie, and fun to your climb.

QUESTIONS? 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL AFRICA@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 20

TRIP COST $5395 (10-14 members) $5795 (5-9 members) Single supplement: $400 VAT fee: $500 Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans Extension: from $2495 Zanzibar Extension: from $1395 Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti Safari Extension: from $3495 TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Physically demanding 9-day trek to 19,341 feet, difficult terrain including scree (loose rock) and snow, extreme altitudes Park fees: $1550 Gorilla Tracking In

HIGHLIGHTS • Climb the best route to the summit of Africa’s highest mountain! • Uncrowded trails, no retracing of steps, vital extra days for maximum acclimatization • Sunrise on the summit of Africa, unique alpine flora (five eco-zones!), camp by the glaciers on Kili’s crater rim • Led by the most experienced guides, with specialized high-altitude training • Porter gratuities included DETAILS • 11-day trip begins and ends in Arusha • 8 nights mountain camps, 2 nights private acclimatization camp • All meals included DATES Dec 22, 2018-Jan 1, 2019 Jan 10-20, 2020 Jan 12-22, 2019 Feb 5-15 Feb 1-11 Feb 25-Mar 6 Feb 18-28 Jul 2-12 Jul 4-14 Aug 14-24 Aug 9-19 Sep 4-14 Aug 30-Sep 9 Dec 18-28 Dec 20-30

ROSHNI LODHIA

THE ULTIMATE ROUTE UP KILI

• Climb with the experts on Kilimanjaro—we have 30 years of experience • Our Lemosho-Crater Camp Route keeps you away from crowded trails, with no retracing of steps • Maximum acclimatization with a full 7 days on the ascent—we have a 98 percent summit success rate! • We do not summit Kili from Barafu (15,311'), as most other companies do. We avoid this crowded camp and give you a short summit day. • Summit day is a spectacular 2-hour ascent, avoiding the 9-hour climb on other routes • Legendary Trip Leaders, full-service camp amenities, delicious and nutritious food, full porter support

ANTHONY VAN TONDER

SUBRA NARAYAN

FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON HOW WT DOES KILIMANJARO RIGHT, VISIT WILDTRAV.COM/WT/KILIMANJARO 21

BRIAN MCGILLOWAY BRIAN MCGILLOWAY Mountain Gorilla Safari GORILLAS, CHIMPS, AND A BIG GAME SAFARI

Two full days of gorilla tracking in Bwindi’s steep forests will give you the wildlife experience of a lifetime. PHOTO: MITCHELL KROG

Tracking mountain gorillas in the wild is one of the planet’s most awe-inspiring experiences. Our safari brings you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to half

chimpanzees as they forage, build nests, call to one another, and scamper across the treetops. Other primates in this green ecosystem include grey-cheeked mangabeys, and vervet, colobus, and red-tailed monkeys. Days 4-6 Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari Queen Elizabeth National Park is a 770-square- mile chunk of the western Great Rift Valley that boasts the stunning backdrop of the snow-capped Ruwenzoris, Africa’s fabled “Mountains of the Moon.” This sublime park teems with wildlife, and we explore savanna grasslands, walk shady trails, go birding in the Maramagambo Forest, and boat on the Kazinga Channel, with its huge hippo population—up to 30,000! Days 7-11 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park / Gorilla Tracking / Entebbe Bwindi, the remnant of a once-vast primeval forest, is home to some 400 magnificent mountain gorillas who reside in nomadic clans on the slopes. From our tented lodge, we have two full and exciting days of tracking, including hikes through dense thickets at altitudes of 3,800 to 7,500 feet for the incredible experience of coming face to face with gorilla families in the wild. Depart on Day 11 via Entebbe. ON OUR WEBSITE ULTIMATE UGANDA SAFARI Safari in legendary Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, plus chimp tracking and gorilla treks! Sep 20-Oct 1, 2019. From $7995.

HIGHLIGHTS • Enjoy thrilling encounters with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park • Track chimpanzees on the trails of Kibale Forest National Park • Phenomenal big game safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park in the Great Rift Valley • Comfortable forest lodges with superb access to the wildlife DETAILS • 11-day trip begins and ends in Entebbe • 7 nights hotels and lodges, 3 nights tented lodge • All meals included

“An extensive look at a beautiful country that is still off the beaten path. The variety of environments from savanna to rainforest, and the animals, were amazing, and the itinerary so very well thought out.” Jack S., Evergreen CO

the world’s population of these highly endangered mammals. We give you two full days of gorilla tracking so you’ll have extraordinary opportunities to observe them up close. The hikes to find the gorilla clans are steep, but the experience of sitting amid a silverback and his family is unforgettable. We’ll also track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, following these acrobats as they leap from tree to tree.

DATES Jan 8-18, 2019 Feb 4-14 Jul 8-18 Aug 5-15 Jan 8-18, 2020 Feb 4-14

In beautiful Queen Elizabeth National Park, we’ll spot big game (leopard, tree-climbing lion, huge herds of buffalo, and elephant) and boat in the Kazinga Channel among throngs of hippo—this magnificent safari has it all! Days 1-3 Entebbe / Kibale Forest National Park / Wild Chimpanzees Our safari begins as we head through Uganda’s tropical countryside to Kibale Forest National Park to track bands of

TRIP COST $6995 (6-10 members) $7495 (3-5 members) Single supplement: $1400 Internal airfare: $470 (subject to change) Gorilla permits (2 treks): $300 Chimp permits (2 treks): $1200 Masai Mara National Reserve Extension: from $3395 TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 + 4 5 6 7 2 days of gorilla tracking (3-7 hours on steep and sometimes muddy trails), 2 days chimpanzee tracking on forested trails (3-4 hours each day), 4WD game viewing

FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR AFRICA TRIPS, VISIT WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM/TRIPS/AFRICA 22

Zambia Walking Safari WALK ON THE WILD SIDE IN UNTOUCHED AFRICA

Remote and untamed, Zambia is the legendary birthplace of the walking safari, and our adventure is a match for its wonders. With consummate guide Jason Alfonsi, we truly experience all that Africa has to offer—up close and in a way that is impossible from a vehicle. Tracking game on foot is a thrill, from seeing an elephant taking a mud bath to watching waterbuck, kudu, and impala leaping through the bush. South Luangwa National Park—3,500 square miles of untouched wilderness—is as wild as it gets, but our lodges and Hemingway-style mobile camps ensure cozy comfort. Night game viewing, 4WD exploration, magenta sunsets over oxbow lakes—it’s all on this authentic experience of wild Africa. Days 1-2 Mfuwe / South Luangwa National Park At Nkwali Camp, a lovely lodge on private land on the Luangwa River, the wildlife is all around us—the endemic Thornicroft’s giraffe is often seen near camp, and at night we may hear giraffe browsing outside our chalets. With the setting of the sun, a different world awakens, revealing the nocturnal realm of lion, genet, and hyena.

Days 3-6 Walking Safari / Luangwa Valley We’re up at sunrise each day for an exciting bush walk, with the chance to see elephant, waterbuck, hippo, and zebra at close quarters, and, with luck, the full complement of predators. From examining a bird’s nest to tracking a lion, we’ll get a deeper understanding of the fascinating bush ecosystem and how it works—it’s an incredible experience of Africa and its wildlife. Our full-service mobile camps provide wonderful comfort, from walk-in tents to delicious meals served al fresco . Days 7-10 Tena Tena Camp Around Tena Tena, a secluded camp with a classic bush atmosphere, leopard sightings are frequent, and it is a thrill to see one of these gorgeous cats padding through the shadows, its tail lifted high, or perched languidly in a sausage tree. Bush walks and 4WD game drives bring us to oxbow lakes and through ebony forests. Depart on Day 10 via Mfuwe or extend to majestic Victoria Falls. EXTEND YOUR ADVENTURE • Visit majestic Victoria Falls, “The Smoke That Thunders” • Safari among the elephants at Zimbabwe’s famed Hwange National Park • Explore on foot and by canoe along the wildlife-rich Zambezi River

HIGHLIGHTS • Experience an incredible walking safari in a pristine African wilderness • Great leopard sightings and the possibility of predator-prey interactions • Night drives allow us to get closer to many nocturnal creatures • Small groups (maximum 6!) provide an authentic and intimate experience • Welcoming lodges, full-service private camps DETAILS • 10-day trip begins and ends in Mfuwe • 4 nights mobile tents, 5 nights tented camps • All meals included TRIP COST $6795 (2-6 members) Park fees: $730 No extra charge for singles! * Call for Special Event pricing and details Victoria Falls Extension: from $795 Among the Elephants Extension: from $1595 Lower Zambezi Canoe and Walking Safari Extension: from $2595 TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 4-day walking safari in Luangwa Valley, 6-8 miles a day over uneven terrain, 4WD game viewing DATES Apr 8-19, 2019 * Special Event Jul 20-29 Aug 20-29 Sep 8-17

Our walking safari is an incredible opportunity to experience a unique safari on foot in wild Africa, and with truly expert leadership.

DANA ALLEN DANA ALLEN

RICHARD DU TOIT

GARETH BENTLEY

FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL AFRICA@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 23

From breathtaking landscapes to rare wildlife and traditional cultures, we bring you into the full wonder of Namibia.

Namibia Expedition ETOSHA, HIMBA TRIBES, SOSSUSVLEI DUNES, AND A DESERT HIKE

Namibia has a surreal beauty and absolutely unique wildlife, including the largest free-roaming population of black rhino in Africa, the highest cheetah population in the world, and rare desert- adapted elephant. Our

Days 1-2 Windhoek / Okonjima We head to Okonjima, home to AfriCat, the largest cheetah and leopard rescue and release program in the world. Here we learn about conservation efforts and track these captivating species—our up-close encounters with leopard and cheetah are unforgettable. Days 3-4 Etosha National Park Ethereal salt pans in this world-famous habitat are gathering places for throngs of wildlife. We explore by 4WD vehicle, on the lookout for elephant, lion, giraffe, blue wildebeest, kudu, gemsbok (oryx), zebra, and more. Days 5-8 Damaraland / Himba / Twyfelfontein Damaraland is a surprising refuge for desert-adapted wildlife including elephant, giraffe, oryx, and springbok. We’ll track game in this unfenced landscape and visit the Himba, the semi-nomadic

pastoralists who live here. At Twyfelfontein, a World Heritage Site, we’ll walk among sandstone boulders that hold some 2,500 prehistoric engravings in a great gallery of petroglyphs, including intriguing shamanic symbols. Days 9-10 Swakopmund / Sossusvlei Dunes From the coastal town of Swakopmund, a scenic flight brings us into Namib-Naukluft National Park, where we can climb the towering Sossusvlei Dunes. Days 11-14 Tok Tokkie Trail / Windhoek We set off on foot across the Tok Tokkie Trail, an impossibly beautiful landscape, with an expert leader who will unlock its secrets. After candlelit dinners watching the twilight colors, we’ll sleep in our own “dune beds” under the stars—an extraordinary experience. Depart Day 14 via Windhoek.

“An astounding trip to a beautiful country. The Tok Tokkie hike is what caused me to choose the WT trip—and it was great!” Edward C. Canandaigua NY

active and diverse safari will have you tracking rhino on foot, climbing the colossal Sossusvlei Dunes, meeting traditional Himba nomads, and hiking the Tok Tokkie

Trail across a silent desert landscape, with nights in “dune beds” beneath the star-studded sky.

SEE WHY WT’S NAMIBIA EXPEDITION IS THE BEST: WILDTRAV.COM/WT/NAMIBIA 24

HIGHLIGHTS • Track leopard and cheetah at Okonjima • World-class game viewing in Etosha National Park • Track desert rhino on foot in Damaraland with the Save the Rhino Trust • Climb dunes in Sossusvlei • Hike across the Tok Tokkie Trail’s magnificent desert landscape DETAILS • 14-day trip begins and ends in Windhoek • 8 nights deluxe wildlife camps, 2 nights open-air camping, 1 night hotel, 2 nights guesthouse • All meals included

DATES Mar 28-Apr 12, 2019* Jul 11-24 Apr 8-22* Aug 13-26 May 10-23 Sep 17-30 Jun 5-18 * Special Event

BILL ABBOTT

ON OUR WEBSITE IN THE REALM OF THE DESERT LION Namibia shelters free-roaming desert lion, the world’s only growing population of black rhino, and 50 percent of the Earth’s wild cheetah! Track these fascinating species and enjoy incredible insider access to the wildlife biologists and conservation projects that protect them. You’ll track cheetah on foot at AfriCat, get a behind-the-scenes look at Desert Rhino Camp, and at magnificent Kunene Reserve, have world-exclusive access to Dr. Flip Stander’s study of desert lion. Accommodations are in exquisite safari camps amid Namibia’s pristine open spaces and a remote field camp. This unique adventurer’s safari is your chance to be part of one of the greatest wildlife recovery stories ever told. Apr 8-20*, Jun 23-Jul 5, Sep 2-14, 2019. From $9895. * Special Event

TRIP COST $8495 (4-12 members) Single supplement: $750

Internal airfare: $660 (subject to change) Low season discount (May-Jun): $900 * Call for Special Event pricing and details Cape Town Extension: from $1295 TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 4WD game viewing, easy to moderate hiking

DAVID ROGERS ERIC BACCEGA

TARRY BUTCHER

CHRISTOPHE COURTEAU

BILL ABBOTT

This unforgettable safari will have you working alongside some of the most dedicated wildlife researchers in the world. PHOTO: JP SURAUD

Giraffe Conservation & Safari WORLD EXCLUSIVE SAFARI WITH GPS TAGGING OF GIRAFFE

Namibia is stunning, its otherworldly landscapes like no other place on Earth. With more than 40 percent of its land under conservation, Namibia is also the greatest conservation story ever told. We’ll track cheetah on foot at famed AfriCat, search the vast Etosha savannas for elephant, lion, and leopard, and encounter the semi-nomadic Himba people in remote Damaraland. With behind-the-scenes access at Save the Rhino Trust, we track desert-dwelling black rhino on foot in the wild. On two thrilling days, we’ll join a team of field conservationists and vets, working right alongside them in the field to track and attach GPS tags to wild giraffes—be prepared to be awed! Days 1-2 Windhoek / Leopard Tracking / AfriCat We head to Okonjima, home of AfriCat, the world’s largest center for the rehabilitation of Africa’s big cats. In the last 20 years, more than a thousand of these predators have been rescued, with over 85 percent released back into the wild. We search for leopard, track cheetah on foot, and enjoy remarkably close encounters.

Africa’s finest game reserves and a haven for an immense variety of wildlife. At Etosha’s springs, fountains, and waterholes, we should see herds of wildebeest, flocks of ostrich, lines of zebra, and other game, as well as Etosha’s large predators, including lion, cheetah, and jackal. Days 5-8 Himba / Damaraland Namibia’s wildlife roams large tracks of unfenced desert landscapes and to behold this vast and beautiful land is as much of a reward as the thrill of seeing wildlife. We visit the semi-nomadic Himba people, then head to our private “under canvas” camp (expect comfort!) in Damaraland. Here we search for rare desert-adapted wildlife including rhino. Wilderness Travel is proud to support the vital anti-poaching work of the Save the Rhino Trust located here. Namibia now has the only growing black rhino population in all of Africa. Days 9-13 Tagging of Giraffe On a private game reserve adjacent to Etosha National Park, we have the extraordinary—and world exclusive—opportunity to be an integral part of a team performing GPS tagging of giraffe in the wild. We will work alongside them, observing the darting procedures, assisting with tagging, and at the same time, learning about giraffe ecology with pioneering conservation scientist Dr. Julian Fennessy. Fly back to Windhoek on Day 12 and depart on Day 13.

HIGHLIGHTS • Just 6 participants—led by Jason Nott, one of Namibia’s most respected safari guides • Hands-on participation in GPS tagging of giraffe with Dr. Julian Fennessy—an incredible experience! • Track cheetah and leopard at AfriCat, and endangered rhino in Damaraland with the Save the Rhino Trust • Stay in gorgeous game lodges and wonderfully remote camps DETAILS • 13-day trip begins and ends in Windhoek • 9 nights hotels and lodges, 3 nights mobile camp • All meals included

DATES Nov 3-15, 2018 Mar 30-Apr 12, 2019 *Special Event Jul 7-19 Jul 19-31

TRIP COST $8995 (6 members) $9295 (5 members) $9695 (4 members) Single supplement: $1300

Internal airfare: $820 (subject to change) Donation to Giraffe Conservation Foundation (tax deductible): $3250 * Call for Special Event pricing and details

Days 3-4 Etosha National Park Explore by 4WD vehicle in magnificent Etosha, one of

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 + 3 4 5 6 7 4WD game viewing, bush walks

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Madagascar: Off the Beaten Path WHERE NATURAL HISTORY ABOUNDS WITHOUT LIMITS

Isolated from the rest of Africa since the time of the dinosaurs, Madagascar shelters exotic life forms found nowhere else, including more than 100 species of lemur and wildly colorful chameleons ranging from thumbnail-sized to two feet long! In this treasure trove of nature, we bring you into five national parks and reserves, from spiny deserts to rich rainforests. Each day we maximize your experience with your choice of guided hikes, whether a photo-paced ramble, a

challenging hike, or an early morning bird walk. You’ll meet wildlife researchers, visit reforestation projects—and even plant a seedling on the famed Avenue of the Baobabs! Days 1-4 Antananarivo / Avenue of the Baobabs / Kirindy Forest Explore Antananarivo, then head to the photogenic Avenue of the Baobabs to sip Malagasy sundowners and watch the sunset amid these majestic natural monuments, some over 800 years old. We enjoy walks in private Kirindy Forest Reserve, home to many primates, including Verreaux’s sifaka, a host of colorful endemic chameleons, and the elusive fossa. Days 5-8 Antsirabe / Ranomafana In Antsirabe, we visit artisan weaving workshops, then head out for nature walks in pristine Ranomafana National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Twelve lemur species have been recorded in this prime rainforest, including the rare golden bamboo lemur. On one evening here, we enjoy a private talk with a wildlife researcher.

BRUNO MORANDI

community-run Anja Reserve, hike in the sandstone gorges of Isalo National Park, and enjoy the baobabs, exotic birds, and lemurs of Zombitse-Vohibasia, a rare example of Madagascar’s dry deciduous forest. Days 13-16 Andisabe / Lemur Island Our grand finale is Andisabe National Park, a vibrant rainforest teeming with exotic birdlife, and colorful reptiles such as the two-foot-long Parson’s chameleon. It is also home to the famous Indri indri, the largest species of lemur. Depart Antananarivo on Day 16. ON OUR WEBSITE MAGICAL MADAGASCAR Discover renowned Andisabe, the ring-tailed and sifaka lemurs of Berenty, and the spectacular landscapes of Ankarana and Amber Mountain National Parks, with optional Seychelles extension. Nov 4-16, 2018; May 5-17, Jul 7-19, Sep 8-20, Oct 6-18, Nov 3-15, 2019. From $4995.

HIGHLIGHTS • Choice of hiking options, fascinating night walks, and early morning outings for birders • Outstanding Malagasy Trip Leaders • Extra local naturalist guides at each park so you can choose from a range of hiking options • Visit a reforestation project and sample traditional Malagasy cuisine • Air-conditioned vehicles with guaranteed window seats • Extensions include Ankarana National Park, South Africa game viewing, Rwanda gorilla tracking DETAILS • 16-day trip begins and ends in Antananarivo • 15 nights hotels and wildlife lodges • All meals included except 1 dinner DATES Apr 14-29, 2019 Apr 12-27, 2020 Sep 1-16 Sep 6-21 Sep 22-Oct 7 Sep 27-Oct 12 Oct 20-Nov 4 Oct 18-Nov 2 Internal airfare: $895 (subject to change) Ankarana and Amber Mountain National Parks Extension: from $2290 Cape Town Extension: from $1295 Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans Extension: from $2495 TRIP LEVEL 1 2 + 3 4 5 6 7 Easy to moderate nature walks, rugged road travel TRIP COST $5895 (9-12 members) $6295 (5-8 members) Single supplement: $895

Days 9-12 Anja / Isalo / Zombitse-Vohibasia Get eye to eye with the friendly ring-tailed lemurs at

Enjoy your choice of naturalist-led hikes (easy, moderate, or photo-paced) in Madagascar’s most fascinating wildlife reserves. PHOTO: NICK GARBUTT

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JON ARNOLD

Our safari includes award-winning game lodges and a wonderful variety of adventures, from wildlife viewing by open-air rail car to canoeing on the Zambezi.

Wild Zimbabwe A THRILLING SAFARI AND SPECTACULAR LODGES

Experience a safari like no other—brimming with activities and phenomenal wildlife. Zimbabwe, renowned for having the most highly trained safari guides in all of Africa, is where we can leave the safari vehicle behind and follow the wildlife on foot—it’s thrilling! As we explore Hwange

Gorge. After high tea on the terrace of the famed Victoria Falls Hotel, we board our private vintage sleeper train for an unforgettable overnight journey to Hwange National Park, with a three- course dinner on board. Days 3-5 Hwange National Park / Camelthorn Lodge Stylish Camelthorn Lodge is set on community lands in the untouched and game-rich southern end of Hwange, Zimbabwe’s first and largest national park. With private gate access, we’ll explore the Ngamo Plains, known for lion, leopard, zebra, giraffe, and the infamous cheetah clan known as the “Bomani brothers.” We’ll also view elephant from a below-ground blind and walk to school with the local children—and see how we do at learning their click language! Days 6-10 Nehimba Lodge / Zambezi National Park / Zambezi Sands A game drive brings us to dreamy Nehimba Lodge, surrounded by rock outcrops and sand rivers. Here our thatched chalets encircle a waterhole beloved by throngs of elephants—we’ll see them up close right from the deck. In Zambezi National Park, our award-winning Zambezi Sands lodge positions us for canoeing amid the Siansimba Islands and a private Zambezi cruise at sunset (with sundowners!). Depart on Day 10 via Victoria Falls or join one of our extensions.

HIGHLIGHTS • Magnificent Victoria Falls, one of the wonders of the world • Open vehicles, game drives, night drives, game walks—the freedom of safari in Zimbabwe! • Enjoy beautiful tented camps and lodges with amazing access to wildlife • Special “look up” blind for incredible wildlife photography • Overnight journey to Hwange in style aboard a vintage railway car • Support the work of the best community conservation projects in the country DETAILS • 10-day trip begins and ends in Victoria Falls • 8 nights luxury tented camps, chalets, and villas, 1 night Stimela Star vintage train • All meals included

“The game viewing, fabulous lodges, and amazing knowledge and passion of our guide made this an unforgettable experience.” Deborah S. Hermosa Beach CA

National Park, with its world- famous herds of elephants and great numbers of lion, leopard, and cheetah, we stay in award-winning lodges that support local communities and are set in the most game-rich areas. Unique safari activities abound, from arriving in the park by vintage train to a safari

DATES Apr 8-19, 2019 *Special Event

Jul 12-21 Aug 5-14 Sep 9-18

by canoe and watching elephants up-close from a special “look up” hide right at water hole level (perfect for photography!). Days 1-2 Victoria Falls / Batoka Gorge / Vintage Rail Car We’ll hike to the best viewpoints of thundering Victoria Falls on a spectacular trail and enjoy panoramic vistas from our lodge, set 600 feet above the Zambezi River’s Batoka

TRIP COST $5795 (7-12 members) $6295 (2-6 members) Single supplement: $1050 * Call for Special Event pricing and details Mana Pools Extension: from $2695 Victoria Falls Extension: from $795 TRIP LEVEL 1 2 + 3 4 5 6 7 Game viewing by 4WD vehicle and rail car, bush walks, canoeing, cultural explorations

FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL AFRICA@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 28