2020 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 2 0

Awaken

your inner traveler

Dear Adventurer,

We are delighted to share our new Catalog of Adventures with you. For over 40 years, Wilderness Travel has been a company 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. We are exceptionally proud that our trips have won every major award in adventure travel. Whichever journey you choose, whether a classic hiking adventure we have honed to perfection, one of our Special Events with world-renowned speakers and unique journeys, or one of our exciting exploratory expeditions, your adventure will feature our acclaimed itinerary design and attention to detail. I invite you to join us!

Bill Abbott, Founder and President

Experience

the world’s wonders

Savor

the moment

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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!

Our lodging is carefully chosen and wonderfully comfortable. Find yourself being welcomed to a 15th century chateau high above the Dordogne River in southern France, 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!

“You have got to be the best tour operator on the planet. Impeccably organized, tremendously interesting—we can’t wait for our next trip!” Christine W., Pittsburgh PA

Connect

with our world

“WT has it all covered. Thank you for offering such diversity in your trips, and giving me the opportunity to turn my

dreams into reality.” Georgia S., Sacramento 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 extraor- dinary 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.

Small Group Adventures With more than 200 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. These 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 has its 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.

“Wilderness Travel is always raising the bar! You deliver the best trips, thanks to the great office staff and your incredible Trip Leaders in the field.” Jeannie S., Milwaukee WI

Choose

how you travel

the wilderness travel

Difference

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 Institute, the Galápagos Conservancy, and 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

Leaders with passion and deep knowledge of their destination make all the difference to your experience. They take care of every detail, so you can savor the moment. Experts in their destination—naturalists, art historians, photographers, mountaineers—they have a remarkable gift for sharing their knowledge and introducing you to favorite 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 and are great fun. Here are just a few of our extraordinary leaders. See our full team, schedules, and bios at: www.wildernesstravel.com

José Argento José began exploring Patagonia’s mountains when he was just a teenager and loves sharing his stories and knowledge of both the natural and human history of the region. In the off season, he does volunteer work monitoring green sea turtles in Costa Rica and Spain. He’s also a very accomplished equestrian (and polo player!) who made the 18-day journey from the Atlantic Coast to the Andes on horseback, following in the footsteps of Darwin.

Kinley Gyeltshen When Bhutan first opened its doors to the outside world, Kinley was among the first to be selected for guide training—mastering extensive studies in Buddhist iconography, culture, history, and botany. With 30 years of experience leading trips, he is equally adept at explaining the traditional arts of Bhutan as he is navigating high-altitude passes en route to sacred Mt. Chomolhari.

Naoise O Muircheartaigh Born on Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula and into its distinct Gaelic culture, Naoise O Muircheartaigh (the Gaelic spelling of Moriarty) is following in the footsteps of his adventurous father, Trip Leader Con Moriarty. Naoise’s rock and ice climbing have led him around the world, and he leads our journeys in Ireland, Norway, and Lapland, having earned a reputation— and following—as a calm, caring, and knowledgeable Trip Leader.

Sibahle Sibanda “Sibs” is famed as much for his exuberant personality as for his wildlife-spotting expertise. Holding the renowned Zimbabwe guiding license (which takes four years to acquire), he was named Guide of the Year in 2018 by the Zimbabwe Professional Guides Association. Sibs has an absolute passion for wildlife conservation. He has been guiding for 15 years and especially loves walking safaris among the legendary elephant herds of Hwange.

Andrea Duggan Originally from the UK, Andrea has been working, diving, and traveling in Asia and Spain since 1998. She makes her home in Indonesia, where she leads our Raja Ampat and Komodo snorkeling adventures. A scuba diving and freediving instructor, she is passionate about the ocean environment and has an in-depth knowledge of Indonesia’s incredible marine biodiversity. When not guiding, Andrea teaches yoga on a small island off Lombok.

Timothy Smith Born in Zimbabwe, Tim developed a fascination with wildlife and nature at a young age. After earning his Field Guides of Southern Africa qualification, he moved to Namibia where he assisted in the reintroduction of African wild dog on the Erindi Private Game Reserve and tracked wild leopard for Erindi’s Global Leopard Project. Tim’s greatest passion is wildlife photography.

Donna Goodman Donna holds Wales’ prestigious Blue Badge Guide certification and expertly weaves her homeland’s fascinating history, bardic traditions, and ancient Celtic language into each journey she leads. She has traveled around the world from Antarctica to Tibet, and when not adventuring, you’ll find Donna at her home in the historic royal town of Caernarfon, hands deep in her vegetable garden.

Pasang Temba Sherpa Pasang was born in the beautiful village of Khunde in the Everest region, and attended the Sir Edmund Hillary School in Khumjung (which his father helped to build). A Senior Trek Leader, he has guided throughout the Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang regions of Nepal as well as in Tibet and Sikkim, and was the interpreter for a BBC-TV film crew. When not on trek, Pasang continues the Sherpa tradition of raising yaks.

WWW.WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 15

SPEC I AL EVENT Alaska’s Glacier Bay & Inside Passage WITH RICHARD NELSON AND KIM HEACOX • AUGUST 22-29, 2021

JON CORNFORTH

Glacier Bay’s magnificent blue-white glaciers, stunning fjords, and the temperate rainforests that flank the wildlife-rich waterways of the Inside Passage are the extraordinary settings for our Special Event. We’ll journey with renowned authors Richard Nelson and Kim Heacox aboard the comfortable 74-guest Wilderness Explorer, with hiking, whale watching, sea kayaking, and exploring by skiff all along the way. Our adventures are enriched by unforgettable presentations and daily informal interactions with our Guest Speakers. Their insights into the human relationship with the natural world bring an even greater depth to our explorations as we explore one of the most staggeringly beautiful landscapes in all North America.

STEVE GILROY

Kim Heacox’ books include the memoir The Only Kayak, a finalist for the PEN Western Writers Literary Award, and the novel Jimmy Bluefeather, winner of the National Outdoor Book Award. He also writes op-eds on the natural world for The Washington Post and has authored five books for the National Geographic Society. Kim lives in Gustavus at the gates of Glacier Bay. The Wilderness Explorer The 74-guest Wilderness Explorer is fully equipped for Alaskan adventure, with open deck areas for wildlife viewing, and an easy-launch platform for the on-board kayaks, inflatable skiffs, and paddleboards. All cabins are outside-facing, with queen or twin beds and a private bath with shower.

Our Journey Boarding our vessel in Juneau, we sail right to Glacier Bay National Park, a World Heritage Site where we have the special privilege of spending two full days. This gives us the opportunity to explore places most visitors never see, including wild Dundas Bay and Taylor Bay, where skiff rides, kayaking, and forest hikes offer amazing wildlife viewing. We’ll cruise to the far end of Tarr Inlet to see the Margerie and Grand Pacific glaciers calving, and into narrow Tidal Inlet, where bears forage along the shore. Leaving Glacier Bay, we kayak in Icy Strait, then sail to history-rich Chichagof and Baranof Islands in Chatham Strait, the heart of Tongass National Forest. At remote Kuiu Island, we see abundant life in the tidepools, and sail to the krill-rich waters of Frederick Sound to seek out humpback whales and orcas. Skiffing up Endicott Arm, we may see harbor seal pups lazing on icebergs. If the tides are right, we slip into the spectacular fjord of Ford’s Terror, then watch the Dawes Glacier calving blue ice down from the coastal mountains before ending our voyage in Juneau. Our Guest Speakers Richard Nelson, a resident of Sitka, is a cultural anthropologist and author whose work focuses on Alaska’s indigenous cultures and the relationships between humans and nature. His works include Make Prayers to the Raven, on the Koyukon people of Alaska’s boreal forest, and The Island Within, winner of the John Burroughs Medal.

Trip Cost: From $6695, depends on cabin type.

CALL FOR DETAILS 1.800.368.2794 16

SPEC I AL EVENT

Total Solar Eclipse in Antarctica WITH ALEX FILIPPENKO, TIM JARVIS, AND CONRAD ANKER • NOVEMBER 22-DECEMBER 12, 2021

Join us for an absolutely spectacular experience—seeing a total solar eclipse on an expedition cruise to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula, in the company of a team of expert naturalists and world-renowned Guest Speakers.

Our Journey Board the Seascape in Ushuaia, Argentina, and journey to the remote Falklands, awe-inspiring South Georgia Island, and the iceberg-filled waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula. Hikes among penguin rookeries, Zodiac excursions, and whale watching fill our days, and on Eclipse Day we’ll be on the Centerline between South Georgia and the South Orkney Islands. Totality is one minute and 41 seconds—and the eclipse takes place in the surreal austral light of the early morning. Being on board a ship allows us to be positioned for the best possible viewing, given the changeable weather conditions. Our team of Guest Speakers—a leading astronomer, a Shackleton expert and climate scientist, and a famed mountaineer—are all Antarctic veterans. You’ll have the chance to meet and learn from these celebrated icons of adventure and science during their fascinating presentations as well as informal interactions on board and during shore excursions.

Our Guest Speakers Alex Filippenko, PhD, is the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Distinguished Professor in the Physical Sciences at UC Berkeley. An extraordinary astronomer and educator, Dr. Filippenko has been voted “Best Professor” at UC Berkeley a record nine times. As of 2019, he has seen 17 eclipses, 12 of them with Wilderness Travel. Tim Jarvis, environmental scientist and adventurer, recreated Shackleton’s 800-mile survival journey in a replica of Shackleton’s lifeboat—with authentic period clothing and equipment! His adventure is chronicled in Chasing Shackleton, and a PBS documentary. Tim is the Australia World Wildlife Fund Global Ambassador. Conrad Anker, an acclaimed mountaineer, recently climbed Ulvetanna in Queen Maud land, adding to his Antarctic summits. Among his Himalayan expeditions are three Everest climbs, including one on which he discovered the body of legendary explorer George Mallory. The Seascape We voyage aboard the 140-guest Seascape , an expedition ship with outside-facing staterooms, library, fitness center, and a dining room with picture windows. She has a crew of 100, an ice-strengthened hull, and a fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks for forays into the realm of icebergs.

YVA MOMATIUK & JOHN EASTCOT MICHAEL NOLAN

Trip Cost: From $19,750, depends on cabin type

Tanzania: The Great Migration Safari SERENGETI, NGORONGORO, AND TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARKS

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

(December-March “Southern Serengeti” itineraries)

Days 1-5 Arusha / Serengeti Our secluded private camp surrounded by the fertile plains of the Serengeti is absolutely gorgeous—it gives new meaning to “glamping!” We set our camp close to the wildlife and far from the game lodges, allowing prime access to a rich mosaic of habitats crisscrossed by rivers. In this wilderness setting, we explore by 4WD vehicle to see vast numbers of migrating wildebeest and zebra as well as giraffe, hippo, crocodile, large prides of lion, cheetah, and clans of spotted hyena along the river tracks. In the solitude and beauty of our private Serengeti setting, our

wildebeest cross these grasslands, closely watched by predators, from lion and hyena to crocodile. Our unique safari gives you a front-row seat for this famed spectacle, combining boutique lodges and private luxury camps to bring you unparalleled access to the migration—far from the safari crowds. This amazing journey includes four days in the Serengeti and four in exquisite Tarangire National Park, with its enormous

“The tents were simply amazing, the Trip Leaders, staff and cuisine were top notch. I’ve never camped in such luxury. Impressive!” Lynn Z., Tucson AZ

herds of elephant and Cape buffalo, plus the wondrous Ngorongoro Crater. Expect phenomenal safari guides, game walks, evening game drives, and cultural encounters with the Maasai.

With our decades of experience in Tanzania, we have our own private camps, and a seasonally adjusted itinerary with incredible game viewing any time of the year. PHOTO: FEDERICO VERONESI MARY MCDONALD

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

camp features roomy walk-in tents with attached bathrooms and hot bucket showers, and comfortable beds made up with linens and a duvet. Delicious, freshly cooked meals are prepared and served by our wonderful long-time staff. 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 the lush environs of Lake Manyara National Park, home to tree-climbing lions and troops of baboons, and stay at a lodge on 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 National Park’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. Our close association with the local Maasai here is a special treat, and we explore on foot to enrich our game experiences. Our specialist walking guides have extensive knowledge of animal behavior and the ability to track any animal of interest that we encounter during the walks. Some evenings, we’ll set out on night game drives with a spotlight. You’ll also have the option of a hot air balloon safari with a Champagne brunch. Our private camp, set beneath glorious acacia trees facing the rising sun, has a classic bush camp backdrop in the heart of big game country. Depart on Day 13 via Arusha.

MICHAEL NICHOLS

HIGHLIGHTS • Exclusive luxury camps set in ideal locations for game viewing, far from crowded lodges • Fascinating 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 DATES Dec23,2019-Jan 4,2020 Jul 16-28, 2020 Jan 6-18, 2020 Jul 27-Aug 8 Jan 21-Feb 2 Aug 17-29 Feb 10-22 Sep 4-16 Mar 2-14 Sep 25-Oct 7 Mar 23-Apr 4 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 $1695 Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans Extension: from $2695 TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 4WD game viewing, optional guided game walks, evening game drives Jun 12-24

• 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

Dec21,2020-Jan 2, 2021

RALPH SHAPIRO

GARY STRAND

JANET SCHLICHT

FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON HOW WT DOES TANZANIA RIGHT VISIT WILDTRAV.COM/WT/SERENGETI-SAFARI 19

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

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 seven days on the ascent for maximum altitude acclimatization, you’ll have the best chance of summit success—plus just a short climb to the summit in time 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.

“It was an indescribable, life-affirming experience that I will always cherish. The skill, thoughtfulness, and dedication of your Trip Leaders made the climb seem effortless even though the challenge was great.” James P., Burbank CA

CHRISTIAN KOBER

THE ULTIMATE ROUTE UP KILI

• Climb with the Kilimanjaro experts—31 years of experience! • Our Kili route keeps you away from the crowded trails, with no retracing of steps • Maximum acclimatization with a full 7 days on the ascent—we have a 98% summit success rate! • We do not summit Kili from the crowded camp at Barafu (approx. 15,500'), as most other companies do. We avoid it 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

Let our legendary, highly skilled guides and crew bring experience, camaraderie—and fun—to your climb.

Days 1-2 Arusha National Park / Acclimatization We start our Kilimanjaro climb the ideal way—with two nights 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 also look for bushbuck, giraffe, and black-and-white colobus monkey. Days 3-5 Kilimanjaro / Shira Plateau Meeting our porters and trail guides at the trailhead (7,500'), we hike through thick 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 our Shira Ridge Camp (11,500'), with its dramatic view of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers that climbers on other routes never see. We continue to Moir Camp at 13,100 feet.

Below: 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. PHOTO: CHRISTIAN KOBER

HIGHLIGHTS • Climb the best route to the summit of Africa’s highest mountain! • Uncrowded trails, Kili’s five ecozones, vital extra days for acclimatization • Sunrise on the summit of Africa, camp by the glaciers on Kili’s crater rim • Led by the most experienced guides on the mountain • Porter gratuities included, we also insure and outfit our porters DETAILS • 11-day trip begins and ends in Arusha • 8 nights mountain camps, 2 nights private acclimatization camp • All meals included

NICOLE ABBOTT ROSHNI LODHIA

SUSAN BELL

DATES Dec 20-30, 2019 Jan 10-20, 2020 Feb 5-15 Feb 25-Mar 6 Jul 2-12 Aug 14-24 Sep 4-14 Dec 18-28

TRIP COST $5695 (10-14 members) $5995 (5-9 members) Single supplement: $400 VAT fee: $500 Park fees: $1600 Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti Safari Extension: from $3995 Zanzibar Extension: from $1695 Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans Extension: from $2695 TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 + Physically demanding 9-day trek to 19,341 feet, difficult terrain including scree (loose rock) and snow, extreme altitudes, overnight at 18,500' EXTEND YOUR ADVENTURE • Big Five game viewing on a 5-day post-climb safari in Ngorongoro & Serengeti • Snorkel, bike, windsurf on the spice island of Zanzibar • Track mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s renowned Parc National des Volcans JEAN ROBERT NICOLE ABBOTT

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 day at this elevation is essential to getting us used to the altitude for our summit push. From Crater Camp (18,500'), an extraordinary setting near 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 and 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 hot shower and victory celebration. Depart in the evening of Day 11 via Arusha, or join one of our post-climb extensions.

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

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 the world’s population of these 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 near a silverback and his family is unforgettable! This is a full safari experience: we also track chimps in Kibale Forest, see wildlife on the savannas

of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and boat along the Kazinga Channel among hippo, herds of Cape buffalo, sunning crocodiles, and amazing African birdlife. Days 1-3 Entebbe / Kibale Forest National Park / Wild Chimpanzees We head through tea plantations and into the tropical rainforest of 296-square-mile Kibale Forest National Park. Kibale is contiguous with Queen Elizabeth National Park, at the same pleasant altitudes of 3,000 to 5,000 feet. Here we’ll track bands of chimpanzees as they forage and scamper through the treetops. We’ll be welcomed at a village to meet a traditional healer and learn about his skills, and visit a family coffee farm.

BRIAN MCGILLOWAY

“An amazing experience. Great wildlife viewing, accommodations, and a good diversity of activities. The Kazinga Channel trip was one of the highlights, along

with the incredible chimp and gorilla tracking.” Kenneth B., Chicago IL

You’ll have two days of gorilla tracking—and the wildlife experience of a lifetime! PHOTO: ANDY ROUSE

Days 4-6 Queen Elizabeth National Park Queen Elizabeth National Park

HIGHLIGHTS • Enjoy thrilling encounters with mountain gorilla clans in the forests of Bwindi • Track chimpanzees on the trails of Kibale Forest National Park • Safari by 4WD and boat, track lions with a researcher in Queen Elizabeth National Park • Stay in comfortable forest lodges with superb access to the wildlife • Our safari has the highest environmental standards

DETAILS • 10-day trip begins and ends in Entebbe • 6 nights hotels and lodges, 3 nights luxury tented lodge • All meals included

Internal airfare: $550 (subject to change) Chimp permits (2 treks): $300 Gorilla permits (2 treks): $1200 Masai Mara National Reserve Extension: from $3795 2 days of gorilla tracking (2-8 hours on steep and sometimes muddy trails), 2 days chimpanzee tracking on forested trails (2-4 hours each day), 4WD game viewing TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 + 4 5 6

boasts the backdrop of the snow-capped Ruwenzoris, the fabled “Mountains of the Moon.” In the park’s diverse ecosystem, we explore by 4WD vehicle, go birding in the wetlands, and boat on the Kazinga Channel, with its incredible hippo population. One morning, we join a researcher to track lion prides and learn about human- animal conflict and lion family dynamics. Days 7-10 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park / Gorilla Tracking / Entebbe A game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park brings us to Bwindi, home to some 400 mountain gorillas. After an orientation with the park’s gorilla trackers, we head out on foot to search for the Mubare, Habinyanja, or Rushegura clans with our ranger guide. We have two full days of tracking, bringing us through dense montane thickets at altitudes of 3,800 to 8,500 feet for the experience of coming face to face with gorilla families in the wild. Depart on the evening of Day 10 via Entebbe. ON OUR WEBSITE THE ULTIMATE UGANDA SAFARI Safari in legendary Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, plus chimp tracking and gorilla treks! Jun 15-26, Sep 15-26, 2020. From $8995. NEW

DATES Jan 8-17, 2020 Feb 4-13 Jul 8-17 Jul 30-Aug 8 Aug 5-14 Jan 11-20, 2021 Feb 8-17

TRIP COST $7595 (7-10 members) $7995 (3-6 members) Single supplement: $1800

QUESTIONS? 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL AFRICA@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 22

DAVID TIPLING DANA ALLEN

With our truly expert guide, a walking safari is an incredible opportunity to experience a unique safari on foot in wild Africa.

DANA ALLEN

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, but up close and in a way that is impossible from a vehicle. Tracking game on foot is an absolute 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, and magenta sunsets over oxbow lakes are all on this authentic experience of wild Africa. Day 1 Mfuwe / South Luangwa National Park At beautiful Nkwali Camp, set on private land on the Luangwa River, the wildlife is all around us. The endemic Thornicroft’s giraffe is often seen near camp, and tonight we may hear them browsing outside our chalets. With the setting of the sun, a different world awakens, revealing the nocturnal realm of lion, genet, and hyena.

Days 2-6 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 Nsefu Camp At Nsefu, a beautiful lodge set on a sweeping bend of the Luangwa River, we take bush walks as well as morning and evening drives by open 4WD vehicle. Night drives, in particular, are always fascinating. During the day we may see lions resting indolently, but at night, the “hunt is on” and we may see them actively prowling for prey. Depart on Day 10 via Mfuwe or join one of our extensions. 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 • 5 nights mobile tents, 4 nights tented camps • All meals included

DATES Jul 20-29, 2020 Sep 10-19 Aug 21-30 TRIP COST $7295 (2-6 members) Park fees: $750 No extra charge for singles!

Victoria Falls Extension: from $895 Among the Elephants Extension: from $1995 Lower Zambezi Canoe and Walking Safari Extension: from $3095 TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 5-day walking safari in Luangwa Valley, 6-8 miles a day over uneven terrain, 4WD game viewing

FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR AFRICA TRIPS, VISIT WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM/TRIPS/AFRICA 23

The famous salt pans of Etosha National Park attract a breathtaking array of wildlife. PHOTO: YVA MOMATIUK AND JOHN EASTCOTT

Namibia Expedition ETOSHA, SOSSUSVLEI DUNES, AND THE TOK TOKKIE TRAIL

Namibia has a surreal beauty and absolutely unique wildlife, including the largest population of free-roaming black rhino in Africa, the highest cheetah population in the world, and rare desert-adapted elephant. Our active safari will have you tracking rhino on foot, climbing the colossal Sossusvlei Dunes, looking for wildlife on

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 regarding these captivating species. Our up-close encounters with leopard here are unforgettable. Days 3-4 Etosha National Park Ethereal salt pans in Etosha are gathering places for throngs of wildlife. We explore by 4WD vehicle on the lookout for elephant, lion, giraffe, blue wildebeest, kudu, oryx, zebra, and more. Days 5-8 Damaraland / Twyfelfontein In the austere landscape of Damaraland, wildlife has adapted to harsh, dry conditions— the elephants here walk for days to find water. Other wildlife includes giraffe, oryx, and springbok. We’ll track them in this unfenced landscape, then head

to Twyfelfontein, a World Heritage Site, to walk among sandstone boulders that hold some 2,500 prehistoric engravings in a great gallery of petroglyphs, including intriguing shamanic symbols. Days 9-11 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 12-14 Tok Tokkie Trail / Windhoek For two days, we hike the Tok Tokkie Trail—a WT special—across the private NamibRand Nature Reserve, with an expert guide to unlock its secrets. We’ll sleep out here in this Dark Sky Reserve, enjoying phenomenally clear night skies— even beyond our Milky Way! Depart Day 14 via Windhoek.

“Everything fell into place perfectly—the logistics, the lodges, and food were all first rate. Being able to track wildlife on foot was absolutely amazing. What an experience!” Karen S., Gilmanton NH

Etosha’s famed salt pans, and hiking the Tok Tokkie

Trail across a desert landscape, with nights beneath the star-studded sky in Africa’s first Dark Sky Reserve.

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

HIGHLIGHTS • Track leopard and rhino 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 Apr 14-27, 2020 Jul 8-21 May 13-26 Aug 6-19 Jun 4-17 Sep 4-17 Jun 9-22 Sep 9-22

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

Internal airfare: $650 (subject to change) Low Season discount: $500 (Apr-Jun) Cape Town Extension: from $1395 Shipwreck Lodge Extension: from $7895 (includes internal airfare) TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 4WD game viewing, easy to moderate hiking

FERNANDO QUEVEDO DE OLIVEIRA

JASON KNOTT

BILL ABBOTT

TODD GUSTAFSON

PAT DE LA HARPE

Track leopard, desert-adapted rhino, and meet with conservationist Dr. Flip Stander, the world’s leading authority on desert lion—this unique safari is limited to just six participants! CHRISTOPHE COURTEAU DAVID ROGERS

HEDRUS VAN DER MERWE

In the Realm of the Desert Lion A WORLD-EXCLUSIVE CONSERVATION SAFARI IN NAMIBIA

This unique safari brings you to the wonders of Namibia, whose dramatic landscapes, extraordinary wildlife, and visionary commitment to conservation have made it the most exciting safari destination in all

rhino, and have exclusive access to join the Vet Team as they monitor the reserve’s wildlife. The leopard population here is thriving, and the viewing is up close! Days 5-7 Damaraland / Tracking Rhino Amid the rock-ribbed mesas of Damaraland, we hike through the amazing gallery of prehistoric rock art of Twyfelfontein, then search for desert-adapted elephant as we travel through rugged landscapes to our remote lodge in the Huab Conservancy. We’ll do true wilderness tracking, by vehicle and on foot, in search of desert-adapted rhino. Save the Rhino Trust works here to protect the last, free-roaming population of black rhinos in the world (WT contributes to their work). At SRT’s base camp, we get a behind-the-scenes look at their conservation projects. Days 8-13 Kunene / Desert Lion Territory The climax of our safari is the opportunity to meet Dr. Flip Stander in the wilds of Kaokoland. The world’s leading authority on desert lion, Dr. Stander has tracked desert lion in this austere landscape for decades, charting their territory and habits to help reduce human-lion conflict. Your participation in this safari contributes directly to the Desert Lion Project, which has brought a three-fold increase of this rare population. Depart on Day 13 via Windhoek, or join our Sossusvlei Dunes extension.

HIGHLIGHTS • Exclusive safari—just 6 participants— with expert tracker and naturalist safari guide Jason Nott • Go behind the scenes at AfriCat for close encounters with leopard • Track rhino on foot, meet with field staff of Save the Rhino Trust • Search for desert lion with Dr. Flip Stander, the world’s authority on this unique population • Walk among prehistoric rock engravings at Twyfelfontein • Special bush breakfasts, lantern-lit dinners DETAILS • 13-day trip begins and ends in Windhoek • 7 nights hotels and lodges, 5 nights mobile camp • All meals included TRIP COST $9695 (6 members) $9995 (5 members) $10395 (4 members) Single supplement: $1350 Internal airfare: $800 (subject to change) Donation to AfriCat Foundation (tax deductible): $500 Trip cost includes $1050 donation to the Desert Lion Project, and $110 donation to Save the Rhino Trust Sossusvlei Dunes Extension: from $3250 DATES Jun 22-Jul 4, 2020 Sep 6-18

Africa. See leopard at renowned Africat, track desert-adapted rhino—on foot—in Damaraland, and meet with the researchers of Save the Rhino Trust. In the wilds of Kaokoland, you’ll have the world- exclusive opportunity to meet with Dr. Flip Stander,

“A wonderful, exotic trip to an immensely beautiful country with varied landscapes. Our Trip Leader had a depth of knowledge that was utterly astounding.” Ginny W., Healdsburg CA

whose lifetime of work with desert lion has transformed our understanding of this unique population. With just six travelers, you’ll have incredible wildlife experiences, and your participation directly supports Namibia’s innovative conservation efforts. Days 1-4 Windhoek / Okonjima / Leopard Tracking We head to Okonjima Bush Camp and AfriCat, the world’s largest big cat rehabilitation center. We’ll track leopard, brown hyena, and

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

FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL AFRICA@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 26

Isolated from mainland Africa since the time of the dinosaurs, Madagascar shelters exotic life forms found nowhere else, including more than 100 species of lemurs and wildly colorful chameleons ranging from thumbnail-sized to two feet long. In this treasure trove of nature, we bring you into seven 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 moderate 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! Madagascar: Off the Beaten Path WHERE NATURAL HISTORY ABOUNDS WITHOUT LIMITS

HERBERT HOPFENSPERGER

HIGHLIGHTS • Choice of hiking options, night walks, early morning birding outings • Outstanding Trip Leaders, extra local naturalist guides at each park • Sunset at Avenue of the Baobabs • Travel by air-conditioned vehicles • Visit local school, sample traditional Malagasy cuisine

with colorful reptiles such as the two-foot-long Parson’s chameleon, and home to the Indri indri, the famed black-and-white lemurs whose haunting treetop calls carry for miles. We also visit Lemur Island, with its orphaned lemurs. Depart on Day 16 via Antananarivo. ON OUR WEBSITE MAGICAL MADAGASCAR Discover renowned Andasibe, Berenty’s dancing sifaka lemurs and spiny forest, spectacular limestone tsingy landscapes of Ankarana and Amber Mountain national parks. May 3-16, Jul 5-18, Aug 2-15, Oct 4-17, Nov 1-14, 2020 From $5595.

Days 1-4 Antananarivo / Avenue of the Baobabs / Kirindy Reserve Explore “Tana,” the capital, 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 Kirindy Reserve, home to 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-weaver workshops, then take nature walks in pristine Ranomafana National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on the

DETAILS • 16-day trip begins and ends in Antananarivo

• 15 nights hotels and wildlife lodges • All meals included except 1 dinner

DATES Apr 12-27, 2020 Sep 6-21 Sep 27-Oct 12 Oct 18-Nov 2

TRIP COST $6395 (9-12 members) $6795 (5-8 members) Single supplement: $995

Internal airfare: $945 (subject to change) Ankarana and Amber Mountain National Parks Extension: from $2490 Cape Town Extension: from $1395 Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans Extension: from $2695 TRIP LEVEL 1 2 + 3 4 5 6 Easy to moderate nature walks, rugged road travel

planet. Twelve lemur species have been recorded in this rainforest, including the rare golden bamboo lemur. One evening, we enjoy a private talk with a wildlife researcher. Days 9-12 Anja / Isalo / Zombitse-Vohibasia Get eye to eye with the friendly ring-tailed lemurs at 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 Andasibe / Lemur Island Our grand finale is Andasibe National Park, a rainforest teeming

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

MICHELE BURGESS

FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION VISIT WILDTRAV.COM/WT/MADAGASCAR

Wild Zimbabwe A THRILLING SAFARI AND SPECTACULAR LODGES

Experience an incomparable safari brimming with game walks, stunning lodges, and thrilling wildlife! Vast Hwange

Hotel, we board our vintage sleeper train for an overnight journey to Hwange, with a three-course dinner on board. Days 3-5 Hwange National Park / Camelthorn Lodge Our first game drive is unique—from aboard a vintage open-air railway car that gives us a fantastic view of the Ngamo Plains and a great perspective on wildlife—this is your “Out of Africa” moment! Thrilling game drives and walks bring us close to the phenomenal Hwange wildlife—expect great sightings of lion, zebra, giraffe, and the infamous cheetah clan known as the “Bomani brothers.” On an authentic village visit, we walk to school with the children—and see how we do at learning Ndebele, their “click” language! Our stylish lodge is set on community lands in the game-rich southern end of Hwange, so your presence directly benefits the community and gives them incentive to protect wildlife. Days 6-10 Nehimba Lodge / Zambezi National Park / Zambezi Sands A charter flight and game drive bring us to dreamy Nehimba Lodge, surrounded by rock outcrops. Our chalets encircle a waterhole beloved by throngs of elephants—we’ll see them up close from the deck. In Zambezi National Park, our camp positions us for canoeing amid the Siansimba Islands and a private Zambezi cruise at sunset (with tasty sundowners, of course). Depart on Day 10 via Victoria Falls or join one of our extensions.

National Park is one of the only places in Africa where, thanks to the expertise of our top-notch guides, you can safari by open vehicle and get out and track animals on foot—it’s an unforgettable experience! We’ll see Hwange’s massive herds of elephant, great numbers of lion, leopard, and cheetah, watch wildlife from an underground hide, and in Zambezi National Park, safari by canoe from our award-winning riverside camp. Our

“Absolutely in awe of what we saw each day! I was blown away by our sundowner locations, and utterly in love with the incredibly hard-working people of Zimbabwe!” Peggy H., Empire CO

safari leaders are the best in the business, the lodges are amazing, and your participation helps support innovative—and effective—community and conservation projects that give your safari exceptional meaning. Days 1-2 Victoria Falls / Batoka Gorge / Vintage Rail Car From Gorges Lodge, perched dramatically atop the Batoka Gorge 700 feet above the roaring Zambezi, we hike a spectacular trail to the best viewpoints of majestic Victoria Falls. The next day, after high tea on the terrace of the famed Victoria Falls

HIGHLIGHTS • Magnificent Victoria Falls, one of the wonders of the world • Open vehicles, game walks, game drives, night drives—this is 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 vintage railway car • All meals included TRIP COST $6095 (7-12 members) $6695 (2-6 members) Single supplement: $1100 Okavango Delta Safari Extension: from $4995 Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans Extension: from $2695 TRIP LEVEL 1 2 + 3 4 5 6 Game viewing by 4WD vehicle and rail car, game walks, canoeing, cultural explorations DATES Jun 20-29, 2020 Oct 3-12 Jul 18-27

Cheetah clans are one of the thrills of Hwange National Park. PHOTO: MARION VOLLBORN

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SEE WHY WT’S WILD ZIMBABWE IS THE BEST: WILDTRAV.COM/WT/ZIMBABWE

Up-close game viewing from Botswana to Zimbabwe, atmospheric lodges, and active days make this a spectacular safari. PHOTO: DENIS ROSCHLAU

The Great Elephant Migration FROM BOTSWANA TO ZIMBABWE, PLUS VICTORIA FALLS

Two hundred thousand elephants migrate across the wild trans-frontier corridor between Botswana’s Chobe National Park and Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park each year, and we’ve timed our safari for the height of their great journey. We bring you to a beautiful lodge in the northern stretches of Chobe, where our lodge’s waterhole is a magnet for thirsty pachyderms, as well as Cape buffalo, antelope, giraffe, and lion. At remote Jozibanini, we can sleep under the stars, nestled on the viewing decks of our raised tents. Our safari activities are as unique as our lodgings as we track game on foot, by 4WD vehicle, by canoe, and even from an underground “look up” blind for incredible photo opportunities. We’ll finish in style with a spectacular charter flight and a stay in a gorgeous riverside camp to visit mighty Victoria Falls. lodge in Kazuma Forest Reserve, with its mosaic of habitats, we are in the world’s busiest elephant corridor, but we’ll also be on the lookout for leopard, lion, spotted hyena, jackal, giraffe, Cape buffalo, roan antelope, and sable. Night drives with spotlights give us a chance to see nocturnal wildlife. Days 1-2 Kasane, Botswana / Camp Kuzuma / Chobe National Park Heading right to our

HIGHLIGHTS • Witness huge herds of migrating elephants at waterholes • Extraordinary wildlife, including lion, leopard, African painted dog, giraffe, roan, kudu, and more • Tracking game on foot, canoeing, and mountain biking—they’re all part of the adventure • Gorgeous safari camps, each with its own unique atmosphere and style • At Zambezi Sands, enjoy 5-star luxury on the banks of the Zambezi River DETAILS • 11-day trip begins in Kasane, Botswana, and ends in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe • 10 nights in lodges and safari camps • All meals included

Days 3-5 Nehimba Lodge, Zimbabwe / Northern Hwange National Park All of Hwange’s famous wildlife is within easy reach from Nehimba, set in the northern reaches of the park. We explore by 4WD vehicle, on thrilling game walks that are a Zimbabwe specialty, and visit the Nehimba Seeps, a favorite gathering area for elephants. Days 6-8 Jozibanini Camp / Southern Hwange National Park At Jozibanini, game walks let us track the special species of southern Hwange, including the African painted dog. At our camp’s unique viewing blind, set below ground level, we’ll see elephants up close and at a unique angle—be sure to keep your camera handy. We can also explore by mountain bike (optional, but lots of fun!). Days 9-11 Zambezi Sands River Camp / Zambezi National Park Flying to Victoria Falls, we stay at Zambezi Sands River Camp, set on the Zambezi River, for a canoe safari and a fantastic morning hike to view the Falls. Options include a heli-flight (at additional cost). Depart on Day 11.

DATES Aug 1-11, 2020 Aug 20-30 Sep 17-27 Oct 22-Nov 1

TRIP COST $6995 (7-10 members) $7495 (3-6 members) Single supplement: $1550 Internal airfare: $525 (subject to change) Okavango Delta Safari Extension: from $4995 Mana Pools Extension: from $4795 TRIP LEVEL 1 2 + 3 4 5 6 4WD game viewing, bush walks, canoe safari, optional mountain biking

FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR AFRICA TRIPS, VISIT WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM/TRIPS/AFRICA 29