Get closer to nature, the Intrepid way.
From Borneo’s rich jungle ecosystem to the islands of the Galapagos, our small group tours take you to the very heart of nature all over the world. Marvel at elephants as they’re silhouetted against an African sunset, watch chimpanzees swinging in the treetops above you, and come face to face with animals you’ve only ever read about or seen on TV in the wilds of Costa Rica. With incredible local leaders guiding the way and wildlife experts accompanying you on game drives, informational walks, informal sessions, and educational talks, our trips offer an unforgettable chance to observe these captivating creatures in their natural habitat, all while staying in a range of accommodations almost as memorable as your animal sightings - think safari lodges and wilderness camps.Â
But, before you take out your camera, we ensure that any interactions are done responsibly, and with the greatest level of respect. We believe that wild animals should be viewed – without our interference – doing what they do best: living in the wild.
Cyber Sale: Up to 20% off* 2024 trips
Hurry- Get in quick to lock in your travel plans for less. Take your pick from over 800 adventures on sale. Ends 4 December.
Terms & Conditions
Top-selling wildlife adventures
15 Days
From
2011
Travel to Costa Rica and discover a tropical playground of immense natural beauty....
10 Days
From
1556
Tour through Johannesburg, Maun, Chobe, the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls on a ten...
8 Days
From
2012
Roam the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Amboseli National Park to spot Africa's Big...
16 Days
From
3800
Encounter the wildlife of Kenya and Uganda on this adventure including a gorilla trek...
11 Days
From
2202
This Sabah Adventure tour through the Borneo wilderness will truly capture your...
8 Days
From
2272
Explore the Galapagos Islands on this island-hopping tour that begins in Quito and...
Our wildlife trips
15 Days
From
2011
Travel to Costa Rica and discover a tropical playground of immense natural beauty....
10 Days
From
6404
Travel to the Galapagos Islands and sail around the central eastern islands, witnessing...
10 Days
From
2259
Journey through Borneo on a wild 10-day adventure from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan,...
10 Days
From
1556
Tour through Johannesburg, Maun, Chobe, the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls on a ten...
9 Days
From
1356
Encounter the natural beauty of Costa Rica, from La Fortuna’s volcano and Monteverde’s...
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
7 Days
From
4487
Embark on a seven-day Premium journey through Kenya’s wild grasslands and vast plains...
8 Days
From
2012
Roam the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Amboseli National Park to spot Africa's Big...
16 Days
From
3800
Encounter the wildlife of Kenya and Uganda on this adventure including a gorilla trek...
14 Days
From
9990
Set sail for the trip of a lifetime – a 14-day journey on board the Ocean Endeavour,...
18 Days
From
3196
Spend some time exploring Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe with included safari...
10 Days
From
3389
Discover amazing wildlife and natural beauty in the Galapagos Islands.
6 Days
From
4999
Encounter remnants of Kigali’s turbulent past and come face to face with mountain...
8 Days
From
5674
Embark on an eight-day Premium adventure from Johannesburg to Chobe National Park, via...
15 Days
From
11300
Discover the best of Kenya and Tanzania on a Premium adventure through the Masai Mara,...
11 Days
From
7120
Follow the whales of Antarctica as they migrate south on this 11-day expedition cruise,...
7 Days
From
4212
Experience the wild heart of Botswana on a Premium adventure through Chobe National...
11 Days
From
6230
Experience the magic of the Antarctic Peninsula and its islands aboard the Ocean...
8 Days
From
1352
Experience Kenyan wildlife on an eight day trip travelling from Nairobi to Lake...
14 Days
From
9600
Cross the Antarctic Circle with World Wildlife Fund Australia (WWF-Australia) whale...
8 Days
From
2272
Explore the Galapagos Islands on this island-hopping tour that begins in Quito and...
9 Days
From
1516
Take on a safari adventure through Hwange National Park, Matobo National Park, Kruger...
10 Days
From
3345
Travel through East Africa from Kenya to Tanzania, stopping at the Masai Mara, the...
12 Days
From
2344
Experience the beauty of the Ngorongoro and Serengeti, Usambara Mountains and Zanzibar...
27 Days
From
6137
Go deep in East Africa on this epic trip, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar.
14 Days
From
9053
Experience the rare opportunity to explore both the eastern and western sides of the...
15 Days
From
3384
Uncover Kenya and Tanzania on a 2 week trip with Serengeti safaris, Ngorongoro, Nakuru,...
17 Days
From
10298
Experience otherworldly landscapes and magnificent wildlife on a 17-day Premium...
13 Days
From
11205
Search for Gorillas in Uganda, uncover the history of Rwanda, and explore the wild...
14 Days
From
9580
This 14-day Premium journey through southern Africa reveals the best wildlife and...
8 Days
From
5729
Journey through the highlights of Tanzania on a Premium adventure covering Tarangire...
8 Days
From
5729
Journey through the highlights of Tanzania on a Premium adventure covering Tarangire...
9 Days
From
2372
This family-style trip through Costa Rica begins and ends in San Jose, taking in the...
9 Days
From
2268
See the Galapagos Islands on an eight-day adventure including Isla Isabela, Isla Santa...
21 Days
From
18900
Embark on a 21-day Intrepid expedition including the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia...
10 Days
From
6404
Sail the aquamarine waters of the Galapagos’s central southern islands taking in...
10 Days
From
6184
Spend 10 unforgettable days on board the Grand Daphne, discovering the central islands...
10 Days
From
1977
This family-style trip through Costa Rica begins and ends in San Jose, taking in the...
16 Days
From
1972
Track rhinos on foot and embrace the sights and sounds of Eastern Africa on this unique...
22 Days
From
2660
Embark on a 22 day Southern African odyssey through wildlife-rich game parks, idyllic...
7 Days
From
1359
As far as face-to-face wildlife encounters go, the Galapagos wildlife experience rivals...
10 Days
From
4544
Visit Africa and travel through Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe on a tour from Windhoek...
10 Days
From
1989
Take your family to Victoria Falls, Okavango River and Chobe National Park on this teen...
15 Days
From
11790
Embark on a 15-day Premium Adventure through Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana...
16 Days
From
4000
Visit Africa and travel through southern Africa's beautiful regions. Visit South Africa...
13 Days
From
4212
Travel through East Africa from Kenya to Tanzania, stopping at the Masai Mara, the...
9 Days
From
959
Explore diverse southern Africa on this nine-day adventure, including Kruger National...
9 Days
From
4429
Travel through Rwanda and Uganda in search of natural beauty and the gentle mountain...
17 Days
From
6318
Focus on two of South America's heaviest hitters on this 17-day tour through both the...
63 Days
From
10931
Set out on a mighty African adventure through Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe...
11 Days
From
8800
This is one Christmas you’ll never forget – journey to Antarctica on board the Ocean...
18 Days
From
8228
This 18-day tour hits Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania for tracking gorillas in...
31 Days
From
22653
Set off on the adventure of a lifetime through Africa on a 31-day Premium journey,...
8 Days
From
2406
Track your way across the plains of Kenya on this thrilling safari, covering Nairobi,...
8 Days
From
1943
Travel from South Africa's capital to Botswana and Zimbabwe, visiting two of southern...
11 Days
From
6715
Set off on an 11-day expedition on board the Ocean Endeavour, revealing the landscapes...
10 Days
From
6244
Take an active 10-day adventure cruise though the Galapagos Islands, from Isla Santa...
10 Days
From
6284
Travel to the Galapagos Islands from Quito and embark on a sailing adventure around...
10 Days
From
5759
Explore the best of the otherworldly Galapagos Islands on this 10-day tour that takes...
13 Days
From
8476
Embark on an immersive Adventure Cruise through the Galapagos Islands and experience...
12 Days
From
2669
Uncover Sri Lankas wildlife on safaris, discovering Yala, Wilpattu, Gal Oya, Kumana...
22 Days
From
2549
Spend three weeks exploring South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, from Cape...
20 Days
From
3748
Step out onto the Serengeti and keep your eyes out for rhinos, lions, leopards and a...
20 Days
From
3996
Travel through the wild, untamed lands of beautiful Borneo. From magnificent Mt...
9 Days
From
2253
Discover the culture, wildlife and waterways of Botswana on this upgraded adventure...
9 Days
From
2172
Travel from Zimbabwe to South Africa via Botswana. The Okavango and Beyond trip is the...
10 Days
From
1696
Discover the best that Borneo has to offer on this unforgettable family adventure...
16 Days
From
5096
Explore the wonders of Tanzania and Kenya, including a trek to the summit of Mt...
22 Days
From
2768
Discover the unique and contrasting lands of Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South...
14 Days
From
2799
Explore the wildlife-rich plains of Kenya and Tanzania and then unwind in Zanzibar....
17 Days
From
1904
See East Africa in 17 days including Victoria Falls, Matobo, South Luwanga, Lake Malawi...
7 Days
From
3976
Discover the treasures of the northern Galapagos Islands on this cruise, including Isla...
7 Days
From
3543
Take to the water and explore the beautiful Galapagos Islands. See huge populations of...
7 Days
From
3204
Explore the beautiful Galapagos Islands. See huge populations of animals and experience...
11 Days
From
7800
Join World Wildlife Fund Australia (WWF-Australia) scientists on an 11-day expedition...
6 Days
From
3204
Explore the Islands of the Galapagos on this startling adventure that highlights the...
6 Days
From
3204
Explore the central islands of the Galapagos on this startling adventure that...
17 Days
From
11496
This Galapagos adventure cruise is the perfect way to explore the islands of Isabella,...
14 Days
From
9340
Travel to Ecuador and join a 13-day Intrepid journey in the Galapagos’. Visit Isla...
9 Days
From
2012
Explore Tanzania on this trip travelling to Nairobi via the Serengeti and the Usambara...
14 Days
From
3247
Embark on a wildlife and jungle-filled adventure through Madagascar visiting...
40 Days
From
4676
Explore Africa on an epic wildlife-rich adventure from Tanzania to South Africa while...
22 Days
From
8390
Jump onboard an exhilarating journey from Cape Town to Victoria Falls through the...
9 Days
From
2033
Marvel at East Africa from Nairobi to Stone Town on this epic trip with safaris, hikes...
20 Days
From
2260
Travel from the thundering Victoria Falls to the spice plantations of Zanzibar via...
8 Days
From
5600
Hop aboard the M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz for a wildlife-filled 8-day adventure around the...
41 Days
From
4339
See Africa on this incredible overland adventure from South Africa to Tanzania. Soak up...
19 Days
From
2324
Explore East Africa from Zanzibar's beaches to the roar of Victoria Falls, seeing...
21 Days
From
12495
Spot seals, whales and albatross aboard the Ocean Endeavour. Retrace the steps of...
23 Days
From
17055
This trip is an Antarctica expedition like no other. Try wildlife photography and see...
12 Days
From
6715
Witness Antarctic Peninsula whales on this epic journey at sea. Spot seals and penguins...
10 Days
From
1895
Hit the (dirt) road through Kenya and Tanzania. Safari in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro...
6 Days
From
3176
See the best of the Galapagos Islands on this action-packed adventure cruise, touring...
30 Days
From
3840
Take a month long southern African adventure from Cape Town into Namibia, Botswana and...
7 Days
From
873
Get the best of the Galapagos on a 7-day tour for 18 to 29 year olds that visits Isla...
9 Days
From
5078
Spent 9 unforgettable days exploring Rwanda and Uganda, including a special gorilla...
30 Days
From
7550
Experience the highlights of Peru and the Galapagos Islands on this 30-day tour,...
12 Days
From
2360
Get a true taste of eastern Africa on a 12-day trip to Zanzibar, the Serengeti,...
9 Days
From
1512
Travel to Borneo to visit orangutan sanctuaries and explore lush jungles. See the best...
27 Days
From
4276
Explore the wilds of East Africa on a trip from Nairobi to the Serengeti, Usambara...
8 Days
From
2580
Take your family on a holiday with a difference to the Galapagos Islands. Snorkel with...
29 Days
From
4136
From Johannesburg to Botswana, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Lake Malawi and...
64 Days
From
10104
This epic journey with explores Southern Africa in detail including Botswana, Kenya,...
17 Days
From
11388
Discover the bizarre and the beautiful on this 17-day cruising tour of the Galapagos...
45 Days
From
7784
Explore Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe on this epic trip that included a...
28 Days
From
4212
Discover East African wilderness and the animals that call it home on an adventure...
48 Days
From
7187
Tour Africa's best from Kenya to Cape Town through Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zimbabwe...
8 Days
From
5384
Come face-to-face with the extraordinary central islands of the Galapagos on an 8-day...
15 Days
From
5560
Explore the wonders of Tanzania and Kenya including a trek to the summit of Mt...
37 Days
From
5494
Travel the waterways of Botswana, the beaches of Zanzibar and the savannahs of the...
27 Days
From
5860
Spend 27 days exploring the wonders, wildlife and tribal cultures of East Africa to...
49 Days
From
5723
Experience the ultimate African adventure on this epic trip including Kenya, Botswana,...
52 Days
From
10296
Experience the waterways of Botswana, the beaches of Zanzibar, the savannahs of the...
43 Days
From
7724
Take an epic trip through eastern Africa, via Victoria Falls, the Serengeti and...
9 Days
From
3672
A 9-day wildlife tour around Comoros from Moroni on Grand Comore. Visit Nioumachoua and...
4 Days
From
4930
Visit Rwanda and travel through some of Africa's most incredible landscapes. Explore...
37 Days
From
27991
Set off on the adventure of a lifetime through Africa on a 37-day Premium journey,...
4 Days
From
3203
Discover the wonders of Tanzania – the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park –...
4 Days
From
645
Journey through the Amazon Jungle in Peru and discover stunning wildlife and friendly...
12 Days
From
2849
Head into the depths of Borneo’s forests in search of orangutans and other wildlife....
3 Days
From
273
Experience a different side of Chiang Mai by hanging out with elephants at a...
4 Days
From
1123
No holiday to South Africa is complete without a safari in Kruger Park. Spot wild...
3 Days
From
955
Head out into the wilds of Kruger National Park on thrilling game drives. Stay in...
4 Days
From
3090
Travel to Africa to meet some of Uganda's rare and beautiful mountain gorillas. Visit...
5 Days
From
1448
Experience South Africa's Kruger Park and surrounding region on this five-day tour....
17 Days
From
16690
Take an Ocean Endeavour expedition to the Northwest Passage from Canada to Greenland....
18 Days
From
4023
This Adventure tour through Malaysia will truly capture your imagination.
4 Days
From
995
Answer the call of the Kruger, South Africa's vast and famous game park that is teeming...
11 Days
From
3218
Enjoy the African wilds on a safari in Kruger, travel along the breathtaking...
3 Days
From
1490
Travel to Kenya and visit Nairobi. Embark on a journey across the Great Rift Valley to...
15 Days
From
10390
Hop aboard the Ocean Endeavour ship for an exploration across the seas to Newfoundland,...
13 Days
From
11490
Set sail around Spitsbergen and head south toward Jan Mayen on an Arctic adventure. See...
13 Days
From
11890
Cruise the wild fjords of south Greenland and learn about Viking history. Spot whales...
13 Days
From
14790
Experience the majesty of Greenland’s soaring glaciers, gorgeous fjords and vast...
10 Days
From
9690
Take a cruise through West Greenland’s glaciers, fjords and icebergs on a journey...
11 Days
From
9495
From Reykjavik, Iceland, you’ll cruise the seas on the Ultramarine to Northeast...
10 Days
From
9690
Breathe in the crisp Arctic air and discover Spitsbergen, the largest island in Norway...
17 Days
From
20390
Take a 17-day polar expedition with Intrepid from Toronto via western Greenland through...
13 Days
From
12640
Traverse the untamed coastline of Greenland and Northern Canada on board the Ocean...
13 Days
From
12640
Explore the wild coastline of Northern Canada and Greenland on board the Ocean...
15 Days
From
14590
From Helsinki, experience the wonders of Spitsbergen, East Greenland and Iceland on a...
14 Days
From
11995
An Arctic expedition through East Greenland and Iceland is the perfect opportunity to...
7 Days
From
5990
Take a voyage across the Arctic Circle via the Svalbard Archipelago and north-east...
12 Days
From
36990
Head north on a 12-day Arctic expedition towards Canada’s most northerly islands,...
12 Days
From
11390
Join Intrepid on a 12-day journey along some of Greenland's most remote coastline,...
11 Days
From
11190
Tick Greenland off your bucket list on this 10 day cruise along the country's...
4 Days
From
2483
Journey deep into the Amazon and spend three days in the jungle searching for wildlife,...
14 Days
From
16290
Circumnavigate Spitsbergen and more of the Svalbard archipelago, stopping by unique...
4 Days
From
505
Travel to Nepal and visit the Chitwan National Park for a spectacular wildlife...
16 Days
From
5312
Explore the wonders of Tanzania and Kenya including a trek to the summit of Mt...
Wildlife trips by region
Bucket list wildlife experiences
Search for the Big Five in Tanzania
On safari, it’s all about getting as close as you can to the elusive Big Five – the African elephant, Cape buffalo, African lion, African leopard, and the endangered black rhino. Charge your camera, pack your binoculars, and keep your eyes peeled to the grassland floor of the Ngorongoro Crater as you travel in a custom-built, open-roof Overland vehicle on the animal-spotting trip of a lifetime.
Seek out the unique wildlife in Borneo
From crocodiles, macaques, cheeky proboscis monkeys, and pygmy elephants spotted on a cruise along the Kinabatangan River to meeting the patients at the centre for injured and orphaned orangutans in Sepilok and joining researchers as they watch sea turtles waddle up the sand to lay their eggs on Turtle Island, you won’t be able to resist the call of Borneo’s wildlife experiences.Â
Isolated island encounters in the Galapagos
As far as wildlife meetings go, few places come close to the otherworldy islands of the Galapagos. Whether you want to strap on a snorkel and swim alongside friendly sea lions, watch the slow movements of giant tortoises, or marvel at the parade of iguanas prowling the beaches like a scene from a tiny Jurassic Park, exploring this ancient archipelago by boat or on foot - with a naturalist guide by your side – will be one for the highlight reel.Â
Visit wild gorillas in the forests of Uganda
Trek through the steamy forest of Uganda’s Bwindi National Park alongside Park Rangers and expert trackers to catch a glimpse of these rare animals in their natural habitat. Be mesmerised as you watch them eat, sleep, groom, and play – the troop’s giant silverback surveying the scene while the little ones play like children. Spend an unforgettable hour in their presence and come back having ticked off another experience on your bucket list.Â
Track rhinos on foot in Zimbabwe
Hop out of the 4WD and tackle this next adventure on foot with an expert local guide through the hilly terrain of Matobo National Park. Spend an exhilarating morning tracking black and white rhinos, spotting other wildlife such as leopards, warthogs, springhares, and klipspringers as you go, as they wander through the wilderness on their daily routine. Â
Spot exotic animals in Costa Rica's jungles
When you’re deep diving into the awe-inspiring jungles, swamps, and mangroves of Costa Rica, you’re bound to come face-to-face with an exotic animal or two (or twelve). From long-nosed tapirs and elegant ocelots to white-faced capuchin monkeys and three-toed sloths, this geologically rich country is a wildlife lover’s dream just waiting to be explored.Â
Counting lemurs in Madagascar
Madagascar isn’t just about breathtaking landscapes and memorable experiences – it’s also about how many species of lemur you can spot. Dust off your binoculars and trek through Isalo, Anadsibe, and Ranomafana national parks in search of those fluffy little animals and check off how many you see. (Hint: there are 33 different types to find).Â
Marvel at Antartica's animals
When you leave land far behind you and set sail for the world’s whitest continent one thing you can expect to see is wondrous wildlife. From visiting penguin rookeries and spotting humpback whales as they breach the water’s surface to looking out for leopard seals and watching albatross soar above you, you’ll never forget the animals of Antarctica. Â
Popular safari destinations
Wildlife trip features
Supporting wildlifeÂ
Not only does our entire range of wildlife trips promise to give you unforgettable animal experiences, but they also directly support the conservation of wildlife and the people who take care of that wildlife.  So, you can rest assured knowing that the money you spend by travelling with us is reinvested into the protection of the wildlife you see and the communities you visit like the jewellery workshop run by a team of women in Zambia that donates funds for anti-poaching patrols. Â
Local expert-led tours
Is your lemur knowledge almost non-existent? Do you have any idea about the intricacies of Borneo’s jungle ecosystem? Don’t know the orangutans from the chimpanzees? On an Intrepid trip, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Every wildlife trip includes at least one local wildlife expert – from park rangers knowledgeable about mountain gorillas to indigenous people with a special connection to land - to take you on guided walks, conduct informal sessions, and participate in educational conversations.Â
Range of experiences
Traditional Game Drives, boat safaris, and nature walks are all par for the course on one of our wildlife trips but at Intrepid, our itineraries delve deeper to provide you with the whole, unique picture. Incorporating a range of different opportunities for travellers to experience the world’s wildlife such as a visit to a Wildlife Forensic Laboratory in Zambia where officials investigate wildlife crimes (just like CSI but for animals!) and learning firsthand about Antarctica’s ecosystem from your onboard marine biologist.Â
Responsible travel & conservationÂ
We are not only giving back through offering safaris that make a difference but also partnering with conservation projects on the ground to raise awareness and important funding through the Intrepid Foundation.
Animal welfareÂ
At Intrepid, we believe that it’s our responsibility to help preserve the planet for the next generation of travellers, as well as for the communities – and animals – that call these places home. That’s why we’ve worked with World Animal Protection to create a set of guidelines each and every one of our trips follows. Â
Our animal welfare pledge
We’re also working with the team at Blood Lions as a commitment to actively working towards a solution to lion exploitation by signing their ‘Born to Live Wild’ pledge.Â
Visiting animals
We only visit facilities involving wild animals in captivity if the reason for the facility directly helps, and is in the best interest, of the animals involved. For example, rescue centres operating with the highest animal welfare and conservation standards possible.Â
Being a wildlife-friendly traveller
From doing your research to never using animals as a photo prop, there are a few easy ways to become a wildlife-friendly traveller. Join Intrepid co-founder Geoff Manchester and Lek Chailert, the founder of Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, to find out more about Intrepid's ban on elephant rides and what you can do to help protect wildlife on your travels, or check out the partnerships between The Intrepid Foundation and various conservation organisations around the world. Â
How we helpÂ
We actively discourage the participation of travellers in any activities that exploit wild or domestic/working animals. Lately, there’s been a rise in animal-related incidents around the world, and it doesn’t sit well with us. That’s why we have this toolkit in conjunction with World Animal Protection, with the hope that it will help the tourism industry rebuild more ethically during the COVID-caused travel shutdowns. Â
Park & conservation feesÂ
Did you know a portion of all national park fees (included in your trip price) go back into the conservation for the parks? In some countries, this can be a considerable amount and goes towards park upkeep, wildlife rehabilitation and protection, and funding for park rangers.Â
Become a Citizen Scientist
Contribute in a very real way on your trip to Antarctica by undertaking scientific studies, recording cloud cover with NASA, participating in the ‘Happy Whale’ initiative (taking photos of whales’ flukes and uploading them to a special database), and conducting seabird surveys.
Our WWF partnershipÂ
Embark on an Antarctic adventure with WWF, a conservation organisation working to protect endangered habitats and reduce threats to plants and animals, and learn about their non-invasive whale research project from onboard scientists. Â Â
Giving backÂ
Our wildlife trips are specifically designed to include local communities, businesses and NGOs that are working to support the conservation of wildlife, or the people protecting the wild.
Meet the experts
Alex - Antarctica Expedition Leader
Alex has long held a fascination with the natural world and polar regions. A graduate of Cambridge in Natural Sciences, Alex had been a polar guide for over a decade and is the co-founder of the Polar Citizen Science Collective, an organisation devoted to harnessing the research and data collection power of polar tourism. When not on a ship he can usually be found with skis or sticky rubber on his feet.
Twongyeirwe - Head Ranger (Uganda)
Growing up in a family with a conservation background, Twongyeirwe quickly developed a dream of becoming a wildlife ranger, working with mountain gorillas in the forests of Uganda. He's been living that dream for 16 years (and counting), learning about gorilla behaviours, tracking their movements and passing on that knowledge to passionate travellers just as awestruck by the majesty of these animals as he is.Â
Jessica - Naturalist Guide (Galapagos Islands)
Jessica grew up surrounded by sea lions, sea turtles, iguanas, amazing landscapes, and friendly people on the Galapagos Islands so it's no surprise she turned to a career teaching people about the diversity, endemism, and the marine life of the region she's loved since she was little. When she's not working, you can find her scuba diving, snorkelling and exploring as much of this magical Ecuadorian world as possible.Â
Eva – Citizen Science Coordinator (Polar)
Eva is a polar scientist, with a particular passion for marine mammals. Her love for whales led to her graduating at the top of her class with a Master's in Polar Science from the Scott Polar Research Institute at the University of Cambridge. Researcher, Naturalist, Photographer, Educator, Surveyor, Skipper and Wildlife Officer, Eva has travelled extensively throughout all 7 continents, but her heart remains in the polar regions.Â
Reviews
Wildlife FAQs
Trips on or before 31 December 2022
If your Intrepid trip starts on or before 31 December 2022, you must provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
If you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons, you may apply for an exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must provide a medical certificate from a medical professional.Â
Children under 18 are exempt. Children aged between 5 and 17 years old must provide proof of either vaccination, recovery or a negative COVID-19 test.
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises). However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.
Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 proof of vaccination policy
At Intrepid, the welfare of our people and our travellers is our highest priority, and we never put tours in a potentially harmful or dangerous position. To ensure that all travellers are safe while trekking or visiting wildlife conservation areas, there are a set of rules and regulations that everyone must observe at all times, which you'll be briefed on when necessary. Both your leader and the professional wildlife expert that accompanies you on specific activities such as gorilla trekking, will be happy to answer any questions you might have and make sure everyone's obeying safety precautions.Â
Our wildlife tours range from having a lower physical rating (2 out of 5 stars) to a higher physical rating (3 out of 5 stars) which indicates that you should have a reasonable level of fitness to be comfortable throughout your trip. Most wildlife trips visit at least one national park so you can expect to participate in a couple of walks or longer hikes.Â
Animal movements can be unpredictable so we can't 100% guarantee that you'll see gorillas on your trek. Having said that, it's highly unlikely not to. You will be accompanied by a gorilla tracker on your trek and they'll have specific knowledge on how to find the gorillas and where they might be so you don't have to worry about a thing.Â
There's not a huge difference between gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda when it comes to actually seeing the animals, but the terrain of both countries varies. Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park has a more open and less dense landscape than the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda so it can often feel easier to trek through. Uganda also experiences more rain and this can make tracks slippery and harder to navigate. Another difference is that the permit for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is more expensive than in Uganda and this can deter budget-conscious travellers.Â
The type of vehicles you'll travel on during your Game Drive is dependent on the style of your trip (basix, original, comfort, or premium) but all trips will use a 4x4 or alternate vehicle for at least one of those rides so you have the best opportunity to experience the wildlife from a unique perspective. If you want more details, check out the trip notes/itinerary information for your chosen trip.Â
Regardless of the style, every single one of our wildlife trips directly supports the conservation of wildlife or the people protecting the wildlife. A portion of any National Park or Game Reserve entrance fee (which is included in your trip price) is also fed back into protecting and conserving the park's natural and cultural heritage.  This money is crucial to safeguarding these habitats for wildlife to breed and survive together with its surrounding local communities. Our wildlife trips are also designed to seek out and support local projects, communities, and businesses that are actively working to protect wildlife, and educate and empower local communities to be custodians of conservation.
Absolutely! Our trips feature a whole heap of fun activities such as Game drives, nature walks, and boat safaris, as well as unique experiences such as visiting a Wildlife Forensic Laboratory in Zimbabwe (which is exactly what it sounds like - a unit investigating wildlife crimes) and sitting down to dinner with a local park ranger where you'll learn about life in the wilderness and their special relationships with the mountain gorillas (guaranteed to be one dinner conversation you've never had before)!
You'll have access to your trip leader who already has an impressive base of knowledge about the countries visited in the itinerary, and the local flora, fauna, cultural, religious, and social aspects associated with them but we also use additional local guides and wildlife experts who have a deeper and more specific knowledge about the places you go to and the animals you see. This is to add to your overall experience and make sure you're getting the full, well-rounded picture so expect to spend some time with wildlife veterinarians, park rangers, naturalist guides, and conservation researchers. For some trips, you will be accompanied by these experts for the entire duration, such as on our Antarctica departures where there's a naturalist and marine biologist onboard.Â
There's a good chance you'll see a wide variety of animals on any Galapagos Island since there are over 300+ different species that inhabit this archipelago. It's the sheer diversity and variety of life on land, in the air and under the water that makes the Galapagos such a drawcard for nature and wildlife lovers and each trip will give you the opportunity to experience as much of it as possible.Â
See below for some of the animals known to frequent the Galapagos Islands:
- Sea lions are found across all islands.Â
- Penguins are found across Santa Cruz, Santiago, Isabela, Fernandina, Floreana, and Bartolome islands.Â
- Giant tortoises are found across Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, and Floreana islands.Â
- Green sea turtles are found across all islands.Â
- Land iguanas are found across Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Plaza Sur, and North Seymour islands.Â
- Flamingoes are found across Santa Cruz, Santiago, Isabela, Floreana, and Rabida islands.Â
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
For more information on insurance, please go to:Â Travel Insurance
Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. However, we’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.
Read more about wildlife travel
Nov 16, 2017
7 wildlife experiences you can only...
Camping with koalas and cosying up to kangaroos? Only in South Australia.
Mar 26, 2018
The magic of exploring the Galapagos...
The group – along with the trip itinerary – were amazing, but I firmly believe...
May 19, 2023
The best thing about a family tour?...
'On the first day, the eight children pronounced themselves best friends and...
Jan 10, 2023
How we changed the elephant riding...
In 2014, we officially put a stop to elephant riding on all Intrepid trips. It was...
Aug 03, 2022
This is why we no longer ride elephants
Intrepid staff and travellers are a very passionate lot; unafraid to speak up...
Aug 14, 2022
Travel to Antarctica alongside whale...
Ever wondered what it would be like to explore Antarctica with a team of whale...
Mar 03, 2022
9 animals to see in Uluru & Kings Canyon
How many of these local wildlife residents will you see on your Red Centre...
Nov 03, 2022
Creating beauty from brutality: the...
This year, we’re encouraging travellers to choose wildlife experiences that give...
Dec 31, 2022
Born to be wild: this Australian...
This year, we’re encouraging travellers to choose wildlife experiences that give...
Feb 28, 2018
7 unmissable experiences to have in...
With beaches, jungle and wildlife galore, Costa Rica is full of beautiful things...
Apr 24, 2022
3 reasons why you shouldn’t drink...
There's a whole lot more to this "poo coffee" than meets the eye.
Jun 24, 2022
Try and spot these 8 native Japanese...
The vibrant culture and delicious cuisine aren't the only reasons to travel to...
Apr 11, 2018
What to expect on an African overland...
It's fair to say overland travel isn't for everyone. But for those that give it a...
Mar 19, 2019
Everything you need to know about...
Spanning 5.5 million square kilometres, the Amazon is the largest rainforest on...
Jul 18, 2021
8 incredible animals you’ll find in...
Animal lover? You should read this. And book a trip in Canada.
Jun 30, 2019
Where to spot the wildlife that...
Ahead of the release of Disney's The Lion King, we pinpoint the destinations you...
Apr 20, 2016
Moral dilemmas: should you do these...
When we travel, we face moral dilemmas every day. It's up to us to decide what...
Jun 26, 2021
Meet the animals of Antarctica
Learn about these 7 curious creatures you may meet on your Antarctic adventure.
Apr 10, 2022
What to expect on a wolf tracking...
Find out what to expect on a wolf tracking tour in Yellowstone.
Sep 25, 2018
10 facts that will make you wild...
Keen on Kenya? Here are 10 interesting facts about the East African country.
Sep 23, 2019
Why Canada’s Johnstone Strait is a...
Whale watching, kayaking, and bunking down under the stars in a remote glamp site?...
Oct 30, 2018
Everything you need to know about...
Getting to the gorillas takes more effort, more time and more expense than a...
May 07, 2021
Everything you need to know about...
Where to go, what to do, what to pack - and more - all wrapped up in a neat little...
Aug 09, 2018
How to choose your ideal African safari
Fancy taking a walk on the wild side? An African safari offers up the ideal...