Wildlife

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Wildlife milestone trips

The animal kingdom is vast and varied. And, with us, there are myriad ways to get unimaginably close to it. Off-the-grid safaris, treks into the heartland of the gorilla. The sea, the rainforest, the altiplano. Step softly. 


Rwanda Galápagos British Columbia

Rwanda

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Two parks, both alike in grandeur – but also uniquely inhabited. We’ve teamed up with some of the country’s most expert guides and experts to introduce you to Africa’s most off-piste safari. This once-in-a-lifetime expedition has all the makings of a stellar milestone experience.

Detail. Where Volcanoes is the home of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas, Nyungwe – along the Burundi border – is where the country’s wider primate species thrive, from chimpanzees and mangabeys to olive baboons and the velvet monkey. You’ll get a chance to meet them all.

Where to stay

Rwanda

Bisate Lodge, Volcanoes National Park

Located on the wild fringes of Volcanoes National Park, Bisate has a well-earned reputation for promoting sustainable tourism and community development. Unique in appearance and location, this is the ideal ‘launch pad’ to explore the National Park with our guides. Mount Bisoke, on the near horizon, is a welcome and dramatic friend.

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One&Only Nyungwe House, Rwanda

One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe National Park

Set in the absurdly rich plantations of Gisakura, this tranquil and picturesque lodge is what is known as an ‘island of tranquillity’. We love the infinity pool and crackling outdoor fireplaces.

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The highlights

gorilla, rwanda

Trekking with a gorilla doctor

You’ll set off into the glades and valleys of Volcanoes National Park alongside one of the veterinarians who care for these beautiful creatures throughout the year. This is a truly rare journey into a highly protected environment.

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Baby chimp, Rwanda

In search of chimps

Unlike their larger, more reclusive cousins, the chimpanzees of Rwanda prefer to form larger communities. You’ll join an expert guide to track and observe them in their lush-green habitat.

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One&Only Nyungwe House, Rwanda

A walk across the canopy

The treetops of Nyungwe sustain an incredible diversity of life – an area which escaped the chills of the last ice age. Here, in the canopy, you’ll sight everything from exotic birds and butterflies to sublime orchids.

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Golden Monkey, Rwanda

Where the golden monkeys roam

These playful and inquisitive creatures are mostly unfussed by the guides who set off in search of them. You’ll get to witness a playful performance of frolicking and tree-leaping.

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Lake Kivu

To Lake Kivu

A deep, exquisitely blue lake on the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lake Kivu is the perfect place in which to relax and unwind, its fringes shaded by eucalyptus and banana. We like to cycle the hills and then cross the waters by kayak.

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Galápagos

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Far from the coastlines of Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands – properly an archipelago – have earned their place in history as the biosphere that helped a young Charles Darwin to refine his theory of evolution.

To travel here – in the footsteps of Darwin and his ship, the Beagle – is to enter an unimaginably diverse and otherworldly place, a volcanic refuge which boasts a higher concentration of wildlife than anywhere else on earth. This isn’t a ‘trip’. It’s an expedition.

Where to stay

Elite Luxury Yacht | Luxury Yachts and Cruises in the Galapagos

Elite Yacht Charter

Like Darwin before you, a sail boat is the only right and proper way to explore the coves and islets that make up this sprawling archipelago. With just ten sumptuous suites onboard, the Elite takes personal service and comfort very seriously indeed. It is sublime.

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Pikaia Lodge, Galapagos Islands | Black Tomato

Pikaia Lodge, Galápagos Islands

On land, there’s Pikaia – set on an island born of fire and volcanoes. Within 31 hectares
of private land, this exceptional lodge is the ideal portal onto the bountiful biodiversity of the islands.

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The highlights

Amazon, Andes, and The Galápagos Islands

Visit the Charles Darwin Research Centre

Darwin’s scientific legacy is kept alive at this state-of-the-art centre on the island of Santa Cruz. More than just a visitor, you’ll be able to lend a hand at the research and conservation work undertaken here.

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Galapagos Islands

A Journey to the Galapagos

Traveling by zodiac boat, you’ll head for Las Tintoreras – a tiny island off the coast of Puerto Villamil. This is the perfect place from which to observe lava herons, Galápagos penguins and sea lions.

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Snorkel and dive at the Galápagos Marine Reserve

As the world’s second largest marine reserve, this remains one of the best snorkel and dive sites on the globe. We love Champion Islet – with its colony of 200 playful sea lions.

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July vacation: Galapagos Islands

Hike the heights of Sierra Negro Volcano

The best way to get a bird’s eye view of the islands is by getting as high as you can. We’ll take you on a guided trek to the massive crater-summit of this imperious place. You’ll see striking lava formations and bizarre geological arrangements.

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British Columbia

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The world’s second largest country – and a landscape that rolls from the lakes of the southeast to the Arctic Circle of the north.

But the sweet spot – for wildlife – has to be the wild west of British Columbia. Vancouver has you covered for gastronomy and wine. And when you’re ready to set off from civilization? Nature is, quite literally, at your door.

Where to stay

Wake up to views over Vancouver harbour at Fairmont Pacific Rim

Fairmont Pacific Rim, Vancouver

While it doesn’t take its name from the film (probably for the best), the Pacific Rim is a defiantly dramatic and cosy place to shack up. You’ll have the whole city on your doorstep. Inside, there’s The Botanist – an unmissable meal, if you ask us.

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Nimmo Bay, British Columbia

We love Nimmo Bay. Why? There are nine elegant cabins suspended on the very edge of the water. On the distance – snow-capped mountains. At your feet? Thriving rivers, untouched forests, and majestic wildlife. You won’t regret a thing.

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The highlights

Vancouver Canada

A coastal safari, B.C. style

In the company of an expert local insider, you’ll explore the city’s oldest neighborhood – Gastown. From here it’s Water Street, Blood Alley and Chinatown. Great food, great bars, and excellent company.

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Brown bears Vancouver Island Canada

In search of bears

The Great Bear Rainforest is the place to search for bears. You’ll do so with the guidance of an expert tracker by your side. They’re certified by the Commercial Bear Viewing Association, which ensures that the trek is sustainably minded. Now, what about those black bears and grizzlies?

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Whales in Vancouver Canada

A meeting with marine life

Nimmo Bay is nothing less than a thriving hangout spot for orcas and humpback whales. There are several ways you can do your spotting. From the coast, by kayak, or by boat. We’ll take you to the beautiful Broughton Archipelago – a peerless place to walk in the wilderness.

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Nimmo Bay

A living ritual with ancient roots

We’ll take you on a fulsome and rewarding coastal safari in the Great Bear Rainforest – between hidden coves and remote communities. You’ll visit research stations, meet local artisans, and learn about the local history and culture. An ideal day.

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An unforgettable experience

Black Tomato provides an unforgettable experience with every trip. They get you right in the heart of the culture and have thought through every detail. Their taste is impeccable and their customer service is without compare. I cannot recommend them highly enough.

Andi, Black Tomato Traveler
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