tales of travel

Indonesia

Borneo and Komodo – Orangutans and Komodo Dragons, in one diverse trip

What?

Camp Leakey – Along the way, the river narrows to the point where, in places, you are passing underneath thick forest canopy and your passage seems almost impossible. Keen observation will be rewarded by occasional glimpses of colorful birds including rhinoceros hornbills, kingfishers, flycatchers and many species of primates. Established in 1971, Camp Leakey was founded by Dr. Birute Galdikas. Like her peers Diane Fossey and Jane Goodall, she was supported by the late Louis Leakey to study large primates.

On arrival at Camp Leakey’s river pier, you’re likely to be greeted by some of the resident orangutans. Spend the rest of day hiking through the Borneo rainforest, searching for wildlife and exploring the swamp and lowland dipthocarp forests displaying numerous varieties of epiphytes, liana, mosses and ferns. Return to Camp Leakey to view the afternoon feeding of the resident orangutans, followed by the dusk cruise back to the jungle lodge.

Where?

Borneo Eco-Lodge – This simple, comfortable, eco-lodge is located on the gently flowing Sekonyer River in beautiful Tanjung Puting National Park. Camp-style rooms feature air-conditioning, hot water and rustic, private bathrooms. A percentage of the lodge’s profits goes to the environmental protection of the area.

Private Boat – Stay on board a private luxury ‘local style’ boat with all the amenities, crew including deck-hands, private chef and captain. Private sleeping quarters, bathrooms and endless views of the waters and landscapes.

Sri Lanka

Leopards and Elephants in their most natural surroundings and unspoiled landscapes

What?

Jeep safari in Yala National Park. Spend two-to-three hours exploring the park. Your expert naturalist guides will help you spot a wide array of wildlife including, but not limited to, spotted dear, wild boar, water buffalo, jackal, elephants, crocodiles, several different species of birds, sloth bear and finally the elusive leopard.

Gal Oya National Park is the only place in Sri Lanka where safaris can be conducted by boat. It gives a unique and special perspective whilst watching animals as they come to the water’s edge to drink and forage along the shore. Here you will board your private speedboat for a boat safari. This is a great opportunity to observe the wildlife from from the water, including crocodiles, deer, elephants and many rare and endemic species of birds. You may even be lucky enough to see elephants swimming between islands or bathing at the lake’s edge.

Where?

Leopard Trails Bespoke Tented Safari Lodge – Tents are ideally suited to allow you to enjoy and preserve the natural beauty of the surroundings, without compromising comfort. By using only renewable energy and non-permanent structures, we help conserve our nature reserves whilst bringing you a unique and authentic safari experience.

Gal Oya Lodge – specializes in high-end, environmentally responsible tourism. The nine-room wildlife lodge is constructed from natural materials that have all been locally sourced. Spread across 20 acres of private forest, it’s the ideal place to return to nature. Please note that the rooms are fan cooled and in the evenings the temperatures can be quite cool.

India

Tigers, Rhinoceros, Birds and hundreds of other species

What?

Panna National Park. The region, famous for its diamonds, is also home to some of the best wildlife species in India and is one of the better Tiger Reserves in the area. Panna National Park is known worldwide for its wild cats, including the Bengal tiger, leopards, as well as deer and antelope, and is also a fairly good birding destination. Panna was recently featured in National Geographic’s ‘Tigers of the Emerald Forest.

Kaziranga National Park. The most prized inhabitant of Kaziranga is the Greater One-Horned Indian Rhinoceros, but the park is home to as many as 180 different mammals including wild elephants, tigers, deer, Asiatic wild buffalos and a rich variety of birds.

Dudhwa – learn about conservation initiatives at Tiger Haven, track the one-horned rhino in Dudhwa National Park. Adventure in to the swamps of Katarniaghat Sanctuary, spotting the Indian crocodile and marvel at the nearly extinct 12-horned deer.The incredible diversity of the Terai is a birder’s delight, with a vast variety of avian fauna in the Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary along the Sharada River. Bird species unique to the reserve can be spotted at the main water body, the Jhadi Tal. Complete the jungle experience in the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, famous for the big cats, the tiger and the leopard. Ask about attending the Bird Festival!

Where?

Pashan Garh Wilderness Camp – Located just outside Panna National Park, a vast plateau dominated by lush forests and rushing waterfalls, the Pashan Garh lodge features hilltop stone cottages, which look out over the trees and provide a unique vantage point for wildlife sightings.

Brahmaputra River Cruise – a variety of deluxe vessels fully equipped with private cabins and en suite bathrooms, luxury style dining and services and naturalists on board.

TUTC – (The Ultimate Traveling Camp and Lodges) The first truly mobile luxury camps in India covering a calendar of destinations and festivals. This nomadic super luxury camp introduces the discerning traveller to different adventures in carefully selected exceptional locations in the mountains, deserts, jungles and unexplored countryside. Experience the many moods of exotic India with its dramatic landscapes, rustic and unexplored rural surroundings.

Australia

Kangaroos and Marine Life and much more

What?

Here enjoy exploring the island where you will see a wide array of wildlife species such as kangaroos, wallabies, possums, goannas, echidnas, koalas, platypus, seals and many birds including rare Cape Barren Geese. In addition to the wildlife habitat the park also protects important geological features and cultural heritage sites.

Where?

Southern Ocean Lodge – perhaps Australia’s most stunning and signature property floating atop a secluded cliff on a rugged stretch of coast, the lodge commands peerless views of the wild Southern Ocean and pristine Kangaroo Island wilderness. Sensitive, intimate and sophisticated, Southern Ocean Lodge is a sanctuary of refined comfort and luxe Kangaroo Island style.