wildlife day trips uk

10 Incredible Wildlife Encounters in the United Kingdom

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For many visitors, the United Kingdom is synonymous with its cultural capitals and fascinating history. And yet, if you travel beyond its urban areas you will also discover some truly spectacular (and often unexpected) wilderness areas, many of which are renowned for their incredible wildlife encounters. From swimming with seals and basking sharks to watching badgers gambol through twilight woodlands, this article takes a look at a few of the nature experiences that deserve a place on your U.K. bucket list. Some occur all year round while others are seasonal, so be sure to check carefully and plan your trip accordingly. 

Badgers: Tewin Orchard, England

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Of all the wild animals native to the United Kingdom, the red fox and the European badger are probably the most iconic. The first can be encountered with relative ease in most urban areas; but badgers are notoriously difficult to spot. This is partly because of their nocturnal and naturally shy nature; and because their numbers are dwindling due to a number of different conservation issues . For the best chance to spot these charismatic, black-and-white striped creatures, book a badger watching evening at a hide built especially for the purpose. One of the best is the Middlesex Wildlife Trust’s mammal hide at Tewin Orchard , which overlooks a sett with a resident family of around 10 badgers. 

Grey Seals: Farne Islands, England

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The grey seal colony that lives on Northumberland’s Farne Islands is the biggest in England with up to 4,000 seals resident in the area at any given time. These inquisitive, playful mammals can be seen basking on the rocks at the water’s edge or frolicking together in the water. Late September to early December is breeding season, and visitors will be treated to the sight of countless fluffy white seal pups. There are several different ways to meet the seals of the Farne Islands. Billy Shiel’s Boat Trips offers dedicated grey seal cruises for up-close encounters from the water; and also underwater adventures for those that want to snorkel or dive with the seals in their natural habitat. 

Basking Sharks: Inner Hebrides, Scotland

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For those that are willing to take the plunge into Scotland’s chilly waters, a close encounter with a basking shark (the world’s second-largest fish) is an unforgettable privilege. Despite their huge size, these endangered animals are plankton-feeders and are harmless to humans. They are also very difficult to spot; but there are a few places in the U.K. that offer a good chance of a sighting. Our top pick is the Inner Hebrides archipelago in Scotland. Eco-conscious tour operator Basking Shark Scotland runs dedicated, marine-biologist led trips out of Oban, giving you the chance to observe the sharks from the boat or from the water. Basking shark sightings are seasonal, with peak season being July to September. 

Ospreys: Cors Dyfi Reserve, Wales

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Seeing a wild osprey – a majestic species once pushed to the brink of extinction in the U.K. – is one of the region’s most rewarding birding experiences. These incredible raptors can be seen at various sites from mid-March until the end of summer, when they undertake a 3,000-mile migration to Africa. Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve in the Welsh county of Powys has earned a reputation as one of the best places to see ospreys, since it became home to a breeding pair in 2011. Today, the Dyfi Osprey Project hosts an incredible observatory that allows for close-up views of the nest. Before your visit, keep an eye on the reserve’s osprey activity via the project’s 24-hour (in season) live nest cameras. 

Otters: Isle of Mull, Scotland

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The Eurasian otter is another sought-after and elusive U.K. species, and one of the best places to spot them is on Scotland’s beautiful Isle of Mull . Elsewhere, otters typically live in freshwater and are most active at dawn and dusk. On Mull, the otters have adapted to hunt for prey in the seaweed that litters over 300 miles of shoreline, and can be seen at any time of day or night. The optimum time to look for them is a few hours either side of low tide, when they are most active and easiest to spot. Take a walk or drive along the island’s spectacular coastline, keeping your eyes peeled for movement on the beach or in the water.

Bottlenose Dolphins: Chanonry Point, Scotland

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Scotland’s Moray Firth (located on the east coast of the Highlands) is widely acknowledged as the best place in the U.K. for bottlenose dolphin sightings. That’s because the firth is home to the world’s most northerly population of this much-loved species, numbering around 200 individuals in total. The dolphins can be seen throughout the firth and all along the Moray Coast (along with harbor porpoises and minke whales). For the best chances of success, head to Chanonry Point near Inverness, where the dolphins are frequently spotted hunting for food in the channel, within a few metres of the shore. The best time to go is on a rising tide, when you’ll share the viewpoint with many other dolphin watchers. 

Red Squirrels: Brownsea Island, England

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Eastern grey squirrels are ubiquitous in the U.K.; you’ll see them in every urban park and rural woodland area. And yet, this highly successful species is not native. It was introduced from North America and has drastically affected populations of the U.K.’s own eurasian red squirrel. As such, red squirrels have become a rare and special sight, with their gleaming chestnut coats and tufted ears. There are several red squirrel strongholds throughout the U.K., where special efforts have been made to conserve them. One such place is Brownsea Island , located off the coast of Poole in southern England. There are more than 200 red squirrels here; to see them, simply wander the National Trust walking trails that meander through the island’s pine woodlands. 

Puffins: Skomer Island, Wales

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With their smart black-and-white plumage and distinctive multi-colored bill, Atlantic puffins are probably the U.K.’s most iconic seabird. Despite this, they are found in only a few locations around the coast with Pembrokeshire’s Skomer Island being one of the most famous. Located less than a mile from the Welsh mainland, Skomer hosts a colony of nesting puffins from April to July every year. You can visit on a day trip or stay overnight, and get amazing close-up views of the birds as they go about their business. Skomer is also an important site for other seabird species, including Manx shearwaters, razorbills, gannets and fulmars. Keep an eye on the water for possible glimpses of grey seals, porpoises, and dolphins. 

Red Deer: Exmoor, England

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Every autumn from October onwards, the U.K.’s largest land mammal puts on a spectacular display in parks and wilderness areas across the region. The red deer rut sees sexually mature stags fight for the right to lead (and breed with) harems of female deer. Sometimes conflicts are vocal, sometimes the stags lock antlers in a heated show of strength. One of the best places to see the rut is on the moors of Exmoor National Park in southwest England, where there are more than 3,000 red deer in residence. The stags are at their most active in the hours right after dawn and just before dusk; consider joining a tour with Red Stag Safari for the best sightings and photo opportunities.

Salmon: Gilfach, Wales

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The Atlantic salmon run is one of the U.K.’s lesser known natural spectacles, but is nevertheless an awe-inspiring lesson in perseverance. During October and November, adult salmon return to the river of their birth after spending around five years at sea. They then travel upstream, leaping up waterfalls en route to their freshwater spawning grounds. One of the best places to witness the run is at Gilfach Nature Reserve in Powys, Wales. The reserve is bisected by well-known salmon river, the River Marteg; and includes a special trail that culminates in a viewing platform above a waterfall. From here, you can watch and take photos of the salmon, remembering to keep an eye out for the reserve’s resident otters as well. 

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8 incredible wildlife holidays in the UK

From the New Forest to the Isle of Eigg, here's where to spot Britain's amazing wildlife

In the UK, we’re fortunate to have a bounty of wildlife, so nature and wildlife holidays in the UK are the perfect way to get out and about to discover the delights on our doorstep.

While some of the UK’s most remote locations, such as St Kilda in the Hebrides , are havens for all types of animals, wildlife holidays in the UK don’t have to be in the wilderness to be wonderful.

Flowers in quintessential English gardens attract bees, essential to our ecosystems, plus wildlife of the colourful kind – kaleidoscopic butterflies. Sea life is abundant in the waters that lap our coasts, including minke whales, seals, and dolphins. And in the skies, birds of prey circling overhead or dramatic displays of starling murmuration can be spectacles worth making a trip for.

Keep scrolling for our favourite wildlife holidays in the UK, whether you’re looking for an extended expedition cruise around the UK or have a few days to explore beautifully cultivated gardens in the Cotswolds .

Minke whales off Hirta Island

Far-flung Hirta is an uninhabited island in the Outer Hebrides that’s only accessible by boat. Its final residents departed in the 1930s after thousands of years of occupation, leaving behind an intriguing legacy and whispered ghost stories.

Hirta is now a nature reserve under the National Trust for Scotland, and minke whales are frequently seen in its waters between July and September. The wildlife spotting opportunities don’t end at incredible whale watching – the island’s rocky ledges provide shelter to thousands of nesting seabirds. The archipelago that Hirta belongs to is said to be home to the largest seabird colony in the northeast Atlantic.

How to visit: There isn’t any accommodation on Hirta. Instead, an ideal way to explore the region is to step aboard the expedition cruise ship, MS Spitsbergen, to get up close to the St Kilda archipelago. Country Living's exclusive cruise visits Hirta along with other wildlife-rich islands in the Hebrides, including the Isle of Arran and the Trennish Isles, where there are nesting puffins, colonies of kittiwakes, and Atlantic grey seals.

Butterflies and bees in the Cotswolds

Designed to work in harmony with nature, HRH The Prince of Wales manages his Highgrove gardens organically and sustainably. Happily, this has a hugely positive impact on the garden’s wildlife. Bees and butterflies are attracted to the four-acre wildflower meadow, and visiting birds play in the Lily Pool Garden. Elsewhere in the Cotswolds, the planting schemes at Rodmarton Manor are designed to invite birds and butterflies.

How to visit: Spend time at Highgrove, Rodmarton Manor, and other fine Cotswolds gardens with Gardeners’ World presenter Christine Walkden. Christine knows plenty about plants that attract birds and insects to gardens and will share her knowledge during a private Q&A.

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Atlantic seals and sea life off the Isle of Eigg

A jewel of the Hebrides, the Isle of Eigg is just five miles long and three miles wide. Its waters are home to an exciting array of sea life, including porpoises, basking sharks, sunfish, and orcas. In the summer months, visitors can take a guided walk with the Scottish Wildlife Trust to look for seals and gaze upwards in the hope of spotting incredible birdlife, including golden eagles and buzzards.

How to visit: Stop at the Isle of Eigg on a seven-night cruise of the Scottish Highlands on luxury yacht, Lord of the Glens, whose design was inspired by the Royal Yacht Britannia, and perhaps you’ll have a chance to spot the incredible sea life that has made these waters their playground.

Puffins and seabirds on Rathlin Island

Rathlin Island is six miles from mainland Northern Ireland across the Sea of Moyle. April to July is puffin season, when these delightfully comical birds frolic alongside other seabirds, including guillemots and razorbills. It’s also where Northern Ireland’s largest seabird colony is found, offering plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities. An RSPB centre on Rathlin Island includes a short scenic walk to a viewing platform where you can also get a great view of the Rathlin West Light lighthouse. The RSPB team is often available to help identify different species.

How to visit: Take a trip to Rathlin Island as part of a 13-day expedition cruise around the British Isles on various departures throughout 2023. You may have other opportunities to see puffins elsewhere on the cruise, including the Isles of Scilly.

Dolphins off the coast of Cornwall

Dolphins are always a delight to spot and over recent years, ‘superpods’ of up to 400 dolphins have been seen in Cornish waters. While there are plenty of dolphin ‘safaris’ to take you out to spot them, including from Penzance on the south coast and Padstow on the north coast, you don’t have to get waterborne to spot dolphins. Head to Sennen Cove near Land’s End between April and October, and you might be lucky enough to see dolphins feeding at low tide.

How to visit: The Artist Residence in Penzance is an excellent base if you’re planning to choose one of the sea safaris that depart from Penzance harbour.

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Ponies in the New Forest

The New Forest ponies are a delightful feature of this southern region. Over 5,000 of them roam here. Strictly speaking, they’re not wild as they’re owned by a member of the area’s commoning community, but the ponies have free rein of the open forest.

Visiting the New Forest as part of a wildlife holiday in the UK isn’t just about the gorgeous ponies. Follow the six-mile trail at Lymington and Keyhaven Marshes, and you’ll spot creatures great and small in the coastal marshes and lagoons, which are vital to the area’s birds, including curlews, egrets and warblers.

How to visit: Cosy guestrooms and shepherd huts epitomise a rural getaway in New Forest, and the Spot in the Woods fits the bill nicely. You’re also within easy reach of the New Forest Wildlife Park.

Starling murmuration in Brighton

Some say it's one of Britain’s great wildlife spectacles, and we’re inclined to agree. The sight of thousands of starlings swooping in sync, creating moving shapes across the sky at dawn and dusk, is wonderful and intriguing. This strange display has interested scientists and sparked debate as to why the starlings behave this way. The one thing everyone agrees on is that it’s a truly remarkable sight.

How to visit: Take a wintertime trip to Brighton for the chance to see a sunset display on the coast. Fingers crossed you’ll be rewarded with the starlings’ aerial display, but as nothing involving wildlife can ever be guaranteed, if the starlings don’t come out to play, you can still have a super weekend away at The Grand, Brighton’s lavish seafront hotel.

Red deer in Richmond

Richmond Park was originally a royal hunting ground, and today, it’s one of the Royal Parks. Over 600 red and fallow deer roam freely here. The rutting season in the autumn appeals to photographers and visitors when the stags clash antlers to fight off rivals, so it can be a particularly dramatic time to visit to witness these rituals – but remember to stay at least 50 metres away.

While the deer are the headline act at Richmond Park, there are other attractions too, including the delightful Isabella Plantation, a pretty woodland garden. And the views from King Henry’s Mound shouldn’t be missed – you can glimpse St Paul’s Cathedral to the east.

How to visit: County Living Holidays has an exclusive two-night short break at the Richmond Hill Hotel for two. This superb Georgian townhouse is just moments from the park and includes lovely extras, such as a champagne afternoon tea and a complimentary upgrade to a Georgian Deluxe Room.

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Britain's best wildlife holidays

Unwind and immerse yourself in the natural world this year – from spotting otters to kayaking with puffins and catching a glimpse of a minke whale, here is our pick of the UK's best wildlife watching holidays. 

It’s the sense of anticipation that gives me the biggest thrill, says writer James Fair. Whether I’m back on a familiar Scottish island or the Pembrokeshire coast, or in uncharted waters, I look around and wonder – what will I see?

That’s why I cannot wait for my next wildlife holiday – not for the opportunity to tick a new species or to explore new horizons, but to wallow in expectation and hope. It’s not even “What will I see?”, but “How do I feel?” That’s all that matters.

From spotting otters to kayaking with puffins and catching a glimpse of a minke whale, here is our pick of the UK's best wildlife watching holidays.

UK's best wildlife holidays

Spot otters, isle of mull.

“CLUNK!” The sound of our eight-year-old clattering over an upturned kayak surprised my partner and I and caught the attention of the otter that had been swimming just metres away – so close, I’d been counting the whiskers on its face. Our son had a few precious moments to focus on the beast before it duck-dived, furry tail following toothy face into the loch’s dark depths.

While staying on the Ross of Mull for a week, we saw the otter five times. Thanks to the terrible weather, I spent hours gazing out at the loch, hopefully mistaking everything from seals to random waves for everyone’s favourite marine mammal. And, some of the time, I spotted one. At which point, I booted the household outside with as many binoculars as we could muster. It became not just any common-or-garden otter – it was our otter.

Not for nothing has Mull earned a reputation as Britain’s wildlife capital. On Loch na Keal, white-tailed eagles swoop silently to pluck mackerel from the water metres from your boat. On the Sound of Mull, we watched 15 bottlenose dolphins work their way towards Tobermory. We’ve seen grey seals in abundance, and golden eagles mob ravens. Near Loch Frisa, our then-three-year-old was blissfully unaware of almost stepping on an adder. The Isle of Mull – where snakes in the grass and otters in the loch are absolutely free.

Further information

• The Old Church, Pennyghael (above)has three bedrooms; from £575 a week. isleofmullcottages.com/cottage/the-old-church

• Mull Charters runs white-tailed eagle trips; £45pp. mullcharters.com

More related content:

• Britain’s best alternative holiday ideas
• Britain’s best seal watching spots and how to avoid disturbing the colony
• Britain’s best winter wildlife spectacles

Bird-spot by bike , Shetland Islands

Arctic tern Sterna paradisaea, adult in flight, Shetland/Credit: RSPB Images

Pedalling slowly through a summer mist in a remote part of Yell (the island north of Shetland’s Mainland), I became aware of the excited screams of dozens of Arctic terns (pictured). By chance, I had stumbled upon a small breeding colony. That’s Shetland for you – wildlife in droves where you least expect it. On the west side of Mainland, there were 70 or more oystercatchers in a single field and, later, I caught two or three ‘surfacings’ of a minke whale. Once you get a few miles outside Lerwick there’s not much traffic; if you leave the main roads, there’s none. None of the hills are very big but the terrain undulates. So take it easy – the slower you go, the more you’ll see.

• Islesburgh House Hostel, Lerwick, has beds from £17 per night. shetland.gov.uk/islesburgh/Hostel.asp

• North Link Ferries from Aberdeen to Lerwick; adults from £22, bicycles travel free. northlinkferries.co.uk

Kayak with puffins Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire

Watching puffins on Skomer is delightful, and there is something extra special about leaving the land and the crowds behind you and taking to the water with these marine birds. My partner and I spent a day paddling around the island with Martin Leonard of Sea Kayak Guides, watching the vast rafts of puffins, guillemots and razorbills whiling away the hours between fishing trips, while keeping an eye out for porpoises. Departing from Martin’s Haven, the whole adventure – including an hour’s sojourn on Skomer itself – takes 4–5 hours. If you have any energy the following day, walk a circuit of the headland on the coastal path – the section to Marloes Sands, especially, is good for wildflowers, butterflies and kestrels.

• Monk Haven Manor, St Ishmaels has double rooms from £100. monkhaven.co.uk

• Runwayskiln does fabulous food. runwayskiln.co.uk

• Sea Kayak Guides offers wildlife tours from £95 per person per day. seakayakguides.co.uk

Whale watch, North Yorkshire

It’s no exaggeration to say the three hours I spent watching minke whales off the coast of Staithes was one of the best wildlife experiences of my life. The minkes come here in August to feed on herring, and while they may not breach in the style of exuberant humpbacks, to be surrounded by six or seven for several hours is unforgettable. Extend your wildlife adventure with a nightjar safari or some spectacular gannet action at Bempton Cliffs.

British marine life

Learn all about Britain's dolphins, porpoise and whales – including identification, the best places to see them and boat excursions – with our guide to the UK's most common cetacean species.

Read our guide to Britain’s dolphins, porpoise and whales, including how to identify and best places to to see

• Endeavour, Staithes, is a restaurant with rooms; doubles from £100. endeavour-restaurant.co.uk

• Yorkshire Coast Nature runs brilliant whale trips; £90 per person. yorkshirecoastnature.co.uk

Spirits of the forest Cairngorms, National Park

You could spend a week in the Cairngorms and not exhaust its wildlife attractions. My absolute must-dos would be the hide on Rothiemurchus Estate, where pine martens are regular visitors, and the osprey centre at RSPB Loch Garten. A trip up Cairngorm Mountain to see ptarmigan is essential, as is a morning walking through Caledonian Pine Forest in Glenmore for red squirrels, crested tits and crossbills. For a native species now technically extinct in the UK, visit Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, where a small herd roams semi-wild.

Best walks in the Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms teems with towering trees, shimmering lochs and busy wildlife. Take a hike through this vast, untamed area of Scotland with our list of the area's best walks.

View Cairngorms walks

• Speyside Wildlife can do tailor-made trips, from £195 for the day (up to seven people). speysidewildlife.co.uk

• Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel is in an idyllic forest location. Bed in shared room from £19; private room £45. hostellingscotland.org.uk/hostels/cairngorm-lodge

Spot peregrine falcons, North Norfolk

Peering up at Norwich Cathedral’s 95m-high spire through a spotting scope, my eyes were met by the steely gaze of a peregrine falcon. It was a female keeping an eye on her chick, which was just days from fledging. Throughout the breeding season (March–July), the Hawk and Owl Trust has a tent in the grounds with volunteers on hand to help you spot the birds. Nearby Strumpshaw Fen is a haven for Britain’s largest butterfly, the swallowtail, while down the coast, Havergate Island is home to terns and docile brown hares to complete the weekend.

• Norfolk Mead Hotel has double rooms from £135. norfolkmead.co.uk

• Hawk and Owl Trust, hawkandowltrust.org

Dolphin Days, Cardigan Bay

Does anything make people smile more than a wild dolphin – especially one spotted just half an hour or so outside the bucket-and-spade seaside town of New Quay? A mother and her calf breaking the surface in perfect synchrony is one abiding memory. Take a walk along the coast path for choughs – crows with orange-red legs and bills.

• Fforest has bell tent, crog loft, dome or farmhouse accommodation; from £180 for two nights. coldatnight.co.uk

• Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre Learn to spot marine wildlife; free entry. welshwildlife.org

Butterfly Heaven, the Cotswolds

The distinctive, steep-sided valleys of Rodborough Commons and Minchinhampton are rich in rare butterflies, including Adonis and large blues (pictured). Visit Clattinger Farm in Cotswold Water Park, too, for spectacular orchids, while in April, North Meadow is home to an estimated 1.5 million snake’s head fritillaries. Cycle along quiet country lanes while admiring the Cotswold landscape.

Guide to British butterflies: how to identify and the best places to spot

Britain has around 60 glorious butterfly species. Here is our expert guide on where to see and how to identify British butterfly species.

View our butterfly guide

• Lower Mill Estate has holiday lets with wildlife in mind. habitatescapes.com

• Cotswold Electric Bike Tours offers tours from £80. cotswoldelectricbiketours.co.uk

Hare and harriers, Forest of Bowland, Lancashire

My first ever sighting of England’s rarest bird of prey, the hen harrier (pictured), was the reward for a trip to Bowland’s rugged fells more than a decade ago, plus a short-eared owl, curlews and other waders and remarkably tame brown hares. Far more wildlife here than the comparably sterile Lake District.

• The Inn at Whitewell is an elegant rural inn with 23 bedrooms. Double rooms from £214. innatwhitewell.com

• Cobble Hey Farm is a working farm near Garstang with gardens, café, walking routes and a wetland bird reserve. Adults £5; children £4.50. cobblehey.com

Underwater Adventure, South Dorset

Strap on your mask and snorkel to spot ballan wrasse up to 50cm long, blennies and brown crabs on the Kimmeridge Bay snorkel trail. It might not be the Maldives, but I found it hugely rewarding. You can hire snorkel kit from the Wild Seas Centre. Nearby Arne RSPB Nature Reserve has all six native reptile species, while Charmouth along the coast is the UK’s fossil capital.

More information

• Smedmore House can sleep up to 16 people. From £4,150 for a week. smedmorehouse.com

• Wild Seas Centre is located at Kimmeridge Bay.

100 Great Wildlife Experiences: What to see and Where, by James D Fair is out now (Pen & Sword, £25)

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Five of the best UK wildlife experiences for families

Wildlife-watching can turn a day outdoors into a wide-eyed family adventure. Here are five of the best UK experiences this spring.

1. Spot red squirrels on Brownsea Island

These little critters have been scurrying through our woodland canopies for around 10,000 years. Their decline in the face of grey squirrel dominance is well documented, although the reds aren’t as rare as you might think — the Wildlife Trusts estimate we still have some 140,000 bushy-tailed, perky-eared reds, found in spots as disparate as Anglesey and Northumberland. Few places are as renowned for their native population, however, as Dorset’s Brownsea Island .

This rambling, National Trust-owned island in Poole Harbour still feels like a remnant of another age. It’s reachable via a 20-minute foot ferry from Poole Quay, and a visit offers a strong chance of spotting these russet-furred acrobats in the wild. Come in spring or autumn to see them feeding on beech nuts and sweet chestnuts. Squirrels aside, the island is a brilliant place for a woodland wander and even has its own tree-climbing trail. Fun fact: Brownsea was the inspiration for Enid Blyton’s Whispering Island in the book Five Have a Mystery to Solve.

2. See deer and ponies on Exmoor  

The word ‘safari’ might put you in mind of more exotic species, but you don’t need to hop on a plane to give youngsters a memorable wildlife-tracking experience. The rolling slopes of Exmoor, spread between Devon and Somerset, are a haven for flora and fauna, with the area’s native ponies a particular highlight. Some 20 herds of this stocky, hardy breed still roam the open moors, meaning you’ll likely encounter them on the four-wheel-drive vehicle adventures offered by operators such as Exmoor Wildlife Safaris and Red Stag Safari .

On the same tours, you’ll also seek out red deer — the UK’s largest deer species — and train your binoculars on birds of prey such as buzzards and kestrels, as well as a twittering host of smaller moorland birds. For very young kids, it’s worth bearing in mind the Exmoor Pony Centre , near Dulverton, a charitable organisation home to around 20 native ponies.

3. Search for puffins on Skomer Island

Skomer might be less than a mile off the Pembrokeshire coastline but arriving here still feels like landing on a distant shore. There’s a dramatic rawness to its rocky bays and high headlands, and its offshore setting makes it an annual magnet for nesting seabirds. During the breeding season (roughly April to early July), you can expect to spot sizable numbers of everything from razorbills and guillemots to speed-diving gannets, with fulmars and kittiwakes also busying the cliffs. And then, of course, there are the ‘Pembrokeshire parrots’ themselves: puffins.

Whether they’re tottering around on clifftops, bobbing in the waves or flying in great whizzing arcs through the sky, the paintbox-pretty birds are the main reason people make the trip to Skomer . Once you’re here, though — after a 15-minute boat trip from Martin’s Haven on the mainland — you’ll realise there’s plenty more for kids to relish, from vast carpets of spring bluebells to porpoises, seals and dolphins bobbing out at sea. Visitor numbers are capped each day, so try to book your boat trip well ahead of time.

4. Look out for eagles and otters on Mull

Scotland isn’t exactly lacking in wildlife-rich islands, but few of them provide such variety — or as spectacular a backdrop — as magnificent Mull. Undoubtedly one of the UK’s top destinations for naturalists, the Inner Hebridean island has superb birdwatching credentials and a rich marine life, too, with minke whales and bottlenose dolphins often spotted offshore. Red deer are another draw, while boat tours to smaller offshore islands such as Iona and Lunga hold the reward of puffins.

Back on Mull itself, however, arguably the biggest natural attractions are found up high and down low. Golden and white-tailed eagles — the former a Highland icon, the latter the UK’s largest bird of prey — can both seen riding the mountain thermals, while the rocky bays and shores around the coast are home to shy but spellbinding otters. Mull Magic offers themed wildlife tours, among them the Otter Detective Walk, the Eagle Walk and Birds, Beaches & Butterflies. Again, try to book ahead.

5. Watch seals in Norfolk

The Norfolk coastline is famed for its seals, with three key locations allowing you to admire colonies from a responsible distance. Hunstanton is a good bet in the summer months, and Horsey Beach is an excellent option for seeing pups during the winter breeding season, but Blakeney Point is the best year-round choice, with two species — harbour seals and the more numerous grey seals — almost guaranteed to be seen here in large numbers.

Various operators run family-friendly boat trips from nearby Morston Quay, with departures throughout the year, and it’s a genuine spectacle to watch hundreds of blubbery pinnipeds basking on the shore. The largest of the seals are actually far bigger than adult humans, and although they might look unwieldy on land, they twist through the water with astonishing grace when they return to the waves.

Published in the April 2022 issue of   National Geographic Traveller (UK)

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British wildlife breaks, w elcome to our showcase of day trips and short breaks that we design for some of the places where fantastic wildlife can be seen in britain. greenwings was founded in the united kingdom and we love to promote the natural treasures that can be found on these shores., all day trips and tours are led by one of our enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides, such as writer and naturalist patrick barkham, photographer & film maker jack perks , photographer/artist/polymath victoria hillman, author & orchid addicts sean cole & mike waller, and other superb all-round naturalists like terry goble and kat dahl. , we can also provide you with bespoke day trips or longer tours, more or less anywhere in the uk. this might be to see or photograph one or more specific species, which we’d be happy to arrange. , please get in touch to discuss your requirements and we’ll do our very best to help. , early spider orchids & spring butterflies, date: 29th april 2024, price: £75 places available.

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Dates: 1st & 2nd june 2024 confirmed departure, price per day: £125 full, price for both days: £200.

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New Wildlife Tours offers a selection of day trips to see wildlife, landscapes and archaeology in the South West and selected areas. Tours are available to some of Britain's best wildlife sites such as the South West Coast, Somerset levels, the Cotswolds and Wiltshire's nationally important chalk downland.

All trips are expertly guided and take you to the best sites to ensure you a memorable wildlife experience. Tours focus on all aspects of nature although some tours have a specific interest such as birds, plants and butterflies. We generally visit a couple of different sites during the day but are not rushed and usually involve slow paced gentle walks.

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14 Wonderful Wildlife Tours to Book in Scotland

Scotland offers a variety of wildlife tours that will take you deep into our stunning forests and landscapes, or out to sea and along our breathtaking coastlines, for the chance to see all sorts of Scottish wildlife species. From dolphins and whales playing in the sea, and majestic birds of prey swooping overhead, to our popular Highland coos and so much more, pick your favourite Scotland animal and head out on a wildlife tour.

A wildlife watching tour ready to leave Lerwick harbour

Birding Ecosse

Based in the stunning coastal location of Moray in the Scottish Highlands, Birding Ecosse offers a great way to get outdoors and spot some of your favourite bird species. Offering an enjoyable and welcoming experience, soak up the stunning scenery, get chatting to your friendly and knowledgeable tour guide, and learn a thing or two about the history of the local area along the way too. Choose your favourite day tour; The Big Day Tour, Highland Birds, or The Moray Coast. You never know, you may spot species you never knew existed!

You’ll be picked up and dropped off at your accommodation, with all transport and guiding included, plus light refreshments throughout the day. All you need to bring is a tasty packed lunch and your sense of adventure.

Start/End Point: starting on the Moray coast and finishing in the Monadhliath mountains Season/Months: year-round – winter is from October to April and summer is May to September Location: Scottish Highlands (based in Moray) Price: from £140 Length of Tour: day trips, mid-week breaks, and long weekends

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Ptarmigan in winter

Highland Wildlife and Birdwatching Safaris

Located in the magnificent Cairngorms National Park, Highland Wildlife & Birdwatching Safaris is the perfect way for you and the family to explore the outdoors. They’re flexible with their tours, so choose from a 4-hour tour or full-day tour.

Have something specific in mind? They can customise a bespoke tour for you. Venture on a guided wildlife excursion with an experienced local nature watcher in a luxury 4X4 Land Rover Discovery to see a range of special birds and animals in the heart of this beautiful National Park.

The meeting point is Aviemore Train or Bus Station. Or if you are staying locally, pick up from your accommodation can be arranged. You will need to bring a packed lunch and snacks for the day.

Start/end point: Aviemore, Cairngorms National Park Season/months: open all year Location: Aviemore Price: varies on tour and number of people Length of tour: 4 hours or full-day (12 hours)

Book a tour with Highland Wildlife & Birdwatching Safaris

Great Skua on Foula

The Shetland Isles

Head north to glorious Shetland where you can spend a week hopping around the islands on a birdwatching trip. Birdlife on Shetland is rife, and a boat trip out to the Isle of Mousa means you can see hundreds of European Storm Petrels, which return ashore to their nests as darkness falls.

This will be a trip to remember with options including coastal walks on the stunning St Ninian’s Isle, a bird watching cruise to Noss National Nature Reserve, and visiting the Isle of Fetlar. Join your knowledgeable and experienced guide as you explore the remarkable archipelago of Shetland, with hundreds of fascinating sites, history, spectacular wildlife and a colourful culture to uncover along the way.

The tour also includes your accommodation, transport, meals and transfers, so all the organisation and planning is done for you!

Start/end point: Sumburgh Hotel Season/months: June Location: Mainland Shetland Price: from £1,800 Length of tour: 7 nights

Book a tour to the Shetland Isles with Shetland Wildlife

Golden Eagle in flight

Heatherlea Birdwatching Trips

The Highlands are a vast and magnificent area of Scotland, and Strathspey definitely plays up to those qualities. Located just north of Aviemore, this corner of Scotland is perfect for birdwatching. Join a minibus day or multi-day tour with Heatherlea Birdwatching and you’ll be in the capable and experienced hands of their tour guides, who will show you all the wildlife gems that make the area so special and the best locations to spot them.

Enjoy a pre-organised tour, or hire a guide to travel in your own transport to look for specific species or visit particular places.

Start/end point: all trips begin and end at The Mountview Hotel, Nethybridge Season/months: open all year Location: Strathspey Price: varies on tour Length of tour: day tours or week tours

Book a tour with Heatherlea Birdwatching

Land Wildlife

Cairngorm Reindeer Centre

Winter Wildlife in the Highlands

Journey deep into the magical Highlands for an unforgettable experience exploring Scotland’s wintery landscapes and elusive wildlife. In the chillier months a whole new realm of wildlife can be seen across Scotland, and many Scottish animals even change their entire appearance to blend into the snowy surroundings.

Venture on this 5-day escape into Caledonian pine forests and snow-capped peaks where you can explore a variety of different habitats, learning more about the wildlife and their incredible capabilities to endure the harsh winter conditions. Spot incredible species such as red deer, ptarmigan, whooper swans, free-roaming reindeer and much more!

Your trip includes accommodation, meals and travel, so all the planning is done for you. All you need to do is bring yourself and the correct clothing and equipment!

Start/end point: start and finish in Kingussie Season/months: winter Location: Cairngorms National Park Price: varies Length of tour: 5 days 

Book a Winter Wildlife trip with Wilderness Scotland

Otter cubs on Yell, Shetland

© Neil McIntyre

Inner Hebrides 'Big 5' Wildlife Cruise

Spend 4 nights onboard vessels Elizabeth-G or Emma Jane for an incredible cruise to spot the ‘Big 5’; red deer, common seals, otters, eagles (both golden and white-tailed) and harbour porpoises. Starting at Oban harbour, set off on a picturesque journey around Scotland’s west coast and island gems to spot incredible Scottish species. Aside from the amazing wildlife, the cruise is also a great way to take in the fantastic scenery, glimmering seascapes, and mesmerising sunsets.

The cruise is the perfect choice for an autumn getaway around some of Scotland’s most idyllic locations, with remote sea lochs and towering mountains. Potential stopovers at Loch a Choire on the Morvern Coast and Loch Spelve on Mull are both great places to spot otters.

As you are onboard for 4 nights, all accommodation, transport and meals are included. However there are limited vessels and space onboard, so please book in advance so you don’t miss out.

Start/end point: start and finish in Oban Season/months: autumn – September/October Location: Oban, west coast, and the Isle of Mull Price: varies Length of tour: 4 nights

Book your ‘Big 5’ Wildlife Cruise now

Red deer stag

Wild West - Deer Rut Tours

Red deer are very common in the mountains of Scotland throughout the year. On a Wild West Safari, you’ll be out looking for the UK’s largest land mammal.

Autumn is an ideal time of year to spot deer, as you’ll find them out rutting in the wild. You may be lucky enough to see a pair of stags lock antlers in a duel and hear the sound of their roars vibrating across the glen. Rut safaris are available daily throughout autumn, with the option of a trip at dawn to catch the best of the action.

Throughout the winter when the climate and terrain gets tougher, red deer often make their way further down the mountain in search of food. This can often lead them to the roadside for great photo opportunities.

You can also enjoy the half-day  Wee Safari  to spot otters and see a magnificent view of Ben Nevis on the return journey. 

Start/end point: Fort William Season/months: autumn – late September to end of October Location: Scottish Highlands Price: £195 for up to 6 passengers Length of tour: 3.5 – 4 hours

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Scottish wildcat

Wild Highland Tours

Head to the west Highlands and Ardnamurchan for some of the most spectacular scenery, mountain ranges and coastline, alongside an array of incredible wildlife to spot in their natural habitats. Venture on a guided tour with a knowledgeable wildlife expert for the best chance to see these amazing creatures up close. With its varied landscape, the Ardnamurchan Peninsula is home to a wealth of animals from pine martens, golden eagles and red deer to hen harriers, wild cats and even sea life, including dolphins, porpoises, and basking sharks.

A range of tours are on offer throughout the year, allowing you to see rare and exciting birds, animals and habitats, as well as exploring important issues that affect the conservation of these areas. You can also discover Ardnamurchan and its wildlife at a more personalised and slower pace on a 5 day holiday in spring and summer.

Start/end point: Ardnamurchan Season/months: open all year Location: Ardnamurchan Price: from £150 Length of tour: 3-hour day tour or twilight tour, or 4-hour night time tour

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A Stand Up Paddleboarding lesson by Basking Shark Scotland at Ganavan Bay, Oban

© VisitScotland / Stuart Brunton

Basking Shark Scotland

It wouldn’t be a wildlife trip to Scotland without experiencing Scottish sea life. Did you know basking sharks are the biggest fish in Scotland and the UK, and you can spot them off our coasts? Most commonly spotted on the west coast in between our stunning islands, basking sharks can be seen swimming close to our shores and coastlines in search of food. Despite their often scary appearance, basking sharks are typically harmless and only feed on plankton. So if you ever see a strange fin poking out of the water, it could be your friendly neighbourhood shark!

Venture out on a boat tour for a better chance of seeing these giant creatures up close. Experiences on offer include scuba diving, so hop onboard and let the expert marine guides show you the best of Scotland’s water wildlife.

Start/end point: check  meeting point locations for Basking Shark Scotland tours ; Dunstaffnage Marina, and Isle of Coll Season/months: April – October Location: Oban Price: from £80 Length of tour: one day, multi-day, or bespoke

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Sealife Watching Boat Trips

Join in an expedition on the west coast to experience Scottish sea life in their natural habitats with whales, dolphins and otters, seals, golden eagles, puffins and more. All of the trips on offer include the Corryvreckan Whirlpool and the Ballachuan Hazelwood (a Scottish Wildlife Trust Reserve) so you are guaranteed dramatic sea cliffs, uninhabited islands, and untouched landscapes no matter which boat trip you choose.

The tours are an ideal choice for a family day out as they’re open to all ages. You’ll be in safe and experienced hands with your skipper, who knows all the best places and times of year to spot dolphins, whales and porpoises. Keep an eye out on the island’s rugged coastline where you can often spot deer and wild goats too.

The infamous Corryvreckan Whirlpool makes for a trip to remember as your capable skipper steers you around the choppy waves of the third largest whirlpool in the world.

You can also arrange private charters and landings, if you have somewhere specific you’d like to see.

Start/end point: Seil Island Season/months: April – October Location: Oban Price: varies on tour length Length of tour: 3 – 5 hours

Book a SeaLife Watching Boat Trip

Bottlenose dolphin in the Moray Firth

Dolphin Spirit Inverness

The Moray Firth is one of the best places in Scotland to see dolphins playing in the water. Located in the north east just along from Inverness, head out on a boat trip where you can learn more about bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises, whilst keeping a watchful eye out to spot some for yourself.

Experience a family-friendly dolphin cruise, taking in incredible sights and scenery as you travel up the Beauly Firth towards the Caledonian Canal, then head out to the Inverness Firth under the Kessock bridge and as far out as Munlochy Bay. Aside from dolphins poking their heads above the water, the Moray Firth is also home to an abundance of other wildlife including otters, seals, birdlife and more.

Remember to wrap up warm (even in summer) and waterproofs are always a good idea!

Start/end point: Inverness Marina Season/months: April – October Location: Inverness Price: from £12 Length of tour: 75 minutes, or 2 hours

Book a tour with Dolphin Spirit

Hebridean Whale Cruises

Sharks and dolphins are not the only animals you can spot off Scotland’s coasts – whales often make an appearance too! Head out on a cruise towards the Shiant Islands where you will not only encounter many species for wildlife, but you’ll be enchanted by the mesmerising scenery and landscapes that surround you. For the best chance of whale spotting, your knowledgeable captain and guide will take you out into the waters of the North Minch where there is known feeding grounds.

As one of Scotland’s recognised hotspots for whale and dolphin sightings, the North Minch boasts undersea mountains which create powerful currents on the surface that are rich in nutrients and frequently visited by whales, dolphins and many other marine species. It’s also a great location to see an abundance of exceptional seabirds.

Start/end point: Gairloch Season/months: mid-April to mid-September Location: Gairloch Price: varies Length of tour: 2.5 hours and 4 hours

Book a Hebridean Whale Cruise

Farm Buggy Tours

Located along the iconic North Coast 500 driving route, enjoy a fun, interactive and educational Farm Buggy Tour in an off-road all-terrain 4-wheel drive buggy. Get to grips with everything to do with farming, spend time with the farmer to learn all about how your food is produced, and learn a thing or two about the local history of the area along the way too.

A perfect choice for a family adventure, each buggy can seat three adults, or two adults and two children, all with fitted seat belts. Along the tour there will be opportunities to stop off and get up close to a range of farm animals from sheep, Highland cows and pygmy goats, to friendly farm dogs, horses and more. You’ll be taken to a great vantage point en route for unparalleled views of the surrounding Highland landscape, so make sure you have your cameras at the ready!

Start/end point: Kirkton Farm, near Melvich Season/months: open all year Location: Thurso, Highlands Price: varies Length of tour: 1.5 – 2 hours

Book a Farm Buggy Tour

Kitchen Coos and Ewes

Head to the pretty south west Scotland to Airyolland Farm where you can enjoy a range of farm tours and experiences that allow you to get up close to different farm animals, and also get involved in the atmosphere of a working farm.

Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, head on a walking tour of the farm where you can see Highland cows up close, wander past remains from the Bronze Age and finish off with some delicious home baking. Or get involved with the Insta Coo Tour where you can get outdoors with the majestic Highland coos in their natural habitat. There’ll be plenty of time to get that Instagram-worthy shot, you can learn all about the coos from your experienced guide, and you’ll travel around in a comfortable farm tour trailer.

Start/end point: Airyolland Farm Season/months: throughout the year Location: Dumfries & Galloway Price: from £7.50 Length of tour: varies for each tour

Book a tour with Kitchen Coos & Ewes

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Wildlife Photography Trips in United Kingdom

New Forest Deer Photography Workshop

Our one-day New Forest deer photography workshop will provide fantastic opportunities to capture images of predominantly fallow and red deer, however roe deer may also be seen. We will aim to spend half the day focusing on fallow deer and the other half with the red deer, depending on sightings and locations. Find out more about New Forest Deer Photography Workshop

• Price (exc. flights) : 1 day from £185
• Trip type : Group Tour Tailor-made can be arranged

Scotland Winter Wildlife Photography

On this tour to Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park, we aim to photograph some of Britain’s iconic wildlife, including mountain hares, red deer and red squirrels, at the height of winter. The Scottish Highlands in winter are inspiring whilst also providing incredible opportunities for wildlife photography. Find out more about Scotland Winter Wildlife Photography

• Price (exc. flights) : 8 days from £2,295
• Trip type : Group Tour

Red Squirrel Photography Workshop in Yorkshire

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is a haven for red squirrels in the North of England. Join us on this 3-day photography workshop led by Kevin Morgans, where there will be multiple opportunities to seek and photograph these incredible creatures in the best light, alongside other mammals and birds. Find out more about Red Squirrel Photography Workshop in Yorkshire

• Price (exc. flights) : 3 days from £995

Red Kite Photography Workshop

Join wildlife photographer Sean Weekly in the heart of Mid Wales, at the famous Gigrin Farm, for a unique red kite photography workshop. During your afternoon at Gigrin, you have exclusive use of a specialist-built hide and will focus on photographing these remarkable raptors in-flight. Find out more about Red Kite Photography Workshop

• Price (exc. flights) : 1 day from £240
• Trip type : Tailor-made Holiday

Isle of Mull Wildlife Photography

Join us on our wildlife photography trip to the Isle of Mull where we spend time photographing the islands’ wildlife including its enigmatic puffins and spectacular white-tailed sea eagles. There’s also the chance to see seals, and cetaceans and indulge in some macro photography. Find out more about Isle of Mull Wildlife Photography

• Price (exc. flights) : 8 days from £3,295

Hampshire Bird Photography Workshop

A fantastic opportunity to practice and improve your photographic skills and capture some unique images of iconic British birds for your portfolio, including kestrels and kingfishers, on a two-day workshop in some local bird hides. A full day in each hide will maximise your photographic opportunities. Find out more about Hampshire Bird Photography Workshop

• Price (exc. flights) : 2 days from £450

Red Kite & Night Sky Photographic Workshop

The secluded Elan Valley in Wales is the location for this unique photographic workshop. During our four-day itinerary we will enjoy sessions of wildlife and night sky photography to not only improve your skill by learning new techniques, but also to create a wonderful portfolio of images. Find out more about Red Kite & Night Sky Photographic Workshop

• Price (exc. flights) : 4 days from £1,295

Festival of British Wildlife

The spectacular Scottish Highlands provides the ultimate setting for our Festival of British Wildlife. Join some of the world’s leading naturalists and wildlife photographers for exclusive use of Aigas Estate on this trip for both photographers and non-photographers as we observe Britain's most iconic species. Find out more about Festival of British Wildlife

Macro Photography Workshop

Macro photography allows you to explore your surroundings wherever you are. With subjects ranging from fungi, flowers and insects, our wildlife photographers will teach you how to take interesting photographs from a unique perspective whilst developing macro techniques during this full-day workshop. Find out more about Macro Photography Workshop

• Price (exc. flights) : 1 day from £150

Skomer’s Perfect Puffins

The Welsh island of Skomer off the Pembrokeshire coast is home to one of the UK’s largest breeding colonies of Atlantic puffins and Manx shearwaters. Join us on this three-day trip where there will be countless opportunities to photograph these seabirds at the height of the breeding season. Find out more about Skomer’s Perfect Puffins

• Price (exc. flights) : 3 days from £825

Shiant’s Spectacular Puffins

Join photographer Kevin Morgans in the Shiant Isles where puffins and seabirds breed in their thousands and the surrounding waters are home to a variety of whales and dolphins. On this photographic workshop, we develop our skills and portfolio whilst enjoying a remote and rugged archipelago. Find out more about Z) Shiant’s Spectacular Puffins

• Price (exc. flights) : 5 days from £1,995
• Trip type : Voyage

Isle of Mull Wildlife Photography in Autumn

Join us on a wildlife photography holiday to the Isle of Mull in autumn, specifically timed to witness the spectacle of the red deer rut and the vast numbers of pupping Atlantic grey seals. Amongst stunning autumn colours we also hope to photograph otters, white-tailed and golden eagles. Find out more about Z) Isle of Mull Wildlife Photography in Autumn

• Price (exc. flights) : 8 days from £2,795

North Atlantic Adventure with Mark Carwardine

Join conservationist and broadcaster Mark Carwardine on the voyage of a lifetime as we sail from Scotland to the icy realms of Svalbard. During the voyage we’ll visit prime sites in the North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean as well as a host of remote islands, all of which are home to intriguing wildlife. Find out more about Z) North Atlantic Adventure with Mark Carwardine

• Price (exc. flights) : 17 days from £7,995

Badger Photography Workshop

For this workshop with wildlife photographer Nick Garbutt we have exclusive use of a purpose-built hide in a secluded valley in the mid-Devon countryside. This gives us intimate access to the badgers that inhabit an extensive and long-established sett – it has been there for well over 20 years. Find out more about Z) Badger Photography Workshop

• Price (exc. flights) : 2 days from £395

Exmoor – Red Deer, Ponies & Night Skies

Explore the Exmoor National Park in search of wildlife and photographic opportunities in the company of acclaimed wildlife photographer Nick Garbutt. During our time in this unique landscape, we hope to capture images of majestic red deer, the iconic ponies, rugged landscapes and dramatic night skies. Find out more about Z) Exmoor – Red Deer, Ponies & Night Skies

• Price (exc. flights) : 3 days from £750

Bugs ‘n’ Beasts Indoors: Photography Workshop

Using captive-bred subjects like mantids, scorpions and spiders, this workshop recreates the experience of photography in a rainforest or tropical habitat. Join award-winning wildlife photographer Alex Hyde in Worcestershire as he introduces and explains the principles and techniques. Find out more about Z) Bugs ‘n’ Beasts Indoors: Photography Workshop

• Price (exc. flights) : 2 days from £575

Pembrokeshire Coast Photo Workshop

The Pembrokeshire Coast offers a wealth of wildlife and tremendous photographic potential. Our aim with this workshop is to combine macro and landscape options along the coast and sea shore, whilst enjoying some wildlife photography on board our exclusive boat charter. Find out more about Z) Pembrokeshire Coast Photo Workshop

• Price (exc. flights) : 5 days from £1,495

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Travel to Experience

Welcome to Wildlife Trails

Wildlife Holidays & Tours

Specialist in tailor made safari wildlife holidays

Founded by conservationist and biologist, Allan Blanchard, in 2000, Wildlife Trails specialises in tailor-made wildlife holidays and bespoke safaris to the world’s best wildlife watching countries. Our wildlife trips are designed by expert safari consultants who have visited the destination multiple times. We started with our wildlife tours and tiger safaris to India, which focused on longer stays in the parks, ethical wildlife viewing and giving something back to the local communities. For each new booking we donate £100 to wildlife warriors in the field, including Gorilla Doctors, Panthera and the Raincoast Conservation Foundation. Making sure you enjoy an amazing tailor-made safari holiday means everything to us and our 100% customer rating with AITO shows that we deliver. Dream it and then live it with Wildlife Trails!

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Our Clients Say About Us

We had a two week holiday on Vancouver Island.. we went on a whale watching tour and saw Orcas, Humpbacks, Dahl porpoises, white striped Dolphins, seals and Sea lions. We then did a Grizzly bear r and saw lots of Grizzlies as well as loads of Black Bears. The highlight of the holiday was a three day kayaking trip which was fantastic. Kayaking with Orcas and Humpback whales was incredible Our holiday was completely organised by Wildlife Trails, and I can’t recommend them highly enough.. everything was planned to perfection and they made the entire holiday exactly what we asked for

We had a 13 day tour to India, mostly wildlife as this was what we wanted and a little element of city & culture. Day in Delhi staying at the Imperial, apart from noisy traffic getting to the el it was an iconic place to be, so much hitory and staff who had been there 30yrs and proud of what they did. then onto 5 days at Ranthambor - 2 incredible Tiger sightings with so many other species, onto Agra and the Taj Mahal and then the Saptura National Park. Great time was taken in the planning, we were given lots of options as to how to make the trip up including time of year and how to maximize wildlife sighting.

The main part of the trip was gorilla trekking in Uganda and Wildlife Trails had organised this very well and provided me with a comprehensive list of what to take which was great. The lodges were ely and seeing the other animals in Queen Elizabeth National Park, brilliant. Wildlife Trails organised the trip, including my flight very well. They also booked a hotel for me in Entebbe for the first and last night before flying home.

A 7 night stay at Katmai Wilderness Lodge which was amazing both for accommodation, food, very friendly and helpful staff and of course seeing bears in their natural habitat. A 4 night stay in eau which included a visit to Pack Creek where we had good sighting of bears and 2 Whale Watching tours where we saw Humpbacks and seals and Stellar Sealions. Wildlife Trails a small family concern run by Allan and Kirsty Blanchard. Very efficient and helpful. Listened to what we wanted and put together a good itinerary.

We went to Alaska, which Wildlife Trails sorted out for us. I chose Wildlife Trails because Allan was more knowledgeable than others I emailed, and more helpful. We went to Anchorage, Seward, er, Nikiski, Kodiak and Katmai. At Nikiski we stayed at Daniels Lake Lodge B&B in a log cabin by the lake. It was an amazing place and was the wildest and most remote of our journey. We saw a black bear and 3 coyote on the road. Had a great day out with Alaska West Air near there. We had bears right beside our boat at Big River Lakes near Wolverine Creek, saw bald eagles and plenty of salmon in the river. They gave us a scenic flight on the way back flying right over double glacier and its ice field - so close we almost landed on it. Really breath-taking. We booked up Juneau Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour ourselves through Alaska Shore Excursions - local tour operator was Liquid Alaska Tours. This was excellent. We did canoeing, went in an ice cave under the glacier and used crampons to climb on top of it. A fantastic day out. Would recommend these. Also had a great day out at Brooks Falls watching the bears catching the salmon that were jumping up the waterfall. Well worth the trip. Wouldn't recommend Jayleen's Alaska whale watching trip. We didn't see anything but a lighthouse for most of the morning. Cost us a fortune for 6 hours when we saw more on the 2 hour cruise with Alaska Tales for a fraction of the cost. These are a new company. We didn't have many on the boat so didn't have to fight the crowds to see the whales and they took us straight to them so didn't waste any of our time. To see black bears close up we went to AnAn Bear observatory. A mother and cub came very close to where we were standing on a platform. At the other places we saw brown bears. A great trip all in all. As I stated above Wildlife Trails are very knowledgeable and helpful. They always replied quickly to any emails I sent asking them a lot of questions (some I should have been able to work out myself). When we had problems they were always contactable to help us sort them out. The ferry they booked for us went on strike but Wildlife Trails had sorted us out a flight in its place before we even knew there was a problem, so the holiday ran very smoothly. I would recommend Wildlife Trails to anyone and I have already booked another trip with them next year.

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Wildlife Tours & Holidays

• Ways to travel

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. 

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.

World Sale. Up to 20% off selected trips*

Lock in your summer plans and save up to 20% off* Asia, Africa, South America and beyond!

Top-selling wildlife adventures

Classic Costa Rica

15 days from 1526.

Travel to Costa Rica and discover a tropical playground of immense natural beauty....

Okavango Experience

10 days from 1179.

Tour through Johannesburg, Maun, Chobe, the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls on a ten...

Gorillas & Game Parks

16 days from 2912.

Encounter the wildlife of Kenya and Uganda on this adventure including a gorilla trek...

Sabah Adventure

11 days from 1594.

This Sabah Adventure tour through the Borneo wilderness will truly capture your...

Galapagos Island Hopping

8 days from 1799.

Explore the Galapagos Islands on this island-hopping trip, beginning in Quito and...

Serengeti Trail

8 days from 1535.

Roam the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Amboseli National Park to spot Africa's Big...

Our wildlife trips

Classic galapagos: central eastern islands (grand queen beatriz), 10 days from 4617.

Travel to the Galapagos Islands and sail around the central eastern islands, witnessing...

Classic Borneo

10 days from 1701.

Journey through Borneo on a wild 10-day adventure from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan,...

Explore Southern Africa

18 days from 2426.

Spend some time exploring Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe with included safari...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

Journey to the Antarctic Circle (Ocean Endeavour)

14 days from 8880.

Set sail for the trip of a lifetime – a 14-day journey on board the Ocean Endeavour,...

Costa Rica Experience

9 days from 1031.

Encounter the natural beauty of Costa Rica, from La Fortuna’s volcano and Monteverde’s...

Cape Town to Vic Falls

22 days from 2048.

Spend three weeks exploring South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, from Cape...

Best of Galapagos

10 days from 2668.

Discover amazing wildlife and natural beauty in the Galapagos Islands.

East Africa Highlights

10 days from 2534.

Travel through East Africa from Kenya to Tanzania, stopping at the Masai Mara, the...

Kenya Wildlife Safari

8 days from 1029.

Experience Kenyan wildlife on an eight day trip travelling from Nairobi to Lake...

Premium India Safari

13 days from 4175.

Take safaris through Panna National Park, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Satpura National...

Botswana Highlights

9 days from 1890.

Discover the culture, wildlife and waterways of Botswana on this upgraded adventure...

Madagascar Adventure

14 days from 2423.

Embark on a wildlife and jungle-filled adventure through Madagascar visiting...

Borneo Family Holiday

9 days from 1150.

Travel to Borneo to visit orangutan sanctuaries and explore lush jungles. See the best...

East Africa Safari & Coast

13 days from 3191, road to zanzibar, 12 days from 1790.

Experience the beauty of the Ngorongoro and Serengeti, Usambara Mountains and Zanzibar...

Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer (Ocean Endeavour)

11 days from 7400.

Experience the magic of the Antarctic Peninsula and its islands aboard the Ocean...

The Masai Heartlands

15 days from 2576.

Uncover Kenya and Tanzania on a 2 week trip with Serengeti safaris, Ngorongoro, Nakuru,...

Vic Falls to Kruger

9 days from 1152.

Take on a safari adventure through Hwange National Park, Matobo National Park, Kruger...

Gorillas, Game Parks & Beaches

27 days from 4811.

Go deep in East Africa on this epic trip, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Experience Southern Africa

16 days from 3312.

Visit Africa and travel through southern Africa's beautiful regions. Visit South Africa...

Best of Antarctica In Depth (Ocean Endeavour)

14 days from 9480.

Experience the rare opportunity to explore both the eastern and western sides of the...

Botswana Adventure

10 days from 3260.

Visit Africa and travel through Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe on a tour from Windhoek...

Kruger to Vic Falls

8 days from 1548.

Travel from South Africa's capital to Botswana and Zimbabwe, visiting two of southern...

Gorillas & East Africa Safari

18 days from 6494.

This 18-day tour hits Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania for tracking gorillas in...

Premium Southern Africa

8 days from 4478.

Embark on an eight-day Premium adventure from Johannesburg to Chobe National Park, via...

Botswana Family Safari with Teenagers

10 days from 1390.

Take your family to Victoria Falls, Okavango River and Chobe National Park on this teen...

Costa Rica Family Holiday

10 days from 1364.

This family-style trip through Costa Rica begins and ends in San Jose, taking in the...

Galapagos Discovery

9 days from 1747.

See the Galapagos Islands on an eight-day adventure including Isla Isabela, Isla Santa...

Kruger, Coast & Cape

22 days from 1908.

Embark on a 22 day Southern African odyssey through wildlife-rich game parks, idyllic...

Classic Galapagos: Central Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

Sail the aquamarine waters of the Galapagos’s central southern islands taking in...

Ultimate Galapagos: Central Islands (Grand Daphne)

10 days from 4491.

Spend 10 unforgettable days on board the Grand Daphne, discovering the central islands...

Amazing Southern Africa

22 days from 6014.

Jump onboard an exhilarating journey from Cape Town to Victoria Falls through the...

Galapagos Experience

7 days from 1025.

As far as face-to-face wildlife encounters go, the Galapagos wildlife experience rivals...

Premium Southern Africa in Depth

14 days from 7285.

This 14-day Premium journey through southern Africa reveals the best wildlife and...

Vic Falls to Cape Town

22 days from 1980.

Discover the unique and contrasting lands of Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South...

Remarkable Rwanda & Gorillas of Uganda

9 days from 3696.

Travel through Rwanda and Uganda in search of natural beauty and the gentle mountain...

Galapagos & Inca Trail Adventure

17 days from 4931.

Focus on two of South America's heaviest hitters on this 17-day tour through both the...

Best of East Africa

20 days from 2856.

Step out onto the Serengeti and keep your eyes out for rhinos, lions, leopards and a...

Cape Town to Zanzibar

41 days from 3920.

See Africa on this incredible overland adventure from South Africa to Tanzania. Soak up...

Serengeti & Kilimanjaro

15 days from 4038.

Explore the wonders of Tanzania and Kenya, including a trek to the summit of Mt...

Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness (Ocean Endeavour)

11 days from 6720.

Set off on an 11-day expedition on board the Ocean Endeavour, revealing the landscapes...

Complete Galapagos (Grand Daphne)

Take an active 10-day adventure cruise though the Galapagos Islands, from Isla Santa...

Classic Galapagos: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

10 days from 4519.

Travel to the Galapagos Islands from Quito and embark on a sailing adventure around...

Classic Galapagos: South Eastern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

Explore the best of the otherworldly Galapagos Islands on this 10-day tour that takes...

Treasures of Galapagos: Western & Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

13 days from 6091.

Embark on an immersive Adventure Cruise through the Galapagos Islands and experience...

Premium Rwanda & Gorillas of Uganda

6 days from 4473.

Encounter remnants of Kigali’s turbulent past and come face to face with mountain...

Sri Lanka Safari

12 days from 1948.

Uncover Sri Lankas wildlife on safaris, discovering Yala, Wilpattu, Gal Oya, Kumana...

Best of Borneo

20 days from 2839.

Travel through the wild, untamed lands of beautiful Borneo. From magnificent Mt...

Premium Kenya & Tanzania

15 days from 8735.

Discover the best of Kenya and Tanzania on a Premium adventure through the Masai Mara,...

Borneo Family Holiday Comfort

10 days from 1314.

Discover the best that Borneo has to offer on this unforgettable family adventure...

Premium Botswana

7 days from 3315.

Experience the wild heart of Botswana on a Premium adventure through Chobe National...

Premium Tanzania

8 days from 4110.

Journey through the highlights of Tanzania on a Premium adventure covering Tarangire...

Nairobi to Stone Town

9 days from 1535.

Marvel at East Africa from Nairobi to Stone Town on this epic trip with safaris, hikes...

Kenya Family Safari

8 days from 1841.

Track your way across the plains of Kenya on this thrilling safari, covering Nairobi,...

Okavango & Beyond

9 days from 1782.

Travel from Zimbabwe to South Africa via Botswana. The Okavango and Beyond trip is the...

Vic Falls to Stone Town

17 days from 1513.

See East Africa in 17 days including Victoria Falls, Matobo, South Luwanga, Lake Malawi...

Southern Africa Adventure

30 days from 3218.

Take a month long southern African adventure from Cape Town into Namibia, Botswana and...

Galapagos Adventure: Northern Islands (Grand Daphne)

7 days from 2944.

Discover the treasures of the northern Galapagos Islands on this cruise, including Isla...

Galapagos Explorer: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

7 days from 2907.

Take to the water and explore the beautiful Galapagos Islands. See huge populations of...

Galapagos Explorer: Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

7 days from 2311.

Explore the beautiful Galapagos Islands. See huge populations of animals and experience...

Galapagos Encounter: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

6 days from 2311.

Explore the Islands of the Galapagos on this startling adventure that highlights the...

Galapagos Encounter: Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

Explore the central islands of the Galapagos on this startling adventure that...

Grand Galapagos (Grand Queen Beatriz)

17 days from 8255.

This Galapagos adventure cruise is the perfect way to explore the islands of Isabella,...

Galapagos Voyager: Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

14 days from 6711.

Travel to Ecuador and join a 13-day Intrepid journey in the Galapagos’. Visit Isla...

Essential East Africa

10 days from 1208.

Hit the (dirt) road through Kenya and Tanzania. Safari in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro...

Africa Encompassed Northbound

64 days from 8685.

This epic journey with explores Southern Africa in detail including Botswana, Kenya,...

Johannesburg to Kenya

37 days from 4820.

Travel the waterways of Botswana, the beaches of Zanzibar and the savannahs of the...

Premium East Africa in Depth

21 days from 13284.

Search for Gorillas in Uganda, uncover the history of Rwanda, explore the wild plains...

Cape Town to Kenya

49 days from 5571.

Experience the ultimate African adventure on this epic trip including Kenya, Botswana,...

Premium Kenya

7 days from 3344.

Embark on a seven-day Premium journey through Kenya’s wild grasslands and vast plains...

Galapagos In Focus (Grand Queen Bea)

8 days from 4041.

Hop aboard the M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz for a wildlife-filled 8-day adventure around the...

Premium Uganda, Rwanda & Kenya

13 days from 8033.

Search for Gorillas in Uganda, uncover the history of Rwanda, and explore the wild...

Premium Kenya & Southern Africa Highlights

15 days from 8951.

Embark on a 15-day Premium Adventure through Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana...

Shackleton's Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica Expedition (Ocean Endeavour)

21 days from 11760.

Spot seals, whales and albatross aboard the Ocean Endeavour. Retrace the steps of...

Ultimate Antarctica: Falklands, South Georgia & the Antarctic Circle (Ocean Endeavour)

23 days from 15160.

This trip is an Antarctica expedition like no other. Try wildlife photography and see...

Best of Antarctica: Whale Discovery (Ocean Endeavour)

12 days from 7040.

Witness Antarctic Peninsula whales on this epic journey at sea. Spot seals and penguins...

Kruger & Coast

9 days from 820.

Explore diverse southern Africa on this nine-day adventure, including Kruger National...

Gorillas to Vic Falls

42 days from 6278.

Explore Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe on this epic trip that included a...

Galapagos at a Glance: Southern Islands (Grand Daphne)

6 days from 2295.

See the best of the Galapagos Islands on this action-packed adventure cruise, touring...

Safari to Kilimanjaro - Machame Route

16 days from 4391.

Explore the wonders of Tanzania and Kenya including a trek to the summit of Mt...

Africa Encompassed Southbound

63 days from 7376.

Set out on a mighty African adventure through Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe...

Vic Falls to Kenya

28 days from 3303.

Discover East African wilderness and the animals that call it home on an adventure...

One Week in the Galapagos Islands

7 days from 564.

Get the best of the Galapagos on a 7-day tour for 18 to 29 year olds that visits Isla...

Peru & Galapagos Explorer

30 days from 5508.

Experience the highlights of Peru and the Galapagos Islands on this 30-day tour,...

Zanzibar to Cape Town

40 days from 3352.

Explore Africa on an epic wildlife-rich adventure from Tanzania to South Africa while...

Kenya to Cape Town

48 days from 4848.

Tour Africa's best from Kenya to Cape Town through Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zimbabwe...

Premium Botswana & Namibia

17 days from 7757.

Experience otherworldly landscapes and magnificent wildlife on a 17-day Premium...

Real East Africa & Zanzibar

14 days from 1784.

Explore the wildlife-rich plains of Kenya and Tanzania and then unwind in Zanzibar....

Galapagos Family Holiday

8 days from 1958.

Take your family on a holiday with a difference to the Galapagos Islands. Snorkel with...

Absolute Galapagos (Grand Daphne)

17 days from 8260.

Discover the bizarre and the beautiful on this 17-day cruising tour of the Galapagos...

Stone Town to Nairobi

9 days from 1500.

Explore Tanzania on this trip travelling to Nairobi via the Serengeti and the Usambara...

Rwanda Gorilla Naming Ceremony & Uganda

9 days from 3260.

Spent 9 unforgettable days exploring Rwanda and Uganda, including a special gorilla...

Pure Galapagos (Grand Daphne)

8 days from 3871.

Come face-to-face with the extraordinary central islands of the Galapagos on an 8-day...

Stone Town to Vic Falls

16 days from 1416.

Track rhinos on foot and embrace the sights and sounds of Eastern Africa on this unique...

Johannesburg to Gorillas

52 days from 7677.

Experience the waterways of Botswana, the beaches of Zanzibar, the savannahs of the...

Kenya to Vic Falls

27 days from 3260.

Explore the wilds of East Africa on a trip from Nairobi to the Serengeti, Usambara...

Kilimanjaro & Serengeti Adventure

15 days from 4493, beaches, game parks & gorillas, 27 days from 4919.

Spend 27 days exploring the wonders, wildlife and tribal cultures of East Africa to...

Premium Kenya & Southern Africa In Depth

31 days from 16240.

Set off on the adventure of a lifetime through Africa on a 31-day Premium journey,...

Zanzibar to Vic Falls

19 days from 1664.

Explore East Africa from Zanzibar's beaches to the roar of Victoria Falls, seeing...

Comoros: Wildlife Expedition

9 days from 2172.

A 9-day wildlife tour around Comoros from Moroni on Grand Comore. Visit Nioumachoua and...

Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda

4 days from 3530.

Visit Rwanda and travel through some of Africa's most incredible landscapes. Explore...

Johannesburg to Zanzibar

29 days from 3146.

From Johannesburg to Botswana, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Lake Malawi and...

Zanzibar to Nairobi

12 days from 1760.

Get a true taste of eastern Africa on a 12-day trip to Zanzibar, the Serengeti,...

Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari

4 days from 2295.

Discover the wonders of Tanzania – the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park –...

Premium Eastern and Southern Africa

37 days from 20069.

Set off on the adventure of a lifetime through Africa on a 37-day Premium journey,...

Peru: Amazon Jungle Short Break

4 days from 465.

Journey through the Amazon Jungle in Peru and discover stunning wildlife and friendly...

Indonesia Expedition: Orangutans of Kalimantan

12 days from 2043.

Head into the depths of Borneo’s forests in search of orangutans and other wildlife....

Chiang Mai & Elephant Experience

3 days from 195.

Experience a different side of Chiang Mai by hanging out with elephants at a...

Kruger Lodge Experience

4 days from 805.

No holiday to South Africa is complete without a safari in Kruger Park. Spot wild...

Kruger Lodge Experience (3 days)

3 days from 685.

Head out into the wilds of Kruger National Park on thrilling game drives. Stay in...

Vic Falls to Zanzibar

20 days from 1773.

Travel from the thundering Victoria Falls to the spice plantations of Zanzibar via...

Uganda Gorilla Short Break: Original

4 days from 2228.

Travel to Africa to meet some of Uganda's rare and beautiful mountain gorillas. Visit...

Kruger Experience - Lodge (5 days)

5 days from 1038.

Experience South Africa's Kruger Park and surrounding region on this five-day tour....

Out of the Northwest Passage: Canada to Greenland

17 days from 13625.

Take an Ocean Endeavour expedition to the Northwest Passage from Canada to Greenland....

Vic Falls to Gorillas

43 days from 6480.

Take an epic trip through eastern Africa, via Victoria Falls, the Serengeti and...

Malaysia's Ultimate Adventure

18 days from 2588.

This Adventure tour through Malaysia will truly capture your imagination.

Wild Kruger Camping

4 days from 715.

Answer the call of the Kruger, South Africa's vast and famous game park that is teeming...

Kruger & Cape Town Short Break by Plane

11 days from 2305.

Enjoy the African wilds on a safari in Kruger, travel along the breathtaking...

Masai Mara Walk

3 days from 1068.

Travel to Kenya and visit Nairobi. Embark on a journey across the Great Rift Valley to...

West Greenland Gems: Fjords, Icebergs, and Culture

12 days from 9600.

Join Intrepid on a 12-day journey along some of Greenland's most remote coastline,...

Newfoundland & Wild Labrador: A Torngat Mountains Adventure

15 days from 8480.

Hop aboard the Ocean Endeavour ship for an exploration across the seas to Newfoundland,...

Ultimate Arctic Voyage: From Svalbard to Jan Mayen to Iceland

13 days from 9870.

Set sail around Spitsbergen and head south toward Jan Mayen on an Arctic adventure. See...

Wild Fjords of South Greenland: Land of the Vikings

13 days from 8700.

Cruise the wild fjords of south Greenland and learn about Viking history. Spot whales...

South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic

13 days from 11900.

Experience the majesty of Greenland’s soaring glaciers, gorgeous fjords and vast...

West Greenland Ice Odyssey: Glaciers and Icebergs

10 days from 7800.

Take a cruise through West Greenland’s glaciers, fjords and icebergs on a journey...

Northwest Passage: The Legendary Arctic Sea Route

17 days from 15800.

Take a 17-day polar expedition with Intrepid from Toronto via western Greenland through...

High Arctic Explorer - Greenland to Canada (Ocean Endeavour)

13 days from 10320.

Traverse the untamed coastline of Greenland and Northern Canada on board the Ocean...

High Arctic Explorer - Canada to Greenland (Ocean Endeavour)

13 days from 11135.

Explore the wild coastline of Northern Canada and Greenland on board the Ocean...

East Greenland and Iceland Northern Lights

12 days from 9800.

An Arctic expedition through East Greenland and Iceland is the perfect opportunity to...

Spitsbergen Highlights

7 days from 4900.

Take a voyage across the Arctic Circle via the Svalbard Archipelago and north-east...

Canadian Remote Arctic: Northwest Passage to Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg Islands

12 days from 12285.

Head north on a 12-day Arctic expedition towards Canada’s most northerly islands,...

Canadian Arctic Express: The Heart of the Northwest Passage

9 days from 7875.

Embark on an expedition that seeks the essential sights and sites of the Canadian High...

Greenland Explorer: Sail and Soar the Alpine Arctic (Ultramarine)

11 days from 24300.

Tick Greenland off your bucket list on this 10 day cruise along the country's...

Premium India & Wildlife

19 days from 6460.

Explore India's iconic cities and wildlife parks on a 19-day Premium adventure visiting...

Spitsbergen Highlights: Journey into the Arctic Wilderness

7 days from 6100.

Take a cruise adventure on the Ultramarine to Spitsbergen in the Arctic and watch out...

Ecuador: Amazon Jungle Sacha Lodge Short Break

4 days from 2013.

Journey deep into the Amazon and spend three days in the jungle searching for wildlife,...

Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway

10 days from 8300.

Breathe in the crisp Arctic air and discover Spitsbergen, the largest island in Norway...

Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway in Depth

12 days from 11100.

Take an Arctic adventure aboard the Ocean Explorer and see Spitsbergen, the largest...

Adventures in Northeast Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and the Northern Lights

11 days from 9200.

From Reykjavik, Iceland, you’ll cruise the seas on the Ocean Explorer to Northeast...

Spitsbergen, East Greenland and Iceland - Southbound

15 days from 14000.

From Helsinki, experience the wonders of Spitsbergen, East Greenland and Iceland on a...

Spitsbergen Circumnavigation: A Rite of Passage

14 days from 13100.

Circumnavigate Spitsbergen and more of the Svalbard archipelago, stopping by unique...

Chitwan National Park Extension

4 days from 363.

Travel to Nepal and visit the Chitwan National Park for a spectacular wildlife...

Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen

14 days from 9800.

Embark on an Arctic expedition to Scotland, Denmark and Spitsbergen.

Spitsbergen Photography Adventure

14 days from 11100.

Grab your camera and capture the incredible wildlife and landscapes of Svalbard on this...

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.  

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. 

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). 

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.  

View our range of gorilla treks

View our wildlife family holidays

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Popular safari destinations.

Kruger National Park

Serengeti National Park

The Okavango Delta

Wildlife trip features

Supporting wildlife 

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.  

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. 

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. 

Responsible travel & conservation 

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 welfare 

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.  

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. 

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. 

Visiting the MandaLao Elephant Conservation in Laos

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.   

How we help 

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.  

Park & conservation fees 

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. 

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 partnership 

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.   

Giving back 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Wildlife FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join a wildlife trip.

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. 

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

How safe are wildlife tours?

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. 

Do I have to be fit to join a wildlife tour?

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. 

Am I guaranteed to see gorillas on my trek?

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. 

What’s the difference between trekking gorillas in Uganda and trekking in Rwanda?

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. 

What vehicles do you use for Game Drives in Sub Saharan Africa?

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. 

When travelling on an Intrepid wildlife trip, how does my money support local conservation efforts?

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.

Will I get the opportunity for a range of different wildlife experiences on my trip?

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)!

Will I get the chance to learn from a local wildlife expert during my trip?

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. 

Which islands should I visit in the Galapagos to see the wildlife?

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. 

See below for some of the animals known to frequent the Galapagos Islands:

• Sea lions are found across all islands. 
• Penguins are found across Santa Cruz, Santiago, Isabela, Fernandina, Floreana, and Bartolome islands. 
• Giant tortoises are found across Santa Cruz, San Cristobal, Isabela, and Floreana islands. 
• Green sea turtles are found across all islands. 
• Land iguanas are found across Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Plaza Sur, and North Seymour islands. 
• Flamingoes are found across Santa Cruz, Santiago, Isabela, Floreana, and Rabida islands. 

Do I need travel insurance to join a wildlife tour?

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:  Travel Insurance

Are Intrepid's wildlife trips accessible for travellers with disabilities?

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.

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My four-day rail and ferry adventure from the UK to Albania

From London to Tirana, via Chambéry’s medieval streets, bustling Bari and Albania’s dynamic capital, this trip across Europe has treats at every turn

M y overriding memories of crossing countries by train, on a trip from London to Albania, are of half-empty carriages and countryside sweeping past windows bathed in the soft orange glow of sunset. I remember cypress trees, red-roofed villages with square churches, farmland in neat strips and row upon row of vineyards.

On my London-Paris-Chambéry-Turin-Bari-Tirana journey over land and sea, there was, for long stretches, little to do. The wifi was patchy. It took a while to adapt to having so much time to simply watch the world go by, travelling through landscapes without having to navigate them.

The biggest stress happened long before I set off, when a landslide not far from the French border with Italy blocked the rail line between Chambéry and Turin, forcing a closure that continues today. Byway, the no-fly operator I had booked with, offered to reroute me through Nice and on to Turin via the Vermenagna valley (with changes in Tende and Cuneo), or book me on the FlixBus service over part of the Mont Blanc massif. I was keen to see Chambéry and the Alps, so I chose the bus.

People seemed surprised when I told them I was travelling overland to Albania. As I gushed about the romance of slow travel by train and sleeper ferry, and my excitement about Tirana, I got comments about being “brave”. I didn’t feel especially brave: all the planning, tickets and hotel bookings were done for me, and friendly help was a WhatsApp call away if needed.

I just had to download the Rail Planner app for my Interrail pass and make sure I was at the right station at the right time (Turin was the biggest challenge: it has four main railway stations and taxis scream between them bearing anxious-looking passengers).

The entire journey took four days. If I did it all again, I’d stay longer in Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot – and remember to buy my Paris Métro ticket from the cafe on the Eurostar.

Day one: London to Chamb éry

First to Paris’s Gare du Nord, then the metro to Gare de Lyon, where I make a beeline for a cafe opposite the station. Noise pervades the pavement tables of Café Terminus, but the cacophony is delightful – an atmospheric place for a citron pressé .

I’m in plenty of time for the train to Chambéry and, excitingly, am on the upper deck. Soon, we break free from the suburbs to trace huge stands of forest. Beyond Lyon begins a ripple of hills, lazy rivers and thickly forested slopes. As evening approaches, it’s all Alpine scenery. I arrive at an almost-empty station and walk to the boutique Hotel des Princes in Chambéry’s old town.

Chambéry has an Italian feel – it was the seat of the House of Savoy before the dynasty moved on to Turin – and its medieval alleys, cathedral and pastel-coloured townhouses are quietly impressive. The 1838 Fontaine des Éléphants sits in the middle of the closest square to the old town, and peeking from the end of every street are the Bauges and Chartreuse mountain ranges. My stay is peaceful and easy.

Day two: Chamb éry to Turin

From Chambéry, the train to Turin would take about 2½ hours, but the bus takes double this. I’m on the top deck again, which is worth it for the sight of misty fingers of early morning light breaking across the mountain ridge. Snoozing backpackers rouse themselves to snap pictures of remote Mont Blanc peaks, before slumbering once more through the tunnel to Italy. In Turin there’s perfume in the air from the blossom-covered trees.

Turin’s grid of long, straight boulevards is testament to its development by the Romans – the redbrick Palatine Gate is another Roman relic – and its grand piazzas, royal palaces and graffitied colonnades date from the city’s Savoy heyday in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, the number one attraction is the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum).

My favourite moments? Ricotta and fig ice-cream on Piazza San Carlo, an aperitivo on off-the-beaten-path Via Sant’Agostino and the towering neoclassical Mole Antonelliana (national museum of cinema). I eat Turin’s famous doughy pizza al padellino (pan pizza) and spend a comfortable night in the eaves of Hotel Urbani in 19th-century residential streets close to the grand Porta Nuova train station.

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Day three: Turin to Bari

The views from my next train are of cinematic Tuscan scenes. Scorched fields, vines and Italian cypress trees. Neat red roofs and shabby-chic farmhouses. Fluffy clouds cling to hills that Google Maps tells me are the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. After hours of soothing golden landscapes, the opal-blue Adriatic wallops into view just north of Ancona. Beach bars whip by and cypress trees are replaced with palm trees: I’ve arrived in the south of Italy.

Bari is hands down my favourite stop. The noise, heat and energy as we step off the train in the early evening are joyous. After Chambéry and Turin, Bari feels brash, a little rough around the edges even; a proper port city. The labyrinthine alleyways of the whitewashed old town are almost cliched in their cuteness. Despite the troupes of tightly packed headphone-wearing Americans following guided tours, it somehow manages to retain a tranquil atmosphere.

Old ladies yawn from the shade as tourists surreptitiously snap pictures and laundry flutters from balconies. I could stay for ever, but after 24 hours (which includes a lot of pasta, a stroll along the posh promenade to the not-so-posh city beach and a night in an elegant aparthotel, Residence Zodiacus , halfway between the station and the old town), it’s time to board the night ferry to Albania.

Day (and night) four: Bari to Tirana

I arrive at the ferry on foot and am escorted through the car deck to jokes about going in the wrong direction (to Albania, instead of from it). In the early morning I spot a pink sky through the cracked window of my comfy en suite cabin, and head to the top deck to see the sun rise over the distant outline of Albania. Disembarking in the port of Durrës is a bit of a scrum and there’s a bus to the capital waiting, but I opt instead for a five-minute taxi ride to the centre of town and breakfast of pastries and espresso on a dazzling white road lined with boutiques and palm trees. I later regret this though, as the aircon on the grubby public bus I eventually take to Tirana is more tired than I am, and drops me in an urban sprawl miles from the centre.

Tirana itself is a revelation. My hotel, Padam Boutique , is a grand villa with handsome rooms and floor-to-ceiling windows, and there’s striking new skyward architecture on every nearby street. A short stroll away is the landmark Pyramid of Tirana , which stands as a symbol and monument to change (and is fun to climb at sunset). Skanderbeg Square – a jumble of buildings erected on a roundabout at the time of the celebrations to mark the fall of communism in 1992 – is now a pedestrianised, glossy public space. There are nods to Albania’s recent, wretched history behind the iron curtain, of course – the Bunk’Art and Bunk’Art 2 museums, in nuclear bunkers are unmissable – but Tirana and the country are more than just the last century. My journey is done, but it feels like Tirana is just getting into its stride.

The trip was provided by Byway , which offers sustainable travel and accommodation packages across the UK and Europe. Its Alps to Albania trip costs from £679pp

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