Birding
Novice birders and life-long enthusiasts alike will applaud our birding adventure tour options. Visit South Georgia, home to thousands upon thousands of king penguins, and four species of albatross, including the delicate beauty of the light-mantled albatross. Our Africa programs are a birder’s dream with an overwhelming variety of species to be behold. Or, opt for a birding adventure tour in South America. Our Wild Brazil program brings you face-to-face with the colorful cacophony of birdlife in the Pantanal and Atlantic Rainforest, everything from toco toucans and green kingfishers to scarlet-headed blackbirds and rufescent tiger-herons; while Jungle Rivers of South America delves deep into the region’s riparian environments for a look at almost 300 different species.
If your interest lies in endemic species, our birding expeditions also go to areas which feature birds (and mammals!) found nowhere else on Earth: Madagascar, the Seychelles, Mauritius, and the special birds of the Galápagos Islands, as well.
As with all of our adventure travel expeditions, our birding eco travel excursions are led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides, most of which are published authors of ornithological works and sought-after specialists, who will take you to the best possible spots for sightings and open up a whole new world of discovery.
The itineraries we offer vary from year to year; below please find our upcoming birding-focused expeditions.
Africa
Back to Africa with Lex Hes: Safari to Namibia, Botswana, Zambia
Heighten your Africa adventure travel experience with one of the finest bush guides on the continent, Lex Hes. We combine three remarkable countries—Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia—on this Africa expedition, enjoying a staggering array of wildlife, from desert rhino to Thornicroft’s giraffe, via chartered aircraft and 4x4 vehicles. Each Lex Hes tour benefits from his 30 years of experience as a guide at the famous Londolozi Game Reserve and his innate knowledge and instincts about Africa.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Classic Botswana
Join us as we visit the true Africa—Botswana—where the landscape has remained relatively unscathed and offers vintage Africa adventure travel. Here we find all the major wildlife: elephants, buffalo, lions, hippos, plains antelopes, leopards, cheetahs, and more. Well over half of Africa’s most endangered carnivore, the wild dog, is here.
Upcoming Departures
Classic Uganda: A Primate Paradise
Uganda adventure travel is alluring and profound—after all, this is one of Africa’s most biologically diverse countries and home to the amazing mountain gorilla. Our experience here focuses on Uganda’s primates, but delves into the natural wonders of the country from the rain forests of the great Congo Basin to the wetlands of Lake Victoria to the semi-arid deserts of the Sahel. During our trekking safari tour, we hope to glimpse lions, leopards, elephants, cape buffalos, and, of course, the 400-pound knuckle-walking mountain gorillas.
Upcoming Departures
Mozambique Odyssey with Tanzania & South Africa
Our Mozambique expedition, from Zanzibar to South Africa, is a revelation of the natural and cultural wonders along the eastern coast of Africa. Our cruise through the Mozambique Strait makes for spectacular wildlife travel: we enjoy exceptional marine and bird life viewing and superb snorkeling and diving, with some of the finest reefs and highest concentrations of marine life in East Africa. The cultural highlights of our Mozambique tour include visits to small coastal towns steeped in Arab, French, Dutch, and Portuguese history, and tours of colonial forts, cathedrals, and markets.
Upcoming Departures
Senegal to Spain with Cape Verde, Canary Islands & Morocco
A revelation of amazing landscapes, cultures, and history, our multifaceted Senegal to Spain adventure travel vacation begins in Dakar, Senegal’s lively capital. Our tour of the World Heritage Site of Gorée Island, the notorious former slave-trading center, is a humbling experience. With our expert guides, we sail northward to the unique Cape Verde Islands, a geographically important staging area in Portugal’s exploration of the New World.
Upcoming Departures
South Africa & Namibia By Sea
Our South Africa expedition takes us from the cultural melting-pot of Durban, along the rugged, untouched Wild Coast with excursions inland to view Africa’s iconic wildlife. Explore South Africa’s scenic Garden Route and round the southernmost tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas. We include a multi-day Cape Town tour, where exquisite natural beauty and a chic cosmopolitan vibe co-mingle. Our Namibia adventure travel itinerary takes us to the mysterious ghost town of Kolmanskop, which is slowly being buried under the shifting sand dunes of the Namib Desert.
Upcoming Departures
Tracing the West Coast of Africa
Sail in the wake of explorers and traders on this West Africa adventure travel tour. Visit historic ports of call rich in local culture and colonial architecture, as well as pristine natural areas where we search for the abundant animal and bird life that call this region home. Highlights include the lush volcanic islands of Príncipe and São Tomé, the vibrant markets in Benin and Togo, and, during our Ghana tour, Africa’s only suspended walkway, in Kakum National Forest.
Upcoming Departures
Uganda: A Trekking Adventure
Join us for this inaugural Uganda trekking expedition, as we search for primates, hippos, Nile crocodiles, bountiful birds, and the majestic mountain gorilla. With the active traveler in mind, we explore the many treasures of the region during hikes, cruises, game drives, and rafting with our expert guides Jonathan Rossouw and Simon Bellingham.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Ultimate Botswana
Join us as we visit the true Africa—Botswana—where the landscape has remained relatively unscathed and offers vintage Africa adventure travel. Here we find all the major wildlife: elephants, buffalo, lions, hippos, plains antelopes, leopards, cheetahs, and more. Well over half of Africa’s most endangered carnivore, the wild dog, is here. Our Botswana expedition includes mokoro cruising on the Okavango Delta, searching for more than 350 bird species (including the scarce black egret and pygmy goose), and romantic accommodations in some of Africa’s best camps.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Voyage to Madagascar with Mauritius, Reunion, Comoros & Zanzibar
Spectacular scenery awaits throughout this Madagascar expedition with Mauritius, Reunion, Comoros, and Zanzibar. Our East Africa expedition combines the volcanic peaks of Mauritius and Reunion, the colorful chameleons and pristine coral reefs of Madagascar, and the rugged Comoros Islands. Spend six days on a Madagascar tour as we search for mouse, black, and brown lemurs; 32 species of reptiles; and over 100 species of birds, among them rare endemics such as the Madagascar fish eagle and white-breasted mesite.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Zambia: Africa's Best Kept Secret
Africa’s “best kept secret,” Zambia presents myriad opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and cultural immersion, especially in the company of renowned Africa safari guide, Lex Hes. During our Zambia expedition, we visit three national parks: Kafue, Lower Zambezi, and South Luangwa. We search by day and night for the intense concentrations of wildlife, some 60 animal species and at least 400 species of birds. We boat the Zambezi River, tracking hippos and crocodiles, a highlight of Zambia adventure travel, then spend peaceful evenings at luxury tented camps.
Upcoming Departures
Antarctica
Antarctica's Ross Sea
A once-in-a-lifetime Antarctica expedition, our month-long Ross Sea tour combines the sub-Antarctic islands of New Zealand and Australia with 24 hours of continuous daylight and the most majestic of all penguins, the emperor penguin, in the Ross Sea. Here, we spend ten days searching for these lords of Antarctica, regarded as the most difficult to see in their natural habitat, as well as the elusive Ross seal. We hope to land, ice-dependent, on Cape Adare, Cape Hallet, and Terra Nova Bay.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands
In the spirit of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctica expedition, our exploration of the White Continent offers in-depth Antarctica, South Georgia, and Falkland Islands adventure travel – all while seamlessly combining rich natural history with some of Mother Nature’s most rugged and dramatic landscapes.
Upcoming Departures
Circumnavigation of South Georgia with the Falkland Islands
Join us as we celebrate Zegrahm’s 20th anniversary in the land we hold most dear, South Georgia. Our comprehensive South Georgia adventure travel tour aboard the Sea Spirit will capture it all, from the snow-covered plateaus and cliffs draped in 15-foot icicles to the stunning wildlife: majestic king penguins, four species of albatross, fur seals, reindeer, and more. On this exciting wildlife expedition, get up close and personal with the amazing creatures that call this region home.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Arctic
Polar Bear Quest: A Voyage Through Svalbard
From Tromsøe, the “Gateway to the Arctic,” our Svalbard polar bear expedition makes for the North Cape, where we’ll stand on the northernmost tip of the European continent. With such heady beginnings, this trip is one you’re sure to treasure for years to come.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Asia
Bhutan: Journey Through a Himalayan Kingdom
Bhutan adventure travel is the experience of a lifetime. In a country where they’ve adopted the concept of Gross National Happiness and where snowcapped peaks are set off by ornate temples and colorful houses, we journey where few travelers have gone before. Your Himalayas expedition includes nature hikes, interactions with local people, and wildlife viewing—glimpse the Himalayan black bear and the black-necked cranes from Tibet. This is a pilgrimage back in time to places where determined people live close to the heavens and keep their traditions alive.
Upcoming Departures
Snow Monkeys & Cranes
This extraordinary Japan expedition blends an array of fascinating wildlife with the exquisite wintertime landscapes of the country. Birders and photographers are in heaven as we visit Arasaki, Kyushu, where nearly 12,000 hooded and white-naped cranes winter each year. We continue on for our snow monkeys expedition, visiting these stirring creatures in Jigokudani in central Honshu, as they soak in the region’s thermal baths.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Western Himalayas: A Journey Through Sacred Lands
This fascinating Himalayas adventure travel expedition takes us to spectacular natural wonders and exquisite cultural landmarks. We begin with a Delhi tour, where we visit energetic bazaars, lavish palaces, and stunning British Raj and Mughal architecture. From here, we venture to Ladakh, in the Trans-Himalayan region and former commercial hub on the Asian Silk Road. Visit Lamayuru Monastery, Ladakh’s oldest spiritual center; attend a traditional Tara puja ceremony in Palampur; and explore the Tibetan complex and home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, McLeod Ganj.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Europe
Azores with Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco, Canary Islands, and Madeira
We follow in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus as we take on this Azores expedition, including a Canary Islands tour. Step ashore on the Rock of Gibraltar; delight your senses in Moroccan bazaars; and set sail for the Canaries, Madeira, and the splendid Azores.
Upcoming Departures
Circumnavigation of Iceland
Larger than life, yet just shy of Cuba’s landmass area, Iceland is a Land of Fire and Ice, natural diversity, and a hardy and hospitable population. Our Iceland adventure travel expedition makes every effort to capture the geological drama of the land, aboard the superb Clipper Odyssey, by Zodiac, by snowmobile, and on foot.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Circumnavigation of Ireland
Board the elegant, 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey for this in-depth Ireland expedition. As we maneuver the waterways of the region, our Emerald Island adventure travel tour will include visits to Dún Aengus; the passage tombs of Knowth; the cliffside monasteries and defense lookout towers of the Celtic monks; the Viking legacy of Waterford; and Dublin, Wicklow, Cork, and Killarney. We explore the dramatic landscape on foot and by Zodiac, taking us to the World Heritage Site of Giant’s Causeway or to remote islands to commingle with fascinating seabirds.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Circumnavigation of the Black Sea
Our Black Sea expedition features all of the countries rimming this infamous sea—Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria. In the company of our expert leaders, explore lands with centuries upon centuries of history, rich architecture, contemporary cultures, and stunning landscapes. As we venture forth from Istanbul for our Black Sea tour, we discover four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Romania’s winding Danube Delta and several archaeological masterpieces. Enjoy a local Georgian dining tradition, visit busy bazaars, and sample regional wines.
Upcoming Departures
In the Wake of the Vikings: Scotland, Iceland & the Faroes
From picturesque Aberdeen on Scotland’s east coast, to the volcanic Faroe Islands, to the wonderland of fire and ice that is Iceland, our Scotland and Iceland tour is simply unforgettable. We journey in mid-summer aboard the 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey, sailing into splendid bays, pristine fjords, and remote anchorages. Pipers welcome us to Dunrobin Castle in Inverness and Zodiacs whisk us to viewpoints to see hundreds of thousands of seabirds nesting in the Faroes, including oyster catchers (the national bird).
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Ireland & the British Isles
Enjoy the Emerald Isle like never before on a British Isles expedition which includes a comprehensive Ireland tour. Discover mysterious Dún Aengus; the cliffside monasteries and lookout towers of the Celtic monks; the Viking legacy of Waterford; and the 17th – 18th century English fortresses, mansions, and elaborate gardens gracing Cork and Killarney. Rolling green glens are studded with shimmering lakes and dramatic cliffs, busy with breeding seabirds, that reach vertically from the sea.
Upcoming Departures
Norwegian Fjords & Scottish Isles
Our Norwegian Fjords expedition capitalizes on the longest days of summer as we explore Norway’s exquisite, scenic coastline from Tromsø, above the Arctic Circle, to the remote and isolated Scottish Isles. Brightly painted villages, vertical cliffs trailing lacey cascades, and serpentine fjords call to the camera; while millions of seabirds—kittiwakes, shags, razorbills, and puffins—call this paradise home.
Upcoming Departures
Wild & Ancient Britain
A trio of timeless lands is included in this comprehensive Britain expedition. Come with us as we delve into the lore and landscapes of Britain, Ireland, and Scotland. Our expedition vessel, the 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey, makes it easy to navigate the narrow channels and waterways of the most remote regions of the British Isles. Our Britain tour includes Giant’s Causeway in Ireland, St. Kilda in the Hebrides, and the Neolithic stones of Orkney, among other treasures. Savor a cuppa with the charming residents of remote Fair Isle.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Galapagos
Galápagos My Way
Certainly one of the most iconic and memorable expeditions one can take, Galápagos adventure travel is exhilarating and humbling. You’ll find yourself in the company of species found nowhere else in the world, walking among abundant wildlife that has grown astonishingly fearless in the absence of humans and large predators. On your Galápagos tour, you might find yourself face to face with a pair of courting blue-footed boobies, sitting next to a marine iguana as it basks in the sun, or snorkeling amidst a family of playful sea lions.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Ultimate Galápagos
Certainly one of the most iconic and memorable expeditions one can take, Galápagos adventure travel is exhilarating and humbling. You’ll find yourself in the company of species found nowhere else in the world, walking among abundant wildlife that has grown astonishingly fearless in the absence of humans and large predators. On your Galápagos tour, you might find yourself face to face with a pair of courting blue-footed boobies, sitting next to a marine iguana as it basks in the sun, or snorkeling amidst a family of playful sea lions.
Upcoming Departures
India and Indian Ocean
Bay of Bengal & the Andaman Sea: India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore
Our Bay of Bengal expedition is perfect for history buffs, nature enthusiasts, birders, snorkelers, and photographers alike. After touring the bustling city of Chennai, set sail for the Andaman Islands for two days of exploration above and below the warm waters. In Myanmar, visit ancient Bagan, home to over 2,000 pagodas and temples, and Yangon, to see the Shwedagon Pagoda. Snorkel in the Mergui Archipelago and discover idyllic islands off the coast of Thailand.
Upcoming Departures
Classic Seychelles with the Comoros & Zanzibar
Enjoy eight full days of Seychelles adventure travel followed by a visit to the fascinating Comoros and Zanzibar. This Seychelles expedition has it all—from spectacular snorkeling and diving, including two days at magical Aldabra Atoll—to beautiful beaches and endemic flora and fauna, such as the giant Indian Ocean tortoise. Our exploration of the rugged, volcanic Comoros Islands includes spotting brown lemurs and endemic bird life, and experiencing a delightful blend of cultures.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
India & the Maldives with Sri Lanka & Lakshadweeps
A potpourri of natural and cultural highlights, our new Southern India and Maldives adventure travel expedition features sublime scenery, time-honored traditions, and dazzling undersea wonders. Aboard the 110-passsenger Clipper Odyssey, we embark from Chennai, en route to Sri Lanka, where our Southern India tour includes three World Heritage Sites. We search for wild elephants on a 4x4 safari at Minneriya Eco Park and seek the 400 bird species found here. In Kochi, our Southern India expedition includes a houseboat tour, lending insight into traditional daily life.
Upcoming Departures
Madagascar: The Eighth Continent
A must for nature-lovers, Madagascar adventure travel is ripe with botanicals, birds, and land animals, including the island’s icon—lemurs. The island’s isolation and size (it’s the world’s fourth-largest island) has made for striking biodiversity: 90 percent of all forest flora is endemic and more than half of the 250-plus bird species are found nowhere else. Our special Madagascar expedition takes you where few others have ventured before, and rewards your curiosity with exotic plants and animals, from pygmy stump-tailed chameleons to 1,000 varieties of orchid.
Upcoming Departures
Southern India by Sea with Sri Lanka
Our India expedition explores the melting pot of language, architecture, and religion that define Southern India and Sri Lanka. We navigate the region aboard the 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey, from the bustling streets of Mumbai to the serene fishing villages of the south. Our India tour takes us to the World Heritage Site of Elephanta Island; to Kochi, the “Venice of the East”; and to rubber processing plants in Trivandrum.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Splendors of India with Sri Lanka
From the high Himalayas to lush rain forests and far-reaching deserts, to the World Heritage Sites and Buddhist temples of Sri Lanka, this India expedition highlights the vast geographical and cultural riches of the region. We explore by sea aboard the 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey, taking us from the peaceful villages of the south to the cacophony of Mumbai. Our Sri Lanka tour includes stops at the fortress of Galle, the Temple of the Tooth and the Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Splendors of India with Sri Lanka and the Maldives
Our India expedition takes us from Mumbai’s bustling streets to the charming former Portuguese trading center of Goa and the emerald landscapes of Mangalore. A two-day tour of Cochin reveals a mélange of international influences; we board local houseboats for a cruise through Cochin’s backwaters. In Trivandrum, cultural travel opportunities include a visit to the village of Pongumoode and a traditional martial arts demonstration. Our India tour continues to Sri Lanka, where we discover the Temple of the Tooth and the port of Galle—both World Heritage Sites.
Upcoming Departures
Ultimate Seychelles with Aldabra Atoll
Zegrahm’s Seychelles expedition takes you all the way from the stunning granitic islands of the north to the remote and rarely visited coral atolls of the south. Our comprehensive Seychelles adventure travel tour to this untouched Eden, led by expert guides, offers spectacular snorkeling and diving, including a two-day Aldabra Atoll tour; beautiful white-sand beaches; and endemic flora and fauna, with rare Seychelles paradise flycatchers, coco-de-mer palms, flying foxes, and giant Indian Ocean tortoises.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Wild India
With more than 5,000 years of human history to its name, India is the perfect setting for adventure travel on a grand scale. Our 19-day India and Delhi tour reveals the dramatic landscapes, varied wildlife, and rich culture of the region, from 1,000-year-old Hindu temples to the increasingly rare Bengal tiger. An in-depth Delhi tour, including sights of both Old and New Delhi, kicks off our India expedition.
Upcoming Departures
Indonesia
Baliem Valley & Raja Ampat: Cultural & Underwater Adventure
A once-in-a-lifetime adventure, this western New Guinea tour combines the best of land and sea in the Baliem Valley and Raja Ampat. In the Baliem Valley, with its 2,700 species of orchid and 124 endemic plants, we meet the Dani and Lani people, known for their dress of feathers, orchid-fiber fabrics, and boar tusks. We move on to Raja Ampat, a centerpiece of our western New Guinea expedition. Witness 75 percent of the Earth’s coral species as you dive and snorkel among these stunning islands.
Upcoming Departures
None scheduled. Call to inquire.
Circumnavigation of Sumatra
Join us for our Sumatra expedition, an in-depth immersion in Indonesia’s largest island and its wealth of unspoiled wilderness and traditional cultures. Meet the Batak peoples and learn about their unique dress code, religious beliefs, and customs. Watch as young boys prove their manhood on Nias Island by jumping over six-foot-high stone megaliths. And—a true highlight of Sumatra adventure travel—view orphaned orangutans at Bukit Lawang Orangutan Rehabilitation Station as well as some of the 580 bird species recorded in this region.
Upcoming Departures
South America
Jungle Rivers of South America
Explore three rivers on this South America adventure travel tour: the Amazon, Suriname, and Essequibo. On Zodiac expeditions and jungle walks ashore we search the waters and lush vegetation for macaws, monkeys, dolphins, and the rest of these rivers’ abundant wildlife. Our cultural interactions include landings at isolated villages, presenting us with a glimpse into the lives of Amazonian Indians and other native peoples. Our South America expedition concludes with beach time and snorkeling in Trinidad and Tobago.
Upcoming Departures
Wild Brazil with the Pantanal
Brazil unfolds before us in all its stunning natural glory during this popular South America expedition. We visit several different biomes, see as many as 25 indigenous mammals, study ten times as many birds, and even meet some of the planet’s rarest primates. Of course, no Brazil expedition is complete without Iguaçu Falls; this two-and-a-half-mile-wide cataract is our introduction to this spectacular country. Also, included in our Brazil adventure travel tour is the massive Pantanal, the planet’s largest seasonal wetland area.
Upcoming Departures
South Pacific
Palau & Yap
Above and below water, a Micronesia expedition to Palau and Yap offers countless discoveries. The waters of the region teem with more than 1,400 species of fish, rainbow-hued coral reefs and walls, and marine caves. We travel aboard the intimate, 16-passenger Palau Aggressor II, making several expedition stops daily. As part of our Palau adventure travel experiences, we dive among the wrecks of Japanese planes and warships from WWII.