Safari & Wildlife Holidays
Answer the Call of the Wild!
From the thunder of hooves on the savannah to the whisper of a whale's song, get ready for an adventure that will stay with you forever.
This is a holiday that truly touches the soul. Forget seeing animals behind glass; this is about feeling the rumble of an elephant's footsteps through the floor of your jeep, locking eyes with a leopard, and hearing the dawn chorus of the jungle. A safari or wildlife holiday is an invitation to step into the real-life dramas of the natural world, to witness moments of breathtaking beauty, raw power, and quiet tenderness in the planet’s most spectacular settings.
But these adventures aren't just about spotting the ‘Big Five’ in Africa. The call of the wild can lead you anywhere – to the lush rainforests of Borneo in search of orangutans, to the icy waters of the Atlantic to watch majestic whales, or to the cloud forests of Costa Rica to spot a sleepy sloth. It’s a chance to disconnect from human noise and reconnect with something ancient, powerful, and profoundly real.
So...Why Go?
Witness Nature's Greatest Show
This is life, unscripted and in high definition. No David Attenborough documentary can truly prepare you for the thrill of seeing it with your own eyes. The heart-pounding tension of a pride of lions on the prowl, the sheer spectacle of a million wildebeest on the move, or the charming sight of a baby monkey learning to climb. These are real, live moments you don’t just watch, but experience.
A Lesson in Humility (and Awe)
To be a guest in the vast home of a humpback whale or a silverback gorilla is an incredibly humbling experience. It quietly reshuffles your perspective on the world and your place within it. Standing in the immense silence of the African bush or the dense jungle puts our own busy lives into sharp context, filling you with a sense of wonder and awe.
Adventure with Purpose
A wildlife holiday is an adventure you can feel good about. Modern, responsible tourism is one of the most powerful tools for conservation. By choosing ethical operators and visiting protected national parks, your holiday provides vital funds that help safeguard these incredible animals, protect their precious habitats, and support the local communities who are their guardians.
4 Top Spots for a Walk on the Wild Side
Kenya: The Classic Safari Dream
This is the birthplace of the safari, a land of sweeping savannahs, acacia trees silhouetted against the sunset, and an incredible concentration of wildlife. The legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve is the stage for the Great Migration and offers some of the best chances to see lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo. It's the iconic African adventure you've always imagined.
Borneo: The Jungles of the Orangutan
Swap the open plains for the dense, steamy rainforest for a completely different kind of wild. A trip to Borneo is a journey into one of the world's oldest ecosystems. The main event is seeing our wonderful orange-haired cousins, the orangutans, swinging through the canopy. Cruising down the Kinabatangan River, you can also spot proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and a dazzling array of birdlife.
Costa Rica: A Symphony of Colour
This small Central American country is a peaceful, green paradise, bursting with life. It's a haven for eco-tourism where the wildlife is the star of the show. You can spend your days searching for sleepy sloths hanging from branches, spotting colourful toucans and scarlet macaws, listening to the roar of howler monkeys, and marvelling at tiny, jewel-like tree frogs. It’s a gentle, vibrant adventure.
Iceland: Where Giants Roam the Deep
Wildlife holidays aren't just on dry land. During the summer months, Iceland becomes one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Head out from hubs like Reykjavik or Húsavík into the North Atlantic for a chance to see magnificent humpback whales breaching, pods of dolphins, and graceful minke whales, all set against a stunning backdrop of fjords and glaciers.
4 Top Tips for Your Wildlife Adventure
The Smart Way to Make the Most of your holiday
Pack for Patience (and All Weathers!)
Wild animals don't work to a schedule, so your most important piece of kit is patience. You might spend an hour watching and waiting, only to be rewarded with a magical sighting that lasts just a few seconds. It’s always worth it. On a practical note, pack layers. Early morning game drives can be surprisingly cold even in Africa, before the midday sun beats down. Stick to neutral colours like khaki, beige, and green, and absolutely do not forget to pack binoculars – they will transform your viewing experience.
Listen to Your Guide – They Know Best
Your guide is your lifeline and your key to unlocking the secrets of the wild. They have years of experience, an encyclopaedic knowledge, and an incredible ability to spot an animal from a mile away. Their number one priority is your safety and the welfare of the animals. Always follow their lead: stay quiet, don't make sudden movements, stay in the vehicle unless they say it’s safe, and never, ever feed a wild animal. Their stories will enrich your trip beyond measure.
Manage Your Camera Expectations
Getting that perfect, prize-winning photo is a brilliant bonus, but don't let it stop you from actually experiencing the moment. Some of the most incredible sightings will be fleeting, so make a conscious effort to put the camera down and simply watch. Soak it all in with your own eyes and burn it into your memory, not just your memory card. A dust-proof bag for your camera or phone is a very good idea, as are spare batteries and memory cards – you'll take more pictures than you think!
Choose an Ethical Operator
This is the single most important decision you'll make. A truly great wildlife holiday puts the animals' welfare first, always. This means no unethical activities that involve touching, riding, or forcing animals to perform. Seek out tour operators who are transparent about how they support conservation and employ local people. By voting with your wallet, you ensure your trip has a positive impact, helping to protect these amazing species for generations to come.
Go Wild, You Won't Regret It!
A safari or wildlife holiday is more than just a trip; it's an experience that changes you. It's a journey filled with heart-stopping thrills, profound moments of peace, and a deep, lasting connection to the natural world. It reminds you that the planet is home to so much magic and wonder, far away from our cities and screens. You'll come home with incredible stories, but also with a renewed appreciation for our beautiful world.
Ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? At CTG Tours, we specialise in crafting unforgettable and responsible wildlife holidays. We partner with the best local guides and ethical operators to ensure your trip is not only breathtaking but also benefits the animals and communities you visit. Let us handle the details so you can focus on the jaw-dropping moments. Your walk on the wild side starts here!
