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Safari & Wildlife Luxury Tours

Safari & Wildlife Trips with Classic Journeys

As much as we love immersing ourselves into the history and culture of a place and its people, sometimes the best way to really get to know a place is through its wildlife. Join Classic Journeys expert naturalist, botanist and biologist guides as they get up-close and personal with the birds, animals and sea life in some of the most amazing settings in the world, including the Galapagos islands, Costa Rican rainforest, Belize barrier reef, Yellowstone plains, South African game preserves, Chilean Patagonia and many others.

This is Not Your Grandparents’ Safari…

Maybe you’ve been on a traditional safari, sitting in a vehicle for a morning and evening game drive. That’s fine for most travelers and most companies. And yet, with Classic Journeys approach to active travel, you can get so much closer to the nature you traveled to see on your wildlife trip. A safari with Classic Journeys means walking with elephants and giraffes to their watering hole, snorkeling from a private catamaran over the second largest barrier reef in the world in Belize, tracking bison and wolves with naturalists in Yellowstone, kayaking with Orca whales in the waters around San Juan Island.

A woman posing with Giraffe.

… But You’ll Love it No Matter if You Are 8, 18, 48 or 80.

You’ll see right away that safety is our priority, followed by the quality of the experience interacting with the wildlife in the most enjoyable and responsible manner. Our guides are experts at what they do and are trained to help guests of all interests and ability to have a memorable trip. Safaris and wildlife trips can be a bit intimidating if you’ve never been on one. With Classic Journeys, you have the world’s best tour operator worrying about all of the details for you. So that you can relax and focus on having a great time.

Killer whales.

The Best Wildlife Experience in the World.

AFAR magazine named our Galapagos trips the Best Wildlife Experience in the World. How’s that even possible when there isn’t a lion or elephant within a few thousand miles? Easy. The Galapagos has its own Big Five: the giant tortoise, the Galapagos penguin (the only warm water penguin in the world), the sea lion, the marine and land iguana, and the blue footed boobie. (Not to mention sea turtles, Sally Lightfoot crabs, as well as innumerable sea and birdlife.) And with its perfect location on the equator and due south of New Orleans, you can visit it 365 days of the year.

Boy sitting next to a seal.

Choose Your Adventure

So, just like you have choices for how to explore the Costa Rican rainforest with us (on foot, hanging bridge or zip line), there are a myriad of ways to go on a safari or wildlife tour with Classic Journeys. Start your planning with a quick phone call to our passionate and knowledgeable Travel Experience team today. Just call 800-200-3887. We’ll have you roaring, chirping, barking and howling your approval in no time!

Man and woman walking on a rope bridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? Answers to all your questions, except that one.

Safari + Wildlife Tours

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on a Classic Journeys Safari & Wildlife trip?

Classic Journeys approach to active and sustainable travel gets you so much closer to the nature you traveled to see on your wildlife trip. A safari with Classic Journeys means walking with elephants and giraffes to their watering hole, snorkeling from a private catamaran over the second largest barrier reef in the world in Belize, tracking bison and wolves with naturalists in Yellowstone, kayaking with Orca whales in the waters around San Juan Island. Join Classic Journeys expert naturalist, botanist and biologist guides as they get up-close and personal with the birds, animals and sea life in some of the most amazing settings in the world.

How does Classic Journeys differ from other safari and wildlife tour operators?

On tour with us, you’ll see right away that safety is our priority, followed by the quality of the experience interacting with the wildlife in the most enjoyable and responsible manner. Our guides are experts at what they do and are trained to help guests of all interests and ability to have a memorable trip.

What kind of activities can I expect on a safari or wildlife trip with Classic Journeys?

Our safari and wildlife walking tours are the perfect way to engage your body and mind: every day on a Classic Journeys trip is about walking and having fun in a multitude of forms. That could mean sharing lunch with a remote rainforest tribe in Panama or swimming with sea lions and Galápagos penguins. We also zipline in Costa Rica, explore game preserves in South Africa, and much more. Each trip includes a spectrum of lively outdoor activities in some of the most beautiful environments on earth. The daily itinerary for your departure will list all of the details for your safari or wildlife trip.

What makes the Galapagos trip the best wildlife experience in the world?

AFAR magazine named our Galapagos trips the “Best Wildlife Experience” in the World. That’s becasue we have expter local guides who help you spot the Galapagos’ own Big Five: the giant tortoise, the Galapagos penguin (the only warm water penguin in the world), the sea lion, the marine and land iguana, and the blue footed boobie. (Not to mention sea turtles, Sally Lightfoot crabs, as well as innumerable sea and birdlife.) And since we pioneered land-based exploration in the region, you’ll explore on foot and at eye level.

Are there any vaccinations or health precautions I need to take before going on a safari or wildlife tour with Classic Journeys?

When you book a safari or wildlife tour with us, you’ll be sent a helpful list of travel documents for your specific tour region which includes health requirements and recommendations when visiting. We always check with the State Dept and CDC to confirm their recommended health and safety precautions, and also offer the insight and advice of our expert local guides.

What regions does Classic Journey's visit on the Wildlife tours?

We offer wildlife walking tours in the Galapagos islands, Costa Rican rainforest, Belize barrier reef, Yellowstone plains, South African game preserves, Chilean Patagonia and Panama.

Are the tours safe for travelers of all ages?

All of our tours and depending on the excursion, there could be exclusions based on age, height or weight. If you are interested to book a wildlife walking tour, reach out to a Travel Experience Specialist for tour details.

Do I have to participate in every excursions and activity on the wildlife tours?

No problem. You or your travel companion can always opt out of an excurion, or ask your guide for an alternate activity or walk to do instead.

How can I contact Classic Journeys for more information or to book my Wildlife & Safari tour?

It’s easy to make a reservation on one of our wildlife walking tours. Simply call us toll free at 1-800-200-3887 or click the “book now” button located on the trip page to reserve online. We’ll ask you for a few quick pieces of information and a deposit following our Terms & Conditions.

What is the group size for the tour?

In our small tour group (just 10 -12 guests on average and no more than 18 total), we typically have a mix of solo travelers, couples, and friends or family members traveling together.

What is included in a wildlife walking tour?

Included in your wildlife walking tour are luxury accommodations with our signature invisible check-in, transportation around your destination, a knowledgeable local guide, entry to attractions, national parks, etc as well as the meals that are indicated on your trip itinerary. Additionally, we will include any equipment you may need for any excursions, such as wetsuits for water rafting, helmets for ziplining, etc. Before you leave for your trip, we’ll ensure that you have everything you need to be safe in nature.

Who will be my tour guide?

There is simply no better way to discover a place than in the company of a well-connected friend. That’s how you’ll feel about the local guides who are your companions every step of the way on every one of our wildlife walking tours. Our expert local guides are there full-time for you, every step of the way. Before departing, we’ll send you their contact information and a brief bio so you are ready to meet them in-country. Additionally, there may be a local expert to assist on some excursions, such as rafting, ziplining, camel riding or glacier hiking.

Can I book a private wildlife walking tour?

Yes! When you book one of our private tours, every aspect of the trip is tailored to you and your travel companions. That might mean taking over a historic villa for a big family reunion, a once in a lifetime trip for just you and your child, or anything else—your wish is our command. A private wildlife walking tour is a lot easier to arrange than you think. Our Travel Experience team are experts at making it all seamless and turnkey for you.

Traveling solo? Walk this way! Nearly a third of our guests are solo travelers who want the thrill of exploration minus the what-ifs of going it all alone. You’ll enjoy the camaraderie of your full-time guide and like-minded travelers. And to make your solo sojourn practical, we offer the lowest single supplements you’re likely to find.