The idea is sound – visiting four parks maximises the chance of seeing a good variety of wildlife.
However the trip notes seriously under state the terrible condition of the roads and therefore the time it takes to make the transfers. We spent more time on the road between parks than we did on game drives.
The driving is terrifying.
The whole trip felt rushed, as soon as we arrived at a park we were hurried into a meal and then straight out in the vehicle again. There was no time to relax or make use of the facilities in the lodges (which were lovely.)
The behaviour of the guides in the parks was shocking to me. There is a 5 vehicles per animal rule but whenever there was a big cat there were a crowd of 30 or more, all jostling for position and hounding the animals if they moved off. At one point I thought they had run over a chetah. Our driver also broke the no driving off road and no speeding rules. I felt ashamed to be part of it.
Canada Wildlife Holidays & Tours
Canada Wildlife Holidays
Top 5 Experiences on Canada Wildlife Holidays
Whale Watching Boat Trip: One of Canada’s greatest inhabitants is the whale and there are few places as wild and wonderful as the Pacific Rim National Park to go in search of these incredible mammals. The park lies between the Pacific Coast and Vancouver Island and from the end of February to late May, grey whales begin their migration north. The best way to get up close to the various species of whale, including the humpback and orca, is on a Zodiac tour. As you head out onto the deep blue ocean, you’ll have the opportunity to see whales swimming between the waves and watch sea lions basking on the headland.
Black Bear Watching: The American black bear is indigenous to Canada, Mexico and North America, and on our Canada wildlife tours, you’ll venture into the wilderness of Clayoquot Sound, which lies on the west coast of Vancouver Island. This is the gateway to unforgettable wildlife adventures and where you can set off on a thrilling Zodiac tour of the area. Passing by sheltered bays and inlets, watch black bears roaming free and scouring the beaches for shellfish, from the safe distance of the boat. It’s a moving experience to see these strapping bears in their natural environment.
Explore the Campbell River: On the eastern side of Vancouver Island, the Campbell River is a wildlife lover’s dream and has certainly been blessed by Mother Nature. It has earned its status as a designated Heritage River of British Columbia and ‘The Salmon Capital of World’. The area surrounding the river boasts some of the country’s most beautiful scenery and our wildlife tours guide you to the best viewpoints. Along the river and streams you’ll see the likes of seals, kingfishers, eagles and bears all swooping in to catch the salmon as they leap out of the water.
Boat Tour of the Orford River: British Columbia is one of the best destinations to see grizzly bears and it’s estimated there are around 10,000 roaming the land here. With the mountain scenery framing the water, you’ll be in awe of this wildly beautiful setting which creates the backdrop to a boat tour along the river. An expert guide will steer you to a series of viewing platforms where you can watch bears in their natural habitat and feasting on the spawning salmon. Throughout this wildlife adventure you might also spy whales, dolphins, sea lions and porpoise.
Visit Quadra Island: Lying off the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, Quadra Island is a natural paradise, home to idyllic beaches and countless species of flora and fauna. You can reach the island via a ferry which takes you along the Discovery Passage. It’s not surprising the island is a popular destination for wildlife lovers owing to its pristine wilderness, friendly community and vast diversity of animals. Its lakes and coves are home to deer, harbour seals, peregrine falcons, river otters and oyster catchers, to name a few. One of the best ways to get up close and personal to the wildlife is on a sea kayaking excursion with an experienced marine observation guide.
Claire Underwood Kenya Safari Adventure
Tim Laughton-Scott South Africa: Walking & WildlifeFrom the very start, the trip felt immersive and beautifully balanced. The wildlife in Kruger National Park was unforgettable, spotting elephants, lions, and giraffes in their natural habitat was a real highlight. We were very lucky spotting the ‘Top 5’ and most exciting was seeing 2 leopards to complete the set! I was equally captivated by the more rural, untouched areas, which showcased a quieter, more authentic side of South Africa. The Drakensberg Mountains were simply stunning, with dramatic scenery that felt almost prehistoric, it was a joy to hike around, with next to no one else there. Visiting the historic site of Rorke’s Drift added real depth to the journey. It was a rich, rewarding, and truly memorable experience!
Stephanie George-Phillips Cape Town & the Garden RouteThe trip was a wonderful way to see some of Southern Africa, we enjoyed the safari’s and boat trips. We had wonderful accommodation across the whole itinerary. The people were very friendly and the food and wine along the way was of good quality and plentiful. The coastline is amazing and the weather in October was pleasant. Our group was small , but it meant we had the opportunity to get to know one another quite well. Our guide Marco was very knowledgeable and good company.
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