From the wilds of the Galápagos to gorilla forests, whale-filled oceans and luxury safari plains closer to home, these extraordinary experiences bring you up close and personal with some of the planet’s most unforgettable wildlife.
WHALES OF TONGA
Between June and October, humpback whales migrate from polar feeding grounds to the warm tropical waters of the South Pacific to breed. A raft of experienced operators leads small, respectful group tours, with opportunities to observe these graceful giants from the water – with strict safety and behaviour protocols ensuring minimal disturbance. The first moment spotting a humpback beneath the surface is unforgettable — a powerful, humbling encounter that stays with you long after you return to dry land.
GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
Off the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands are without doubt one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations. Straddling the equator, the climate is relatively consistent year-round, with only subtle shifts between warmer, wetter and cooler, drier periods – and an absolute abundance of wildlife in every season. Strictly protected (around 95% of the land is classed as national park) and explored with only certified naturalist guides, the islands allow for close encounters rarely experienced anywhere else – from giant tortoises and marine iguanas to sea lions and unique birdlife – with the creatures never having learnt to fear humans. Volcanic landscapes, lava fields and vibrant coastal ecosystems add to the total sense of wonder.
GORILLAS OF CENTRAL AFRICA
With only around 1,000 mountain gorillas remaining in the equatorial rainforests of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, tracking a silverback and its family is a true bucket-list experience. In Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, visitors are placed in small groups and guided on foot through dense forest to locate a habituated gorilla family. Tourism plays a vital role in supporting surrounding communities while helping fund conservation efforts and protect the species’ fragile habitat. A truly lifechanging experience.
ALASKAN BEARS
Surrounded by towering glaciers, dense forests and salmon-filled rivers, Alaska is the USA’s most remote – and possibly most untamed – state. From brown bears and caribou to moose and bald eagles, wildlife surrounds – and few experiences rival witnessing the power of a grizzly up close. Travelling with experienced guides, such as Alaska Photo Tours, is essential. In summer, unforgettable photography trips to Katmai National Park depart from major gateways including Anchorage and Seward.
AUSTRALIA’S MONARTO SAFARI RESORT
And, for something a little different, just across the ditch, Journey Beyond, Australia’s leading experiential tourism group, has recently announced that reservations are now open to book at South Australia’s newest unique luxury stay Safari Lodge at Monarto Safari Resort.
The resort offers a rare luxury escape less than an hour from Adelaide, beside Monarto Safari Park and the Wild Africa precinct in the Murraylands. It overlooks sweeping waterholes and open plains, immersing guests in a true safari setting. A stay includes all meals and beverages, along with an exclusive guided safari in a custom open-sided 4WD through the 550-hectare Wild Africa area.
Each luxury safari tent is designed for comfort and immersion, featuring a private outdoor deck, spacious lounge, king or twin bedding, ensuite bathroom and dressing room, with accessible options available. Wildlife roams just metres away, from giraffes and zebras to antelope and ostrich, while endangered species including southern white rhinoceros, cheetah and hippopotamus can often be spotted around nearby waterholes.
“The opening of Safari Lodge signals the new level of luxury at Monarto Safari Resort,” says Gerry Ryan OAM, owner of the luxury Lodge and Resort.
“It’s an opportunity to delve into an African wildlife experience, witness the beauty of diverse species, and indulge in the serenity of your surroundings.”
Beyond the safari, guests can unwind at the onsite pool or private plunge pools, visit the gym or pickleball court, and relax in the outdoor lounge. Evenings are made for sundowners as animals move across the plains, followed by exceptional stargazing in the clear Murraylands night sky.
And, as part of Journey Beyond’s commitment to people, place and planet, for every stay at the Lodge a portion of the room rate will be donated to Monarto Safari Park’s conservation programmes.
“Since opening in May of last year, Monarto Safari Resort has been wowing guests and was recognised as the Best New Tourism Business at the 2025 SA Tourism Awards,” says Chris Tallent, Journey Beyond CEO. “It has created a destination that showcases the beauty of the Murraylands landscape whilst inviting guests to explore Australia’s very own Wild Africa safari experience.”
Safari Lodge will be taking bookings from 2 April. Discover more at monartosafariresort.com
