Go On Safari in California
Nestled on 400 acres in the heart of California's wine country, Safari West is home for over 400 exotic mammals and birds. Not a zoo, not a drive-through park, it's a wildlife preserve where the whole family can experience some of nature's most beautiful animals in a natural habitat.
Established by Peter Lang in 1989, Safari West gained membership in the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, one of only six private facilities in North America to belong to that prestigious organization. The ongoing mission of Safari West is wildlife preservation through breeding, education, research and public interaction.
What happens at Safari West?
Safari West serves two important functions: first and foremost, they are a wildlife preserve, with several important ongoing projects such as:
- The propagation of endangered species. Safari West is the home of zebras, giraffes, cheetahs and many more exotic creatures.
- Under the directorship of Nancy Lang, Safari West is breeding several endangered bird species.
- Conservation programs are in place for two species of Saharan Desert antelope now extinct in the wild.
But Safari West is more than a preserve. They are dedicated to raising awareness of our exotic neighbors and promoting understanding through in-person contact. That's why they offer safaris year-round. If your only experience with a zebra or giraffe has been at a zoo, you should see these beautiful animals in their natural habitat. You owe it to yourself, and to them.
Safari West
800-616-2695
“Hart” of America Eco-Getaway
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the America’s heartland: the lush countryside and farms, underground caverns, river biosphere, and animal life. Take an ecological educational getaway to Hart County Kentucky where Hidden River Cave and its rare blind fish population were nearly lost to groundwater pollution. The restored cave is now an international model of conservation. A guided tour takes you through one of the world’s most scenic cave entrances to a subterranean river. Or take the off-trail Adventure Tour to study the underground ecosystem. The adjacent American Cave Museum (called “a little bit of Smithsonian in rural Kentucky” by Nature Conservancy Magazine) has exhibits on bats, blind fish and other cave animals; cave history, groundwater science and cave geology. Nearby is Kentucky Caverns, part of Kentucky Down Under, an interactive Australian-themed animal park where the owner has created a piece of her homeland with kangaroos, emus, sheep, birds, cultural activities and more. Add to you visit: a canoe trip down Green River, one of the world’s most biologically diverse rivers; Country Girl at Heart, an environmentally-friendly working farm experience; Kentucky Repertory Theatre; Cub Run Cave; Dennison’s Roadside Market; Historic Horse Cave Arts & Shopping district, Munfordville Historic Walking Tour.
Hart County Tourist Commission
Hart County Travel Website
(270) 218-0386
Trinidad and Tobago
The Paria Springs Project subscribes to The Ecotourism Society's and the IUCN's definitions of ecotourism. The Ecotourism Society says "Ecotourism is responsible travel to natural areas which conserves the environment and improves the welfare of the local people." IUCN defines it as "Environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively undisturbed natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and any accompanying cultural features - both past and present) that promotes conservation, has low visitor impact, and provides for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local populations." Lying in the northern range of Trinidad in the village of Brasso Seco, Paria, Paria Springs is a 1¼-hour drive from Piarco International airport or two hours from the capital, Port of Spain. The drive takes you through the town of Arima, historically a Carib Amerindian settlement, and up into the heavily forested mountains of the Northern Range. On the northern (windward) side of the mountain range, the road winds descending towards the village of Brasso Seco, Paria, then to Paria Springs, nestled deep within the rainforest. Most of the lands bordering this beautiful estate are pristine rainforest. Host Home Accommodations are scattered throughout this village.
Paria Springs Eco Community
Paria Springs Travel Website
(868) 622-8826
Living the Amazon
Amazonat is an ecolodge founded on ecotourism principles. Our goal is to share the untamed beauty of the Amazon with our visitors while following environmental and conservation practices. By teaching both visitors and locals about the value of maintaining the Amazon for future generations, we hope to teach about and implement sustainable practices and preserve this unique area. Group tours have a maximum of 8 persons. Only 2 group tours are allowed in terra firme forests on a daily basis to minimize wear and tear of the rainforest. We avoid showing the forest in a destructive way when examining characteristics of any given species of plant, tree or animal. Injured animals, victims of poaching or wildlife trade brought to the lodge, are nursed to health and then released to the wild. We provide medicines; school supplies and mechanical help to a nearby village. Amazonat supports the nearby community cooperative in cultivating pineapple and other local fruit. Almost all of our staff comes from the surrounding communities and our vegetables, fruit and fish are purchased locally. Guests interact with the local community by visiting the school and medical center. We focus on showing the real Amazonian way of life without any “tourist nostalgia”.
Amazonat
Amazonat Travel Website
00 55 11 3253 6114
Peru's Wildlife
Our lodge on the Tahuayo River has access to a great variety of ecosystems that we can explore as well as many native communities downriver. There are sufficient English speaking native men and women guides so that each person can go at their own pace and according to their interests. This is ideal for people who do not want to be stuck with a large group on a pre-set itinerary. You can choose a photographer's pace, a soft pace or a ruggedly adventurous pace. You can concentrate more on birdwatching, canoeing, canopy exploration, fishing or native culture. You can be active before breakfast or well into the evening. Tourists with passionate interests in primates, orchids, native culture or other subjects may request to participate in scientific studies sponsored by Amazonia Expeditions.
perujungle.com
Peru Jungle Travel Website
800-262-9669
Vancouver Island
Naturally Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island, BC is one of Canada's premium eco tour, wilderness hiking and backpacking trip destinations, with over 200 km of nature walking and hiking trails stretching from ancient rainforests to sea to mountain tops. Ask our professional biologists about your dream adventure or mix and match to customize an eco tour right for you in any season and for any ability or age. We also offer scheduled tours which are cheaper than private tours. We have plenty of soft adventure day trips, ecology games, activities and nature walking tours as short as one hour that are suitable for families and naturalists including seniors, families, and those with limited mobility.
Coastal Revelations Nature and HeritageTours
www.coastalrevelations.com
866-954-0110
Belize
Beyond Touring was founded to offer you an authentic ecotourism opportunity to Belize. Whether you’re a seasoned Belize visitor or you're seeing Belize for the first time we would love to help you see Belize from our perspective. Beyond Touring offers first-class ecotours and programs exclusively to Belize. We specialize in one country and have been in Belize for over 10 years. BEST OF BELIZE: Good choice to experience a taste of everything Belize Travel offers:
Ancient Maya Ruins
Tropical Forest Hiking & Exploring
Caves (Tubing & Zipline)
Authentic Cultural Experience (Indian Church Village)
Tropical Birds & Mammals
Islands for Snorkeling, Diving, & Beach Activities
Offering behind-the-scenes Belize travel experience, Lamanai Archaeological Project, first-hand research & developments.
Beyond Touring
www.beyondtouring.com
866-393-2731
Himalaya
This low altitude trek in the Annapurna foothills is specifically devised for our family and over 55's groups. We include time in the traditional Hindu villages where children regard the Himalaya as their playground. At each campsite we join our crew and the villagers in dancing, singing and games of volleyball and cricket. There is also time to visit the local schools and markets where cultural horizons are so different from our own. During the trek we appreciate the magnificent oak and rhododendron forests as we ascend to alpine meadows that afford spectacular views of the Annapurna Range. After completing our trek we travel to the Chitwan National Park and ride elephants in search of rhino and the Bengal tiger.
World Expeditions
http://worldexpeditions.com/index.php?section=trips&id=170
888-464-8735
Galapagos Cruise
Six hundred miles off the coast of Ecuador, surrounded by open ocean, a volcanic archipelago straddles the equator. The Galapagos Islands, forged of black lava and named for the giant tortoises that are among its most noted inhabitants, are like nowhere else in the world. Home to a profuse array of wildlife, the islands offer an immersion in nature that feels primeval, where lizards and penguins and bluefooted boobies share the beaches with us, unconcerned by our presence. Herman Melville called the Galapagos “Las Encantadas,” or Enchanted Isles, an apt moniker for a realm that remains otherworldly, even today.
The activities on this trip are easy and diverse for all travelers, although getting in and out of the pangas can result in a wet boot now and again. Island trails may be rough and uneven. Those interested in longer excursions may be able to do so in the company of our Expedition Leader. Travelers are not required to participate in every activity.
Cruise among the islands’ prolific wildlife aboard an intimate, well-appointed yacht.
Swim with sea lions, sunbathe with iguanas, and kayak among whales and dolphins.
Learn about scientists’ conservation work at the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Monthly departures through 2008.
Natural Habitat Adventures
www.nathab.com
800-543-8917
The Amazon
Whether you want to trek through untamed trails in the jungle or just relax in a hammock surrounded by armies of fearless hummingbirds, Amazon travel offers you an exotic experience that will alter your perception of the natural world. Amazon tours take you down a winding stream in a dugout canoe and lift you high into the rainforest canopy. On your Amazon tour, you'll see howler monkeys and macaws, and possibly the elusive jaguar. Amazon lodges, such as Sacha Lodge, provide both adventure and serenity: twilight hikes in search of nocturnal creatures, a bar and lounge with a phenomenal view, exhilarating swims in pristine lakes and blackwater creeks. This is an eco-conscious Amazon adventure and a paradise for nature-lovers and birders. Adventure Life is committed to providing quality small group tours that have a positive impact on the local culture and environment. Groups-size is kept to a minimum, welcoming a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Each tour is designed to present the best of each region, at the same time allowing freedom and flexibility for the unexpected and unpredictable that make each tour, each destination, unique.
Adventure Life
www.adventure-life.com
800-344-6118
Venezuela
Angel Falls Canaima National Park
From May through December, the river levels allow a trip to the river base of Angel falls. Departures are generally scheduled on Friday from Caracas, however departures from Margarita Island can also be arranged.
You gaze in awe at the powerful force of nature known as Angel Falls, whose waters plunge more than 3,000 feet. Angel Falls-the world's tallest waterfall-is one of the eight natural wonders of the world. You are there, after a long, hot hike, swimming in one of the refreshing natural pools beneath the towering falls. As part of this Angel-Eco Tours eight-day/seven-night adventure, you will travel through jungles, grasslands and hidden canyons in Canaima National Park. You will also meet members of the native Pemón tribe and experience their culture and lifestyle.
Angel Eco
www.angel-ecotours.com
888-423-3864
Eco Sailing in Maine
We are proud to welcome you aboard the WANDERBIRD. This vessel is the culmination of our over forty years combined experience as professional mariners. We invite you to join us aboard this extraordinary vessel. We have drawn from our experience of carrying passengers on a traditional rigged sailing ship to create a custom design for your safety and comfort. WANDERBIRD is a combination of several elements: a traditional ketch auxillary sailing rig, interiors with classic yacht design, a gourmet galley, the strength and integrity of a working fishing vessel and capabilities for off-shore adventure.
Rick and Karen are both from seafaring and fishing backgrounds, and feel strongly connected to the ecology of the Maine coast and Grand Banks. We are both active conservationists and hope to support conservation through low-impact tourism, research, education and awareness. Our Eco-tourism cruises reflect our great reverence for the natural world and its creatures. Our cruises will follow the migrational paths of whales and seabirds along the north eastern seaboard. We will explore coastal villages and islands along the way. Our cruises could find the vessel anywhere between the Stellwagen Bank off Gloucester, Massachusetts and the coast of Newfoundland or Labrador.
Real Adventures
http://www.realadventures.com/listings/1128146_Eco-Sailing-Expeditions
617-338-1020
Trekking With Llamas
Tour Southern Utah as you hike and camp through the mountains with llamas. Llamas were chosen for this eco-friendly trip as they are quiet, gentle and leave little impact on the land. Treks offer a different destination each month with varying skill levels. Prices range from $850 to $975.
Red Rock 'N Llamas
www.redrocknllamas.com
877-955-2627
April through October, 2008
Latin American Tours
Their Eco/Adventure programs are planned with the Special Interest traveler in mind. Whether you are interested in Soft Adventure, fishing, bird watching, ballooning, canopy tours, flightseeing, glacier tours, hang gliding, ice climbing, kayaking, hot springs, river rafting, surfing, sky diving, volcano tours, whale watching, winery tours or yachting…they have a pre-designed program for you, or you can opt for one of the regional packages throughout Latin America where natural wonders will be part of your unforgettable journey!
Latin Tour Dimensions
www.latintourdimensions.com
800-343-0020
Iceland/Greenland
Their Greenland tours include lectures at sea on topics related to history and wildlife in the area. You may enjoy optional shore expeditions that include the Golden Circle, featuring Gullfoss, Iceland's more famous waterfall and Geyser, world famous geothermal area, bubbling activity; Whale Watching, when you're almost guaranteed of spotting the largest animal on earth, the magnificent blue whale; the Westman Island, rich in birdlife and wonderful sights; Lake Myvatn, with its amazing lava formations and sulphur pits and boiling mud pools; or a Glacier Adventure on Europe's largest glacier.
Hurtigruten
http://www.hurtigruten.us/
800-323-7436
May22-September 11, 2008