Wildlife Travel Itineraries by Secret Retreats
This Friday 3rd of March is World Wildlife Day. We should of course consider the importance of wildlife every day, but this day is established to highlight and to recognize the critical role that wildlife plays in our ecosystems and the need for conservation and protection of the world’s wild animals and plants. The continent of Asia is home to some of the world’s most incredible wildlife. From the dense jungles of Indonesia to the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, Asia is home to some of the most iconic and fascinating wildlife on the planet. Tigers, elephants, orangutans, rhinoceros, pandas, and many other species can be found across the continent, each with its own unique behaviors and adaptations. By taking an Asian wildlife itinerary with Secret Retreats, you can witness these incredible animals in their natural habitats and gain a deeper understanding of their importance and place in the world.
Booking one of our Wildlife focused Secret Journeys is a great way to support local communities and their conservation efforts to ensure that tourism benefits both wildlife and local people. In selecting one of our responsible and sustainable journeys, you can help protect the fragile ecosystems and endangered species that call Asia home.
You can be sure that Secret Retreats will provide you an unforgettable experience that combines adventure, education, relaxation and conservation. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an animal lover, or just looking for a new adventure, there is something for everyone on our Secret Journey.
Land of The Jungle Book: Tigers and Tribes – Ranthambore, India
5 days / 4 nights – from 1,175 USD /person
Kanha Reserve is a great choice if you are keen to spot a tiger and enjoy the sunset in a forest teeming with deer and birds. The inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, Kanha is a part of Project Tiger and is today home to about 60 tigers. One of India’s largest national parks the conservation area covers an enormous 1945 sq. km. A beautiful mix of forest and lightly wooded grassland with many rivers and streams the environment at Kanha supports an excellent variety of wildlife. Some of the species we may encounter on this Secret Journey include the endangered Hard-ground Barasingha (this being the only place where this subspecies of deer persists), Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, the largest of all bovines Gaur, Golden-backed Jackal, Jungle Cat, Common Langur, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Dhole or Asian Wild Dog, and the elusive Chowsingha (a 4-horned antelope). There is also a rich collection of bird species such as: Asian Paradise Flycatcher, White Rumped Shama, White Bellied Drongo, Spangled Drongo. Racket Tailed Drongo, Twany Babbler, Jungle Babbler, Indian Scimitar Babbler, Grey Francolin, Painted Francolin, Black Naped Flycatcher, Common Iora and many more.
Journey to The Majestic Equatorial Shores – Cruise Raja Ampat, Indonesia
8 Days / 7 Nights – from 1,551 USD /person /day in Guest Cabin Suites
Just off the northwestern tip of the island of New Guinea, the remote Raja Ampat archipelago comprises a unique labyrinth of more than 1,000 islands spread over a vast expanse of calm turquoise seas – a startlingly beautiful environment both above and below the water. Raja Ampat translates as ‘four kings’, describing the four main islands of Waigeo, Salawati, Batanta and Misool. The archipelago has the highest recorded marine biodiversity on the planet and is home to the world’s richest reefs, offering a staggering diversity of experiences to those privileged few lucky enough to sail her waters.
Wildlife and Culture of Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka
13 days / 12 nights – from 4,220 USD /person
This journey through Sri Lanka is an almost circular route that takes travellers around most of the Island and off the beaten tourist tracks. Travellers on this Secret Journey will discover and enjoy the large diversity of environments the island can offer: from rainforest, tropical jungle and bush, to manicured tea plantations or wildlife safaris. This journey also creates opportunities for travellers to engage with locals and learn about their unique lifestyles, possibly even with the native Vedda tribes who are the original people of Sri Lanka and have called this island home for more than 40,000years. The journey also explores the colonial heritage town of Galle and allows for time to relax and enjoy the beautiful beach of Weligama. A wonderful and comprehensive program to explore the very best of Sri Lanka in 13 days/12 nights.
Sabah Wildlife Adventure – Sabah, Malaysia
7 Days / 6 Nights – from 3,250 USD /person
Kinabalu Park is a stunning destination for wildlife lovers. Home to one of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia, the majestic Mount Kinabalu which stands at 4,095 metres, Kinabalu Park was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The park was recognized as one of the most important biological sites in the world as it is home to more than 4,500 species of flora and fauna, including 326 bird and around 100 mammal species. Located in the Malaysian state of Sabah the park is the highlight of any trip to the jungles of Malaysian Borneo. Guided treks and tours take our travellers deep into the living breathing jungle to discover the amazing lush natural beauty off the beaten path by foot or by boat to see rare endemic wildlife species, myriad of birds and superlative flora in their natural habitats.
Ladakh – A Land of Fascination and Wonder – Ladakh, India
9 days / 8 nights – from 1,600 USD /person
As you journey along the roads once trodden by Tibetan monks and steeped in legends, discovering the richness and beauty of The Indus and Sham Valleys, you will feel as if you have been transported back in time. At a relatively low altitude of 3400m, life in The Sham Valley is more gentle than that of the high pastures of Changtan or the valleys of Zanskar. The Sham Valley is famous for the richness and diversity of its wildlife, both flora and fauna. It is here in The Indus and Sham Valleys that you will visit some of the most celebrated and beautiful monasteries of Ladakh. The Indus Valley is in the heart of Ladakh. Surrounded by picturesque valleys and Tibetan style architecture it is home to the Ladakhi Buddhists and their gentle Tibetan culture.
Orangutan Ecolodge and Cruise – Borneo, Indonesia
5 days / 4 nights – from 1,125 USD /person
A rare opportunity to experience 5 days in the deep jungle, feel and smell the tropical humidity, see the magic dappled light through the tall trees and large leaves, hear the sounds of wildlife, and approach orangutans, but also many species of birds, proboscis monkeys, gibbons, crocodiles… even the endangered freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins. A unique moment in a place like no other, and your visit is a means to support the work of all the organizations trying to protect the rainforest and Borneo’s wildlife.
Papua Immersion: Jungle and Sea – Papua, Indonesia
9 days / 8 nights – from 2,600 USD /person
This 9 day/8 night tour to Papua unveils to you two unmissable gems of Indonesia. The incredible Baliem Valley, home of the Dani and Lani tribes, and to the Islands and the incomparable underwater world of Raja Ampat. During private excursions in the highland forests of the Baliem Valley, meet the Lani and Dani people and witness lifestyles unchanged in 1000s of years. On the second part of the journey, head to the islands of Raja Ampat where you will have the possibility to dive and snorkel on the most biodiverse reefs in world, and time to simply relax on lonely beaches. No fitness level needed, this amazing trip to the Baliem Valley and Raja Ampat is for everyone! The program can also be modified to a longer stay in the Baliem Valley or on the shores of Raja Ampat as preferred.
Go wild with Secret Retreats! Contact the concierge today and start planning and booking your Wildlife Secret Journey today and look forward to experiencing the thrill of encountering animals in the wild. Unforgettable travel experiences are made of this.