Wild Planet Adventures Brings Trio of Legendary Master Guides to Five Scheduled 18-Day Safaris in Zambia for 2012
OutdoorHub 11.10.11
Sausalito, CA – Wildlife viewing specialist Wild Planet Adventures http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/ announces five 2012 departures of an 18-day/17-night itinerary the company promises will be “the most comprehensive wildlife itinerary possible for Zambia” thanks to the expertise of three legendary master guides. http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/content/view/372/1331/
Tour dates for Zambia -The Ultimate Wildlife Safari are May 25 – June 11, June 29 – July 16, Aug 10-27, Sept 4-21 and Oct 5-22, 2012. The per person double occupancy rate is $13,998 exclusive of domestic air (approximately $1,396 per person). This program is also available in 7, 10, 12, 13 and 15-day custom group versions. A 7-day program is $3,998 per person exclusive of domestic flights. Included are world-class safari bush and mobile camp accommodations, all meals, guides and more.
Typically Wild Planet Adventures discriminates against heavily visited regions. Wildlife-rich (including the “Big 5”) Zambia is no exception. It is among the few places in Africa where safaris can include walking and canoeing, in addition to jeeps. Included are the Nsefu and Zebra Plains sectors of South Luangwa National Park, the under-visited Busanga Plains of Kafue National Park (a prime place to see Cheetah), the Lower Zambezi River with canoe safari on the most beautiful section of the river in Mana Pools National Park, rife with wildlife.
On the 18-day (only) program a trio of master guides will reveal Zambia’s secrets of nature.
“The walking safari originated in South Luangwa and the emphasis on walking requires advanced tracking skills. Even so, most walking guides tend to avoid big game and predators. Only the most advanced guides take on this challenge, and only an elite few are qualified to teach other guides these advanced skills, which can take a lifetime to master. These master guides prefer tracking in the most remote and isolated destinations where wildlife behavior remains truly “wild” and unaffected by human presence. I’ve brought the three most legendary master guides in the country together for the first time ever on one trip,” says Director Josh Cohen.
He explains that the mounting pressure of eco-tourism on wildlife populations means it’s more important than ever to manage traveler impact.
“Nowhere is this more evident than in Africa, where you regularly have 10 jeeps chasing a lion,” explained Cohen. “When guides radio the location of predators or other coveted animals to each other – instead of relying on advanced tracking skills — the result is overly habituated animals that have become tamer and less wild. They begin to adapt their instinctual ways as a result of being bombarded by too much human presence. Under these conditions, even the fiercest of lions may become less aggressive, just like in a commercial drive-through open zoo park. Wild Planet Adventures goes to great lengths to preserve the authentic safari experience by combining truly isolated and remote locations with master guides who exemplify tracking as an art form, so travelers see authentic “wild” animal behavior while minimizing adaptation.”
About the Guides
Deb Tittle is widely considered to be one of the top guides in all of Africa. Her wealth of knowledge, 15 years of experience, extraordinary passion and uncanny tracking expertise ensure once-in-a-lifetime wildlife viewing opportunities. She has trained over 45 guides in advanced tracking skills for Robin Pope Safaris and other safari companies.
Garth Hovell has 20 years experience and was one of the best-loved guides in Zimbabwe prior to heading Zambia’s remote Zebra Plains Camp. He has guided all over Southern Africa, tracked tigers in India, guided in Australia and Russia, and now trains guides for Sanctuary Retreats in Zambia.
Henry Bandure is one of the most experienced professional canoe guides on the Zambezi River, legendary for his ability to identify and communicate with specific hippos out of thousands along the way. He is as skilled at navigating the river as he is getting close to big game on land. An accomplished wildlife photographer, he trains canoe guides for Wilderness Safaris.
About Wild Planet Adventures
The expert wildlife guides of Wild Planet Adventures go the extra mile to explore remote wildlife habitat and study wildlife patterns in destinations not often accessible to the general public. Thanks to the company’s comprehensive itineraries that balance diverse and complex ecosystems and habitats, guests enjoy wildlife and game viewing that is carefully aligned with animals’ seasonal, daily and nocturnal migrations.
Following a philosophy that interacting with nature has the power to transform lives, tours are conducted in Africa, Baja, Belize, Brazil, Costa Rica, Galapagos, India, Laos, Panama, Peru, Thailand and Zambia. Wild Planet Adventures is recognized by top publications in the travel industry for its itineraries that combine intimate encounters with nature with local culture.
For a more information and a complimentary 2012 catalog call toll-free 1.800.990.4376, or e-mail: trips@wildplanetadventures.com. To review current trips, schedules and itineraries log onto: http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/.
