EXPLORER EXPERIENCES
Wild Earth Explorers are part of an exclusive cohort of travellers experiencing the world in a unique way. They are not tourists, they are world travellers. They gain insight into every destination, connect and engage with people and place, support and contribute. We call this the Wild Earth Experience. Here are some of our Wild Earth Explorers comments coupled with an image of them engaged in their Explorer Experience.
Lee doing her best Mola Mola dance before the dive!
Manifestation success! A huge Mola Mola getting cleaned in Nusa Lembongan.
“Natalia, Thank you for the great trip!
We saw it all! Mola Mola was my highlight.”
Doug and Guy gearing up to backroll into another spectacular dive in Bunaken National Park.
“Thanks for putting together the most amazing trip.
So many fantastic sights and experiences.
Truly one of life’s great adventures.”
Jack and Jill snorkeling Neptune’s Fantasea in Raja Ampat.
“Thank you so much for organizing our private trip in Borneo. We saw so much, and it was wonderful just being the two of us.
Our room on the live aboard yacht was incredible! It was a wonderful surprise. Jack made it to almost every snorkel. It was a beautiful part of the world and having Ron along to be our guide and narrator, just made everything extra special. He has a mind like an encyclopedia, and a wicked sense of humor.”
Pam engaging with a curious Grey whale in Baja.
Pam thrilled after her interaction with the Grey whales.
“Once again you have organized a trip filled with wonders and good cheer. What a treat to be travelling with you again. We will always treasure our encounters with the gray whales, the schools of Hammerheads, the Manta “fly-overs” and so much more. Thank you for an exceptional trip and everything you do. Can’t wait for our next Wild Earth adventure.”
Libby surrounded by millions of Monarch butterflies in Zitacuaro.
“Thomas, triumphs again!!! Another exciting adventure with drama on and under the high seas ;-) Manta rays galore, 8 different shark species in one dive, huge lobsters clambering over piles of dozing white-tip reef sharks, invited by gray whales to scratch their barnacle covered heads – all etched in the memory. On land we gazed in utter disbelief at the millions of Monarch butterflies weighing down pine branches and marvelled at the sheer size of the Aztec ruins and the people who built them. Looking forward to my next Wild Earth expedition.”
Freddy marveling at the world’s largest Manta rays in Socorro.
“Having enjoyed almost 800 dives, Socorro is in my top tier. Completely unique topography, multiple soul-stirring, up close and personal encounters with giant Manta rays (I mean flyovers within reach) and hundreds of sharks of many different varieties all going about their sharky business. One miraculous dive was in my top 5 ever!!! The creatures seem to know they are safe here and react accordingly. The proximity and quantity of those awe-inspiring whales, mantas and sharks were simply astonishing—golden memories now etched in my head and heart. Thank you, Wild Earth Expeditions”
Monique happily about to roll in on her 500th dive in the Seychelles.
Monique kayaking in a glass bottom kayak in the Seychelles
“I just celebrated my 500th dive on this great Seychelles trip! Most of my dives I did with Wild Earth Expeditions, or better Thomas and Natalia, 2 exceptionally passionate Expedition Leaders who have meanwhile become dear friends. Thank you for another overwhelming experience here in the Seychelles, where aside from great diving, I was able to swim alongside a pod of socialising dolphins. What a sight. Thank you for all these joyful moments my friends!”
Tom and Dawn scaling Mount Pico for panoramic views
“Thank you for such a fantastic trip! As always, no stone was left unturned. Wild Earth Expeditions is unique in that every trip gives us a complete immersive experience. Understanding the individual desires of each guest and shaping each day so that each guest and the group has unique and memorable encounters is what sets Wild Earth Expeditions apart.”
Jack and Jill enjoying in the mighty splendour of the Avenue of Baobabs in Madagascar.
“Thomas, how can Jill and I possibly thank you for another phenomenal Wild Earth Expeditions experience! It was truly great from the get-go in Madagascar to finishing in the wonderful Seychelles. Too many incredible details to recount. You truly do deliver! Thank you and we’ll see you in Palau and the Philippines next May. ”
Gina and Chris cruised through the brash ice at the Fugle Fjord northwest of Svalbard.
Gina and Chris watching the antics of the Walrus at a haulout at Wahlbergoya, Svalbard.
“We just completed our fifteenth trip with Wild Earth Expeditions to Norway and Svalbard. We continue to be amazed at the once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters, miraculous weather, fantastic cultural experiences, and fun that can only be explained by the expert planning and guidance of Thomas and Natalia. It is not unusual for the carefully selected local guides to also encounter “firsts” on our trips. Due to the high number of repeats on Wild Earth trips, we have developed lifelong friendships and every trip is a reunion of sorts and new friendships built. It doesn’t stop at the end of the trip. Thomas and Natalia are superb photographers and videographers providing a digital record (in the water and on land) of our experiences to share with friends and family. We have never met anyone who can top these experiences. We call it the Wild Earth Magic. Thank you, Thomas and Natalia, for enriching our lives on every level.”
Tom and Dawn hiking in the Antisana National Park where they watch condors fly over head and met friendly llamas.
Thomas, Tom and Dawn feel exhilarated by the crisp air and the magnificent views at 5250m high on Chimborazo Volcano
“After two years of no travel, we were so excited to go to the Galapagos as one of our “must-see” places. We knew to trust our dream travel experience to Wild Earth Expeditions. That it would be a 5 star experience and expectation exceeding at every turn. We didn’t just go to the Amazon; we experienced the depths of the Amazon. We didn’t just go to the Andes; we hiked as far as possible without specific gear and laid hands on the glacier. We didn’t just go to the cloud forest; we played with the butterflies and hummingbirds that thrive in the clouds. We didn’t just go to the Galapagos; we played with sea lions, danced with dolphins and experienced walls of Hammerheads. Every detail was addressed, and all the “new normals” of travel were handled. While a “once in a lifetime” experience was had by all, we also know that many more “lifetime experiences” will be had with the experts of Wild Earth as the world opens up. Thank you, Thomas and the Wild Earth team, for these adventures!”
Jim watches on as Minke whales pass by him and the others hanging onto the Minke line out on the Great Barrier Reef.
“WOW!!! What a fantastic experience. It’s always such a pleasure to travel with you guys. The two of you bring so much joy and enthusiasm to these adventures it’s virtually impossible not to have a good time. As always….an amazing itinerary and a seamless experience. So looking forward to the next one in Ethiopia next year. Thank you so much.”
Michael hand feeding an endemic Mareeba Rock Wallaby at Granite Gorge.
“We had an absolutely delightful time on this Minke whale and Far North Queensland adventure. The entire trip was fun, informative and memorable. We look forward to our next adventure with you soon!”
“No words can truly describe this Adventure, it exceeded my dreams! The people you attract are grand and I know I’ve made new friends. You delivered us little behind the scenes extras... Amazing! Robin was brilliant in every way possible. So much knowledge to share and ever so kind and funny. Thanks for a grand experience and new memories. Can not wait for another expedition. You are just the BEST!”
Annemarie diving through a confetti like cloud of Anthias on the Great Barrier Reef.
“Thomas and Natalia we loved sharing this most amazing whale watching and diving experience with you. Thanks so much for looking after us above and below the water and for creating life-long memories that we will cherish forever.”
Frank and Wendy happy after their exceptional in-water encounter with 30 plus Minke whales on the Great Barrier Reef.
“Our recent trip with Thomas & Natalia from Wild Earth Expeditions exceeded our expectations and we look forward to more trips with them in the future. If you want to have exciting, active adventures in 5-star comfort then look no further!”
“We love traveling with Wild Earth Expeditions. They pick the best destinations, chooses the best hotels, the best restaurants, and, most importantly, the best experiences. Our trip to French Polynesia way exceeded all expectations. We had the most epic trip and a fantastic holiday.”
Catherine eye to eye with a Minke whale on her 6 and half hour snorkel encounter.
“Thomas and Natalia, it was great to join you for your special 10th anniversary trip. Another fabulous adventure – with the Minke whales as the top highlight. Thank you for working so hard so that everyone can have such a fun time. Looking forward to the next adventure. ”
Helen amidst the excitement and feeding frenzy of gigantic Potato cods at The Cod Hole on the Great Barrier Reef.
“Thanks a million for a wonderful experience. It is an absolute pleasure to now be part of the incredible Wild Earth Family. I am looking forward to many more great experiences in the years ahead.”
“I recently returned from a trip to Bhutan with Wild Earth Expeditions. Bhutan is an amazing country. Wild Earth Expeditions did an outstanding job putting this trip together. Everything was well thought out to give us, the guest, the best experience possible. Thomas and Natalia offer the highest of quality in expedition travel!!”
Susie and John getting to know the locals at the Goroka Show.
“Right from the beginning of our contact with your company we had timely and professional responses, so we knew it was going to be a well organised trip. What we didn’t expect was such intimate contact with the villagers and such insight into their customs, traditions and way of life. Thomas, Suzanne and Natalia, you were fantastic at educating us about so many aspects of PNG and its people, providing access to villages through your personal contacts and also giving so much energy to the group. The whole trip was an amazing experience, shared with a wonderful group of travellers and led by knowledgeable, prepared, well connected, calm and enthusiastic guides. As first time Wild Earth Explorers, we loved it and we will be back to experience other journeys in the future.”
Ian, Natalia, Anne Francoise and Tshering reaching the snowy summit of 3700m on Sagala Pass
“Lha gay lo”… R foot, L foot, keep up the rhythm, don’t stop, the four of us, together, walking poles, crampons, Gortex, gaiters, umbrellas, in the snow coming down hard now, shit-la, then, finally the Prayer Flags, and the smoke, smell of fresh food, yes the pass, Sagala pass, 3550 m, we’ve made it; Lha gay lo … “ May the good spirit prevail over the bad ones”. It has: East Bhutan, West Bhutan, Low Bhutan, High Bhutan, sun and cold, bus and trekking, Amans, homestays, and tents, Wild Earth Expeditions has provided more experiences in two weeks than thought possible. Dzongs, and Festivals, monks and peasants, cities and villages, birds and mammals, deep valleys and snow covered Himalaya peaks, Natalia and Tshering, our expedition leaders, with flair, compassion and expertise led us through this amazing land of ‘Gross National Happiness’ and into the Wheel of Life.
Where were we then? Where are we now?”
“Seamless... in a word, our trip has been absolutely seamless! Congratulations on your superb product. Thanks to all these years of experience, travel and your constant, insatiable enthusiasm! Loved the diversity of our expedition and the diving was perfect. Ending the trip on the MV Pelagian was the best idea of all. Please keep us on your A-list! With much appreciation for such a splendid holiday.”
Jack and Jill on one of many long snorkels exploring the beauty of Papua New Guinea’s reefs.
“Jill and I absolutely loved this entire trip, not only for all the places we visited but also because of the great group of people we were able to meet and enjoy these experiences with. Jill and I must say that we enjoyed this trip for what it had to offer, how well it was organized and the group we did it with more than any other one we have done—and that is saying a lot.”
Monique, Ray and Thomas revelling in the joy of the perfect island wedding.
“Sitting here in Jakarta passing time until our next flight back to cold, grey Europe... memories of being on a lovely ship with dear friends, a delightfully friendly crew, surrounded by warm sunshine and anticipating the next snorkel, keep me smiling! You make these lifetime highlights possible... your unflagging energy and enthusiasm are addictive! Once experienced, never forgotten. Many thanks for making these last two weeks so special and for making each one of us feel so special too!”
“There was so much to experience on this trip that I find it impossible to pick highlights; maybe I want to point out that you took us to incredible places that are little known, not on any maps and off the beaten tourist treks, such as Maquenque and the “Quetzal Valley”. The environment and whole set-up on the ship we chartered in Cocos Island was beyond any imagination and has to be experienced to be believed. Thank you again for a great experience. ”
Lisa diving with a Goliath grouper off Layang Layang
“Thank you so much for a fabulous trip! You are a wonderful trip leader and your photos are amazing. JD was so enthusiastic and had such great knowledge. What an asset she is! As for you my friend, you have a special knack for finding land and sea critters and do a great job keeping everything running smoothly. I look forward to joining you on another adventure soon.”
Ruth gliding over a young Humpback whale as it surfaces for air.
“I just wanted to extend a personal thank you from both of us for such an incredible trip. We expected to have a once in a lifetime experience as they say but it was much more than that. As a Leader you were awesome and fun to hang out with Natalia. It was so incredible to share such a life altering journey with my son. Precious memories I shall have forever.”
“Once again, Thomas outdid himself and organized a fascinating trip to the Mergui Islands of Myanmar. As can be expected on his trips, there was a nice balance of activities, great information and context on the things we saw (above and below water), and strong camaraderie among the guests. A true highlight was the schooner vessel we were on, which made the live-aboard experience unique and memorable. Things ran smoothly and efficiently, which can be expected on Thomas’ trips. Better Swiss Than Sorry.”
Freddy and Pam 'hooked in' at Blue Corner, Palau watching the sharks patrol the blue.
“Once again we return home with magical memories and dreams of our Wild Earth adventure. It was a wonderful trip that we will never forget - You made the best of everything and then gave us pictures to prove it! With gratitude and love for all you have done to remind us of the wonders in this world.”
Ian and Anne Francoise enjoying the joy of cruising in Havanna
“Havana, Trinidad, Jardines de la Reina, another two weeks with Wild Earth Expeditions. Senses in alert, the music, the smells, the food, the arts, above and below the water marvels and discoveries. The familiar early-morning routines, renewed friendships, and busy schedules, are now expected- and found once again. True to form, this end of the year climax has lived up to expectations- a flawlessly organized and executed expedition to an amazing country.”
“You created for me the most valuable wedding present I could have imagined! The beautiful and so lovingly put together Photo Book of all my trips with you is in my living room so that I can grab it at any moment and dive into my memories! Thank you so very much for this wonderful surprise. You do not know how much I appreciate it!!!!”
Wendy with locals in the Red Forte, India.
“My first adventure with Wild Earth Expeditions was the Himalayan Snow Leopard & Tiger expedition. I have to admit that I think about our adventure all the time. It really did have a deep affect on me. The team in every location were amazing. The quality of service and knowledge to ensure we were well taken care of and happy was first class. All details for travel within India were complete, all we had to do was show up. Everyday was a new adventure, truly a once in a lifetime vacation. Thank you to Thomas, the entire team and Indrajit who made the trip all that more special with his knowledge, patience and happy demeanour. The memories will last forever! What a pleasure to now have friends from all over the world.”
Kat taking in the beauty of Raja Ampat.
“No words can truly describe this Adventure, it exceeded my dreams, thanks to you for truly knowing how to run this company and deliver us with little behind the scenes extras! Amazing! Can not wait for another expedition in 2018. The people you attract are grand and I know I’ve made new friends. Robin was brilliant in every way possible. I’ve never met anyone like her. So much knowledge to share and ever so kind and funny. But, then again, I’ve never met anyone like you either Thomas. Thanks for a grand experience and new memories…You are just the BEST!”
“Thank you for the extraordinary trip! This truly was the best trip I have ever been on. Although I was the youngest on the trip, everyone was super nice to me and made me feel very comfortable. Since I wasn’t the strongest diver, I want to really thank Pam and Thomas for always helping me both above and below the waves and for making me such a better diver by the end of the trip. The animals we saw in the ocean and on the safari were incredible and I will never forget them. I hope to travel again very soon with you and Wild Earth Expeditions!”
Ruth and Wendy hanging "Kevin" the Yak in Husing Valley while in search for snow leopards.
“The trip was everything you promised and more ... and for that I thank you and am indebted. This was not just any vacation, it was packed full, so much fun, cultural, amusing most of the time but most of all we felt we connected in a way we never thought possible. It truly was like going away with family. I sit in the airport bereft of the company of you all but hey ho ... there’s plenty more time to catch up on future adventures. Thanks for a fabulous adventure.”
Ken and Karen kiss in the moonlight by the Whale shark sand-sculpture after dinner on the beach.
“Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with beautiful friendly people. Wild Earth Expeditions had a well planned itinerary that included cultural highlights and special wildlife encounters. They have wonderful leaders who work well with the local guides to ensure the best experience for all of the guests. We highly recommend traveling with Wild Earth Expeditions.”
“Thanks for an absolutely amazing trip, with an equally amazing group of people! It was wonderful to meet other likeminded travelers, and to share such wonderful experiences. I just wish that we could have afforded the time to do the Mozambique extension. We can’t thank both Thomas and Pam enough for the organization, knowledge and care both of you put into making this such a fantastic adventure. Tom and I are both enjoying recounting stories to friends and family, and we had a great evening celebration to show the slideshow and the video clips. Everyone just loves the images, thanks for putting it together Thomas! It has been an enormous hit and serves as a great memory of the trip for us.”
Freddy gliding alongside a mother and her new calf in the Haapai islands of Tonga.
“Once again my recent (sixth!) Wild Earth Expeditions adventure to Fiji and Tonga delivered on all fronts. We enjoyed thrilling shark dives, extraordinary reefs of soft coral in every colour of the rainbow, snorkelling up close and personal with humpback mothers and calves and so much more. Our little group included travellers of all ages and seven different countries, which enriched
the overall fabric for sure. Wild Earth Expeditions considers every detail throughout, so joining them sets the stage for a wonderful adventure. I’m a huge Wild Earth Expeditions fan and can’t wait for my next adventure.”
Catherine on a night snorkel with Nurse sharks.
“On the trip, we nailed it, whaled it, sharked it, sealed it, lioned it, elephanted it....I could go on !! Another super Wild Earth Expeditions (Extreme) trip for me. Thanks for making it so special. It was so much fun meeting new Wild Earth Expeditions family members and being reunited with old ones. I know I speak for everyone when I say these trips would not be what they are without the unfailing hard work, enthusiasm, knowledge, sense of humour (I could go on again...) of our Wild Earth Expeditions Leaders. Hats off to you for helping us all take home vivid, fun and precious memories. What an incredible adventure we all had. I can’t wait for the next one. Looking forward to catching up with the Wild Earth Expeditions family again soon.”
“Use a smaller F-stop for a larger aperture opening that will blur the background. Your subject will stand out.” We Wild Earth Explorers listened intently as Wild Earth Expeditions co-founder Thomas gave an on-the-spot photography lesson—not in a classroom, but amidst the shadows and statues of Cambodia’s Wat Thom temple complex. We arrived before dawn, ahead of hordes of tourists, to experience not only the thrill of sunrise over this magnificent temple but also to sharpen our imaging skills. Thomas is a world-renowned photographer and videographer; his imaging clinics are part of every Wild Earth Expeditions trip. As sun lightened the sky, turning cirro-cumulus clouds and the tops of the towers to pink, coral then orange, Wild Earth Explorers captured the changing light on the massive carved stone faces. No matter if we shot 35 mm SLR with multiple lenses or little snappy cams, each of us got personal advice from Thomas. Our individualized photo clinic is only one of the many reasons I travel with Wild Earth Expeditions. Do you want your vacation photos to go from “ho-hum” to “oh, wow!”? Then you’ll like Wild Earth Expeditions too.”
Andreas and Catherine watching an elephant stroll towards them on safari.
“I just came back from my third Wild Earth Expedition trip and I was again blown away by what we saw. It has been a combined journey to South Africa and Mozambique and featured all the highlights no one else covers. Breaching whales right next to our zodiacs, face to face with Great White sharks, being in the water with oceanic black tip sharks, bull sharks and whale sharks. What else can you expect? Well, you can. Imagine being in the water with thousands of sardines that are being chased by hundreds of dolphins, gannets and sharks. This is not an imagination. This has been pure reality. And we were right amongst these beautiful creatures. Right in the middle of the action. And this was just the diving part. On land we did the best safaris I have been on in years. Wildlife encounters that you expect from a BBC documentary. We got so lucky to witness a pride of lions feeding on a buffalo. But to top things of, we were able to spend an hour with a leopard on its kill peacefully feeding until a huge hyena took the bushbuck. And we were in the front row. Absolutely stunning! All this is because of Thomas’ talent to put things together in a way that has not been seen before and picking the right people to bring on the trip. The trip was lead by Thomas and Pam, who is a very knowledgeable Marine biologist. She taught us so many things about the marine life. Beside the scientific profoundness, it was the most fun trip I have had so far. We were laughing so hard and got along so well. People from all over the world that become a Wild Earth family. It is also because of these friends I made, that I plan future trips with Wild Earth Expeditions. Thanks to Thomas and his team!”
Steve photographing cuttlefish on a dive amongst the kelp forest in South Africa.
“This trip has been an awesome experience, far exceeding my hopes and expectations. Thanks to you and Pam for dotting all the i’s and crossing all the t’s. Every detail of our trip was precisely and carefully planned. The encounters with Nature were simply astonishing, and the photographic opportunities were plentiful and fantastic. The small size of our group enabled us to be nimble and flexible, and to rearrange plans in real time, to best utilize the prevailing weather conditions. There was tremendous value added at most stops along the way, due to Thomas Baechtold, Wild Earth Expeditions co-founder, having well-established friendships with the local operators with whom we dealt. All of these folks went the extra mile, to make certain that we had excellent experiences. Thomas, you have been on an amazing roll with a most cooperative and generous Mother Nature over these past weeks in South Africa. However, it is the result of your hard work that your guests have been positioned to have an opportunity to experience such stunning events. You continue to amaze me, as I have come to realize, you are a force of nature, and unlike most men, you can actually multitask. This was my first Wild Earth Expeditions adventure. I am quite-well traveled, yet it was unlike any trip which I had previously taken. I count it among the handful of my best trips ever, and look forward to the opportunity to participate in numerous future Wild Earth Expeditions with you and your other lucky guests.”
“This thank you is not only for all you did to make a happy adventure even more wonderful, but for everything you do that makes you so special Thomas. Great to spend time with you again! Love hanging around all your good energy. Please know my time spent with you and the “gang” was very special!”
Amparo bathing a retired elephant, Myanmar.
“We love reminiscing about all the great experiences we shared on our recent expedition with you to Myanmar. Thanks to your precise organization we didn’t have to take care of anything and could simply enjoy every minute of this wonderful journey.
Visiting interesting temples and religious sites, getting in touch with local people and their traditions, even cooking together, learning about Myanmar’s history and geography, taking pictures of the beautiful and varied landscapes made our trip an unforgettable experience.”
Barbara snokeling over the Rainbow reef, Fiji.
“We’ve loved traveling with Wild Earth Expeditions as their trips are different from those offered by others. Group numbers are small and intimate and it’s always wonderful meeting up with people with whom we’ve already shared great adventures. This trip, especially Tonga, was an ‘Ultimate’ adventure as snorkelling with Humpback whales is extraordinary. One must be comfortable in all kinds of sea conditions and be a good snorkeler to undertake this trip. The visual encounters with the whales make for the best memories. No one can understand the thrill and connection one makes with these animals unless one actually gets into the water with them. To look at, study and just take in those amazing moments is simply unique.”
“What a wonderful trip we had. From the Sri Lanka sites, animals and birds to the Maldives dives. It was also great to meet new friends. It appears that Thomas and Robin attract pretty classy clientele. The support team of Chami, Mikey and Dulith and bus drivers as well as the Ocean Sapphire crew, Malcolm and Mox were great. We really enjoyed the trip.”
Libby hiking into the Baliem Valley with local porters from the Lani and Dani tribes.
“Thomas, with your unfailing exuberance, enthusiasm and attention to detail, you have given us yet another amazing adventure. From the fabulous island resorts with their beautifully presented and delicious food to the great variety of dive sites and their abundance of fish, corals and critters, to the grand finale which was the wonderful trek in the remote Baliem Valley, stepping back in time with the Lani, Dani and Yali people. To cap all of that I met old Wild Earth friends and made a whole host of new ones! This incredible journey was my fourth adventure with Wild Earth Expeditions, it certainly won’t be my last. I look forward to many more to come.”
Verena, Amnon (right), Barbara and Max soak in the ambiance of 1200 candles as they dine in a cave.
“What an experience with Thomas, the born Expedition-leader, exploding with energy, who is ever so knowledgeable, eloquent, cheerful, and charming - he who makes the seemingly impossible possible! And he had always a surprise up his sleeve. Is someone not quite up for the day’s program? You can be sure he finds him/her an easier alternative. We all kept marvelling how on earth he did it over and over again. With the assistance of Shirley Campbell, Professor of Ethnology, as well as the very best local guides in every country, this was a truly unforgettable three week experience. THANK YOU, Wild Earth Expeditions!”
“What an adventure! Needless to say, not a moment wasted exploring Sri Lanka and diving the Maldives. Thank you, Thomas for putting together a great team including Robin, Mikey, Chami, Dultih, Samata and his crew, Mox and his crew on the Ocean Sapphire, and all the individual guides. You truly made the experiences come alive more than any other travel guide we have encountered! And then there was the group of fellow adventurers. We look forward to meeting them again on another Great Adventure with Wild Earth Expeditions.”
Andrew and Marina on elephant back photographing the splendid sight of Asian Rhino.
“Traveling with Wild Earth Expeditions we saw and experienced more than we could have on our own. Thomas and his superb team enabled us to experience the sights, sounds, cuisine and culture of India’s different regions. The carefully chosen accommodations, comfortable but different, added to the experience. We look forward to our next adventure with Wild Earth Expeditions.”
Rolf and Pascale gifting clothes to a young boy in Rumbak.
“A fantastic winter immersion into the heart of the Himalayas with great sightings of the elusive Snow leopard. Magnificent mountain scenery, exciting encounters and a perfect organization. Thanks for a magnificent adventure!”
“Indonesia was another stunning journey. Once again I salute your leadership and trip design, extraordinary attention to every detail (must be that Swiss gene!), and cohesive multi-generational group of fellow travellers from six different countries. Wild Earth Expeditions is my go-to choice for dive/snorkel adventures in remote corners of the world. Most important, we had the chance to be up close and personal with sea creatures great and small—giant manta rays to pygmy seahorses, they all nourished my soul. Then, as if more icing on the cake was needed, you share your exquisite photos to keep my underwater memories vivid. Thanks again…I look forward to our next adventure!’ My enthusiasm for Wild Earth Expeditions has no limits! ”
Catherine trekking through the icy valleys of Hermis National Park in search of Snow Leopards.
“My first Wild Earth Expeditions trip, Quest for Snow Leopard, was more than an adventure of a lifetime and it is firmly at the top of my best wildlife adventures list. Thomas, Indrajit and our amazing local team were professional, caring, funny, enthusiastic and anticipated our every need - they are the best of the best. Camping out by a frozen river surrounded by stunning Himalayan scenery in excellent company would have been enough of an experience but add sighting four snow leopards (the elusive grey ghost!) and the experience goes to an unforgettable level. There was a great sense of team and camaraderie that came from shared experiences, challenges and lots of laughs. Thomas, thank you so much for an amazing trip and lots of great memories. It has left me with one burning question - where is my next Wild Earth Expeditions adventure?”
Ian perched over the town of Rumbak after a successful quest in search for Snow Leopards.
“What? Where? In the scope, at 11 o’clock, can you see it? Yes, incredible, a white spotted cat with a huge tail...Wow! What an expedition! From the snow leopards of the mountain peaks of Hemis National Park, Ladakh, and the amazingly rich wildlife of the Brahmaputra bathed Kaziranga National Park of Assam, to the tigers of sun-backed Pench National Park in central India, Thomas our fearless expedition leader and owner of Wild Earth Expeditions, and his alter ego Indrajit, India’s naturalist “Extraordinaire”, led us through relentless discoveries of India’s wildlife, culture and gastronomic delights. Our close-knit, small group of Australian, Swiss, UK, and US adventurers visited Ladakhi home-stays and Indian villages, stayed in beautiful lodges, trekked and safaried in constant admiration of the beauty and diversity of the Indian subcontinent. Wild Earth Expeditions pulled it off, once again, with generosity, expertise, and impeccable organization. We’ll certainly be back.”
“I had an absolutely brilliant time – the diving was spectacular and I was so happy to be back in the water again blowing bubbles and appreciating the absolute beauty of the underwater world, and the Baliem Valley trek in West Papua was truly remarkable (a once in a lifetime experience). Believe me, I was jumping with joy and excitement inside. You’ve done it again my friend – so take a bow.”
Marine Biologist Robin Aiello guiding snorkelers towards a Humpback whale.
“We had such a wonderful trip. I loved Fiji, but for me the highlight still is the whales in Tonga. That has to be the best experience I have ever had with wild animals. I just can’t get over how magical it was, and trying to explain to other people just can’t do it justice.”
Libby standing amongst the Huli Wigman after our private dress rehearsal and sing sing.
“The Huli Wigmen have always held a fascination for me since I saw photographs of them in the National Geographic when I was eight. Fifty years on I actually held a jagged piece of mirror up so that the Wigman could concentrate on painting his face prior to performing the bird of paradise dance. WOW! Such an exceptional and incredible adventure I simply can’t thank you enough.”
“What was so special in traveling with Wild Earth Expeditions? It felt like a family trip. I was a newcomer - yet felt totally accepted and included, that was an amazing experience. Some of the people I met there I will want to stay in contact and maybe travel with again. That is unusual for me having traveled with many groups before. Thomas, as a leader, you are special for your surprises, your flexibility and willingness to accept suggestions and to provide alternative activities for people with high, low or mid levels of energy and ability. I took full advantage, enjoyed swimming in the waterfall pools, kayaking and swimming in Halong Bay. And I look forward to another amazing trip with you that will include scuba diving. I appreciate all the photos and videos you generously prepared and donated to us. This makes it so much easier to share the fun and great memories with friends and relatives.”
Lisa snorkelling with one of the many Whale sharks seen that day in clear blue water, Mexico.
“Having returned from the Great Whites, Whale Sharks & Cenotes trip, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Wild Earth Expeditions for providing such a brilliant adventure. If you’re looking for a unique combination of 3 exceptional encounters, you can’t go past this package. Thomas’ professionalism, friendliness, boundless enthusiasm and seemingly tireless effort ensured that we could all relax and immerse ourselves fully in every experience. My expectations of what it would be like were blown away and I’ll certainly be looking at more adventures with Wild Earth Expeditions in the future.”
Gina and Chris delighted with their microlight flight in search for the Sardine Run action off the East coast of South Africa.
“Our travel experience with Wild Earth Expeditions included the most amazing animal encounters we have ever experienced. Local guides were exceptional, accommodations perfectly selected. The diversity of animals, people, activities, places and geography we encountered in such a short time without being exhausted attests to the skill of Wild Earth Expeditions to expertly orchestrate adventure travel. We booked two more trips as soon as we returned home. One earns bragging rights when traveling with Wild Earth Expeditions.”
“Thomas, you have a unique talent to make adventure travel exciting for each individual in your group. We had a great time! Thomas has a true love of adventure and learning. More importantly for his guests, he is flexible and generous and has the desire to give each guest the best possible experience. We made village, market and temple visits and saw people, cultures, textiles and archaeological sites. We went at the right time for the rice fields, to avoid all the tourists. One should never forget that Thomas loves good food. His choice of restaurants was excellent. At the end of the day that really matters.”
Pam diving along an abundant reef wall of soft coral, Philippines.
“One week from staring down a whale shark’s throat, I am sitting on a bus in New York City in the middle of a blizzard. What do you think I am dreaming about? From thresher sharks to pregnant pygmy sea horses my heart is full of memories of the adventure Wild Earth Expeditions created for us. I have been diving for decades but somehow never got to the Philippines so when I read the description of your fabulous adventure on the beautiful S/Y Philippines and Palau Siren I had to sign on - for our third trip together. And now I have memories for a lifetime! Thomas, you are the most accomplished expedition leader I have ever traveled with. I can count on the whole trip being well planned, well organized and well run. From my past experience traveling with Wild Earth Expeditions, I know that your rigor and resourcefulness clear my mind of the concerns associated with exotic travel and allow me to have that peak experience without a hiccup! I just relax and let your endless enthusiasm guide me through the wonders of the most spectacular islands and dive sites in this wild world. And I also know that no matter how diverse the group, in age and interests and backgrounds, you will find a way to connect us all to the beauty and thrill of our adventure. It’s almost unbelievable that as we hug good bye you hand me a dvd that has my complete dive log in detail and all the photos I could ever want of each exciting moment (with me in them!) put to music! I just wanted to take a moment to let you know how much I appreciate the extraordinary effort you make on these journeys and how much they have enriched my life.”
Ryan dives down into millions of Mastigias jelly fish in Jelly Fish Lake, Palau.
“Wow, what a time we all had! I am very slowly getting my feet back on the ground and drying out my gills. I have to say that frequently at night I pine longingly for the comforting rock of the ocean as we lay in our beautiful and comfortable cabin bed. What an incredibly special trip it was, and Thomas, I mean totally what I say, you are the ultimate travel guide for us. You run an incredibly slick operation with great attention to detail, yet you are never inflexible and have a remarkable ability to make a spontaneous plan for an extra activity that adds exponentially to the ultimate experience. You take care of all the details and plan so thoroughly that we can comfortably assume the role of cared for guests, yet you never over do it in a way that would make it feel tiresome or irritating. You also allow your guests challenges and the opportunity to push their comfort zones should they so wish, but yet always within the frame of 100 percent safety. We all feel that we have grown in some way during this trip, we certainly did learn a lot from all our guides and really appreciated the attention and education we received from Robin who has vast experience in the field of marine biology and is able to share her knowledge in such a relaxed and entertaining manner. This all sounds awfully serious, but was underlain by a consistent element of fun and the constant reinforcement that it was OUR holiday and we should enjoy it to the fullest - well we certainly did that! We have so many treasured memories of the awe inspiring experiences and amazing sights we saw, many of which have been captured so well by yourself and Natalia and we really appreciate the way you share all the photos with us all and all the effort you go to make such stunning slideshows. We ticked all our boxes for what we hoped to get out of the trip and more, and made many life time memories of incredible experience with underwater wildlife. The Philippines and Palau trip has provided us all with an incredible lifetime experience. We are hooked “Wild Earth Explorers” and looking forward to joining you on many more trips!”
“We just finished a wonderful trip to the Philippines and Palau with Wild Earth Expeditions. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The other guests were wonderful and the itinerary was well planned to balance activities and take advantage of specific events. The accommodations were delightful. Thomas is a gifted, knowledgeable, attentive guide with excellent attention to detail. We highly recommend Wild Earth Expeditions.”
Freddy gazes into the gulplng mouth of a Whale shark as it feeds.
“All creatures great and small” is the phrase drumming in my head. Up close and personal encounters with whale sharks, manta rays, the elusive thresher shark, other sharks by the dozens, on down to tiny creatures the size of a finger nail. Wonderful memories of the trip, aided by your sensational photos and video, keep swirling around in my head and heart. Thank you for opening a window to the magic and beauty of the undersea world. And thank you for the masterful planning and personal attention to detail which puts Wild Earth Expeditions in a class apart. I look forward to my next adventure!”
Ray in a shark cage watching one of the many magnificent Great White sharks whooshing by her.
“Such a special adventure! I loved being part of something so special. There is a certain pleasure in knowing I have seen things and participated in activities that very few have done and seen, and certainly very few have had the luck of having the health to do this at my time of life. Thomas, I must emphasize yet again what an extremely special person you are. Without your energy and optimism and your empathy for the people in your charge ….and without Monique on the lookout for my well being…I cannot imagine how possible the whole adventure would have been for me! I loved every minute….and thank you for that!”
“In the company of the world’s best—that’s what I like about traveling with Wild Earth Expeditions.
On our trip to Queensland’s rainforests and Great Barrier Reef, we assisted with Minke whale research onboard a research vessel with world Minke experts Prof. Alastair Birtles of James Cook University; Marine Biologist / Filmmaker Dr. Dean Miller (credits include BBC and NatGeo documentaries and a collaboration with Sir David Attenborough); Dr. Russ Andrews, developer of satellite tracking of cetaceans; and John Rumney who is a leading marine encounter specialist. In the rainforests we were in the company of aboriginal guides eager to share knowledge gleaned from 60,000 years of thriving in that complex environment. Despite all this “learning,” did we have a good time? Absolutely! When we weren’t in the water with the Minkes, we dived and snorkelled well-known Ribbon Reefs and coral pinnacles covered with fish.
It was truly amazing to stand under a 1500-year-old fan palm, a species dating back 150 million years. One guest added over a hundred new bird species to her Life List. Both new and returning Wild Earth Explorers lauded the flexibility and comfort of small groups, as well as the detailed attention of co-owner Thomas. I’ve enjoyed five Wild Earth Expeditions and plan more. If you seek consistently high-quality adventure, try Wild Earth Expeditions. You won’t be disappointed.”
“We were blown away with the Philippines & Palau trip with Wild Earth Expeditions. The itinerary and attention to detail was first class. The trip was divided evenly between the two countries, and the participants were also divided between divers and snorkelers. Since our main emphasis was snorkelling we were pleased that Wild Earth Expeditions provided Robin, a marine expert, to accompany us on separate boats for divers and snorkelers. Thomas and Robin would trade diving and snorkeling assignments, which was great. One big shoutout thanks was Thomas’ insistence that I dust off my diving certificate and dive at Blue Holes. What a great experience. I will certainly do more diving in the future. If we had to single out one experience it would be the snorkelling with 5 whale sharks. That magical morning will stick with us forever. Thanks again, and see you soon on our next Wild Earth Expeditions adventure.”
“Wild Earth Expeditions doesn’t merely take you to a place. Every place becomes an indelible memory of creation, at all levels. With abounding enthusiasm, energy, knowledge and inquisitiveness, the Wild Earth Expeditions team takes you on a journey of animated exploration.”
“Thank you Thomas and Natalia for a great adventure! From the muck diving night under the pier...to the”chase of the whale sharks”...the “shiver of grey reef sharks”...the Philippine tarsier encounter...and the massive tunas...and just a few jellyfish :-) All will serve as great fodder for dreams in the nights to come!”
“Thank you for organising and leading a fantastic and special trip throughout Australia for us.
The accommodations you booked were some of the most wonderful we have ever stayed in. Not only were the meals and service superb, but you picked ones with unique and stunning settings. The trip flowed smoothly despite the fact we moved around quite a bit and were able to see many different landscapes and landmarks. We especially loved our Tasmania Guide Craig who took us to his cabin, cooked dinner and encouraged us to stay until dark when hundreds of animals appeared out of the woods to join us around the camp. The day we visited an animal sanctuary where we could feed and even hold the animals was amazing. What an experience to cuddle a wombat! I doubt that many travellers get to enjoy such an experience. A special thanks for arranging a last minute trip to Lord Howe Island. Not only did you put together a new itinerary in one afternoon, but you sent us to a wonderful lodge in an island paradise where we hiked, snorkelled, rode bikes and continued to enjoy superb food and service. Our sincere thanks for orchestrating a wonderful and complicated private high end trip to Australia.”
“Last night as we ushered in the new year, Cheryl and I reminisced on the highlights of 2014. Swimming with the mother humpbacks and their newborn calves with you guys was definitely one of the incredible moments in the year. We were so fortunate to be in the water with so many whale encounters – our friends are astounded at how close we were, and how magical it was to watch them emerge from the depths right below us. Thanks for making this possible! Looking forward to future expeditions! ”
“We just completed our third adventure with Wild Earth Expeditions in Fiji & Tonga. Once again, planning perfection yielded amazing encounters day after day. In Tonga we experienced triple breaches (including a calve), bull-runs for several hours, many in-water whale encounters, curious calves checking out the snorkelers at close range, amazing service, great food, comfort and companionship aboard the Nai’a yacht. The diving in Fiji was spectacular. Swimming with manta rays, hiking through beautiful rainforest, waterfalls, current diving at its best, magnificent soft coral further enhanced by Robin, a world class marine biologist. Thomas and Natalia put their heart and soul into providing adventures that I dare say no one can match. We have 3 more trips planned with Wild Earth Expeditions. Can’t wait! ”
“Having traveled with many different organisations, we repeatedly go with Thomas on his Wild Earth Expeditions adventures because it is guaranteed to be well organised, lead with zest and filled with unique experiences. We just returned from snorkeling with Humpback whales in Tonga and diving the fabulous Rainbow Reef in Fiji. Wild Earth Expeditions must have a special connection because the whales showed up, the reefs were in ‘full bloom’ with hard and soft corals, and even the mantas joined us up close.”
“Encountering whales up close and personal has been on my bucket-list for some time. When Wild Earth Expeditions offered this expedition, I jumped on the chance - and the experience exceeded all my expectations. It is impossible to describe the experience of being eye to eye with these gentle giants, to witness their routines, their social interactions, and their connections with us mere humans. I’ll never forget this moment in my life, especially spending it with you and all the others who made it a really fun trip. Thank you, Thomas & Natalia, for providing the opportunity of a lifetime!”
“It is with joyful hearts that we come to the end of yet another wonderful adventure with Wild Earth Expeditions. As always you were an extraordinary leader both in the planning and the execution. We loved the trip and are already laying out the calendar for future Wild Earth adventures.”
“Seamless... in a word, our trip has been absolutely seamless! Congratulations on your superb product. Thanks to all these years of experience, travel and your constant, insatiable enthusiasm! Loved the diversity of our expedition and the diving was perfect. Ending the trip on the MV Pelagian was the best idea of all. Please keep us on your A-list! With much appreciation for such a splendid holiday.”
“Thank you for your great efforts to make the trip to Palau one of the greatest trips I have had in my life. All members of our TNC global and AP Council Members feel it was a wonderful trip. Your professionalism and endless energy made it happen.
I really enjoyed the trip and look forward to future expeditions with you.”
“Thomas, thank you for your amazing effort organizing, outfitting, supporting and guiding our private TNC adventure to Palau. It was perfect in every way. Clearly, you have perfected the art of keeping your travelers happy, well fed and engaged in the experience. I hope to travel with you again someday and will tell others that they cannot go wrong with Wild Earth Expeditions.”
“As experienced snorkelers who have traveled to some of the finest snorkeling sites in the world, our trip with Wild Earth Expeditions to the Philippines and Palau was extraordinary. We were privileged and thrilled to have Robin Aiello (a Harvard trained and world-renowned marine biologist) as our guide through the incredibly beautiful waters of the region. We snorkeled for hours in all kinds of conditions from rough water in tropical rain to crystal clear water and skies. Robin was ready on a moment’s notice, and we became an inseparable threesome. Hard to believe our hour-long encounter with four whale sharks, literally inches away from us in the Philippines and our once in a lifetime half-hour encounter with four manta rays in Palau. Thank you for two weeks of great friendship, companionship, and your expertise!!!”