As World Wildlife Day approaches, Contiki, the world’s leading youth travel brand for 18 to 35-year-olds, is celebrating its extensive range of global wildlife experiences.
*All details correct at time of publish (03 March 2026)
Each trip includes meaningful MAKE TRAVEL MATTER™ Experiences – an initiative that promotes responsible travel and educates travellers about giving back to the destinations they visit.
From spotting orangutans in Borneo to whales off the South African coast, zebra and lions in the Serengeti and giant tortoises and sea lions on the Galapagos Islands, see below for four Contiki trips that are perfect for wildlife lovers.
VISIT AN ORANGUTAN SANCTUARY IN BORNEO
Contiki’s very first trip to the Malaysian part of Borneo will be a treat for wildlife lovers, giving travellers the chance to see species only found in that part of the world – pygmy elephants, sun bears, proboscis monkeys and more.
The trip offers a blend of adventure and conservation, including an exclusive MAKE TRAVEL MATTER™ experience at sanctuaries for endangered Orangutans, contributing to the advancement of UN Sustainability Goal Number 15: Life on Land.
The nine-day trip also visits the famous Bako National Park and spends a day on the Selingan Turtle Island, where they can witness the rare sight of turtles laying eggs on the beach.
Contiki’s nine-day Borneo Adventure itinerary is priced from £1,910 per person, including accommodation, select meals and experiences, and excluding flights. Departures available from May to October 2026.
SNORKEL WITH SEA LIONS IN THE GALAPAGOS
From towering Andean volcanoes to the untouched waters of the Galapagos, this 12-day adventure is a dream for wildlife and outdoor lovers. Guests can snorkel with sea lions and rays and raft through jungle rivers for an epic South American wildlife experience.
A highlight of the trip includes visiting the Tortoise Breeding Centre for an up-close look at the islands’ most famous residents. Plus, travellers will get a chance to tour Quinto with a local, visit Devil’s Cauldron waterfall and even learn how to salsa dance.
Contiki’s 12-day Ecuador and Galapagos Island Hopping itinerary is priced from £2,728 per person, including accommodation, select meals and experiences, and excluding flights. Departures available from April to July and December 2026.
SPOT HIPPOS, ELEPHANTS AND WHALES IN SOUTH AFRICA
As South Africa continues to trend as a travel hotspot, travellers on this tour will experience the best the country has to offer, from listening to the call of hyenas in Kruger National Park whilst camping, to visiting one of the world’s best beaches and sampling some of the finest wines.
The tour will begin in Cape Town with a guided tour of Addo Elephant National Park and Private Game Reserve, before getting the chance to join an optional marine safari in Plettenberg Bay in search of whales and dolphins. Other wildlife highlights include hippo spotting on Lake St Lucia and game drives in the famous Kruger National Park.
Contiki’s 14-day Sea Safari, South Africa itinerary is priced from £1,641 per person, including accommodation, select meals and experiences, and excluding flights. Departures available from March to August 2026.
SEE BIG CATS AFTER DARK IN TANZANIA
The Tanzania Adventure itinerary ticks off the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. In addition to daily game drives, travellers can opt into treetop walks, cultural village visits and a night safari for the rare opportunity to see big cats in action after dark.
Another highlight includes strolling through the vibrant stalls of the Maasai Market – the best place to source fresh fruit, handmade shukas and beaded jewellery, from locally operated stalls.
Contiki’s six-day Tanzania Adventure itinerary is priced from £1,248 per person, including accommodation, select meals and experiences, and excluding flights. Departures available April to December 2026.
Visit Contiki for more information.
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