my wife and I took a 12-day tour of New Zealand with Wilderness Travel in March 2015 and were extremely disappointed. While we normally travel on our own, we figured that the topography of NZ was so complex, and the country so unfamiliar to us, that a guided tour would be helpful. This was the only guided tour we found that emphasized hiking in beautiful scenery, so we chose it, despite the considerable expense. Before agreeing to sign on, my wife won assurances from the office personnel in Berkeley that even though we are 70/ 71 and therefore not as fast walkers as others, we would be allowed to complete all hikes at our own pace. Instead, when it came to the major and most scenic hike, up Mount Aspiring, we were prevented from doing that. After we had made our way to w/in 1/2 hour of the top where we would have enjoyed spectacular views, we were falsely told by one of the guides that the other 10 people on the tour had not only finished their stay at the pinnacle but were going down, so we would have to turn around and go down rather than hold the group up. This claim turned out to be quite dishonest - 6 of the others had not yet made it down to the trail head by the time we got down - even though we dawdled going down when we saw the other 6 were way behind - and we had to wait for them 20-30 minutes at the trail head. Despite our ages, my wife and I are in basically good shape, work out or play tennis or walk every day all year round, and are very experienced mountain walkers. Nonetheless Wilderness Travel justifies its guide's action on the ground that - despite their initial promise to us - we were simply too slow for them. (Nor is it the case that if the group had had to wait for us for 1/2 hr, instead of vice versa, they would have been missing any activities: the only activity left that day was a bus ride to dinner/ hotel, for which plenty of time was left). In general, we would recommend Wilderness Travel only for people who (1) like to spend a good deal of their vacation touring time having large, rich, and expensive breakfasts and dinners, and (2) regard mountain hiking as a competitive race to get to the top ASAP - rather than taking time to enjoy the views, flora, and fauna along the way. Personally, we are accustomed to simple breakfast buffets on our travels so we can hit the trail. (That's what we did on a subsequent hiking tour of 3 Utah national parks, conducted entirely on our own and on typically more rugged, rocky paths.) One other objectionable feature of the tour was that on the first day we were told that Wilderness would cover the cost of wine only on the first and last nights - and that on all other evenings, we should take turns "SHOUTING," i.e., paying for a round for all the other guests. While we felt obliged to do this on a modest scale, there was no way we could compete with the others financially - and as a result, we felt like spongers for the other nights - even though none of the other guests ever complained about covering our single glasses of wine. Much more sensible would have been the policy followed by Country Walkers, with which we toured Iceland in 2013: they cover a glass of (modestly priced) wine with each dinner, and anyone who wants more, or a more expensive vintage, THEN pays for his own. Wilderness's policy was downright embarrassing. And at the prices they charge, they could easily have afforded a glass of wine for each of us each night. In fairness, our main guide, Chris Cochrane, was an interesting, engaging, and knowledgeable fellow. And people who like to spend their "wilderness" touring time staying at expensive hotels, and taking time eating large, expensive meals at restaurants to which they usually have to be driven (using up more time), who want to spend part of their time taking an overnight ship ride as well as engaging in wine tastings, may well enjoy such trips - assuming they are prepared to participate in a "race to the top" once they finally get to the day's hike. As for ourselves, if we take any more group tours, we will stick with General Tours or Country Walkers, with which we have had much better experiences. We enjoyed more freedom with them and were treated with utmost honesty throughout, while the meals and facilities were simpler and more to our taste. read more

Although my 'Philippines Snorkeling Expedition' trip was my first trip with Wilderness Travel (WT), I have done over a dozen trips with small-group, off the beaten path, adventure-type companies. So it is with a fair amount of experience that I'm writing the following comments. Of all the trips that I have taken, this is the first one that I would put more in the negative column than in the positive one. The slick brochure describing the trip is unfortunately filled with errors regarding the itinerary, incorrect accommodations, etc. For me, the most glaring and costly error, was regarding the post-trip extension flight to Dimakya Island. Both the brochure and the final document sent to trip members, give the baggage allowance as 33 lbs., when in reality, it is actually 10 kilos, or 22 lbs. This error cost me over $50 in excess baggage charges for the round trip. If I had known the correct baggage allowance, I certainly could have packed to stay under the 22 lb. weight limit. This was one of several items mentioned in my communication to the president of WT, and on the trip evaluation form sent to the General Manager of WT. I thought I would hear from WT regarding reimbursing me for the charge, as the problem was entirely the result of WT's misleading information. Not a word from them. Almost all the travelers in my group (10 people) had problems dealing with the home office customer service representative responsible for information and administrative items relating to this trip. Problems fell primarily into two areas, being supplied with inaccurate information (other than mentioned above), and not following through on promises and assurances made to trip members. This was also communicated to WT management, and again, not a word back. This was the first season that Sogod Bay was included in the itinerary. I think that was not the best choice. Including Sogod Bay, required an 11-hour travel day just to get there from Manila, and another 11-hour travel day to get from there to Cabilao Island, our next stop. Two internal trip days devoted to basically nothing but travel. We came to snorkel, not travel. Also, while at Sogod Bay, it required long boat rides each day just to get to our snorkeling sites. This was also the place where we supposedly had the best chance of seeing and swimming with whale sharks, which I think was very high on everyone's list. Possibly due to typhoon Haiyan affecting the whale sharks migration path, not a single whale shark was seen during any of the trips there this season. Maybe substituting another resort, requiring less travel time, and a greater chance of meeting with the whale sharks, would be something to consider. If you do this trip, I would strongly recommend doing the Dimakya Island extension. Only 3 of us did it on this trip, and all three felt it was the highlight of the trip. Great resort, with a house reef right off the beach, that had some of the best snorkeling of any of the places we visited. No long boat rides, just step into the water and you're on the reef. From what I've seen on this trip, and what other trip members have mentioned, is that the trip leaders that WT uses, are excellent. Accommodations at each place we stayed were also the best available at that location. Maybe it's just a reassessment of the home office customer service and administrative processes areas that need to be addressed in light of the many problems that affected me and other trip members regarding this trip. I am disappointed though that approximately a week after sending two lengthy communiques to WT, describing problems encountered, and offering suggestions that I have learned from other travel companies, that I have not heard a single word back. If anything should change subsequent to submitting this review, I will provide an update. UPDATE June 9, 2014: I had a very positive discussion this morning with Angela Beggs, General Manager of Wilderness Travel. The reimbursement for the excess baggage charge will be taken care of by WT. We also discussed other areas including home office administrative processes and items relating to the actual trip itself. I believe several of these areas will be looked into for possible improvement for future trips. read more

BOLIVIA! A Superb Experience with Wilderness Travel I recently had the pleasure of joining Wilderness Travel's BOLIVIA! adventure, and I am absolutely thrilled with the experience. From start to finish, everything was top-notch--planning, execution, cultural immersion, accommodations, cuisine and wine, and transportation were all exceptional. The itinerary was perfectly crafted, with each day offering a deep dive into Bolivia's rich cultural heritage and living history, providing rare and valuable insights into this captivating South American nation. Our trip guides set ambitious goals to offer our group a diverse range of perspectives on Bolivia. We journeyed through breathtaking high-altitude landscapes on remote excursions and had engaging, immersive experiences in bustling cities. The exceptional leadership truly distinguished this trip; their expertise and personal connections enriched our adventure, ensuring we made the most of every moment. Every detail was meticulously attended to throughout our daily explorations, and we all felt well cared for from start to finish. The hotels we stayed in were exceptional! We enjoyed a range of historical lodgings, many of which felt like living museums. Highlights included the 17th-century colonial-style La Casona Hotel Boutique in the historic center of La Paz, the Hotel Parador Santa Maria La Real in Sucre, a beautifully restored 18th-century convent, and the Hotel Museo Cayara in Potosi, a significant historical hacienda with artifacts dating back to 1557. We also experienced the unique Hotel de Sal Luna Salada near the Uyuni salt flats, constructed almost entirely from salt. The Eco lodges were equally impressive, with Hotel Tayka del Desierto in Calama and, my personal favorite, the Eco lodge La Estancia on Isla del Sol on sacred Lake Titicaca. Each was outstanding in its own right! The food in Bolivia was absolutely amazing. The country boasts some of the world's finest wines, and its burgeoning culinary scene features innovative nouvelle Boliviano cuisine that highlights local, indigenous ingredients. Even the picnics and more casual dining experiences were exceptional, complemented by outstanding service. The destinations we explored were equally impressive. We visited the Pre-Columbian archaeological site of Tiwanaku, wandered through Sucre, the "white city" known for its whitewashed buildings, and delved into the history of Potosi, the center of Spanish rule and silver production, where we toured an active mine. We spent an entire day exploring the Salar de Uyuni, the world's largest salt flat, and ended with a serene and enchanting stay on Isla del Sol in the Sacred Lake Titicaca. This trip beautifully showcased Bolivia's rich weaving culture, which continues to thrive today. We had the pleasure of meeting local weavers and gaining valuable insights at Bolivia's extensive museums. Throughout the journey, the warmth, pride, and strength of the Bolivian people were evident. I came away with a deep understanding of Bolivia's culture and history, and thanks to Wilderness Travel, I learned how to fully immerse myself in and savor the experience. I would wholeheartedly recommend traveling to Bolivia with Wilderness Travel to any future adventurer. read more

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing the Tanzania: The Great Migration Safari with Wilderness Travel, and it was nothing short of extraordinary! From start to finish, this trip was a seamless blend of adventure, luxury, and breathtaking natural beauty. The safari itself was a dream come true. Witnessing the Great Migration in action was like stepping into a nature documentary but with the added thrill of being right there in the midst of it. The sheer scale of the migration, with thousands of wildebeest and zebras stretching as far as the eye can see, was awe-inspiring. Wilderness Travel's attention to detail was impeccable. Our guides were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about wildlife, offering insights and stories that enriched the experience tremendously. Their expertise made every game drive informative and exciting. The accommodations were luxurious and comfortable, providing a perfect balance of comfort and immersion in the wild. Each tented camp was thoughtfully situated to maximize our viewing opportunities from our rooms, and the service was exceptional--every meal was absolutely incredible! Additionally, the itinerary was expertly crafted to ensure we witnessed the most spectacular sights while also giving us ample time to soak in the beauty of Tanzania. Every day brought everything from incredible game drives to serene sunsets over the plains. I cannot recommend this safari enough for anyone looking to experience one of the world's greatest wildlife spectacles. Wilderness Travel has truly set the bar high, and this trip will be etched in my memory forever. If you have the chance to go, don't hesitate--it's a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that is worth every penny! read more

We just complete The Haute Route hike with WT. From the moment we contacted them the customer service has been wonderful and personal. Eve in the office perfectly, in retrospect, set the right expectations and painted an acurate picture of what we could expect. Lodging - all the various lodging / food provided were great. From 5 start to funky alpline inns provided a wonderful expanse of experience. Food provided was really good. Guides - Killian, Katie and Jonny were exemplary! Their chemistry, knowledge of the trails, attention to the whole group and patience was amazing to witness. Hard to imagine 3 more interesting people to hang out with for 8 days! The Haute Route - Having hiked in NZ , Nepal, Alaska we had a hi bar. It exceded anything we could have imagined. Challenging terrain, as beautiful glacier trails as you could imagine. Throw in cow bells in the high meadows and walking by charming mountain flower laden huts I couldn't help humming Songs from Sound of Music! Highly recommend getting to Chamonix a couple days early. Lots to do to get you physically and emotionally ready for your hike. The hotel in Zermatt - Beausite - is awesome and highly recommned staying 2 or 3 days extra. The town is a mountain lovers paradise. Great food options, gorgous architecture, incredible gondala accessed hiking ( you are now in great shape after 8 days of hiking!) gives you plenty to do. Throw in the amazing spa in the hotel and their oppulent breakfast spread its a 5 star experience. You can tell this company cares about your experience and has developed systems and the people to make your trip dreams come true in the most professional way possible. read more

I took my first trip through Wilderness Travel this May of 2019. It was absolutely incredible. I went with a friend on the Raja Ampat snorkeling trip and I can honestly say it may be one of the most extraordinary vacations I will ever go on. It was even better than swimming in an aquarium with the amount of different species of coral and sea creatures I got to see first hand and discover more about in their natural habitat. The amount of information I learned on this trip, beauty seen, the complete isolation from the rest of the world... it exceeded all of my already high expectations and I don't believe an experience like this would have been possible to organize without the help of Wilderness Travel. They took care of all accommodations and scheduling so that you could really sit back stress free and be present throughout the entire trip. My trip leader Andrea was a wealth of knowledge and hearing about about her life and experiences was inspiring. Befriending Andrea, the rest of the guests, and the entire ship crew was a wonderful experience. I walked away with a sense of culture, appreciation, and a new perspective on an area of the world I had never had exposure to before. Each trip through Wilderness is so unique, I flip through the trip catalog and dream up all the new adventures I'd love to embark on. I highly recommend! read more

I just returned from Tasmania with Wilderness Travel. I don't just automatically give out "excellent" ratings, but this trip was wonderful. A well-designed itinerary, great accommodations, and meals that were over the top! I can't believe the diversity of things we saw and did, from visiting markets and museums, to petting a wombat and seeing Tasmanian devils up close. Our trip leaders James Fuss and Lucy Whitehead were a fantastic team. The weather caused them to make some trip adjustments on the fly, but they never missed a beat, particularly when it came to adjusting hikes. They generally kept us on the leeward side of the wind and rain, allowing us to experience Tasmania's beauty without the elements getting the best of us. James' humor had us laughing a lot (a pun-master, and loads of jokes), and the evident pride with which showed us his country were a joy to experience. Thanks James! Lucy was a joy. So happy-go-lucky, while also displaying great care in shepherding us along. She knows a ton about the flora and fauna, and constantly pointed things out to us as we hiked. I can see her being a head Trip Leader in the near future. She and James were a great team. I've never been on a trip with so much laughter, We all had a ball! read more

We completed our fourth trek with WT this fall. The el Camino trek would have been significantly better if we would have had a local guide. This is a structural flaw the company refuses to acknowledge. It is amazing that the company persists in assigning a guide who is not from the area (and therefore has no understanding of local basics, let alone local nuances)? WT thinks that having a "good person" relieves it of the more difficult task of finding someone who's not only good with people but also has local knowledg. We had a number two leader from South American (transplanted to the UK). He was out of his element in Spain. The number one guide was from Andalusia, not Galicia. Putting aside their personality and leadership issues, they were not from the area and continually lead us down the wrong path literally and figuratively. Recommend that you investigate Boundless Journeys which prides itself on hiring and retaining local guides that are exceptional. The two $300 credits we received from WT for future tours will go to waste because we will only book with professional tour companies that employ guides from the area we plan to explore. read more

I just had the most amazing adventure with Wilderness Travel on their Tour du Mont Blanc trip. It was nothing short of extraordinary. From awe-inspiring mountain landscapes to charming local villages, every moment felt like stepping into the pages of a high-end travel magazine. Each day brought new discoveries -- from invigorating hikes through alpine meadows to relaxing evenings in the most delightful villages to amazing ski villages. The meals ranged from deliciously simple to exquisite multi-course dinners, the attention to detail made every evening feel special. What truly made the trip unforgettable were our guides. Their passion for the Alps was contagious, and their knowledge made every trail and flower feel like part of a living story. It felt like they were sharing their own backyard with us -- a backyard filled with glaciers, wildflowers, and breathtaking views. The entire experience left me with a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the Alps and a newfound love for adventure travel. I'm already looking forward to my next journey -- and it will definitely be with Wilderness Travel! read more

My husband and I recently did our first Wilderness Travel trip. We choose the Galapagos and could not have been more impressed with the way in which every aspect of our trip was organized and personalized. Our experience was made even richer by our guide, Daniel, a 2nd generation Galapagos guide who was incredibly knowledgeable about the flora and fauna and the human history of the islands. We traveled on an amazing sailing ship and ate delicious meals on the ship's deck, enjoying sunsets and sea breezes. The ship's crew were attentive to our every need, and even needs we didn't know we had!! We did most of our traveling at night so that the days were filled with early morning hikes (to avoid the heat) and daily skin diving expeditions where we swam (and played) with seals, as well as sea turtles, sharks, and gorgeous tropical fish. On our last day as we sailed to port, we were accompanied by a dozen dolphins who raced and leaped along side our boat. What mother nature dished up was made all the more special by the way we were educated and treated by the very capable WT staff. read more

For my first trip to Africa, I couldn't have dreamed of a better introduction than the Namibia Expedition with Wilderness Travel. We started off with a bang at Okonjima Bush Camp and the amazing staff of cheetah researchers at the AfriCat Foundation. All the accommodations were gorgeous and experiences in their own right. The roundhouse guestrooms and boulder-top sundowners at Camp Kipwe were extraordinary. One of the best parts, was the two nights we spent on the Tok Tokkie trail, sleeping under the Milky Way. The constellations were spectacular and I lost track of how many shooting stars I saw. The wildlife was incredible. Elephant families traveling together, giraffe, cheetah, leopard, wild dogs, hyenas, buffalo, zebra and one particularly close encounter with an adult male lion that made my whole trip. I couldn't believe the access that we had, tracking on foot, and game drives both day and night. Our leader seemed to know everybody, everywhere (and we covered a lot of ground!) This truly was the trip of a lifetime, Wilderness Travel nailed it! read more

I recently completed the Pilgrim's Way: El Camino de Santiago trip in September 2025 with guides Rob Noonan and Haya Blanco. The itinerary was outstanding--well thought out, perfectly paced, and designed to showcase the very best of the Camino. It felt like condensing three weeks of walking into one unforgettable week, with all the highlights included. Instead of pilgrim hostels, we enjoyed top-quality accommodations each night, which made the journey comfortable and restorative. There was plenty of walking, but it was balanced and always rewarding. We covered the most iconic stretches of the Camino, from Burgos all the way to Finisterre, and I never felt like I missed out on the essence of the route. Our guides, Rob and Haya, were exceptional--knowledgeable, attentive, and warm. They brought the Camino to life with their stories and insights, while making sure every detail was taken care of along the way. If you've always dreamed of walking the Camino, but want to do it in a meaningful, guided, and comfortable way, this is the trip to take. read more

I recently went on Safari with Wilderness Travel's Ultimate Namibia and Botswana adventure and it was the trip of a lifetime. This was my first WT trip and it was extraordinary in every way. We went out on safari drives every day - many times twice a day; and saw lions, leopards, elephants, cheetahs, hippos and all sorts of exotic wildlife. Our trip leader Franco Morao was incredibly knowledgeable about all things Africa and provided great insights and information every step of the way.The lodges and the food were outstanding and we were far from any crowds. WT supports wildlife preservation in both Namibia and Botswana. They help support the local communities as well. The cultural aspect of the trip was also a highlight; tracking game on foot with the San tribe and visiting their village was like going back in time - truly amazing ! This adventure exceeded all expectations and I look forward to my next Wilderness Travel trip! read more

My group of 13 just returned from WT's Tour du Mont Blanc trip. Our experience exceeded expectations in every way... including the weather - we had sun, rain, sleet, wind and snow. Importantly, we were prepared for every condition and the weather only served to make the trip more memorable. Being prepared for - and even embracing - the wide variety of conditions is an essential part of mountain travel and the guides did a perfect job of managing our experience. Their confidence, enthusiasm and professionalism made the trip first rate. Can't say enough about Alban, LoLo and Tania. We will return to WT for more adventures in the future. Oh... and did I say that the food, the hotels and the logistics were all first rate too??!! read more

We are world travelers with a lot of experience with tour groups as well as traveling on our own. Our first trip 2 years ago with WT was to Morocco and we thought that couldn't be beat, but we were wrong! We just finished visiting Egypt and Jordan with WT (Pyramids to Petra) and it was even better. WT does a fantastic job: great places to stay, over the top meals, great adventures and excellent guides. Our guide for Egypt and Jordan was phenomenal; a born teacher and published Egyptologist, Ahmed (and his assistant, Ibrahim) was able to make the sometimes confusing history, archeology, and mythology of the region understandable. A great trip, one of a lifetime. One cannot go wrong with WT ! read more

I cannot express fully enough my delight with Wilderness Travel. They prepared us for and guided us through the Tour de Mont Blanc with a high level of knowledge, kindness, expertise, and grace. Our guides, Alban, Lolo, and Tania, get the very highest of marks. The logistics (which are formidable) did not give them even the slightest pause. The lodgings along the way were well chosen. The food was outstanding -- an important item for a trek around that massif. I've been on a dozen or more guided trips on three continents over the past thirty years, and WT sits at the top of the heap. We've already planned an adventure for next year with them. Can I give any higher mark than that? read more

We just returned from an African safari thru Botswana and Zimbabwe with Wilderness Travel.( 11 day). Our guides, Adam Hedges and Ezekiel Ditshameko, couldn't have been more knowledgeable, very pleasant and entertaining. We had a group of 10 and everyone felt special and taken care of. I think we saw everything the areas had to offer. We did not miss one type of animal! The staff on our mobile safari treated us with kindness and efficiency. The food made was delicious. I am gluten free and all my needs were met. They kept us busy each day and we traveled to 5 different areas and each was so different. It was a trip of a lifetime! read more

We just returned from our Wilderness Travel trip, Treasures of the Dolomites. This was my seventh trip with WT. As ever the guides, Paola and Jean Claude, and the itinerary were fabulous. We were so overwhelmed by the scenery in the Dolomites. Absolutely breathtaking. Everything about the trip worked. Logistics, lodging and food--loved eating in some of the refugios in the mountains. The guides made sure everyone, no matter their ability, had the trip they wanted. Great group of travelers, which has been my experience on other WT trips also. read more

We have traveled on multiple trips with Wilderness Travel and have never been disappointed. Our recent trek (Treasures of Mont Blanc) was no exception! From guides (Killian and Simone) to itinerary, hikes to activities, meals to accommodations everything was exceptional. For this reason (and all the travel with them before this), WT is our go to. They truly set the bar for adventure travel. Looking forward to our next two planned trips with them! read more