The BBC’s Dynasties has thrilled viewers by documenting the complex lives of some of the most endangered species on earth. Now you can encounter them first hand on these exciting wildlife tours
Chimps crossing a road in Uganda (Shutterstock)
David, the alpha male chimpanzee, and his troop from the first episode of Dynasties live in south east of Senegal, under the watchful eye of the Fongoli Research Project. The project isn’t open to the public – in fact, there aren’t that many opportunities to spot chimpanzees in Senegal. That’s why you should consider Exodus’s Chimps and Gorillas of Uganda trip instead.
Uganda is the primate capital of Africa. You’ll visit Kibale Forest, regarded by many as the best place in the world to track chimpanzees, as well as Bwindi, where you’ll get to spend a magical hour with Mountain gorillas. Throw in a safari through Queen Elizabeth National Park in search of elusive tree-climbing lions and you’ve got a wildlife adventure packed with drama and intrigue.
Trip: Chimps & Gorillas of Uganda
Who: Exodus
When: Departures Jun-Dec
How long: 10 days
How much: From £3,499 (exc. flights)
Emperor penguins (Shutterstock)
Seeing Emperor penguins in the wild can be problematical. They gather on the peninsula in their greatest numbers in winter. Most voyages to Antarctica set sail in the summer. This expedition voyage with Journey Latin America, however, follows a less-sailed route, beyond the Antarctic Peninsula towards the Weddell Sea, where an immense Emperor penguin rookery lies south of Snow Hill Island.
As a passenger on the sturdy ice-strengthened European cruise ship Ortelius, you’ll enjoy the best chance of conquering the icy conditions and experiencing the striking tabular icebergs and abundant wildlife of the relatively unvisited Weddell Sea. If the ship doesn't make it as far as Snow Hill island, it will position itself on the edge of the ice to try and spot lone Emperors heading out to open water as well as helicopter trips to search for individual birds.
Trip: Antarctica: In Search Of The Emperor Penguin
When: Southern Hemisphere summer
How long: 15 days
How much: From £10,991 (exc. flights)
Marsh Pride lions (Shutterstock)
If you want to see Charm, Sienna and the other feline stars of Dynasties you need to base yourself at Governor’s Camp. It was where the crew stayed while they filmed the episode about lions and where the team behind the popular Big Cat Diary nature series were based as well. At Governor’s some of the most amazing wildlife viewing opportunities in the world await just beyond your tent.
The Marsh Pride of Lions tend to spend time around the marsh near the camp, following the wildebeest herds, and cheetah are also frequent in the area, preying on young impala and gazelle. The days often begin and end with spectacular orange sunrises and sunsets.
On Rainbow Tour’s Big Cat Masai Mara and Samburu Safari you get to spend three nights at Governor’s Camp, with three game drives a day, so the thrill of encounters with the Mara's legendary big cats are a daily occurrence.
Trip: Big Cat Masai Mara & Samburu Safari
Who: Rainbow Tours
When: Departures Jan, Apr, Jun, Jul, Nov & Dec
How long: 8 days
How much: From £3,725 (inc. flights)
Painted wolves on the prowl (Shutterstock)
Join award winning wildlife photographer Bret Charman on safari to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mana Pools National Park for close encounters with Blacktip, Tait and all the other painted wolves from Dynasties.
You’ll spend a week at Vundu Camp, where the BBC crew were based and a popular hangout for painted wolves. The painted wolves here have become accustomed to people here and often approach those on walking safaris, allowing unrivalled photographic opportunities. Equally approachable – leading to incredible images – are the bull elephants as they feed from the high branches of the ana tree. A lifetime of memories and a portfolio of extraordinary images guaranteed.
Trip: Mana Pools: Wild Dogs & Elephants Photography
Who: Wildlife Worldwide
When: Oct
How long: 9 days
How much: From £7,545 (exc. flights)
Two tigers in Bandhavgarh National Park (Shutterstock)
Once the hunting ground of the maharajahs, the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is one of the best places in India to see tigers. It became a National Park in 1968 and is home to over 80 Bengal tigers. It was here that the BBC filmed tigress, Raj Bhera, and her four tiny cubs.
TravelLocal’s In Search of Tigers tour will take you to Bandhavgarh as well as India’s other tiger hotspots, Kanha and Pench. You’ll enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in each, and because India has such an incredible diversity of habitats you’ll be able to spot Asiatic elephants and lions, one-horned rhinos, sloth bears and countless species of birds as well.
Trip: In Search of Tigers
Who: TravelLocal
When: Flexible departures throughout the year
How long: 13 days
How much: From £2,710 (exc. flights)
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