wilderness travel company reviews

Suggested companies

Kensington tours, sea the city jet ski, good life expeditions.

Wilderness Travel   Reviews

In the Tour Operator category

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 4.8.

Most relevant

"Absolutely fantastic experience with…

"Absolutely fantastic experience with this travel company! From start to finish, everything was seamless. The itinerary was well-planned, accommodations were top-notch, and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a memorable travel adventure!"

Date of experience : 02 April 2024

Wilderness Travel: Great! But Always Room for Improvement

We've taken five trips with Wilderness Travel (WT). That in itself is a review and recommendation. WT is great! But there's always room for improvement. Consider adding/planning more customized trips for those who want more flexibility than what is offered on fixed itineraries; eg. Raja Ampat offers nothing but snorkeling for 12 days. Must be other things to see and do. Trip leaders can make or break a trip. Keys to successful leadership are a passion for the place and subject matter with an equal measure of love for sharing it with the people/group on the trip. Some have it; others aren't as good at connecting with the people. Keep looking for great leaders and winnow out the ones that don't have their hearts in it.

Date of experience : 11 May 2019

Reply from Wilderness Travel

Thank you so much for your review, Spencer! At Wilderness Travel we try to set a very high bar for ourselves, and feedback like yours helps us continue to push that bar higher. Your suggestion to add more customizable trips is a great one. We are constantly expanding our Private Journey collection where the trip, activities, and accommodations can be customized to meet the interests of the private group. When logistics allow, we are also adding more and more hiking trips where we are able to offer two daily options (longer and shorter hikes). We could not agree more about the importance of our Trip Leaders to our adventures! When people ask what sets our trips apart, we always start by speaking about our Trip Leaders, who are an incredible group of individuals. We have very high standards for the leaders we hire, and as you mentioned—we look not only for leaders with deep subject matter expertise, but also those who are also truly passionate about sharing their country and knowledge with our travelers. Thank you again for taking the time to give us such thoughtful feedback and helping us continue to strive for excellence! We appreciate it and hope to welcome you on trip #6 soon!

Patagonia, Iguazu, Buenos Airles

We recently enjoyed a 3 week trip to Argentina & Chile. Two weeks was arranged through Wilderness Travel. Our focal point was Patagonia and the hotels, transfers and guides were very good. Patagonia was spectacular and Wilderness guided some good decisions, such as staying at Estancia Christina for 2 nights instead of one. The hotels were uniformly high quality. One part of the Patagonia hiking that could be improved is having a variety of hiking options. Our first day hike was more ambitious than some members of our foursome was expecting. We also did a two day trip to Iguazu Falls. We had the most outstanding guide of the entire trip. This is someone who loves sharing what he is most passionate about, and is a true naturalist. We had multiple trips to Buenos Aires since it's the transporation hub and no matter where your ultimate destination is you are always going back through Buenos Aires. The city is so spread out it's hard to get a sense of it if you are only there for one or two days.

Date of experience : 27 March 2020

Dream trip to Africa

My dream of going to Africa came true, I waited for it for 3 years, all I had to do was go to the Wilderness Travel website, choose the trip I was interested in and they took care of the rest. When I landed in Africa I felt something that cannot be described, I was so happy. I can definitely say that Africa changed me, I discovered something in myself that I didn't know and I found myself. Thank you once again Wilderness Travel, you made my dream come true, I recommend everyone to use their services.

Date of experience : 30 September 2023

Trip exceeded all expectation!

The Indochine Tour not only met our expectations but far exceeded them. Our guide, Matthew, was extremely knowledgeable and you could tell he loved what he was doing, and the local guides shared stories of their respective countries and provided us with experiences only availed to smaller groups (there were 7 of us). This was our second trip with Wilderness Travel and will certainly not be the last. Love Wilderness Travel! And the accommodations were first rate!!

Date of experience : 02 January 2020

Best way to see Africa imaginable

We have traveled extensively and at all levels in Africa, and despite having done high end tent camping safaris previously the one we experienced with WT is the one we'll remember. You really couldn't imagine anything more beautifully organized, well thought through, and staffed by the most knowledgeable and genuinely warm guides we have ever had the pleasure to meet. Five stars isn't enough. WT is in a class by itself.

Date of experience : 01 May 2019

That is wonderful to hear, Mark. Thank you so much for your feedback. We are thrilled we could show you Africa through our eyes :)

A Small Group tour that focuses on regions outside the usual cities.

A small group tour where you get to know everyone and learn a lot about the country from the guide. The tours focus on the countryside or more extreme adventures and mostly ignore the usual big-name cities. The guides work hard to make the trip enjoyable for everyone, even when plans change due to weather or other local conditions.

Date of experience : 23 March 2019

Thanks, Keith! We have always aimed for more intimate, "off the beaten path" adventures so we are delighted to hear that.

All of the off ship tours were extra &…

All of the off ship tours were extra & this was an expensive trip to begin with. Have been on other trips where only exceptional tours are extra. The ship itself & all the people on it were wonderful.

Date of experience : 30 July 2019

Thank you, Elaine, for your feedback. We are so glad that you enjoyed your experience on our recent Special Event: Total Solar Eclipse Cruise. Please note that almost all of our Wilderness Travel small ship adventures include shore activities at no additional cost. However, for this particular departure, we were subject to the procedures of the cruise company itself, which did not include extra excursions in their costs. We completely understand your points above and do appreciate your reply. Overall, we felt that this particular boat was the best choice for our plans in the region, and we're so glad that you enjoyed the ship and those onboard. We hope to welcome you to another Wilderness Travel trip in the near future!

Hiking in Cornwall: A typically wonderful WT trip.

This Cornwall trip was my third WT trip in the UK and all of them have been first rate. The guides are gems, full of good cheer, incredible local knowledge, and uncommon generosity. Richard Bell designed this trip and has it planned to the finest detail. The schedule is wonderfully mixed, with cultural sessions blended in with the hiking. My wife especially appreciated the fact that we stayed 3-4 nights in each hotel. The coastal scenery is stunning. Our other WT trips were equally well-planned, beautiful and comfortable. We are signed up for two more next year!

Date of experience : 23 September 2019

We are so happy you enjoyed your time traveling with Richard! It is such a treat to see Cornwall through his eyes and we are delighted we were able to share that with the two of you.

We traveled to the Galapagos for a…

We traveled to the Galapagos for a 15-day cruise among the islands aboard the three-masted schooner "Mary Anne" . Everything about the trip was amazing. Wilderness Travel coordinated and arranged all details, which were flawless. They were also helpful in arranging additional stay for us prior to the group arrangements. They were always available to answer questions. Truly excellent!

Date of experience : 02 July 2019

We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your time in the Galapagos! They really are spectacular islands and we've found they are best experienced when you can relax and not worry about the logistics.

Amazing Morocco

Amazing Morocco It was an amazing trip where we were able to see varied geography and cultures from the Medina of Fex to the Sahara Desert to the High Atlas Mountains to the large city of Marrakech and to a seaside town of Essouria. Two highlights for us were riding camels and staying in a tented camp in the Sahara and four-wheel backroading in the High Atlas Mountains. We were also able to see how Berber Nomads lived. The entire trip was so fun and interesting and we had a truly amazing guide, Mohammed. This was definitely a 5-star trip!

Date of experience : 24 May 2019

Mohammed really is a gem, isn't he? We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your time exploring this spectacular country. We hope to have you back for another 5-star adventure in the near future!

We have gone on 3 very diverse trips…

We have gone on 3 very diverse trips with Wilderness travel - a safari, hiking in Patagonia and a cruise to Antarctica via Polar Latitudes. Each was a great experience from the pick up at the airport to the drop off at the very end. All the leaders were experienced, personable, and knowledgeable in their fields. We were treated with courtesy and kindness. Travel was punctual, and we always knew what to expect. The trip planning was easy and the personnel responsive to our emails, texts and phone calls. We won’t think twice about traveling again with Wilderness Travel!

Date of experience : 02 April 2019

This is music to our ears, Pam! Thank you so much for the feedback.

A diverse cultural experience

A diverse cultural experience with a taste of 5 countries. Mostly easy hiking, but poles should be required and travellers should learn how to use them before they begin this trip.

Date of experience : 01 October 2019

We have traveled with Wilderness Travel…

We have traveled with Wilderness Travel on some 20 trips starting in 2010. We have always found their office staff able to answer our many questions and to provide information to enable us to prepare for our travel. Their guides are always exceptional and their trips are always well organized. We plan to continue our travels with them.

Date of experience : 13 March 2019

Thank you for the kind words! Your feedback is invaluable to us, especially because you have traveled on so many of our trips. We look forward to welcoming you on more adventures in the future :)

Always a great experience

We have been on multiple trips with Wilderness Travel and have always had great experiences. The guides are knowledgeable, friendly and go out of their way to make sure your trip goes smoothly. Many of our trips have been centered around hiking and we've always felt the itineraries were well thought out and appropriately challenging.

Date of experience : 06 July 2019

Our Trip Leaders really are the best of the best, and we put a tremendous amount of thought into our itinerary design so that is wonderful to hear, thank you so much!

Can't Wait to do another Tour with Wilderness!

This was my second tour with Wilderness and it outdid all my expectations.We had an amazing tour guide who taught us about every aspect of Costa Rica. He chose restaurants and hotels with personal care. Each lodge gave great service and hospitality and the food was terrific.

Date of experience : 09 April 2019

Thank you so much for your kind words, Joan. We are thrilled to hear about your experiences in Costa Rica and we can't wait to exceed your expectations again on the next adventure!

Wilderness travel folks thought of…

Wilderness travel folks thought of everything we would need and lots of extras we were surprised by that made our trip even more enjoyable. The staff and guides are the very best in terms of their knowledge and commitment to making the trip unforgettable. Our trip was absolutely amazing in every respect.

Date of experience : 26 February 2020

I have traveled with several travel…

I have traveled with several travel companies and Wilderness Travel ALWAYS comes up as my number one travel company. The guides are knowledgeable, helpful, and experts in the history and customs of each place. I have found the guide truly "makes" the trip by introducing such a first hand depth of immersion into the city or country. A true appreciation makes each trip not only an adventure, but also a lifelong remembrance of the local people we have met.

Date of experience : 01 April 2019

Rudrick - you're far too kind! We couldn't agree more that high quality Trip Leaders are the key to unforgettable experiences. We're so glad you've enjoyed joining us on these adventures as much as we have enjoyed planning them :)

Our trip was excellent in every respect…

Our trip was excellent in every respect - trip leader, local guides, drivers, staff at estancias. Obviously, a great deal of effort was spent on planning the hikes and other activities, travel, accommodations. Our trip leader Rob Noonan and all the guides educated us in every aspect of Buenos Aires and Pataonia - history, geology, meteorology, flora and fauna. The hikes were strenuous, but we could set our own paces, so, even I, at age 74, was able to complete all the hikes without overtaxing myself. A trip that was good for the mind and body - what else could you want?

Date of experience : 10 March 2020

Fantastic Experience

I've been on several trips with Wilderness Travel (Belize, Patagonia, Galapagos) and look forward to many more in the future. I've had extremely positive experiences with the office staff when signing up and the trips themselves have been exemplary, once-in-a-lifetime adventures. The Galapagos was a real dream come true - if you get the chance don't hesitate to go! WT has amazing guides, unique lodgings, they've got it all.

Date of experience : 17 December 2018

Wilderness Travel

Global operator

Service level

Travelers age

Trip prices

$3,795 — 15,980

Tour languages

Quick Links:

Trips other travelers liked

Family Fun In Cambodia

Ice to Sun 2023: Argentina & Brazil

4-Days Cuyabeno

Discover Albania

Northern Lights Escape

Brazil (North): See & Experience it ALL in 13 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

Iceland Discovery

“Where the mountains meet the sea”- Kotor Bay, Lovcen & Skadar Lake National Park

Member savings.

Sign in  to see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)

• Group Tours
• Private Guided Trips
• Small Ship & Expedition Cruises
• River Cruises
• North America
• Central America & Caribbean
• South America
• Rivers & Seas
• Australia & Pacific
• Middle East & North Africa
• Antarctica & the Arctic

Compare with Wilderness Travel

View all tour company comparisons

How well do you know the world?

Wilderness travel reviews & ratings, outstanding cultural adventure.

I have taken 13 trips with WT, most recently a marvelous adventure in Viet Nam and Cambodia. Always difficult to name a favorite since their trips offer such a great...

Some of the most memorable experiences I've had

We’ve taken nearly a dozen trips with this outfit and they are first rate. Some of the most memorable experiences I’ve had. Their guides are exceptional (except one!...

Consistently Excellent

I love traveling with Wilderness Travel! My husband and I look forward to their catalog every year to see what new adventures they have cooked up and our bucket list...

WT has an incredible staff

Inca Trail Trip: One of the top experiences of my life. WT has an incredible staff that is knowledgable, fun and accommodating. Everything is scheduled perfectly so ...

trips were amazing!

Traveled to Botswana 2015 and Peru in 2018 with WT,...

See all Wilderness Travel reviews

Editoral Review of Wilderness Travel

Wilderness Travel, based in Berkeley, California, has been in business since 1978 and takes travelers around the world. But don't let the name "Wilderness" mislead you. While you'll be able to take a strenuous trek in the Himalayas or Andes with the company's stable of experienced guides, you can also book an easy trip to Europe complete with stays at comfortable hotels and picnics served with wine. Even the Himalayan journeys come with "cozy" mountaineering tents and warm sleeping bags, and the African safari camps and lodgings are luxurious.

What Makes Wilderness Travel Stand Out?

• Award-wnning tour operator
• Small group sizes
• Specially chosen tour guides
• Exceptional customer service

They’ve received countless awards for their outstanding itineraries, destinations, activities, accommodations, food, and value. Since they cap their small group tours at 16 max, you get to feel more connected with everyone. 

Their itineraries are also organized to make the most out of your limited time. Expect to beat the crowds and see more than other tour groups that have the same itinerary.

Tour guides are specially chosen people that have deep knowledge about the place. These people are charismatic, genuine, and passionate about what they have to share with you - all while providing first-class customer service! If having an exceptional tour guide that goes above and beyond is important to you, consider a trip with Wilderness Travel.

Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Wilderness Travel?

• Moderately active travelers 
• Ages 30-50 
• High budget travelers

If you’re willing to spend the extra penny to experience the best of the best, then you’ll surely enjoy Wilderness Travel tours. Tours are at the luxury and premium level, which attracts a higher clientele of friendly, well-traveled, educated, and open-minded travelers.

Wilderness Travel ranks its trips from one to seven in order of difficulty, so you have plenty of choice. If you want to take it slow and explore Kyoto’s majestic castles and teahouses, there’s a tour in Japan for that. Like a good challenge? Get your sweat on and hike the coast of Crete.

They cover a wide range of tour themes such as archaeology, culinary, hiking/trekking, journeying by rail, safari, river cruise, snorkeling, yacht cruising, and whale watching just to name a few. Whatever your interest may be, there’s a tour for it!

Top Destinations

Wilderness Travel offers trips in seven continents and remote locations featured in their special expeditions, from tropical Papua New Guinea to Spitsbergen in the Arctic. Small ship cruising to exotic locations is a specialty, and WT will also put together family trips.

Experience classic destinations but with new routes and destinations along the way that put a spin on the experience. Sail through the Galapagos Islands on a yacht,  Some trips are also focused on taking you off the beaten path.

Wilderness Travel’s Travel Style

Wilderness Travel believes in bringing you the very best that every destination has to offer. Their lavish and luxurious travel style brings you experiences that are beyond your wildest imagination. They’re all about HOW you travel, so you’ll want to pull out your camera just to take a snap of the bedroom decor. Imagine drifting asleep to the sounds of the African night in a safari camping tent or staying overnight in a Japanese mountaintop temple.  

From the minute you book, you’re assigned an Area Specialist that’s there to guide you through every bit of planning and preparing. They’ll help you with every trip detail from travel visas to what you should wear. Also it’s best to reserve tours well in advanced since space is limited.

Their activity level system ranks the trips according to the activity and general travel rigors. A plus sign (+) also indicates the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of the same level. It’s important to check the itinerary details for the more specific activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions.

1 - Easiest: Non camping journeys, optional walks, minimal elevation changes.

2 - Easy to Moderate: Hotels and/or safari camping, hikes on some days, optional sea  kayaking.

3 - Moderate: Half to full day hikes (3-6 hours) in the countryside, occasional steep trails. Hotel-based walking tours and snorkeling adventures are usually in this category.

4 - Moderate to strenuous: Full day hikes (4-6 hours) on mountainous terrains, significant elevation gains and losses (as much as 3,000 feet) on many hikes.

5 - Strenuous: Full day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, very steep, with altitudes of 10,000-12,000 ft.

6 - Very Strenuous: Full day hikes (5-8 hours), just as mountainous and steep as level 5, with altitudes as high as 18,000 ft.

7 - Most Strenuous: Full day hikes in mountainous terrain, camping, and hiking at extreme altitudes.

Why Choose a Tour With Wilderness Travel?

Wilderness Travel tours is all about creating unrivaled experiences in destinations all around the world. They’ve continued to be an award-winning tour company as a result of their top-notch travel guides and well thought out itineraries. Even if you don’t enjoy group tours, this is the tour operator that’ll change your mind. With such a wide array of activities and destinations, they’re ready to tick off all your travel bucket list items.

At the same time, their travel style makes for experiences that more refined than authentic. If you prefer to travel without the added comforts and luxuries, and celebrating with champagne at the end of an African safari isn’t your style, you might want to consider looking elsewhere.

Wilderness Travel is also committed to the highest standards of sustainable travel. They gives back to the communities around the world, making sure that your travel dollars go into the local economy. They support numerous cultural and conservation organizations - some that were started by Wilderness Travel trip leaders.

Unlock Community Benefits

Travel better together.

• Save favorite trips and itineraries
• Get insider insights
• Receive personalized recommendations
• ... and much more

More Details

Solo friendly.

• No single supplement
• Trekking & Camping

Travelstride featured in

About the company.

For more than 30 years, people have entrusted their travel dreams to us. Our adventures span every corner of the globe, and the quality of our itinerary design and leadership has earned us one of the highest rates of repeat travelers in the business. Our core philosophy is elegantly simple: it’s not just where you travel, but how you travel that sets our trips apart. The magic of the how at Wilderness Travel comes from our expert Trip Leaders —the undisputed best in the business, a meticulously planned and artfully executed itinerary, and the camaraderie and just plain fun of traveling with a small group of like-minded people. The where is up to you—read on for more about our amazing destinations!

At Wilderness Travel, we firmly believe that responsible tourism can be an extraordinary tool to connect people across borders and cultures. Our commitment to ecologically responsible, low-impact tourism goes back to the beginnings of the company, and we actively support a variety of conservation and cultural groups, and are founding members and active supporters of a number of organizations dedicated to responsible travel.

Everywhere we travel we bring our own special Wilderness Travel style along. In Europe, we stay at charming small hotels where we are welcomed as family, and enjoy elegant picnics of delightful local specialties and fine wines. In Africa, our safari camps are downright luxurious and our exclusive lodges are located with exceptional access to wildlife. Our Himalayan and Andean treks feature our celebrated full-service camping amenities: you’ll sleep comfortably at night in warm sleeping bags in cozy mountaineering tents, dine on wonderful and varied camp meals, and wake up each day to a cup of hot coffee or tea brought right to your tent!

A great trip is made up of fine hotels, glorious hikes, superb cuisine, and most importantly, a Trip Leader whose passion and knowledge brings it all together. We’re particular about who leads our trips because your experience depends so much on their skills. Our leaders come from all over the world, and from all walks of life—our roster includes naturalists, authors, teachers, archaeologists, art historians, and mountaineers. Their backgrounds are diverse, but they all share a passion for guiding, a thorough knowledge of the destinations they work in, and a real joy in introducing you to their favorite places, people, and behind-the-scenes spots you would never find on your own.

Wilderness Travel Trips & Specials

Hiker's Journey to Machu Picchu

Pyramids to Petra

Hiking the Faroe Islands

Treasures of Japan with South Korea

Botswana Wildlife Safari

Adventures in Wales

Pagan Festivals of Sardinia

Hiker’s Journey to Bhutan

Want a tailor-made trip instead, your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

Top Wilderness Travel Trip Categories

Wilderness travel company ranking by category, similar companies, about travelstride, find your perfect trip, travel confidently.

Wilderness Travel Review (2024): Not For The Budget-Friendly?

Calling all adventure lovers! Whether hiking an active volcano or discovering wildlife on an African Safari, Wilderness Travel has much to offer. In my experience, planning an adventure trip is best-done solo, so what are the benefits of booking a group trip?

Venturing into the wilderness ushers in feelings and experiences that can't be matched. Whether you want to go scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef or trek through the mountains of Nepal, adventure travel offers lifelong memories. 

Over the past decade, I've dabbled in many heart-racing activities. From snorkeling with stingrays and jumping out of an airplane to surfing with sharks and trekking active volcanoes, exploring the wilderness is one of my favorite pastimes. 

In general, I plan my trips myself. It offers me freedom and flexibility that is unmatched. 

Wilderness Travel claims to be a leader in the adventure travel industry, boasting small group and private journeys. So, is this adventure company worth it for budget travelers? Let's take a look at the type of wilderness vacations on offer!   

What is Wilderness Travel?

Offering more than 200 small group and private tours,  Wilderness Travel  is pinned as a pioneer in the industry.

Having been around for over 40 years, this company offers active travel experiences in more than 75 countries worldwide. This travel company is proudly owned by its founder, Bill Abbott.

Having been in business since 1978, Wilderness Travel offers trips tailored to varied interests and abilities. The range of experiences makes it an ideal option for seasoned travelers and those just starting. 

Here are some of the different options Wilderness Travel Company has to offer: 

• Hiking and trekking
• African safaris 
• Events and expeditions
• Cultural trips 
• Small ship cruises 
• Family trips 
• Private journeys 

My Initial Impressions

At first glance, Wilderness Travel boasts a lot of variety. 

From top-tier destinations like the Maldives and Europe to classic adventure locations like the Galapagos and Latin America, you can find everything from polar expeditions to Pacific vacations. You can search for the trip type, which helps narrow down the process if you need help determining what you're looking for. This feature can be handy if you're not 100% clear about what adventure you're after. 

Additionally, you can determine your trip based on what type of activity you're interested in doing. Some of the most popular activities include: 

• Wildlife and natural history 
• Snorkeling 
• Small boat and yacht cruising

After investigating further, I discovered a handful of the most popular adventure trips. Initially, I was shocked at the prices, varying around $4000 - $5000+ for a 9-day trip. 

These experiences are tailored to travelers seeking an all-inclusive experience. Here is a handful of the best-seller experiences, the prices, and trip duration: 

• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (9 days) - $5995 
• Everest Lodge to Lodge (14 days) - $4395 
• Namibia Safari Expedition (14 days) - $9995 
• Snorkeling in Raja Ampat (12 days) - $6695 
• Galapagos Yacht Adventure (10 days) - $8995 

One important factor to keep in mind is that the prices do not include airfare. You can find the detailed list of what's included in the base trip cost in the trip's "Detailed Itinerary."

How to Book a Trip With Wilderness Travel

The Wilderness Travel website boasts an easy-to-use format with various sections to book a trip. 

For travel inspiration, you can simply search in the " Our Trips " section or search directly in the "Find a Trip" section. 

If you opt for the latter option, you'll have to enter the following details: 

• Trip type (journeys by rail, cruise collection, small group adventures) 
• Activity (archaeology, culinary, eclipse, sea kayaking) 
• Trip level (easy, moderate, challenging) 

Although the price range can be relatively high, you can find discounts in the "Special Offers" section on the drop-down menu. This is the most suitable option for budget travelers seeking an experience with Wilderness Travel. With hefty discounts ranging between $500 and $1000 per person, It's a steal for budget-conscious explorers. 

Various deal options are available for 2024 adventures, topped with early-bird and safari extension discounts. 

Key Features

Wilderness Travel boasts a simple, straightforward layout, and the drop-down menu makes navigating the site easy. You'll find resources and a travel blog to be the most helpful among the top features. 

You can get more information about this adventure travel company on the resources page. You can answer all your questions about choosing a trip, reserving a place, and find helpful links there. 

Referral Program 

A referral program also allows you, "the referrer," and your friend, "the referee," to get a $100 credit. If you're a budget traveler who's planning a wilderness  vacation trip with friends , this is a pocket-friendly offer that's worth noting!

Travel Blog 

Wilderness Travel boasts a travel blog page where you can immerse yourself in fellow travelers' narratives. Book a trip with this company, and you may also get to share your personal experiences and photography on the travel blog! 

Here are some of the top traveler stories: 

• Visiting the mountain gorillas of Uganda 
• A cultural journey in North India 
• Unique desert adventures in Egypt and Jordan 
• Tracking polar bears in Churchill 

Cancellation/Refund Policy

The Wilderness Travel Company's cancellation policy varies depending on the type of trip. Here is the standard cancellation fee schedule: 

• Up to 91 days before departure: No charge 
• 61-90 days before departure: 25% of trip cost
• 46-60 days before departure: 50% of trip cost
• 45 days or less: 100% of the trip cost

What People Are Saying About Wilderness Travel

Most travelers are pleased with the amount of depth and information provided by the guides. People praise the well-planned routes and how the trips steered clear of the typical tourist trail. 

Travelers are happy with the top-quality accommodation, food, and services available too. Wilderness Travel reviews state that these tours are most popular among adults rather than younger travelers. 

Other visitors tend to talk about the high prices and how it's not accessible for those on a tight budget. When you must factor in airfares on top of the base trip cost, it's entirely out of range for backpackers or budget-conscious travelers. 

Benefits & Drawbacks

Booking a trip with Wilderness Travel boasts many benefits, from the detail-oriented tour guides and unique routes to the tasty cuisine and high-end accommodation. 

This is an ideal way of meeting new friends and adventure-loving travelers, especially in small group trips. It's highly agreed that this adventure travel company offers some of the globe's top wilderness adventures for adults. 

The major disadvantages are the cancellation policy and the high prices. 

If you're looking for a pocket-friendly trip, you won't find it here. The trip base costs don't include airfares, meaning you'll have to set aside extra money. 

Other adventure travel companies that offer similar services include  G Adventures  and  Intrepid Travel .

Is Wilderness Travel Worth It?

Wilderness Travel is a suitable choice if you're looking for an all-inclusive, well-planned experience. With experienced guides and unique routes, you don't have to fret over the planning process. 

If you're interested in meeting like-minded travelers, this is one of the top adventure travel companies. On the other hand, there may be better choices than Wilderness Travel if you're looking to  save money while traveling . With high prices and costs that don't include airfares, you might save for months or years.

Our Rating: 3.4/5

• Knowledgable tour guides 
• High-quality food and accommodation 
• Immersive experiences with like-minded travelers
• Unique routes and activities 
• Cancellation policy 
• Base costs don't include airfares 

Wilderness Vacations and Beyond! 

Now that you know more about Wilderness Travel, you can start to craft your ideal travel experience for you, your family, and your friends.

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

Satisfy your wanderlust

Get Pilot. The travel planner that takes fun and convenience to a whole other level. Try it out yourself.

Trending Travel Stories

Discover new places and be inspired by stories from our traveller community.

Related Travel Guides

Intrepid Travel In-depth Review: Are their tours any good? [2024]

G Adventures: Is It Worth the Money? Our Honest Review

Touristlink Review: Great platform for travelers, or nah? [2024]

EF Go Ahead Tours Review 2024: Are their guided tours worth it?

Trafalgar Tours Review [2024]: Are they worth it?

Tourradar Review: Should You Use the Booking Site for Tours?

Make the most of every trip

You won’t want to plan trips any other way!

The trip planner that puts everything in one place, making planning your trip easier, quicker, and more fun.

Wilderness Travel

Review Highlights

“ He has an enthusiasm for showing others his country and was great about answering questions whenever approached. ” in 5 reviews

“ This trip was definitely a trip of a lifetime , and certainly one of our best trips ever. ” in 4 reviews

“ Booked this trip through Wilderness Travel, the "Great Elephant Migration" through Botswana and Zimbabwe. ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

1102 9th St

Berkeley, CA 94710

Upcoming Special Hours

You might also consider.

Designed Travel

Christopher R. said "David was great from the start. We didn't know what to expect when engaging a "travel agent" but David felt more like a friend. We hired David to help plan our honeymoon trip to the Maldives and Paris. With over 1200 islands,…" read more

in Travel Agents

Boutique Travel

5.8 miles away from Wilderness Travel

Custom Luxury Travel Experiences to Africa, the South Pacific and Pacific, Latin America - south and central, SE Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Europe and more. the Boutique Travel team will work closely with you to create… read more

About the Business

Business owner information

From extraordinary wildlife safaris and cultural adventures to remote mountain treks and inn-to-inn hiking trips, our award-winning adventures span every corner of the globe. Our core philosophy is elegantly simple: it's not just where you travel, but how you travel. …

Ask the Community

Ask a question

Yelp users haven’t asked any questions yet about Wilderness Travel .

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

Wilderness Travel exceeded our expectations. Our private journey to Morocco was our first time traveling with Wilderness Travel and they exceeded our expectations on every front. I highly recommend them and plan to do another trip with them in the future. Barbara Wright worked with us to tailor our trip to our interests and our available time window and Rebecca Streicker-Cale handled the details and logistics of the trip admirably. A good trip manager exceeds ones expectations and Wilderness Travel did just that. Given that it was a private journey, much of the work was done before we departed ... designing the route, selecting private riads, extending our time in the Sahara Desert, and perhaps most importantly, assigning us the perfect guide. What more could one ask for? Our guide, Ali Ait Ichou, was amazing! We have traveled the world and he was one of our best guides ever! It is hard to imagine how anyone could have done a better job leading our trip. He was patient, kind, caring, sensitive, personable, engaging, and most of all knowledgeable. His demeanor put us at ease throughout the trip. Ali has a clear sense of pride in his people and Morocco and he answered our many questions with facts and insights. He shared his love for Morocco and his experience as a Moroccan Berber. He taught us about his country's cultures, religions, food, people, history, and geology. His attention to detail was simply outstanding. His handling of the trip was seamless. In many aspects he made the trip what it was ... excellent. He exceeded our expectations and made it a memorable trip ... an unforgettable experience. I can't think of a single thing Ali could have done better! We especially enjoyed the special things that would have been impossible for us to find or do on our own, such as our lunch with a Berber family in the mountains, our walks through community gardens, and our visit to a nomad family in the desert near the border with Algeria. We wanted to experience the local culture and Ali made sure that all our meals were special ... local non touristy places for the most part. Ali listened to our interests and then worked to fulfill them. If I mentioned a topic or a sight or showed him a photo of something we were interested in, he worked to include it in our itinerary. He made our visit a once in a lifetime experience. He was an outstanding leader and guide in every aspect ... and now he is our friend!

See all photos from Larry S. for Wilderness Travel

Mackenzie O.

Business Manager

Dec 1, 2023

Beautiful photos! Thank you so much for trusting us with your adventure to Morocco, we are overjoyed to hear it exceeded your expectations. We are so proud of our team (both in Berkeley and abroad) for facilitating this for you.

I had the privilege of taking a trip to Turkey with Wilderness Travel. It was an incredibly special experience and the most memorable trip I've ever been on. The Wilderness Travel team puts so much thought into their itineraries and the guides are so knowledgeable and kind. You really feel taken care of! Wilderness Travel balances adventure and luxury so well. The food was incredible at every meal. We had the opportunity to hike, kayak, snorkel, and ride in a hot air balloon. We learned about Turkish culture and history. It was all around an incredible trip that I will never forget!

Oct 27, 2023

Thank you so much for your kind words, Courtney! We hope to welcome you back for another WT adventure in the future.

Wilderness Travel is the BEST company to choose for the Galapagos Islands! We went as a family of 7 and every expectation was blown out of the water. Their team in the office quickly and thoroughly answered all our questions leading up to the trip (and we had a lot), and once we arrived we felt like we had the islands entirely to ourselves! Obviously, the animals were incredible (I was able to see everything on my "wishlist"), but the trip leader is really who made this a once in a lifetime trip. Fernando was kind, patient, funny, and an encyclopedia of knowledge (of course I've forgotten 90% of what I learned already!) He would give short "presentations" at the end of most days explaining the history of the islands, the geology, evolution, Darwin, and how modern politics affect tourism (for better and worse), which added a whole other dimension to our experience.. The boat crew was also magical. We were welcomed with tea and hot snacks immediately after returning from snorkeling excursions, fresh juice and fruit after walks in the sun, and feasts every night with a shocking amount of variety in meals. We were also traveling with a young child and the staff was extremely helpful (even offered babysitting during dinner) in making our trip as easy as possible. We were on the boat "the Passion" and there was a wonderful outdoor dining table that we ate at almost every meal, giving us nearly 360-degree views of the islands as we sailed to the next destination. It's one of the nicest yachts I've been on -- multiple different areas to lounge, a big screen TV/movie area, spacious bedrooms, and there was even a HOT TUB on the top floor! We would go back again in a heartbeat!

See all photos from Mari N. for Wilderness Travel

Sep 20, 2022

Thank you so much for your feedback, Mari. We're so glad you enjoyed your time in the Galápagos with us!

Wilderness Travel prepared an itinerary for us a South Africa Private Journey- a visit to Cape Town and then a safari experience at several private reserves in Greater Kruger. This trip was definitely a trip of a lifetime, and certainly one of our best trips ever. While we normally do all our own planning and booking, we felt that a trip to South Africa would be better if arranged by professionals, and Wilderness certainly validated that. From the start of the trip design to completion of the trip, it was an excellent experience. The choice of lodging and lodges, the day trips offered, and the reserves offered were all top notch. Our biggest, pleasant surprise was that 11 days in the bush was not too many, and that each reserve/lodge offered a different and happy spin on the safari experience. All of the logistical connections were incredibly smooth and nearly seamless-- our airport pick-ups/drop offs; guidance through the terminals and security for AirLink; porters; lodge pick-ups and drop-offs; and an air shuttle transfer between safari lodges and from Mala Mala to JNB airport at the end of our travels. We will highly recommend Wilderness to anyone contemplating a safari trip, and if the experience we had with them for this trip is indicative, they are an excellent choice for planning any of the trips they offer in their extended catalog.

Thank you so much sharing this, Bob! We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed your adventure with us in South Africa.

Wow! I have always wanted to go to Africa, but didn't have the first idea as to which country to vIsit, how long to stay, where to stay and what to do. This is where I relied on the expertise of Wilderness Travel. I dealt with two women, Barbara and Jennifer. They were both extremely knowledgeable and professional. The entire trIp was planned and booked. I didn't have to worry about thing, except inoculations and staying in my tent at night to avoid the leopards in camp. We first stayed at two camps in Botswana, then to Victoria Falls and a camp in Zimbabwe, and finally a stay in Cape Town. It was a trip of a lifetime. Everything was coordinated and communication with the agency was prompt and reliable. Thank you to Wilderness Travel for allowing me to experience what I did in Africa without any added stress.

See all photos from Stephanie J. for Wilderness Travel

Feb 19, 2020

Thanks so much for the wonderful feedback, Stephanie. Barbara and Jennifer are truly expert area specialists, and we are so happy they could share their knowledge and love for Africa with you and your sister. We are delighted to hear that you two enjoyed your adventure and we hope to welcome you both back for another trip in the future!

I just returned from my tenth trip with Wilderness Travel.My son and I did the Highlands and Isles of Scotland.We had a good group and two excellent guides both of whom were locals.The hiking was great as was the lodging.The scenery was spectacular! Another well organized and super trip with this company. Jake I. October 22,2019

Dec 9, 2019

Thank you so much for your feedback, Jake. Wow - ten trips! We know there are a lot of options out there when planning your adventures, and we are so grateful you continue to choose Wilderness Travel. We're thrilled that you and your son had such a fabulous time in Scotland and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!

I went to Madagascar with WT in Oct. My first trip with WT. it was a wonderful experience that exceeded my expectations ... and I'm picky! I was a single traveler however there were others so I didn't feel like odd lady out! The hotels were upscale with comfy beds. The French influenced cuisine was very good, too. Vy is an excellent guide and leads all the WT tours in Madagascar. He has an enthusiasm for showing others his country and was great about answering questions whenever approached. He's very knowledgeable as were the local guides. There was ample opportunity to hike and also to spend time mingling with locals at markets or in villages. Of course, the lemurs were amazing! I've travelled with Nat Geographic and looked at their trip before deciding who to travel with. WT won the day ... a much smaller group (12 v 25) more locations on the itinerary and over $1000 less for the single supplement. A no brainer!! I'm so glad I went with WT and I look forward to traveling with them again.

Jan 25, 2019

Hi Martha. Thank you for your kind message. We are so happy that you enjoyed your trip to Madagascar and traveling with Vy. We agree that he, and the rest of our local Malagasy team, are phenomenal ambassadors for Madagascar. We look forward to welcoming you to another adventure in the future!

Just returned from a week in the Galapagos with WT - Enchanted Isles trip on the MaryAnne. Loved it. They took care of everything and I was able to enjoy being present on a trip more than ever before. I am particular and have avoided trips like cruises and any kind of group tour, mostly to not have to deal with annoying/fussy tourists and because I seek authentic experiences. I took a chance with WT and was blown away. They provided the most real, professional and authentic experience I could have had in the Galapagos. From the start, Matt in the Berkeley office was kind and replied promptly. The hotels before and after the trip were luxurious and convenient. The people on our trip were a mix of married couples, singles, and friends traveling together. WT seems to attract good clients - all very warm/kind, classy but not fussy, educated, well traveled people. A few in their 30s, about half in their 40s and 50s, and a few over 60. Our guide Silvia was incredible. Toward the end of the trip, we came across other travel groups and I noticed the people seemed a little odd. As I overheard other guides talking I could immediately tell Silivia was providing us with a far more authentic experience. She knew the ropes and organized our days so we had the most privacy and exposure to the best the islands have to offer. I saw far more that I ever thought I could in one trip. I was relieved to actually enjoy the boat - definitely the best way to see the islands. I get seasick but adjusted after a day. You can be social and relax with the group during breaks or relax in your cabin if you want private time. Each room has it's own private bathroom. The crew was impressive. Such professional, talented, gracious, hard working people who aim to please. The operated in a way that was nearly invisible to the guests, but when I did happen to cross paths with one they were hustling. We would leave our room for a short hike on land and return to beds made with blankets folded in the shape of a cute Galapagos animal (that was the only kind of touristy thing, but it really was cute). Food was excellent. I was always well fed and couldn't wait for the next meal! Fish was especially fresh and dishes were beautifully presented. They accommodated vegetarians, dairy-free, people who don't like xyz, you name it. There were a variety of things served with each meal too, and if you didn't like something they would get something else. I could have baked better desserts though, but I bake a lot :) And they were operating out of a tiny boat kitchen - no clue how they even pulled off what they did. There were always snacks everywhere, a different fresh squeezed juice during every break, the works. I have never had better juices in my life and I juice at home. Overall, I can't believe I actually enjoyed an organized group trip more than my self-planned vacations. You sign up and the hardest part of the whole trip is packing for yourself. The price is worth it because of the quality, being able to see far more than you could on your own in a similar time frame, and being able to focus solely on enjoying and not logistics. Everything is professional, comfortable, accommodating and most of all, not tacky touristy. Thanks so much WT. TIPS: - Motion sickness: wearing one Scopolamine "scop" patch for 3 days was effective and easier that taking Dramamine/Bonine every 4-6 hours - Dark colors attract mosquitoes, yellow/orange attracts wasps. The best color to wear is tan/khacki! - The sun is strong. Consider wearing quick-drying long sleeves/pants for sun protection or use SPF 50+ - Bring a lightweight hat with a wide rim that covers the back of your neck. You'll want more coverage than a baseball hat.

Just got back from trekking to see the gorillas and chimpanzees with Wilderness Travel in Uganda. I've traveled extensively and this was the best experience by far. Small group , extremely well organized, experience of a lifetime. Can't wait to book my next trip with them. Just an outstanding experience !

Booked this trip through Wilderness Travel, the "Great Elephant Migration" through Botswana and Zimbabwe. This was our first time in Africa and our first time "glamping". Both Africa and the trip exceeded even our highest expectations. Everything about the trip was first class and amazing: 1. Wilderness Travel: great itinerary, perfect, responsive service, our contact at the company Lisa, Laferte answered all emails and questions promptly and courteously. The pre-trip information prepared us perfectly. 2. Accommodations (camps): we stayed at 4 different camps, all were amazing, and each one different with their own highlights: Camp Kuzuma; Nehimba Lodge; Jozibanini Camp; Zambezi Sands: 3. Wildlife: saw a great variety of wildlife. All the guides went out of their way to find the animals we wanted to see, and give us the best views and times for photo ops. 4. Staff and Guides: The staff was amazing at each lodge. They did everything and anything for us, and always with a smile. We had a lead guide at each facility, and they were all great. Special kudos to Clever of Nehimba Lodge, who is a true star. 5. Trip Leader: our leader, who was with us throughout the trip, John Laing, was AMAZING. It seemed like he never slept, and always had a smile and a joke. He tailored the trip to our group seamlessly and knew everything about the wildlife, fauna and history of the areas. A true superstar, who kept us safe and happy. Johns "intern" 19 year old Jamie, who was with us throughout Zimbabwe, was a treasure. Put this trip of a lifetime on your bucket list for sure.

Lion on safari during the "Great Elephant Migration"

Sep 24, 2019

Thank you so much for your feedback, Steven. We are thrilled to hear about your experience in Botswana and Zimbabwe. We have an extraordinary Africa team, both in-office and on the ground, and they work closely to ensure our clients have experiences like yours every time. It was a true privilege to introduce you to Africa, and we hope to share many more adventures in the future!

17 other reviews that are not currently recommended

Professional Charter Services

Scott B. said "We used Professional Charter Services for our company picnic. We had to charter two busses. The service was great, the busses were clean and the drivers were friendly - and on time!. My contact at the company's offices was very nice…" read more

in Bus Rental, Bus Tours, Buses

DPM Transportation

Ms. N. said "After reading Yelp reviews, we decided to give these guys a try. They truly delivered. Used the service from SFO to our hotel in Fisherman's Wharf. Rate was $85 due to our late hour arrival (normally it's $65) but this did include…" read more

People Also Viewed

INCA International Nature & Cultural Adventures

Vaya Adventures

Original World

Green Tortoise Adventure Travel

Edge Of Wonder Travels Unlimited

Travel Darlings

Isabelle Travel Genie

Flair Travel

Mountain Travel Sobek

Best of Berkeley

Things to do in Berkeley

Other Travel Services Nearby

Find more Travel Services near Wilderness Travel

Browse Nearby

Tour Agencies Near Me

People found Wilderness Travel by searching for…

Greek Travel Agency Berkeley

Safari Camp Sites Berkeley

Travel Agent Europe Berkeley

Wildlife Safari Berkeley

Related Cost Guides

Town Car Service

Authentic Travel Experiences

For Every Adventurous Spirit

Find Your Trip

Travel with the Experts

Pioneering Adventure Travel for 45 Years

Since 1978, we’ve remained dedicated to designing innovative trips to the most fascinating corners of the world. Our adventures offer something for every adventurous spirit—from African safaris to hiking odysseys in the Alps to expedition cruises in Antarctica. We invite you to join us!

Award-Winning Journeys

Crafting Trips for Every Travel Style

Browse our trips based on your specific interests. Whether you are looking for hiking and trekking adventures, snorkeling excursions, in-depth cultural encounters, or more, we have the trip for you.

Private Journeys

Special Events

Exploring Top Destinations

We have more than 200 trips in over 80 countries throughout the world. Check out some of our most popular destinations below or browse our full selection.

Experience Tanzania

Take a classic wildlife safari with skilled trackers in Serengeti National Park or climb Kilimanjaro—the roof of Africa! Enjoy expert guides, exclusive private camps, and luxury lodges.

Join us in the Alps

Experience the Alps the right way with our world-class mountain guides. Hike among soaring peaks, hidden hamlets, and lush valleys—this is the way to see the Alps.

Explore Peru

Savor fine hotels and cultural exploration in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, hike the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and trek the spectacular alpine trails of the Cordillera Blanca.

Discover Egypt

Enter a mysterious world of soaring temples in a timeless desert landscape, from the Great Pyramids to Abu Simbel to a luxury cruise on the Nile.

Hike the Himalayas

Be welcomed in tiny villages and mountainside temples, meet red-robed monks, explore colorful markets, and discover a unique Shangri-La kingdom.

Providing Unparalleled, Best-in-Class Service

Thoughtful Itinerary Design

Meticulously planned and artfully executed itineraries, perfectly paced and with the ideal balance of activities, including unique off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Sustainable & Meaningful Travel

We are committed to environmentally conscious, locally focused travel, offsetting our trips’ carbon emissions and working to preserve the cultures and ecosystems we visit.

Best Trip Leaders in the Industry

Our Trip Leaders all have an extraordinary knowledge of their destinations, and a passion to share their worlds with you.

Request a Free Catalog

Get inspired for your next journey with our 2024-2025 Catalog of Adventures! With award-winning photography and over 200 journeys around the world, it is truly a Dream Book that will grace your coffee table and feed your wanderlust.

REVIEWS FROM OUR CLIENTS

“Absolutely EVERYTHING about this trip was perfect: itinerary, food, lodgings, trip leaders, educational opportunities. A perfect example of why Wilderness Travel will always be our first choice when planning adventures.”

“We were taught so much beyond the usual viewpoint given to a tourist that I felt I had a much deeper understanding of the culture and history than I would have if traveling with a different company.”

“An incredible variety of activities was packed into the trip, yet we never felt rushed. It would be impossible to do what we did in the same period of time without the expertise of WT guides.”

“I have dreamed of taking this trip for years. Truly this journey exceeded my expectations on all fronts. The wildlife, terrain, people, staff and fellow trip mates made it an adventure to always treasure. I feel blessed and fortunate. Thank you Wilderness Travel. You have my complete confidence.”

“Because of our Trek Leader’s vast experience in the area, we used several trails that aren’t known to many trekkers and we were invited into Sherpa homes, which was wonderful. I had been dreaming of this trip for 30 years and now those dreams are fulfilled.”

“Couldn’t have asked for a more interesting trip and two outstanding guides, accommodations, and meals. This was our fourth trip with Wilderness Travel and one of the best (although we say that about every trip we have been on!)”

“I love Wilderness Travel! You select the best guides, a variety of special places to stay, the food is always plentiful and cultural, and the adventure is top drawer! Thank you for offering trips that expand one’s knowledge of other cultures while making it enjoyable and fun.”

“We are still on a high a month after the trip, having had wonderful guides, camp crew, co-travelers, and the right mix of comfort and authentic experience.”

“WOW! This was an extraordinary trip. It was meticulously planned, but allowed for many spontaneous interactions and delightful surprises. Another WT success story.”

“This was my first trip to India and I cannot imagine a better introduction. Because of the care with which the trip had been planned and organized, I was able to relax, enjoy, and try to fully absorb the experience without spending even a moment concerned about the quotidian details of the trip. What a luxury.”

“Everyone was so thorough and helpful. It was like being whisked around on a magic carpet. Doors opened, every wish fulfilled, amazing service!”

“It was an indescribable, life-affirming experience that I will always cherish. In particular, I wanted to commend your selection of Trip Leaders. Their skill, thoughtfulness, and dedication made the entire trip seem effortless even though the challenge was great.”

Talk to an expert

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our adventures around the world. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

The best tour company!! - Bridge to Moscow

• Europe    
• Russia    
• Central Russia    
• Moscow    
• Moscow - Things to Do    
• Bridge to Moscow

We took the datcha tour, Maria was incresible we couldnt thank her enough. It was one of the best... read more

The metro tour was very very interesting. My son loved it. And our guide Ivan was so friendly and... read more

The best tour company!!

I just returned from a week long visit to Russia. We live in the US and my husband found out he had to travel to Moscow to work. I decided to tag along. We didn't have much time to make plans and I contacted various tour companies. Bridge to Moscow (Katerina) responded the fastest. Via email, she always answered all my questions promptly, which was a great help. Additionally, you pay for the guide at the end of the tour, which made me feel better as I had heard stories about tour companies that were scams. Plus, of the four different guides I ultimately used (2 in Moscow and 2 in St Petersburg) they were the most affordable. But best of all, the guide I had with this tour company was the best one. (Too bad I didn't know that in advance!) Daniel, my guide for two days, was totally wonderful. He is unbelievably knowledgeable ( is there anything about Russia and its rich history he doesn't know?) He was also very interesting. For example, when he took me to see the Tretyakov Gallery, which is huge, he seemed to know which paintings were the most beautiful, the most engrossing. He would supply the political and historical backdrop that was necessary to appreciate the painting more fully. Additionally, he was really able to accomodate my touring needs. I really got a custom tour. I knew I had to wait to see the Kremlin and Arbat Street (my husband had to work the days I toured with Daniel) so Bridge to Moscow helped me figure out what else there was to see, which was plenty!! I liked Daniel's brisk pace (although I would assume he could move slower for those who so wish) especially since there is so much to see! I appreciated that even when we were simply walking from one place to the next, he was regaling me with Russian history, politics and fascinating tidbits. He even showed me relevant photos , to highlight things he was telling me (none of the other guides did this). I could tell that he had put much thought and effort into this tour, and this was very much appreciated. And he is thoughtful...Daniel even found me somewhere to eat that had a yummy salad (something I was having a hard time locating in Moscow! :-) I highly recommend Bridge to Moscow to people who want to see many cool things, some of them obvious to a 'tourist', some of them not so obvious, with an excellent guide who will help you learn more about the riveting tapestry of Russian history.

We had a fantastic half-day tour of the Kremlin guided by Katerina. She was enthusiastic about everything we saw, and could easily answer any questions. We visited the cathedrals and armoury chamber, and she picked out all the most interesting features and objects so that we saw the best of the enormous collections. We even had a lesson on the use of the metro, and some very useful advice on where to go for lunch afterwards. Organization of the tour was excellent. Initial contact was made through the website and then via email. We would definitely recommend this tour company.

We planned what we wanted to see and Anna followed up quickly with a good schedule, with timely response to my many questions. Katerina, as our guide, was ;patient, slowing her strides so we can keep up [ we are a group of 4 aged over 60 :-)] She is friendly and cheerful, always smiling. She has excellent knowledge of the places we visited, making them come alive with her narratives. Her insights on changes in Russia were enlightening. We also appreciated her recommendations on food We had a great time together!

Bridge to Moscow is without a doubt one of the most well-managed, professional, knowledgeable, personable, efficient, attentive guide services imaginable. If you want your visit to Moscow to go smoothly, connect first with Bridge to Moscow. Everything you expect as you use their web site is everything you receive in quality service. Their ability to customize and be flexible results from their considerable capabillities. Their information delivery comes from their education and their passion. They actually understand what they are talking about. I've spent time with Katerina, Anna, and Mikhail, and I expect that the other members of their team are equally qualified. Bridge to Moscow knows how to deliver on the expectations they set.

After going through their website i felt comfortable to book a full day tour with them. things that made me book with them was: 1) good looking website 2) was bale to see the guides (picture and their speciality) 3) very professional and fast response by email (from anna) 4) no advance payment (even though they booked tickets in advance!) So i booked a full day tour and i selected our guide. and my feeling after the tour, well all of us till today (a week later) still are talking about how great our guide was! his name was Mikhail and he was like a book full of knowledge about history which was useful when going to Kremlin. I highly recommend him. Anna from the company was also very professional and prompt in response. Thank you anna and Mikhail

We have never used a guide before, but our time in Moscow was brief (just a little over two days), and so we found Bridge to Moscow through simple Googling. The whole company sounded thoughtful, but we were particularly impressed with the brief biography and "testimonials" for Mikhail. Booking through Anna for a day and a half, he helped us to understand the city in a way that was well worth the price. For example, the day we visited the Kremlin, it was closed except for tours with guides. Mikhail also customized the tour based on our interests and suggested or verified things that we could do our own. A wonderful "bridge" to both Moscow and the Russians who live there, Mikhail could not have a been better guide.

Wilderness Travel   Reviews

In the Tour Operator category

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 4.8.

Most relevant

Traveling with wilderness

We have taken 10 trips with Wilderness and have enjoy every one. The itineries are well thought out and provided us with just the trip we wanted. The guides are excellent and we had full confidence in them. We look to take another trip with them soon.

Date of experience : March 20, 2019

Reply from Wilderness Travel

After 10 trips I think you are now officially a Wilderness Travel connoisseur, so your stamp of approval is very much appreciated. Looking forward to the next adventure with the two of you!

We've had several very good experiences…

We've had several very good experiences with Wilderness, the most recent a trip to the Sea of Cortes (Mexico). All the details were well organized and clear and the trip was just as described and just what we needed in January!

Date of experience : February 26, 2020

I have travelled with WT multiple…

I have travelled with WT multiple times, the most recent being New Zealand. I have never been disappointed with any aspect of our trip or destination! Our experience with WT guides has been that they are knowledgeable, competent, professional and very personable. The management team and booking agents are friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable as well. I am looking forward to booking my next adventure with WT!

Date of experience : May 14, 2019

Thanks, Diana. We are looking forward to welcoming you back on the next adventure as well!

"Amazing" doesn't say enough.

"Amazing" doesn't say enough. I have had the privilege of traveling with Wilderness Travel on multiple occasions now and every trip only makes me more excited to travel with them again. Their attention to detail is what sets them apart from other travel companies and makes them such an amazing company. No matter where you are in the world, or how far removed from civilization you are they ensure you are comfortable and enjoying your adventure. Traveling with Wilderness has become a family tradition as many of my family members are now dedicated customers who will never look for another group to travel with. You can not go wrong with Wilderness.

Date of experience : April 14, 2019

Thank you so much for your feedback, as a family-owned and operated business that is truly music to our ears. The privilege has been all ours!

Had 4 excellent trips and plan more

Had 4 excellent trips and plan more in the future. We've had uniformly great guides. The itineraries hit our sweet spot of challenging hiking trips for a sufficient period of time to really experience an area, and combined where feasible with great cultural opportunities. The accommodations and meals are generally very nice, not opulent, but supports a very good value proposition. Staff are always very knowledgeable and helpful. Bottom line, a great company.

Date of experience : June 19, 2019

We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences with us, Warren. We look forward to sharing more adventures in the future!

Perfectly planned and excellently…

Perfectly planned and excellently executed. My first trip with Wilderness Travel and I was impressed every step of the way from sign-up, getting my questions answered, itinerary and guides.

Date of experience : October 02, 2019

Thanks so much for your feedback, Tom. We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your first trip with us, and hope to share more adventures in the future!

Excellent! My daughter and I went on the Wilderness Travel trip to Patagonia and it was incredible. Everything so well organized, all the guides so knowledgeable about the local wildlife and birds and the history of the area, wonderful accommodations. It was a trip of a lifetime.

Date of experience : May 20, 2019

Thank you so much, Barbara. We have been fine-tuning our Patagonia program for over 40 years so we like to think we've gotten pretty good at it by now :) We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your time with us there, and hope to welcome you back on another adventure soon!

Wilderness Travel is the best company…

Wilderness Travel is the best company in the business, hands down. Both their front office and their guides are better than MTS, Geo-Ex, or anyone else.

Date of experience : March 14, 2019

Thanks Peter! We work hard to maintain that level of excellence and getting feedback like this makes it all worthwhile :)

Best group trip I've ever been on

Best group trip I've ever been on. Great guides, good weather for the most part. The folks in the office provided all the info we needed to be well prepared for the trip and the guides gave us daily updates and suggestions to prepare for each day's adventure. Fabulous trip.

Date of experience : May 01, 2019

Our Berkeley office and staff on the ground together every day with the goal of earning feedback just like yours... so thank you!

We have been on multiple Wilderness…

We have been on multiple Wilderness Travel adventures. We have nothing but good things to say about the trips we have taken. Each one has provided many wonderful memories,

Date of experience : February 25, 2020

Wilderness is the best

Wilderness is the best. They get everything right. Great destinations, interesting itineraries, first class guides, small group size, excellent accommodations. We have been on a number of trips and they have all been great.

Thank you so much, Marshall! We are all hard at work to continue being worthy of such a ringing endorsement :)

We are traveling with WT again!

We have traveled with Wilderness Travel two times and they were very memorable experiences. The staff was amazing at handling unusual events, delivering what they promised, accommodated different eating requirements, and showed true concern that we were having a great time. We have already booked another trip with them.

Date of experience : December 16, 2019

Wilderness Travel is a premier…

Wilderness Travel is a premier organization that takes excellent care of its' clients. Guides food, accommodations- are above first class. Trip groups are small and I highly recommend them!

Date of experience : May 10, 2019

Thank you so much for the kind words, Gayle!

Great experience w the whales! Terrific guides! The food was exceptional! Packing list could be refined just a bit to correspond w actual trip needs (eg anti malarial)

Date of experience : April 03, 2019

They truly are majestic creatures, we're so glad we were able to share that experience with you. Thank you so much for the feedback, we have been refining these adventures for 40 years and hope to continue refining for 40 more!

My husband and I have taken over ten…

My husband and I have taken over ten trips with Wilderness travel. All trips were beautifully planned with the most personable and knowledgeable guides in the business.

Thanks so much for the review Elizabeth! It’s been an absolute pleasure planning these trips for you and Doug over the years.

WT is always the company we trust when…

WT is always the company we trust when we do group travel. Our experience is that we get the best guides and the best accommodations the country has to offer, and very experienced trip leaders. I recommend WT to anyone who asks for a recommendation.

Date of experience : July 03, 2019

Thank you so much for your feedback, Ellen! Our Trip Leaders are all at the top of their fields and it makes such an impact on the quality of the trip. We are so glad to hear that you feel the same way!

Great travel company

Great travel company! Awesome and knowledgeable leaders. They pay attention to, and take care of, all the details to make for a relaxing and enjoyable trip. A true vacation!!!

Thank you so much, Kat! We find it's much easier to appreciate the "big" moments when you aren't caught up worrying about the little things. We're so glad we were able to facilitate that for you. We hope you join us for another true vacation in the future!

Wilderness Travel did a terrific job…

Wilderness Travel did a terrific job with our trip. The boat we were on for the Galapagos portion of our trip was fantastic. All of the guides we had were excellent and really knew their stuff.

Date of experience : June 10, 2019

Thank you so much for sharing your feedback, Lora. We are delighted to hear you had such a wonderful time in the Galapagos with us. Having such expert naturalists on board really does make all the difference!

Great Travel Experiences

My wife and I have been on three trips with Wilderness Travel including Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and Antartica. Wilderness Travel has always given myself and my wife excellent service and delivered trip experiences that meet or exceed our expectations. We know good service as we're experienced travelers having visited over 40 countries in Europe, Africa, Asia and South America and used a number of travel services as well as traveling on our own. Thank you Wilderness Travel.

Wilderness Travel has the best trips.

Wilderness Travel has the best trips to the best places with the best available places to stay, the best food, the best cultural experiences, and the best guides. Most other guests on the trips are pretty good too.

Thank you so much for your kind words, Billy. We are thrilled to hear you've had such wonderful experiences on our adventures!

Wilderness Travel   Reviews

In the Tour Operator category

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 4.8.

Most relevant

"Absolutely fantastic experience with…

"Absolutely fantastic experience with this travel company! From start to finish, everything was seamless. The itinerary was well-planned, accommodations were top-notch, and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a memorable travel adventure!"

Date of experience : 02 April 2024

Wilderness Travel: Great! But Always Room for Improvement

We've taken five trips with Wilderness Travel (WT). That in itself is a review and recommendation. WT is great! But there's always room for improvement. Consider adding/planning more customized trips for those who want more flexibility than what is offered on fixed itineraries; eg. Raja Ampat offers nothing but snorkeling for 12 days. Must be other things to see and do. Trip leaders can make or break a trip. Keys to successful leadership are a passion for the place and subject matter with an equal measure of love for sharing it with the people/group on the trip. Some have it; others aren't as good at connecting with the people. Keep looking for great leaders and winnow out the ones that don't have their hearts in it.

Date of experience : 11 May 2019

Reply from Wilderness Travel

Thank you so much for your review, Spencer! At Wilderness Travel we try to set a very high bar for ourselves, and feedback like yours helps us continue to push that bar higher. Your suggestion to add more customizable trips is a great one. We are constantly expanding our Private Journey collection where the trip, activities, and accommodations can be customized to meet the interests of the private group. When logistics allow, we are also adding more and more hiking trips where we are able to offer two daily options (longer and shorter hikes). We could not agree more about the importance of our Trip Leaders to our adventures! When people ask what sets our trips apart, we always start by speaking about our Trip Leaders, who are an incredible group of individuals. We have very high standards for the leaders we hire, and as you mentioned—we look not only for leaders with deep subject matter expertise, but also those who are also truly passionate about sharing their country and knowledge with our travelers. Thank you again for taking the time to give us such thoughtful feedback and helping us continue to strive for excellence! We appreciate it and hope to welcome you on trip #6 soon!

Patagonia, Iguazu, Buenos Airles

We recently enjoyed a 3 week trip to Argentina & Chile. Two weeks was arranged through Wilderness Travel. Our focal point was Patagonia and the hotels, transfers and guides were very good. Patagonia was spectacular and Wilderness guided some good decisions, such as staying at Estancia Christina for 2 nights instead of one. The hotels were uniformly high quality. One part of the Patagonia hiking that could be improved is having a variety of hiking options. Our first day hike was more ambitious than some members of our foursome was expecting. We also did a two day trip to Iguazu Falls. We had the most outstanding guide of the entire trip. This is someone who loves sharing what he is most passionate about, and is a true naturalist. We had multiple trips to Buenos Aires since it's the transporation hub and no matter where your ultimate destination is you are always going back through Buenos Aires. The city is so spread out it's hard to get a sense of it if you are only there for one or two days.

Date of experience : 27 March 2020

Dream trip to Africa

My dream of going to Africa came true, I waited for it for 3 years, all I had to do was go to the Wilderness Travel website, choose the trip I was interested in and they took care of the rest. When I landed in Africa I felt something that cannot be described, I was so happy. I can definitely say that Africa changed me, I discovered something in myself that I didn't know and I found myself. Thank you once again Wilderness Travel, you made my dream come true, I recommend everyone to use their services.

Date of experience : 30 September 2023

Trip exceeded all expectation!

The Indochine Tour not only met our expectations but far exceeded them. Our guide, Matthew, was extremely knowledgeable and you could tell he loved what he was doing, and the local guides shared stories of their respective countries and provided us with experiences only availed to smaller groups (there were 7 of us). This was our second trip with Wilderness Travel and will certainly not be the last. Love Wilderness Travel! And the accommodations were first rate!!

Date of experience : 02 January 2020

Best way to see Africa imaginable

We have traveled extensively and at all levels in Africa, and despite having done high end tent camping safaris previously the one we experienced with WT is the one we'll remember. You really couldn't imagine anything more beautifully organized, well thought through, and staffed by the most knowledgeable and genuinely warm guides we have ever had the pleasure to meet. Five stars isn't enough. WT is in a class by itself.

Date of experience : 01 May 2019

That is wonderful to hear, Mark. Thank you so much for your feedback. We are thrilled we could show you Africa through our eyes :)

A Small Group tour that focuses on regions outside the usual cities.

A small group tour where you get to know everyone and learn a lot about the country from the guide. The tours focus on the countryside or more extreme adventures and mostly ignore the usual big-name cities. The guides work hard to make the trip enjoyable for everyone, even when plans change due to weather or other local conditions.

Date of experience : 23 March 2019

Thanks, Keith! We have always aimed for more intimate, "off the beaten path" adventures so we are delighted to hear that.

All of the off ship tours were extra &…

All of the off ship tours were extra & this was an expensive trip to begin with. Have been on other trips where only exceptional tours are extra. The ship itself & all the people on it were wonderful.

Date of experience : 30 July 2019

Thank you, Elaine, for your feedback. We are so glad that you enjoyed your experience on our recent Special Event: Total Solar Eclipse Cruise. Please note that almost all of our Wilderness Travel small ship adventures include shore activities at no additional cost. However, for this particular departure, we were subject to the procedures of the cruise company itself, which did not include extra excursions in their costs. We completely understand your points above and do appreciate your reply. Overall, we felt that this particular boat was the best choice for our plans in the region, and we're so glad that you enjoyed the ship and those onboard. We hope to welcome you to another Wilderness Travel trip in the near future!

Hiking in Cornwall: A typically wonderful WT trip.

This Cornwall trip was my third WT trip in the UK and all of them have been first rate. The guides are gems, full of good cheer, incredible local knowledge, and uncommon generosity. Richard Bell designed this trip and has it planned to the finest detail. The schedule is wonderfully mixed, with cultural sessions blended in with the hiking. My wife especially appreciated the fact that we stayed 3-4 nights in each hotel. The coastal scenery is stunning. Our other WT trips were equally well-planned, beautiful and comfortable. We are signed up for two more next year!

Date of experience : 23 September 2019

We are so happy you enjoyed your time traveling with Richard! It is such a treat to see Cornwall through his eyes and we are delighted we were able to share that with the two of you.

We traveled to the Galapagos for a…

We traveled to the Galapagos for a 15-day cruise among the islands aboard the three-masted schooner "Mary Anne" . Everything about the trip was amazing. Wilderness Travel coordinated and arranged all details, which were flawless. They were also helpful in arranging additional stay for us prior to the group arrangements. They were always available to answer questions. Truly excellent!

Date of experience : 02 July 2019

We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your time in the Galapagos! They really are spectacular islands and we've found they are best experienced when you can relax and not worry about the logistics.

Amazing Morocco

Amazing Morocco It was an amazing trip where we were able to see varied geography and cultures from the Medina of Fex to the Sahara Desert to the High Atlas Mountains to the large city of Marrakech and to a seaside town of Essouria. Two highlights for us were riding camels and staying in a tented camp in the Sahara and four-wheel backroading in the High Atlas Mountains. We were also able to see how Berber Nomads lived. The entire trip was so fun and interesting and we had a truly amazing guide, Mohammed. This was definitely a 5-star trip!

Date of experience : 24 May 2019

Mohammed really is a gem, isn't he? We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your time exploring this spectacular country. We hope to have you back for another 5-star adventure in the near future!

We have gone on 3 very diverse trips…

We have gone on 3 very diverse trips with Wilderness travel - a safari, hiking in Patagonia and a cruise to Antarctica via Polar Latitudes. Each was a great experience from the pick up at the airport to the drop off at the very end. All the leaders were experienced, personable, and knowledgeable in their fields. We were treated with courtesy and kindness. Travel was punctual, and we always knew what to expect. The trip planning was easy and the personnel responsive to our emails, texts and phone calls. We won’t think twice about traveling again with Wilderness Travel!

Date of experience : 02 April 2019

This is music to our ears, Pam! Thank you so much for the feedback.

A diverse cultural experience

A diverse cultural experience with a taste of 5 countries. Mostly easy hiking, but poles should be required and travellers should learn how to use them before they begin this trip.

Date of experience : 01 October 2019

We have traveled with Wilderness Travel…

We have traveled with Wilderness Travel on some 20 trips starting in 2010. We have always found their office staff able to answer our many questions and to provide information to enable us to prepare for our travel. Their guides are always exceptional and their trips are always well organized. We plan to continue our travels with them.

Date of experience : 13 March 2019

Thank you for the kind words! Your feedback is invaluable to us, especially because you have traveled on so many of our trips. We look forward to welcoming you on more adventures in the future :)

Always a great experience

We have been on multiple trips with Wilderness Travel and have always had great experiences. The guides are knowledgeable, friendly and go out of their way to make sure your trip goes smoothly. Many of our trips have been centered around hiking and we've always felt the itineraries were well thought out and appropriately challenging.

Date of experience : 06 July 2019

Our Trip Leaders really are the best of the best, and we put a tremendous amount of thought into our itinerary design so that is wonderful to hear, thank you so much!

Can't Wait to do another Tour with Wilderness!

This was my second tour with Wilderness and it outdid all my expectations.We had an amazing tour guide who taught us about every aspect of Costa Rica. He chose restaurants and hotels with personal care. Each lodge gave great service and hospitality and the food was terrific.

Date of experience : 09 April 2019

Thank you so much for your kind words, Joan. We are thrilled to hear about your experiences in Costa Rica and we can't wait to exceed your expectations again on the next adventure!

Wilderness travel folks thought of…

Wilderness travel folks thought of everything we would need and lots of extras we were surprised by that made our trip even more enjoyable. The staff and guides are the very best in terms of their knowledge and commitment to making the trip unforgettable. Our trip was absolutely amazing in every respect.

Date of experience : 26 February 2020

I have traveled with several travel…

I have traveled with several travel companies and Wilderness Travel ALWAYS comes up as my number one travel company. The guides are knowledgeable, helpful, and experts in the history and customs of each place. I have found the guide truly "makes" the trip by introducing such a first hand depth of immersion into the city or country. A true appreciation makes each trip not only an adventure, but also a lifelong remembrance of the local people we have met.

Date of experience : 01 April 2019

Rudrick - you're far too kind! We couldn't agree more that high quality Trip Leaders are the key to unforgettable experiences. We're so glad you've enjoyed joining us on these adventures as much as we have enjoyed planning them :)

Our trip was excellent in every respect…

Our trip was excellent in every respect - trip leader, local guides, drivers, staff at estancias. Obviously, a great deal of effort was spent on planning the hikes and other activities, travel, accommodations. Our trip leader Rob Noonan and all the guides educated us in every aspect of Buenos Aires and Pataonia - history, geology, meteorology, flora and fauna. The hikes were strenuous, but we could set our own paces, so, even I, at age 74, was able to complete all the hikes without overtaxing myself. A trip that was good for the mind and body - what else could you want?

Date of experience : 10 March 2020

Fantastic Experience

I've been on several trips with Wilderness Travel (Belize, Patagonia, Galapagos) and look forward to many more in the future. I've had extremely positive experiences with the office staff when signing up and the trips themselves have been exemplary, once-in-a-lifetime adventures. The Galapagos was a real dream come true - if you get the chance don't hesitate to go! WT has amazing guides, unique lodgings, they've got it all.

Date of experience : 17 December 2018

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

Visit odintsovo, check odintsovo hotel availability, popular places to visit.

You can learn about the history of Moscow with a trip to Red Square. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed theater scene.

• Moscow Kremlin

Visit the most iconic square in Russia, which is bordered by many of the city’s most famous landmarks.

• Bolshoi Theatre

A centerpiece of the Russian arts scene, this theater’s magnificent auditorium and top-tier productions will impress even the most jaded theatergoer.

• St. Basil's Cathedral

Think of Russia and you probably picture this iconic building, whose onion-shaped domes overlook the Moscow skyline.

• Lenin's Mausoleum

Mourners and curious visitors stream to the grave to see the embalmed Vladimir Lenin, the famous revolutionary and one-time leader of the Soviet Union.

• Armoury Chamber

Visit one of Moscow’s oldest and most revered museums and discover more about Russian royal life and military history.

• Cities near Odintsovo

• Places of interest
• Odintsovo Museum of History and Local Lore
• Crocus City Hall
• Moscow City
• Crocus Expo Center
• Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy
• Arbat Street
• State Historical Museum
• Moscow State University
• State Tretyakov Gallery
• Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Victory Park
• VEGAS Crocus City
• Luzhniki Stadium
• New Tretyakov Gallery - Museum of Modern Art
• Ostankino TV Tower
• Minin and Pozharsky Monument
• Vnukovo Airport Public Museum of Battle and Labor Glory
• Sparrow Hills
• Triumphal Arch

Wilderness Travel   Reviews

In the Tour Operator category

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 4.8.

Most relevant

"Absolutely fantastic experience with…

"Absolutely fantastic experience with this travel company! From start to finish, everything was seamless. The itinerary was well-planned, accommodations were top-notch, and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a memorable travel adventure!"

Date of experience : 02 April 2024

Wilderness Travel: Great! But Always Room for Improvement

We've taken five trips with Wilderness Travel (WT). That in itself is a review and recommendation. WT is great! But there's always room for improvement. Consider adding/planning more customized trips for those who want more flexibility than what is offered on fixed itineraries; eg. Raja Ampat offers nothing but snorkeling for 12 days. Must be other things to see and do. Trip leaders can make or break a trip. Keys to successful leadership are a passion for the place and subject matter with an equal measure of love for sharing it with the people/group on the trip. Some have it; others aren't as good at connecting with the people. Keep looking for great leaders and winnow out the ones that don't have their hearts in it.

Date of experience : 11 May 2019

Reply from Wilderness Travel

Thank you so much for your review, Spencer! At Wilderness Travel we try to set a very high bar for ourselves, and feedback like yours helps us continue to push that bar higher. Your suggestion to add more customizable trips is a great one. We are constantly expanding our Private Journey collection where the trip, activities, and accommodations can be customized to meet the interests of the private group. When logistics allow, we are also adding more and more hiking trips where we are able to offer two daily options (longer and shorter hikes). We could not agree more about the importance of our Trip Leaders to our adventures! When people ask what sets our trips apart, we always start by speaking about our Trip Leaders, who are an incredible group of individuals. We have very high standards for the leaders we hire, and as you mentioned—we look not only for leaders with deep subject matter expertise, but also those who are also truly passionate about sharing their country and knowledge with our travelers. Thank you again for taking the time to give us such thoughtful feedback and helping us continue to strive for excellence! We appreciate it and hope to welcome you on trip #6 soon!

Patagonia, Iguazu, Buenos Airles

We recently enjoyed a 3 week trip to Argentina & Chile. Two weeks was arranged through Wilderness Travel. Our focal point was Patagonia and the hotels, transfers and guides were very good. Patagonia was spectacular and Wilderness guided some good decisions, such as staying at Estancia Christina for 2 nights instead of one. The hotels were uniformly high quality. One part of the Patagonia hiking that could be improved is having a variety of hiking options. Our first day hike was more ambitious than some members of our foursome was expecting. We also did a two day trip to Iguazu Falls. We had the most outstanding guide of the entire trip. This is someone who loves sharing what he is most passionate about, and is a true naturalist. We had multiple trips to Buenos Aires since it's the transporation hub and no matter where your ultimate destination is you are always going back through Buenos Aires. The city is so spread out it's hard to get a sense of it if you are only there for one or two days.

Date of experience : 27 March 2020

Dream trip to Africa

My dream of going to Africa came true, I waited for it for 3 years, all I had to do was go to the Wilderness Travel website, choose the trip I was interested in and they took care of the rest. When I landed in Africa I felt something that cannot be described, I was so happy. I can definitely say that Africa changed me, I discovered something in myself that I didn't know and I found myself. Thank you once again Wilderness Travel, you made my dream come true, I recommend everyone to use their services.

Date of experience : 30 September 2023

Trip exceeded all expectation!

The Indochine Tour not only met our expectations but far exceeded them. Our guide, Matthew, was extremely knowledgeable and you could tell he loved what he was doing, and the local guides shared stories of their respective countries and provided us with experiences only availed to smaller groups (there were 7 of us). This was our second trip with Wilderness Travel and will certainly not be the last. Love Wilderness Travel! And the accommodations were first rate!!

Date of experience : 02 January 2020

Best way to see Africa imaginable

We have traveled extensively and at all levels in Africa, and despite having done high end tent camping safaris previously the one we experienced with WT is the one we'll remember. You really couldn't imagine anything more beautifully organized, well thought through, and staffed by the most knowledgeable and genuinely warm guides we have ever had the pleasure to meet. Five stars isn't enough. WT is in a class by itself.

Date of experience : 01 May 2019

That is wonderful to hear, Mark. Thank you so much for your feedback. We are thrilled we could show you Africa through our eyes :)

A Small Group tour that focuses on regions outside the usual cities.

A small group tour where you get to know everyone and learn a lot about the country from the guide. The tours focus on the countryside or more extreme adventures and mostly ignore the usual big-name cities. The guides work hard to make the trip enjoyable for everyone, even when plans change due to weather or other local conditions.

Date of experience : 23 March 2019

Thanks, Keith! We have always aimed for more intimate, "off the beaten path" adventures so we are delighted to hear that.

All of the off ship tours were extra &…

All of the off ship tours were extra & this was an expensive trip to begin with. Have been on other trips where only exceptional tours are extra. The ship itself & all the people on it were wonderful.

Date of experience : 30 July 2019

Thank you, Elaine, for your feedback. We are so glad that you enjoyed your experience on our recent Special Event: Total Solar Eclipse Cruise. Please note that almost all of our Wilderness Travel small ship adventures include shore activities at no additional cost. However, for this particular departure, we were subject to the procedures of the cruise company itself, which did not include extra excursions in their costs. We completely understand your points above and do appreciate your reply. Overall, we felt that this particular boat was the best choice for our plans in the region, and we're so glad that you enjoyed the ship and those onboard. We hope to welcome you to another Wilderness Travel trip in the near future!

Hiking in Cornwall: A typically wonderful WT trip.

This Cornwall trip was my third WT trip in the UK and all of them have been first rate. The guides are gems, full of good cheer, incredible local knowledge, and uncommon generosity. Richard Bell designed this trip and has it planned to the finest detail. The schedule is wonderfully mixed, with cultural sessions blended in with the hiking. My wife especially appreciated the fact that we stayed 3-4 nights in each hotel. The coastal scenery is stunning. Our other WT trips were equally well-planned, beautiful and comfortable. We are signed up for two more next year!

Date of experience : 23 September 2019

We are so happy you enjoyed your time traveling with Richard! It is such a treat to see Cornwall through his eyes and we are delighted we were able to share that with the two of you.

We traveled to the Galapagos for a…

We traveled to the Galapagos for a 15-day cruise among the islands aboard the three-masted schooner "Mary Anne" . Everything about the trip was amazing. Wilderness Travel coordinated and arranged all details, which were flawless. They were also helpful in arranging additional stay for us prior to the group arrangements. They were always available to answer questions. Truly excellent!

Date of experience : 02 July 2019

We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your time in the Galapagos! They really are spectacular islands and we've found they are best experienced when you can relax and not worry about the logistics.

Amazing Morocco

Amazing Morocco It was an amazing trip where we were able to see varied geography and cultures from the Medina of Fex to the Sahara Desert to the High Atlas Mountains to the large city of Marrakech and to a seaside town of Essouria. Two highlights for us were riding camels and staying in a tented camp in the Sahara and four-wheel backroading in the High Atlas Mountains. We were also able to see how Berber Nomads lived. The entire trip was so fun and interesting and we had a truly amazing guide, Mohammed. This was definitely a 5-star trip!

Date of experience : 24 May 2019

Mohammed really is a gem, isn't he? We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your time exploring this spectacular country. We hope to have you back for another 5-star adventure in the near future!

We have gone on 3 very diverse trips…

We have gone on 3 very diverse trips with Wilderness travel - a safari, hiking in Patagonia and a cruise to Antarctica via Polar Latitudes. Each was a great experience from the pick up at the airport to the drop off at the very end. All the leaders were experienced, personable, and knowledgeable in their fields. We were treated with courtesy and kindness. Travel was punctual, and we always knew what to expect. The trip planning was easy and the personnel responsive to our emails, texts and phone calls. We won’t think twice about traveling again with Wilderness Travel!

Date of experience : 02 April 2019

This is music to our ears, Pam! Thank you so much for the feedback.

A diverse cultural experience

A diverse cultural experience with a taste of 5 countries. Mostly easy hiking, but poles should be required and travellers should learn how to use them before they begin this trip.

Date of experience : 01 October 2019

We have traveled with Wilderness Travel…

We have traveled with Wilderness Travel on some 20 trips starting in 2010. We have always found their office staff able to answer our many questions and to provide information to enable us to prepare for our travel. Their guides are always exceptional and their trips are always well organized. We plan to continue our travels with them.

Date of experience : 13 March 2019

Thank you for the kind words! Your feedback is invaluable to us, especially because you have traveled on so many of our trips. We look forward to welcoming you on more adventures in the future :)

Always a great experience

We have been on multiple trips with Wilderness Travel and have always had great experiences. The guides are knowledgeable, friendly and go out of their way to make sure your trip goes smoothly. Many of our trips have been centered around hiking and we've always felt the itineraries were well thought out and appropriately challenging.

Date of experience : 06 July 2019

Our Trip Leaders really are the best of the best, and we put a tremendous amount of thought into our itinerary design so that is wonderful to hear, thank you so much!

Can't Wait to do another Tour with Wilderness!

This was my second tour with Wilderness and it outdid all my expectations.We had an amazing tour guide who taught us about every aspect of Costa Rica. He chose restaurants and hotels with personal care. Each lodge gave great service and hospitality and the food was terrific.

Date of experience : 09 April 2019

Thank you so much for your kind words, Joan. We are thrilled to hear about your experiences in Costa Rica and we can't wait to exceed your expectations again on the next adventure!

Wilderness travel folks thought of…

Wilderness travel folks thought of everything we would need and lots of extras we were surprised by that made our trip even more enjoyable. The staff and guides are the very best in terms of their knowledge and commitment to making the trip unforgettable. Our trip was absolutely amazing in every respect.

Date of experience : 26 February 2020

I have traveled with several travel…

I have traveled with several travel companies and Wilderness Travel ALWAYS comes up as my number one travel company. The guides are knowledgeable, helpful, and experts in the history and customs of each place. I have found the guide truly "makes" the trip by introducing such a first hand depth of immersion into the city or country. A true appreciation makes each trip not only an adventure, but also a lifelong remembrance of the local people we have met.

Date of experience : 01 April 2019

Rudrick - you're far too kind! We couldn't agree more that high quality Trip Leaders are the key to unforgettable experiences. We're so glad you've enjoyed joining us on these adventures as much as we have enjoyed planning them :)

Our trip was excellent in every respect…

Our trip was excellent in every respect - trip leader, local guides, drivers, staff at estancias. Obviously, a great deal of effort was spent on planning the hikes and other activities, travel, accommodations. Our trip leader Rob Noonan and all the guides educated us in every aspect of Buenos Aires and Pataonia - history, geology, meteorology, flora and fauna. The hikes were strenuous, but we could set our own paces, so, even I, at age 74, was able to complete all the hikes without overtaxing myself. A trip that was good for the mind and body - what else could you want?

Date of experience : 10 March 2020

Fantastic Experience

I've been on several trips with Wilderness Travel (Belize, Patagonia, Galapagos) and look forward to many more in the future. I've had extremely positive experiences with the office staff when signing up and the trips themselves have been exemplary, once-in-a-lifetime adventures. The Galapagos was a real dream come true - if you get the chance don't hesitate to go! WT has amazing guides, unique lodgings, they've got it all.

Date of experience : 17 December 2018

Suggested companies

Kensington tours, sea the city jet ski, good life expeditions.

Wilderness Travel   Reviews

In the Tour Operator category

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 4.8.

Most relevant

An incredible experience!

We enjoyed everything about our trip to Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia! The food was amazing and the sights and cultures we experienced were incredible!

Date of experience : May 16, 2019

Reply from Wilderness Travel

Thank you so much, CM. We're delighted to hear you had such an extraordinary time on our Indochine trip!

The world around

The world around, the guides of Wilderness Travel are wonderful. Everything is well thought out and organized. After 5 trips, I have no complaints.

Date of experience : March 26, 2019

Thank you, Stephen! That's music to our ears :)

Excellent tour company

Excellent tour company, great guides, very good choice of accommodations and food. Their tours provide a high level experience: history, culture, current events. In our experience WT attracts a well educated, well traveled, active, inquisitive, congenial and compatible tour group which adds to the experience.

Date of experience : May 13, 2019

Thank you, Michael! We'd have to agree that our clients are the best in the world :)

I want to express my sincere…

I want to express my sincere disappointment and displeasure with our Wilderness Travel, trip "Magical Madagascar". Let me start by saying that my wife and I have travel extensively. We have been to Africa, South America, Indonesia, French Polynesia, and many other locations. Never have we encountered anything like Madagascar. Madagascar is a country completely devoid of infrastructure. The roads we travelled in the north and south were horrifying. We were subjected to gut wrenching, bone jarring, reverberating rides, on roads that had potholes that could swallow entire vehicles.These rides ruined this vacation for not only for me and my wife , but also for everyone in our travel group. (Yes, we discussed this among ourselves, repeatedly) These are not conditions that develop quickly, but occur because of decades of neglect. The omission of such conditions prior to our purchase of your trip is unforgivable. In the north, the ride to Ankarana took 4.5 hours (2.5 hours in itinerary). The ride to Berenty took 4 hours, and the ride to Andasibe took 5 hours (3 hours in itinerary). Because of the durations of these drives, every activity held on these days had to be modified and shortened. This deprived us of significant wildlife viewing time and opportunity. It also created a group of physically and mentally exhausted travelers who never had a minute to rest or relax upon arrival at any location. Additionally, the trip was further complicated by the presence of and elderly couple who were not physically capable of participating in this type of travel. The older gentleman was 84, he was never asked by Wilderness Travel to present medical proof of his fitness to participate. He was unable to walk more than a kilometer without being physically exhausted. He fell three times during the trip and had to be evacuated from one of the hikes by vehicle. This created a problem for the trip leader who had to accompany the couple on every activity and occupy one of the groups guides for every hike. This action caused our entire group to be short changed on every wildlife hike. There were no options for longer hikes or photo oriented hikes, and nearly every hike was shorter than advertised. Seven of the ten of us got some level of gastrointestinal upset. Four were unable to leave their rooms. The sanitary conditions are not safe. Another unforeseen problem with the trip had to do with the Madagascar Airary. We arranged for you to exchange $200 each in advance of our arrival. We attempted to spend it at the airport gift shops in Antananarivo, but found that no shop would accept this Malagasy money. We then tried to exchange it back to US currency in both Madagascar and South Africa, and were informed that no one wants or will exchange their currency. We were stuck with $200 dollars worth of Airary. Again, Wilderness Travel gave us no insight or advice that the monetary system in Madagascar would be so unstable. As you can see from my letter, our trip was anything but "Magical". I hope that moving forward you will stop promoting this adventure to unsuspecting victims. A travel company of your stature should be ashamed of misrepresenting a country that is slipping back into the stone ages as Magical. Shame on you! Shame one me, for being fooled by your lovely brochure.

Date of experience : September 24, 2019

All the trips I've participated in have…

All the trips I've participated in have been memorable - the places visited, the guides, the hotels and other accomodations always comfortable, usually unusual, sometimes fancy, excellent food, superb picnics. The guides, for their knowledge, their interest in their guests and their sense of humor have made each trip special.

Date of experience : May 11, 2019

Thank you, Liz. Our guides truly are the best in the world. We're so glad you have enjoyed your adventures with them!

Incredible trips with a stellar company…

Incredible trips with a stellar company that pays attention to every detail. Knowledgeable local guides, great food and accommodations. Patagonia should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Date of experience : April 09, 2019

Thank you so much for your feedback, Susan. We have been planning adventures in Patagonia for over 40 years and we couldn't agree more!

The Best Trip of my Lifetime

In August of 2019, we flew across the ocean to join up with Wilderness Travel for a bucket list trip - a photo safari in Tanzania - something I've wished for since I was a little girl. We have traveled with Wilderness Travel before and found their trips to be safe, fun, and engaging with professional, interesting guides along with comfortable accommodations and delicious food. Our Tanzania trip surpassed our previous experiences and expectations. As passionate wildlife photographers, we need certain elements for outstanding photography such as early morning light and the perfect location from which to photograph the animal. The guides understood our needs as if they had been to photography school themselves, and we brought home prize-worthy images and memories never to be forgotten. We loved it so much we have booked our reservations for 2021 to capture the spring migration in the Southern Serengeti. I couldn't recommend a better travel company.

Date of experience : September 20, 2019

Our first choice

We have been on trips with them more times than I can count. Their guides are always the best and they make complicated logistics seem easy.

Date of experience : March 17, 2019

Thanks so much for the review, Koren! We will keep up the hard work so we can remain your first choice for years to come :)

A great experience on all levels.

Everything about this trip was topnotch: the scenery, the guides, the food and lodging, the pace of the trip and ability to learn about the country. WT knows how to do New Zealand.

Date of experience : December 17, 2019

Wilderness Travel offers well-planned trips

Wilderness Travel offers well-planned, active travel suited to a range of interests and parts of the world

Date of experience : March 10, 2020

THe most fabulous trip! Scenery, country, guides, food, accommodation - all top marks!

Date of experience : May 21, 2019

Thank you for the feedback! Namibia is such a remarkable destination and we're so grateful to be able to share its magic with our guests :)

All my adventures with WT has been…

All my adventures with WT has been GREAT....First class and always educational and exciting!!!!!!!!!!!!

Date of experience : February 26, 2020

WT sets the bar for travel companies

WT sets the bar for travel companies - an amazing array of locales with top notch guides, top notch experiences and top notch amenities.

Date of experience : May 10, 2019

Don't forget top notch clients :) Thank you so much for your kind words, Lisa.

The Wilderness Travel Tanzanian local guides were wonderful!

The local guides were knowledgeable, personable and showed us genuine Tanzanian hospitality. The local staff were friendly, provided the best services and always helpful.

Date of experience : July 30, 2019

Thank you, Karen! We really do have a dream team in Tanzania, they are outstanding individuals and we are so lucky we get to work so closely with them.

The walk from Siena to Rome was…

The walk from Siena to Rome was challenging but very rewarding. The guides were terrific!

Date of experience : December 16, 2019

Out tour guide Kate Wilkins was…

Out tour guide Kate Wilkins was competent, knowledgeable and kind. Very good experience.

Date of experience : October 02, 2019

Thanks so much, Kathy. We are delighted to hear you enjoyed your time traveling with Kate, she really is a gem!

Wonderful trip to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand

Excellent pre-trip prep, excellent guides, excellent communication and service during the trip all served to make this the trip of a lifetime. Would recommend to every busy person for a no hassle vacation.

Thank you so much, Robert. We have found that when we are able to handle all the details and logistics for our travelers, they are able to really soak in their surroundings and be fully present for these once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Very well organized trips & groups are…

Very well organized trips & groups are great. Everyone gets along. I look forward to a new group of friends with each trip. They are on time & friendly. Lots of fun. No loose details!

Thank you, Bob! We may be biased but we think Wilderness Travelers make for the very best company :)

Fantastic trip

Fantastic trip, great guides, beautiful countryside, iconic villages. A very memorable trip with great people.

Date of experience : July 03, 2019

Thank you so much for your kind words, John. We are thrilled you enjoyed the trip so much and we can't wait to welcome you on another adventure in the future.

Slight confusion over paying (or not)…

Slight confusion over paying (or not) for drinks!

Date of experience : May 20, 2019