Japan: Snow Monkeys | Philippines: Tarsiers & Whale Sharks | Malaysia: Honey Bears & Orangutans | India: Bengal Tigers | Madagascar: Lemurs | Rwanda: Gorillas & Golden Monkeys | Kenya: The Big Five
Following a sell-out of its inaugural 2020 Wildlife Safari: Around the World by Private Jet journey, Abercrombie & Kent has released details on the 2021 departure which promises epic encounters with rare wildlife, from Madagascar’s playful lemurs and the placid whale sharks of the Philippines to the endangered mountain gorilla, honey bears, tigers and more.
A&K has curated each up-close wildlife experience and combined them into one remarkable journey. Just 48 guests will have the opportunity to encounter iconic – and often critically endangered – animals in their natural habitats and spend time with leading conservation experts.
Guests will discover little-known species like Japan’s snow monkey and the tiny Philippine tarsier, swim with whale sharks and go behind-the-scenes to feed orphaned orangutans. Experts who have spent their lives studying these remarkable animals will share their insights. The extraordinary journey ends with a safari in East Africa, where A&K began, with panoramic views, a vast range of wildlife including the continent’s iconic species and a rich cultural heritage to explore.
Privileged Access & Personalised Experiences
Private jet travel with A&K also allows guests to personalise the journey with a choice of Design Your Day activities, including active outdoor excursions, enriching cultural encounters and relaxing wellness experiences. In Rwanda, guests may choose to hike to Bisoke Volcano, visit gorilla researcher Dian Fossey’s research centre, search for golden monkeys in the jungle or simply relax in camp with a massage. In India, choices include a tour of historic Ranthambore Fort, a cultural encounter in a local village, the chance to savour the complex spices of Indian cuisine during a private cooking lesson or pampering at a world-class spa.
A&K’s network of worldwide experts collaborated in the design of this journey, filling it with authentic, invitation-only events. There are discussions with experts on the measures implemented to protect endangered wildlife including a gorilla doctor, the founder of the Bornean Sunbear Conservation Centre and the president of the Groupe d’Etude et de Recherche sur les Primates de Madagascar.
One of A&K’s most experienced Tour Directors orchestrates the journey from start to finish. On the ground, guests travel in small groups of no more than 16, each led by a Tour Manager, assisted by expert local guides who share their personal stories and lend insights well beyond any guidebook. A dedicated Photo Enrichment Coach helps guests make the most of every wildlife encounter, with tips and advice for capturing animals in their natural habitats. There is also an onboard physician who travels with the group throughout the journey.
Distinctive Accommodations
Lodgings reflect the distinctive character of each destination and offer authentic hospitality. These include not only the classic luxury of The Peninsula Tokyo and The Oberoi Vanyavilas in Ranthambore, but also lesser-known gems such as the boutique Angama Mara, perched on the edge of the Great Rift Valley overlooking the Masai Mara, and an array of luxury lodges in Rwanda, reserved exclusively for A&K Private Jet guests.
A&K’s Travelling Bell Boy service ensures luggage is waiting in guest rooms at each hotel. Guests may also take advantage of complimentary laundry service, Traveller’s Valet, midway through the journey.
Fine Dining & Entertainment
Meals are more than just a chance to dine at the end of the day – they are a feast for the senses, with local entertainment and stunning natural backdrops. There’s an authentic Japanese kaiseki feast presided over by accomplished geisha, traditional Filipino cuisine at a private culinary festival and a torchlit feast in an amphitheatre in Ranthambore. There are also several opportunities to sample cuisine at local restaurants — with A&K picking up the bill.
Luxury in the Air
Travelling by private jet allows guests to experience far more than on a conventional itinerary – with greater comfort and ease. Onboard A&K’s privately-chartered Boeing 757 are 50 custom-designed Italian leather seats equipped with personal massage system, 4-way adjustable headrests and lumbar support, that open to fully lie-flat beds. Additional seating enables guests to mingle in comfort with their travelling companions. There is a fully stocked, open bar featuring top-shelf wine and spirits, in addition to first-class meal service and a full range of hot beverages. Completing the in-flight experience is a dedicated cabin crew with a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:6. Amenities onboard are designed to make guests feel at home, including noise-cancelling headphones and curated entertainment selected to complement the itinerary.
A&K’s 23-day Wildlife Safari: Around the World by Private Jet journey takes place from 10 January – 2 February 2021 and is priced from $216,665 per person twin share, with the single supplement priced from $28,915.
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