Wildland Adventures Answers the Call of the Wild with New Programs in Sri Lanka, Costa Rica and Zambia

Wildland Adventures heeds the call of the wild with programs in three exotic destinations during prime times for late 2015 and 2016 travel. The destinations are Sri Lanka, Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula and Zambia.

All three programs incorporate Wildland Adventures’ “Wild Style” travel philosophy that embraces authenticity and meaningful cultural interaction that helps break down barriers and separates travelers from tourists, at the same time contributing to local communities and environmental initiatives."While exploring the most wild and primitive places on Earth, we do it in a style that embraces both traveler comfort and authenticity of experience," explains Wildland founder and visionary director Kurt Kutay. "For example, when venturing into the wilds of Zambia on a walking safari, there is nobody between you and the wildlife except your exceptionally keen and knowledgeable guide whose job it is to allow a safe yet intimate distance without impacting or disturbing the animals."

To that end, Wildland Adventures is introducing this new line-up of “Wild” journeys… 

Wild Sri Lanka is a 15-day adventure that journeys from the island nation’s mountain highlands to its marine habitats, focusing on the 15 percent of the country that has been dedicated to wildlife preservation and protection. Safaris through three different national parks offer guests the opportunity to see leopards, sloth bears and herds of wild elephants. Travel is by energy-efficient vehicles and bicycle, with stays at certified eco-lodges.

Activities include mingling with locals, touring UNESCO World Heritage Sites, night and boat safaris, jungle ruins, a visit to an elephant rehabilitation camp, whale watching, observing newborn turtles at Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, and biking through coconut and tea plantations. This trip focuses on the local benefits of tourism by working directly with the remote communities visited. The gateway city is Colombo. The per person double rate is $5,086. While there are set monthly departures throughout 2016, Sri Lanka is truly a year round destination for anyone wishing to set up a private itinerary.  See: http://www.wildland.com/trips/asia/sri-lanka/wild-sri-lanka/overview.aspx

Into the Wilds of the Osa Peninsula goes where elusive jungle cats still roam in Costa Rica. This eight-day itinerary ventures deep into the Corcovado National Park, identified by National Geographic as “one of the most biologically intense places on the planet.” Here on the Osa Peninsula hiking through rainforests, kayaking coastal waterways and rivers and snorkeling from pristine beaches showcase rare and exotic species including the elusive puma and jaguar, tapir, herds of collared peccaries, sloth and assorted monkeys, all the while in a cacophony of calls and warbles of myriad tropical birds.

Trip proceeds support research and habitat preservation of Neotropical cats in the Osa. An optional overnight can be arranged in the remote and rustic facilities of the Sirena Ranger Station. The gateway city is San Jose. The per person double rate is from $3,795. Departures in 2015 are Nov. 21, and Dec. 19, 21, 23 and 26. Departures in 2016 are Jan. 9 and Feb. 11, with other dates to be announced. The Wildland Adventures staff suggests that families may want to plan this as a holiday trip. Rates for children 12 and under are $2,995. See: http://www.wildland.com/trips/central-america/costa-rica/osa-peninsula-wildland-adventure/overview.aspx

Wild Zambia Safari is a 10-day active adventure in Zambia that includes an optional night camping under the stars in the wilderness of South Luangwa National Park. Wildland travelers explore with expert wildlife guides the wonders of South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Parks on foot, by canoe, and in specially outfitted 4x4 safari vehicles. This is where the African walking safari originated. The trip includes a five-mile trek (guest luggage is transported ahead) from Luwi to Nsolo bush camps, tracking game through habitat where wild dogs roam among herds of buffalo, giraffe, elephant and wildebeest. Pods of hippos and noble elephants share river space while paddling the shores of Lower Zambezi National Park. Guests learn to read the sands along the river for signs of lion that may not be far away.Per person double rates are from $7,450. Departure dates are available upon request. See: http://www.wildland.com/trips/africa/zambia/Wild_Zambia_Safari/overview.aspx