Luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent, known for its adventure travel and exciting itineraries taking you to far-flung places and off-the-beaten-track destinations is launching a globe-spanning itinerary that takes you across the world via private jet to see some of the world’s most notable wildlife, from the Big Five in Africa to giant pandas in China to whale sharks in the Philippines.
A pioneer in private jet travel since 1989, private jet itineraries are nothing new to the travel company, founded by Geoffrey Kent in 1962. Only fifty guests will get to experience this once-in-a-lifetime trip from February 15 through March 10, 2020 – and even just a year away, there are only a few remaining spots on the trip.
You’ll travel on a private Boeing 757 that has all the amenities of a luxurious private plane. Whether you’re traveling with friends, your significant other or simply to meet a group of likeminded travelers, flying a private aircraft allows you to travel to places otherwise inaccessible – or a bit more unreachable – than if you were flying commercials.
On this trip, stay in five-star accommodations in every country you travel to and encounter authentic experiences with locals. With Abercrombie & Kent’s insider access, you’re bound to have a once-in-a-lifetime cultural trip.
February 15
Board your flight in Seattle where you’ll meet with your travel guests and leadership team over dinner at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel.
February 16-19
In the morning, you’re off to Japan: Tokyo for sushi and sake; Nagano to see the snow monkey; and a day excursion to Kawazu. The Peninsula Tokyo is your home base for the few days you’re there. Enjoy sightseeing at temples, shrines, end the day with spa treatments.
February 20-21
China is your next stop – you’ll visit the Giant Panda Breeding Center to see these marvelous creatures in all their glory. A guide will take you to the Kuan Shai Jie in Chengu. By night, enjoy a bian lian performance – a traditional Chinese theater style where performers where colorful masks.
February 22-24
The Philippines awaits – you’ll visit Cebu and stay in Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa. Enjoy a cocktail reception and relax for the night before an adventurous helicopter ride to Bohol where you’ll visit a tarsier sanctuary. The next day, design your itinerary – you can swim with whale sharks, golf or indulge in resort activities.
February 25-26
Malaysia is known for honey bears and orangutans – exotic Borneo is exactly where you’ll be for a day or two. Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Sanctuary and go on an Abai River cruise the next day. The eco-diversity is incredible here – more than 50 mammal species reside in this area, as do 1,000 plant species and 200 bird species.
February 27-29
One of the highlights of the trip is seeing bengal tigers in Jaipur at Ranthambore National Park. Embark on jungle drives to see these tigers, as well as wild boar, deer, antelope and sloth bear. Lessons in Indian cuisine or a cultural encounter at a local village are activity options here.
March 1-3
Gorillas and golden monkeys, oh my! Volcanoes National Park is home to these lovely creatures – this is a true once-in-a-lifetime chance to see these mountain gorillas as they are close to being extinct. Your lodge experiences here will make you feel as though you’re only one of a few people left on the planet. The remoteness of it all will take your breath away.
March 4-6
Arguably one of the most beautiful places on Earth, you’ll skip the tourists and travel to the island of Nosy Be. The fragrant ylang-ylangs grow everywhere. Play with lemurs – small, cute creatures known for being interactive with all tourists.
March 7-10
End your trip with what everyone’s been waiting for: the Big Five in Kenya. Travel to Masai Mara and land the plane to tribal dancers performing a welcoming dance. After checking into your safari lodge, you’ll head out on a safari game drive to see lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and Cape buffalo. You’ll meet nomadic herders from Maasai village and be able to contribute to the conservation project.
From $139,950 per person, abercrombiekent.com