Adventure Travel

Belize is rich with opportunities for exploration -- Mayan temples, traditional villages wildlife reserves and more than 100 islands off its coast. From hiking forest trails to scuba diving on the second longest barrier reef in the world, Belize is an irresistible getaway..

South Africa offers a kaleidoscope of adventures from vineyard touring among the country's award-winning wine estates to big game safaris on private reserves to sophisticated shopping and dining in Cape Town. And much of it is uniquely family friendly such as malaria-free reserves are ideal for families with young children. Many of the extraordinary boutique hotels, lodges and inns are genuinely family friendly with specialized programs and activities catering to individual interests.

New Zealand is blessed with spectacular landscapes from rugged fjords to the rough-cut Southern Alps. It's two principal islands – North and South - are also ripe with adventures from winery tours, to a swim with the dolphins, to a private helicopter excursion of Milford Sound. Hike the magnificent coastline, go trout fishing or kayaking. The opportunities to discover New Zealand are rich and varied.

Savor an in-depth exploration of some of the unique landscapes and natural ecosystems of New Zealand from the Bay of Islands in the north to Milford Sound in the south. Discover Rotorua’s roiling mud pools, and Abel Tasman National Park’s golden beaches and sculptured granite cliffs. Take in the City of Sails, Auckland, distinctive Hawke’s Bay with its abundance of local vineyards, and the artisan city of Nelson. Savor a wide variety of outdoor adventures from sailing to fishing to a private helicopter excursion to majestic Milford Sound.

Travel far off the beaten track to explore the wilderness character of Northern Australia, from ancient aboriginal rock art site to some of the country’s most wild and rugged terrain of the Kimberley and sacred sites in Arnhem Land. Discover small fishing townships, pristine beaches and as well as UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kakadu National Park.

The Southern Coast of Australia is a region of lush wilderness, the sophisticated cities of Adelaide and Sydney and amazing island adventures found on Tasmania and Kangaroo islands.

This adventure explores very distinctive environments ranging from the unique and dramatic world of the Southern Ice Fields to the northernmost reaches of Chile. Authentic encounters with Andean cultures, a cruise among glaciers and treks in Patagonia assure travelers of an exceptional adventure.

Explore the wealth of Colombia’s historic Spanish colonial cities, including Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena. Enjoy the plantations of the famed coffee region, which has its own fascinating cultural history. Surf, kayak or go whale watching along the Pacific coastline around Nuqui. Colombia is a thoroughly captivating country.

Colombia’s cultural and natural gems are on display here. There are the historic Spanish colonial cities of Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena. At a market, meet members of the indigenous Guambiano community from local mountain villages who come to shop and sell. Delve into Colombia’s rich history at Tierradentro Archaeological Park. This is a rewarding, multi-faceted journey.

Chile offers thestunning landscapes of Patagonia and Atacama, rich traditions, sophisticated cities, and enough adventure to call you back time and again.

Mongolia brings a rush of images of nomads and wild horses, sweeping steppes and the vast Gobi Desert. This remarkable destination also presents opporutnities for kayaking in a pristine lake, explore the fascinating 17th captila city and disocver 1,000-year-old Uushgiin Deer Stones, one of the best-preserved monuments of its kind in Mongolia.

Botswana offers glimpses of old Africa with game viewing that can be done both day and night and from hides as well as from vehicles, by mokoro (canoe) and on foot. Small, private tented camps on private reserves allow you to experience the African bush up close.

Explore Uganda's amazing habitats including Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to some of the last mountain gorillas; and Queen Elizabeth National Park, which has some of the largest concentrations of hippo in the world.

South Africa and Zimbabwe make for the perfect city/country adventure with safaris on private game reserves in search of the big five – lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant; and exceptional cusiine and accommodations from safari lodges to luxurious hotels.

On the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman offers the traveler sunrises on a solitary beach, traditional Bedouin settlements and dramatic desert landscapes. For the fifth year, one of Big Five Tours & Expeditions’ adventures has been ranked among National Geographic Traveler’s 2013 “50 Tours of a Lifetime.” This Oman journey travels into the heart and culture of this fascinating country.