Wildlife of the World by Private Jet

Arrive in Singapore and meet your experts and fellow Guests for a welcome reception and dinner.

Fly by private jet to Sandakan on Borneo’s northeastern coast and drive to the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve. Encounter rescued Malayan sun bears at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and continue to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to observe orangutans and learn about the organization’s efforts to protect them. These critically endangered great apes—endemic to only Borneo and the Indonesian island of Sumatra—share some 97% of their DNA with humans. Spend 2 nights in the heart of the lush Kinabatangan River basin. Explore jungle waterways by boat with naturalist guides and venture into the rainforest on foot to search for Borneo’s unique species: orangutans, gibbons, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants and a range of rare birds.

Touch down in Jaipur, the capital of the desert state of Rajasthan, and settle into your splendid accommodations at Rambagh Palace, a former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Set out to explore the “Pink City,” where sauntering camels share the road with rickshaws, and majestic, rose-colored monuments overlook bustling bazaars. Visit the 16th-century Amber Fort, the historic seat of Jaipur’s Rajput rulers. Admire the fort’s enchanting architecture, a blend of Mughal and Rajput styles, as well as its exquisitely carved, hand-painted ceilings. Or take a drive through old Jaipur to see the city’s pink sandstone walls and many beautiful gates. You’ll also marvel at the honeycomb façade of the Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of the Winds, and discover the magnificent City Palace. Time permitting, stop by the 18th-century royal observatory known as Jantar Mantar.

Drive southeast to Ranthambore National Park, once the private hunting ground of the maharajas and now a protected habitat for the endangered Bengal tiger, whose population has finally begun to increase thanks to conservation efforts. Set out on safari in 4x4s to search for leopards, sloth bears and the sambar—Asia’s largest species of deer. With luck, you may glimpse the elusive tiger. If you wish, visit Dastkar Ranthambore, an NGO dedicated to improving livelihoods in the surrounding communities, to see locally made embroidery, block prints and pottery.

Fly by private jet to Mattala, Sri Lanka and transfer to your beachfront lodge. Explore the diverse ecosystems of Yala National Park on safari, seeking out elephants, leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer, peacocks and some 200 bird species. Then venture to the coastal wetlands of Bundala National Park to see a plethora of migratory and resident birds—and perhaps a crocodile basking in the shallows. If you wish, visit Kataragama temple and attend the evening puja, a ceremonial worship sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and the indigenous Vedda people.

Arrive in Malé, the capital of this stunning Indian Ocean archipelago. Made up of some 1,200 coral islands and protected by barrier reefs, the Maldives stretch across more than 500 miles (805 km) of ocean just south of India. Stay on one of these spectacular coral isles and spend time discovering extraordinary marine habitats and getting acquainted with local culture. You’ll have the chance to go snorkeling, take part in local traditions, or look for dolphins and other marine life on a wildlife cruise. Enjoy time on your own to relax on private, white-sand beaches or indulge in the resort’s world-class spa.

Fly by private jet to Nosy Be, a stunning island off Madagascar’s northwestern coast where you’ll settle into bungalows nestled among tropical gardens. The next morning, cruise to Lokobe Reserve for a hike in the lowland rainforests, home to black lemurs and Nosy Be panther chameleons. Or sail by catamaran to Nosy Tanikely to explore the island’s diverse flora and fauna and to snorkel among vibrant reefs. In the afternoon, visit Lemuria Land, a nature reserve that harbors many of Madagascar’s endemic species, including lemurs, lizards, chameleons, orchids and more. End the tour at a distillery where the essential oils of the island’s prevalent ylang ylang flower are extracted. Enjoy a festive dinner with a performance by local musicians.

Land in Johannesburg and continue on a local charter and/or commercial flight to Phinda Private Game Reserve, where 7 distinct habitats—from mountains and wetlands to rare dry-sand forests—harbor a spectacular array of wildlife. Settle into one of 2 intimate lodges within the park, then set off with expert rangers and trackers on an open-vehicle safari. Stop for cocktails as the sun sets and watch for nocturnal creatures on the ride back to your lodge. Enjoy 2 full days in this remarkable habitat on sunrise and late-afternoon wildlife drives. Seek out the famed “Big Five”—lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and Cape buffalo—and spot some of the nearly 450 bird species seen on the reserve. During free time between safaris, take a bush walk with a ranger or relax on your veranda, enjoying the view. Gather one evening for a special dinner in the bush, accompanied by a marimba band.

Make your final wildlife stop in Rwanda, where jungle-clad volcanoes harbor a growing population of mountain gorillas. On a full-day gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, search for these fascinating giants that the late Dian Fossey studied with support from National Geographic. Learn about conservation efforts and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime chance to sit among gorilla families and observe them at close range. Then seek out endangered golden monkeys with a resident biologist and attend a talk by a researcher at the Karisoke Research Center before returning to Kigali for a night. Alternatively, opt to stay in Kigali and delve into the inspiring stories of Rwanda’s people. At the Kigali Memorial Centre, meet survivors of the genocide and hear their stories of fear and loss—and of reconciliation and healing. Toast your extraordinary wildlife adventure at a festive farewell dinner.

After breakfast, fly to Rome and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy dinner with your fellow Guests and return home via commercial air the following day.