Wild Colombia

13 days/12 nights from
$14,405
per person share twin
Flights are additional

This nine night itinerary includes three vastly contrasting areas, from the exciting Chobe National Park riverfront, the serene waterways of the Okavango Delta and endless space and ancient beauty of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park and Nxai Pan National Park.

Exclusive activities and specialist guides will give you in-depth knowledge of Botswana's incredible and dynamic eco-systems and the abundant wildlife that call it home.

Deal Includes
✔ 12 nights accommodation
✔ All scheduled internal flights and road transfers
✔ Meals as per itinerary, including some alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
✔ A professional host, accompanied by local guides
✔ All activities cited in the itinerary, including MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences
✔ Complete, personalised documentation prior to departure
✔ Gratuities and National Park fees
✔ This is a carbon neutral journey

* Price is per person based on twin share. Please speak to our team or view our terms and conditions for more information

13 days/12 nights 
From $14,405 per person twin share
Travel: 03 February 2023


What You Will Do

• Stay in unique, hand-picked accommodations that are evocative of your destination.

• Enjoy intimate daily activities in some of Colombia’s richest and most secluded wildlife regions.

• Each day you will be led by experienced guides and trackers to make the most of your experience.

• Enjoy locally-inspired cuisine, discover world-famous Colombian coffee.

Why We Love It
❤ Colombian style safari searching for the fascinating giant anteater and the elusive puma in Los Llanos.

❤ Explore the habitat of one of the smallest primates-the Cotton Top Tamarin, led by the projects co-founder.

❤ Horse riding with the Llanero-cowboy and learning their culture, characterized by centuries of traditions.


ITINERARY

Day 1: BOGOTA

Bienvenidos a Colombia - Welcome to Colombia!

Upon your arrival in Bogota you will be greeted by your guide, who will brief you on your upcoming itinerary. You will have a private transfer from the airport to your hotel, located in the modern and exclusive La Cabrera neighborhood in the north of Bogotá, in one of the liveliest areas of the city. Overnight at B.O.G hotel.

Inspired by the greatest treasures of Colombia, gold and emerald, the BOG was designed with an artistic and creative touch, evoking sensations to through colour and the ability to create experiences.


Day 2: BOGOTA - YOPAL - LOS LLANOS

After breakfast, transfer by flight and road to Corocora Camp. The camp is situated in the heart of Los Llanos, a region of wetlands, savannahs, rivers, palm groves and gallery forests that attract and nourish an extensive array of wildlife. Settle in and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before lunch. The camp uses local ingredients and traditional techniques and recipes to showcase the very best of Colombian cuisine.



After lunch, enjoy our first guided nature walk, exploring the reserve in search of local fauna and attend a lecture on some of the wildlife conservation projects that help to protect this highly vulnerable ecosystem. (B)(L)(D)




Day 3: LOS LLANOS

The Anteater Project has been a pioneer in the conservation of these endangered mammals.  Anteaters only have one offspring per year and are therefore very sensitive to human interference and loss of natural habitat.  Set out early with a researcher to track the giant anteater. Upon locating the animal, we will observe the researcher to take the animal’s temperature and, if required, fit with a tracking collar.

Upon return to the camp, tuck into a hearty breakfast. After some time to relax, listen in on a lecture from a senior researcher at the Cunaguaro Foundation, where we will learn about the Anteater Conservation Project.

In late afternoon, when the sun is low and wildlife more active, explore the heart of Los Llanos on horseback. Ride alongside a local llanero-cowboy across the endless plains, cross rivers and track wildlife. We will also be accompanied by an English-speaking naturalist guide who will point out key species including capybaras, anacondas, giant and lesser anteaters, howler monkeys, and if we are lucky, ocelots and pumas. If you are uncomfortable riding horseback there is the option for a 4x4 expedition.)



Our day concludes with a traditional Parrando Llanero or bonfire dinner, with live music played by harp, guitar and maracas. (B)(L)(D)


Day 4: LOS LLANOS

Panthera’s Puma Program seeks to protect pumas by conducting critical ecological research, communicating the puma’s role in ecosystems, and addressing the wide-ranging persecution facing the species.  Today we join a local biologist from the Guacaco Conservation Project, that collaborates with the Panthera Foundation, on a mission to set-up camera traps to track jaguars and pumas.

Enjoy the rest of the morning at leisure or join one of our guides on a nature walk, bird watching or even take part in a coffee tasting.

After lunch, embark on a Colombian-style safari alongside our expert guide and llanero-tracker, who will lead us to wildlife hotspots. Our safari concludes with an exhilarating night adventure tracking the elusive puma. (B)(L)(D)

Day 5: LOS LLANOS - MEDELLIN

This morning is dedicated to locating the primary bird species of the reserve, including hundreds of white, grey and scarlet-coloured herons and the emblematic scarlet ibis, known locally as Corocora.

In the afternoon, we visit a local farm where we will enjoy a country style lunch while attending a lecture from the International Panthera Foundation. Later in the day we fly to Medellin. (B)(L)


Day 6: MEDELLIN - GUATAPE - MEDELLIN

Nicknamed the City of Eternal Spring for its climate, historically rich Medellin charms with its friendly locals, contrasting landscapes of the city along the valley floor and the jagged peaks of the Andes at its edges, and is one of the most innovative cities in the world.

Travel out of the city through the Eastern Highlands of Antioquia to visit Peñol Boulder, a monolith 200 meters high. Climb the staircase to the top to enjoy breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains and lakes. Explore the village of Guatape, a charming 19th-century town that is one of Colombia’s most photographed. Guatape is famous for the colourful fresco-like adornments called zocalos found on nearly every building in the town’s historic centre. Enjoy a traditional lunch and a boat ride on Guatape Lake before returning to Medellin. (B)(L)


Day 7: MEDELLIN - EL ALMEJAL RESERVE

Transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to Bahia Solano on the Pacific Coast. Nestled in Colombia’s Choco region, The Almejal Reserve is nourished by countless rivers and abundant rain. Each year olive ridley turtles crawl onto Choco’s beaches to nest. In the afternoon, we visit the Golfina Turtle Conservation Project which over the last sixteen years has protected over 1,000 nesting sites and enabled the release of 115,000 baby turtles. Return to the lodge where a delicious dinner will be awaiting. (B)(L)(D)Today we are in for a special treat as we journey to Nxai Pan National Park for a full day exploring and searching for ‘Botswana’s Secret Migration’, a recently re-discovered zebra migration that travels from Chobe National Park to Nxai Pan. It’s a total return journey of 1,000km making it Africa’s longest migration. (B)(L)(D)

Day 8: EL ALMEJAL RESERVE

Today we explore El Almejal, an 8-hectare nature reserve, we will learn about the reserve’s reforestation program and contribute by planting a native tree. This afternoon, we embark on a dugout canoe for an excursion on the tranquil Tundó River. Our expert guide will point out interesting flora known for their powerful medicinal properties. A short walk through the forest leads us to a waterfall where we can enjoy a refreshing swim before heading back. (B)(L)(D)


Day 9: ENESENADA DE UTRIA NATIONAL PARK

Ensenada de Utría National Park is one of the most biodiverse places on earth. The lush tropical environment creates a thriving habitat for the wildlife found here which includes, anteaters, Chocoan night monkey, blackhanded spider monkey and the endangered black howler, as well as Baird’s tapir, armadillo, Hoffman’s two-toed sloth, ocelot and jaguar. Around 270 species of birds may be observed in Utria National Natural Park.   

This morning we embark by boat to the Utría National Park. At the park’s Interpretation Centre we will hear from an expert biologist about the conservation projects developed in Utría, and how the local communities are actively involved. Explore the park’s unique natural environment and be amazed by emerald green coves filled with crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a farewell dinner while watching a traditional dance by the women’s group La Tejada. (B)(L)(D)

Day 10: EL ALMEJAL RESERVE - CARTAGENA

Transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to beautiful Cartagena. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to the Bantú Boutique Hotel, situated within the spectacular colonial walled-city. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 11: LOS COLORADOS SANCTUARY

Los Colorados Wildlife Sanctuary is located about a two-hour drive southeast of Cartagena. Here in the nearly 2,575 acres that belong to the National Parks system of Colombia, visitors learn about the tropical dry forests of Montes de Maria.

The Sanctuary is named after Los Colorados hill due to the abundance of red howler monkeys and its one of the largest protected areas in northern Colombia, of the endangered Cotton-top tamarin.

The trails are designed to maximise the opportunities to see unique flora and fauna from the region and to meet a famous local resident, the cotton-top tamarin.We will then visit Proyecto Tití, a conservation project dedicated to protecting the endangered cotton-top tamarin. Enjoy lunch under the trees as the tamarins play around. (B)(L)

Day 12: LOS LIMITES

We depart early for Los Límites near the Caribbean coast. After a roughly five kilometre hike to the field station, we will join a researcher from Proyecto Tití in tracking the cotton top tamarins under study where we will observe their behaviour and take photographs. Later, meet some local farmers and learn about regional crops and how eco-friendly agricultural practices are helping protect the forests that cotton-tops call home.

During lunch, meet United National Development Program artisans who create beautiful, hand-made tote bags crocheted from recycled plastic bags. Return to the hotel and freshen up before a tour of historic Cartagena. Begin at Fort of San Felipe de Barajas, a masterpiece of military architecture, it offers spectacular views of the old walled-city. Continue to the historic centre, a maze of cobblestone streets and colourful houses and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the sun sets we walk to the beautiful Baluarte de Francisco Javier Restaurant which sits atop the old city walls and offers delicious Colombian-Caribbean style tapas and views over the city. (B)(L)(D)

Day 13: CARTAGENA

We depart early for Los Límites near the Caribbean coast. After a roughly five kilometre hike to the field station, we will join a researcher from Proyecto Tití in tracking the cotton top tamarins under study where we will observe their behaviour and take photographs. Later, meet some local farmers and learn about regional crops and how eco-friendly agricultural practices are helping protect the forests that cotton-tops call home.

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