Few people have explored the world with the breadth and depth of Sir David Attenborough. And his next milestone — turning 100 years old on May 8, 2026 — adds another feather to his much-decorated cap. It’s a moment that invites reflection, not simply on a life extraordinarily well lived, but on his unmistakable voice and curiosity that changed the way we see ourselves in relation to nature.

From Life on Earth (1979) to The Blue Planet (2001) and Wild Isles (2023), each documentary offers a different perspective of the natural world. Attenborough took us to the biodiversity-rich Galápagos islands, the thriving coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific, and towering cliffs full of birdlife in Ireland.

A recipient of the United Nations Champions of the Earth Lifetime Achievement Award, he encouraged us to explore Mother Nature in person. But most importantly, he drove the travel conversation to that of conservation. Ocean with David Attenborough, released ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference in 2025, brought the crisis of marine destruction to mainstream audiences with a true sense of urgency. His most recent project on Netflix, A Gorilla Story: Told By David Attenborough, retraces a journey he made 50 years earlier to meet a family of mountain gorillas — one that helped define the modern conservation movement.

Inspired by his adventures, we ask top travel advisors — Olie Lever, Head of Americas & Polar Regions at Lightfoot Travel; Amy Siegal, Luxury Travel Advisor with VWT by Chase Travel; and Niki Stanford, Brand Manager for Epitome Travel — to share epic journeys that take you into the wild.

Explore the Galápagos Islands on a small yacht

Some 600 miles west of the Ecuadorean mainland, the Galápagos Islands is one of the most iconic wildlife destinations in the world. A visit to this volcanic archipelago, the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, provides a wonderful wildlife experience with an array of unique flora and fauna. Exploring the islands by small yacht is the ideal way to experience the islands, for the opportunity to walk amongst giant tortoises, see marine iguanas, snorkel with penguins and sea lion pups and watch waved albatros take flight.

There are yachts to suit all tastes, and our top picks include the Relais & Chateaux-affiliated Origin, Theory & Evolve for a fantastic combination of comfort and adventure. For those wishing to stay grounded, try the luxury Pikaia Lodge or the tented camp experience of the excellent Galapagos Safari Camp.

— Olie Lever, Head of Americas & Polar Regions, Lightfoot Travel

Enjoy a classic safari at the Naboisho Conservancy in Kenya

Mara Nyika Camp, meaning large plains or great plains, is a truly beautiful and intimate safari tented camp by Great Plains Conservation Reserve - Collection, a Relais & Châteaux member. Set deep in a valley within the private Naboisho Conservancy, it is the perfect setting for a luxury safari in Kenya. Here you will feel fully immersed in nature with the treehouse-style setting of the raised tented suites, which feel luxurious, romantic and very private all whilst set in one of Africa’s spectacular backdrops.

Naboisho means coming together in the Maasai's Maa language and represents the 500 local landowners who established the conservancy. Game viewing is plentiful. We were so lucky to see prides of lions and lioness and their cubs, elephants, leopard, cheetah, hyena, hippo, giraffe, zebra, and buffalo. You also have the option to do night drives, which is super exciting to experience. The little creatures you encounter who come out at night make it all the more special!

— Niki Stanford, Brand Manager for Epitome Travel

Embrace a gorilla encounter in Uganda

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp comprises 10 luxury private tents in the heart of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with access to gorilla tracking close by. When you retire to your beautiful tent at night, there’s a unique feeling that you’re sharing the forest with these incredible primates. The other activities I recommend in the area are chimpanzee tracking — it’s interesting to see their difference from the gorillas — as well as a visit to the Batwa pygmy tribe.

While in the Bwindi area, I enjoy and recommend a visit to Ride 4 a Woman, an organization that supports the local women by allowing them to learn, work and support themselves through crafts. These activities combine for a thorough and organic exploration of this corner of Africa.

— Amy Siegal, Luxury Travel Advisor with VWT by Chase Travel

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Antarctica

Antarctica offers visitors one of the world’s best wildlife spectacles and a unique opportunity to observe wildlife species perfectly adapted to the harsh conditions. There are a handful of luxury expedition ships that stand as pioneers of sustainable innovation, sailing through the pristine waters of Antarctica. These ships boast cutting-edge technologies with practices aimed at minimizing their ecological footprint, while maximizing guest comfort. Witness huge colonies of penguins alongside seals, orcas, albatross and majestic humpback whales. This is a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse into the resilience and beauty of nature at its most extreme.

Crossing the renowned Drake Passage from Southern Argentina by ship is the most immersive way to reach Antarctica. However a smooth crossing can never be guaranteed. So whilst the infamous ‘Drake Shake’ is a rite of passage for some, if you don't have the sea legs our Fly & Cruise itinerary is the perfect option if you’re pressed for time or would like to combine Antarctica with a trip to Patagonia. One big advantage of sailing to Antarctica is the chance to see enormous tabular icebergs floating in the ocean as you sail by. If you have time, include South Georgia on a trip. The 'Serengeti of the Southern Ocean' is home to huge colonies of king penguins and elephant seals.

— Olie Lever, Head of Americas & Polar Regions, Lightfoot Travel

Trace the Pantanal wetlands of Brazil

The Pantanal is the world’s largest wetland area, offering a fantastic wildlife experience to rival other such destinations around the world. Home to various unique Latin American species, visitors can spot the likes of giant anteaters, giant otters, capybaras, anaconda, macaws, perhaps a jaguar or two among other species. This is best visited during the dry season from June to October when the watering holes are fewer as the season progresses, increasing the viewing opportunities amongst the generally more open landscapes versus the Amazon, for example.

Our pick of the lodges is Caiman, a pioneer in conservation in the region with its vast cattle ranches and proves how this industry can coexist alongside the wildlife. Guests can experience the jaguar conservation program, Oncafari, on which guests can observe wild jaguars and there’s a Hyacinth Macaw Institute program, both alongside the researchers protecting the two species.

— Olie Lever, Head of Americas & Polar Regions, Lightfoot Travel

Take a sojourn to Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park

Part of the Resplendent Ceylon Collection, Wild Coast Tented Lodge is where dense jungle meets the vast Indian Ocean. It’s also a gateway into Yala National Park, the most famous national park in the country, home to elephants, sloth bears, as well as the largest leopard population. It is also a true birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 200 species including both endemic and migratory birds. But beyond an abundance of wildlife , Yala features diverse landscapes of grasslands, wetlands, and sandy beaches, too.

Staying at Wild Coast Tented Lodge gives you a sense of place in Sri Lanka’s wilderness in an elegant setting offering panoramic jungle views — expedition chic vibes! Spend your days on game drives, nature walks, birding experiences and dining surrounded by the sounds of the wild. It truly is the perfect combination of wildlife, nature and uncovering Sri Lankan culture.

— Niki Stanford, Brand Manager for Epitome Travel

Visit the Norwegian fjords for a meaningful pause

Amot Norway is a small, family-owned property (with photos to prove it!) that enables guests to have exclusive and unique experiences. Put simply, this is a farm located among the fjords. Visitors can explore from the air, on land, or by sea – and it’s all breathtaking. Guests can truly enjoy the natural resources of Norway with all of their senses. My favorite experience at Amot is a culinary cruise through the fjords, cruising while enjoying some of the best seafood the country has to offer.

— Amy Siegal, Luxury Travel Advisor with VWT by Chase Travel

Try the Salkantay Trek in Peru’s Machu Picchu

To get away from the crowds, hike an alternative Inca Trail to Machu Picchu — the Salkantay, a relatively quiet 7 day lodge to lodge trek. This 39 mile trail takes hikers up to 4600m passing through 15 ecosystems of the high Andes with its cloud forest, lush subtropical valleys, mountain lagoons and dramatic mountain landscapes. Along the way, stay at small, remote lodges as a group of 12 or on a private basis, a fantastic alternative to the busy Inca Trail which requires four days of camping.

This off the beaten track adventure also provides an insight into the remote villages and communities who benefit from the strong sustainable ethic of the Peruvian owners of this experience. Their NGO, Yanapana, focuses on the empowerment and support of women in the local communities.

— Olie Lever, Head of Americas & Polar Regions, Lightfoot Travel

Chase pumas and penguins at the Chilean Patagonia

Head South to the Torres del Paine national park, a beautiful destination renowned for its granite towers, iconic hikes, glaciers, and the vast Patagonian steppe. In recent times it has become a popular wildlife destination in its own right with condor, birds of prey, foxes, guanacos and the elusive puma, the region’s apex predator all possible to see in and outside the national park. Stay at one of the beautiful lodges such as Estancia Cerro Guido or Tierra Patagonia close to the park borders to seek out the puma with expert trackers.

Additionally, for those seeking to spot a penguin or two and don’t have the time or money to visit Antarctica, make the effort to travel to the remote Pinguino del Rey natural reserve on Tierra del Fuego. Typically found in South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and other temperate islands in the Antarctic region, you’ll have the chance to see a small but growing population of King penguins at the only known colony on the continent of South America.

— Olie Lever, Head of Americas & Polar Regions, Lightfoot Travel

Mix wilderness and well-being at Benguerra Island, Mozambique

Kisawa Sanctuary is a 300 hectare sanctuary of forest, beach and sand dunes, located at the southern tip of Benguerra Island. The neighboring National Marine Park is home to some of the richest and least explored subtropical eco-systems in the Indian Ocean. This is a special place where you will find wilderness and well-being together, where their aim is to build a bond between people and place and life and land. At the center of it all is about protecting the environment, and they have ensured that you leave the lightest footprint on the natural landscape where possible, with their motto being to blend rather than interrupt.

Between July and October, the Mozambique Channel becomes the ideal breeding and nursing ground for humpback whales. Head to Flamingo beach to watch these special pink creatures feed and flock together on the flats and kayak through the mangrove eco system and learn more about this important environment and discover typical drop shaped birds nests. Another unique offering is learning the ancestral fishing techniques of the Benguerra Island community; or you may choose to hike with your nature guide and discover the 150 plus species of local birds and sunis of Benguerra Island.

— Niki Stanford, Brand Manager for Epitome Travel

A signature Alaskan immersion at Kachemak Bay State Park

Six private cabins, award-winning culinary offerings, and varied authentic experiences — Tutka Bay Lodge brings the wild of Alaska up close. Getting here is only possible by water taxi from Homer or floatplane from Anchorage. It is remote enough to feel peaceful, but accessible to extraordinary adventures spanning Katmai bear viewing to glacier flightseeing.

Active guests can sea kayak among otters and sea birds, deep sea fish for halibut and salmon, experience guided cold-water snorkeling to explore the life under the surface of the fjords, and cruise nearby to see puffins, orcas, and humpback whales.

— Amy Siegal, Luxury Travel Advisor with VWT by Chase Travel

Plan an epic journey across the The Amazon

Stretching across Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela, the Amazon offers a whole host of nature and wildlife experiences as well as community engagement. There are a whole host of excellent lodges with opportunities to stay at fantastic conservation-led properties in the Peruvian and Ecuador Amazon.

Join an expedition cruise on the Delfin I, allowing for a small yacht exploration of the Pacaya Samira Reserve in the northwest east of Peru, to spot pink and grey river dolphins, giant otters, sloth, macaws and more. Another less-trodden approach is to charter a yacht to discover the remote Tapajos river, which remains one of the least discovered regions of Brazil’s Amazon, well away from the busier region around Manaus up north. Thanks to its clear blue waters, it was once described as the “Caribbean of the Amazon” by Jacques Cousteau. This area is well-known for its exposed beaches, indigenous communities and wildlife, offering a unique experience led by an expert team of guides.

— Olie Lever, Head of Americas & Polar Regions, Lightfoot Travel

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