Zimbabwe Exploratory 2023

Since the late 1800s, Zimbabwe was known as the “Jewel of Africa”– a reflection of its remarkable prosperity. The country’s amazingly diversity of habitats provided the basis for a flourishing safari industry and spawned the development of what are generally recognized as the best safari guides in Africa.

The pace of our safari is relaxed, with a three night stay at each of our destinations. And, to ease the logistical challenges of traveling in Zimbabwe, we have chartered our own aircraft throughout our journey.

Our exploration begins with the chartered flight from Harare to Chilo Gorge. The Gonarezhou National Park draws us here. Gonarezhou is home to over 11,000 elephants, along with large herds of other game species.

Due to its isolated location, a visit to Gonarezhou is like stepping back in time when few travelers ventured into the African bush. And an overnight stay at their small tented camp within the Park recalls the simpler style of classic safari life.

Our second adventure takes us to the Matobo Hills— a land of large granite domes and castle kopjes. The Stead family will welcome us to temporary home, Amalinda Lodge. Tucked within a large kopje, this is one of the most scenic lodges we’ve ever visited.

Our chartered flight delivers us to Zimbabwe’s largest and most famous national park, Hwange. We loved the small herds of sable antelope that come to the water hole here. But the painted dogs draw us here, with a visit to the headquarters of Painted Dog Conservation. We will be hosted by the Stead family at Khulu Bush Camp.

We will board our chartered aircraft and turn north to Mana Polls National Park. Situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, Mana Pools is home to some of the best guides in Zimbabwe. And those guides take us on exciting walking safaris through the African bush. It is a truly stunning experience to track elephants and painted dogs through the forested regions of Mana Pools. Our accommodations are at John’s Camp.

Leaving the beauty of Mana Pools, our chartered aircraft returns us to Harare in time for most departing international flights.

We invite you to join Tom LaRock and James Ward on this return to Zimbabwe— The Jewel of Africa!

Snow Leopard 2023

High in the Himalayas of India lives one of the most mysterious and elusive big cats, the snow leopard. Also known as the gray ghost, they are found at about 10,000 feet above sea level and upward to 18,300 feet when crossing high passes. It is said that only about 4,000 people have seen snow leopards in the wild! Safari Professionals is excited to begin offering group, private, and photo workshop conservation safaris in search of the gray ghost.

Snow leopards share their range with pastoral communities who also require healthy rangelands to sustain their livestock and livelihoods. Due to lack of monitoring of their livestock, poorly constructed nighttime pens, favorable stalking cover, and insufficient wild prey, livestock can comprise a large percentage of a snow leopard’s diet, causing human wildlife conflict. In order to protect snow leopards, we work with local communities by employing local spotters and staying at local lodges, creating an economic value for the snow leopards while educating the communities on the importance of conserving these cats.

Join Safari Professionals on this unique opportunity to experience the culture of the Himalayas and search for the snow leopard!

Central India Wildlife Exploratory 2023

There are few experiences that are as exhilarating as viewing a wild tiger in its natural habitat. Safari Professionals is excited to begin offering group conservation wildlife safaris to India. As part of our introduction, we are offering a special Exploratory Safari to Central India in February 2023 to learn more about and witness the conservation efforts of tigers, elephants, and other Indian wildlife.

The Tiger Trust

In response to the alarming decline in India’s Bengal tiger population, the Tiger Trust was founded in 1989. Its leader, Kailash Sankhala, inspired international efforts to save the tiger and resulted in the Late Smt. Indira Gandhi officially giving him the title of “The Tiger Man of India.”

Safari Professionals is proud to partner with Kailash Sankhala’s grandson, Amit, for wildlife conservation safaris in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. A third generation trustee of the Tiger Trust, Amit’s commitment to conservation extends beyond tigers, providing us opportunities to focus on India’s other endangered big cat – the snow leopard.

Our safari includes Banhavgarh, Kanha, and Pench National Parks.

• Banhavgarh: Here you will not only find the wild but also remains of an ancient civilization. While sighting of the Bengal tiger— quenching its thirst at the waterhole, tearing at an animal carcass, cleaning its paws, flirting with the tigress, playing with the cubs, or just enjoying the sunshine— is an image worth capturing not just in the camera but also in your memory, the journey through the jungle as your eye gazes at the rich flora and fauna becomes even more memorable.
• Kanha: A drive through the dense, thick forest of Kanha will leave you addicted. With its tall trees swaying in the air and the sound of birds singing to warm the senses, this is a special national park where a story is ready to unfold.
• Pench: Come visit the living Jungle Book, where you may see many of our Jungle Book friends. It is here that Rudyard Kipling based the setting of his book and chose the characters of every childhood's memory. Here, you will have the opportunity to see the various types of deer and birds besides tigers and leopard. Pench is also known to have some sightings of sloth bears.

Join Safari Professionals as we explore these Indian National Parks with the family of Kailash Sankhalaone, one of India's leading wildlife conservationists!