Best of Both: 5 trips that Combine Wildlife and Culture

International travel is not all about wildlife. Preserving the natural environment also is closely associated with protecting indigenous cultures and strengthening local economies. To attain a truly fulfilling travel experience, it is also important to delve into local culture, to test out the language, and to learn about the history of your destination. Travelers can also help to strengthen the communities they visit by utilizing local businesses, investing in tours that emphasize the region’s heritage, and even volunteering on community development projects.

SEEtheWILD recognizes the importance of developing mutually beneficial relationships with local communities, and strives to teach travelers about the rich cultural heritage of their destinations. 

Learn more about our Culture & Nature Trips.

(Earthwatch Institute)

Amazon Riverboat Expedition:  Visit with indigenous residents of Peru’s rainforest as you help local field biologists to conduct wildlife surveys on the Amazon River. Species that are studied include river dolphins, giant otters, and a variety of tropical birds. This information will help drive the development of regional conservation strategies that will benefit both wildlife and local culture. This exhilarating expedition, offered by the Earthwatch Institute, starts at $3,475 per person and can last between 8 and 16 days (your choice!).

El Salvador Sea Turtles and Community Development: Delve into the fascinating recent history of El Salvador as you learn about its recovery from civil war, and the nation’s path towards cultural and environmental sustainability. You will visit community development projects, in addition to enjoying more informal opportunities to visit with local residents and soak in the culture. The rest of the trip will be dedicated to working on conservation projects in Jilisco Bay, a key mangrove habitat frequented by sea turtles. This 9-day trip is offered by EcoViva and starts at a mere $1,295 per person.

(Maple Leaf Adventures)

Haida Gwaii Islands, British Columbia: Explore the rugged coast of British Columbia in a luxurious classic schooner on this Maple Leaf Adventures expedition. The Haida Gwaii (formerly Queen Charlotte) Islands is home to a plethora of species, as well as many First Nations villages both traditional and modern. The tour will include a visit to a historic village that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the opportunity to view totems and interact with local residents. Wildlife also abounds; humpback whales, orcas, and myriad seabird species frequent the area, and travelers will get the chance to get up close and personal with these creatures on kayak excursions and hikes. This 9-day voyage starts at $4,750 per person.

(Global Vision International)

Kenya Primate Research: Join Global Vision International for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Kenya’s rich culture and famed wildlife. Volunteers will stay in a traditional Swahili village on the Shimoni Peninsula, enjoying ample opportunity to soak in local culture, tour historic sites, and even learn some of the language. The village also serves as a “base camp” for wildlife surveys in the surrounding forest; volunteers will study primates, birds, butterflies, small mammals, and their habitats. This 14-day volunteer experience starts at $1,641 per person.

(Reefs to Rockies)

Namibia’s Desert and Delta: Learn first-hand about innovative community-based solutions to environmental issues as you tour some of Namibia’s and Botswana’s richest wildlife habitats. You will talk with members of the semi-nomadic Himba, who work with international companies to sustainably harvest and sell myrrh, a key ingredient in many perfumes; speak with game wardens and communities about the impacts of poaching; and, more simply, tour some incredible wildlife habitats frequented by lions, elephants, and other animals. Conducted by Reefs to Rockies, this 8-day trip starts at $6,195 per person.

As the last example suggests, local communities throughout the world face significant social and environmental challenges and have met them with creative, community-based solutions. These Culture & Nature tours allows you to experience these struggles and triumphs firsthand, and to develop more intimate knowledge of local culture.