2025 was a year of slowing down, moving through some of the world’s most intact ecosystems at nature’s pace. It meant listening to the rhythm of wildlife, feeling the pulse of landscapes untouched by haste, and witnessing the quiet, determined conservation work that makes these journeys possible.
Each destination told its own story: rare species thriving against the odds, vast spaces where wilderness still leads, and communities and organizations working tirelessly to protect what matters. These experiences weren’t just about seeing remarkable places, they were about understanding why thoughtful, conservation-led travel is essential. It shapes not only how we explore, but how these places endure for generations to come.
This is the heart of Rewild’s approach: travel that respects, restores, and reveals. Here’s a look at five destinations that defined my year, and the conservation work that made each journey richer.
Peru: A Coastal Beginning
The year opened along Peru’s rugged coastline, photographing Humboldt penguins on remote islands shaped by the Humboldt Current. These nutrient-rich waters fuel one of Earth’s most productive marine ecosystems.
Working alongside the Saint Louis Zoo’s Humboldt penguin conservation initiative gave a front-row view of how science, monitoring, and local stewardship come together to protect these birds. And with upcoming collaborations with Spectacled Bear Conservation, Rewild Safaris is preparing future journeys that support Peru’s high Andes and its rare, elusive wildlife.
Watching penguins thrive here was a quiet reminder: conservation success often works behind the scenes, deeply tied to place. Peru’s coastal biodiversity is just one facet of a country that spans ocean, Andes, and Amazon, a destination I’ll return to for deeper exploration.
Patagonia: Where Wilderness Leads
Patagonia demanded time and rewarded it. Over three weeks, I crossed the southernmost protected landscapes where scale, weather, and remoteness shape every decision.
In Tierra del Fuego, Karukinka and Yendegaia National Parks revealed conservation in action: recovering habitats, protected migration corridors, and species returning to places they once lost. Working with Rewilding Chile, I saw firsthand how restoration and careful travel can reinforce each other. From king penguins on pristine beaches to glaciers stretching toward the horizon, Patagonia is wilderness at its purest.
Sri Lanka: Elephants, Langurs, and Local Guardians
Sri Lanka reminded me how conservation can be both deeply scientific and profoundly personal. I visited projects with the Sri Lanka Elephant Project, supported by the Oklahoma City Zoo, focused on research, coexistence strategies, and empowering local conservationists. I also spent time with the Kaludiyapokuna Primate Conservation and Research Center (KPCRC), studying endangered langurs and supporting local wildlife research. Experiencing these programs firsthand reinforced how thoughtful travel can directly support wildlife and local communities.
Africa: Returning to the Source
No year feels complete without Africa. Across Zambia’s savannas and wetlands, conservation is both privilege and responsibility. This year, our new partnerships with Conservation South Luangwa and the Zambian Carnivore Program highlighted the importance of protecting big cats, wild dogs, and their habitats. Time here reaffirms the value of collaboration: with guides, researchers, and organizations working year-round to keep these ecosystems intact.
India: Life in Coexistence
India offered a striking contrast, an intensity of life shaped by millennia of human-wildlife coexistence. In Kaziranga and Bandipur National Parks, I encountered one-horned rhinos, Asian elephants, and elusive big cats.
Conservation here operates under immense pressure but thrives through science, governance, and community collaboration. I was privileged to work with the family of the founder of Project Tiger, a pioneer in establishing tiger reserves and protecting wild tigers in India. Alongside this, the Snow Leopard Conservancy supports research and community programs safeguarding snow leopards and their mountain homes. India’s protected areas are lessons in resilience and adaptability, proof that coexistence is possible when stewardship is shared.
Looking Ahead
Across these five destinations, one truth stood out. Meaningful travel depends on intention. It’s not just where we go, but how, why, and with whom.
From rewilding projects in Patagonia to rhino protection in India, these efforts ensure that future generations can experience the magic of the wild. At Rewild Safaris, we believe travel should inspire and protect, and my 2025 adventures are a testament to that mission.