WANT Expeditions is a leading provider of small group, conservation-focused expeditions worldwide. It connects travelers with experts to experience natural phenomena through authentic experiences off the beaten path. WANT aims to promote responsible tourism, sustainability, and create the most in-depth wildlife encounters led by experienced guides across 62 destinations. Founder Jessica Pociask established WANT to fulfill a need for culturally immersive and conservation-minded travel beyond guidebooks.
2. About WANT Expeditions, LLC. –
Wildlife & Nature Travel
WANT Expeditions is the world leader in highly personalized, conservation-oriented small group travel,
connecting travelers, adventurers, photographers and conservationists from all over the world
through expeditions to see the most amazing natural phenomena that exist on our planet. The
company has more than a decade of experience in the travel industry and field of conservation.
WANT Expeditions has four main goals:
1) To create the most in-depth and
authentic travel experiences on Earth
2) To maintain the most talented and
experience guides, both inside and
out of our industry
3) To promote responsible tourism and
sustainability projects in developing
countries
4) To constantly strive for improvement
3. WANT Expeditions was born out of a trip Jessica took
to Antarctica, where it became apparent that people
wanted to see wildlife in an authentic, natural
environment. She felt there was a void in the travel
sector for those seeking to go beyond the guidebook
and into unchartered territories with field experts.
Within a few short years of inception, WANT
Expeditions went from offering five destinations in
2008 to 62 destinations at present.
Jessica Pociask is a conservationist, wildlife expert
and travel writer. With experience in almost 80
countries, she has worked closely with several
conservation organizations and holds a researcher
position at the Smithsonian National Museum of
Natural History in Washington, D.C.
In October 2013, Jessica was one of 50 women
chosen by the National Wildlife Federation for
Women's Leadership and International Sustainable
Development.
Jessica Pociask
Owner of WANT Expeditions
4. WANT Expeditions continuously seeks out new destinations that are off the beaten path to give guests
a unique and genuine travel experience. They travel to places that few other companies in the world
go, including Yemen, Democratic Republic of Congo and Central African Republic. Special chartered
flights are used to reach remote landing strips and 4x4 vehicles bring guests into the heart of true
wildlife habitats. WANT is one of only five permit holders allowed into the Midway Atoll Wildlife
Refuge.
WANT encourages guests to step out of the western way of life in order to immerse themselves in the
surrounding culture by participation in authentic ceremonies, sampling traditional cuisine and much
more.
Beyond the Guidebook
5. WANT Expedition Leaders are experts in the
environmental conditions and cultural nuances
of the regions in which they lead travel groups.
Guides have many technical certifications and
skills essential to expedition travel, including,
but not limited to: Wilderness First Responder,
zodiac driving and advanced dive certifications.
WANT only uses local and family-owned
business partners who can provide the best
recommendations and experiences for
travelers while remaining dedicated to
environmental conservations.
Each group has direct contact with wildlife
researchers, field experts and community
leaders during educational seminars offered on
every expedition by the world's foremost
authorities on botany, ornithology, biology and
more!
Experienced Leaders & Partners
6. All WANT expeditions are rated on a 1-5 scale so
travelers can choose the right trips for their ability
and comfort.
Level 1: Most Difficult. Very basic, possibly no
modern facilities. Often involves steep climbing;
up to 8 hours in extreme conditions
Level 2: Challenging. Basic. An hour or more of
climbing in extreme conditions; up to 5 hours of
walking
Level 3: Reasonably Easy. Comfortable, may lack
western standards. Some climbing in poor
conditions; up to 3 hours of walking
Level 4: Very Easy. Comfortable. No steep climbing
or extreme conditions; up to 3 hours of walking
Level 5: Least Difficult, even for mild disabilities.
Western standards of comfort. No steep climbing
or extreme conditions; no more than 1 hour of
walking at a time
What’s Your Comfort Level?
7. Tour groups comprise of no more than 16
travelers, so guests get a private tour experience
while paying competitive, large-group tour
prices.
WANT will go to great lengths to make sure solo
travelers do not feel the pressure of paying a
single supplement. They will go out of their way
to help find a roommate, so unaccompanied
guests can avoid paying single supplement fees.
Guests will not get a cookie-cutter tour – they
will enjoy a unique, guided expedition that no
other tour operator can match. Travelers get
intimate wildlife encounters with rare and
endangered species, including: Western Lowland
Gorilla, Lemurs, Bonobos, Jaguars, Grey Whales,
Albatross and other notable species.
Small Groups, Singles Welcome
8. Imagine rewarding employees for their hard
work by sending them to Uganda to get up close
and personal with mountain gorillas and
chimpanzees! WANT is happy to help companies
find the perfect expedition for their travel needs
and can also create customized trips upon
request.
WANT is committed to helping nonprofit
organizations increase funding and make these
dream trips become a reality for deserving
people. WANT will seek out donors to help cover
costs for trips and will also put organizations in
direct contact with those supporters in order to
build a relationship around the cause they are all
so passionate about.
Corporate Travel & Fundraising
9. Giving Back to Local Communities
Environmental conservation, responsible
tourism and cultural sustainability are at the
core of all WANT expeditions. The company
continues to generate projects, such as
eliminating plastic water bottle usage, and
partnering with organizations to improve the
lives of those with whom they interact while
generating more authentic travel experiences.
The company has partnered with organizations
such as Mothering Across Continents, Utopia
Foundation and the Endangered Species
Sanctuary to ensure that local communities and
wildlife benefit as much as WANT guests.
10. Whether an amateur or professional
photographer, a jaw-dropping photograph is
worth more than any souvenir. For those
wishing to preserve their experiences and
increase their knowledge of photography,
small lectures, demonstrations and tips
from award-winning photography guides
are featured on every expedition. In
addition, the itineraries are designed so
guests are at scenic sites and near wildlife at
the times that are most advantageous for
photos.
Many WANT travelers are professional
photographers who have won awards and
had their work displayed in places such as
the Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural
History.
Award-Winning
Photographic Opportunities
11. By registering as a Travel Club member,
travelers will receive member-only specials,
earn loyalty reward points, keep in touch with
fellow travelers, manage a personalized world
travel map and much more!
The company believes it is exceptionally
important to reward guests for their loyalty
and offers incentives to travelers that can be
used toward future trips.
On each day traveled, guests will earn a $15
(US) credit voucher towards their next trip.
Guests can collect their credit vouchers and
apply them at anytime and in any amount
towards a trip; if they would like, guests can
donate the vouchers to friends and family for
their WANT Expeditions experience.
Travel Club & Loyalty Club
12. WANT doesn’t artificially inflate expedition prices, so travelers get the most out of every dollar they
spend. The company’s operation ideology is similar to many non-profit organizations because the
majority of the money invested in expeditions goes directly to lodging, food, fees, guides and
transportation. Since most major expenses are taken care of, guests can have a fulfilling experience
without worrying about having to find food or a place to sleep.
Greatest Value for Travel Investment