NG 2015-16 Private Jet Catalog

2015/2016
Private Jet
Expeditions
Around the World by Private Jet • Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures
The Human Journey: Tracing Legendary Peoples and Sacred Places with Dr. Spencer Wells
Wildlife of the World by Private Jet • Around the World by Private Jet: The Northern Route

By traveling with us, you help support National Geographic grantees and
explorers in their efforts to preserve species and habitats, protect cultures,
and advance understanding of our incredible planet.
Dear Traveler,
What makes traveling by private jet with National Geographic such a
fantastic endeavor? You touch down in fascinating places all over the world
without the tangle of logistics and long overland journeys. You get immersed
in the best of a country, from its legendary sites and cultural heritage to its
finest cuisine and accommodations. You explore in a multitude of ways—on
safari, by boat, on foot or horseback, by snorkel or scenic flight. And you do
it all in the company of dynamic explorers, researchers, and photographers
who have defined their lives by following their passions and seek to share
them with you. The result: an exhilarating feast of experiences and rare
insight into what makes our planet so extraordinary.
In the following pages, you’ll find five incredible journeys that encompass
a vast sweep of cultures and environments, each with a unique approach to
the world’s treasures. On our newest expedition, Around the World by Private
Jet: The Northern Route, we’ll travel with National Geographic Explorer Wade
Davis and geographer Jan Nijman, exploring civilizations and geography
in some of the most remote lands in the northern hemisphere—from the
Siberian taiga and the breathtaking Mongolian steppe to the fjords and
glaciers of Iceland and Greenland.
Marine biologist Andrea Marshall and underwater photographer David
Doubilet are just two of the eleven experts who join us on Ocean Wonders
and Island Cultures to introduce us to the indigenous peoples and
spectacular seascapes of far-flung islands like Fiji, Bali, and Madagascar.
We’ll investigate our ancestors’ routes across the globe with geneticist and
National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Spencer Wells on The Human
Journey: Tracing Legendary Peoples and Sacred Places, visiting hallowed
sites, ancient cities, and archaeological wonders in Myanmar, Uzbekistan,
Georgia, Ethiopia, and more.
Our Wildlife of the World expedition affords us rare encounters with
endangered species such as mountain gorillas, orangutans, tigers, lemurs,
elephants—and the researchers and conservationists working to protect
them—as we travel through Africa and Asia. And our classic Around the
World by Private Jet journey circumnavigates the globe, bringing us to iconic
places and natural wonders from Easter Island and Angkor Wat to the Taj
Mahal and the Serengeti.
Our incredible world awaits! I hope you’ll join us to explore it. Please call
1-800-224-1894 or visit nationalgeographicexpeditions.com to reserve
your place.
Sincerely,
Gary E. Knell
President and CEO
National Geographic Society

Private Jet Expeditions
Around the World by Private Jet 14
Machu Picchu | Easter Island | Samoa | Great Barrier Reef
Angkor Wat | Tibet or Myanmar* | Taj Mahal | Serengeti Plain
Petra | Marrakech
Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures 18
Hawai‘i | Tonga | Australia | Sri Lanka | Madagascar
The Maldives | Bali | Papua New Guinea | Fiji
The Human Journey: Tracing Legendary Peoples
and Sacred Places with Dr. Spencer Wells 22
Georgia | Uzbekistan | Mongolia | Myanmar | Sri Lanka
Ethiopia | Israel
Wildlife of the World by Private Jet 26
Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula, South Africa
Rwanda | The Maldives | Borneo | India | Madagascar
Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa
Around the World by Private Jet: The Northern Route 30
Japan | Mongolia | Irkutsk and Lake Baikal, Russia
St. Petersburg, Russia | Norway | Iceland | Greenland
About Our Private Jet Trips
Five Extraordinary Expeditions 4
The National Geographic Difference 6
National Geographic Experts 8
Private Jet Travel 10
Accommodations 12
Terms and Conditions 34
Reservation Form 35
*On the January 2016 Around the World departure, Myanmar will replace Tibet.
Cover, background photograph: Ilulissat, Greenland. Inset photographs: the Taj Mahal, Agra, India;
the Maldives; young monks, Myanmar; lion cubs, South Africa. Above: impalas, Serengeti, Tanzania.
“I would go with National Geographic anywhere in the
world…My love affair with the world has deepened,
and I would recommend this trip to all.”
—Helen C., traveler
3

Introducing
Five Extraordinary Expeditions
by Private Jet
See page 18 for full trip itinerary.
Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures
Around the World by Private Jet
4

The Human Journey:
Tracing Legendary Peoples and
Sacred Places with Dr. Spencer Wells
Wildlife of the World by Private Jet
Around the World by Private Jet: The Northern Route
5

It is never easy to sum up National Geographic Explorer Wade
Davis in one succinct title. He is at once an anthropologist and
an ethnobotanist, a photographer and a storyteller, an inveterate
explorer, and, as environmentalist David Suzuki once called him,
“a passionate defender of all of life’s diversity.”Wade has spent
much of his life ensconced in some of the world’s least-known
and most endangered cultures, sharing their traditions and their
perspectives with us through books, films, and photography. He
has lived among the indigenous peoples of the Andes, joined
the Inuit on hunting expeditions by dogsled across the high
Arctic ice, and investigated the ancient relationship between
humans and horses while galloping with Mongolia’s nomads.
On our new trip, Around the World:The Northern Route, and the
December 2015 departure of our classic journey Around the
World,Wade will introduce us to some of the cultures he knows
so well, offering his insights and recounting tales from a lifetime
of exploration.Whether you’re zooming in on lions or lemurs
with National Geographic photographer Ami Vitale or exploring
human origins with paleoanthropologist and National Geographic
Explorer-in-Residence Lee Berger, it’s the insider’s perspective
of our experts that makes your experience all the richer.Gers in the Gobi, Mongolia
National Geographic Explorer Wade Davis
Flaming Cliffs, Mongolia
Discover the
National Geographic
Difference.
6

“National Geographic is an
incredible mix of science and education,
of media and mission, of storytellers
and explorers, all working to inspire people
to care about the planet.”
—John Fahey,
National Geographic
Chairman of the Board
Enjoy the Flexibility to Follow Your Passion.
In addition to enjoying a wealth of expertise on each expedition, you’ll
choose from a variety of excursions to tailor the itinerary to your passions.
Within each itinerary in the pages that follow, you’ll find special opportunities
to customize your trip.These sightseeing options are available at no
additional cost; however, some have limited space available or require
a minimum number of participants. Contact us for more information,
as these opportunities are a mere sampling of what’s possible.
Proceeds from our expeditions help fund
the National Geographic Society’s core
nonprofit programs. By traveling with
us, you help support our grantees and
explorers in their efforts to preserve species
and habitats, protect cultures, and advance
understanding of our incredible planet.
As you thumb through this brochure, look for the National
Geographic seal to learn more about the programs that your
participation helps fund.
National Geographic Expeditions is committed to sustaining
the character and integrity of each place we visit—its
environment, culture, heritage, and the well-being of its
residents. In providing authentic travel experiences, we strive
to support local economies in our choice of services. At the
same time, we believe that the powerful positive effects
of sustainable travel go beyond the long-term economic
benefits, inspiring passionate stewards committed to
protecting the places we visit.
When you travel with us, you make a difference.

Underwater photographer David Doubilet
On each of our private jet expeditions, a world-class team of experts illuminates
the history of empires, the diverse cultures we encounter, the wildlife we see, and
the outstanding examples of art and architecture we visit. A National Geographic
photographer also joins each trip to share tips and techniques as we explore together
and present a slide show of our adventures at the end of our trip. An in-flight lecture
system allows for informative and stimulating talks aboard our private jet. In addition,
iPads loaded with trip-related content will be provided to each traveler.
The experts below are just a sample of the luminaries who accompany our private jet
expeditions. See the trip itineraries on the following pages for information about all of the
experts featured on each expedition.
Distinguished National Geographic
Experts Enhance Your Experience.
Lee Berger
In 2008, paleoanthropologist and National Geographic
Explorer-in-Residence Lee Berger—with the help
of his curious nine-year-old son—discovered the
remarkably well-preserved, two-million-year-old fossils
of an adult female and young male Australopithecus
sediba, a previously unknown species of ape-like
creatures that may have been a direct ancestor of
modern humans. This discovery has been hailed as one
of the most important paleontological finds in history,
as the fossils may represent one of humankind’s oldest
ancestors. Lee believes the skeletons found on the
Malapa site in South Africa could be the “Rosetta stone
that unlocks our understanding of the genus Homo”
and may redesign the human family tree. An Eagle
Scout, Lee is the Reader in Human Evolution and the
Public Understanding of Science at the Institute for
Human Evolution at the University of Witwatersrand in
Johannesburg, South Africa. Lee will join Around the
World by Private Jet in January 2016.
Alexandra Cousteau
A National Geographic Emerging Explorer, filmmaker,
and globally recognized water advocate, Alexandra
Cousteau continues the work of her renowned
grandfather Jacques-Yves Cousteau and her
father Philippe Cousteau, Sr. She is dedicated to
communicating the importance of conservation and
sustainable management of water in order to preserve
a healthy planet, and she uses the remarkable
storytelling tradition handed down to her to inspire
audiences through cutting-edge communication
tools. Through her organization, Blue Legacy, she
has led expeditions all around the globe to work with
local environmental groups on water issues, raising
awareness and instigating community action to protect
not only the ocean and its life forms, but also the
human communities that rely on freshwater resources.
Alexandra will join the Ocean Wonders and Island
Cultures expedition in September 2015.
Luke Dollar
Wildlife biologist and National Geographic Emerging
Explorer Luke Dollar coordinates conservation and
research programs focusing on carnivore ecology,
habitats, and preservation. While most of his own
research is focused in Madagascar, he also manages
the Society’s Big Cats Initiative, which has funded more
than 65 field-based programs worldwide, nearly two
dozen of which are in southern Africa. Much of Luke’s
efforts are concentrated on facilitating grassroots
education and sustainable employment programs
seeking to empower local people in predator range
areas, creating newfound wildlife caretakers rather
than killers of carnivores. He is a professor of biology
at Pfeiffer University and an adjunct professor at Duke
University’s Nicholas School of the Environment. Luke
will join the Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures
expedition in September 2015 and Wildlife of the
World by Private Jet in February 2016.
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“We were treated to lectures
from the best of the best:
Explorers-in-Residence and in
the field. These encounters, talks,
and mind-changing perspectives
were brain food of a degree that
is normally experienced over the
fullness of a lifetime—if one is so
lucky—not in a short 23 days.”
—Dane N., traveler
David Doubilet
Acclaimed underwater photographer David Doubilet
estimates he has spent nearly half his life in the sea
since taking his first underwater photograph at the
age of 12 with a Brownie Hawkeye camera sealed
in a bag. David’s assignments have taken him to the
ocean depths in such places as New Zealand, Canada,
Japan, Tasmania, Scotland, and Antarctica. He has
photographed stingrays, sponges, and sleeping sharks
in the Caribbean, as well as shipwrecks in the South
Pacific, the Atlantic, and at Pearl Harbor. Among his
many publications are more than 70 stories for National
Geographic magazine and several books, including Fish
Face, Pacific: An Undersea Journey, and Water Light
Time. David will join the Ocean Wonders and Island
Cultures expedition in September 2015.
Sylvia Earle
Marine biologist Sylvia Earle is an Explorer-in-
Residence at the National Geographic Society. Named
one of Time magazine’s “Heroes for the Planet”
in 1998, Sylvia has pioneered research on marine
ecosystems. She is the former chief scientist for the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
and the author of more than 125 scientific and
popular publications. Sylvia led the Sustainable Seas
Expeditions, documenting life in the U.S. National
Marine Sanctuaries. Today, Sylvia has partnered with
National Geographic on Mission Blue, a global initiative
aimed at restoring health and productivity to the ocean
by inspiring people to care and act, reducing the
impact of fishing, and promoting the creation of marine
protected areas (MPAs). Sylvia will join the Ocean
Wonders and Island Cultures expedition in September
2015 and Wildlife of the World by Private Jet in
February 2016.
Spencer Wells
Geneticist, anthropologist, and National Geographic
Explorer-in-Residence Spencer Wells has analyzed
the DNA of thousands of people living in isolated tribes
around the world. He leads the landmark Genographic
Project, a multiyear endeavor to chart the journey
of our early ancestors as they populated the planet.
Spencer earned his Ph.D. from Harvard University and
conducted postdoctoral work at Stanford and Oxford.
He is the author of three books, The Journey of Man,
Deep Ancestry, and Pandora’s Seed. His fieldwork has
taken him to more than 80 countries, where he has
worked with everyone from heads of government to
tribal chieftains in places as remote as Tajikistan, Chad,
and Papua New Guinea. Spencer will join The Human
Journey: Tracing Legendary Peoples and Sacred
Places in May 2016.
9

Private Jet Travel—
The Ultimate in Comfort
and Convenience
Easter Island, Chile seen from the private jet
Relax in spacious, VIP-style seats.
10

Expedition Staff and Crew
Traveling with the National Geographic team is a talented expedition staff, experienced
travel experts who attend to the trip’s every logistical detail. These highly skilled and
forward-thinking professionals travel with you to ensure that your experience is truly
extraordinary. Also, a dedicated flight crew is specially selected for these expeditions,
chosen for its attention to detail, dedication to safety and security, and top-notch
hospitality.
Expedition Physician
For your comfort and well-being, an expedition physician will accompany us throughout the
journey. On call 24 hours a day, the physician will be ready to provide and coordinate health
care services whenever and wherever needed.
Expedition Chef
We also travel with our own expedition chef and catering assistant, who create delicious
meals inspired by the various places we visit. Taking advantage of the freshest local
ingredients, they prepare dishes and serve them on board with a selection of fine wines.
Travel with a dedicated flight crew.
Enjoy fine cuisine on land and on board the jet.
Our specially outfitted Boeing 757 jets are ideally suited for these extraordinary expeditions. Their long-range
capabilities and ability to land in smaller airports afford us unmatched flexibility. We set our own schedules, flying
direct and avoiding layovers, which gives us the freedom to make the most of our adventures on land.
Each jet has been customized and refitted to our specifications to provide the ultimate in comfort and convenience,
accommodating only 76 travelers in two-by-two VIP-style seats, instead of the standard 233 seats.
“The lectures, the ease of travel by private jet, and amazing
activities made this trip incredible. Doing this again!”
—Scott S., traveler
11

National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World
is a collection of boutique hotels in extraordinary
places around the world with a demonstrated
commitment to sustainability, authenticity, and
excellence. We stay at two of these unique hotels
on our private jet trips: Three Camel Lodge in
Mongolia (pictured right; see pages 23 and 31) and
Southern Ocean Lodge on Australia’s Kangaroo
Island (pictured above; see page 19).
Three Camel Lodge, Mongolia (Around the World by Private Jet: The Northern Route and The Human Journey:
Tracing Legendary Peoples and Sacred Places with Dr. Spencer Wells)
Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, Australia (Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures)
The Finest Accommodations
12

From the spectacular teak villas of the Four Seasons
Resort Bali at Sayan to Australia’s Southern Ocean Lodge,
perched on dramatic coastal cliffs, to the enchanting
traditional gers of Mongolia’s Three Camel Lodge, we
stay in some of the world’s finest accommodations.
Each has been chosen for its exceptional amenities and
prime location. In remote areas where choices are limited,
we have selected the best available accommodations to
ensure your comfort. In many of the destinations we visit,
we have arranged special dining experiences in unique
settings accompanied by traditional entertainment.
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia (Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures)
13

Moai statues, Easter Island, Chile
Circle the globe with top National Geographic experts on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Traveling in the comfort of a private jet, encounter legendary places from Machu Picchu
and Tibet to Easter Island and the Taj Mahal. Experience natural wonders such as the
Great Barrier Reef, the Serengeti Plain, and the island paradise of Samoa.
14

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December 27, 2015–January 19, 2016:
Wade Davis
Anthropologist and National
Geographic Explorer
Jack Daulton
Art historian
Massimo Bassano
National Geographic photographer
January 21–February 13, 2016:
Lee Berger
Paleoanthropologist and National
Geographic Explorer-in-Residence
David Harrison
Geographic Explorer
Jay Dickman
Pulitzer Prize–winning
photographer
March 20–April 12, 2016:
Rob Hernandez
Wildlife ecologist and longtime
National Geographic veteran
Tim Jepson
National Geographic writer and
broadcaster
Jay Dickman (see above) will also join the
March departure.
October 24–November 16, 2016:
Don Belt
Author and longtime National
Geographic veteran
Sisse Brimberg
Rob Hernandez (see above) will also join the
October departure.
Itinerary–24 Days:
December 27, 2015–January 19, 2016 | January 21–February 13, 2016**
March 20–April 12, 2016 | October 24–November 16, 2016*
Home City/Orlando, Florida*
Day 1.Meet experts, staff, and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at our hotel.
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando,Grande Lakes
Cusco and Machu Picchu or Trujillo and Chiclayo, Peru
Days 2,3,and 4.This morning, our private jet takes us to Lima, where we take a local
flight to charming Cusco. Explore the Plaza de Armas and the Sacsayhuaman fortress
overlooking the city. Continue to Machu Picchu, an ancient citadel abandoned by the
Inca and rediscovered in 1911. Excavated by Hiram Bingham with funding from the
National Geographic Society, Machu Picchu is one of the world’s greatest archaeological
sites. Instead of visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu, you may visit Peru’s north coast to
see the temples of Chiclayo and Trujillo. Belmond Hotel Monasterio or Belmond Palacio
Nazarenas,Cusco; or Libertador Trujillo and Belmond Miraflores Park
Easter Island, Chile
Days 5 and 6.Travel 2,300 miles off the coast of Chile to Easter Island, an open-air
museum of ancient stone villages, sanctuaries, and giant statues called moai. Explore the
island’s treasures with resident archaeologists Edmundo Edwards, Patricia Vargas, and
Claudio Cristino. Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa
Cross the International Date Line
Day 7.From Easter Island we continue our voyage across the Pacific, crossing the
international date line. We lose a day en route and arrive in Samoa the following evening.
Apia, Samoa
Day 8.Samoa is one of the few places where pure Polynesian culture remains
essentially intact: tribal rituals and hierarchies are little changed from ancient
times. Trace the coast of Samoa on a scenic drive, passing through charming seaside
villages. Enjoy a traditional Polynesian feast and a fia fia, a colorful performance of
Samoan dance and song. Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort
EXPERTS
Private Jet
Local Air
*The October 2016 departure follows the itinerary shown above but begins and ends in Washington,
D.C., with a welcome reception at National Geographic Society headquarters and hotel
accommodations at The Hay-Adams.
**On the January 2016 departure, Myanmar will replace China and Tibet on Days 13-15.
The experts above will accompany the entire expedition.
See our website for full bios on all experts.
Easter Island,
Chile
Orlando, Florida*
Lima, Cusco, and
Machu Picchu, Peru
Serengeti Plain or
Ngorongoro Crater,
Tanzania
Marrakech,
Morocco Petra and
Wadi Rum,
Jordan
Taj Mahal,
Agra, India
Lhasa, Tibet**
Xi’an, China**
Chengdu, China**
Angkor, Cambodia
Great Barrier Reef or
Daintree Rain Forest,
Australia
Apia,
Samoa
151-800-224-1894 | nationalgeographicexpeditions.com

Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet
Lion, Serengeti, Tanzania The Taj Mahal, Agra, India
Proceeds from our expeditions help fund the Society’s research and
exploration programs, which include archaeological excavations at
an Inca ritual site near Cusco; a study on the response of the Great
Barrier Reef to environmental stress; and the numerous programs of
the Big Cats Initiative, including protection of endangered lions and
cheetahs on Tanzania’s Masai Steppe.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
16
National Geographic Expeditions

Departure Dates:
December 27, 2015–January 19, 2016
January 21–February 13, 2016**
March 20–April 12, 2016
October 24–November 16, 2016*
Expedition Cost:
2015 $73,950
2016 $76,950
Prices are per person, double occupancy.
For a single room, add $8,650 in 2015 and
$8,950 in 2016. Transportation by private
Boeing 757 jet and other conveyance, as noted
in the itinerary, is included in the expedition
cost. Airfare to and from Orlando, Florida or
Washington, D.C. is not included.
The Great Barrier Reef or Daintree Rain Forest, Australia
Days 9 and 10.Explore the Great Barrier Reef, the largest known coral reef in the world and
home to an exceptionally rich variety of marine life. Enjoy snorkeling and swimming in this
magnificent ecosystem, or discover the natural wonders of the Daintree Rain Forest.
Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa
Angkor Wat or the Hidden Temples of Cambodia
Days 11 and 12.Fly to Siem Reap, our base for exploring Angkor, the heart of the ancient
Khmer Empire. Survey Angkor Wat’s massive temple complex, and visit the royal city of
Angkor Thom and the extraordinary Bayon Temple. Or explore the lost jungle temple of
Beng Mea Lea and the ninth-century Roluous temple complex of Hariharalaya.
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor
Chengdu, China**
Day 13. Travel to Chengdu, where we visit the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center
and stay overnight before flying to Tibet. Shangri-La Hotel Chengdu
Lhasa, Tibet or Xi’an, China**
Days 14 and 15. Depart by local flight to Lhasa. Visit the Jokhang Temple, the region’s oldest
and most revered temple. The next day, venture into the fabled Potala Palace and the nearly
600-year-old Sera Monastery. Alternatively, you may choose to travel to Xi’an, China to view
the famous terra-cotta warriors. The St.Regis Lhasa Resort or The Westin Xian
Taj Mahal or Fatehpur Sikri, India
Days 16 and 17. Return to Chengdu by local flight and continue on our private jet to Agra.
See the majestic Taj Mahal, one of the world’s greatest monuments to love. Explore the Red
Fort of Agra or meet with families in Kachhpura, a village of the Harijan people--otherwise
known as “untouchables.” Instead of visiting the Taj Mahal, travel to Fatehpur Sikri, Mogul
Emperor Akbar’s crowning architectural achievement. The Oberoi Amarvilás
The Serengeti Plain or Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Days 18 and 19.Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport and choose from two options: go
deep into Serengeti National Park to witness the greatest concentration of plains game in
Africa; or descend into the Ngorongoro Crater and observe the permanent population of
about 25,000 animals in the largest unbroken caldera in the world. National Geographic
Explorer-in-Residence Meave or Louise Leakey joins us to discuss the family’s historic
fossil finds. Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
The Lost City of Petra and Wadi Rum, Jordan
Days 20 and 21.Visit Petra, the lost city of the Nabataeans. Hidden in Jordan’s deep canyons
south of the Dead Sea, this remarkable site was founded more than 2,000 years ago and
consists of elaborate buildings and tombs carved from sheer rock walls. On the last evening,
gather for a festive Bedouin dinner. The following morning, travel to the beautiful desert
landscape of Wadi Rum, exploring the spectacular rock formations known as the Seven
Pillars of Wisdom. Mövenpick Resort Petra
Marrakech or the Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Days 22 and 23. Arrive in Marrakech and transfer to our hotel. The next day, see the
Koutoubia Mosque and visit the Bahia Palace. Wander through the medina and the open-air
market of Djemma el Fna, or take a stroll in the stunning Majorelle Garden. Tonight, gather
for a festive farewell banquet with traditional entertainment. La Mamounia
Marrakech, Morocco/Orlando, Florida*/Home City
Day 24. Following breakfast, board our private jet and fly to Orlando, Florida. Upon arrival,
you may connect with your commercial flight home, or, if you wish, we will provide
complimentary accommodations at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport Hotel
for the night. For the October departure, which ends in Washington, D.C., complimentary
accommodations will be provided at the Hyatt Dulles Airport Hotel for one night.
Petra, Jordan
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
*The October 2016 departure follows the itinerary shown above but begins and ends in Washington,
D.C., with a welcome reception at National Geographic Society headquarters and hotel
accommodations at The Hay-Adams.
**On the January 2016 departure, Myanmar will replace China and Tibet on Days 13-15.

A Maldivian man aboard a traditional dhoni, the Maldives
Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures:
An Extraordinary Journey by Private Jet
Madagascar, Hawai‘i, Bali, the Maldives: the names alone conjure up images
of exotic creatures and unique cultures, sparkling seas that lap white sands, and reefs
that swirl with dazzling marine life. Join eleven of National Geographic’s
top scientists, photographers, and explorers to discover rich island cultures
from Tonga to Sri Lanka and incredible wildlife in remote places
like the Maldives and Australia’s Kangaroo Island.
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Private Jet
Local Air
September 27–October 21, 2015
EXPERTS
Kenny Broad
Anthropologist and National Geographic
2011 Explorer of the Year who will join
us in Bali
Robin Coningham
Archaeologist and National
Geographic grantee who will join
us in Sri Lanka
Alexandra Cousteau
Conservationist and National
Geographic Emerging Explorer
who will join us in Fiji
Michael Davie
Emmy Award–winning documentary
ﬁlmmaker and author who will join
us in Australia
Luke Dollar
Conservation scientist and National
Geographic Emerging Explorer who
will join us in Madagascar
David Doubilet
who will accompany the entire
expedition
Sylvia Earle
Oceanographer and National
who will join us in Australia
Flip Nicklin
Marine biologist and National
Geographic wildlife photographer
who will join us in Hawai‘i and
Tonga
Andrea Marshall
Conservation biologist and National
will join us in the Maldives
David Harrison
Geographic Explorer who will
join us in Papua New Guinea
Tierney Thys
Marine biologist and National
expedition
Adelaide and
Kangaroo Island,
Australia
Antananarivo,
Madagascar
The
Maldives
Sri Lanka
Bali,
Indonesia
Papua,
New Guinea
Honolulu, Hawai‘i
Kona, Hawai‘i
Vava‘u, Tonga
Fiji
Optional Underwater Photography Pre-Trip Extension with David Doubilet
Join David Doubilet on a two-night pre-trip adventure in Kona, Hawai‘i. He’ll share techniques for underwater
photography before taking you diving or snorkeling to experience Hawai‘i’s incredible sea life. Conditions permitting,
take a thrilling night dive in Kailua to marvel at the majestic manta rays that come to feed. Please call for details.
Home City/Kona, Hawai‘i
Sunday and Monday, September 27 and 28. Depart independently on a commercial flight
to Hawai‘i. Meet experts, staff, and fellow travelers for a festive welcome dinner at our
hotel. The next day, enjoy an in-flight talk by National Geographic wildlife photographer
Flip Nicklin, who will accompany us to Tonga. We lose a day crossing the international
date line. The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i
Vava‘u, Tonga
Tuesday and Wednesday,September 29 and 30. Immerse yourself in the island culture
of Tonga, which traces its royal lineage back about 900 years. Take in spectacular ocean
views on a chartered flight to the Vava‘u group, northern islands known for verdant
hills and flawless beaches. Encounter incredible marine life while snorkeling Tonga’s
pristine reefs, then set sail on turquoise seas, discovering coves and bays hidden among
limestone cliffs. Scenic Hotel Tonga
Adelaide and Kangaroo Island, Australia
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 1, 2, 3, and 4. Set out on a tour of
Adelaide and enjoy lunch at a local winery in the Adelaide Hills before meeting Emmy
Award–winning filmmaker Michael Davie. Then fly by local aircraft to Kangaroo Island,
known as Australia’s Galápagos, where National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence
Sylvia Earle joins us. From our base at the exquisite Southern Ocean Lodge, head out
on a variety of excursions to discover the island’s native inhabitants, including Tammar
wallabies and endemic kangaroos. Hilton Adelaide Hotel; Southern Ocean Lodge,
Kangaroo Island
Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, October 5, 6, and 7. Fly via Jakarta, Indonesia to
Colombo, Sri Lanka. Take a local flight to Habarana and continue overland to Dambulla to
visit several of the island’s eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore Sigiriya, a fifth-
century royal city built by King Kassapa I, and visit the Golden Temple of Dambulla, a cave
monastery that has drawn pilgrims for more than 22 centuries. Meet National Geographic
grantee Robin Coningham, who conducted excavations at Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s
earliest capital. The Kingsbury,Colombo; Heritance Kandalama,Dambulla
Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures: An Extraordinary Journey by Private Jet

Sifaka lemur, Madagascar
Huli Wigman, Papua New Guinea
Proceeds from our expeditions help fund the Society’s research and exploration
programs, which include fossil studies on Kangaroo Island, where more than
25 well-preserved fossils of unknown species from the Cambrian period have
been excavated; and a Hawai‘i-based study of the role of song in the social
organization, communication, and breeding of humpback whales. Proceeds
also help fund the Society’s Explorer Programs, which support researchers like
wildlife biologist and photographer Tim Laman, whose documentation of every
known species of bird of paradise resulted in a National Geographic museum
exhibition and television documentary.
Rice fields below Gunung Agung, Bali
20

Departure Date:
September 27–October 21, 2015
Expedition Cost: $76,950
Price is per person, double occupancy. For
a single room, add $8,950. Transportation
by private Boeing 757 jet and other
conveyance, as noted in the itinerary, is
included in the expedition cost. Airfare to
and from Hawai‘i is not included.
Juvenile clownfish, the Maldives
Antananarivo, Madagascar
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, October 8, 9, and 10. An astonishing amount
of biodiversity awaits in Madagascar. Thanks to its isolation from the African
mainland, more than 80 percent of species in Madagascar are endemic. National
Geographic Emerging Explorer and wildlife biologist Luke Dollar meets us here to
discuss the island’s unique wildlife. Choose one of three excursions:
Walk through the rain forests of the Andasibe−Mantadia park complex on the lookout
for indri, the largest species of lemur, whose eerie calls resonate in the canopy
overhead. Or hike easy trails to waterfalls and volcanic lakes in Montagne d’Ambre
National Park. Alternatively, discover some of the 1,800 ﬂoral species on the unspoiled
Anjajavy Peninsula. Carlton Hotel; Andasibe Hotel, Le Domaine de Fontenay or Litchi
Tree, or Anjajavy l’Hotel
The Maldives
Sunday,Monday,and Tuesday,October 11,12,and 13. A breathtaking array
of marine creatures lives among radiant corals in the postcard-perfect seas of the
Maldives. Settle into private overwater bungalows and wake up to magnificent ocean
views. Then dip into translucent waters to snorkel or scuba dive in a dazzling underwater
world of more than a thousand sea species. Or hop on a bicycle and enjoy the beautiful
island scenery. National Geographic Emerging Explorer Andrea Marshall, one of the
world’s leading experts on manta rays, joins us here. Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa
Bali, Indonesia
Wednesday and Thursday, October 14 and 15. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of
magical Bali, whose cultural landscape was declared a World Heritage site in 2012.
Visit the Hindu temple of Pura Luhur Batukaru; explore Ubud, the island’s cultural and
artistic center; or ride through the countryside atop an elephant. National Geographic
2011 Explorer of the Year and ecological anthropologist Kenny Broad joins us here to
discuss his work on the relationships between ancient and modern civilizations and
the environment. Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
Papua New Guinea
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 16, 17, and 18. In Port Moresby, meet National
Geographic Explorer David Harrison, an anthropologist who has documented
endangered languages in Papua New Guinea as part of the Society’s Enduring Voices
Project. Then fly by local aircraft to one of four remote areas. Visit with the Melpa
people in the Western Highlands, an area known for its orchid species and birds of
paradise. Or head to the Southern Highlands, where the Huli Wigmen sport extravagant
warrior headdresses. Alternatively, cruise the Sepik River basin, exploring the tropical
lowland forest. Or explore Kokopo beach on New Britain Island. Airways Hotel; Rondon
Ridge, Ambua Lodge, Karawari Lodge, or Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort
Fiji
Monday and Tuesday, October 19 and 20. On Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, take part in a
traditional kava ceremony at the Kalevu Cultural Centre. Ride jet boats on the Sigatoka
River or take a catamaran cruise around Natadola, stopping to swim and snorkel the
reef. Here we are joined by National Geographic Emerging Explorer and conservationist
Alexandra Cousteau. She will discuss her National Geographic-sponsored expedition,
Blue Planet, which explored water issues all over the world to raise awareness about the
importance of protecting freshwater bodies and oceans. In the evening, we celebrate
the end of our journey with a festive farewell dinner featuring local music and dance, as
well as a mesmerizing performance by Fiji’s famous firewalkers.
Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, an InterContinental Resort
Fiji/Hawai‘i/Home City
Wednesday, October 21. Board our private jet and depart for Hawai‘i. As we cross the
international date line, we gain a day, and arrive in Honolulu on October 20. Enjoy a
casual buffet dinner in the evening. The next day, connect with your commercial flight
home. The Modern Honolulu
Legong dancers, Bali
Ocean Wonders and Island Cultures: An Extraordinary Journey by Private Jet

The Human Journey:
Tracing Legendary Peoples and Sacred Places
with Dr. Spencer Wells
Join geneticist, anthropologist, and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Spencer Wells
on an extraordinary private jet expedition, venturing off the beaten path to discover the
enduring legacies of legendary civilizations that have shaped our shared human history.
Following a specially crafted itinerary we developed with Spencer, explore sacred sites,
ancient cities, and astonishing cultural treasures from Uzbekistan
and Mongolia to Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, and beyond.
Gobi, Mongolia
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Private Jet
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May 12–June 4, 2016
U.S./London, England
Thursday and Friday, May 12 and 13. Depart the U.S. independently on an overnight
flight to London. The next day, meet experts, staff, and fellow travelers during
a welcome reception and dinner. Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
Tbilisi, Georgia
Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, May 14, 15, and 16. Get acquainted with Tbilisi’s
Old City, visiting the Georgian Orthodox Sioni Cathedral. At the Georgian National
Museum, enjoy a private tour and reception with paleoanthropologist and National
Geographic grantee Dr. David Lordkipanidze, the museum’s director. Join David on an
optional excursion to the archaeological site of Dmanisi, where he led the discovery of
the earliest-known hominid remains outside of Africa. Explore the historic churches
and monasteries of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mtskheta, or travel to the
ancient cave town of Uplistsikhe and visit Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin.
Marriott Tbilisi Hotel
Samarqand, Uzbekistan
Tuesday and Wednesday, May 17 and 18. The fabled city of Samarqand flourished
in the 14th and 15th centuries under the rule of Tamerlane and his successors, who
commissioned spectacular mosques and madrassas covered in blue tiles. Discover
the city’s vibrant bazaars, and examine some of the finest examples of Islamic
architecture in the world on a stroll through Registan Square. Venture into Gur-e
Amir and the Shah-i-Zinda complex of mosques and mausoleums, and see the
turquoise domes of the Bibi Khanum mosque. Registan Plaza Hotel, Samarqand
Ulaanbaatar and the Gobi, Mongolia
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, May 19, 20, and 21. Our next stop is the land of
Genghis Khan, where one of the world’s last nomadic cultures lives amid the stark
beauty of the steppe. In Ulaanbaatar, explore the Gandan Monastery, one of the few
monasteries to survive the anti-Buddhist attacks of the 1930s. Then take a private
local flight to the majestic Gobi, where we’ll spend two nights at a traditional ger camp.
In addition, visit with a nomad family and experience their way of life firsthand. At
the fossil quarries of Bayanzag, also known as the Flaming Cliffs, hunt for dinosaur
fossils with a local paleontologist. Or discover the stunning landscapes of Gorkhi-Terelj
National Park. The Blue Sky Hotel, Ulaanbaatar; Terelj Hotel or Three Camel Lodge
EXPERTS
Spencer Wells
Geneticist, anthropologist, and
National Geographic Explorer-in-
Residence Spencer Wells has
analyzed the DNA of thousands
of people living in isolated tribes around the
world. He leads the landmark Genographic
Project, a multiyear endeavor to chart the
journey of our early ancestors as they
populated the planet. Spencer earned his
Ph.D. from Harvard University and conducted
postdoctoral work at Stanford and Oxford.
He is the author of three books, The Journey
of Man, Deep Ancestry, and Pandora’s
Seed. His fieldwork has taken him to more
than 80 countries, where he has worked
with everyone from heads of government
to tribal chieftains in places as remote as
Chad, Tajikistan, and Papua New Guinea.
Gregory Anderson
National Geographic Explorer
Gregory Anderson is a linguist
and head of scientific research
for the Society’s Enduring
Voices Project, which documents endangered
languages and cultures around the world.
Gregory is an experienced fieldworker and has
worked on-site with speakers of languages on
every inhabited continent. He has authored
10 books and more than 75 academic articles
and was featured, along with National
Geographic Explorer David Harrison, in the
acclaimed documentary film The Linguists.
Bob Krist
National Geographic
photographer Bob Krist has
shot several articles for National
Geographic magazine and more
than 30 articles for National Geographic
Traveler, where he is a contributing editor.
His many assignments have taken him to all
seven continents and have earned him awards
in the Pictures of the Year, Communication
Arts, and World Press Photo competitions.
His book Travel Photography: Documenting
the World’s People and Places was published
as a part of the Digital Masters series.
The experts above will accompany the entire
expedition.
Yangon (Rangoon), Inle Lake,
and Bagan, Myanmar (Burma)
Colombo
and Dambulla,
Sri Lanka
Addis Ababa
and Lalibela,
Ethiopia
Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Israel
London, England
Tbilisi, Georgia
Gobi
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Samarqand,
Uzbekistan

programs, which include a two-month trek to summit the highest Himalaya peak
in Myanmar, a study of the endemic species revealed on Uzbekistan’s Ustjurt
Plateau, and the excavation of a Middle Bronze Age palace in Israel. Proceeds
also support the groundbreaking research of Explorer-in-Residence Spencer
Wells through our Explorer Programs.
Inle Lake, Myanmar
Registan Square, Samarqand, Uzbekistan
Yangon, Myanmar
24

Departure Date:
May 12–June 4, 2016
Price is per person, double occupancy.
For a single room, add $8,250.
Transportation by private Boeing
757 jet and other conveyance, as
noted in the itinerary, is included in
the expedition cost. Airfare to and
from London is not included.
Yangon (Rangoon), Inle Lake, and Bagan, Myanmar (Burma)
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, May 22, 23, 24, and 25. Our visit begins at
Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda, a dazzling structure that has dominated the city’s skyline
for more than a thousand years. Take a private local flight to remote Inle Lake, home
to the floating gardens, stilt houses, and markets of the Intha people. Learn about
their traditional weaving and blacksmithing methods, watch fishermen poling their
skiffs with one leg, and visit Nga Phe Chaung Monastery. Fly to the ancient capital of
Bagan and explore its extraordinary plain, dotted with thousands of temples, stupas,
and monasteries. Traders Hotel, Yangon; Aureum Resort & Spa, Inle Lake; and Aureum
Palace Hotel, Bagan
Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, May 26, 27, and 28. We fly next to Colombo, Sri
Lanka’s colorful capital. Take a private local flight to Habarana and continue overland
to Dambulla. From our base at a stunning lakeside hotel, set out to visit several World
Heritage sites: the rock fortress of Sigiriya, a wonder of ancient engineering; the cave
temples of Dambulla, a Buddhist pilgrimage site; and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa,
where many ruins date from the 12th century.
Amaya Lake, Dambulla and Signature by Amaya
Addis Ababa and Lalibela, Ethiopia
Sunday and Monday, May 29 and 30. Ethiopia is home to diverse religions, distinct
tribal cultures, evidence of some of the earliest humans, and an array of archaeological
treasures. In the capital city of Addis Ababa, pay a visit to the National Museum
of Ethiopia. Then travel by local air to the northern town of Lalibela, an important
pilgrimage center of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church—one of the oldest Christian sects
in the world. At this fascinating World Heritage site, stroll among 11 breathtaking
subterranean churches that were carved out of bedrock in the 13th century.
Sheraton Addis
Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Israel
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, May 31, June 1 and 2. Fly by private jet to Tel
Aviv and continue overland to Jerusalem, a city that holds a rich spiritual meaning to
many faiths. We will visit a number of holy sites in the Old City and learn about their
significance to Jews, Muslims, and Christians. Face the Western Wall, one of the most
sacred Jewish sites, and touch its ancient stones; wander through the Church of the
Holy Sepulchre, which, according to tradition, houses the tomb of Jesus; and visit the
Temple Mount, capped by the gleaming cupola of the Dome of the Rock, where the
Prophet Muhammad is believed to have ascended into heaven. The next day, head into
the desert to Masada, King Herod’s fortress perched dramatically atop a plateau.
King David Hotel, Jerusalem
London, England/U.S.
Friday and Saturday, June 3 and 4. Return by private jet to London and celebrate
our adventure with a farewell dinner. The next day, transfer to the airport for your
commercial flight home. Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
Lalibela, Ethiopia
Jerusalem, Israel
Fresco, Golden Temple of Dambulla

Set off on the ultimate wildlife adventure with top National Geographic experts, and encounter an
incredible array of the world’s legendary creatures. As we explore Rwanda, Borneo, Madagascar, and
more, our zoologists, naturalists, and conservationists share their insights on endangered animals,
and on the research and ﬁeldwork underway to help ensure their survival for generations to come.
Baby orangutan, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Borneo, Malaysia
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EXPERTS
February 20–March 13, 2016
U.S./Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula, South Africa:
African Penguins and Great White Sharks
Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, February 20, 21, and 22. Depart the U.S. independently
on an overnight flight to Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in Africa. Here, the
sheer slopes of Table Mountain rise above vineyards, charming suburbs, and gardens
filled with exotic plant life. Upon arrival, gather for a welcome dinner where we’ll enjoy
a talk by National Geographic Emerging Explorer Steve Boyes, who has studied wildlife
rehabilitation and biodiversity across South Africa.
The next day, choose from several options. Set out for an invigorating adventure at
sea, cruising to an area where great white sharks come to feed. Watch these powerful
predators from the deck, or dare to encounter them from the safety of an underwater
cage for an unparalleled view of the action beneath the surface. Alternatively, travel by
helicopter to the Cape of Good Hope, the southwesternmost point of Africa. Drive back
through the stunning Cape Peninsula, stopping at Boulders Beach, one of the few places
on Earth where African penguins can be closely observed in their natural habitat. A
third option takes you to Robben Island, the UNESCO World Heritage site where Nelson
Mandela and other political leaders were imprisoned. One&Only, Cape Town
Rwanda: Mountain Gorillas or Chimpanzees
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, February 23, 24, and 25. Board our private jet
for the flight to Rwanda, where we set out on a thrilling trek through bamboo forests
in Volcanoes National Park to find and observe mountain gorillas. Learn about these
endangered creatures from primatologist and National Geographic Emerging Explorer
Elizabeth Lonsdorf, vice president for education and outreach for the International
Primatological Society. As an alternative, go on a hike in Nyungwe National Park to
see chimpanzees, or fly by helicopter over the Virunga volcanoes and visit the Akilah
Institute for Women, an inspiring vocational education and leadership program.
Kigali Serena Hotel; Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or Nyungwe Forest Lodge
The Maldives: Turtles, Dolphins, and Coral Reefs
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, February 26, 27, and 28. The island paradise of the
Maldives is surrounded by colorful coral reefs that teem with marine life. Take a cruise
with marine biologist and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Sylvia Earle, who
will discuss her efforts to restore health and productivity to the oceans by promoting
the creation of marine protected areas. Go snorkeling in the pristine waters, or certified
divers may join Sylvia on a deep-water dive. Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa
Steve Boyes
Zoologist and National Geographic
Emerging Explorer who will join us
in South Africa
Luke Dollar
Conservation scientist and National
will join us in South Africa
Sylvia Earle
Oceanographer and National
who will join us in the Maldives
Kristofer Helgen
Zoologist and National Geographic
Emerging Explorer who will
accompany the entire expedition
Sandesh Kadur
Author, photographer, filmmaker,
and National Geographic Emerging
Explorer who will join us in India
Tim Laman
Biologist and National Geographic
photographer who will join us in
Malaysian Borneo
Elizabeth Lonsdorf
Primatologist and National
who will join us in Rwanda
Mireya Mayor
Primatologist, National Geographic
Emerging Explorer, and Nat Geo
WILD host who will join us in
Madagascar
Ami Vitale
expedition
Cape Town, South Africa
Sabi Sand Game Reserve
and Johannesburg,
South Africa
The Maldives
Jaipur and Ranthambore National Park
or Kanha National Park, India
Kigali and Volcanoes
National Park
or Nyungwe National Park,
Rwanda
Antananarivo,
Madagascar
and various
wildlife reserves
Sandakan,
Kabili-Sepilok
Nature Reserve,
Malaysian Borneo

Proceeds from our expeditions help fund the Society’s
research and exploration programs, including many
projects led by the experts who will accompany us. We
have helped support Luke Dollar’s studies of the fossa
and other carnivores endemic to Madagascar, as well as
the monitoring of endangered Cape parrots by National
Geographic Emerging Explorer Steve Boyes.
Bengal tiger, Ranthambore National Park, India
Mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Giraffes, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa
28

Departure Date:
February 20–March 13, 2016
Cape Town and from Johannesburg, South
Africa is not included.
Hawksbill turtle, the Maldives
Malaysian Borneo: Orangutans and Proboscis Monkeys
Monday, and Tuesday, February 29 and March 1. Our flight to Borneo lands in
Sandakan, our base for excursions into the island’s lush tropical wilderness. Come
face-to-face with orangutans at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in the
Kabili-Sepilok Nature Reserve. Then glide along the Kinabatangan River as it wends
its way through the mangroves of the Abai Forest Reserve and search for the elusive
and endangered proboscis monkey. Learn about the local wildlife from field biologist
and National Geographic photojournalist Tim Laman, who landed his first National
Geographic magazine assignment working in the rain forests of Borneo.
Four Points Sheraton, Sandakan
India: Wildlife Sanctuaries
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, March 2, 3, and 4. Land in Jaipur and spend two
full days on unforgettable game drives in some of India’s top wildlife parks. Travel
through the former hunting grounds of the maharajas of Jaipur in Rajasthan’s
Ranthambore National Park, or discover Kanha National Park’s bamboo forests and
grassy plains, the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. Both of these
parks were created to preserve the native habitat of the majestic Bengal tiger, and
though these cats are notoriously difficult to spot, our expert naturalists will lead
us deep into the bush in hopes of catching a glimpse of these elusive creatures, as
well as leopards, wild boars, sloth bears, sambar deer, and some 200 native species
of birds. Meet with National Geographic Emerging Explorer Sandesh Kadur, a
wildlife filmmaker, to hear how his films and photographs have spread awareness
worldwide of India’s wild places and the need to preserve them. Aman-i-Khás or Oberoi
Vanyavilas, Ranthambore National Park; or Banjaar Tola, Kanha National Park
Madagascar: Lemurs
Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, March 5, 6, and 7. Thanks to its isolation from the
African mainland, more than 80 percent of species in Madagascar are endemic.
Primatologist and National Geographic Emerging Explorer Mireya Mayor meets us here
to discuss her discovery of a mouse lemur and her work to protect wild habitats on the
island. Choose between two excursions:
Walk through the rain forests of the Andasibe−Mantadia park complex on the lookout
for indri, the largest species of lemur, whose eerie calls resonate in the canopy
overhead. Or hike easy trails to waterfalls and volcanic lakes in Montagne d’Ambre
National Park. Carlton Hotel; Andasibe Hotel or Vakona Forest Lodge; or Le Domaine de
Fontenay or Litchi Tree
South Africa: The “Big Five”
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, March 8, 9, and 10. Return to South Africa
to cap off the adventure with an unforgettable safari. Our private jet arrives in
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, where we transfer to smaller aircraft
and fly to the exclusive Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, considered by many to
be one of the best places in the world to see leopards up close. Meet with wildlife
biologist and National Geographic Emerging Explorer Luke Dollar, who has done
extensive research on African predators and currently manages the Society’s Big
Cats Initiative. Steve Boyes also rejoins us here to discuss his efforts to end the
wild-caught bird trade and restore forest habitats in Africa. Embark on morning and
late-afternoon game drives in open vehicles, exploring open grasslands and dense
riverine bush for a chance to see the “Big Five” (leopards, lions, African elephants,
Cape buffaloes, and rhinoceroses), as well as giraffes, cheetahs, hippos, zebras, and
hundreds of bird species. Singita Boulders Lodge, Singita Ebony Lodge, or Londolozi,
Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Johannesburg, South Africa/U.S.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, March 11, 12, and 13. Fly by local charter to
Johannesburg, where we enjoy a festive farewell dinner. The following day transfer to
the airport to connect to your commercial flight home, arriving the next day.
Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff
Rose-ringed parakeet, Ranthambore National Park, India

Around the World by Private Jet:
The Northern Route
Delve into the worlds of emperors and exiles, Arctic explorers and fossil-ﬁnders, and nomads of the desert
and the ice as you circumnavigate the northern hemisphere by private jet. Explore Japan’s exquisite spiritual
architecture amid the gardens and shrines of Kyoto and Nara. Experience nomadic life in Mongolia’s Gobi
and trace Russian history in St. Petersburg and Irkutsk. Then head further north to encounter Norway’s
fjords, Iceland’s wondrous geology, and the glittering glaciers and icebergs of Greenland.
Ilulissat, Greenland
30

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Private Jet
Local Air
August 19–September 9, 2016
Home City/Seattle, Washington
Friday and Saturday, August 19 and 20. Meet experts, staff, and fellow travelers for a
welcome reception and dinner at our hotel, located in the heart of downtown near Pike Place
Market, the Seattle Art Museum, and the Space Needle. The next day, depart for Japan, and lose
a day crossing the international date line. Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
Kyoto and Nara, Japan
Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, August 21, 22, and 23. After landing in Osaka, travel to Kyoto,
home to UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples, shrines, and gardens that vividly recall the
glory of Old Japan. Visit Kinkaku-ji golden pavilion, the wooden temple of Sanjusangendo,
the striking torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the palaces and gardens of Nijō Castle. In
ancient Nara, an imperial capital of Japan, see the Tōdai-ji Temple, the world’s largest wooden
building, and peruse an outstanding collection of sacred Buddhist art at Kōhfukuji National
Treasure Museum. Stroll along an enchanting path to the Kasuga Grand Shrine, passing by
3,000 stone and bronze lanterns. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel or Hiiragiya,Kyoto
Ulaanbaatar and the Gobi, Mongolia
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, August 24, 25, and 26. Our next stop is the land of Genghis
Khan, where one of the world’s last nomadic cultures lives amid the stark beauty of the steppe.
In Ulaanbaatar, explore the Gandan Monastery, one of the few monasteries to survive the
communist religious purges in the 1930s. Then take a private local flight to the majestic Gobi,
where we’ll spend two nights at a traditional ger (tent) camp. In addition, visit with a nomad
family and experience their way of life firsthand. At the fossil quarries of Bayanzag, also
known as the Flaming Cliffs, hunt for dinosaur fossils with a local paleontologist. Or discover
the stunning landscapes of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. The Blue Sky Hotel and Tower,
Ulaanbaatar; Terelj Hotel or Three Camel Lodge
Irkutsk and Lake Baikal, Russia
Saturday and Sunday, August 27 and 28. After the Decembrist Revolt in 1825, exiled nobility
settled in Siberia, bringing culture and infrastructure to cities like Irkutsk. Follow their
footsteps on a walk through the central square, where traditional wooden houses stand out
in bright shades of blue and green—the colors of Siberia. Visit the Church of Our Saviour, the
oldest stone structure in Irkutsk, and wander among the tombs of famous Siberians at the
Znamenskaya cathedral. Delve into the city’s pivotal role in Russian history at the Monument
to Russian Pioneers of Siberia. The next day, cruise Lake Baikal, a UNESCO World Heritage site
as well as the world’s oldest and deepest lake. In the evening, enjoy a classical concert at the
Volkonsky Manor, once the center of social life for the exiled Decembrists.
Courtyard by Marriott,Irkutsk City Center
EXPERTS
Wade Davis
Wade Davis is an anthropologist,
writer, photographer, and filmmaker
whose work has taken him to
remote places from the Amazon to the Arctic to
learn about and record complex cultures. Wade
is the author of 17 books, including One River,
The Wayfinders, The Sacred Headwaters, and
Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory, and the
Conquest of Everest, which won the prestigious
2012 Samuel Johnson Prize. His many film
credits include Light at the Edge of the World, a
documentary series produced for the National
Geographic Channel. An Honorary Member of
the Explorers Club, Wade received their highest
award, the Explorers Medal, in 2011. He was also
awarded the Gold Medal from the Royal Canadian
Geographical Society in 2009 and, in 2012, the
David Fairchild Medal for botanical exploration.
Jan Nijman
A former member of National
Geographic’s Committee for
Research and Exploration,
geographer Jan Nijman has
traveled the world supporting the Society’s
research projects and working on his own grants
from National Geographic and the National
Science Foundation. Jan currently chairs the
Society’s Global Exploration Fund–Northern
Europe and directs the Centre for Urban Studies
at the University of Amsterdam. A Professor
Emeritus of Geography at the University of
Miami, Jan is the author of four books and
more than 80 publications that have appeared
in international journals. A Netherlands native,
Jan speaks five languages and has received
numerous awards, including the Nystrom Prize,
the University of Miami’s Excellence in Teaching
Award, and a Guggenheim Fellowship.
Chris Rainier
and acclaimed documentary
photographer Chris Rainier
specializes in documenting
indigenous cultures around the world. Chris
was co-founder of the Society’s All Roads
Photography Program; serves as a contributing
editor for National Geographic Traveler magazine;
and is a co-director of the Enduring Voices
Project, which documents vanishing languages
and cultures. He is the founder and director
of the International Program for Traditional
Knowledge and Sustainability at Arizona’s Global
Institute for Sustainability and also directs the
Last Mile Technology Program, which empowers
endangered cultures to save their ancient
traditions through modern technology. His
numerous awards include the Lowell Thomas
Award, given by the Explorers Club, and he
was recently elected a Fellow at the Royal
Geographical Society in London.
The experts above will accompany the entire expedition.
Seattle, Washington
Boston, Massachusetts
Reykjavík, Iceland
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Ilulissat (Jakobshavn)
St. Petersburg, Russia
Tromsø, Norway
Irkutsk, Russia
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Osaka and Kyoto, Japan
Gobi

programs, which include a study on the evolution of freshwater fauna in Lake Baikal,
the oldest and largest lake in the world; an archaeological survey of prehistoric human
populations in the Gobi, where burial mounds and cave burials have yielded extremely
well-preserved human remains; and research into the interactions of lava and glaciers
resulting from the eruption of Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull volcano in 2010.
The Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia
Blue Lagoon, Reykjavík, Iceland
Torii gates, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto, Japan
32

Departure Date:
August 19–September 9, 2016
Seattle and from Boston is not included.
St. Petersburg, Russia
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, August 29, 30, and 31. Designed by Peter the Great in
the 18th century to rival the cities of Europe, elegant St. Petersburg still entices travelers
with its magnificent palaces, superb art collections, and riveting history. At the lavishly
restored Catherine Palace, marvel at the magnificent Amber Room, then delve into the
world-renowned art collection at the State Hermitage Museum and examine jewels and
the works of Fabergé at its Treasure Galleries. Stroll through the gardens of Peterhof, the
tsar’s homage to Versailles. Tour Peter and Paul Fortress, the city’s oldest structure, to see
the stunning grounds and historic cathedral, topped with a needle-thin spire. Attend a
performance at one of St. Petersburg’s grand theaters, or discover the Neva and its tributary
canals during an evening boat cruise before a gala dinner. Hotel Astoria,St.Petersburg
Tromsø, Norway
Thursday and Friday, September 1 and 2. In the 19th century, Tromsø was the
cosmopolitan jewel in northern Norway’s crown, provisioning Russian, British, Dutch, and
German ships before they departed on Arctic hunting expeditions. Take a short tour of the
city and sample some traditional Norwegian specialties for lunch before embarking on a
cruise through the fjords and bays of the Tromsø archipelago. End your journey with dinner
at the old fishing village of Sommarøy. The next day, drive along the rugged coastline and
enjoy a delectable lunch at a local restaurant. Ride a cable car to the summit of Mount
Storsteinen, where you can admire the views over the city, fjords, and islands with icy peaks
rising in the distance. Or travel into the mountains for an easy hike.
Scandic Ishavshotel,Tromsø
Reykjavík, Iceland
Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, September 3, 4, and 5. In Iceland’s vibrant capital of
Reykjavík, explore the Old City and the traditional wooden houses of the Árbær Open Air
Museum. Relax in the geothermic hot springs of the Blue Lagoon, whose warm, mineral-
rich waters have long eased the muscles and raised the spirits of travelers. At Thingvellir,
stand astride the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic
plates meet. See the geothermal fields of Geysir, home to hot springs, mud pots, and boiling
pools; and feel the mist on your face at the majestic Gullfoss. You’ll also have time to choose
your own adventure, including visiting a geothermal power plant, hiking through a nature
reserve, or snowmobiling on a glacier. Hotel Borg,Reykjavík
Ilulissat, Greenland
Tuesday and Wednesday, September 6 and 7. Our next stop is Kangerlussuaq, a town of
about 500 residents in western Greenland founded as a military base during World War II
and now a hub of scientific research. Continue by charter flight north to the remote town
of Ilulissat, which abuts the massive Ilulissat Icefjord, the source of many of the icebergs
in Greenlandic waters. Cruise through the mist among craggy icebergs at the mouth of
the fjord, take an easy walk along the ice fjord, and meet a dogsled team. Or take a longer
guided hike alongside the massive glacier to the Inuit village of Sermermiut, or visit the
brightly colored houses and church of a tiny hunting and fishing settlement.
Arctic Hotel,Ilulissat
Greenland/Boston, Massachusetts/Home City
Thursday and Friday, September 8 and 9. Fly to Boston and celebrate with a festive
farewell dinner. The next day, connect with your commercial flight home.
Four Seasons Hotel Boston
Mongolian woman in traditional clothing
Geothermal field, Geysir, Iceland
Flaming Cliffs, Mongolia

NG 2015-16 Private Jet Catalog

NG 2015-16 Private Jet Catalog

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