Ultimate Alaska Wildlife Safari
Top Brochure of Ultimate Alaska Wildlife Safari
Trip Type : Small Group Tour
By Discover the World
From: $ 12,233 $ 874 / day
Sleep on a private island, set amongst the glaciers, icebergs and marine wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park
Search for bears, wolves and moose with a stay in the heart of Denali National Park
Experience close encounters with grizzlies at Brooks Falls, Katmai National Park
In the company of some of Alaska's top naturalist guides, head off the beaten track and into the Alaskan wilderness in search of adventure, epic landscapes and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Small groups are usually defined as between 10 and 24 travelers, often less. If you're the kind of person who enjoys more intimate experiences and personal service this is a good choice. All else being equal you will pay a premium for this style vs a larger group tour.
Trip Type Small Group Tour
Flights & Transport Only ground transport
Start City Fairbanks
End City Anchorage
Nature & Wildlife Safari National Parks
Alaska Anchorage Denali Denali National Park Fairbanks Kenai Fjords National Park Seward
Hiking Historic sightseeing Nature
12 nights accommodation
All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 13 (except dinner on days 5 & 9)
Services of Expedition Leader, local guides and lodge staff
Airport transfers on arrival and departure
Domestic flights and Alaska Railroad as per the itinerary
Kayaking at Fox Island
Permits and entrance fees
Yosemite Volunteer Vacation
Napa and the Sonoma Coast
Day 1: Fairbanks
Your safari begins in Fairbanks, Alaska's second largest city and gateway to the Arctic north. The city retains its frontier flavour with pioneer saloons, paddle wheelers and outlying mining camps.
Days 2 - 4: Denali National Park
Denali National Park is one of the world's great wilderness preservesa nd home to North America's highest peak, Denali, standing at 20,320 feet over the tundra and taiga below. From your remote lodge base located 90 miles inside the park you will have the chance to experience this authentic wilderness, which is home to wolves, grizzly bears, moose and caribou. Hiking, nature walks, biking, fishing and optional flightseeing trips are available.
Days 5: Denali National Park - Talkeetna
Depart for the park entrance by road this morning, keeping a close eye out for moose, caribou, grizzly bears and other resident wildlife. At midday board the Alaska Railroad for a classic train journey through Alaska's rugged interior. Your route through the Alaska Range climbs above tree line over Broad Pass, then descends to follow the Susitna River to historic village of Talkeetna, where you will disembark for the night. The rustic town, founded a century ago as the district headquarters for the new railroad, sits at the confluence of three rivers and enjoys a striking panorama of Mt. Denali and adjacent peaks. An outdoor recreation mecca, the town's economy today thrives on rafting, flightseeing, mountain biking, hiking, camping, fishing and hunting, and it is also the main base for climbing expeditions to Denali. After dinner there's time to stroll the compact downtown, whose buildings dating to the early 1900s have been designated a National Historic Site.
Days 6 & 7: Talkeetna - Girdwood
Continue south, eventually reaching the coast and following Turnagain Arm to Girdwood and Alyeska Resort, Alaska's premier ski area, where a host of exciting summer activities is also available. Set in a lush glacial valley in the Chugach Range southeast of Anchorage, Alyeska offers nature and luxury in tandem. Explore the northernmost temperate rain forest in North America or choose an optional tram ride to the alpine summit to dine at Seven Glaciers, a 5-star restaurant with vistas of the ice-bound peaks and inlet far below. On day 7 you'll explore the scenic drama of iceberg-choked Spencer Lake, then take a gentle float trip down the Placer River before returning to Girdwood.
Day 8: Girdwood - Fox Island, Kenai Fjords
This morning travel to the fishing town and port of Seward on the Kenai Peninsula. From here you will cruise to Fox Island, a private island on the edge of Kenai Fjords National Park. This secluded location reveals Alaska at its most pristine. The region is famed for sea kayaking, and an easy paddling excursion this afternoon is likely to reveal some of the area's prolific marine life.
Day 9: Kenai Fjords National Park
Board a private charter boat this morning for a cruise through a realm where the Ice Age still lingers. Your small yacht offers the opportunity for closer encounters with wildlife, which may include humpback and orca whales, porpoises, sea otters and a large colony of puffins. Glaciers pour from the jagged mountain heights into the sea, and you may observe icebergs calving with a crash as you head back to your exclusive island accommodation.
Day 10: Fox Island - Seward - Anchorage
After a final morning to enjoy the wild environs of Fox Island, weave your way back through the fjords to Seward. From here, retrace your route northward, with the mountain ranges of the Kenai Peninsula rising one after another as you traverse Moose Pass and cross some of Alaska's richest salmon rivers. You'll return to Anchorage by late afternoon where you'll have the rest of your evening at leisure.
Days 11 & 12: Anchorage - Brooks Falls, Katmai National Park
Katmai National Park is home to the world's largest population of brown bears. Fly on a small plane to King Salmon, then continue by floatplane to world-renowned Brooks Lodge, one of the best places to view these coastal grizzlies in their natural habitat. From the safety of platforms built over Brooks Falls, observe this incredible spectacle up close as the bears fish vigorously for salmon swimming upstream to spawn.
Day 13: Brooks Falls, Katmai National Park - Anchorage
Spend the morning in Katmai before flying back to Anchorage. Tonight celebrate your Alaskan adventure at a farewell dinner.
Day 14: Anchorage
Your tour ends after breakfast with a transfer to the airport.
Price From $ 12,233
Single Supplement (Single Occupancy): $ 14,943
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Discover the World.
Dennis Cox
30 Discover the World Travel Reviews & Ratings
Disappointing 0
I will definitely be using them again.
Excellent team who tailor make your dream holiday - Everything taken care of so all you need to do is turn up and have a holiday of a life time. I will definitely be using them again.
OperatorDiscover the World Company Reviews
It was incredible.
i did the orca and aurora tour at the beginning of march and it was incredible. we saw so many whales and the most incredible aurora.
Would definitely recommend this holiday
Just returned from a great three night Northern Lights Special. Great hotels - Ranga and Northern Lights Inn - and very good food there. Our guides - Ragna and Thor - were both very knowledgeable and friendly, so we not only saw a lot of the spectacular scenery and sites but also learned about the history and stories of Iceland. Would definitely recommend this holiday. It might seem more expensive than doing it yourself but when you add up all the extras - tours, breakfasts, entry to the Blue Lagoon etc - it is not, and is very good value. Oh - and we saw the Northern Lights...!
such an enjoyable experience!!
Have just returned from our three day trip to the Ice Hotel. We had a fantastic time. Congratulations to Discover the World for the excellent service provided. Our itinerary ran like clockwork and did exactly what it said. Met at the airport, escorted on the plane, picked up by dog sled at the airport, rooms, restaurants and trips perfectly organised. Such a professional service. We did upgrade our snowmobile trip and room at the hotel which was our choice having talked to other guests. Our rep Maddie was great, always available and always very chirpy. We will recommend Discover the World to others and of course book for our next great adventure soon!! Thanks for making the trip such an enjoyable experience!!
All staff very attentive, The whole experience was out of this world
Just walked into our house after a fantastic weekend in Abisko and Ice Hotel, Sweden. The whole experience was out of this world - a must on anyone's bucket list. I also have to say how well organised the trip was by Discover the World. All staff very attentive from the time we checked in at Heathrow. Couldn't fault it at all. Northern lights appeared on our last night which made the trip even more special. Thank you.
Had a fantastic time. Would highly recommend.
Just back from Orcas and auroras in Iceland. Had a fantastic time, we managed to see white beaked dolphins on both boat trips and thanks to Cathy and Helti giving up their afternoon off, we managed both Orcas and Sperm Whales from land. Unfortunately solar activity was low, so no aurora but the landscape and company was stunning. Would highly recommend.
Flights & Transport
Only ground transport
Small Group - 24 max
Maximum Number of People in Group: 14
Marriott Springhill Suites, Fairbanks
Grade: Standard
A 140 room modern hotel in the heart of historic downtown Fairbanks, the Marriott Springhill Suites sits across from the idyllic Chena River. Located near many of the city's attractions, including the Santa Claus House and the Fairbanks Ice Museum, the Marriott is well situated for exploring the area's shops, museums, restaurants and other entertainment.
Lavelle's Bistro, found in the hotel itself, is one of the best Italian restaurants in town and is the perfect place to unwind over your meal with a glass of wine. There is also a pool and fitness room on site, free parking and a courtesy rail and airport shuttle. Each suite is stylishly furnished with a private bathroom, free wifi, hairdryer, microwave, mini-fridge and coffee maker.
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
With Denali National Park on the doorstep, the 212 room Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge is set on a ridge to the south of Mt. McKinley. Offering unparalleled views of both Mt. McKinley and the Alaska Range, the lodge provides a wealth of activities and adventure options.
Including flightseeing, jet boat tours, kayak trips, zip-lining or the more relaxing hiking and float trips, there are a wealth of activities for the outdoors lover. And with Talkeetna nearby offering native arts and handcrafted goods, there is plenty for the culture enthusiast as well.
First class views over Mt. McKinley are on offer in the dining room, alongside award-winning fresh Alaska seafood which will satisfy any palate. The main lodge has a spacious lobby with high ceilings and a fireplace where guests can relax while the gardens and deck boast spectacular views. A courtesy shuttle carries visitors to and from the train station and downtown Talkeetna. This property is only open during the summer months.
Alyeska Resort, Girdwood
Grade: Superior
Situated in Girdwood, just 40 miles south of Anchorage, the 304-room chateau-style Alyeska Resort is the perfect spot in which to relax at the end of your Alaskan adventure.
This property is set in a lush valley surrounded by the spectacular mountains of Chugach State Park. From here you can explore the Girdwood Valley on foot or by bike, hike onto one of the region's glaciers or take a memorable scenic flight. The Alyeska Aerial Tram provides the easiest way to reach the summit of Mt Alyeska, boasting breathtaking views of the Turnagain Arm, several hanging glaciers and the countless peaks of the Chugach Mountain range.
Amenities at the Alyeska Resort include a saltwater pool, whirlpool and fitness center as well as the luxurious Spa at Alyeska. Guestrooms feature Alaskan artwork, StarbucksTM coffee-making facilities, and Serta® Presidential Pillow-Top Mattresses, ensuring a comfortable stay in elegant surroundings. The Summit rooms on the hotel's top floor are highly recommended for their uninterrupted mountain views.
Dining options range from casual to fine dining, with 4 on-site restaurants and cafes to choose from. Or for something a little more special, take the aerial tram to the award-winning Seven Glacier Restaurant for a mountain-top culinary adventure. Combining signature dishes made from fresh local produce with panoramic views available from every table, this truly unique Alaskan dining experience is the ideal way to finish your holiday in style.
Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge
Type: Unique and Boutique
On the shores of Fox Island in the heart of Resurrection Bay, about an hour by boat from Seward, lies the Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge.
The island is a stopping point for day-trippers, but these soon move on leaving a true wilderness experience for overnight guests. With just 8 cabin-style guest rooms, the lodge provides a cosy and intimate base from which to explore the island's many secluded beaches and hiking trails. Optional guided walks and sea-kayaking are available from the lodge, as well as longer cruises into the beautiful Kenai Fjords National Park.
Your stay at Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge includes accommodation, all meals, a guided walk with a park ranger and the 1 hour boat transfer from Seward to Fox Island. Your return cruise from Fox Island back to Seward takes 2.5 hours, exploring the highlights of Resurrection Bay en route. Optional upgrades are available for a longer return cruise, taking in either Kenai Fjords (5 hours) or Northwestern Fjords (8 hours) – please contact us for further details and prices.
An overnight stay is possible but we recommend a 2-night stay for full immersion into this marine paradise!
Brooks Lodge, Katmai National Park
Grade: Simple
Overlooking the Brooks River, Brooks Lodge features 16 cabins providing guests with the opportunity to observe and photograph the iconic Alaskan brown bear. Prime viewing runs are from late June until the end of July as well as through September, although bears can be seen at any time in the summer months.
Arriving from King Salmon after a scenic twenty minute floatplane journey, the National Park Service Rangers will be on hand to point you in the right direction and to answer any questions you may have about this incredible park. Once settled in, you can visit the world famous Brooks Falls, keeping an eye out for the brown bears who come here to feed on the silver horde of sockeye salmon leaping upstream through the curtain of water.
Accommodation here is clean and simple. Guests stay in cabins that are simply furnished with two sets of bunk beds, a sink, toilet and shower, as well as a heater. Central shower houses are also available. Please be aware that this is a genuine rustic experience and TV, internet and mobile phone services are not available. Plenty of other activities are on hand to catch your interest, such as world-class fishing, a tour to the 'Valley of 10,000 Smokes' and hiking through the endless wilderness.
Although an overnight stay is highly recommended, day trips are also available. Brooks Lodge operates from early June through to mid September. Please contact us for details of available packages.
The above is a selection of accommodation available for this holiday. Please contact us for further details.
If you fail to pay the full cost of the holiday within the specified time or if you cancel your holiday, you will be liable as a minimum, to pay the charges detailed below up to the point of cancellation. Or in the case of failure to pay, at the date that we deem your booking to have been cancelled. Should you wish to cancel your booking after it has been accepted you must send us written notice signed by the person who made and confirmed the booking. The cancellation charge will be calculated according to the date when we receive written notice of cancellation, or the date upon which your cancellation is treated as occurring because of nonpayment.
We reserve the right to apply the following cancellation charges based on a proportion of the total cost of the holiday as shown on our invoice, excluding those items referred to below.
More than 60 days: deposit
60-22 days: 50% of holiday cost
14-8 days: 90% of holiday cost
7-0 days: 100% of holiday cost
Note: non refundable air, concert or event tickets will be charged at 100% and the above scale of charges refund in respect to the Concert/Event ticket only, and no other compensation or refunds will be due.
Fully escorted by a qualified, dedicated and passionate natural history guide, this trip has been carefully designed to ensure some of the very best possible wildlife viewing opportunities that Alaska has to offer. With an average group size of just 14 passengers, you will be rewarded with a very personal experience as you explore this incredible state.
Although taking in many of the popular tourist attractions of Alaska, this itinerary offers a different and more intimate perspective. At Denali, stay in a lodge in the heart of the national park, with the chance to view wolves and grizzlies roaming the tundra long after the day visitors have left.
Explore the popular Kenai Fjords National Park on a small, private yacht for uninterrupted views of calving glaciers and marine wildlife, before heading to isolated Fox Island. With no other guests, your group will have exclusive use of the island for a memorable overnight stay.
Your tour ends with a floatplane flight to Katmai National Park, for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view Alaskan brown bears as they gather around Brooks Falls. Staying in a lodge just metres from the falls, you could be lucky enough to see up to 40 or 50 bears as they fish for salmon along a 1.5 mile stretch of the Brooks River.
Other highlights include a journey on the iconic Alaskan Railroad and a float trip by raft down the icy Placer River. From Fairbanks to Anchorage, taking in mountains, glaciers and endless wilderness in search of bears, wolves, whales and much more besides, this holiday offers an in-depth discovery of Alaska's natural wonders.
UltAlaDis
International flights & associated taxes
Dinner on days 5 & 9
Tips, gratuities and personal expenses
Jungle & Rainforest
North America United States Alaska Anchorage Denali Denali National Park Safaris Wildlife Nature Guided Group Jungle & Rainforest