LIONS, TIGERS & TRADEWINDS
UAE, Dubai
3 Days
Dubai offers a convenient stopping point to rest after international flights. Restore and unwind at our beautiful resort in the Arabian desert.
Oman, Hajar Mountains
3 Days
A short morning flight takes you to the vibrant port city of Muscat. Visit the National Museum for an introduction to the country’s heritage before embarking on a scenic drive to Oman’s epic “Grand Canyon” and the fabled Green Mountain.
India, Jaipur
3 Days
Return to Muscat to board your jet for Jaipur, Rajasthan’s Royal City. Enter a fabulous realm of maharajas, majestic forts and extravagant palaces, interspersed with the bustle of bazaars and passing rickshaws.
India, Ranthambore
2 Days
Travel overland from Jaipur to Ranthambore National Park: a wilderness tucked between the rugged Aravalli and Vindhya hills, spanning 500 square miles of dense jungle, golden savanna, dramatic cliffs, and lotus-filled lakes with ancient ruins of palaces and temples.
India, Udaipur
3 Days
Return to Jaipur and board your jet for the short flight to the picturesque city of Udaipur, nestled along the shores of Lake Pichola and framed by splendid views of the surrounding Aravalli Range. Long the capital of the royal family of Mewar, the Old City abounds with lavish palaces and lakeside temples.
Seychelles, Mahé
2 Days
Fly directly to Mahé, the largest of the 115 Seychelles islands, a remote archipelago suspended in the sparkling blue Indian Ocean. The island’s quiet, white powdered beaches and striking granite rock formations give way to a mountainous interior, largely covered with dense cloud forest.
Kenya, Masai Mara National Reserve
3 Days
Like traders of old, we follow the trade winds across the Indian Ocean to East Africa. Upon landing in Nairobi, a scenic flight by bush plane transports us to Africa’s famed savanna, where a Maasai guide will join you for cocktails and describe the traditional practices of the Maasai people and their enduring relationship with the land and its wild inhabitants.
Kenya, Lamu
3 Days
Journey to the much-storied Swahili Coast and your beach hideaway on a private island in the Lamu Archipelago. Visit Lamu Old Town, the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and browse the art galleries and boho boutiques of Shela, a chic contemporary hamlet.
UAE, Dubai
3 Days
Dubai offers a convenient stopping point to rest after international flights. Restore and unwind at our beautiful resort in the Arabian desert.
Oman, Hajar Mountains
3 Days
A short morning flight takes you to the vibrant port city of Muscat. Visit the National Museum for an introduction to the country’s heritage before embarking on a scenic drive to Oman’s epic “Grand Canyon” and the fabled Green Mountain.
India, Jaipur
3 Days
Return to Muscat to board your jet for Jaipur, Rajasthan’s Royal City. Enter a fabulous realm of maharajas, majestic forts and extravagant palaces, interspersed with the bustle of bazaars and passing rickshaws.
India, Ranthambore
2 Days
Travel overland from Jaipur to Ranthambore National Park: a wilderness tucked between the rugged Aravalli and Vindhya hills, spanning 500 square miles of dense jungle, golden savanna, dramatic cliffs, and lotus-filled lakes with ancient ruins of palaces and temples.
India, Udaipur
3 Days
Return to Jaipur and board your jet for the short flight to the picturesque city of Udaipur, nestled along the shores of Lake Pichola and framed by splendid views of the surrounding Aravalli Range. Long the capital of the royal family of Mewar, the Old City abounds with lavish palaces and lakeside temples.
Seychelles, Mahé
2 Days
Fly directly to Mahé, the largest of the 115 Seychelles islands, a remote archipelago suspended in the sparkling blue Indian Ocean. The island’s quiet, white powdered beaches and striking granite rock formations give way to a mountainous interior, largely covered with dense cloud forest.
Kenya, Masai Mara National Reserve
3 Days
Like traders of old, we follow the trade winds across the Indian Ocean to East Africa. Upon landing in Nairobi, a scenic flight by bush plane transports us to Africa’s famed savanna, where a Maasai guide will join you for cocktails and describe the traditional practices of the Maasai people and their enduring relationship with the land and its wild inhabitants.
Kenya, Lamu
3 Days
Journey to the much-storied Swahili Coast and your beach hideaway on a private island in the Lamu Archipelago. Visit Lamu Old Town, the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and browse the art galleries and boho boutiques of Shela, a chic contemporary hamlet.
LIONS, TIGERS & TRADEWINDS
From the 17th to the early 19th century, long before the days of mass tourism, young European aristocrats embarked on what was then known as The Grand Tour, a coming-of-age educational journey of world discovery. Inspired by this remarkable rite of passage, we created the “Lions, Tigers & Tradewinds” itinerary, a life-changing, mind-broadening experience in the utmost of comfort and style.
Travel on a privately chartered, custom-configured aircraft through India, Africa, and the Middle East. We plan the most efficient routing possible to ensure the flights average four hours and avoid connections, baggage claims, and long airport lines. Your dedicated flight crew will see to every detail aloft with gourmet meals and wine, and upon arrival, your bags will be whisked away and delivered directly to your five-star hotel room.
This Grand Tour encompasses a wide range of distinct cultures and experiences—lions and tigers, maharajas and Maasai, and tropical island escapes that you won’t experience with anyone else.
Highlights
- Begin and end your adventure in Dubai, a metropolis of contrast and superlatives amid a vast desert of rolling dunes.
- Set out in search of the elusive Bengal tiger in Ranthambore National Park.
- Discover India’s rich cultural heritage in lavish palaces, ornate temples, and bustling bazaars.
- Spend a night under the stars in an Omani desert camp set up exclusively for us.
- Snorkel in Seychelles and discover an array of marine wildlife.
- Spot plains game like impalas, gazelles, topis, and warthogs, as well as lions, leopards, and cheetahs on the hunt in Kenya’s famed Masai Mara.
- Explore the mangrove forests and water channels of Kenya’s Lamu Archipelago aboard a historic dhow.
Itinerary at a Glance
LIONS, TIGERS & TRADEWINDS
Dubai, UAE
Begin and end your adventure in Dubai, a metropolis of contrast and superlatives amid a vast desert of rolling dunes. Restore and unwind at our beautiful resort in the Arabian desert and meet your fellow travelers and expedition host. Engage in the Bedouin traditions of archery and falconry during interactive demonstrations, stretch your legs on guided nature walks among the dunes in search of desert wildlife, or choose to simply enjoy views across the stunning landscape from your villa’s private terrace and pool.
Hajar Mountains, Oman
A short morning flight takes you to the vibrant port city of Muscat. Visit the National Museum for an introduction to the country’s heritage before embarking on a scenic drive to Oman’s epic “Grand Canyon” and the fabled Green Mountain. Dine on the canyon’s edge and relish dramatic views. Over the next two days, explore this stunning mountainous region and its richly storied past: the abandoned Birkat Al Mouz, a traditional mud brick village; tombs dating back to the Iron Age; Nizwa’s grand souq; and the date palm oasis of Misfat Al Abriyeen. In the spectacular Wadi Tanuf gorge, you will be accompanied by archeologist and National Geographic Explorer Dr. Jeff Rose, who in 2006 discovered a Bronze Age rock art site hidden behind a waterfall.
Sharqiya Sands, Oman
We spend our last night in Oman glamping under the stars in a comfortable tented camp set up especially for us in the majestic desertscape of Sharqiya Sands. Your taste of Bedouin life includes camel rides, live oud music and a feast of traditional dishes. As sunset bathes the rippling dunes in golden hues and the star-filled night settles over the desert, recount the day’s adventures by the soft glow of our campfire beneath glittering constellations that have guided nomadic tribes since ancient times.
Jaipur, India
Experience a glorious desert dawn among the dunes before returning to Muscat where we board our jet for Jaipur, Rajasthan’s Royal City. Enter a fabulous realm of maharajas, majestic forts and extravagant palaces, interspersed with the bustle of bazaars and passing rickshaws. After the Royal Welcome at our hotel, a nineteenth-century palace, end your day in stately fashion with a Grand Rajasthani Soiree. As you feast your eyes on your stunning surroundings, you’ll delight your palate with sweet and savory Rajasthani dishes served at a private dinner accompanied by live sitar and traditional dance performances.
Ranthambore, India
Travel overland from Jaipur to Ranthambore National Park: a wilderness tucked between the rugged Aravalli and Vindhya hills, spanning 500 square miles of dense jungle, golden savanna, dramatic cliffs, and lotus-filled lakes with ancient ruins of palaces and temples. Once the hunting ground of royalty, the park was the first of nine to be designated a Tiger Reserve in the early 1970s. Today the park is considered the best spot to catch a glimpse of elusive Bengal tigers in the wild. It also provides a sanctuary for other wildlife including leopards, striped hyenas, sambar deer, chitals, nilgais, macaques, jackals, caracals, sloth bears, and hundreds of bird species. Pleasant weather and lush greenery following the monsoon season enrich your four guided game drives.
Udaipur, India
We return to Jaipur and board our jet for the short flight to the picturesque city of Udaipur, nestled along the shores of Lake Pichola and framed by splendid views of the surrounding Aravalli Range. Long the capital of the royal family of Mewar, the Old City abounds with lavish palaces and lakeside temples. Wander the twisting streets and uncover the city’s heart and heritage in its ornate architecture and intricate art. We’ll enjoy an exclusive lake cruise at sunset and a private tour of the exquisite and imposing City Palace, constructed over a period of nearly four decades and comprising the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Further afield, visit the Adinatha Temple at Ranakpur and hear insights into the Dharmic religion of Jain that originated on the Indian subcontinent.
Mahé, Seychelles
Fly directly to Mahé, the largest of the 115 Seychelles islands, a remote archipelago suspended in the sparkling blue Indian Ocean. The island’s quiet, white powdered beaches and striking granite rock formations give way to a mountainous interior, largely covered with dense cloud forest. Your stay here can be as full or as unstructured as you desire. Snorkeling and diving are exceptional, amid sculpted granite rocks ablaze with colorful corals and an array of marine life. Stroll along the resort’s secluded beach and among tropical gardens, rejuvenate at the luxury spa, or simply indulge in downtime at your private villa with infinity pool, panoramic vistas, and dedicated host service.
Masai Mara, Kenya
Like traders of old, we follow the trade winds across the Indian Ocean to East Africa. Upon landing in Nairobi, a scenic flight by bush plane transports us to Africa’s famed savanna, where a Maasai guide will join you for cocktails and describe the traditional practices of the Maasai people and their enduring relationship with the land and its wild inhabitants. For the following two days, relax into a schedule of morning and afternoon game drives in an area unrivaled for its constant flow of wildlife. Spot plains game like impalas, gazelles, topis, and warthogs, as well as lions, leopards, and cheetahs on the hunt. View the landscape from aloft on an optional hot air balloon ride or stretch your legs with an optional Maasai-guided walking safari for an insightful and close look at this complex ecosystem.
Manda Island, Kenya
We journey to the much-storied Swahili Coast and our beach hideaway on a private island in the Lamu Archipelago. Visit Lamu Old Town, the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and browse the art galleries and boho boutiques of Shela, a chic contemporary hamlet. We spend a day exploring the archipelago on the majestic Tusitiri dhow, a traditional sailing vessel that once plied the trade routes between Mombasa and the Middle East. And October to March is the optimal time to enjoy water sports such as kayaking, snorkeling, and stand-up paddle boarding as the Kaskazi trade winds deliver warm breezes and crystal-clear waters. On our final evening, we celebrate our journey together with a farewell dinner under the stars.
Dubai, UAE
A short scenic flight along the coast takes us to Mombasa where our private jet awaits. Return to Dubai for an overnight stay in the heart of the city and enjoy your evening at leisure before your international flight home the next day.
Expedition Host
David Tett
David Tett, founder and CEO of Bushtracks is the passionate mind behind our adventures. A true Southern African with roots spanning six generations, David’s journey began in Zimbabwe and led him to a degree in Zoology, Microbiology, and DNA technology from the University of Cape Town. For over 35 years, he’s been crafting educational and immersive expeditions, exploring remote corners of the globe. But his heart lies in bridging the gap between wildlife conservation and local communities in his homeland.
David Tett
David Tett, founder and CEO of Bushtracks is the passionate mind behind our adventures. A true Southern African with roots spanning six generations, David’s journey began in Zimbabwe and led him to a degree in Zoology, Microbiology, and DNA technology from the University of Cape Town. For over 35 years, he’s been crafting educational and immersive expeditions, exploring remote corners of the globe. But his heart lies in bridging the gap between wildlife conservation and local communities in his homeland.
Expedition Leaders
Carol Guy
Carol Guy is a travel expert known for her exceptional skills in managing relationships and logistics within the travel industry. With extensive experience, she ensures seamless operations and delivers high-quality service, making her a key asset in the travel planning process. Carol’s expertise lies in organizing complex itineraries and coordinating details to provide smooth and memorable experiences for travelers.
Carol Guy
Carol Guy is a travel expert known for her exceptional skills in managing relationships and logistics within the travel industry. With extensive experience, she ensures seamless operations and delivers high-quality service, making her a key asset in the travel planning process. Carol’s expertise lies in organizing complex itineraries and coordinating details to provide smooth and memorable experiences for travelers.
Field Experts
Dr. Jeff Rose
Jeff is a prehistoric archaeologist specializing in the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods of the Arabian Peninsula. Since 2002, he has directed the Dhofar Archaeological Project in southern Oman. His discoveries in the field of modern human origins have been featured in several TV documentaries.
Toby Sinclair
A London-born Scot, Toby resides in India and has traveled extensively throughout Asia. He is a contributor to numerous books on India wildlife and culture as well as a veteran field producer for BBC documentary productions in Southern Asia.
Dr. Jeff Rose
Jeff is a prehistoric archaeologist specializing in the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods of the Arabian Peninsula. Since 2002, he has directed the Dhofar Archaeological Project in southern Oman. His discoveries in the field of modern human origins have been featured in several TV documentaries.
Toby Sinclair
A London-born Scot, Toby resides in India and has traveled extensively throughout Asia. He is a contributor to numerous books on India wildlife and culture as well as a veteran field producer for BBC documentary productions in Southern Asia.
Journey Manager
Daniela Powers
Daniela Powers is a seasoned journey expert with a rich background in travel, tourism, and aviation. With a passion for creating immersive itineraries, she has a keen ability to craft bespoke adventures that allow travelers to deeply connect with each destination. As the visionary behind Bushtracks’ Into The WildLIFE series, Daniela brings her expertise to life, designing unique experiences that blend discovery with cultural and environmental awareness.
Daniela Powers
Daniela Powers is a seasoned journey expert with a rich background in travel, tourism, and aviation. With a passion for creating immersive itineraries, she has a keen ability to craft bespoke adventures that allow travelers to deeply connect with each destination. As the visionary behind Bushtracks’ Into The WildLIFE series, Daniela brings her expertise to life, designing unique experiences that blend discovery with cultural and environmental awareness.
LIONS, TIGERS & TRADEWINDS
Designed to be all inclusive, HRH scheduled journeys by private jet include everything from private airport transfers that allow you to start and end your journey with ease, to luxury accommodations, chartered flights, first-class dining, and curated sightseeing, as well as an experienced expedition team to handle all logistics and gratuities.
Included in your scheduled tour
- Accommodations, meals and beverages (including select alcoholic beverages), private air travel, ground transportation, and group activities and excursions, as indicated in the detailed itinerary
- Veteran expedition staff and expert local guides
- Private airport transfer to and from your U.S. airport within a 60-mile radius of the airport
- Short-term MEDJETAssist Membership
Price
JOIN THIS INCREDIBLE ADVENTURE AND DISCOVER THE WORLD BY PRIVATE AIR
NOVEMBER 3-23, 2024
LIONS, TIGERS & TRADEWINDS
The pace of this 21-day expedition is moderate, with some early morning departures and longer days, and a few time zone changes. Your six flights by private jet are between 45 minutes and five hours in duration. To facilitate ease of packing/unpacking on average every two to three days, we will provide you with detailed packing suggestions and complimentary purpose-built luggage.
Most days will have a full schedule of activities and excursions. However, at some destinations you will have the freedom to personalize your day with a variety of options, or you may choose to simply relax at your beautiful accommodation and enjoy some downtime. Overall, travelers should be in generally good health and must be able to:
- climb into and out of light aircraft, safari vehicles, and boats un-aided.
- navigate stairs without a railing.
- walk moderate distances at an easy pace.
- withstand four-wheel-drive vehicles that travel over rough, uneven dirt roads.
Private touring can be arranged at extra cost should you require a slower pace during excursions and sightseeing on foot. However, we are unable to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers on this expedition.
Your expedition planner will include a detailed health information including a list of current requirements and recommendations for all countries featured on this expedition. Here is a summary of mandatory vaccines and key recommended medications:
- Some of the countries on this itinerary require proof of yellow fever vaccination. For contraindication, you may present an exemption letter from a doctor explaining the medical reason for not administering the vaccine.
- Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for this expedition.
Complete, up-to-date information by country can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Average daytime temperatures range from 80-90 °F across the various destinations. In the warmer locales, we will concentrate touring excursions during the cooler parts of the day, as much as possible. Nighttime averages will range from the upper fifties to the low seventies. Humidity will vary from 20% in the desert to 75% in the Seychelles, with very little precipitation expected, primarily in Seychelles and Kenya. Elevation ranges from sea level up to 6,500 feet.
For this expedition, your passport must be valid to the end of May 2025 with 8 blank visa pages remaining at the start of the trip. You will require 3 advance visas. U.S. citizens will be able to obtain these visas in electronic form and do not have to surrender their passports during the visa application process. A visa kit will be sent to you approximately four months before departure to simplify the process.
LIONS, TIGERS & TRADEWINDS
RANTHAMBORE
ARABIAN DESERTS
MASAI MARA
SEYCHELLES
RANTHAMBORE
ARABIAN DESERTS
MASAI MARA
SEYCHELLES
PRIVATE AIR EXPERIENCE
Elevating Your Expedition
From the moment you step onboard, you’ll enjoy a refined, stress-free experience that keeps you fully immersed in the excitement of your safari, rather than the challenges of travel.
OUR STORY
One Unified Vision
Bushtracks offers decades of expertise to create seamless, conservation-driven travel experiences that blend bespoke, consumer-focused adventures with the operational strength of agent-focused services.