Head to the far north of Alaska and into the Arctic Circle, taking progressively smaller and smaller aircraft until you reach a tiny Inupiat settlement on the shores of the Beaufort Sea
This settlement, a ramshackle collection of buildings clinging on to the edge of the vast Alaskan wilderness is home to one of the best opportunities to see polar bear's in large numbers
Each year this Inupiat colony - an ex-fishing settlement - is allowed to take a small number of bowhead whales using traditional methods. This is done for food in the way that people here have done for centuries. The carcasses of these whales are an irresistable draw to Polar Bears that gather here awaiting the formation of the sea ice.
Working with one of the region's most experienced Inupiat guides who Natural High's Olly Williams has worked with for decades, this is an extraordinary opportunity to witness bears in the company of someone who undertands this remote landscape and its wildlife better than most.
A huge mother polar bear, her fur turned a sandy grey from rolling around in the bloody remains of a whale killed several weeks prior, stands guard over her three fuzzy young cubs, who are scampering among the driftwood. Nearby, two robust sub-adult males wrestle in the freezing water, thick layers of blubber beneath their snow-white fur keeping them warm and buoyant. ”
During our 30 year career I have been privileged to work with some extraordinary wilderness experts and conservationists; men and women who against all odds have dedicated their lives to saving their piece of wilderness. My Inupiat friend is one such man. He has guided President Carter, Sebastian Salgado and Senator John Kerry and other dignitaries. In my opinion he is one of the most important and resonant voices in indigenous affairs and Arctic conservation today.”
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+44 (0) 1747 830950
Our experienced travellers include:
Andrea Hulme
Vanessa Janion
Olly Williams
It takes genuine local knowledge to craft trips that go beyond the ordinary.
All of us at Natural High have over 20 years’ experience in the countries we offer. We’ve lived there, worked there and arranged countless one-off journeys for clients. We live to travel – and love to share our tips on what’s really worth doing. For expert advice (and a traveller’s tale or two), speak to one of our team. They’ll be happy to let you in on their travel secrets, and help you plan a tailor-made trip that’s truly unforgettable.
Natural High Brochure
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Reviews
Outstanding customer service well above the call of duty.
"Natural High arranged a trip to remember ...accommodation first class, transportation on very long road trips was excellent. Spotless . air conditioning .. food and water. Rhino and Tiger sightings to die for.. local agents left nothing to chance ... we felt in the safest hands ... then when we off grid the virus struck... Natural High and their local Agent Banyan took total control and got us from the back of beyond to UK in very worrying and uncertain times. All without us being able to do anything at our end ...outstanding attention to detail. Worth every penny."
Personal service and excellent organisation
"This was our first holiday to be organised by Natural High. We made the enquiry on New Year’s Eve for a departure in February and within a few days they had produced a wonderful-sounding itinerary in Costa Rica. There were helpful notes for packing as they seem to have someone there who has been to any chosen destination. We did do some groundwork for flights but left it to Dial-a-Flight who were also most efficient. We visited the office as it is very local to home and everyone there was cheerful and interested in our upcoming trip. We were presented with a leather file which turned out to be the most useful item en-route for all our paperwork ..... and it smelled lovely!
The holiday was one of our best ever. Not just because we saw a plethora of wildlife, but because there was always someone waiting to whisk us to another destination, be it to the airport, from the airport or a boat to a lodge etc. And they did it with great charm and humour and were always very knowledgeable about any queries we had.
For the last 8 days we had a driver/guide who was just outstanding. He was very familiar with the 3 remaining lodges where we stayed and his rapport with the other staff and guides helped to ensure that we were really well looked after. He was a skilled naturalist, had a great sense of humour and was always putting our welfare first - he made a wonderful companion for the trip.
All of the above meant that it was a really relaxing holiday so that we could maximise our time looking at the flora and fauna of Costa Rica.
We would highly recommend Natural High ...... where next?!"
Natural High
"Brilliant, everything is so well organised. We have had two trips of a lifetime organised by Rod Tether who is also a guide extraordinaire!"
Fantastic Natural High
"Perfectly organised trip to two great Nomad camps in Tanzania!"
Natural High nailed it again
"Sledding in Sweden was our second wonderful holiday with Natural High. From the moment you speak to them to when you get home the service and attention to detail is wonderful.
Everything is so well planned and organised that you can just sit back and really enjoy your holiday. We couldn’t recommend husky sledding in the north of Sweden more. We all agreed it was one of the best family holidays ever."
