Apex Expeditions

  • Home
  • Apex Expeditions

Apex Expeditions One-of-a-kind adventure tours and wildlife safaris to the world's most fascinating places. Join us! We seek the hard to find, the elusive and endangered.

Our expeditions are inspired by a passion for true exploration and a desire to better understand our ever-changing and increasingly threatened planet. These expeditions are designed to bring curious, like-minded travelers together for the ultimate wildlife encounters and cultural exchanges. Each year, the selection of expeditions offered changes as we build upon the experiences, encounters and des

tinations, providing unique year-to-year travel experiences that are not to be missed. Apex Expeditions has one of the most experienced teams of field leaders in the expedition travel business: Jonathan Rossouw, Peter Harrison, Shirley Metz, Kevin Clement, Marco Tonoli, Gerald Broddelez, Diogo Lucatelli, Ingrid Nixon and Liam Rainier.

More gorgeous images from our time in western Mongolia. Apex travelers explored Khar Us Nuur National Park, a vast two-m...
31/10/2024

More gorgeous images from our time in western Mongolia. Apex travelers explored Khar Us Nuur National Park, a vast two-million-acre wilderness in the Great Lakes Basin, dominated by snow-capped Jargalant Khairkhan. This isolated extension of the Mongol Altai mountain range offers a rich diversity of habitats ranging from high-mountain tundra and alpine meadows to high-mountain and arid steppe. Simply stunning!

Photo credit: expedition leader Kevin Clement

Wow...what a fantastic close up image taken at the Ölgii Golden Eagle Festival on our recent Mongolia expedition! For th...
30/10/2024

Wow...what a fantastic close up image taken at the Ölgii Golden Eagle Festival on our recent Mongolia expedition! For thousands of years, the Golden Eagle has been used as a hunting bird by the Kazakh people. In western Mongolian, these traditional hunting practices have continued to this day. Golden Eagles can fly up to 3,000 feet and use their keen eyesight to spot prey such as foxes, hares, wolves, and other small mammals. The eagle does not eat the prey; these birds have been specially trained by the eagle hunter to help them hunt and in order to provide food for the hunter's family.

Photo credit: expedition leader Gerald Broddelez

Apex travelers on our recent Mongolia expedition found themselves front and center at the Golden Eagle Festival at Ölgii...
28/10/2024

Apex travelers on our recent Mongolia expedition found themselves front and center at the Golden Eagle Festival at Ölgii. Held every year to kick off the winter hunting season, this festival is the largest gathering of eagle hunters in Mongolia. More than 100 skilled hunters, dressed in full traditional regalia and mounted on decorated horses, compete in tournaments that test not only the hunter’s acuity, but the bond between hunter and bird.

Photo credit: expedition leader Gerald Broddelez

We've been talking about the lemurs of Madagascar for a good part of the week. But today is actually their special day b...
25/10/2024

We've been talking about the lemurs of Madagascar for a good part of the week. But today is actually their special day because today is World Lemur Day. Celebrated every year on the last Friday of October, World Lemur Day raises awareness about lemurs and the importance of protecting them. Madagascar is home to over 100 species of lemurs, all of which are endemic to the island. Yet, according to recent estimates, more than 90% of lemur species are currently at risk of extinction. On this day we have hope that human communities will continue to work together to protect these animals and restore their habitats.

Photo credit: Jonathan Rossouw

23/10/2024

The sifakas of Madagascar are distinguished from other lemurs by their vertical clinging and specialized mode of locomotion. Their bodies are highly adapted to an arboreal existence—sifakas use their powerful hind legs and stabilizing tails to help them leap more than 30 feet from branch to branch. But, their extremely long legs and very short arms make it impossible to walk or run on all fours. On the ground, their only means of locomotion is hopping on their hind legs. Apex travelers on our Madagascar expedition enjoyed watching as several Verreaux's Sifakas danced across the ground. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Video credit: expedition leader Marco Tonoli

Often referred to as the “Eighth Continent,” the island of Madagascar boasts a remarkable diversity of habitats, with ex...
22/10/2024

Often referred to as the “Eighth Continent,” the island of Madagascar boasts a remarkable diversity of habitats, with exceptional fauna and flora having evolved over millions of years of isolation. Madagascar’s legendary uniqueness is best reflected in its mammals, with every one of its 150 native terrestrial species—including over 100 species of lemurs—found nowhere else on the planet!

Photo credit: expedition leader Marco Tonoli

18/10/2024

Have you heard the beautiful (yet haunting!) song of the Indri? The Indri is a critically endangered species of lemur found only in Madagascar. Not only are Indris the largest lemur, but they can also be distinguished by their loud and complex song that carries throughout the rainforest. In 2021, scientists discovered that the songs of the Indri have a component that no other mammal species besides humans possesses—rhythm! Over a period of 12 years, these scientists recorded and documented 636 songs from 20 different social groups. And once they analyzed the songs, they discovered the rhythm. Watch (and listen!) to this 30-second clip recorded on our recent Madagascar expedition.

Video credit: expedition leader Marco Tonoli

Madagascar is home to some of the most uniquely adapted reptiles and amphibians in the world. 389 species of reptiles (9...
16/10/2024

Madagascar is home to some of the most uniquely adapted reptiles and amphibians in the world. 389 species of reptiles (90% endemic) and 278 species of amphibians (all but one endemic) can be found within the island's remarkable diversity of habitats. Apex travelers encountered a plethora of colorful (and not-so-colorful!) geckos, chameleons, frogs, and snakes on our recent expedition.

Photo credit: Apex expedition leader Marco Tonoli

While most travelers are familiar with Africa's Big Five animals—Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, Elephant, and Black Rhino—...
15/10/2024

While most travelers are familiar with Africa's Big Five animals—Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, Elephant, and Black Rhino—did you know there is also a set of animals referred to as the Special Five? Kenya's Samburu Reserve is a wildlife conservation haven with an abundance of rare species, most notably the “Special Five”—Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk, and Somali Ostrich. Apex travelers will seek this Special Five as we explore the remote Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy on our upcoming Kenya safari. Have you seen the Special Five? Let us know in the comments below.

This just in from our Madagascar expedition: After only our first day in the spiny forest of Madagascar, we’ve already e...
14/10/2024

This just in from our Madagascar expedition: After only our first day in the spiny forest of Madagascar, we’ve already encountered six species of lemur, including up close and personal experiences with the iconic Ring-tailed Lemur and Verreaux’s Sifaka, with its distinctive bipedal “dancing” locomotion. Seeing these primates in their endemic habitats has been an exceptional opportunity to appreciate Madagascar’s unique biodiversity. So much more ahead!

Photo credit: Apex expedition leader Marco Tonoli

Known as the planet’s fastest land animal, Cheetahs are also Africa’s most threatened big cat. Depending on which source...
11/10/2024

Known as the planet’s fastest land animal, Cheetahs are also Africa’s most threatened big cat. Depending on which source you read, there are as few as 6,500 - 9,000 Cheetahs left in the wild. [Assessed in May 2021, the IUCN Red List indicates this species is 'Vulnerable' with a population of 6,517 mature individuals.] On our Kenya safari, we are visiting private reserves where we do expect to see a healthy population. This image was taken by expedition leader Marco Tonoli on our previous Kenya safari. What gorgeous animals they are!

Can you distinguish a Black Rhino from a White Rhino? On our Kenya safari, Apex travelers will likely see both species, ...
10/10/2024

Can you distinguish a Black Rhino from a White Rhino? On our Kenya safari, Apex travelers will likely see both species, so it’s valuable to know how to tell them apart. First, Black Rhinos are smaller and more compactly built, versus the substantially larger, barrel-shaped White Rhino. Black Rhinos have two horns that are close in length, while White Rhinos have a long front horn with a much shorter second horn behind it. Their upper lips differ as well. Black Rhinos have a pointed upper lip to help them pull leaves from trees whereas White Rhinos, often seen with their heads hanging towards the ground, have a square-shaped upper lip perfect for grazing. The White Rhino’s more pronounced shoulder hump is yet another way to tell the two species apart.

Photo credit: Jonathan Rossouw

Lying on the Equator and straddling Africa’s Great Rift Valley, Kenya's striking landscapes and wildlife riches are unma...
08/10/2024

Lying on the Equator and straddling Africa’s Great Rift Valley, Kenya's striking landscapes and wildlife riches are unmatched on the continent. Consequently, Kenya's large and well-known national parks have become a magnet for visitors and are often packed with safari vehicles. Fortunately, Apex chose a different approach in designing our Kenya expedition. We've created the ultimate safari incorporating remote private reserves along with exclusive wildlife concessions for a true wilderness experience. Plan now to join us in 2025!

Gorgeous images just in from our Mongolia expedition. Apex travelers are currently exploring in the vicinity of Jargalan...
02/10/2024

Gorgeous images just in from our Mongolia expedition. Apex travelers are currently exploring in the vicinity of Jargalant Khairkhan Mountain. Apex has set-up a remote 'ger' camp for our group to be able to spend multiple days searching for the elusive Snow Leopard. Expedition leader Gerald Broddelez sent word last night that they sighted five Snow Leopards together in the distance (which Gerald says is unique—he's never seen more than four moving together). Fingers crossed they have more wonderful sightings!

Photo credit: Apex expedition leader Gerald Broddelez

One expedition we're especially excited to offer in 2025 is a 19-day voyage from Reykjavík to Churchill to discover the ...
01/10/2024

One expedition we're especially excited to offer in 2025 is a 19-day voyage from Reykjavík to Churchill to discover the landscapes, wildlife, history, and culture of western Greenland and the Canadian Arctic. This fantastic itinerary is filled with jaw-dropping fjords, Inuit ruins, colorful villages, and excellent opportunities to see seals, whales, walruses, seabirds, and with luck, the Arctic’s iconic Polar Bears. Kevin Clement, Ingrid Nixon, and Dan Olsen will lead this expedition aboard the 207-guest Silver Endeavour. Space is still available if you'd like to join us!

Photo credit: Silversea

30/09/2024

Watch as Apex expedition leader Marco Tonoli takes us to an underground hide situated on the edge of a waterhole at Etosha National Park in Namibia. Here, you have the rare opportunity to see the endangered Black Rhinoceros alongside its larger cousin, the White Rhinoceros. Incredible!

Video credit: Marco Tonoli

Have you been over to our website recently? You may see that many of our 2025 trips are already fully booked. But we sti...
27/09/2024

Have you been over to our website recently? You may see that many of our 2025 trips are already fully booked. But we still have space on some fantastic (and life-changing!) expeditions, itineraries such as our 13-day Tanzania’s Serengeti to witness the Great Migration; our 13-day Uganda to track the legendary Mountain Gorillas; a 19-day Taiwan, Philippines & Indonesia voyage to some of the most biodiverse regions on the planet; and a 20-day journey to Antarctica, the Falkland Islands & South Georgia to see some of the most impressive concentrations of wildlife on Earth! Be sure to get in touch if we can answer any questions about these expeditions. We’d be delighted to have you join us!
www.apex-expeditions.com/

Photo credit: Apex expedition leaders Jonathan Rossouw, Marco Tonoli, and Peter Harrison

26/09/2024

One of the highlights of our Uganda expeditions is visiting the spectacle that is Murchison Falls, where the mighty Victoria Nile squeezes through a 22-foot-wide chasm to cascade nearly 120 feet to the rocks below. Approaching by boat is a great opportunity to watch for wildlife. Here you can see a plethora of waterbirds, enormous Nile Crocodiles, grazing African Elephants, and one of the highest concentrations of Hippopotamus in Africa.

Video credit: Apex expedition leader Marco Tonoli

Did you know that this is Sea Otter Awareness Week? Many people are surprised to learn that Sea Otters are endangered an...
23/09/2024

Did you know that this is Sea Otter Awareness Week? Many people are surprised to learn that Sea Otters are endangered animals and included on the red (endangered) list of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). We always enjoy spotting Sea Otters on our expeditions and we appreciate the important role these animals play in the ecosystems where they live. In fact, Sea Otters help to keep our kelp forests healthy. Sea Otters feed on Sea Urchins, which feed on kelp. Without Sea Otters, Sea Urchins can overpopulate the sea floor and devour the kelp forests, destroying important habitat for a host of other species.

Photo credit: Peter Harrison

As the driest country south of the Sahara, Namibia showcases the extraordinary fusion of an unforgiving land with a uniq...
20/09/2024

As the driest country south of the Sahara, Namibia showcases the extraordinary fusion of an unforgiving land with a unique, thriving ecosystem. The scarcity and unpredictability of rainfall has shaped a remarkable living landscape of unparalleled beauty along with spectacular wildlife. What a fascinating experience for our Apex travelers!

Photo credit: Apex expedition leader Marco Tonoli

Stunning (and unusual!) images just in from our Namibia expedition where Apex travelers witnessed the otherwordly landsc...
19/09/2024

Stunning (and unusual!) images just in from our Namibia expedition where Apex travelers witnessed the otherwordly landscapes of the Namib Desert. Traveling into Namib-Naukluft National Park, one of Africa’s largest conservation areas, places you within reach of the Earth’s tallest red sand dunes. Simply spectacular!

Photo credit: Apex expedition leader Marco Tonoli

Another great photo from our Namibia expedition. Did you know that a giraffe's tongue can be 18-20 inches long! A giraff...
18/09/2024

Another great photo from our Namibia expedition. Did you know that a giraffe's tongue can be 18-20 inches long! A giraffe uses its prehensile (capable of grasping) and dexterous tongue to sort the nutritious leaves from the spiky thorns of its favorite food source. The color of the tongue is best described as black, blue, or purple. According to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, the front part of the tongue may have this dark coloration to protect it from frequent sun exposure while eating and to prevent the tongue from getting sunburned, however, no one really knows for sure.

Photo credit: Apex expedition leader Marco Tonoli

17/09/2024

It is the magnitude of space and beauty that first steals your attention when you arrive in the Namib desert, which at first glance seems devoid of life. But it is a land of remarkable biodiversity where life has adapted to live in the sand. On a short walk, we encountered the resilient Flightless Dung Beetle, a well-camouflaged Peringuey’s Adder, and even witnessed a fierce battle between a Dung Beetle and a Burrowing Scorpion, all a testament to nature’s remarkable adaptability.

Video credit: Apex expedition leader Marco Tonoli

Namibia's Skeleton Coast offers one of the most dramatic landscapes to see lions in their natural habitat. These incredi...
16/09/2024

Namibia's Skeleton Coast offers one of the most dramatic landscapes to see lions in their natural habitat. These incredible animals have adapted to survive by hunting prey that depend on the ephemeral rivers for sustenance, but the wildlife here is sparse, and hunting is tough. On our last morning on the Skeleton Coast, Apex travelers were incredibly lucky to spot two of these elusive desert lions and witness a rare moment unfold before us. It was an unforgettable wildlife experience in Namibia.

Photo credit; Apex expedition leader Marco Tonoli

13/09/2024

Watching elephants arrive at water anywhere in Africa is a sight to behold, but on the edge of Etosha Pan in Namibia, where water is a rare commodity, this arrival turns into sheer joy. We were lucky to witness a special moment as a baby elephant took its first plunge, only to realize swimming wasn’t yet a mastered skill. Its mother quickly came to the rescue, creating a heartwarming scene that highlighted the bond and beauty of these incredible creatures.

Credit: Apex expedition leader Marco Tonoli

Address


Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Apex Expeditions posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Apex Expeditions:

Videos

Shortcuts

  • Address
  • Telephone
  • Alerts
  • Contact The Business
  • Videos
  • Claim ownership or report listing
  • Want your business to be the top-listed Travel Agency?

Share