Consider a Multi-day Autumn Wildlife Safari

Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris has just upped its game by offering a new, 7-day expedition tour into the national parks for fall wildlife viewing.

 

Autumn in Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks, and around Jackson Hole in general, is prime elk bugling season and most wild animals people long to spot are on the move in preparation for the long winter ahead. In addition to elk, think bear, moose and more.

 

One excellent way to ensure you’ll see and hear the wildlife that calls this area home during the glorious season of fall is by taking a tour with trained naturalists who know how and where to locate all manner of furry and feathered inhabitants of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. And now Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris offers a multi-day expedition where you can get an incredible, in-depth exploration of the national parks as well as learn about the rich history and culture of Jackson Hole.

 

“We had been having success for several years with international multi-day trips, like our expedition to Churchill, Manitoba to track and study polar bears,” said Jason Williams, owner of Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris, about why his company decided to start these new week-long trips here.

 

The name of the fall wildlife expedition is “Yellowstone Revealed.”

“Yellowstone is a destination that has diverse wildlife and a dramatic landscape,” Jason said. “We knew that we should be including a multi-day trip right here, where we all live. We wanted to center each set of departures around a wildlife event, just like our other expeditions.”

 

Wildlife Safaris’ fall departures are timed to align with the elk rut and its winter departures will coordinate with prime wolf tracking season. With a full five field days instead of just one or two, you can get the full immersion.

 

“The experience is richer, the opportunities to track, study and photograph wildlife are better and you’ll walk away with an incredible understanding of the area,” said Jason.

 

These expeditions JH Wildlife Safaris has put together are all-inclusive: six nights lodging in Jackson Hole and Yellowstone and most meals, a professional naturalist guide, transportation, national park entrance fees, and guide gratuity.

 

 

“We wanted everything to be taken care of for the guests,” explained Jason. “Being present and not having to worry about logistics creates a much better experience and that is why we designed the trips the way we did.”

 

Tours feature a limited number of guests

 

One important aspect that sets Wildlife Safaris apart from any other tour company is that these multi-day expeditions are limited to six people so that each guest has access to the guide and in turn, that the guide can individualize the safari for each guest. Jason said the feedback he has heard from guests on other tours is that the groups were too big (12-plus people) and it felt too much like a tour, not an adventure or an exploration.

“The guides like to know about the interests of the guests so that they can tailor the safari/expedition around what the guest is most interested in, whether it is photography, history, flora, fauna or just a general overview of the wildlife of the area, you’ll get an individualized experience every time,” said Jason.

 

“Each guest has input on what they’d like to see most or what they’d like to discover on their trip.”

 

Each itinerary that is put together is merely a framework for the safari.

 

For instance, on Day Three, the itinerary calls for leaving Jackson early in the morning for Yellowstone National Park. After winding back through Grand Teton National Park, there will be a pause for lunch in Grand Teton National Park before entering Yellowstone National Park at the South Entrance. Highlights of the day include the Snake River Overlook, Oxbow Bend, Jackson Lake, West Thumb, Hayden Valley, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Overnight accommodations are at Canyon Lodge in Yellowstone National Park.

 

But that schedule can be altered slightly, according to the guest’s curiosity.

 

“Each guest has input on what they’d like to see most or what they’d like to discover on their trip and the guide can craft each day around the guest’s input,” Jason explained.

 

“They’re not restricted by scheduled hourly stops or rehearsed presentations,” he said. “The goal of each day is to involve guests in discussions and discovery, not just talk at them.”

 

Jason feels this is where you’ll notice the greatest difference.

 

“Our guides do this every day — they know the area and they know everything about it and they love it, they love sharing it,” he said. “Being able to share this amazing place and track and study our local wildlife is a thrill. And that is what will shine through for our guests and what will make the experience memorable and engaging.”

 

The dates for this new, extraordinary autumn offering are September 22 – September 28, and September 29 – October 5. The cost is $5,425 per person with a six guest maximum. The age limit is 8 years old, but private tours have no age requirement.

 

For more details and to make reservations, visit jacksonholewildlifesafaris.com.