Socially-Conscious Luxury
Safaris

Take the trip of a lifetime, in style

Going on a safari is at the top of many people’s bucket list. But, deciding where to go and planning out the trip can be daunting—overwhelming, even. Where do you even start? That’s why, here at Peter’s Wildlife Safaris, my goal is to simplify the whole process.

From planning where to go on your adventure to ironing out all the critical details, you’re in good hands from start to finish. I’ve led dozens of safaris over the years, taking guests to places as beautiful and disparate as Kenya to see the Big Five, India to find the tigers, Alaska to get up close to the grizzly bears, and even the Himalayas in search of the elusive snow leopard.

It’s not news that many of our planet’s largest and most beautiful animals are under serious threat of extinction. And sadly, the problem isn’t going away. It’s my mission to help you take the trip of a lifetime, to bring you right up close to these amazing animals in their natural, wild habitat, so you can witness them for yourself.

Whichever experience you choose, know that it will be transformative. After the adventure, you won’t be the same.

Click below to learn about our upcoming small group trips, along with how you can customize your own private group or conservation safari adventure!

"Peter's safari was an extraordinary experience, one I highly recommend. The wildlife was everything expected and more. Peter's attention to every detail was exceptional, as were the accommodations. He gave us a view into the Maasai and their culture. A truly unique experience. Thank you, Peter."

Kathie Brandenburg
Worthington, OH
February 2020

How it works

When you decide to go on a safari with me, we’ll set up a consultation, where we’ll determine your goals for the trip. From there, I’ll give you all the necessary information.

I can help with whatever you might need, from booking flights to helping you make sure you have all the details ironed out. My approach is highly customized, highly relational so you’ll know exactly what’s going to happen and can just relax and enjoy this amazing experience. We keep the number of guests down to six or seven because that creates the best experience for you.

Then, when you fly into your destination country, we pick you up at the airport. And throughout your safari experience, we handle everything else until we drop you back off at the airport at the end of the trip.

Your meals, drinks, accommodations, and transfers are all taken care of while we’re at the camps and in the bush. Throughout the experience, I’m with you to answer any questions you might have—from getting great photos of the wildlife to meeting whatever needs might arise. It’s truly a high-touch experience, very personal. You don’t get that with other safari companies.

And as far as what you’ll experience? You’re going to be immersed within the land, there with the animals, among the locals. You’ll experience the place authentically, but also luxuriously. It’s truly the best of both worlds. Your adventure will be wild… but also exceptionally comfortable.

"The trip was incredible!! Peter had everything planned, helped with all of the flights, the required visas, reservations at a 5-star hotel in Nairobi, and accommodations at the safari camp. The safari personnel were all about service and making the trip a bucket list experience..."

Gene Robinson
Pittsburgh, PA
February 2020

What to expect

I plan for everything, but an African safari takes place on what we call “African time.” You have to go on the trip with the expectation that a plane might get delayed or a tire on one of the vehicles might go flat.

Or, you might not see all the animals you want to. Plenty of inconveniences may arise.

But no matter what happens, you’ll be completely safe as you experience the trip of a lifetime.

You’ll see the humanity of the animals in their natural state.

And you’ll be changed forever because of it. I promise.

Available luxury safaris

There is nothing like going on safari. Getting up close and personal with our planet’s most gorgeous, majestic animals in their natural habitat is truly an experience of a lifetime. And if you’re going to go, you might as well do it in style!

These adventures are for anyone who has ever wanted to take the trip of a lifetime and maybe thought that dream was out of reach. My passion is to make that dream possible. By planning out all the details, partnering with only the highest quality camps, hotels, and guides, and putting a high priority on understanding your individual goals for the trip, I’m able to set the stage for a life-changing experience.

Also, because I keep the groups small—usually around six individuals in our small group trips—your experience is incredibly personalized. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, part-time shutterbug, professional photographer, or anyone in between, going on safari with me will be an experience you’ll never forget.

Check out the available safaris below. Each offers unique opportunities to engage with the local wildlife, people, and stunning natural environments. But no matter which you choose, I can promise you one thing: You will be transformed!

Africa

Custome or Private Safari

Date: You Decide

Group Size: You Decide

Want to stay longer, see more, go to different areas than our small group safaris? Maybe the dates don’t work for you or maybe you want to travel with a group of friends. If that describes you, then we can customize your very own private safari.

Kenya

Big Cat Safari

Date: TBA

Group Size: 6-12

Lions, cheetahs, and leopards—oh my! The Big Cat safari takes place during the “off migration” season after the wildebeest have migrated south, leaving all resident cats and other plains animals. Big cat (lion, leopard and cheetah) viewing at this time of year is superb.

Kenya

Annual Migration Safari

Date: TBA 2021

Group Size: TBD

Ready for some spectacular wildlife? The Annual Migration safari takes you onsite to watch hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara river, with resident Nile crocodiles, on their trip from Tanzania into Kenya. There will be plenty of opportunities to see animals like cape buffalo, elephants, leopards, giraffes, lions, zebras, birds, cheetahs and more.

Kenya

Medwish Medical
Brigade

Date: TBA

Group Size: Limited to 20

Participating in a Medical Brigade is a wonderful way to give your time, talents, and compassion to those in need. The Brigade is a unique multifaceted trip that includes the humanitarian mission of a medical service, in addition to a traditional African safari and opportunities to learn about wildlife and community conservation.

Kenya

Family Philanthropic Adventure

Date: You Decide

Group Size: You Decide

Are you charitably inclined? Would you like to see firsthand the impact of your donation? Would you like to know exactly what your money is being used to support? Would you like to teach your children and grandchildren about giving? If this describes you, then one of our Socially Conscious Philanthropic Safaris might be right for you.

India

Wildlife and Culture of India

Date: TBA October 2021

Group Size: 6-8

Majestic, lithe, and incomparably beautiful—experience the photo adventure of a lifetime. India’s protected reserves are one of the few remaining places on the plant to experience tigers in their natural habitat. April through June is the best time for tiger sightings because the warm days bring the tigers to their watering holes.

Tanzania

Tanzania Tour

Date: Contact Peter

Group Size: 6-8

East Africa is where the concept of safari travel was born in the 1850s, and Tanzania is still one of the flagship destinations. Its reserves are famous for their abundant wildlife and home to Africa’s “Big 5” (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino) and to the Great Migration for eight to nine months each year.

India

Snow Leopard Quest

Date: April 2021

Group Size: 4-6

Snow leopards are some of the most elusive big cats remaining in the world because they live in such remote areas of Central Asia. There are thought to be only between 3,500 and 7000 snow leopards left in the wild. This safari will take us to the remote places thought to have the highest density of snow leopards in the world.

Uganda

Mountain Gorillas

Date: Contact Peter

Group Size: TBD

Uganda is nicknamed the “Pearl of Africa” because of its incredible greenery, mountains, lakes, and greatest natural treasure of all – half of the world’s last remaining mountain gorilla population. Gorilla trekking in Uganda is surreal and unlike any other experience in Africa. Groups consist of no more than eight people because small numbers are easier to manage and do not overwhelm the gorillas.

United States

Alaskan Wilderness Experience

Date: Summer 2021

Group Size: 6-8

Alaska, often referred to as the “last frontier”, has captivated travelers and photographers alike. While still part of the United States, it can often feel like a foreign land. Alaska is so large you could fit the state of Texas in it twice! Alaska is also home to some amazing wildlife.

Meet Peter Balunek

Until just a couple years ago, I was an insurance professional from Cleveland. It had always been my dream to go on a safari. So, one year I took the leap and went on one. And, almost in an instant, it changed my life.

My passion for these animals just took over. I loved watching them in the wild. Going into the experience, I was most excited about seeing the lions, but what surprised me was how much I enjoyed the elephants. They’re highly intelligent, even emotional creatures, and I came back from that experience transformed.

Then I heard the news about an elephant named Satao. He was a tusker, which means that his tusks hang down nearly to the ground – each one weighing in excess of 100 pounds. He’d lived for almost 50 years, surviving shifts in population, loss of habitat, and decades of political and social unrest. But he couldn’t survive one poison dart from a poacher. He was one of less than 20 of these animals left on the planet.

I never met Satao, but his death hit me on a deeply emotional level. I don’t know what the connection was, but it was real.

He and I were the same age, born in the same year, and his loss affected me in a way I could never have predicted.

I realized in that moment that I wanted to do something, to make a difference. And while I didn’t know what that was at the time, I decided to do what I could.

My research showed the best thing I could do to help create awareness of the threats facing the world’s wildlife was to get people over there to experience it for themselves. In some small way, my guests would become ambassadors for these animals. I believe one person can make a difference, and decided taking 6 people at a time would increase those odds.

And in the process, in my role as a wildlife ambassador, I discovered how to make a real difference in the lives of the animals under threat of extinction. I found I could do some real good…

Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date with upcoming trips.

What is a socially-conscious safari?

When it comes to the decline in large animal populations across the globe the stats are astounding.

Just a century ago there were 200,000 wild lions living in Africa. Today, there are only 20,000. Lions are now extinct in 26 countries.

After losing 91% of their natural habitat in the last decades, there are only 7,100 cheetahs left in the wild.

In 1990, 2.5 million elephants roamed the African grasslands. That number has since dropped to 415,000 in just under 30 years.

The black rhino has less than 5,000 individuals left in the wild and could disappear within the next decade. There are only TWO northern white rhinos left in the wild—and both are females, which effectively dooms the species within their natural habitat.

And that is truly just the beginning.

So, what can you and I do about it?

It’s a big problem. But, surprisingly, going on safari can make a real impact. Here’s how…

"Peter Wildlife Safaris is by far, the best safari experience we have had in our three African trips.. Here’s why: We were driven to the perfect position every time to observe the animals for viewing or photographing; Peter, and his chosen guides, were the most knowledgeable, friendly and helpful support group possible; Peter is a super photographer himself but kindly and skillfully assists photographers of all levels catch the images they want; the facilities and food were first class..."

John and Pat Leech
Munson, OH
February 2019

Frequently asked questions

Have questions? Check out the FAQ page for what to expect when going on safari with me.

"Trip of a lifetime. Honestly, I wouldn’t change anything! If you want your safari experience done properly, Peter and Wildlife Safari is the way! Happy travels."

Christine Bates
South Euclid, OH
February 2019