Have you ever wondered how luxury travel can mean responsible travel? Welcome to a Luxury Gold journey. Through our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences, with your Luxury Gold journey you can make a positive impact on the planet, its people and wildlife, and the communities you visit.

Our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences were developed in 2020, in consultation with travel industry experts and set within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) In our How We Tread Right sustainability strategy we set out the goal of including at least one of these experiences on 50% of Luxury Gold journeys by 2025.

We’re pleased to say that we are way ahead of target, with these exclusive immersive experiences now available on 100% of Luxury Gold itineraries, as detailed in our latest Impact Report. We’ve put together a selection of our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences to show you want we are talking about.

Enjoy MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® history with Marta in Italy

When you meet Marta, a fourth-generation weaver preserving this ancient craft in Umbria Italy, you’ll be amazed at her dedication and passion. You’ll also be enjoying one of the first ever MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®Experiences that came into existence for The Travel Corporations family of brands. With meaningful experiences always part of the offer, guests enjoyed meeting Marta so much it was an inspiration behind formalizing the experiences.

A recipient of a TreadRight Foundation grant, Marta’s workshop, the Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti, specializes in the medieval Umbrian tradition of loom-weaving. Your visit here supports UN SDGs 5 & 11 – Gender Equality and Sustainable Cities & Communities. The workshop, a highlight of our Ultimate Italy Luxury Gold journey, also actively empowers women and girls through its education and training programs. Through their safeguarding of the unique patterns they’re contributing to the protection of Umbria’s cultural heritage.

Discover the journey: Ultimate Italy

Read more: How We’re Setting the Gold Standard for Sustainable Luxury Travel

Discover a world of sustainable dining at Sweden’s Fotografiskia Restaurant

Phot credit: @fotografiska.food on Instagram

Some MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are simply delicious – pair fine dining with helping the planet and what’s not to love.

At the Fotografiska Museum Restaurant in Stockholm, Sweden, savor a delectable and innovative dinner crafted with sustainability in mind. In fact, this establishment holds the prestigious Michelin Sustainability Emblem. Every step of the culinary process is carefully thought out with sustainability in mind, and even the aprons have a part to play – made from an absorbent cotton fabric, when heated they release the CO2 back for use in the bistro’s hydroponic plant garden. Through this dining experience Fotografiska aims to encourage a more mindful and eco-friendly world. Prepare to be dazzled, while also doing your part – this experience supports UN SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption & Production.

Try this on: Timeless Scandinavia

Read more: Alternative dining and CO2 absorbing aprons: welcome to Fotografiska

Save the Kiwi in New Zealand

Get up close and personal with wildlife as you go behind the scenes at a Kiwi hatchery in Rotorua. Meet the National bird of New Zealand, hear why its endangered and see first-hand the efforts to restore the population. The hatchery has expanded to become the world’s biggest and most effective facility for hatching kiwis. By successfully incubating and hatching brown kiwi eggs, it has significantly contributed to the North Island kiwi population. In support of UN SDG 15 – Life on Land, this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps to fund the Hatchery and directly contribute to kiwi conservation.

Discover this on: The Long White Cloud

Bookmark for later: This New Zealand Forest Retreat Combines 5-Star Luxury with Sustainability

Reveal nature’s glitz in St Moritz, Switzerland

A highlight of the Swiss Alps, St. Moritz is renowned as a playground for the rich and famous, with its opulent ski resorts, upscale shopping and gourmet dining. This Alpine paradise offers a sophisticated blend of breathtaking natural beauty and high-end amenities, making it a premier destination for those seeking an exclusive and indulgent escape.

Guests on a Luxury Gold journey have the opportunity to step away from the glitz and glamor whilst in Switzerland. Meet a local nature guide and choose between a hike or a conservation talk to learn the work they do in raising awareness and preserving the natural environment, in this most picturesque of landscapes. This experience supports UN SDG 15 – Life on Land.

Take the tour: Majestic Switzerland

You may also enjoy reading: Dine, Sleep, Do: How to spend a chic 24 hours in St. Moritz

Embrace South Africa’s past and future

From the iconic Table Mountain in Cape Town to wildlife-rich Kruger National Park, South Africa boasts stunning landscapes, vibrant cultures, sensational cuisine and a complex history. To get deep into the country’s fascinating past, and meet its future, guests will enjoy a visit to the Amy Foundation, during their visit to Robben Island.

On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience you’ll see how the lives of vulnerable young people are being transformed through a variety of empowering programmes. This experience furthers UN SDGs 4 & 10 – Quality Education & Reduced Inequalities, both through its actions, and through eduction and awareness.

For unforgettable dinner table conversation, you’ll also join Christo Brand, a former prison guard of Nelson Mandela, for lunch at the Amy Foundation. A global icon of peace and equality, Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to fighting against apartheid in South Africa, and few knew him better than Christo.

 Discover this on: Spectacular South Africa

 Read about this special relationship in depth: Meet Christo Brand, former prison guard to Nelson Mandela

Sip French wine, in harmony with nature

Photo credit: @chateaulacoste on Instagram

Described as a ‘futuristic wine producer,’ a visit to Château La Coste in Puy-Sainte-Réparade, France will tantalize more than just the taste buds. In 2009, the wines of Château La Coste were labeled “Organic Agriculture”, a label which recognizes respect for the land as well as the methods, in perfect harmony with nature. The estate is also a showcase for the most fascinating sculptures and modern art installations.

On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience you’ll sample the estate’s organic wines, learn all about their viticulture and visit their one-of-a-kind contemporary wine cellar. Your tasting experience supports SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Take a sustainable sip on: Ultimate Southern France

Bookmark for later: Sophisticated and Stylish: why Southern France is Unmissable

Join the Warrior Women in Canada

Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies is a pristine wilderness paradise renowned for its majestic glaciers, turquoise lakes and abundant wildlife. Here you will meet the First Nations Warrior Women, to discover the history of the lands since time immemorial.

Share an evening by the fireside on this exceptional Luxury Gold journey. Over a home cooked barbecue dinner share in storytelling, drumming and songs and immerse yourselves in Indigenous culture. The experience addresses SDG: 10 by reducing inequalities for minorities or underrepresented people.

Meet the Warrior Women on: Majesty of the Rockies

For an in depth read: Uncovering Indigenous history with Canada’s Warrior Women

Enjoy the flutter of wings at Parque das Aves in Brazil

Photo credit: @parque_das_aves on Instagram

Nearby the thundering Iguassu Falls on the Brazilian side, we invite you to join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the colorful Parque das Aves or Bird Park. An integrated conservation center for birds of the Atlantic Forest and is home to 120 species of birds, including hummingbirds, hawks, toucans and parrots. Through your visit you are contributing to supporting the future of these species, and enhancing UN SDG 15 – Life on Land.

See the birds for yourself: Classic South America

You may also enjoy reading: Step inside Peru’s blissful Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Our Impact Report at a glance

Protecting our planet, its people and wildlife has always been at the heart of our journeys. And we’ve made some big commitments as part of our 5-year sustainability strategy How We Tread Right, across climate action, sustainable food production, responsible consumption, diversity, equity and inclusion, and animal welfare.

Today we’ve released our third annual Impact Report, so you can see how we’re progressing against our goals and how we are making a difference. Here’s some of our progress at a glance:

Goal 1 – Achieve Net Zero by 2050: Invested $1,880,553 from our Carbon Fund in 13 decarbonization projects and said ‘no to more stuff’ – replacing branded merchandise with donations to nature-based solutions – preventing 6.5 million car-driven miles worth of carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere annually.

Goal 4 – Increase use of local and organic products in our supply chain by 2025: Offered one local dining experience on 100% of our itineraries, where key ingredients are sourced within a 30–50-mile radius.

Goal 6 – Eliminate as many unnecessary single-use plastics from our operations and itineraries: Removed all single-use plastics related to Covid-19 measures from our operations + worked with supplies to utilise water tanks to refill reusable water bottles.

Goal 7 – Include at least one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on 50% of our itineraries by 2025: We have at least one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on 100% of itineraries, with 36 in total across the collection.

Goal 10 – Complete 30,000 volunteer hours by 2025: Our teams completed 10,862 volunteer hours in 2023 – helping us reach 83% of our goal.

The lift of a tiny trunk. The scurry of a panicked warthog as a predator approaches. The ruffle of a lion’s mane in the sunlight. When it comes to safari photography, things move quickly: nature’s quirkiest characters will not wait and pose for us. 

Instead, photography enthusiasts need to be ready and equipped to capture them on camera as they frolic, in a fleeting moment, or even from a moving vehicle. If you’re looking for wildlife photography tips, look no further: from the best gear to pack to nifty ways to prepare yourself for snapping a safari holiday, we’ve got you covered.

Practise before you fly

It may sound funny, but training your camera on less exotic beasts can help you prepare. Safaris are often just three or four days long; you don’t want to spend your first 24 hours figuring out your camera. If you’ve got a cat, experiment with photographing it prowling around at home and see how your shots turn out. It will give you a feel for movement and focus, as well as waiting for moments of stillness (to avoid blurring). 

Otherwise, try garden birds. “The rule of thirds in photography is a guideline that places the subject in the left or right third of an image, leaving the other two thirds more open,” says keen wildlife photographer Callie Smart. IF you want to be super prepared, Udemy runs a four-day online course that digs into wildlife photography tips from specific gear to camera settings (udemy.com).

We also think you’ll like: Glamping in the wild: Uncovering the best luxury safari stays

Stay right where the wildlife is

Photo credit: @lionsandsgamereserve on Instagram

Across Africa’s safari countries, there are remote properties a drive from official game reserves and properties set within them. Staying in a safari lodge within a national park or protected reserve means you’ll see animals wandering through the grounds, or past the infinity pool, rather than limiting sightings to your daily game drives. On Luxury Gold’s Spectacular South Africa tour, ideal for safari photography, guests stay right within the boundaries of Kruger National Parks and Sabi Sands Reserve, at the elegant Lion Sands lodge.

Time it right

Once in the bush, use the times of day to your advantage, says Smart. “Think of photography as painting with light,” she advises. “If you keep the sunlight behind you, the animal will be lit up and the sunlight reflected back in their eyes, bringing your subject to life. The ideal times of day are an hour after sunrise or an hour before sunset, when the sun is low in the sky ‒ these times give a soft, diffused light we know as ‘golden hour’.” If you’re shooting in bright sunshine, she adds, find some shade to stand in to give your shot a less harsh effect.

We also think you’ll like: Private game drives and five-star stays: How Luxury Gold does safari differently

Focus your shot

Knowing where to focus your photo is vital, says Smart. Blur is always a risk when you’re dealing with living, moving creatures. “To make your photographs ‘pop’, set the focus point on to the animal’s eye closest to you,” she shares as one of her top wildlife photography tips. Don’t be afraid to contort yourself in order to get the best angle, either ‒ that’s what makes the most unusual and striking wildlife photographs. “Get yourself at eye level to the animal to make a connection: so if it’s a small animal get down on the ground, and if it’s a large animal stick your head out of the top of the jeep or (if you can) climb a tree.”

Know your kit and settings

Safari photography experts know that knowing your camera inside out is the quickest way to the clearest, sharpest and most striking wildlife photos. Smart favours a Nikon D7200 with an 18-300mm zoom lens. “I like light cameras and a light lens, so I don’t need a tripod ‒ I can quickly grab the shot, as animals, such as scurrying warthogs, don’t tend to stand still. It fits easily into hand luggage and is dust and water-resistant.” The benefit of a zoom lens, she says, is the ability to focus close up on a creature, yet keep your distance to avoid disturbing them. For a good basic set-up for your first shooting session, she says, “switch to Aperture Priority f5.6, focus on the animal’s eye and set the camera to automatic ISO.”

We also think you’ll like: How to safari in style: The ultimate packing guide

Start with the slow ones

Different rules apply for different subjects on safari. “The easiest animals to photograph are the ones that don’t move too quickly!” says Smart. “Elephants, big cats, zebras, crocs, giraffes, rhinos all tend to stand their ground if you’re quiet and give them room. I love to photograph giraffes & monkeys as they have such expressive faces. Monkeys are going to lead you on a merry dance but that’s fun, too.” They may not seem as exciting as big game, but photos of birds in flight can be striking. They might even give you a rather unappealing clue. “Birds tend to poop just before they take off, so look out for that so you can catch them.”

Ignore smartphone snobbery

It’s a myth that only hefty DSLR cameras can capture a lion’s mane or an elephant’s wrinkly ears in full detail. In fact, current smartphones have incredibly refined cameras; the time they tend to fail users is at dimly-lit dusk (or dawn), when the light is lower. In full sunlight, don’t be afraid to use your iPhone or Android to capture some animal magic, says Smart; for one thing, you won’t need to play with the settings as much. “If the harsh, bright sunlight of the middle of the day is beating down, and you get a great encounter, such as standing face to face with a friendly rhino, you’re better off whipping out your smartphone or, if you prefer a ‘proper’ camera, turning your DSLR onto automatic settings.”

We also think you’ll like: Wild at Heart: Why winter is the best time to visit South Africa

Luxury Gold’s Spectacular South Africa tour includes a three-day safari in the enchanting Kruger National Park.

Home to more than 70% of the world’s tigers, there’s no better place than India to see this majestic animal in the wild. Ranthambore National Park is the crown jewel of India’s protected tiger habitats, home to dozens of Bengal tigers living among its lush forest and ancient palatial ruins.

Here, we delve into the history of Ranthambore – and how it transformed from royal hunting grounds to a world-class sanctuary. Plus, learn the secrets to spotting a Bengal tiger yourself in this stunning national park. 

Experience it: Essence of India with Ranthambore

@claws.n.wings

Tiger hunting in India

Ranthambore National Park is located in the Indian state of Rajasthan, meaning ‘Land of Kings’ in Hindi. It’s a fitting name as Rajasthan is famed for its legacy of royal rulers, dynasties, palaces and forts. From the Mughal Emperors of the 16th century to the Maharajas (rulers), the royals practiced ‘shikar’, or big game hunting, and Bengal tigers were particularly prized. British royalty and other aristocrats from all over the world would come to India to hunt the king of the big cats. Renowned for its large tiger populations, Ranthambore was the royal hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. 

@ranthambhorewildlife

Project Tiger

By 1972, the Bengal tiger population in India had dropped from as many as 80,000 to just 1,800. This shocking discovery prompted then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to launch Project Tiger to protect the country’s tigers. The government established the Wildlife Protection Act in 1972 which made hunting illegal. As tigers were designated as Schedule 1 animals, the hunting of tigers brought the highest penalty. The government also banned the export of tiger skins and created sanctuaries and national parks to preserve the tiger’s natural habitats. Since the launch of Project Tiger, the tiger population has slowly risen. A recent tiger census in April 2023 found that India now has a population of 3,167 tigers, 200 more than it had four years ago. The country is now home to more than 70% of the world’s tigers.

@ranthambhorewildlife

Royal hunting grounds turned protected wilderness

Ranthambore was declared a national park in 1980 and remains a protected area today, strictly prohibiting any disturbance to wildlife. The national park now has 86 tigers living in the area spanning 515 square miles and has proudly achieved a 45% growth in the population in the last eight years. While the park has battled many challenges over the years including poaching, the local communities and government work together to protect the tigers and conserve their habitat. Today Ranthambore remains one of the most popular destinations for wildlife and photography enthusiasts and visitors come from all over the world to take safaris to explore the park and spot its wildlife. 

Read more: Uncovering India’s cultural riches, with acclaimed historian Rana Safvi

@ranthambhorewildlife

The cultural significance of tigers in India

Tigers have played a role in Indian traditions, culture and mythology for centuries. They are a revered animal and considered a symbol of strength, power, beauty and intelligence. In Hindu mythology, the goddess Durga is often depicted riding a tiger as a symbol of her strength. Lord Shiva, an important Hindu god, is also portrayed wearing a tiger skin around his waist. In recognition of this cultural significance, the tiger was declared the national animal of India in 1972.

@ranthambhorewildlife

How to see tigers roaming in Ranthambore

When you embark on our Essence of India with Ranthambore luxury tour, you’ll journey to Ranthambore on the Jan Shatabdi Express. After arriving at your luxury hotel, the Nahargarh Ranthambhore, in the lush foothills of the Aravalli mountain range, you’ll discover a beautiful region swathed in forest and dotted with crumbling forts – and Bengal tigers. 

You’ll join an Expert Naturalist as you seek out the elusive tigers on dawn and dusk safaris within Ranthambhore National Park. You’ll also meet a Local Expert to explore the former royal hunting grounds and discover palace ruins, traditional Chhatri dome-shaped pavilions, and a 1,000-year-old fort.

@ranthambhorewildlife

More than tigers – the other wildlife you can spot in Ranthambore

The main prize on safari in Ranthambore is spotting a Bengal tiger or two, but you’re also likely to spot a wealth of other incredible wildlife on your safaris here. Keep your eyes peeled for leopards, sloth bears, Indian wild boar, Indian Sambar deer, Chital deer, and Indian foxes. You can also see the Indian gazelle (chinkara), a small antelope, and Nilgai, the largest antelope in Asia. Look up and you’ll also spot several bird species including owls, eagles and vultures.

Read more: How to safari in style: The ultimate packing guide

@ranthambhorewildlife

Tips for spotting tigers in Ranthambore

While Ranthambore is one of the best places in the world to spot Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. However, it’s never a guarantee to see one. Here are some tips to improve your chances: 

Choose the right season

The best time to spot tigers in the wild is during the dry season, which runs from November to May. The grass is shorter and animals congregate around the receding water sources, making it easier to spot tigers.

Go with an experienced guide

When you travel with Luxury Gold, you’ll go on safari with expert local guides who know the habits of tigers and can significantly improve your chances of spotting a tiger. They can also help you spot other animals and birds while out exploring.

Wear the right clothes

Wear clothing in neutral colors such as beige or khaki to help you blend in with your surroundings. Brightly colored clothing may scare off the animals you’re trying to spot. 

Keep your distance

While spotting tigers in the wild is a thrilling experience and it may be tempting to move closer, it’s important to be respectful of their habitat and maintain a quiet atmosphere and a safe distance. It’s also important to take photos without the flash on. Getting too close or making too much noise or sudden movements can be dangerous or simply encourage the tigers to hide from view.

Be patient and observant

When it comes to spotting tigers, patience is key. Tigers are elusive animals, so you’ll need to keep a sharp eye out for any signs of tiger activity, such as pugmarks or alarm calls from other animals. A high-quality pair of binoculars can also help you catch a glimpse.

Discover how you can see the tigers of Ranthambore on our Essence of India with Ranthambore luxury tour.