Big cats can be seen throughout the world from Asia, to Africa and South America. At Steppes Travel, we both tailor-make itineraries and run various group tours which allow you to see many of these species in their natural habitat. Steppes also works alongside many charitable organisations and can provide a hands-on experience in supporting the conservation of endangered big cats.
For centuries, big cats have been a source of fear and fascination. The Egyptian culture was famous for its devotion to the cat, whilst jaguars were represented in the belief systems of several indigenous societies throughout Latin America. And, as we all know, to their cost, tiger and tiger parts have been mythologized in Chinese culture for centuries.
Nothing raises the pulse quite like the sight of a lioness stalking her prey across the plains of sub-Saharan Africa, the elusive snow leopard patrolling snow-capped mountains or the sight of a tiger sauntering through the forests of Central India. Since our inception in 1989, Steppes Travel has been running insightful and groundbreaking itineraries to give our clients unparalleled big cat sightings.
We promise to give you exceptional big cat viewing opportunities carried out in a manner that does not compromise the animals you have come to see. We believe that by adopting a responsible code of practice the experience of encountering big cats in the wild is enhanced. At its best, responsible wildlife tourism can be used as an effective tool towards conservation, giving local communities a mechanism by which they can benefit economically by living side by side with deadly predators.
Our clients have encountered big cats under the auspices of AfriCat in Namibia where we helped fund AfriCat’s annual big cat health check-up. We have supported projects such as the Hwange Lion Project in Zimbabwe, Living with Lions in Kenya and the Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust in Ladakh. Our support of the work these charities undertake has given our clients privileged access to big cat territory and the people at the forefront of conservation.
Exceptional guides are an essential component of a successful wildlife holiday. You can have the best big cat sighting in the world but without an expert narrative, explaining the behaviour to which you are a witness, the experience is lacking. A good guide knows exactly when to talk and exactly when to let the wildlife do the talking.
We have long-established relationships with some of the world’s leading authorities on big cats. People like Kartikeya Singh, Raghu Chundawat and Julian Matthews in India have been working alongside tigers all their lives and can give a fascinating insight into the life of the world’s most iconic big cat. We also work with Lilian Rampin who has extensive experience of the reintroduction process of captive felines back to nature and now heads up the Onçafari Jaguar Project in the Pantanal. Our contacts in Africa are equally as illustrious, ranging from Amy Dickman of the Ruaha Carnivore Project to the big cat journalist, Brian Jackman.
Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
My travels were first inspired by my love of the UK, which I take as much pleasure in exploring as countries far and wide. For me, travel is all about the adventure, the people I meet and the food I sample along the way.
Chris is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Africa.
25 years ago, my first trip to Africa took on a life of its own. I planned for three months, I stayed for two years. Whilst there, I was mistaken for a priest, attacked by sharks and arrested. Yet the countless, clattering journeys opened my eyes to the beauty of the landscapes and the grace of the people. My recent trips are undoubtedly more comfortable, but the welcome is as warm as ever and the best experiences are still those I never see coming.
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Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
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