We were both bitten by the travel bug back in 1996 whilst we were based in Germany as exchange students. Since then, we have travelled to well over a hundred countries, being particularly drawn to remote places where local customs and cultures had not been impacted by tourism. Due to the difficulty with arranging logistics and, in some cases, permits, it was clear that the majority of tour operators stayed away from such remote destinations. Hence Travel The Unknown was born – with the aim of helping you to discover these unspoilt hideaways in some of the most off the beaten track locations on Earth.
We are aware of the environmental downside of larger tour groups. For this reason we consciously keep our ecological and cultural footprint as small as possible. By operating in smaller groups, we can deliver the benefits of tourism without the negative aspects of mass tourism. We make use of locally owned accommodation, eateries and vehicles as well as supporting local community projects; this way locals will always benefit directly from our tours. As a team, we have personally crafted each one of our tours, and take great pride in ensuring that our strict standards are adhered to. By sourcing the most professional and friendly guides available, with strong local knowledge, you are sure to have the trip to remember. So come with us, and take the road less travelled!
In today’s digital world, too many people are living vicariously through others. We believe in letting the traveller’s imagination run wild on what is possible on our beautiful planet and then making it happen for them. Sit back and enjoy the journey.
Why Steppes Travel?
Your travel should reflect you: individual, creative and considered. Our rich expertise, vast collection of on-the-ground partners and friendly, personal service will open up the world in a way that is completely unique to you.
What matters the most?
We leave no stone unturned when it comes to what’s important to you. We take the time to chat and connect with you – on the phone or in our friendly office – to create an itinerary which truly resonates with your passions.
Join us for the ultimate snorkeling adventure. Our small group tours and safaris are designed exclusively for snorkelers, taking you to a collection of the world’s finest snorkeling destinations. Choose from a wide range of experiences including resort and boat based safaris to photography and shallow water freediving workshops – all guide led by a member of the Snorkel Venture team.
Land Based Snorkeling Tours
Our multi-destination safaris allow us to explore a variety of snorkeling sites in one complete tour. We’ll stay in a collection of remote resorts with ease of access to the very best snorkeling on offer.
Live Aboard – Pure Snorkeling Safaris
Stay on board one of our exclusively chartered live aboard yachts (strictly no divers allowed). We’ll safari between remote atolls and islands in search of pristine reefs and big fish.
Resort Based Snorkeling
We’ve carefully selected our favourite resorts to feature in this collection. Expect truly awesome snorkeling and lots of it, plus some of the best house reefs you’ll find from any resort on the planet.
Snorkeling & Overland Touring
Looking to combine your snorkeling with the regions top land tours and overland adventures? These tours feature wildlife like Orangutans and Komodo Dragons, plus rainforest hiking & cultural highlights.
As an established adventure tour operator, Wild Frontiers is proud to have been consistently voted one of the ‘Top 10 Tour Operators’ by Wanderlust readers in each of the last 10 years. In 2014 we were delighted to be voted second best tour operator in the UK in the Wanderlust awards.
We have also received similar accolades from National Geographic Traveler, Conde Nast Traveler, The Guardian/Observer and National Geographic Adventure magazine.
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Below are a few of the factors that we believe set us apart from our competitors and form the reasons as to why our clients travel with us again and again…
Personal Service & Expertise
Our London office is manned by experienced tour leaders and travel consultants and every trip we run stems from their first-hand knowledge. In short, we run the kind of holidays that we, as passionate travellers, like to do ourselves. When you ring our office, you will be guaranteed to chat to someone who knows the region and the terrain and is able to offer sound and practical advice.
When creating bespoke, tailor-made itineraries our specialist travel consultants will take you though each step of the process, advising you on everything from the most interesting accommodation to advice on tipping.
Wexas Travel was established by current chairman Dr Ian Wilson in 1970, and, over the past five decades, has grown from a small, independent operator, to one of the UK’s most respected travel companies, endorsed by such honorary presidents as Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Kate Adie, John Simpson and Michael Palin.
During that time, Wexas has moved on from its humble beginnings supporting student and explorer expeditions to, in the 1980s and 1990s, being one of the top-10 sellers of airline tickets in the UK, and becoming the country’s leading membership club for luxury travellers. Indeed, Wexas’ continued success has been its ability to adapt to the needs of its clients, from the introduction of annual multi-trip travel insurance in 1982 – Wexas was among the first travel companies to offer this service – to the opening of a still-flourishing corporate division, Wexas Travel Management, and the 2007 launch of White Star Cruises, now rebranded as The Luxury Cruise Company. Further additions to the Wexas portfolio include the acquisition of Best Served Scandinavia in 2010, which has since grown to become the UK’s second-largest tour operator specialising in Scandinavia and the Nordics.
It’s a great source of pride that, to this day, Wexas remains a privately owned, family business. It’s a fact that enables us to put you, our customer, at the heart of everything we do.
Water By Nature grew out of a passion for running rivers and taking a bunch of like-minded people to remote and exciting parts of the world. It was founded by kiwi, Hamish McMaster, who had spent many years guiding the best rivers around the globe, in such countries as Nepal, Zambia, Israel, New Zealand, Australia, America and Europe. His vision was to start a company dedicated to providing safe, fun, exciting and cultural trips for clients and guides alike. He leads a team of world-renowned river professionals, who have helped him to realize this vision. Water By Nature is now the rafting specialist of the world. Our classic river journeys stand alongside climbing Kilimanjaro and trekking the Inca Trail in their appeal to the most avid adventurers. Our palette of river journeys reflect that we raft the best rivers in the world, and with 80% of our clients returning for a second trip, we must be doing something right! Many clients have expressed their amazement that a river journey entails so much more than just the river.
Hamish still loves nothing more than getting out on a certain number of rafting adventures every year with his guests and family. It’s his ‘happy place’. It is important to him to spend time connecting with customers and guides to ensure we are delivering the quality product we strive to give you.
Baia Sportfishing caters to all types of groups. Whether you are after the perfect family holiday, cultural experience or an epic fishing adventure, Baia Sporfishing can cater to make your experience a memorable one.
Opened in 2004, Baia Sportfishing in West New Britain Province offers an eco-tourism destination where anglers can catch the Mighty Papuan Black Bass and Spottail Bass.
They have been featured on various TV Shows like Monster Fish, Extreme Fishing with Robson Green, Escape with ET and River Monsters.
With comfortable accommodation, electricity, modern amenities, cooking and cleaning staff you are sure to experience fishing in paradise.
Baia accommodates up to 12 anglers at one time and has 4 main rivers to fish from around the area.
Situated next to Baia Village, anglers are also given the opportunity to experience Papua New Guinea culture.
If you are looking for an adventure in style, the 72ft wave piercer, Ultimate One is now available for various fishing packages from Black Bass, Blue Water or both Black and Blue expeditions.
Enquire with Baia Sportfishing for your next PNG Fishing expedition.
Liamo Reef Resort is located along the picturesque Kimbe Bay in West New Britain Province.
The Resort offers comfortable accommodation in a safe environment with a range of amenities on site for guests – including restaurant, bars, coffee shop, swimming pool, fitness center and courts for playing tennis, basketball and volleyball.
The popular Bella’s Bridge provides one of the best selfie-spots for sunsets across the Kimbe Bay and is a favorite location for wedding shoots.
Explore West New Britain Province with Liamo Reef Resort. Snorkel, scuba dive or kayak the famous Kimbe Bay, cruise to one of the nearby islands, hike a live volcano, cool off in a refreshing river or cast off your lure for some amazing sport fishing – see Baia Sportfishing.
The Resort also provides a great venue for hosting conferences.
Contact Liamo Reef Resort for a memorable stay in West New Britain Province.