I enjoyed this excursion but it seemed like it wasn’t exactly what people were expecting. The term “safari” implies some level of wildlife viewing. Since you can drive yourself into the park and almost guaranteed to see lots of animals, calling this tour a “safari” sets expectations high. There is a good chance you’ll see wildlife on the bus ride to the trail head, but not so much on the tour.
That said, it was an interesting trip along the stampede trail. Brad was very informative and provided a nice education on the stampede trail and its connection to the famous “Into the Wild” story.
We did see some caribou near the starting point but the only wildlife seen on the tour was a ptarmigan. It’s not unexpected - a fairly loud off-road vehicle going down a narrow road would be expected to scare off wildlife.
The hotdogs, popcorn, and campfire at the end was a nice treat. It’s a fantastic location. Would be a great spot for private events/parties for 4-12 people.
If you’re only in Denali for a day and want to see wildlife, then get into the park early before all the bus tours start. You’ll see a ton in only a few miles. Even the bus tours will see a lot of wildlife. I suggest renting a car.
If you’ve seen enough moose then consider this trip. The off road vehicle is cool, Brad has great stories, and the campfire at the end is relaxing.
Odpowiedź od gospodarza
Jun 2018
Hi Michael,
Thanks for taking the time to write about your experience. We are glad to hear that on your tour you were able to see some caribou and ptarmigan! With wild animals and no fences, we never know what we will see. Even along the park road, it can be tough. Sounds like you had a pretty great time in the Denali area! Our 6x6 adventure through the backcountry is definitely a unique experience and we will be sure to pass along the compliments to your guides. I do have to agree that the location of our camp along the tour is a great spot for a multitude of things. Again, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts on our nature safari and off-road adventure!