Mantis eXtreme, an extraordinary collection of experiences that combine once-in-a-lifetime encounters with iconic places to stay, has created an inspirational list of the most exceptional and enriching wildlife spotting activities on the planet.

The ‘Big 7 on 7’ is Mantis eXtreme’s global take on Africa’s big five, given its heritage of introducing species to a number of South African game reserves it is now working on a global scale.

These awe-inspiring wildlife experiences have been hand-picked to showcase the very finest encounters across all seven continents: 

The sensational walking safaris, fly-camping and canoeing of Lugenda Wilderness Camp allow guests to experience raw Africa at its wildest.

The camp of just eight luxury tents is set in Niassa Reserve, the largest conservation area in Mozambique, which is twice the size of world-famous Kruger National Park, covering 42 000 square kilometres and is home to the largest concentration of Mozambique’s wildlife including lion, elephant and the remarkable African wild dog.

Here guests have the chance to really escape the stresses and strains of the modern world, getting remarkably close to nature; fly-camping on the great inselberg mountains, as well as meeting the local communities for a truly memorable, enriching experience.

Journey to the last great wilderness on earth, the White Desert in Antarctica, and be transported to remote and magical land that offers a choice of adventures including a visit to the 6,000 strong emperor colony, a trip to the remote mountains of Antarctica and kite-skiing under the guidance of genuine polar explorers. 

Get cosy in the beautifully designed, ecological Whichaway Camp that is completely solar and wind powered.

It includes a furnished communal living area with warming stove, fur rugs and a library as well as six individual sleeping pods created from fiberglass panels to resist the force and noise synonymous with Antarctica’s winds.

Pods include a double bed, writing desk and private bathroom.

Snow Leopards are one of the world’s most elusive mammals but in winter they descend from the Himalayan peaks giving wildlife lovers chance to experience a blend of rare high altitude wildlife, as well as isolated Himalayan Buddhist communities.

The journey takes an extraordinary and awe-inspiring route full of lore and splendour, punctuated by photographic attractions including the Hemis National Park situated in Ladakh (Little Tibet) region of Jammu & Kashmir, famous for sightings of this beautiful, enigmatic cat. 

Hidden among the dunes overlooking a magnificent stretch of pristine coastline, Sal Salis is the perfect location to experience the World Heritage Ningaloo Reef in a way that is utterly harmonious with the environment.

Each year the marine spectacle of the reef is enhanced by the arrival of the world’s largest fish, the whale shark, on its migration northwards to Asia.

The nine tented camp, designed on strict environmental principles, is styled on Wild Bush Luxury lines that expose guests to the surrounding environment, while also delivering key luxury standards: a supremely comfortable bed; an en suite bathroom; and outstanding food and wine.

Beyond the border of Björkliden’s pisted ski area lay endless possibilities for cross country skiing, ski touring and heli-skiing and dog sledding.

Guests can glide across a blanket of snow to the sound of the runners and the panting of the dogs as the journey meanders into the magnificent mountain landscape with views that stretch for miles and get an up close view of the vast reindeer herds.

Guests can stay at Hotell Fjället, an authentic Gammelgården Ski Lodge, or in cabins that are located right next to the ski area. Or for something special, stay at the Solhyllan Lodge that has a fireplace, sauna, and outdoor Jacuzzi on offer, or spend a night at Låktatjåkko Mountain Lodge — Sweden’s highest located mountain lodge, 1,228 metres above sea level.

For an up close nature experience in a completely different climate, Great Bear Nature Tours offer trips that feel like living out a wildlife documentary.

From early May through October, stay in the five bedroom floating lodge in an area known as the Great Bear Rainforest and take daily wilderness track walks and boat excursions to observe grizzly (brown) bears and many other forms of wildlife including black bears, wolves and bald eagles.

Explore the remote fjords of Tierra del Fuego and surrounding Patagonian archipelagos on the Australis. These cruise ships navigating the Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel down to Cape Horn, allowing guests to explore one of the most beautiful wilderness regions in the world: Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, at the southernmost tip of South America.

Each voyage takes its journey through channels, bays and fjords; sail past glaciers, snow-capped mountains, islands and unexplored forests of exceptional beauty.

The daily shore excursions provide many opportunities for guests to see an array of wildlife from penguins and elephant seals to other sea-life from the astonishing glaciers which descend from the Darwin Mountain Range (the last part of the Andes).

Designed for travellers with a taste for style and an appetite for adventure, the Mantis eXtreme portfolio takes the passion for globetrotting to a whole new level — offering the ultimate in high-end experiential travel.

As well as incredible wildlife encounters, the collection includes is everything from whale shark diving in Australia; to Bloon near space flights in Spain and snow golf in Sweden.

Paul Gardiner, global marketing director for Mantis eXtreme, said: “We’re passionate about creating memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that combine luxury and adventure.

“We’ve handpicked incredible wildlife encounters from each of the seven continents to bring together the most awe-inspiring and memorable experiences that will be cherished for life.”