A trade-friendly tour operator specialising in luxury wilderness and adventure holidays has launched.

Windows on the Wild Luxe evolved from sister brand Windows on the Wild, which was founded in 1989 as a wildlife and adventure operator, after its owners recognised a demand for luxury adventure. 

The brand said it provided “an elevated level of comfort for high-end travellers” by combining adventure holidays with world-renowned hotels and lodges, exclusive experiences and exceptional service. 

“We had this brand extension in mind for a while, as our customers’ needs and preferences were evolving,” said founder and managing director Maggi Smit.

“They were still longing for remote wildlife encounters, but with five-star amenities. Whilst a global pandemic isn’t the ideal time to launch a new travel brand, it gave us the time we needed to fully develop the Windows on the Wild Luxe offer, so we went for it.”

The brand’s collection of bucket-list adventures includes swimming with whale sharks in a private marine reserve near Zanzibar, witnessing grizzly bears in the wild in Canada and bonefishing in the Bahamas.

The tour operator said it preferred to shine a spotlight on independent properties, such as luxury tented camp Ngare Serian in the Masai Mara and the exclusive-use Thanda Island (pictured) off the coast of east Africa. 

Windows on the Wild Luxe also actively promotes environmental protection through education, actions and initiatives that promote responsible travel, and partners with a number of organisations to achieve sustainability goals and support wildlife conservation.

The tour operator confirmed it will work with agents by providing training and paying commission.