Why choose us?
Mission statement
To inspire people to venture out into the world to promote conservation in a positive manner through awareness, sustainable ecotourism, and photography.
Why choose us?
Our passion lies in our belief that everyone should be able to experience the outdoors and see wildlife in their natural habitat. As conservationists, we understand the importance of awareness, and how being with wildlife can lead to supporting causes. Each expedition is led by Ben Shihab, who is a Wildlife Ecologist, Photographer, and certified Field/Nature Guide. Once at our destination, we meet up with local guides, to both support the local economy and learn from their unrivaled local knowledge. Backed by TourHero Travel for secure booking!
What is ecotourism?
We are a travel company, but we are conservationists first and foremost. Our primary concern is conserving wildlife and the environment, and we want to boost awareness and share that with you. Ecotourism is more than a marketing term, and we strive to truly fit the definition of an ecotourism company. So what is ecotourism you ask? According to the Ecotourism Society, ecotourism is:
“purposeful travel to natural areas to understand the cultural and natural history of the environment taking care not to alter the integrity of the ecosystem, while producing economic opportunities that make conservation of natural resources beneficial to local people.”
We know you’re busy
We take the stress out of vacation planning. We are happy to provide a pre-arranged itinerary for those who just want to go along for the ride, or have us create a once in a lifetime, personally tailored trip for those who want flexibility (or anything in between!). With options for any budget, we’ve got you covered from start to finish.
We spent over a year researching every step of the vacation planning and booking process, and have developed a local network of people and businesses to provide the most authentic, yet affordable experience. From the moment you land, we’ve got you covered—from transportation, lodging, food, activities & safaris—our guides with take care of it all. This won’t be a giant tour bus, where we tell you to look right, followed by a dull 15 minute lecture! We keep our groups small, averaging 2-4 people so that we can provide each traveler with the best experience possible. We are here for adventure!
Cost - money, money, money
We did some research so you don’t have to:
Average cost for a self planned trip with competitors: $6800/person
Average cost for a guided and catered trip with competitors: $15,000/person
Average cost booking with us, Passport to Terra: $3400/person (and no unexpected or hidden costs once you’re there)
YOUR LEAD GUIDE
Ben Shihab
Ben Shihab is an award winning Wildlife Photographer, conservationist, & explorer from Tucson, Arizona, USA with photos awarded by & published in National Geographic. As an educated Ecologist with a degrees in Wildlife & Fishery Conservation. Ben truly believes that promoting awareness through photography can make a positive impact for conservation of wildlife and their habitat.
He has photographed animals in there natural habitat across the world in 5 different continents. Whether they be found by backpacking in the Wilderness of Alaska, getting close and personal on safari in Africa, or under a few atmospheric pressures in the Ocean.
Bio:
Ben Shihab spent 5 years on Active Duty in the United States Marine Corps, serving and supporting operations globally. After his service he attended the University of Arizona and received a Bachelors of Science in Wildlife & Fishery Conservation then attended the University of Alaska for graduate school working towards a Masters of Science in Ecology. Ben Shihab later returned to University of Arizona to achieve his Executive MBA. Ben Shihab is a PADI Instructor, Master Scuba Diver Trainer #237161 as well as a Level 1 Safari/Field Guide with FGASA (Field Guide Association of Southern Africa).
Attracted to foreign climes and adventure since a young age, Ben Shihab has travelled and worked in almost thirty countries worldwide.
In 2016 he backpacked Rim to Rim to Rim of the Grand Canyon. In 2017 he traveled the length of Egypt starting in the Mediterranean Sea traveling all the way to the border of Sudan as well as explored multiple counties throughout Europe. In 2018 he explored the depths of Bahamans and the Cayman Islands photographing 15 different species of sharks. In 2019 he has lead multiple wildlife/conservation focused expeditions in Southern Africa.
When not abroad Ben lives in the Seattle, WA area.
IG: @PyrateCowboy
Portfolio: www.AquaTerra.Photos
