Yomitan, it's a far cry, and drive, from the rolling green hills of the Yambaru National park that's for sure. While there are not too many raging waterfalls or mountainous peaks there is a range of wildlife encounters to rival any good walk in the jungles of the North. Many of my wildlife walks tend to cater to the adult clientele looking to get a taste of what the jungle has to offer by night. Many folks also want to see some of the more 'enigmatic' wildlife in its own environment if the truth be told. But why leave the kids out of the experience? Well, now they too can get their fill of the diversity of nature and wildlife right here in Southern Okinawa.

"What will be see?" is a common question for both this and indeed the jungle excursions of the north. All of the imagery seen in the slide show above was taken here in Yomitan, specifically at the main location used thus far for wildlife encounter treks for young and older attendees alike. I have also carried out, and have more booked, tours for youth groups such as Scouts. The look on the faces of the young ones as they learn about new creatures is pretty awesome.

The main issue for younger children being able to experience the north are the logistics involved, many of those Jungle tours have a turnaround time from departing here in the South to returning of some six hours, sometimes longer. That's a long time to have young ones away from parents for sure. So with the children in mind, I have now developed a few locations around Yomitan where a range of wildlife experiences can be had. Options are for night walks or very early morning walks. On all walks, I require that one parent or guardian adult be present per child. If any one attending adult is also a family friend of another child attendee and they are happy to be so they may also take responsibility for their attending child as well as one other attending child.

With all experiences there are a few requirements these are as follows: 

1. Bring adequate footwear. I strongly suggest long rubber boots, available in places such as Makeman etc. These offer the best protection from certain potentially dangerous wildlife that have been known to bite humans who inadvertently encroach too close to them, Habu in particular.
2. Bring adequate lighting per person. Whether that be in the form of a flashlight or headlamp with enough battery power to last an illumination time of around three hours.
3. Bring adequate water and hydration supplies. The heat and humidity whether early in the morning or of an evening can still present issues in Okinawa, especially throughout the Summer months.
4. Insect repellents are to be used as required. There are biting midges and mosquitoes in many of the locations, standard for Okinawa.

Age Limits
For younger attendees, these walks are suitable for those aged between 8 and 12yrs old. Beyond that unaccompanied children from ages 13 and up as well as any adult not wanting to drive all the way to the North may also attend.

Parental Accompaniment
One parent is requested to attend the experience with their child. If however another attending child is a family friend then one adult may accompany, and be responsible for both their child and that child of their family friend.

Drop Off and Collection
A Pin Drop will be given to parents that will be the meeting / drop-off point. That will also serve as the pickup point for their children if their child is attending under the guardianship of a family friend who may be attending with their own child, as above.

Pricing
These experiences are charged at a rate of:
US$35 per attending child, ages between 8 and 12, and US$10per attending chaperone.
US$50 per adult in a non supervisory role.

Duration
most tours have a standard duration of around 90 to 120minutes. This can be a little longer if a particularly engaging species has been encountered and thus demands more of our time and attention.

Contact
If you have any further questions and wish to reach out for a quick chat no worries. You can do so via the Contact Page or by using the button below.