Jaguar: M & P Fogden/Minden/FLPA; osprey: Michael Durham/FLPA; turtles: Elena Tyapkina/Alamy; reef: Pascal Kobeh/naturepl.com
RESPONSIBLE
WILDLIFE TRAVEL GUIDE 2015
March 2015
BBC Wildlife
85
TRAVEL SPECIAL
From top: Espen Bergersen/NPL; Kristel Richard/NPL
Watching a killer whale in Norway – check the philosophy of any travel company before you book.
How to be a responsible wildlife traveller Unfortunately there is no single, globally accepted code of conduct for responsible wildlife tourism – travellers themselves need to take responsibility. Here are some guidelines.
BUY THE BOOK Peter Lynch is the author of Wildlife and Conservation Volunteering (£13.99, Bradt).
March 2015
1
Take pictures, leave only footprints
A healthy, safe environment is at the heart of all responsible wildlife travel, so always take home everything you take with you – including batteries, plastic bags and bottles.
2
Ivory looks better on an elephant
Never be tempted to buy wildlife souvenirs. Don’t be persuaded that the creature is already dead and therefore it does no harm. Buying it will both fuel future trade and encourage sellers to capture or kill more animals. Tours should be led by qualified, proven experts.
3
Keep wildlife wild
Wild animals are not pets so don’t pet or feed them, or encourage them to behave in an unnatural way. Don’t support organisations that bait sites to attract animals – this can be dangerous for local people if wildlife learn to associate humans with food.
4
1R DQLPDO VHOĶHV
Don’t have photographs taken posing with a wild animal. Many of these animals have been taken from the wild and their mothers killed. They may be drugged, harshly trained or have their teeth removed to ensure they ‘behave’ around tourists.
5
It’s no fun for them
Avoid wild animal entertainments such as riding elephants for fun. These animals are often captured
from the wild, inadequately cared for and usually trained using inappropriate and cruel methods. If it’s not natural behaviour, it’s probably cruel.
Local people are the best conservationists
6
Show respect for local people and their culture. Use local providers so money from your trip benefits communities.
7
Check reputations
Ask questions about the reputation of any potential travel supplier, and check out their code of conduct for wildlife and the environment.
8
Take expert advice
If visiting a key wildlife habitat, for example a turtle nesting beach, go with a trained guide. They will be able to ensure both your safety and the welfare of the animals. BBC Wildlife
87
Top wildlife conservation holidays See more wildlife, learn some new skills and contribute to the survival of rare species and threatened habitats with these holidays.
Sumatran tigers SUMATRA INDONESIA
This holiday focuses on the Sumatran tiger. Volunteers are based in the Rimbang Baling Wildlife Reserve where they explore, set camera-traps, and look for tracks, kills, scats and the animals themselves. You work with local people to create incentives for tiger conservation in an effort to mitigate human–wildlife conflict and ensure the survival of this amazing big cat. CONSERVATION VALUE Wellmanaged areas with effective tiger patrols where local communities benefit from You can help the the presence of tigers. Critically Endangered Sumatran tiger.
+ www.biosphereexpeditions.org
Scientific and dive training will enable you to get the most from your trip.
Jaguar conservation COSTA RICA
This project is based in the Tortuguero National Park, surrounded by protected rainforest and the Caribbean Sea. Volunteers search for signs of jaguars and their prey species, monitor feeding behaviour and population numbers, use remote cameras to identify individuals and plot their range. Surveys are also made of the 26km turtle nesting beach, because jaguars regularly hunt here. This creates a dilemma for naturalists at Tortuguero because jaguars have learnt to prey on the endangered green turtle. CONSERVATION VALUE Data is used by the Costa Rican Ministry of Environment to develop conservation policies.
+ www.gvi.co.uk/programs/jaguar-conservation-costa-rica
Tracking dolphins ADRIATIC SEA SLOVENIA
Each morning volunteers split into two groups – one heads out on the boat and the other staffs an observation point on land. Both teams observe dolphins and in the afternoon trade stations. You get to scan the sea for dolphins and document numbers, GPS location, size and behaviour (such as feeding or travelling). Environmental data is gathered at sea, and dolphins are photographed and identified from dorsal-fin markings. CONSERVATION VALUE Making the Adriatic Sea safer for the recently discovered resident dolphin population.
Reef surveys and community MADAGASCAR
Based in Andavadoaka, south-west Madagascar, this marine project integrates scientific research with support for coastal communities with sea-cucumber and seaweed-farming initiatives; environmental education for local children; and reproductive health services for adults. Volunteers dive five days a week on the Indian Ocean’s most extensive coral reefs recording fish and benthic transect data, and surveying new reef sites. There is an intensive two-week scientific-training programme and PADI training if necessary. CONSERVATION VALUE Protecting biodiversity and benefiting coastal people so that they become conservation champions.
+ http://blueventures.org/expeditions/madagascar
88
BBC Wildlife
This population of dolphins has only recently been discovered in the Adriatic.
March 2015
Clockwise from top: N Garbutt/NPL; wilddaysconservation.org; G Lacz/FLPA; M Durham/FLPA; T Houlton/Alamy; Alamy; P Kobeh/NPL; E Giesbers/NPL (captive)
+ http://eu.earthwatch.org/expeditions/tracking-dolphinsin-the-adriatic-sea
TRAVEL SPECIAL Big cat care & rehabilitation BOLIVIA
A wide range of UK conservation breaks are available.
Helping British wildlife UK
The jaguars of Costa Rica need your support.
You don’t have to travel overseas to carry out fieldwork that makes a real difference to wildlife – just sign up for a conservation holiday in the UK. Discover evidence of animals in the wild, spot their tracks, and identify physical evidence such as scratch marks and scats. Learn remote-camera and live-trapping techniques, and how to handle small mammals safely. Find out how conservationists work and study reptiles, mammals, birds, bugs and marine life with top UK conservation organisations. CONSERVATION VALUE Helping people get in touch with nature and investigate issues related to sustainability as well as the UK’s sadly diminishing biodiversity.
+ http://wilddaysconservation.org
The three Inti Wara Yassi parks care for over 430 species, but with an emphasis on wild felines. The parks were primarily set up to house and rehabilitate animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, most of which are in poor health. This is a hands-on care project for animals saved from abuse or death. Sadly the majority cannot be returned to the wild, because the habitats needed by larger species are constantly shrinking. CONSERVATION VALUE Conserving native biodiversity.
+ www.intiwarayassi.org
Help feline victims of the wildlife trade.
Loggerhead turtle protection CAPE VERDE
Primarily based on the island of Sal, SOS Tartarugas is a small NGO dedicated to the hands-on protection of nesting loggerhead turtles, which works with the Cape Verdean government. In partnership with rangers, volunteers patrol and clear beaches of hazardous debris; guard turtles while they nest; remove vulnerable eggs to a hatchery; map nesting sites; and assist with guided walks and local education This project has had a real impact on the programmes. They number of hatchlings. also get involved in the release of illegally captured turtles and young hatchlings. CONSERVATION VALUE The work of the project has dramatically reduced loggerhead turtles’ illegal slaughter and capture, and enabled thousands of vulnerable eggs to hatch safely.
+ www.sostartarugas. org/SOSTartarugas
March 2015
The ospreys of Scotland need you!
Awesome ospreys SCOTLAND
Operation Osprey is a project based at RSPB Loch Garten, Abernethy, involving 24-hour surveillance of breeding ospreys. Project volunteers work in pairs on shifts, including a night shift in a hide from 10pm to 8am while eggs are being hatched. They also help with visitors in the information centre, updating them with information on the ospreys, answering questions and encouraging people to support the work of the RSPB. Food and lodging are provided, and out-of-pocket expenses may be paid. CONSERVATION VALUE Eggs, chicks and adult ospreys are protected from theft and disturbance, enabling species numbers to recover.
+ www.rspb.org.uk/joinandhelp/volunteering/ 296-residential-volunteer-operation-osprey/ BBC Wildlife
89
THE GREAT PROJECTS “Responsible or sustainable tourism is an emerging field, and The Great Projects’ ethos is one that completely complements it”.
I
conic orangutans, once widespread throughout the majority of SouthEast Asia’s lush rainforests, are facing a critical crisis, with consistent threats to their livelihood, such as deforestation, palm oil extraction and illegal hunting for the pet trade, causing major problems throughout the majority of their range. As one of our closest relatives, the orangutan (or ‘man of the forest’ as they are otherwise known) is one of the planet’s most distinctive and beloved animals. Native to Indonesia and Malaysia, orangutans are currently only found in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. The most arboreal of the great apes; there are sadly now thought to be only 45 - 69,000 (wwf.panda. org) wild orangutan remaining, with many experts arguing that these beautiful animals (both Bornean and their Sumatran counterparts) could become extinct in as little as twenty five years.
Fortunately, there are companies and charities completely dedicated to reversing this trend and help in the rescue and rehabilitation of these “men of the forest” – one of mankind’s closest relatives. These include companies like ‘The Great Projects - a unique company that are operating on the fringes of the travel market. Responsible or sustainable tourism is an emerging field, and their ethos is one that completely complements it - particularly with regards to orangutan conservation on their founding project, the ‘Great Orangutan Project’ and the ‘Orangutan and Tribes Voluntour’ – both situated in the stunning destination of Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo. These unique one of a kind projects offer volunteers the chance to really get stuck in with ongoing orangutan conservation work and maintenance of both the Matang and Semenggoh Wildlife Centres in Kuching. Not only will you be able to help
“Shockingly, orangutans could become extinct in as little as twenty five years…”
out with vital orangutan conservation work on both of these trips, but as a volunteer you will also be working towards the rehabilitation of these magnificent apes – an incredible experience that will remain with you for many, many years to come. Volunteers are completely immersed into the heart of the conservation initiatives whilst on these projects, working to create vital sources of enrichment and improving general husbandry standards for not only orangutans, but also the sun bears, gharials and clouded leopards resident at the Matang Wildlife Centre. What’s more, volunteers will also get the chance to explore the stunning destination of Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo throughout the ‘Orangutan and Tribes Voluntour’. Incorporating the intrepid destinations of Bako and Batang Ai National Parks, where travellers are able to be completely engrossed into local tribal life, with the chance to work alongside orangutans
support the Matang Wildlife Centre and the orangutans resident within it. With an overall aim and ethos to really help as an integral part of wildlife conservation, the unique opportunities offered by The Great Projects are second to none. Enquire today to start planning your trip of a lifetime and aid orangutan conservation in the beautiful Bornean destination of Sarawak.
The Great Projects offers travellers the chance to join ‘The Great Orangutan Project’ and the ‘Orangutan and Tribes Voluntour’ in Sarawak, Malaysia from only £1095 per person. For more details, please visit www.thegreatprojects.com or call them on +44(0)208 885 4987.
IMAGES: OWEN HUW MORGAN
at the Matang and Semenggoh Wildlife Centres - this eco-tour really is a one of a kind adventure. What better way to combine Sarawak’s iconic attractions with a taster of volunteering? Additionally, as volunteers are so vital to the conservation work, The Great Projects pledges that for every booking made, they will donate up to a third of the cost directly to the projects themselves and the charity partners with which they are associated. Donations are built into the price of each individual project, and much of that has gone on to help
EVE RY DAY HU NDREDS OF PEOPLE LEAVE THE IR EVE RYDAY LIVES BEH IND. BE PART OF THIS MOVEMENT, JOIN THE EXODUS. JOINTHE EXODUS.COM #JOINTHE EXODUS Image © Paul Goldstein, Exodus Travels
IMAGES: WWW.SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
BOTSWANA
Making safaris better – protecting landscapes without compromising experiences
E
co-tourism has always been a priority for Botswana. From before Independence when the first of its National Parks was designated, right up to today, when every company with accommodation works towards obtaining ecotourism certification. Carefully considered, sustainably built camps and lodges, ensure that the pristine landscapes are protected and can be shared by natural inhabitants and visiting guests. With many conservation projects managing the wildlife, and legislation policies against hunting and poaching, this is one of the most ecologically managed countries in Africa, providing a safe haven for wildlife, including elephant and rhino. Botswana has six distinct landscapes. In the beautiful waterways of the Okavango Delta is the lushness of vegetation which supports extraordinary numbers of birds and animals. The dry parched savannah of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve
provides a habitat for the many antelope always on constant watch for the big cats, lion and cheetah, who are on the look-out for their next meal. The moon-scape of the Makgadikgadi - the largest salt pans in Africa provide a contrast. Here, sunsets and the night sky appear to stretch across the whole horizon. The Chobe National Park, usually the first stop for visitors to Botswana, provides an opportunity to get acclimatized and to see the many elephant that frequent the Chobe River which flows along Botswana’s northern border and eventually over Victoria Falls. The rough and rocky terrain of the Northern Tuli Game Reserve provides an opportunity for many activities, including night drive safaris which are not allowed in some of the other national parks. Finally, the sand dunes of the Kalagadi Game Reserve, one of the most remote and challenging areas, and home to the rare black maned lion, recently made accessible by the development of two small lodges.
main image:
Aerial view of Elephants in the Okavango Delta in Botswana top right:
Black-maned lion in desert portrait, Kalahari middle right:
Zebras in The Great Salt Pans – Makgadikgadi and Nxai – Botswana
Low volume tourism is the norm, so a Botswana safari is perfect for families, couples and photographers. Seeing the wildlife in its natural habitat with no one else around will ensure that your holiday will provide the long lasting memories and individual experiences that dreams are made of. Even better, once the trip is paid for, there are very few additional costs. Typically, all accommodation, food, beverages, transfers and activities are included in the price. And with no shopping malls in the bush, locally crafted souvenirs and your memories are all you will want to take home. Botswana – making safaris better – protecting landscapes without compromising experiences.
BOTSWANA
www.botswanatourism.org.uk
Namibia
TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS & GROUP TOURS Call a Rainbow Tours Africa specialist today and start planning your journey
020 7666 1250 www.rainbowtours.co.uk
AFRICA | MADAGASCAR | LATIN AMERICA | INDIA
CAMERA TRAPS REVEAL BIODIVERSITY SECRETS Conservation charity Rainforest Concern, uses camera traps to collect valuable information on the long-term health of existing reserves and the recovery of newly acquired forest
T
he charity has found camera traps essential for surveying species. At Nasampulli Reserve, an araucaria (monkey puzzle tree) forest in Chile, camera traps were used to help conduct a baseline biodiversity survey. More recently, four more camera traps were installed at sites around the Reserve to monitor the remarkable biodiversity. The camera traps have revealed more wildlife than was expected, capturing puma, guigna cat, pudu and culpeo foxes. In Costa Rica, the camera trap at Pacuare Reserve provided exciting evidence of something the team knew was there, but had never seen: a jaguar and cub was caught in its lens Rainforest Concern also find camera traps to be useful in fighting deforestation. The Neblina Reserve in Ecuador is situated in the southern part of the ChocoAndean corridor. This region, a global biodiversity hotspot, is threatened with deforestation from agriculture, mining, illegal logging and road building.
Roads open up previously inaccessible areas of forest, leading to increased deforestation from agriculture or logging. At Neblina, camera traps help provide important evidence of the rich biodiversity of the area, evidence that can be used to prevent the proposed road building.
A BIGGER PICTURE But camera traps are only part of the story. Rainforest Concern was established in 1993 to protect threatened natural habitats, the biodiversity they contain and the indigenous people who depend on them. Methods of land conservation include registration of ancestral indigenous territories, creation of private reserves through land purchase, land titling for local communities and monitoring and patrolling by forest wardens. The work of wardens is important to protect the expanding Neblina Reserve: they regularly patrol to check
main image:
Winter in Nasampulli: a guigna walks through the snow top right:
A female jaguar captured in the camera trap
for any sign of hunting, illegal logging or cattle grazing. They update land maps, and explain the importance of the forests. And other activities need to be carried out to guarantee long-term success of projects. Rainforest Concern implements alternative income projects and environmental education for local communities. These are crucial in raising awareness and improving quality of life, thereby relieving the threat of deforestation both within the reserve and outside it. Rainforest Concern is currently raising funds to create a forested connection from Nasampulli Reserve, to Huequehue National Park, to protect this threatened natural habitat.
RAINFOREST CONCERN
To donate, please visit rainforestconcern.org/donate_now/ or call 01225 481151.
ECOTOURS
– KONDOR ECOLODGE – WORLDWIDE TRAVEL Natural Leaders in Eastern Europe – Latin America & Worldwide Ecotours offer worldwide bird-watching & wildlife photography tours focusing on birds, mammals, wildflowers, butterfliesdragonflies, nature & culture. Dozens of countries covered by a wide range of tours to see superb endemics, a wide variety of habitats full with birds, mammals, butterflies and other wildlife at breathtaking landscapes. Visit our own Kondor EcoLodge, a wildlife & photography centre in Hungary with professional hides. We offer special prices for bird-clubs and private groups!
ECOTOURS Web: ecotours-worldwide.com Email: ecotours@t-online.hu Tel: +36 30 645 9318 / +52 (1) 998 1263073
NEW HORIZONS WILDLIFE TOURS Established in 1998, with a trip to the Outer Hebrides, New Horizons has organised and led birding and wildlife watching tours across Britain, Europe and beyond, including worldwide destinations such as Morocco, The Gambia, Senegal, Namibia, Tanzania, Trinidad & Tobago, Cuba, Florida, Seychelles, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Peru, Tierra del Fuego and Antarctica.
SAFARIS FOR CONSERVATION with Conservation
Biologists, Wildlife Researchers & Naturalists Joint-venture conservation safaris with wildlife charities enable you to personally contribute to the sustainable future of endangered species whilst enjoying an all-encompassing safari in wonderful destinations. Each is led by the conservation biologists and directors who actually run the programmes out in the field, connecting you directly with the day to day operations, the key field officers, and the community-based initiatives that work to mitigate human-animal conflict.
• Wolves, 7 – 16 November 2015 with Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme led by Prof. Claudio Sillero • Jaguars & Maned Wolves, 22 July – 5 August 2015 with Onçafari Jaguar Project & Maned Wolf Management Programme led by Prof Claudio Sillero & Rogério Cunha de Paula • African Wild Dogs, 17 – 29 September 2016 with Painted Dog Conservation led by vet & Patron Steve Leonard Safaris hand-picked and led by wildlife researchers and conservation naturalists open up Pandora’s box on animal behaviour and its role within the ecosystem, as well as drawing the best out of local safari guides whilst retaining utmost respect of the natural world. • Indian Wildlife, 9 – 21 April 2015 with tiger specialist Stephen Mills
FEATURED TOUR
Rajasthan & Gujarat ~ Lions, Tigers, Leopards & much much more! ~ £3650 • Tour date: 26 November – 14 December • Country: India • See website for details of this tour plus many others
CONTACT: Christopher Hall Tel: 01773 716550 / Mob: 07756 930 268 Email: newhorizons6266@btinternet.com Website: newhorizonsonline.co.uk
• Zambian Wildlife, 16 – 26 October 2015 with researcher, naturalist & conservationist Stephen Mills • Kenyan Wildlife, 1 – 9 October 2015 with Maasai naturalist & wildlife presenter Jackson Looseyia
SPENCER SCOTT TRAVEL SERVICES spencerscotttravel.com safari@spencerscott.co.uk 01825 714310 ATOL 3471 EST. 1988
AQUA FIRMA
SUPPORTING MARINE RESEARCH In Mexico, clients can snorkel amongst the world’s largest known aggregation of whale sharks and Atlantic giant manta rays, in the company of leading local and international researchers whose work the company funds. Ralph Pannell, director at Aqua-Firma, reports “The most whale sharks I have seen from our research vessel in Mexico is about 180, with as Giant Mantas rays to snorkel with beneath the water,” “Our research team are convinced that they are a short distance away from proving that the giant mantas we see here are a separate species from the two so far identified.” In Tanzania, Aqua-Firma is now the prime sponsor for whale shark research on Mafia Island – a stunning location to share the water with these ocean giants and enjoy some of East Africa’s most pristine coral reefs. Aqua-Firma’s in house marine scientists also lead trips to snorkel, dive and photograph penguins, whales, orcas, dolphins, coral reefs and more. Experiences range from humpback whale birthing and breeding grounds of the Caribbean Silverbanks, to Mexico’s Socorro Island and Baja California, the Galapagos Islands, Indonesia and both polar regions. RAINFOREST4CLIMATE As a leading Polar travel company, Aqua-Firma keeps a Rainforest4Climate Fund which it uses to help offset the carbon emissions of client polar voyages and flights. This covers travel to Spitsbergen, Greenland, Canada, Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands. Aqua-Firma also adds to this fund for each journey it operates to lowland and montane forest in Ecuador and Peru. In January, Aqua-Firma committed to fund the creation of a 10,000 acre protected forest reserve within a proposed 5.9 million acres of national park, national reserve and 57 community owned territories in Amazonian Peru. It also committed to fund the protection of more than 1,000 acres of rainforest in Madagascar.
AQUA FIRMA Website: www.aqua-firma.co.uk www.aqua-firma.co.uk/rainforest4Climate/ Email: info@aqua-firma.co.uk Tel: 01428 620012
BUSANGA SAFARIS
Named after a vast shimmering flood plain in Zambia’s Kafue National Park, Busanga Safaris first began arranging safaris for clients in 1999. A family owned wildlife safari company, based in the UK with satellite offices in Zambia, Busanga is a true wildlife company, striving to exceed expectations. The team at Busanga carefully tailor make safaris to key wildlife destinations across Africa. Built around the time you have available, and your budget, Busanga has a website full of great ideas! Founder of Busanga, Tony McKeith, personally guides some very popular small group safaris, adding an extra dimension to your safari, and taking you under the skin of some great wildlife destinations. Expert wildlife knowledge and a level of experience working and living in the bush, and a vast amount of personal travel experiences help the Busanga team to create safaris that combine fantastic wildlife encounters in wonderfully wild places. ATOL bonded which gives clients complete financial security and available 7 days – Busanga pride themselves on always being available – pick up the phone or email, they are always happy to hear from you.
BUSANGA SAFARIS Website: busangasafaris.com Mobile: +44 (0)7917 005015 Email: tony@busangasafari.co.uk
FOLLOw DARWIN’S FOOTSTEPS
DISCOVER GALAPaGoS LATIN AMERICA ANTARcTICA Specialising in tailor-made & escorted tours for more than 27 years. ATOL protected 3760
020 7407 1478
info@selectlatinamerica.co.uk www.selectlatinamerica.co.uk
TASMANIA, THE LAND WHERE IT ALL BEGAN Tasmania is where the first Green Party was started in 1983, when it saved the mighty Franklin River, bringing its rainforest back from the very brink of destruction. This island’s green credentials are undisputed
I
n contrast to mainland Australia, only one Tasmanian species has been lost (although there are some wildlife experts who believe the Thylacine, or Tasmanian tiger, still roams the remote wilderness.) The facts speak for themselves. No less than half Tasmania’s landmass is protected. The air is the cleanest in the inhabited world. Farming is free from antibiotics, chemicals and hormone use. There is a moratorium on GM produce. The land is the size of Ireland yet has just one ninth its population. Put simply, nature is king. So, how can you be sure that a visit to this wild, rugged and bewitching land, that lies somewhere between New Zealand, Antarctica and South America, will meet with the tacit approval of the eco-warriors who battled to put it on its enviable pedestal, and the islanders who still,
main image:
Gordon River, Strahan top right:
Wombat peering out of burrow bottom right:
Devils sleeping
today, strive to keep it there? Here’s how. Tasmanian Odyssey is the only travel company that is completely dedicated to Tasmania and to supporting its local, privately owned tourism providers, its land and its wildlife. Book with us and you will share in the lives of those who have shaped its recent history. These are people for whom sustainable living is a way of life. Hear how they have nurtured their land and protected the animals and birds that inhabit it. Travel with us, guided or under your own steam, and we promise you will see most if not all of Tasmania’s native and endemic species in the wild (with the possible exception of the Thylacine. Nature, after all, has to have the last laugh.) Tasmanian devils, eastern quolls, white wallabies, echidna and the duck-billed platypus to name just a few. These will not be
chance encounters nor will they be part of a carefully-orchestrated tour; they will happen simply because you are walking in the footsteps of those who saved an isolated, but very beautiful corner of the world from a fate to which much of the rest has succumbed. Even better, because we donate part of every booking to the Tasmanian Land Conservancy, every visit you make with us will ensure the protection of this ancient land for future generations of species that our children can hope to see in their lifetime too.
TASMANIAN ODYSSEY www.tasmanianodyssey.com 01534 735449 susie@tasmanianodyssey.com
ULTIMATE SAFARI EXPERIENCE Ultimate Safari Experience is based in the UK and are specialists in guided luxury safaris, self-drive overland excursions, bird watching and photographic tours to a variety of wilderness destinations throughout the world, such as walking safaris in Zambia, birdwatching in Costa Rica to searching for the worlds largest mammal the blue whale in Sri Lanka. These areas include some of the worlds most spectacular wildlife holidays and we offer you the opportunity to experience wildlife at its wildest, most rugged, most remote and most beautiful! All under the expert guidance of your own personal tour guide. We are delighted that Wildlife Expert Iolo Williams is to guest lead tours for us in 2015 to Zambia and India. Iolo has travelled to 70 Countries Worldwide so you will be in great company and expertise.
Ultimate Safari Experience is pleased to offer you two unique Wildlife Tours. Which will be led the broadcaster Iolo Williams. The first tour is to South Luangwa National Park in Zambia in September 2015. We have exclusively booked Chimfule Lodge for our guests for the duration of the safari. The second tour is to India in October where we will visit Kaziranga in the North of India close to the border with Nepal and the Himalayas. Kazaringa is home to the one horned rhino, Tiger and Elephant. The park is best explored on elephant safaris. We will then head to the world famous Ramthombhore National Park in search of the elusive Tiger.
ULTIMATE SAFARI EXPERIENCE Email: ultimatesafariexperience@gmail.com Website: ultimatesafariexperience.com
WANT EXPEDITIONS – WILDLIFE & NATURE TRAVEL
The world leader in highly personalized, conservation-oriented small group travel. Connecting travellers, adventurers, photographers and conservationists from all over the world through expeditions to see the most amazing natural phenomena that exist on our planet, WANT Expeditions strives to create the most in-depth and authentic travel experiences on Earth while simultaneously promoting responsible tourism and sustainability projects in developing countries. WANT Expeditions uses only local business partners, practices strong environmental conservation measures, supports the protection of cultures and traditions, and encourages letting go of western ideals. At WANT Expeditions, staff believe whole-heartedly that it is their social responsibility to work hand-in-hand to empower the communities they visit to ensure the local people benefit as much as, if not more than, the tour groups do. Environmental conservation, responsible tourism and cultural sustainability are at the core of all expeditions, and for this reason, the tour operator continues to generate projects and partner with several organisations to improve the lives of those with whom they interact. Authentic cultural immersion and strong ethical practices prove that WANT Expeditions is dedicated to providing their guests and communities around the globe with a better understanding for the way others live.
WANT EXPEDITIONS Email: office@wantexpeditions.com Website: wantexpeditions.com
READER HOLIDAY
READER HOLIDAY
Wildlife and landscape photography 11–18 April 2015 Spend a week with two of Britain’s best wildlife and landscape photographers at Aigas Field Centre in the Highlands. Photograph red deer in the glens of the Highlands.
MEET OUR PHOTOGRAPHERS Deer: Laurie Campbell; landscape: Charlotte Morris
LAURIE CAMPBELL is one of Scotland’s most accomplished wildlife and nature photographers. His images of the country’s fauna and flora are published worldwide. JOE CORNISH is a landscape photographer who has worked all over the world. He has published a book devoted to the mountains of Scotland, one of his favourite subjects.
March 2015
D
on’t miss your chance to join Laurie Campbell and Joe Cornish for a week of expert photographic tuition at Scotland’s Aigas Field Centre. Spring is a wonderful time to be in the Highlands, with every day bringing change and fresh promise. Geese are gathering in the fields and dreaming of the north, the air is fresh and clear, and the light is ever-changing as winter relinquishes its grip. Laurie and Joe will lead BBC Wildlife readers for the week, providing instruction, mentoring and advice. Together you will explore some of the best wildlife and landscape spectacles that the area has to offer, while expert rangers will be your guides to the local species. At Aigas Field Centre you will enjoy private hides and trails offering the opportunity to photograph pine martens, red and roe deer, badgers and other iconic species. After days out in the spectacular hills and glens of the central Highlands, you will return each evening to the warm hospitality of this family home.
Charlotte Morris took this beautiful shot of Glen Affric on a BBC Wildlife Reader Holiday at Aigas last autumn.
WILDLIFE AND LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY READER HOLIDAY 11�18 APRIL 2015 Where Aigas Field Centre, the Highlands of Scotland Cost £1,399 per person (fully inclusive; no single supplement)
TO BOOK 01463 782443 info@aigas.co.uk www.aigas.co.uk/bbcwildlife
ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES INCLUDE: O Exploit the ‘golden hour’ at sunrise and sunset O Learn how to build a hide, plus field skills
and flash techniques O Discover what makes a good landscape photo
In association with
O Improve your post-production workflow O Visit hides for pine martens and badgers O Share in the secrets of time-lapse photography O Get feedback on your work from Laurie and Joe
Aigas Field Centre Sharing the Wonders of the Wild Highlands
For details, visit www.discoverwildlife.com BBC Wildlife 101
Shetland Nature wildlife | birding | photography | walking
d Nature ure
Shetland Nature
tography | walking wildlife | birding | photography | walking wildlife with small groups focusing on quality not quantity Our ethos as a tour company is built around responsibility to wildlife with small groups focusing on quality not quantity ng Our ethos as a tour company is built around Shetlands only Five Star wildlife experience
Shetland Nature Shetland Nature
& is inspiredexperience. by a lifetime of knowledge of the islands wildlife, offering a unique & authentic Shetland experience. fe, offering a unique & authentic Shetland responsibility to wildlife, with small groups focusing cusing on quality not quantity on quality, not quantity and is inspired by a lifetime wildlife | birding | photography | walking nticethos Shetland experience. knowledge of the island’s offering wildlife | birding |tophotography | walking Our as a tour company isof built around responsibility wildlife with wildlife, small groups focusing a on quality not quantity
Shetlands only Five Star wildlife experience
Shetlands only Five Star wildlife experience
& is inspiredOur by ethos a lifetime of knowledge ofand the islands wildlife,tooffering a unique & authentic experience. as a tour company is built around responsibility wildlife with smallexperience. groups focusing Shetland on quality not quantity unique authentic Shetland
Shetland Nature
OUT AND ABOUT WITH TILLEY
& is inspired by a lifetime of knowledge of the islands wildlife, offering a unique & authentic Shetland experience. Shetlands only Five Star wildlife experience
wildlife | birding | photography | walking
Our ethos as a tour company is built around responsibility to wildlife with small groups focusing on quality not quantity & is inspired by a lifetime of knowledge of the islands wildlife, offering a unique & authentic Shetland experience.
All our Hats are guaranteed for life. They provide UPF50+ sun protection, tie onour in the wind, float, and are Follow latest news Supporting; Follow our latest news water resistant, keeping you covered wherever Supporting; Follow our latest news Tel: 01957 710 000 | mail: info@shetlandnature.net | web: www.shetlandnature.net Tel: 01957 710 000 | mail: info@shetlandnature.net | web: www.shetlandnature.net your adventures take you Supporting;
Tel: 01957 710 000 | mail: info@shetlandnature.net | web: www.shetlandnature.net
Tel: 01957 710 000 | mail: info@shetlandnature.net Supporting; Follow our latest news Follow our latest news web: www.shetlandnature.net Tel: 01957 710 000 | mail: info@shetlandnature.net | web: www.shetlandnature.net
www.tilley.com T: 01326 574402
w our latest news
ture.net | web: www.shetlandnature.net w.shetlandnature.net
Proudly made in Canada Designed for the world
BBC Wildlife 2015 half page ad 26/11/2014 10:12 Page 1
LEARN ABOUT and be INSPIRED by THE OUTDOORS A range of day and short residential courses to help you discover and enjoy the natural world. Walking, Photography, Wildlife & Arts courses l Stunning locations across the UK l Meet like-minded people l Comfortable sole occupancy accommodation l
Call: 0845 345 4071 Visit: www.field-studies-council.org/discover-something-new