Wildlife Selection FROM AITO SPECIALIST AGENTS
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Introduction Welcome to this new and exciting ‘Wildlife Selection’ brochure from AiTO Specialist Travel Agents. We are delighted and proud to offer an inspiring range of holidays that will whet your appetite for a real taste of the wild. The nearest many of us get to wild animals is watching ‘Big Cat Diary’ ‘Meerkat Manor’ or ‘Spy in the Jungle’ on television and many of us can only dream of being able to have such experiences first hand. The fantastic portfolio of destinations offered here mean that now our travel specialists can really make your dreams a reality. This brochure has been designed by AiTO Specialist Travel Agents and specialist tour companies who are passionate and knowledgeable about wildlife! We have been able to source opportunities to experience many of the ‘must see’ animal species in the world and our travel advice experts are here to guide you into making the right choice for your holiday. But why book with an AiTO Specialist Travel Agent? We are the experts so you don’t have to be! We believe that the secret of a superb travel experience is to give our clients the type of service we ourselves would want. As AiTO Specialist Travel Agents our members represent some of the very best independent travel agents in the UK. We have travelled to almost every destination that we offer in this programme and we can draw on a wealth of knowledge and experience to guide you. We offer specialist holidays many of which are not available from other travel agents. We also realise that you may not have won the lottery, so every effort has been made to give you quality and value for money. We strive to give you more – and we do, with exclusive extra bonus offers - by booking one of the featured holidays through an AiTO Specialist Travel Agent.
AiTO Agents Offer... Look out for the extra bonus offer available by booking one of the featured holidays exclusively through your local AiTO Specialist Agent
of Travel Your holiday reflects your lifestyle and you need a travel agent who understands that lifestyle. All travel agents are not the same. Its time you booked a real holiday through a real travel agent. To find your local AiTO Specialist Travel Agent, see www.aitoagents.com
A Taste of Travel
WILDLIFE SELECTION
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Wildlife Selection
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Contents
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Quality Charter
2
Introduction
3
Wildlife Selection Destinations
4
Antarctica - Penguins
6
Borneo - Orangutans
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Botswana - Safari
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Brazil - Jaguars & Macaws
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Western Canada - Bears
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China - Pandas
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Costa Rica - Green Turtles
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Galรกpagos Islands - Endemic species
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India - Tigers
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Kenya - Safari
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Madagascar - Lemurs
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Namibia - African Wildlife
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Rwanda - Gorillas
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South Africa - Safari
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USA & Canada - Horse Trek
34
Swimming with Whale Sharks
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AiTO Wildlife Tour Operators
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Mission Statement
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of Travel A Taste of Travel
WILDLIFE SELECTION
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The ultimate wilderness & wildlife location
Antarctica
Find the hidden explorer in you. The scenery in Antarctica is unparalleled anywhere else in the world. Amazing ice sculptures float past your boat, towering white cliffs loom above you. The Falklands and South Georgia are remote and incredibly wildlife rich.
The Antarctic Peninsula
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The final frontier, very few people get even close to
resident penguin community waddles to the water’s
this, the driest, remotest and most inhospitable of
edge to meet you. Expert naturalist guides accompany
the world’s continents. Follow in the footsteps of
you as you explore on foot or by boat. As the season
Scott and Shackleton and re-live the drama and
is short, wildlife activity is frenetic, penguin chicks
excitement of exploring the unknown. Only accessible
appear in December and January and it is at this
during the austral summer months of November to
time that the peninsula is alive to the noise and smell
March, expedition boats take 40 hours to make the
of thousands of fluffy birds preparing for their first dip
crossing from Ushuaia to the tip of the peninsula.
in the icy waters. Deep blue icebergs often float by
On arrival you find yourself in a totally unique environment,
and the long days and clear skies create a feeling of
brilliant white cliffs of snow and ice tower in front of
space and freedom not to be found anywhere else in
you, seals can be seen basking in the sun while the
the world.
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Antarctica
Wildlife Despite being such an inhospitable land, many different species have decided to make the region their home. There are 17 different species of penguin to be found across the planet and most of these are also to be found in Antarctic waters. South Georgia alone is home to a resident population of over 500,000 pairs of breeding King Penguins, while the Falklands counts five different species of penguin amongst its annual visitors. Elephant Seals can be found all over, as can several species of whale, most notably Humpback and Southern Right. The thick grasslands of the Falklands Islands are ideal nesting grounds for the mighty albatross. Several albatross species can be found here, including the largest bird of them all, the mighty Wandering Albatross. With a wing span of over three metres, this magnificent bird is able to fly for hundreds of miles scouring the ocean for food.
Itinerary Day 1
Depart UK, arrival in Buenos Aires for 2-nights. Day 2 City sightseeing of Buenos Aires. Day 3 Fly to Ushuaia for 1-night. Day 4 Embark on Antarctic cruise for 10-nights. Day 5-6 Cross the Drake Passage. Day 7 South Shetland Islands. Day 8-11 Exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. Day 12-13 Cross the Drake Passage. Day 14 Disembark in Ushuaia, fly to Buenos Aires for 1-night. Day 15 Depart Argentina. Day 16 Arrive home.
AiTO Agents Offer... Book now and receive a complimentary copy of Bradts Travel Guide – ‘Antarctica: A Guide to the Wildlife’.
This holiday is provided by Distinctive Americas. These holidays are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Distinctive Americas’s ATOL number is 9027.
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Borneo
Exotic
Borneo – home to vast rain forests, rivers, pristine coastlines and a bewildering array of flora and fauna. This itinerary takes you through the heart of Sabah on the North East of the island. From the slopes of Mount Kinabalu – the highest mountain in Malaysia – via waterfalls and hot springs to the Orangutan sanctuary at Sepilok. Visit Turtle Island National Park, a riverside lodge at Sukau to see the Proboscis monkey and the Conservation Area of Danum Valley. Deep in the rainforest amidst the astonishing and abundant plant life, there are pygmy elephants, Orangutan in the wild and colourful birds abound. Day 1 London - Malaysia Depart London Heathrow on Malaysia Airlines to Kuala Lumpur. Day 2 Malaysia (Borneo) Connect with Malaysia Airlines flight to Kota Kinabalu - Overnight at the Nexus Hotel. Day 3 Kota Kinabalu -Kinabalu National Park - Mesilau Depart from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu Park / Mesilau. Overnight at Mesilau Nature Resort, Kinabalu Park - Crocker / Witti Lodge. Meals included: Lunch and dinner. Day 4 Mesilau-Poring Hot Spring-Sandakan. Depart for Poring Hot Spring. Explore the surrounding area. Overland Transfer from Poring to Sandakan Check in at Sepilok Nature Resort. Dinner and Overnight Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Day 5 Sandakan-Sepilok Visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre / Temple tour with Lunch. Drop off at Sepilok Nature Resort. Dinner and Overnight at Sepilok Nature Resort Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Day 6 Selingan Turtle Island Transfer to Sandakan Jetty. Boat transfer to Selingan Island Free at leisure. In the evening, visit the exhibition centre while waiting for the Park Ranger to locate turtles coming ashore. Learn about the Park’s conservation efforts as you release little turtles hatchlings from the hatchery to the sea. Overnight at Selingan Island Rest House. Meals included; breakfast, lunch and dinner. 8
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Borneo
Day 7 Selingan Turtle Island - Sukau. Return back to Sandakan. Free at leisure to explore the town of Sandakan. 11.30 Am Transfer by boat to Sukau. En-route lunch at Abai. Upon arrival at Sukau, check in at Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge. Evening cruise in search of wildlife - notably the Proboscis Monkey. Overnight at Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Day 8 Sukau-Lahad Datu - Danum Valley. Overland Transfer from Sukau to Lahad Datu Transfer from Lahad Datu to Danum Valley. Lunch. Activities with Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Overnight at Borneo Rainforest Lodge Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Danum Valley & The Borneo Rainforest Lodge The Danum Valley, a primary rainforest jungle, is far removed from human habitation. Renowned for its rich variety of both plants and wildlife, Borneo’s mammals include such extremely rare and endangered species as the Sumatran Rhino, Benteng Elephant, Clouded Leopard, Bornean Gibbon, and Leaf Monkey. The Orangutan and Proboscis Monkey are both found only in Borneo. Bird life is equally extensive and varied with over 275 individual species having been recorded, giving Danum Valley a reputation for being one of the best places for viewing Borneo’s wildlife.
ensuring each guest a unique and individual jungle experience. The fine facilities with basic comforts make it possible to explore the incredible diversity and complexity of the rainforest and offer a unique opportunity for guests to understand the primeval Borneo Rainforest in today’s conservation realities. Lodge activities include jungle walks, bird watching with resident nature guides, canopy walkways high above the jungle floor that allow the viewing of the rainforest from the treetops and night safaris with sights and sounds emanating deep from within the rainforest.
AiTO Agents Offer... Book now and receive an illustrated guide to Borneo from the renowned Footprints Publishers.
Danum Valley and the Borneo Rainforest Lodge promise you a truly unforgettable and inspiring jungle rainforest experience.
Days 9 & 10 Danum Valley. Activities with Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Overnight at Borneo Rainforest Lodge Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Day 11 Danum Valley Lahad Datu - Kota Kinabalu Scheduled Transfer to Lahad Datu Airport and fly to Kota Kinabalu. Transfer to the Nexus Hotel Meals included: Breakfast and lunch. Day 12 Borneo Transfer to Kota Kinabalu airport for the flight to Kuala Lumpur and connect with the flight to London. Day 13 Malaysia – London Arrive London Heathrow. Prices start from £2,705.00.
The Borneo Rainforest Lodge is a basic and rustic international-standard lodge built beside the Danum River. Unlike mass-market tourist destinations, the lodge accommodates a maximum of 60 people, This holiday is provided by Silverbird. These holidays are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Silverbird’s ATOL number is 2852.
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Safaris in
Botswana Botswana is the ultimate safari destination. Vast herds of animals cross the plains of the Kalahari to the Okavango Delta, the Chobe River flood plains and the salt pans of Makgadikgadi - a unique range of ecosystems in which bird, plant and animal life abound. Roughly the size of France, but with a population of only 1.6 million, Botswana is one of the last unspoiled corners of Africa.
The Okavango River flows down from Angola into
In the green months, game migrates to the open
Botswana’s Kalahari Desert, where it creates an
grasslands of Savute and the South. From April to
oasis in the desert, a paradise of islands and lagoons.
November, as water becomes increasingly scarce,
Trapped between fault lines and dammed by rising
animals head back to the permanent waters of the
land to the East, this extraordinary landlocked delta
Chobe River in the North. Literally thousands of
is one of Africa’s finest safari wildlife destinations.
elephant and buffalo take refuge on the river islands.
Depending on the proximity to permanent water, the Delta camps offer a different mix of land-based and
The Chobe riverfront, with pods of hippo, large
water-based game viewing.
crocodiles and rich birdlife, is just a short overland transfer to Victoria Falls - a perfect add-on to any
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Chobe National Park, in the North-East of Botswana,
safari. It is also possible to combine a safari in
is renowned for its enormous herds of elephant and
Botswana with a visit to Cape Town, Namibia, or the
buffalo and the prides of lion that stalk them.
beaches of Mozambique.
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Botswana
Quotes are from Maun in Northern Botswana, returning to Maun or Livingstone. Prices are per person sharing for mid and peak season (peak is approx June to October). All prices are approximate and will be confirmed at time of booking. Airfares from the UK to Maun/Livingstone are not included - allow between £1,200.00 and £1,400.00 depending on season. Here are typical examples of lodge-based safari combinations. Transfers between camps are by light aircraft and included in the price.
Mobile Camping Safaris Camping safaris are an ideal way of getting deep into the African bush – and the only way to explore some of Botswana’s wilderness areas. We offer an exciting range of mobile safaris, chosen for the quality of the guiding, the areas visited, the standard of equipment and backup, and the service. On a mobile safari, your camp moves with you. Choose from a traditional overland wilderness adventure, a grand safari experience in the style of Africa’s great explorers, or the new hybrid trails safari, which transports you by both air and land.
AiTO Agents Offer... Book now and receive a beautiful 30-page leather-bound photo album – leaves made entirely from unbleached hand-spun cotton rags, interleaved with protective tissue paper.
Desert and Delta Safaris Three nights each in two delta camps - Camp Okavango and Camp Moremi - from £1,475.00 / £2,225.00, including all meals, local drinks, laundry, scheduled safari activities. Kwando Lodges Three nights at Kwara Camp in the delta and three nights at Kwando Lebala or Lagoon Camp in the Savuti area, from £1,945.00 / £2,945.00, including all meals, local drinks, laundry, scheduled safari activities.
Vehicles used are usually 4WD similar to Toyota Land Cruisers, especially modified for game viewing. Tents are walk-in dome tents with beds and mattresses, unless otherwise indicated. Camp staff put up the tents, cook meals and do camp chores. Phone us for detailed itineraries and departure dates for our whole range of safaris. Our entry level Highlights of Botswana safari, from £1,350.00 year-round, is a 10-day tour including the Okavango Delta, Moremi, Savute, Chobe and Livingstone.
Sanctuary Lodges Three nights each in two delta camps – Stanley’s and Chief’s, from £2,345.00 / £3,475.00, including all meals, local drinks, laundry, scheduled safari activities. Botswana and Victoria Falls Combine 2 nights at Shinde Camp in the Delta, 3 nights at Kwando Lagoon in Savuti, 3 nights at Muchenje in the Chobe National Park and 2 nights at Islands of Siankaba in Livingstone, from £2,495.00 / £3,295.00 including all meals, local drinks, laundry, scheduled safari activities.
At the top end, the 11-day Great Wilderness Journey, from £3,395.00 year-round, visits the central Okavango Delta, the Southern Selinda spillway, the Linyanti and finishes in Livingstone. Luxury lodge accommodation is combined with comfortable exclusive ‘Discoverer’ trails camps. The Meru-style tents have en-suite bathrooms with brass bucket showers, basin, and separate flushing toilet. Comfortable beds, with cotton linen and down duvets, face the front of the tent, giving spectacular views.
This holiday is provided by Rainbow Tours. These holidays are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Rainbow Tours’s ATOL number is 4563.
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Brazil
Saving Jaguars and Macaws in
San Francisco Farm in the South Pantanal is quite unusual in that it is actually a rice farm but the owner is very environmentally aware and has given over 50% of his land as a wilderness area where Cabybaras, Caimen and Marsh Deer frequent the many water channels, providing an ideal hunting ground for Jaguars.
On arrival, the resident conservationist responsible
Giant Anteaters! With owls and a few night birds it
for the Jaguar programme here gave us a presenta-
was an exceptional evening.
tion on the carnivores and wildlife in the area and how they work with the local farmers to try and
Up early for a game drive the following morning, it
reduce the number of Jaguars being killed. There
was an opportunity to see the area in daylight.
followed an exciting night drive where we came
Jaguars are often seen on the farm but they were to
across a large adult Tapir who completely ignored us,
prove elusive during our stay; the closest we got
a Crab Eating Racoon followed by a Crab Eating Fox
were footprints over our vehicle tracks!
and then our first Ocelot of the night. We saw a further three Ocelots and an unbelievable seven 12
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My visit to the South Pantanal’s Hyacinth Macaw
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Brazil
Project was more successful. Several loud squawks and a flash of deep blue were my first introduction to this, the largest macaw in the world. I was spending the day with Karlla, one of a very small team who devote their time and effort to increasing the numbers of these stunning parrots in the wild. In the late 1980s the number of Hyacinth Macaws had reached an all time low of 1500 – 2000 birds, through a combination of deforestation, capture for the illegal pet trade (a bird could command a price of $12,000.00!) and their colourful feathers being used for craftwork; it took 20 – 30 Macaws to make one headdress. Having learnt that these birds could become extinct in her lifetime, a young biology student, Neiva Guedes began the Hyacinth Macaw project and, over the past 10 years, the numbers have increased considerably. We drove over farmland to a nest which the team had been monitoring for several months. The project works closely with local farmers who inform them of new nest sites on their land. After setting up the harness, Karlla pulled herself up to the large hole in a Manduvi tree, their favourite nesting site. The young bird was wrestled into a bag and lowered to the ground where it was measured, DNA samples taken and a ring placed around its leg. The chick had already developed its distinctive blue feathers and was close to fledging. When it was returned to its nest, the parents, who had stayed close, were very vocal in their displeasure at us removing their precious youngster.
contend with many predators. The youngster will stay in the nest for 107 days and then remain with its parents, who share the responsibility, for a further 18 months. As the Manduvi tree has to be at least 80 years old in order to be deep enough to support a nest, suitable sites have become fewer. After much experimenting, the project has successfully developed an artificial nest which is acceptable to the Hyacinth Macaw. When placed in the right tree and facing North, they are happy to move in and many of these artificial nests are now in use across the Pantanal. Due to Neiva’s dedication, the Hyacinth Macaw population is increasing and, as a visitor to the Pantanal region, you too can contribute to the ongoing success of this project. Ecotourism has a part to play as it provides an incentive for farmers and government to protect both the natural habitat and the wildlife. This is one of the best places in Brazil to see birds and mammals and if you join our new Endangered Wildlife tour, a desperately needed donation is made to this very worthwhile project.
A breeding pair of Hyacinth Macaws won’t produce eggs every year and the survival rate of the chicks is poor. Only two eggs are laid and it’s usual for only one to survive and then both eggs and chick have to This holiday is provided by Wildlife Worldwide. These holidays are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Wildlife Worldwide’s ATOL number is 4530.
Suggested itineraries... For wildlife A 14 day group trip to the North and South Pantanal visiting the Jaguar and Hyacinth Macaw conservation projects and the opportunity to go horse riding or explore the watery channels by boat. Prices start from £3,595.00 per person. The Best of Brazil We suggest a 19-day trip taking in the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, the falls of Iguassu, the floodplains of The Pantanal, the Amazon River and jungle and the turtle breeding grounds of Salvador. Prices start from £3,650.00 per person.
AiTO Agents Offer... All Bookings featuring Brazil's endangered wildlife will help protect against deforestation by saving half an acre of rainforest, bought through The World Land Trust organisation.
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Grizzly Bears of
Western Canada
There are few places in the world where so much magnificent wildlife, scenery and native culture can be experienced from one location. Knight Inlet, situated in Western British Columbia and only accessible by floatplane, is one such place.
Located 100 air miles North-West of Vancouver, the
time. In May, the bears are returning to the estuary
Knight Inlet Lodge is in the heart of the Great Bear
from hibernation, with the spring growth attracting
Rainforest and offers an incredible opportunity to
them down as the mountain snows melt. Hungry
view grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Bears can
bears feed on the sedge grasses in the river low
be safely viewed from boats, kayaks, viewing platforms
lands, and at low tides eat seaweed, crabs, barnacles
and purpose built tree stands, depending on the time
and mussels along the inlet beaches. This is the time
of year and length of stay.
to see the tiny cubs emerging for the first time with their ever cautious mothers close by. Many of the
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The bear viewing season lasts from May to October,
young cubs sport blond fur at this time of year which
with viewing conditions changing throughout this
will gradually darken throughout the season.
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Western Canada
Late May to mid June offers lots of interesting interaction as it’s mating season, with the big males vying for attention from the females. In the summer months the heavy berry crop helps keep the bears in the general area. Although the number of bears at this time is lower, the excellent viewing conditions ensure that you normally see bears every day. It is also time for mothers to help their cubs explore their new wilderness home and teach them bear survival (please note that the lodge closes for a week at the end of July). Probably the best time to see the bears is towards the end of the season, from late August onwards. This is salmon spawning season, with the river mouth full of leaping salmon and offering bears a plentiful supply of food. Although Grizzly Bears are normally solitary creatures, it is common to see multiple bears competing for the best fishing spots and is an incredible spectacle. Although the main attraction at Knight Inlet lodge are the local Grizzlies, there is an abundance of other wildlife that can be seen throughout the year. In the spring, travel through the inlet viewing sea lions, seals, porpoises, dolphins and the occasional minke whale. From July onwards orca (killer) whales are found in nearby Johnstone Strait, and humpback whales pass by in September on their way to Alaska. A huge variety of other wildlife, such as the iconic bald eagle, mountain goats and otters can also be seen which makes for some wonderful memories and great photographs. Accommodation is based at the rustic floating lodge, nestled in Glendale Cove and moored in the only protective cover along the 100 mile inlet. There are only 12 rooms, all with private bathrooms. The lodge
is only accessible by floatplane from Campbell River (on Vancouver Island), with the scenic 30 minute flight included in all the packages. Because of the early flight departure, all packages include a night’s accommodation in Campbell River. Meals are included at the lodge, with the dining room home to bountiful and sumptuous West Coast and Continental cuisine. They often feature crab, salmon and prawn harvested from the pristine glacier fed waters of Knight Inlet (with advance notice, most dietary preferences can be accommodated).
AiTO Agents Offer... Book this tour today and you will receive a 4GB SD card for your digital camera, which can hold over 3000 digital images!
Packages for the Grizzly Bears of Knight Inlet start from £499.00 per person* (based on twin share, including 1 night in Campbell River and 1 night at the lodge). Although this is a great opportunity to sample what the lodge has to offer, a longer stay is recommended. Why not combine a visit to Knight Inlet with a trip to Vancouver Island, the wonderful Rockies Mountains or an incredible journey on the 2 day Rocky Mountaineer Train, described as the most spectacular train journey in the World. Ask your AiTO Specialist Travel Agent for a copy of our ‘Complete Guide’ brochure to Canada, containing over 160 pages of great ideas to this incredible country. SPECIAL OFFER We have put together a special AiTO self drive package which explores the best of Western Canada. It includes a stay at Knight Inlet to view the Grizzly Bears, a Whale Watching trip in Tofino, 10 nights standard class accommodation and a trip on the fabulous Rocky Mountaineer Train. Prices start from £1,699.00 based on twin share in October *
This holiday is provided by 1st Class Holidays. These holidays are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. 1st Class Holidays’ ATOL number is 5421.
A Taste of Travel
* Prices quoted do not include flights from UK. Speak to your AiTO Specialist Travel Agent to get the latest flight prices.
WILDLIFE SELECTION
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China
Pandas in
China contains not only some of the world’s largest and most densely populated cities, but also vast tracts of wilderness, forest, mountain and desert. The country’s rapid economic development has created many environmental problems, including threats to wildlife, though in recent years growing environmental awareness and action has helped to counter some of the worst excesses. Perhaps the best-known wild animal in China is the giant panda, a deeply endangered creature that has become the symbol of endangered species worldwide.
The ‘Best of China’ is an exciting tour that covers not only the highlights of any visit to China, such as the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors, but also explores some of the stunning scenery in Western China and the natural habitat of the giant panda. It visits the pristine wilderness landscape of Jiuzhaigou (or Nine
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Village Valley) in Northern Sichuan province, composed of dense forests, deep lakes and waterfalls, backed by snow-capped mountains. Tibetan legends say the goddess Semo broke her mirror here, the shards of glass creating the many lakes and pools where calcified water creates vivid
Book with confidence, see your local AiTO Specialist Agent.
China
colours. Changing leaves in the autumn create a rich mix of red, browns and yellows in the forests. The Wolong Nature Reserve, also in the mountains of Sichuan, is the oldest of China’s panda reserves, covering an area of some 2,000 square kilometres. With only a few hundred pandas in the wild, your chances of seeing one in the wild in the reserve are remote, but a visit to the Panda Conservation and Breeding Centre, supported by WWF, will bring you close to many of those in captivity, either as part of the centre’s breeding programme, or brought in from
Day 1 Day 2
Depart UK. Arrive Beijing. Visit to Tiananmen Square and welcome dinner. (D) Day 3 Excursion to the Great Wall at Mutianyu and visit to the Temple of Heaven. (B, L, D) Day 4 Visit the Forbidden City, and take cycle rickshaw tour around the ‘hutongs’ or traditional residential areas of old Beijing finishing in the picturesque Shichihai area. (B, L, D) Day 5 Visit to the Summer Palace before Transfer to Yichang to join your 5-star Yangtze River cruise boat. (B, L, D) Day 6-8 Cruise on the Yangtze River through the famous Three Gorges, with shore excursions and trip in small boats on one of the Yangtze’s tributaries. (B, L, D) Day 9 Arrive Chongqing. City tour before flying to Xi’an. (B, L) Day 10 Visit the remarkable Terracotta Army, before returning to Xi’an to visit the Muslim Quarter and Grand Mosque, Big Wild Goose Pagoda. (B, L) Day 11 Flight to Chengdu. Onward flight to Jiuzhaigou. (B, L, D) Day 12 Day to experience some of the highlights of the natural wonders of Jiuzhaigou. (B, L, D) Day 13 Flight to Chengdu. (B)
the wild. For those who want to arrange a tailor-made tour and become more involved, it is possible to apply to become a volunteer at the centre to help with looking after the pandas. The ‘Best of China’ tour uses good 4-star hotels and a 5-star cruise boat on the Yangtze River. Prices from £2,690.00 per person, including direct flights from London Heathrow with British Airways. Regional airport departures also available. Most meals included. Fuel surcharges may apply, please enquire at time of booking
Day 14 Excursion to Wolong Nature Reserve and the giant panda research centre. (B, L, D) Day 15 Excursion to Leshan to see the Giant Buddha, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Traditional Sichuan opera performance on return to Chengdu. (B, L, D) Day 16 Flight to Guilin. Visit the Reed Flute Cave and Diecai Hill. (B) Day 17 Cruise on the Li River past beautiful scenery of limestone karst hills and rice paddy fields to the small riverside town of Yangshuo. (B, L) Day 18 Day in Yangshuo before flight to Shanghai. (B, L) Day 19 City tour of Shanghai to include the Bund, Yu Garden and some of the city’s lively markets. (B, L) Day 20 Excursion to the small ‘water town’ of Zhujiajiao. Farewell dinner. (B, L, D) Day 21 Flight back to UK. (B)
AiTO Agents Offer... Book the ‘Best of China’ tour today and you will receive a free dinner and ‘Tang Dynasty’ song and dance show in Xi’an, and a evening boat trip in Guilin to see traditional methods of fishing using cormorants.
This holiday is provided by China Direct. These holidays are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. China Direct’s ATOL number is 5120.
A Taste of Travel
B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner included. Price is based on two persons sharing a double/twin room and twin-berth cabin and includes international scheduled flights, airport taxes, all internal transport, meals as shown, sightseeing and entrance fees, and the services of tour manager and local English-speaking guides. WILDLIFE SELECTION
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A World of Nature in
Costa Rica
Journey to Costa Rica and explore a land of rich natural wonders and friendly people. Discover Costa Rica’s outstanding variety of flora and fauna at Tortuguero National Park, Sarapiqui Rainforest, Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio National Park. Enjoy the many pristine natural wonders of Costa Rica through exclusive excursions and learning experiences as well as unscheduled time for personal discovery.
• Pineapple Plantation
surrounded by the beauty of a tropical forest and
Spend the morning leisurely walking the forest trails in search of the native inhabitants including the three-toed sloth, agoutis, white faced and squirrel monkeys, iguanas and birds. If you wish, take a swim in the inviting blue waters of its breathtaking beaches. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax by the pool and absorb the natural beauty of your surroundings.
• Cacao Plantation
amazing wildlife. Learn more about your surroundings
Tour Experiences
• Arenal Volcano
with a visit to the world’s first Green Turtle Research
• Manuel Antonio National Park
Station and discover how to protect the turtle’s
• Visit coffee, banana, cacao and pineapple plantations and learn of their history and social importance to the economy.
Highlights...
Enjoy a stay in Tortuguero National Park surrounded
• Poas Volcano
by the beauty of a tropical forest and amazing
• Coffee Plantation • Tortuguero National Park • Sarapiqui Rain Forest
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wildlife. Your guide will explain the rainforest ecosystem and point out sights of interest as you cruise the rivers and canals of Tortuguero National Park. Enjoy a memorable two night stay at your eco-lodge
nesting habitat and eggs. www.aitoagents.com
Book with confidence, see your local AiTO Specialist Agent.
Costa Rica
• Spend two nights in Arenal with breathtaking views of the lava producing volcano. • Explore the pristine beauty and wildlife of famous Manuel Antonio National Park. This paradise is known for its three pristine white sand beaches surrounded by emerald waters and forest.
AiTO Agents Offer... Book today and receive a complimentary access to an airport lounge at your UK departure airport* and a travel guide book to enhance your tour of Costa Rica.
Your 14 day Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1-3 Day 4-5
Herradura Hotel, San Jose. Pachira Lodge or Aninga Lodge, Tortuguero . Day 6 -7 Selva Verde Lodge or La Quinta Inn, Sarapiqui. Day 8-9 Volcano Lodge or Arenal Paraiso, Arenal. Day10 -11 Villa Lapas, Tarcoles. Day 12 Herradura Hotel, San Jose. Day 13 In flight.
Your escorted Costa Rican tour includes… • Quality hotels in carefully selected locations. • Home door to door transfer service from your home to the UK departure airport*. • Most meals as outlined in the itinerary. • Many sightseeing activities and excursions as outlined in the itinerary.
*applicable at participating mainland UK airports.
• Accompanied by an experienced and knowledgeable Collette Tour Manager. • Expert local guides. • Welcome and farewell dinners as outlined in your itinerary. • Scheduled flights with reputable airlines. • Coach transportation in a private, climate controlled motorcoach. • Luggage handling. • Local transfers from airport to hotel on arrival and hotel to airport on departure. • Applicable gratuities for bellmen, doorman and waiting staff. • Applicable hotel taxes and service charges. This holiday is provided by Collette Worldwide Holidays. These holidays are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Collette Worldwide Holidays’ ATOL number is 4832.
A Taste of Travel
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Discover Darwin’s
Galápagos Islands 19 volcanic islands of varying sizes located along the equator, in the Pacific Ocean 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador in South America. There are daily flights to the capital Quito from Europe (with London connections). The flight from Quito to the islands takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
Why visit the Galápagos Islands?
Remote and very unique, the Galápagos Islands are a ‘once in a lifetime’ destination for anyone interested in the natural world. The diverse wildlife and dramatic volcanic landscape excite even the most hardened traveller. Where else can you swim with penguins
What wildlife can I expect to see? The giant tortoise, blue footed booby, waved albatross, sea lions, marine iguanas, frigate birds, green turtles, seals, snakes, penguins plus much more! Many species are endemic to the islands.
and tropical fish?
Type of vessels and durations We tend to focus on smaller vessels offering 6-10 cabins although larger boats are featured in our brochure. Boat cruises are 3, 4 and 7 nights and hotels on some islands are also available. 20
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When should I travel? Due to the very high level of demand and the restricted number of travellers allowed to the islands – it is advisable to book at least 9 months ahead. The islands can be visited all year round. There are two main seasons – the hot/wet season with
Book with confidence, see your local AiTO Specialist Agent.
Galápagos Islands
intermittent rain between December and May and the misty season from June to November with cooler air/sea temperatures and also a stiff breeze which makes the water choppier. The seasonal variations affect the wildlife cycles.
Possible combinations A trip to the Galápagos can be easily combined with mainland Ecuador (Andes and Amazon basin) and neighbouring Peru which is a 2 hour 15 minute flight from Quito.
Cost All cruises are based on a full board cruise with guided excursions included. Prices per person (2 sharing) for a 7 night cruise from £1,842.00. Mainland 6 night extensions from £1,671.00 per person (2 sharing) including return international flights.
AiTO Agents Offer... Book today and receive a complimentary full day private excursion of the stunning countryside and charming villages surrounding Quito the capital of Ecuador. It includes a 3 course lunch (drinks payable locally) and return transfers from any hotel in Quito. English speaking driver/guide.
Galápagos Calendar January The hot / rainy season becomes established. Air and water temperature rise. ‘Spring’ arrives with the rain and green shoots appear even in arid areas. Land birds nest, land (Isabela) and marine (Espanola) iguana mating season starts. Green turtles start arriving to lay eggs. February Flamingos start nesting on Floreana, marine iguanas nest on Santa Cruz and Bahama pintail ducks start breeding. Sperm Whales and occasionally Blue Whales may be seen off the West coasts of Isabella and Fernandina. March Hot and humid. Marine iguanas nest on Fernandina. Frigate bird mating season starts. Late in the month Waved Albatross arrive on Espanola. April Large numbers of Waved Albatross arrive on Espanola and start their noisy courtship ritual. Green turtle and land iguana eggs start to hatch. The last giant tortoises hatch. May Waved Albatross on Espanola start laying their eggs. Sea turtles hatching on Espanola, Floreana and Santiago, and marine iguanas hatching on Santa Cruz. Galápagos penguins active around Bartholome. The sea lion and fur seals mating season starts, running from May to December. As there is a 12 month gestation newborn pups also arrive during this period. June The garua season starts. The air and sea temperatures start to cool, South-East trade winds return and currents become a bit stronger. The nesting season of the giant tortoises starts. Humpback Whales may be seen, as may migrant birds flying North. July Breeding season for blue footed boobies on Espanola as albatross fledglings start to be born. Flightless cormorants start courtship rituals on Fernandina. Whales and dolphins may be observed of the West coast of Isabela. August Oceans can be choppy. Migrant shore birds start to arrive. Mating season for Galápagos Hawks on Espanola and Santiago. September Air and sea temperatures at their lowest. Galápagos Penguins breeding especially around Bartholome although can occur all year. Manta Rays seen off East coast of Isabela. Height of the sea lion mating season, with rival males fighting for control of harems. October Weather can be mixed. Giant tortoises continue to lay eggs. Blue footed boobie chicks can be seen on Espanola and Isabela. November Water and air temperature begins to rise and the winds decrease. Can be some jellyfish. Good visibility for snorkelling – can be especially fun with sea lion pups. December Hot / rainy season begins. Air and sea temperatures continue to rise. The mist clears. Islands begin to green over as the rain falls. Green sea turtles start to mate. Giant tortoise eggs begin to hatch.
This holiday is provided by Sunvil Latin America. These holidays are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Sunvil Latin America’s ATOL number is 9280.
A Taste of Travel
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In search of Tigers in
India
Excitement, exploration and an opportunity to indulge one’s favourite pastime are every bit as important to today’s holidaymaker as relaxation and recharging of batteries in a comfortable location, especially, if someone else can take care of all the little things that make it all happen.
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India
Few destinations tick all the right boxes and those that do have seen a sharp rise in popularity in recent months. It comes as no surprise that India has hit the top of the “Most Desirable list” for British travellers. One of the most exciting holidays in India is a visit to its great game parks in search of the elusive Tiger. Whether you choose to bond with nature and stay in a tented camp and gather around an evening campfire to recount the day’s experiences or live the high-life of the colonial elite staying in luxurious lodges, the experience is unforgettable.
Add to this a few days in “The Golden Triangle” visiting Delhi, the seat of power for the 200 year British colonial Raj; Agra, the home of the Taj Mahal, the grand testament to love; and the pink city of Jaipur staying in a mix of modern luxurious hotels or stately converted palaces and the holiday suddenly becomes a holiday of a life-time. No wonder India has been voted the number one long haul destination by readers of Conde Nast Traveller magazine in 2007.
Informed, experienced naturalists offer guidance and provide opportunities for elephant safaris, jeep rides and nature walks through the jungle. Teeming with animals and birds of all shape and size, India’s thick, lush jungles and forests are alive with activity. Every safari here is an exploration and discovery and no two experiences are ever the same.
TIGER TIGER, in search of the elusive one….
AiTO Agents Offer... Book this elusive tiger safari today and receive a pair of binoculars per person.
This holiday is provided by TransIndus. These holidays are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. TransIndus’s ATOL number is 3429.
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On Safari in
Kenya Welcome to our luxury small group safari, which operates all year round. We offer safaris in Africa, India and the Far East. Our prices are remarkably good value, and we offer flexible arrangements, allowing you to tailor-make your preferred itinerary.
5* Masai Safari
Kenya is the best place on earth to go for wildlife. It is the perfect time to go to Kenya.
The Samburu Reserve, home to the colourful Samburu people, is a dramatic and rugged landscape, which is truly rewarding. A host of plains game along
Travelling through some of the richest game areas in the world, the Masai Safari presents excellent opportunities for viewing the ‘Big Five’. It includes the Masai Mara, home to the greatest wildlife show on earth.
with the ‘Big Five’ is accompanied by a variety of exotic birds including eagles, falcons and bateleurs. As you approach Lake Nakuru, you may be fortunate enough to witness a pink cloud on the horizon, which gradually reveals its source, thousands of pink flamingoes, a magnificent sight of immense beauty.
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Kenya
Around the lake a game reserve has been created where the endangered black rhino is protected and may be seen along with antelope, giraffes, lions and hyenas.
Why not travel in a Premier Safari Microbus?
With the exception of Lake Nakuru, accommodation is at Serena Lodges, which are amongst the finest in Kenya.
• Welcome pack including maps and useful information
1 1 2 1 2
Night Night Nights Night Nights
Nairobi (Nairobi Serena Hotel) Samburu (Samburu Serena Lodge) Mountain Lodge (Mountain Lodge) Lake Nakuru (Lake Nakuru Lodge) Masai Mara (Mara Serena Lodge)
Including return scheduled flights, 6 nights’ full board, 1 night B&B, transfers and game drives. From only £1,179.00 per person
Benefits include... • Only four seats in each bus • Up to 46” seat pitch • Unlimited water and soft drinks • Free use of binoculars
Fly Mara to Nairobi Why not fly rather than drive from the Masai Mara back to Nairobi for a supplement from £130.00pp. You will appreciate the speed, comfort, views and excitement an air transfer offers.
Mara Ballooning Option Optional hot-air balloon flights can be arranged in the Masai Mara. This exhilarating experience commences at dawn, with approximately one hour in the air, and is followed by a bush breakfast complete with sparking wine. From £265.00 per person.
AiTO Agents Offer... Book today and receive a FREE DINNER AT THE WORLD FAMOUS CARNIVORE RESTAURANT, NAIROBI Experience a barbeque with a difference. Zebra, giraffe, crocodile, ostrich and hartebeest are just some of the specials that you will find on the menu. Normal mouth-watering barbecue dishes and succulent steaks are also available. Worth £35.00.
This holiday is provided by Somak Holidays. These holidays are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Somak Holidays’ ATOL number is 2550.
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Madagascar The Lost Continent Madagascar is unique. Isolated for tens of millions of years, the animals, plants and landscapes of this ancient island are like nowhere else on earth. This ‘Lost Continent’ tour provides an excellent introduction to the reserves and cultural sights of the South.
Indri & Golden Bamboo Lemurs We start in the capital, Antananarivo (known as ‘Tana’ for short), visiting the Botanical Gardens and the tranquil surroundings of Ambohimanga Palace. We then drive East to Andasibe and spend two nights at the habitat of the Indri – largest of the surviving lemurs – as well as brightly-coloured chameleons and many bird species. Next, its due South, driving through sparkling green highlands and typical villages to Antsirabe where we visit Lake 26
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Tritriva, dramatically trapped inside a perfect volcanic cone. Continuing to Ranomafana we spend more time searching the rainforest for lemurs, particularly the Golden Bamboo lemurs. Which were only recently discovered in 1987.
Botanist’s Paradise Descending from the high plateau to Ranohira, we walk deep into Isalo National Park – Madagascar’s ‘Grand Canyon’ – to explore the sandstone massif
Book with confidence, see your local AiTO Specialist Agent.
Madagascar
and weirdly eroded rocks. Botanists will delight in the host of rare endemic plants found here. Darkskinned tribes live around Tulear on the South-West coast and we’ll see their carved and painted tombs, many with aloalo scenes from the life of the deceased. Finally, we plan time at Ifaty Beach, where outrigger canoes can be rented to explore the nearby coral reef. Madagascar remains a challenge for the adventurous traveller. Come prepared for some unique scenery, but also some basic accommodation in National Parks. Lemur tracking is on foot on well-maintained trails and usually 2-3 hours for each walk.
Accommodation and Meals 4 nights hotel, 5 nights forest lodge, 1 night guesthouse, 2 nights bungalow – standard accommodation in the towns and reserves with one basic night at local dormitory guest house; 12 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners included.
Transport Charter bus/Various walks/Flights as itinerary.
Group Size Approx. 12 to 16.
Tour Staff Explore Tour Leader, driver(s), local guides and National Park ranger(s).
Price From £2,425.00 including flights from London. £1,450.00 land only.
AiTO Agents Offer... Book this Madagascar trip today and receive a moleskin Notebook (as used by Ernest Hemingway!). They are lovely leather-bound travel journals and prove very popular with our clients.
This holiday is provided by Explore. These holidays are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Explore’s ATOL number is 2595.
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Namibia An untouched wilderness Namibia is one of the world’s last great wilderness countries. See the magnificent sand dunes of the Namib Desert, the German colonial town of Swakopmund and the hauntingly beautiful Skeleton Coast. Travelling inland, see the wildlife of Damaraland and the Etosha National Park before ending your journey at the Africat Foundation’s sanctuary at Okonjima.
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Namibia
B= Breakfast, Day 1 To Windhoek: L= Lunch, Fly overnight from London Gatwick to Windhoek with Air Namibia. (N) D= Dinner included. Day 2 Windhoek: Transfer to the Windhoek Country Club for 1 night. The German-style architecture and pleasant Price is based on two cafes give Windhoek a very European feel. (N) persons sharing a Day 3 Namib Desert: double/twin room and Morning drive through the Khomas Highlands and Gamsberg Pass to the Namib Desert. Stay 2 nights at Sossusvlei Lodge or similar, in a stunning desert location. (B, L, D) includes international Day 4 Namib Desert: scheduled flights, Early morning drive to Sossusvlei to explore the giant sand dunes. Afternoon visit to the Sesriem airport taxes, all internal Canyon, where the Tsauchab River has carved a gorge up to 100 feet deep. (B, L, D) transport, meals as Day 5 Swakopmund: shown, sightseeing Morning drive via the Kuiseb Canyon and the Namib Naukluft Park to Swakopmund on the West and entrance fees, coast, a seaside resort with German architectural and cultural influences. Stay 2 nights at the delightful Swakopmund Hotel. Early morning optional Balloon Safari. (B, L) and the services of Day 6 Swakopmund: tour manager and local Day at leisure or optional excursions. (B) English-speaking Day 7 Skeleton Coast: guides. Drive North to Cape Cross, well known for its colony of around 100,000 cape fur seals. Continuing North, enter the Skeleton Coast Park, famous for it’s shipwrecks. Stay inland for 2 nights at Grootberg Lodge or similar. (B, L, D) Day 8 Damaraland: • 13 Days / 10 Nights Morning and afternoon excursion in open 4 x 4 vehicles to explore Northern Damaraland. The from £2,511.00* permanent springs provide water for the local population of zebra, oryx, klipspringers and occasionally elephants and black rhinos. (B, L, D) • Escorted Group or Day 9 Epacha Private Game Reserve: Private Journey Morning drive to the Epacha Private Game Reserve, bordering the Southern gate of Etosha National Park. Epacha is home to the black rhino custodian programme and hosts 21 antelope • Superb Desert species, including the endangered sable antelope. Afternoon wildlife viewing. Stay 2 nights at Landscapes Eagle Tented Lodge & Spa or similar. (B, L, D) • Unique Flora & Fauna Day 10 Etosha National Park: * This price is accurate at time of going to Full day excursion into Etosha National Park. A vast white saltpan dominates the centre of the print and includes current fuel surcharges with Air Namibia. park and wildlife concentrates around the waterholes at the edge. The park is home to elephant, reputed to be the largest in Africa, as well as the rare black rhino. (B, L, D) Day 11 Okonjima: Morning drive South-East to Okonjima, home of the Africat Foundation. See the work of the foundation this afternoon, and stay overnight at Okonjima. (B, L, D) Day 12 To London: Book today and receive a Lonely Planet Morning nature walk or drive. Depart for Windhoek airport and fly to London Guide Book to Namibia. Gatwick with Air Namibia. (B)
AiTO Agents Offer...
Day 13 Morning arrival at London Gatwick. (N) This holiday is provided by Cox & Kings. These holidays are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Cox & Kings’s ATOL number is 2815.
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Rwanda
The stunning diverse
Rwanda is perhaps most famous for two things. The rare mountain gorilla which is found in the NorthWest part of the country within the Parc des Volcans (PNV) and the Genocide which occurred in 1994. It’s easy to travel here and let these two factors dominate your holiday, but the country does offer a little more than that.
In the South-East, Nyungwe National Park is the
hills. Unfortunately, years of poor management,
largest tract of montane rain forest found anywhere
poaching, and of course the war, reduced animal
in Africa. It’s home to 13 species of primate, including
populations significantly and current numbers barely
chimpanzee, the largest group of Ruwenzori race of
warrant a visit for that reason alone. The park does
the black and white colobus (some 400 individuals),
have over 500 species of birds, including the rare
and the golden monkey, over 240 tree species and
shoebill, so it’s at least productive from that point.
140 orchids. The bird life is impressive too with 275 species recorded. Although the main road divides
In the North-West, bordering the Congo, lies Lake
the park, access into the forest is restricted to a limited
Kivu. If you’re looking for a little bit of relaxation
number well maintained paths/trails.
before or after gorilla trekking, a few nights on the lake are well worth the effort.
In the drier Eastern part of the country, Akagera
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National Park is perhaps one of the most stunning in
Being a very small country, it takes just two hours to
Africa. Dominated by the wetlands of the Akagera
drive from the capital, Kigali, to the Parc des Volcans
River and a series of lakes, access is restricted to the
or Akagera national parks. The main roads are in
Western flank dominated by a wide valley floor and
good condition, although travelling constantly
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Rwanda
through villages thronging with people does not help progress. In the West, where the rainfall is highest, the population density is extremely high and seemingly every bit of available land is under cultivation. In the East, where livestock dominate, there is less cultivation and fewer people. The ease of access makes visiting the gorillas much more accessible than travelling through Uganda and ideal for those who want to combine seeing the apes with the great parks of Kenya and Tanzania. The people of Rwanda are very aware of the Genocide and the impact it had on society, but they are generally a happy people looking forward to a brighter future. It’s impossible to travel through this the country and not be aware of what happened and a couple of the memorials are well worth visiting. The Mountain Gorilla – population: less than 800 individuals Nothing can quite prepare you for an encounter with the endangered Mountain Gorilla. These majestic apes are found only along the Virunga Mountains which straddle the boundaries of Uganda, the DRC, and Rwanda. Within Rwanda, there are nine habituated families found within the Parc des Volcans, the original home of the ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ made famous by Dian Fossey. Trekking in Rwanda is generally easier than in Uganda, and the sightings are usually better because the animals have been habituated for a longer period of time. Walks start in the morning and you are allowed just one hour with the gorillas once contact has been made.
A good level of fitness is required as the terrain over which tracking takes place is extremely difficult. Treks can last anything from an hour to well over six, traversing steep-sided mountains and ravines, often clambering over nothing but suspended vegetation. You will require the use of your hands, so do not carry anything that does not have a long strap. The inclement weather doesn’t help either. Temperatures can range from being fairly warm and humid to being very cold, and rain can fall at any time. Children under 15 years of age are not allowed to trek. You will not be allowed to track if you are suffering from any illness including a cold or flu which can be transmitted to the apes. You will be asked to declare this before you start off. We would ask your co-operation in not endangering the lives of the already endangered great apes – if you are sick, do not track. Unfortunately, the downside is that permits are non-refundable. Other activities available in PNV include forest walks to see the rare Golden Monkey, Bisoke volcano climbs and treks to Dian Fossey’s old research centre – Karisoke (so named by her because it sits in the ‘saddle’ between the volcanoes of Karisimba and Bisoke). Gorilla trekking is not cheap. Permits cost US$500.00 each, and if you’re doing a tailor-made safari, expect to pay at least £250.00 per person per day (based on two travelling) for the ground arrangements.
AiTO Agents Offer... Our special service and expert knowledge.
This holiday is provided by Safari Consultants Limited. These holidays are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Safari Consultants Limited’s ATOL number is 3783.
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Sublime
South Africa A tailor-made itinerary combining 4 nights in the comfort of a sophisticated Cape Town hotel, with 2 nights in the Winelands, 4 nights on The Garden Route at Knysna and 2 nights in one of our highly recommended malaria free Game Lodges at Shamwari.
For those with an interest in Natural History that
what it must have been like to take part in one of the
coincides with a sense of soft adventure… a tailor-
great Polar expeditions across Antarctica… before
made holiday to South Africa is the perfect answer.
heading back to your hotel for some 21st century
A few days in Cape Town must include a visit to the
comfort and a delicious dinner.
Botanical Gardens at Kirstenbosch, and a trip down
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to the magnificent Cape Point – but do stop en route
Having explored the Western Cape, you should drive
at Boulders Beach to see the charming colony of
up to Franschhoek in the heart of the Winelands
Jackass penguins. The Point is where the Atlantic
where we recommend two nights at one of our
meets the Indian Ocean – you should pause here for a
charming wine estates hotels. This is the perfect
moment to gaze towards the deep South and imagine
location to relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery,
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South Africa
warm hospitality, delicious food and indulge in a little gentle tasting of some of South Africa’s finest wines. From here you can head down to the Garden Route to stay in one of our recommended hotels for 4 nights – but, if you are travelling between July and November, you must stop at Hermanus for whale watching en route. We offer a broad range of properties and our experts can help you to select the hotel that perfectly matches your needs. The many nature reserves and carefully planned walking trails around the famous lagoon at Knysna, combined with the beautiful beaches at Plettenburg Bay, makes this a natural history heaven.
The sublime South African package for this itinerary includes return scheduled flights from the UK, transfers, car hire, and accommodation in 4 and 5 star hotels with breakfast and tax. Prices from £1,985.00 per person (high season – 01 October onwards, price from £2,285.00) based on economy class flights – supplements for flight upgrades available on request.
To complete the perfect South Africa holiday itinerary, we suggest 2 nights in one of the great Game Lodges of the Eastern Cape Game Reserves. Although these are less well-known than the Kruger National Park, they are malaria-free, and generally offer an excellent climate and a very good introduction to game viewing of the ‘Big Five’ which are indigenous to the region – they also offer outstanding value for money. We recommend one of the six lodges on the Shamwari Game Reserve which has a well respected conservation programme and strong commitment to the environment – the Born Free Foundation is based here and can be visited.
AiTO Agents Offer... Book today and receive a complimentary Full Day Private Escorted Winelands Tour with driver guide. Including visits to a selection of wine estates of your choice, and a stop for lunch (lunch is payable locally).
This holiday is provided by Kirker Holidays. These holidays are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Kirker Holidays’ ATOL number is 2450.
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Ranch Vacations in the
USA & Canada We have been organising tours for 26 years and are specialised in providing the very best in ranching and adventure holidays to the USA and Canada. We represent around 80 varied ranches, each one offering the same content but in locations from as far apart as Texas to British Columbia.
So what does a ranch holiday offer?
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This will depend on what level of riding experience you are looking for but it’s important to remember that not knowing how to ride does not disqualify you from taking this type of vacation. With four types of ranch on offer, we have a property that can take novices and experienced riders in groups of any size. Many singles find this a great way to take a vacation and are always welcomed into the group, many of whom may be in the same situation.
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Working Ranches are exactly that, you are there to help the owner manage a herd of cattle – accommodation is clean but basic and while activities may start and finish at the ranch house, you could equally be out on the trail with a chuck wagon and your bedroll. Horse and cattle drive demand a reasonable level of riding ability – ranchers here do not have the time for instruction. Silver Spur in Idaho, the Dryhead and Double Spear in Montana plus the Kara Creek in Wyoming all offer a genuine “get down and get dirty” experience.
Book with confidence, see your local AiTO Specialist Agent.
USA & Canada
Guest Ranches put the emphasis on learning to ride western style but some of these places also have cattle that need moving to new grazing pastures. You can expect better levels of accommodation and meals at these ranches. Price Canyon Ranch in South-East Arizona is a fine example of this. For a breathtaking locations look at the 63 Ranch or the Sweetgrass in Montana or the Rocking Z for it’s high quality riding programme. Dude and Resort Ranches offer a more varied and often family focused experience, something happening all the time. They will have staff especially appointed to look after kids of all ages so that parents can take rides together while their young Wranglers are being entertained. Colorado, the Mountain State, has more Dude ranches on offer than anywhere else. The Denver gateway makes this a true family playground and the many Dude ranches we have here show how much families enjoy this area. Lost Valley for an all round good time, North Fork for it’s fishing or Cherokee Park for the best in family value are just a few of these. Down South Kay El Bar and Flying E Ranches offer easy access from Phoenix plus White Stallion and the Tanque Verde near Tucson are firm favourites. The package offered by all of these ranches is the same, for a 6 or 7 night stay they will accommodate, feed and entertain you plus you will ride almost every day. We will build in taxes and service charges so you don’t have any unwanted surprises at week’s end. Please bear in mind, our Sterling prices are the ranchers Dollar prices only with the extras added in, it’s no more expensive to book here through an AiTO Specialist Agent. Plus you have our experience in finding the right ranch for you – a talent we seldom get wrong.
So you see this makes a ranching holiday a year round possibility with Arizona, New Mexico and Texas providing great winter locations and the remaining States welcoming visitors May through October. Most of these are in isolated locations and so the opportunities to spot wildlife are ever present. Many creatures are at their most active in the summertime and, as the majority of visitors are in the country at that time, don’t be surprised to spot bears, coyotes, elk, moose and birdlife of all shapes and sizes while out on a scenic ride in the mountains in which a number of our ranches are situated. The price for a week’s stay at a ranch starts at just under £700.00 at a Working ranch, you can spend much more at a top class Resort ranch but the average in the summer is between £900.00 and £1,100.00 per adult with discounts for kids generally under 12. Airfares are in addition but your Agent will be able to give you the best deal at the time, airfares from around the UK vary almost daily. If you have the opportunity and time, you should try and spend more than just a week in the States or Canada, rent a car and go on to visit the wonderful parks such as Banff and Jasper in Alberta or Yellowstone, Grand Canyon or Glacier in the USA – each one a jewel of unspoilt wilderness area.
AiTO Agents Offer... Book a ranching experience today and we will contribute to a West Country Free Planting Project
This holiday is provided by American Round-Up. These holidays are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. American Round-Up’s ATOL number is 2921.
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Swimming with
Whale Sharks Surrounded by myth and mystery, the Whale Shark is a migratory species and is found in tropical and temperate seas, in inshore and oceanic waters, in areas of high plankton productivity, appearing at some locations seasonally and at others year round. Whale Sharks have been spotted as far North as New York, on the East coast of the United States of America, and as far South as Tasmania. It is thought that the Whale Sharks movements are driven by food supply and linked to plankton blooms and fish and invertebrate spawning cycles. The Whale Shark is an endangered species, its numbers are threatened directly, by fishing for meat and fins, and indirectly, by the fish becoming entangled in fishermen’s nets.
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The biggest fish in the sea, the majestic Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) may reach up to 20 metres, and possibly weigh in at up to 34 tonnes there are only a few species of whale that grow larger. Yet this immense fish feeds on tiny plankton rarely more than 3 millimetres in length. With its huge size and dappled skin, once seen this leviathan of the deep is rarely forgotten.
Mutton snapper and grouper congregate at Gladden Spit on the Belize Barrier Reef around the full moon during the months of March to June. The spawning fish attract filter feeding Whale Sharks, offering divers and snorkellers a fantastic opportunity to share the waters with the fish. The optimum time to dive with Whale Sharks in Belize is three days before the full moon to three days after the last quarter moon, which is when the Cubera snappers spawn, attracting the Whale Sharks. Diving with Whale Sharks in Belize is strictly governed by “Friends of Nature” and all dive trips are conducted responsibly. Generally considered to be harmless and nonaggressive towards human beings in the water, swimming with a Whale Shark is an experience of a lifetime; benign though the animals may be, simply finding yourself up close to the largest fish in the ocean gives a pure rush of adrenalin.
Book with confidence, see your local AiTO Specialist Agent.
Various
Amongst some of the best places to see Whale Sharks are – Donsol, Philippines – Situated about an hour’s flight from Manila, Donsol becomes the “Whale Shark capital of the world” from February to May, but especially in April when the number of Whale Sharks in Donsol Bay is greater than anywhere else in the world. In Donsol it is possible to
Kenya – Whale Sharks are often seen in Kenyan waters from October through to February, and over recent years huge congregations have been seen near Chale Island, off Kenya’s South coast. The increased number of Whale Shark sightings led to the establishment of the East African Whale Shark Trust (EAWST), based on Diani Beach, in order to collect and analyse data on the local population and to raise awareness to protect these gentle giants.
snorkel with Whale Sharks, but not to scuba dive. A 10 day trip including flights, transfers, 7 nights at the Vitton Beach Resort, breakfast and 5 days Whale Shark interaction from £1,990.00 per person. Djibouti – Situated at The Horn of Africa, Djibouti is home to resting migrating Whale Sharks between the months of October to January. Djibouti’s Gulf of Tadjourah offers a safe, confined nursery for juvenile Whale Sharks, and the plankton rich water makes
Seychelles – The Indian Ocean has long been one of the primary sources of Whale Shark sightings and since 1996 the Shark Research Institute Seychelles, incorporated within the Marine Conservation Society Seychelles (MCSS), has been monitoring and tagging Whale Sharks within Seychelles waters, revealing some fascinating facts, for instance one individual was found to have travelled a journey of over 5,000 kilometres. The beautiful Seychelles Archipelago is one of the world’s finest locations in which to see and swim with Whale Sharks.
AiTO Agents Offer... Book a Shark Dive Experience today and each adult will be enrolled as a member of The Shark Trust. www.sharktrust.org
the area a perfect feeding ground. Galápagos – Recently granted UNESCO World Heritage Status, the uniquely rich waters around the Galápagos Islands offer one of the world’s best locations in which to see large numbers of Whale Sharks. Diving with Whale Sharks is possible between May and November at Darwin and Wolf Islands. A 10 day trip including flights, transfers, 2 nights in Quito either side of the liveaboard, breakfast, 7 nights in a twin sharing cabin on the Sky Dancer, full board, up to 4 dives per day including tanks & weights from £3,075.00 per person.
Ningaloo Reef – Ningaloo reef is around 250 kilometres in length, lying off the North-West coast of Australia. This remote reef is consistently frequented by Whale Sharks between April and June each year, coinciding with the annual coral spawn. Although the majority of Whale Sharks spotted in the Ningaloo Marine Park are immature males they are by no means small, many being six to eight metres in length. Expeditions to snorkel with Whale Sharks depart daily during “Whale Shark season” from Exmouth and from Coral Bay, giving the opportunity to swim with Whale Sharks outside the reef, in the open ocean – the experience of a lifetime!
This holiday is provided by Dive Worldwide. These holidays are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Dive Worldwide’s ATOL number is 5776.
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Wildlife Selection
Tour Operators
This brochure contains a superb selection of quality holidays from the following AiTO Tour Operators. All holidays in this brochure are only bookable through AiTO Specialist Agents.
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Book with confidence, see your local AiTO Specialist Agent.
Mission Statement “ AiTO Specialist Travel Agents – is a partnership between independent travel agents and AiTO tour operators who share common dedication to the provision of high standards of quality and personal service to their customers. AiTO Spacialist Travel Agents are concerned only with finding the holiday that is right for the client and provides value for money.
HOW TO BOOK
”
To make a booking or find out any further information please contact your local AiTO Specialist Travel Agent (the agent that provided you with this brochure) or you can find your nearest AiTO agent at www.aitoagents.com.
TERMS Prices quoted are correct at the time of producing this publication but are subject to change and subject to the terms and conditions of each tour operator providing one of the holidays offered.
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A Taste of Travel
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Wildlife Selection