Steve Backshall Svalbard Safari Guide

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MEET STEVE BACKSHALL EXPLORE THE ITINERARY SEE THE SHIP DISCOVER THE WILDLIFE BOOK THE SAFARI

THE ULTIMATE SVALBARD SAFARI

WITH STEVE BACKSHALL BY NATURAL WORLD SAFARIS


A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE A safari with Steve Backshall to the far reaches of the Arctic north? We can think of few people who could add more to such an already incredible experience. Located in the remote northern reaches, midway between Norway and the North Pole, the glaciated Svalbard archipelago is a delightfully accessible part of the polar north, comprising a vast area of icebergs, ice-fields, fjords and unspoilt arctic wilderness. Literally meaning ‘Cold Coast’, in Svalbard you will experience some of the most unique and dramatic landscapes in the world, with white-capped mountains fronted by desolate tundra, glittering glaciers under a constant midnight sun and brilliant blue skies in the summer months. The ultimate in polar exploration, a Svalbard polar bear holiday offers something truly unique to the modern day explorer. Our Polar Bear Explorer Safari in collaboration with Steve Backshall is the ultimate Arctic journey. Not only will you be exploring a unique, stunning and overwhelming place, brimming with incredible wildlife, but you will be in the company of one of the world’s best, and most well-known naturalists. Steve is an intrepid explorer, having explored the globe from top to bottom. At Natural World Safaris we pride ourselves on putting you in the right place at the right time to maximise your wildlife experience. We are unique in that we put the experience first. Find out more on this excellent, unique safari in this guide. Of course, we are here to answer any questions you may have along the way.

a world of natural wonders

WWW.NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | SALES@NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | UK: +44 (0)1273 691 642 | US: 1866 357 6569 | AU 1800 668 890


MEET YOUR EXPERT GUIDE: STEVE BACKSHALL ABOUT STEVE BACKSHALL Adventurer, natural history TV Presenter, public speaker and author. Steve’s ever-growing passion for the big wild natural world started as a child and continues to this day, as his adventures into the unexplored continue. Now one of TV’s busiest presenters, wildlife expert Steve has recently been on our screens in his new two part BBC Series Extreme Mountain Challenge and from April 19th will be seen again in his new six part ITV Series ‘Fierce’. Steve’s first TV show, filmed in the jungles of Colombia, was bought by National Geographic and he was taken on as the ‘Adventurer in Residence’. From there, he has gone on to create countless TV shows, from Deadly 60 for CBBC to numerous expedition series for BBC2 to Big Blue Live on BBC1, where his interview was interrupted by a blue whale. Popular with adults and children alike, he is an excellent speaker and has written numerous enthralling children’s books, as well as non-fiction. He is currently writing ‘Shark Seas’ the fourth book in the Falcon Chronicles. Steve is a true adventurer who has explored places none dared to go before, trekked wild deserts, wrangled with snakes in primitive jungles, delved into deep caves and much, much more.

STEVE BACKSHALL AND NATURAL WORLD SAFARIS Steve first travelled with Natural World Safaris in 2015 to Namibia, where he proposed to his fiancé, Olympic rower Helen Glover. From there a strong bond has formed, resulting in us creating some wild, immersive adventures together in Kenya and Svalbard.

Image copyrights: Top © Steve Backshall, left © Martin Hartley, middle © Rohan Kilham, right © Adam White

Throughout these safaris, Steve will be there to share his experiences, and help you get the most out of your very own journey into the extraordinary.

STEVE IS AN OLD-FASHIONED ACTION HERO WHOSE LEISURE PURSUITS INCLUDE MOUNTAINEERING, KAYAKING, SCUBA DIVING, MARTIAL ARTS AND ENDURANCE RUNNING, WHICH TOGETHER WITH HIS UNSURPASSED WILDLIFE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE COMBINES TO MAKE HIM A COMPELLING AND MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER. WWW.NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | SALES@NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | UK: +44 (0)1273 691 642 | US: 1866 357 6569 | AU 1800 668 890


DAY BY DAY ITINERARY DAY 1

ARRIVE LONGYEARBYEN

.

. . . . . . . . .

DURATION

PRICE FROM

11 DAYS

£7,995

WHEN

DESTINATION

AUG 22-SEP 1, 2017

SVALBARD

EXPLORE THE WILDLIFE CAPITAL OF THE ARCTIC ABOARD THE MOST VERSATILE EXPEDITION SHIP TO CRUISE THE ICY WATERS OF THE SVALBARD ARCHIPELAGO. WWW.NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | SALES@NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | UK: +44 (0)1273 691 642 | US: 1866 357 6569 | AU 1800 668 890

Arriving in Longyearbyen today, you board the M/S Malmo and meet your expert naturalist guide, Steve Backshall, as well as the rest of your small group. This afternoon you set sail in the wilds of Svalbard. Meals included: Dinner

DAYS 2-10

EXPLORING SVALBARD . .

. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Your time aboard the M/S Malmo you will explore the Svalbard Archipelago in search of Arctic wildlife. The exact itinerary will depend upon the weather conditions, the density of the pack ice in the north, and wildlife opportunities. If ice conditions permit, you will circumnavigate stunning Spitsbergen Island. During your safari you can expect to visit ice-filled fjords framed by breath-taking snow-capped peaks; towering bird cliffs with colonies of sea birds numbering in their thousands and see gigantic glaciers crashing into the icy seas. Spend time cruising through the ice in search of polar bears as they hunt for seals which often hitch rides on the passing ice floes. Look out for colonies of walrus basking on the beaches in the Arctic sun and watch for whales in the icy seas. On shore landings, you may come across the Arctic fox, or the Svalbard reindeer with its impressive antlers, and witness the beauty of Svalbard’s flora. There is no set itinerary for this safari but some of the places that you might visit are Prins Karls Fjordland, Krossfjord, Monaco Glacier, Raudjorden, Hinlopen Strait, Hornsund, Edgeoya and Alkefjellet. By not having a fixed itinerary we can ensure that we put you in the right place at the right time to maximise wildlife encounters and overall experience. Steve will be by your side on the journey giving his naturalist expertise, helping you get the most out of your time in the Arctic. Steve is an intrepid explorer and an adventure with him is a once in a lifetime opportunity not to be missed. He will also run seminars throughout the journey. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

DAY 11

DEPART LONGYEARBYEN

Arriving early morning, you disembark, say by to your group, and to Steve, and make your way home. Meals included: Breakfast


THE SHIP: M/S MALMO The M/S Malmรถ was initially built as a research vessel in the 1950s for the Swedish Maritime Administration. The ship was rebuilt in 2013 for the purpose of cruises and has now been ice-strengthened in order for the ship to explore difficult to reach areas. We have exclusively chartered the M/S Malmo for our unique expedition with Steve Backshall. It is intimate, with enough space to escape by yourself if you want, and it is small enough to navigate to places few other ships can get to - which happen to be prime polar bear territory. in fact last year we saw 25 polar bears on similar trips!

EXPECT INCREDIBLE WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS, SOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES ON THE FACE OF THE PLANET, AND A COMFY SHIP TO EXPLORE ON - AS WELL AS THE EXPERTISE OF STEVE HIMSELF. Seven cabins for up to twelve guests and two expert guides.

Completely ice-strengthened and previously a research vessel.

Children over 10 years are welcome.

Great for reaching smaller fjords for better wildlife sightings.

STYLE A classic and intimate cruise ship with a warm and friendly atmosphere.

WITH SPACE TO ACCOMMODATE JUST 12 EXPEDITION PASSENGERS AND 2 EXPERIENCED EXPEDITION LEADERS ON BOARD, IT FEELS MORE AS IF YOU ARE ON BOARD YOUR OWN PRIVATE BOAT THAN AN ARCTIC CRUISE SHIP.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES There are seven passenger cabins available which (upon request) may be able to be rearranged into singles or triples. Five cabins have their own private facilities including showers; all cabins have a porthole which can offer incredibly unique photo opportunities and means you may not have to leave your cabin to witness a sighting.

DINING All meals are included during your stay, which will be a range of European style dishes.

CHILD POLICY Unsuitable for children under ten years of age. WWW.NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | SALES@NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | UK: +44 (0)1273 691 642 | US: 1866 357 6569 | AU 1800 668 890


WILDLIFE IN SVALBARD ARCTIC TERN Sterna paradisaea

SVALBARD IS A PLACE OF EXTREMES AND SUPERLATIVES; IT IS A PLACE OF NATURAL WONDER, FROM THE LANDSCAPES YOU ENCOUNTER TO THE UNIQUE WILDLIFE TO BE SEEN.

Also called a ‘sea swallow’ these beautiful birds are world famous for their circumpolar breeding. They reach their Arctic breeding grounds for summer in the northern hemisphere, then head south to Antarctica for the summer there.

SVALBARD REINDEER Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus This subspecies of reindeer is found only on the Svalbard archipelago. This is the smallest of the reindeer and has a lot of fur which only adds to their diminutive appearance. They are, in fact, the most northern living herbivore mammal in the world.

POLAR BEAR Ursus maritimus

WALRUS Odobenus rosmarus

Yes, the King of the Arctic lives here. Polar bears can be seen prowling the coasts, and even swimming in the icy Arctic waters in search of food. On our last expedition, we saw 25; we’re hoping to see even more this time.

Instantly recognisable from their huge tusks, the walrus has large flippers and a fetching moustache. They are often found in large herds by haul-outs. Their dominance displays are impressive and not rare.

BEARDED SEAL Erignathus barbatus

ATLANTIC PUFFIN Fratercula arctica

These solitary creatures can be spotted relaxing on passing ice floes. They have white whiskers on their face which are supremely sensitive and help them find food in the ocean. Easy to recognise, their body looks too big for its front flippers.

Also known as the common puffin, these pretty bird have bright beaks. They can often be seen (as pictured) swimming across the surface of the water, before propelling itself down to feed on small fish beneath the surface.

ARCTIC FOX Vulpes lagopus

HUMPBACK WHALE Megapetra novaeangliae

This hardy, but adorable looking, animal can survive extreme temperatures, as low as -50 degrees Celcius. They have thick white fur in the winter, and in the summer it sheds to a grey colour - helping them stay safer from predators.

Humpbacks are highly migratory species of baleen whale. These large mammals are sometimes seen piercing the surface, or breeching. Their songs are reknwoned for their beauty, and they are well known for being superbly intelligent.

WWW.NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | SALES@NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | UK: +44 (0)1273 691 642 | US: 1866 357 6569 | AU 1800 668 890


YOUR NEXT STEPS

If you want to know more about this safari, or would like to book (spaces are very limited), then get in touch with us straight away. Our Destination Specialists, Tom Brown and Jessica Tiffin, know everything there is to know about this trip, get in touch to speak with them and discouss your requirements.

Contact our Svalbard Destination Specialists and join us, along with Steve Backshall on this journey into the extraordinary.

FIND OUT MORE OR BOOK Call from UK +44(0)1273 691 642 Toll Free from US 1866 357 6569 Toll Free from Australia 1800 66 8890 Email sales@naturalworldsafaris.com

WWW.NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | SALES@NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | UK: +44 (0)1273 691 642 | US: 1866 357 6569 | AU 1800 668 890


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