MEET THE EXPERTS EXPLORE THE ITINERARY SEE THE SHIP DISCOVER THE WILDLIFE BOOK THE SAFARI
THE ULTIMATE ANTARCTICA
PHOTOGRAPHY SAFARI
WITH ANDY ROUSE BY NATURAL WORLD SAFARIS
A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE
a world of natural wonders
An ice sheet so stark and inhospitable that it is uninhabited by man. Antarctica, the 7th continent of the world, is the largest ice mass on Earth and remains a constant fascination for the intrepid and curious. Only navigable by small ice-strengthened vessels following the paths of European explorers of old through a landscape of sea-sculpted icebergs and crashing glaciers, this is the perfect destination for travellers who want to experience one of the world’s last, truly wild, frontiers. In partnership with award-winning wildlife photographer, Andy Rouse, we are pleased to announce an exclusive Antarctica-only adventure from 18th-30th November 2017. For this trip, we have chartered the stabilised ship Akademik Ioffe, spending no less than 7 full days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula (hopefully longer, but this depends on the weather). It will be a voyage targeted at when Antarctica looks at its magnificent best, November, when the peaks are still white with snow and penguin colonies are still surrounded by ice. A snowy Antarctica peppered with peppy penguins is any budding wildlife photographer’s dream; that’s where our expert mentors come in. With plenty of specialised lectures and lots of training on-the-ground we can guarantee you will not only come back with some of your very own magnificent photos, no matter your experience, but you will also learn a thing or two along the way.
Your mentors: Multi award winning professional photographers Andy Rouse and Andrew James will be running a full photographic programme for all levels of ability, including the popular evening image critiques in the theatre presentation room. Internationally renowned wildlife artist Richard Symonds will also be on board, providing expert guidance on how to capture the unique wildlife and landscapes of Antarctica on paper. The excellent expedition guides will be running a lecture programme focusing on the wildlife, biology and history of Antarctica too.
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© Andy Rouse
MEET YOUR EXPERT GUIDE: ANDY ROUSE ABOUT ANDY ROUSE Andy Rouse is a professional wildlife photographer, animal hugger and conservationist. He has won many awards in the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, the British Wildlife Photography Awards, Nature’s Best and the European Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Recently he won the Africa section of the Nature’s Best competition and is the current holder of the Cherry Kearton award for services to wildlife photography from the Royal Geographical Society. Andy’s work sells worldwide across a variety of media from traditional publishing such a calendars and cards to haute couture fashion and even the tailplanes of aircraft! His photographic style is wide ranging, from intimate portraits to high action and intense atmospheric imagery. His latest project uses infra-red modified Canon cameras to bring a new dimension to wildlife photography and he is a Canon Europe Explorer. He is the author of 18 books to date, including the critically acclaimed Concepts of Nature and Gorillas and he has a passion for wild things. He has appeared on numerous BBC and ITV programmes as well as the Discovery and National Geographic channels. He is known as a very passionate and down-to-earth TV and radio presenter. Communicating his enthusiasm for wildlife to the public is a major part of his life and his theatre shows are always packed. He is founder of the FotoBuzz photographic community, which aims to pass on his knowledge of photography to amateur photographers worldwide in a fun and inspiring environment. He is known for always taking an ethical approach to his work and for ensuring that the species he photographs are never affected in any way by his photography. Every year he takes groups to far flung corners of the planet to show them the beauty of the natural world and inspire them to help protect it for generations to come. His last two books, on tigers and mountain gorillas, have raised considerable sums of money for conservation and his latest on Little Owls hopes to do the same.
ANDY ROUSE IS CONSIDERED TO BE ONE OF THE TOP WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHERS ALIVE TODAY AND HAS A HUGE FOLLOWING WORLDWIDE.
Andy always tries to make a difference to the planet with everything that he does. In partnership with Páramo, Andy has developed his own conservation charity, The Aspira Fund, which donates 100% of all profits from a branded garment range to benefit small conservation projects worldwide. Andy has travelled to the Antarctic Peninsula on several occasions, most notably as a civilian photographer on board the Royal Navy icebreaker HMS Endurance.
ANDY ROUSE AND NATURAL WORLD SAFARIS Andy has led numerous successful safaris with NWS including Masai Mara Migration Exclusive Camps, Madagascar, 55 treks to see the Mountain Gorillas on Rwanda and South Georgia. In 2017 he will be leading our exclusive photography safari to Antarctica. The trip, based on Andy’s unique experience in this area, has been designed to provide the best exposure to wildlife in this region and associated photo opportunities. On board, Andy will lead an interactive programme for all guests including educational workshops and collaborative mentoring sessions along with his fellow photographer Andrew James.
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A GALLERY OF ANDY’S ANTARCTIC IMAGES Why travel to Antarctica with an expert wildlife photographer? Well, for anyone who has seen wonderful photos of penguins on ice, or shimmering blue and white icebergs, you know how beautiful the Polar Regions are. But capturing those memories of your once in a lifetime expedition? That’s the tough part. Taking photos in these icy regions of the world is totally different to anywhere else, and requires a little knowledge and guidance. This is exactly why we run these expert-led safaris as you will receive expert tuition at all stages of the trip. In fact before departure you will receive a stunning eBook detailing everything you need to know to make the trip a photographic success, from all the equipment to technical and compositional advice based on Andy’s Antarctica work. No other tour provides this level of photo expertise. Don’t have a fancy camera? That’s okay too! Come back from your once in a lifetime journey, with some stunning images to show off and keep for a lifetime.
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All photos on this page © Andy Rouse
MEET YOUR EXPERT GUIDE: RICHARD SYMONDS ABOUT RICHARD SYMONDS Richard Symonds is an internationally renowned wildlife artist, known for his incredibly lifelike art which captures the essence of wild animals in their natural habitat. Entirely self-taught, Richard has been commissioned by Harley-Davidson, the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the BBC. Travelling all over the world, Richard has spent time in the USA, Africa, Asia, Middle East and Europe in search of wildlife, and it has been a lifelong ambition of his to visit Antarctica. He is actively involved with raising money and awareness for wildlife through his artwork. Richard’s chosen charities include Animals Asia, The Born Free Foundation and the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation. His first life-size painting sold for a staggering $100,000 with part of the proceeds from the sale being donated to The Born Free Foundation. Richard will be on hand throughout the trip, providing informative artistic workshops, demonstrations and presentations on how best to capture the perspective and character of the wildlife you will encounter in Antarctica, which are suitable for all experience levels.
A SELECTION OF RICHARD’S ARTWORK
“IT WILL BE A PRIVILEGE TO VISIT SUCH A STUNNING PLACE AND DRAW THE WILDLIFE THERE, I AM SURE IT WILL INSPIRE WITH ITS INCREDIBLE COLOURS AND LIGHT.”
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DAY BY DAY ITINERARY DAY 1
ARRIVE USHUAIA
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. . . . . . . . .
DURATION
PRICE FROM
13 DAYS
£6,500
WHEN
DESTINATION
NOV 17-30, 2017
ANTARCTICA © Andy Rouse
AN EXCLUSIVE CHANCE TO EXPLORE THE FAR REACHES OF THE GLOBE WITH WORLD RENOWNED WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER, ANDY ROUSE, AND ARTIST RICHARD SYMONDS WWW.NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | SALES@NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | UK: +44 (0)1273 691 642 | US: 1866 357 6569 | AU 1800 668 890
Today you arrive in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world.
DAY 2
USHUAIA . .
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This morning, take some time for any last minute preparations, then in the early afternoon, board the lovely Akademik Ioffe; your home for the next 12 nights. Settle into your cabin and spend the afternoon familiarising yourself with the ship before setting sail along the Beagle Channel towards the great, white continent. Meals included: Dinner
DAYS 3-4
AT SEA Two days will be spent navigating the famous Drake Passage, a deep waterway up to 600 miles wide which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands. Watch out for lots of wildlife and birds along the way! Andy and his team will provide specialist photography workshops at this time. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAYS 5-11
SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS & PENINSULA Spending as much time as possible in zodiacs, intentions are to visit the best places in Antarctica for photography throughout the trip. Exact itinerary will depend on weather conditions. Enjoy photographic lectures and art workshops from the experts. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAYS 12-13
AT SEA - USHUAIA Weather conditions will determine when the anchor is pulled up; however the plan is to set sail today, back to Ushuaia. It’s time to say goodbye to the Great White Continent and maybe grab some last minute photos. There will be another two days or so navigating the Drake Passage on the way back. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
THE SHIP: AKADEMIK IOFFE Sister ship to the Akademik Sergey Vavilov, the Akademik Ioffe was originally built in 1989 for scientific research but has since been refurbished to take travellers to the remote Polar Regions including Svalbard and Antarctica. Renovated with fully ice-strengthened bows and adhering to the highest safety standards, the Akademik Ioffe offers superlative comfort and service, while offering travellers adventurous activities. Client well-being is not forgotten as the modern ship provides a fitness and spa centre too! Spacious communal areas throughout the ship provide plenty of space for guests to relax and delicious cuisine is prepared by an inventive on-board culinary team.
AFTER A DAY EXPLORING ANTARCTICA’S EXCITING WILDERNESS, CLIMB ABOARD THE IOFFE FOR AN EVENING OF INSIGHTFUL LECTURES OR JUST RELAX IN THE WELL-BEING CENTRE.
Forty eight cabins, a very intimate ship.
Well-being centre including fitness room, sauna & plunge pool.
Suitable for over 18s.
Great for exploring the icy waters of Antarctica in the height of comfort.
STYLE AN INTIMATE AND VERY COMFORTABLE SHIP TO EXPLORE THE SOUTHERNMOST REACHES OF THE GLOBE.
A modern ship with high levels of comfort and all the amenities you could need while on your Antarctic expedition. The ship is 117 metres by 18.2 metres wide, with a maximum speed of 14.5 knots.
ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES There are four cabin styles on board the Akademik Ioffe: triple, twin (semi-private), twin (private) and superior. Each of these offers ample space, with enough room to store your luggage, as well as soft, warm bedding. There are two additional suites; the Shackleton suite and the One Ocean suite. Both of these suites are complete with separate comfortable lounge area, large windows that open, fully-equipped private bathroom facilities and a fully stocked bar.
DINING All meals are provided during your expedition. Dining is a sumptuous affair with a range of cuisine served up by the on-board team of talented and creative chefs. WWW.NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | SALES@NATURALWORLDSAFARIS.COM | UK: +44 (0)1273 691 642 | US: 1866 357 6569 | AU 1800 668 890
AKADEMIK IOFFE DECKPLAN TRIPLE CABIN
£6,500 Per Person Cabins have bunk beds with two long drawers that pull out for storage. The sofa bed is positioned fore/ aft underneath the portholes. There is a washbasin with h/c water in the cabin, a writing desk and chair. Deck: 3 Facilities are shared.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: Ship Name: Akademik Ioffe Ship Length: 117 metres Built: Rauma, Finland Date of Build: 1989 Beam: 18.2 metres Draught: 6 metres Gross Tonnage: 6450 tonnes Speed (max): 14.5 knots Passengers: 96 Crew & Staff: 65 Zodiacs: 10 Power: Twin engine, 5,000 Kw diesel Electrical Outlets: 220 volts, 50 Hz Classification: Canadian Type B, Lloyds Register 1A Flag: Russian Vessel Stability: Internal 450t water ballasted stabiliser system
FACILITIES The ship is well equipped with numerous on-board facilities designed to make your journey as comfortable as possible. The spacious dining room allows us to seat all passengers comfortably.
Breakfast is buffet-style and other meals are served by the stewards. We can cater for most dietary needs, so long as you advise us well in advance of travel. Water, coffee and tea are available throughout the day, and there is a good wine list on board. There is also a bar with a wide selection of beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks. There is a library overlooking the bow of the ship as well as several other spaces where you can relax and watch the world go by. We have a large Presentation Room, and areas where you can hook up to onboard computers to download and/or manage your digital slide libraries. For health and relaxation, there is a small gym, a sauna, an icy plunge pool, and a relaxing spa where our massage therapist will ease those weary muscles. There is also a well-stocked medical clinic with a medical officer on every trip. Rooms are cleaned daily, sheets are changed twice a week, and there is a laundry service, similar to a hotel, with a bag and price list. We also have a gift shop that opens each day, offering high quality gear and souvenirs, as well as a small supply of toiletries.
TWIN SEMI-PRIVATE
£7,995 Per Person Cabins have two lower berths (one bed, one sofa bed) a writing desk, ample storage, tall cupboards for clothes, a desk, chair, bookshelf, and a window. Deck: 4 There is one bathroom between two cabins.
TWIN PRIVATE
£8,995 Per Person Cabins have two lower berths, private washroom facilities (sink, shower, toilet, medicine cabinet), tall cupboards, a desk, chair, bookshelf, and a window. These cabins are spacious and well appointed. Decks: 4&5 Facilites are private
SUPERIOR CABIN
SHACKLETON SUITE
ONE OCEAN SUITE
£9,750 Per Person Spacious and well appointed cabins with two lower berths, a loveseat, writing desk/chair, ample storage, private washroom facilities and a window. These are not accessible via the elevator.
£10,250 Per Person Separated into two spacious rooms; a ‘lounge’ with a sofa bed, large table, desk, chair, ample storage and a large window. Bedroom has a double berth with upgraded linen/pillows, night light, private facilities, a region specific iPad, mini stereo, coffee maker, fully stocked mini bar, iPod alarm clock with audio line.
£10,995 Per Person This cabin is separated into two very spacious rooms. One for relaxation with a sofa bed, large table, desk, chair, ample storage, large windows overlooking the bow. The private and spacious bedroom features a double bed with upgraded linen/pillows, night light, private facilities (with a bathtub and shower), a region specific iPad, mini stereo, coffee maker, fully stocked mini bar, iPod alarm clock with audio line, a chair, cupboards and windows overlooking the port side.
Deck: 6 Facilities are private.
Decks: 4 & 5 Facilities are private.
Deck: 5 Facilites are private.
ANTARCTICA IN NOVEMBER WHAT TO EXPECT Right at the start of the season, November is an excellent month for your Antarctic expedition. As the continent emerges from its long dark winter, springtime brings with it a surge of life. Minke, southern right whales and humpbacks return to Antarctic waters to feed. Albatross and petrels can be spotted as they fly the Drake Passage while the comical blue-eyed shags also make their return to Antarctica.
WITH COURTING PENGUINS, STUNNING LANDSCAPES, AND ROSE-COLOURED SUNSETS, NOVEMBER IS AN EXCELLENT TIME TO TRAVEL TO ANTARCTICA. Landscapes are at their most pristine, still covered in sparkling snow, while the sea ice is at its most impressive. It’s not just the landscape that is looking its best; penguins are busy courting, nest building and laying their eggs - they are arguably at their most entertaining with their antics. Penguins and seals can often be found on icebergs at this time of year. It’s a great month for photographers; yet to move into 24 hour daylight, the lengthening days are concluded with fantastic evening light and beautiful rose-coloured sunsets.
NOVEMBER AVERAGES The below are based on Antarctica’s coast. Temperatures towards the South Pole are much colder!
Day time average maximum temperature -6.7 degrees Centigrade
Night time minimum temperature -12.7 degrees Centigrade
Average amount of precipitation 9.5mm
Average number of daylight hours 18-20
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All photos on this page © Andy Rouse
WILDLIFE IN ANTARCTICA ADELIE PENGUIN Named after the wife of French Antarctic explorer Dumont d’Urville, Adelie’s are confined to the coastal waters of Antarctica. They are medium sized with black heads and beaks, but their most noticeable feature is a white ring around the eye.
ANTARCTICA 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.
MACARONI PENGUIN The crest refers to the orange tufty plumes on their eyebrows and was thought to resemble the bizarre ‘Macaroni Coiffure’ of the 18th Century and gave birth to their name. They are probably the most abundant with an estimated population of 12 million pairs. © Andy Rouse
KING PENGUINS
WHALES
King penguins are the second largest penguins weighing between 11-16 kg (24-35 lb) and have an eye-catching patch of orange-gold feathers on their neck. They are expert divers, consistently plummeting to depths of over 250 metres.
During your expedition watch out for baleen whales such as humpbacks, minke, blue, southern right, sei and fin. It may also be possible to see orca, southern bottlenose and sperm whales, as well as three different dolphin species.
CHINSTRAP PENGUINS
SEALS & SEA LIONS
Chinstrap penguins are the most common in the Antarctic regions, with an estimated population of eight million pairs found just on the Antarctic Peninsula. Their diet consists of mainly crustaceans and they can dive to up 70 metres.
Seals found in Antarctica include leopard, Antarctic fur, crabeater, Weddell, and South American fur seals. As well as, of course, the magnificent elephant seals. It is also possible to see South American sea lions, which have a full lion-like mane.
© Andy Rouse
© Andy Rouse
GENTOO PENGUIN
BIRDS
The gentoo penguin has the most prominent tail of all penguins, and as they waddle along on land, it sticks out behind, sweeping from side to side. During the winter they roam around the pack ice and in summer they return south to the Antarctic coast.
Birds will often accompany you whilst aboard the Ioffe, especially as you navigate the Drake Passage. Species include skuas, giant Antarctic petrels, Cape petrels, storm petrels, snow petrels, and the Antarctic Fulmar.
© Andy Rouse
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© Andy Rouse
CARING FOR THE FRAGILE ENVIRONMENT WILDLIFE On the occasions that we are in areas where there is a possibility of wildlife sightings, the ship’s officers and staff are constantly on the lookout. However, please don’t hesitate to report a sighting to the bridge or staff. If we are fortunate enough to spot wildlife, we will announce it from the bridge, regardless of the hour. If you wish to go back to sleep please do so!
RESPECT WILDLIFE Do not feed, touch, or handle birds or seals, or approach or photograph them in ways that cause them to alter their behaviour. Special care is needed when animals are breeding or moulting. Keep a minimum distance of 5 metres (15 feet) from all wildlife.
RESPECT VEGETATION Do not damage plants, by walking or landing on extensive moss beds or lichen-covered scree slopes. They are fragile and take generations to grow.
RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT Do not collect or take away biological or geological specimens or artefacts as souvenirs, and do not litter or dispose of rubbish on land.
TAKE PHOTOS WITH CARE Keep low, as you will appear less threatening to animals and it will also yield better photographs. Do not try to make an animal react for a photograph. If an animal’s behaviour changes, you are too close.
© Andy Rouse
STAY SAFE Take note of, and act on, the advice and instructions from your leaders, and do not stray from your group.
CONSERVATION Please keep in mind that many of the places you are visiting on the voyages are unique. We, at Natural World Safaris, are very
proud of our outstanding reputation for conservation and respect for all the ecosystems we visit. Please assist us in maintaining this reputation. Our lecturers and staff will accompany you on shore excursions and provide you with guidance and specific information for the region. We kindly ask you to bring back any kind of rubbish to your ship where it will be correctly disposed of.
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TRAVELLING TO THE REMOTE AND FRAGILE ENDS OF THE EARTH COMES WITH A GREAT RESPONSIBILITY TO TAKE CARE OF IT.
YOUR NEXT STEPS
© Andy Rouse
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 know everything there is to know about this trip, get in touch to speak with them and discuss your requirements.
Contact our Antarctica Destination Specialists and join us, along with Andy Rouse and Richard Symonds, 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