Winter/Spring | 2021
Tailor-made holidays and expert-led small group tours
Welcome
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t seems as though we are finally emerging from the Covid-19 era with the advent of vaccines and the gradual opening up of countries around the world. It feels to me as though we are rubbing our eyes and looking at a new world, one that has been closed down for the best part of a year, but that we are now finally able to raise our gaze above the horizon, look at the blue sky and think about some of the wonderful places in the world we can travel to – cautiously, responsibly, and even more respectfully than before. We are delighted to welcome you to our latest Seasonal Brochure – packed with new and exciting holiday ideas for you. During the past months we have been active and creative, and have developed some wonderful new tours which you will find adorning the following pages. A unique expert-led self-drive holiday in Namibia for example, exploring all the wonders of this magnificent desert country, a wild and exclusive safari to the wilderness of the Okavango Delta in Botswana, the ultimate safari in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley and even a visit to Zambia’s Bangweulu Swamps to see endemic black lechwe and the extraordinary-looking shoebill. Closer to home we introduce the first ever ‘Festival of British Wildlife’ in the Scottish Highlands with an amazing expert line-up, as well as a range of new trips to Mull and the Shetland Islands. If the wildlife of Europe is more appealing, then read about Dan Free’s adventures to Slovenia and his quest for Eurasian lynx in Estonia. There is also an exciting new option for bear watching in Finland’s taiga forests. Further afield we have some exciting special offers to Antarctica for departures in late 2022, and of course, we would love you to join us in Svalbard for our 2021 Festival of Wildlife. Finally, we have two new concepts for you – expert-led Sketchbook Safaris for those of you with an inclination to record your wildlife with paints and pencil sketches, and for the very first time, the opportunity to enjoy privately-guided, tailor-made photographic holidays. We think this is more than enough to keep you reading, and would love to chat to you about your next wildlife holiday!
Chris Breen, Founder
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Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays
Contents Zambia: The Heart of Luangwa & Bangweulu NEW 4/5 Namibia: Guided Self-driving in Africa’s Wilderness NEW 6/7 Botswana: Wild Okavango Delta NEW 8/9 Safari Slowly – Reconnect with Nature NEW 10/11 Sketchbook Safaris NEW 12/13 Tailor-made Wildlife Photography NEW 14/15 Our Photography Tour Leaders
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Expert-led Small Group Photography Tours Meet the Photographer: Sean Weekly
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Scotland: Festival of British Wildlife NEW 20/21 Scotland: Isle of Mull NEW
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Shetland Isles: Seabird Spectacular with Mike Dilger NEW 24/25 Slovenia: Brown Bears & Picture Perfect Lake Bled NEW 26/27 Lynx Quest: News from the Field NEW
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Finland: Europe’s Most Exclusive Bear Watching NEW
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India: Tigers, Snow Leopards & Red Pandas NEW
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Polar Wildlife Voyages
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Group Tours Calendar 2021/2022
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Festival of Wildlife Spitsbergen
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Online Wildlife Presentations & Photography Competition
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Tailor-made Holidays We excel at tailoring holidays which allow you the freedom and flexibility to travel how, when and where you want to go. You may want to see a certain species, visit specific locations, or need to travel at a certain time of year. To guide you through the options, we provide ‘trip ideas’, designed by our expert team to give you an idea of the possibilities and prices, and we can create a holiday to meet your exact requirements. For the first time we are also offering tailor-made photography holidays – see pages 14/15 for more details.
Small Group Tours Our collection of small group tours has rapidly expanded and we now offer a wide range of over 230 trips to some of the wildest places on Earth. Travelling as part of a small group can be hugely rewarding, allowing you to meet like-minded wildlife enthusiasts and benefit from the expertise of a naturalist tour leader. If you prefer to travel independently, or with your friends and family, a large number of our group tours can be adapted and organised on a private basis.
Book with Confidence In these uncertain times our ‘Book with Confidence Promise’ (details on our website) and the full Covid-19 cover now available from a number of travel insurance companies, mean you can plan and book your wildlife holiday with complete peace of mind. We are working closely with our overseas partners to ensure that the operation of all our holidays is fully compliant with the new protocols in place for safe travel. All holiday prices in this brochure are based on two people sharing a room/cabin, and include flights from the UK, wildlife activities, accommodation and transfers (except where specified). Prices are correct at time of going to print. For full details contact our expert wildlife team.
sales@wildlifeworldwide.com
Opening Hours We are open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and also on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm in January, February and March.
01962 302055
www.wildlifeworldwide.com
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Zambia
The Heart of Luangwa & Bangweulu There is no doubt that 2020 was an unusual year – I think it is only the second time since the mid-1980s that I have not managed to get to Africa, and particularly to Zambia – I really miss it.
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s you walk off the plane in Lusaka, I highly recommend keeping an eye out for the charming little swifts that nest on the terminal building. If you are particularly lucky, you may even see a raptor or two overhead. Breathing in the warm African air is hard to describe, but I cannot wait to experience it once more. It is even better when arriving in Mfuwe, situated in the heart of the Luangwa Valley. It is like arriving home, for me at least – with carmine and white-fronted bee-eaters, lilac-breasted rollers and possibly a fly-past from a magnificent bateleur eagle – all before you have even collected your bags A scenic drive in an open vehicle, takes us through busy villages and across the bridge which spans the Luangwa River. The bridge marks the entrance to the national park and is the first wildlife stop. With stunning views up and down the river, it provides the perfect opportunity to see large numbers of hippos and enormous crocodiles, as well as egrets, herons, storks and possibly a fish eagle (if you do not hear them first). Broadly following the course of the Luangwa River, we head south to a remote, wild and rarely visited part of the park where our ‘camp’ awaits. The wildlife is simply sublime. It is possible to see impala, zebra, bushbuck, buffalo and puku (an antelope endemic to this part of Africa) before even arriving in camp. Situated in the shade of trees along the Manzi River, a beautiful collection of traditional thatched rondavels, each with a large verandah, will be home for the next few nights. It is the perfect place to sit back and watch families of elephants drinking peacefully, as if nothing has changed for millennia. Safaris in this part of the park are incredibly rewarding, with lions among
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the many other highlights. From here, a low-level flight across the Luangwa Valley takes you to the Nsefu sector. On the eastern side of the river sits Tafika, one of the oldest and most established lodges in the valley. It is simply wonderful, blending in with its natural surroundings and providing everything you could wish for, including a river view like no other in Africa. On my first morning at Tafika a year or so ago, we watched a pack of wild dogs on the other side of the river whilst we enjoyed our pre game-drive cuppa – not a bad start! Wild dog and lion are amongst the major predators in the park, but for many the real prize is leopard. The opportunities to see these usually elusive big cats are exceptional in South Luangwa, either during the day or on exciting night-time excursions. And for me, visiting the Valley is not just about 4-wheel drive safaris, it is being out on foot and at eye-level with the wildlife. Learning about the tracks and trails, grasses, trees and birds, and letting the sights, sounds and smells of the wilderness fill your senses. Most will visit Zambia during the dry season (June to October), but the country is a world-class wildlife and birding destination throughout the year. A visit to the Bangweulu Swamps is a must for a green season safari. Bangweulu is untouched, rarely visited and bursting with life. Tens of thousands of endemic black lechwe (a magnificent water-loving antelope), harriers, ducks, geese and the piece-de-resistance … the utterly bizarre shoebill. A large and unusual-looking bird, the shoebill makes its home amongst the papyrus swamps of Bangweulu. Combine Bangweulu and South Luangwa and you have the perfect green season safari.
NEW Bangweulu Wetlands & South Luangwa National Park This exciting new 12-day trip combines two of Zambia’s most prized natural assets, the Bangweulu Wetlands and South Luangwa National Park. With exclusive use of two remote camps we go in search of the bizarre shoebill, huge herds of endemic black lechwe and the big cats and elephants of the Luangwa Valley. 26 May 2022 12 days, from £6,895 Group size: 8
NEW Ultimate South Luangwa Combining two of the finest camps in the South Luangwa National Park, Kuyenda and Tafika, this exclusive small group tour will provide one of the best wildlife experiences that Zambia has to offer. Travelling at the perfect time of year to optimise sightings, we should encounter wild dog, Thornicroft’s giraffe, lion, African fish eagle, leopard and many other species. 20 Sep 2022 12 days, from £7,995 Group size: 12 Leader: Chris Breen
Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays
We Create Outstanding Wildlife Holidays
Image by Bret Charman
Our website features over 100 small group and tailor-made holidays to Africa
sales@wildlifeworldwide.com
01962 302055
www.wildlifeworldwide.com
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Namibia
Guided Self-driving in Africa’s Wilderness Namibia may just be the perfect destination to travel to in a ‘post-Covid’ world. Here, Director Nick Joynes explains why this remote country ticks all the boxes for an exceptional adventure in an exclusive ‘bubble’.
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ollowing months of travel restrictions, lockdowns and spending a lot more time at home than we are used to, we have all been dreaming of destinations to escape to. Whilst there are many countries to choose from, Namibia’s combination of vast open spaces, stunning landscapes, remote wilderness, warm climate and superb wildlife should place the country firmly at the top of your list. Even when things were ‘normal’, Namibia’s remarkable scenery, luxurious lodges, resplendent night skies and desert-adapted wildlife provided more than enough reason to visit this amazing country, but now Namibia’s appeal is even greater. Being one of the least densely populated countries in the world, social distancing or being in a bubble poses no problem at all – in fact, in many areas you may well find that (apart from the flora and fauna around you) you are the only living soul for many miles around. We are expanding our programme of holidays to Namibia and are excited to launch a new trip with a unique concept – a guided selfdrive tour. One of the best ways to explore and experience Namibia is to self-drive in your own 4-wheel drive vehicle so we have designed a tour which allows you to experience the joy of self-driving and combine this with the services of an expert local guide. A guide will accompany the group throughout in a lead vehicle and will not only locate wildlife and highlight points of interest, but also be on hand to help navigate Namibia’s dirt roads by communicating with on-board radios. The guide will be able to advise which gear to be in, the best route around any potential obstacles and any other information which will really enhance the holiday experience. This new itinerary includes the must-see locations of Etosha National Park and the Namib Desert, but the country has an abundance
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of other remarkable locations and wildlife to experience. Searching for desert-adapted elephants, brown hyena, the critically endangered desert lions of the Skeleton Coast or tracking the only free roaming population of black rhino in ‘Kaokoland’, provide thrilling wildlife encounters in this rugged hinterland. Witnessing the coastal wildlife, such as the gigantic Cape fur seal colony at Cape Cross, the enormous population of lesser and greater flamingos in Walvis Bay, or spotting pods of Heaviside’s and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in the offshore waters are equally unforgettable. Plus, Namibia is a mecca for birdwatching, especially in the Erongo Mountains or throughout the Caprivi Strip, where over 480 species have been identified. So, there you have it! If you are craving an encounter with fantastic wildlife, in a place with awe-inspiring landscapes, where you can feel safe being distanced from everyone else, then booking a place on one of our fully-guided small group departures to Namibia is all you need to do …
NEW Namibia Wildlife & Wilderness Led throughout by an expert guide in a lead vehicle, this 4-wheel drive, self-drive and socially distanced exploration of Namibia is the perfect way to experience this immense country and its remarkable desert-adapted wildlife. 11 Sep 2021 & 10 Sep 2022 17 days, from £4,895 Group size: 6
Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays
We Create Outstanding Wildlife Holidays
Our small group trips are available on a private, tailor-made basis, to find out more contact our expert team
sales@wildlifeworldwide.com
01962 302055
www.wildlifeworldwide.com
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Botswana Delta Dreamin’
General Manager Dan Free explains why he rates Botswana as Africa’s ultimate safari destination and introduces an exciting new trip to the Okavango Delta, combining comfortable mobile camping with an excellent private lodge.
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t is no secret that I am a big fan of Botswana and it is to here, above any other destination, that I most long to return. I love the wildness of the country, the incredible diversity of habitats and the superb wildlife viewing opportunities it presents, particularly in the Okavango Delta. When I first joined Wildlife Worldwide three years ago, I introduced our Best of Botswana trip, a nine night mobile camping trip combining Moremi Game Reserve, Khwai Concession and Chobe National Park. It is a trip that I have undertaken with my wife on multiple occasions and one that has become one of our most popular small group holidays. Building on the success of this trip, we are delighted to offer a slightly more relaxing option that will combine six nights of fully-serviced mobile camping in Khwai and Moremi, with a further three nights at Mma Dinare Lodge, located on a private 272 square kilometre concession. With exclusive use of this comfortable tented lodge we will be able to settle in and unwind, setting our own programme of activities and enjoying the benefits of being on a private concession. Night drives, mokoro boat trips and walking safaris should all be an option in this exceptionally wildlife rich area of the delta. Over the course of our nine night stay we can expect to encounter a wealth of wildlife. Large herds of elephant, buffalo and antelope species such as impala, lechwe, kudu and red hartebeest will almost certainly be a feature of the trip alongside giraffe and zebra. Inevitably with such a high concentration of prey animals we will encounter a variety of predators and we have an excellent chance of seeing lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena and wild dog. During our stay at Mma Dinare we will also meet J.W. (‘Tico’) McNutt, Founder and Director of Botswana Predator Conservation to hear about the invaluable work which his team are undertaking in the area. Birder or not, one cannot help but marvel at the spectacular range of avian species on display in the delta. Electrifying lilacbreasted rollers adorn acacia trees, cartoon like saddle-billed storks, bizarre openbills and shimmering glossy ibis patrol shallow pools, while secretary birds stalk the grasslands. All under the watchful eye of soaring vultures, bateleur, tawny and martial eagles. As darkness falls a new cast of characters takes centre stage as civets, genets, African porcupine, lesser bushbaby and spring
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hares emerge from their daytime hiding. With luck we may even be fortunate enough to see some of the delta’s smaller cat species, including African wild cat and serval, or perhaps even a honey badger, reputedly one of Africa’s most fearless animals. Whilst the potential wildlife sightings are a huge draw and a key focus of the trip, it is actually the smaller things that we take for granted at the time that I have found myself yearning for most. The smell of the campfire, the soothing repetitive coo of a Cape turtle dove and the joy you feel as the sun clears the horizon and warms your face on a cool morning drive. Having been confined to the office for so long, I am delighted to be leading this trip in June 2022 with my good friend Disho – unquestionably one of the best guides in Africa. It promises to be a fantastic trip and we would love for you to join us!
NEW Okavango Delta – Under Canvas & Lodge Safari Combining the unique wilderness experience of fully-serviced mobile camping, with the comfort of an intimate private lodge (pictured above), this exciting new trip to Botswana’s Okavango Delta is the complete safari. In the company of expert guides we will explore on foot, by mokoro and on traditional game drives, encountering some of the best wildlife on the continent. 18 Jun 2022 12 days, from £5,995 Group size: 12 (split between two vehicles) Leaders: Dan Free & Gabatsholwe Disho Dedicated photography departure Led by Emma Healey, Bret Charman & Gabatsholwe Disho 2 Jul 2022, 12 days from £6,495
Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays
We Create Outstanding Wildlife Holidays
Image by Dani Free
Our small group trips are available on a private, tailor-made basis, to find out more contact our expert team
sales@wildlifeworldwide.com
01962 302055
www.wildlifeworldwide.com
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Safari Slowly Reconnect with Nature
An extended stay in one of the world’s finest wildernesses where you can relax, experience the incredible wildlife and reconnect with nature once again is surely the perfect tonic.
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ith all the lockdowns, restrictions on international travel and constant reminders about coronavirus, 2020 was an exhausting year and had us all dreaming of destinations that we could escape to in the future. There is nothing better than spending several nights in a comfortable lodge in the middle of the wilderness to relax, unwind, take things slowly and just enjoy the wildlife and environment – for us at Wildlife Worldwide, this would be the perfect remedy to 2020 and the trials and tribulations it has brought. Some of us have been yearning to venture back to the great plains and savannah of East and Southern Africa, home to the first true safari. From the wildlife haven of the Okavango Delta to the remote and awe-inspiring landscapes of Namibia, there is no end of places to reconnect with nature on the African continent. Alternatively, some may wish to stay closer to home. If there is one benefit from the lockdowns and the travel restrictions, it has been rediscovering the wonders of our native wildlife. There are few better places for truly experiencing the wildlife of the British Isles than in the Scottish Highlands or on the Isle of Mull against a stunning backdrop of rugged and weathered scenery. Whether it is watching grizzly bears, orcas and humpback whales in British Columbia, from a lodge situated in the heart of the Broughton Archipelago, or joining us on one of our small group trips to the now famous Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka, India, in search of the enigmatic black panther, there is somewhere to suit everyone. Wherever you choose to gather your thoughts, move on from the difficulties of 2020 and revive your passion for the natural world. It will be a moment that lives long in the memory as you remember just how good it feels to be travelling again and encountering all of those remarkable species that you come across. It feels like it has been forever, but the time to head out on safari once again is coming. On this occasion though we will all safari slower, taking more time to appreciate where we are, what we have come through, immerse ourselves in the natural environment and revel in the wildlife that we encounter because we will finally be back where we truly want to be!
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Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays
NEW Canada: Safari Slowly on Canada’s West Coast Travel to Canada’s West Coast and take time to immerse yourself and enjoy the serenity in one of the finest wildlife locations in North America. Experience the region’s wealth of wildlife with opportunities to encounter grizzly bear, humpback whale, bald eagle, black bear and orca. Trip idea, Jun-Oct 10 days, from £5,295
South Africa’s Rare Mammals in Style Join us on this exclusive small group safari as we enjoy seven nights at South Africa’s largest private game reserve, Tswalu, with the chance to view rare mammals including pangolin, aardvark, aardwolf and brown hyena. 11 Jun 2021 & 18 Jun 2022 10 days, from £9,495 Group size: 9
Zambia: Classic South Luangwa Safari South Luangwa National Park is Zambia’s premier wildlife destination and it has been one of our most popular destinations for many-a-year. Join us on this classic small group safari where we spend an entire week exploring this iconic park in search of its amazing wildlife. 12 & 19 Jun 2021 & 18 Jun 2022 10 days, from £2,995 Group size: 12 (split between two vehicles)
UK: Autumn in the Scottish Highlands Join Mike Dilger in the Scottish Highlands, in the midst of Autumn, with migrating waders heading south, golden eagles soaring over mountains and red deer stags roaring in the hills. We enjoy an entire week in Scotland to truly experience one of the finest wildlife locations in the British Isles. 16 Oct & 20 Nov 2021 8 days, from £1,595 Group size: 5
India: Nagarhole’s Tigers, Wild Dogs & Leopards Unwind in India’s unspoilt south on our small group tour spending seven nights in Nagarhole National Park. A haven for wildlife, this park offers a tantalising variety of iconic mammals such as tigers, wild dogs and leopards, along with one very special cat – a melanistic leopard. 5 Dec 2021; 20 Feb; 6, 13 & 27 Mar; 3, 10 & 24 Apr 2022 10 days, from £3,495 Group size: 6
sales@wildlifeworldwide.com
01962 302055
www.wildlifeworldwide.com
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Sketchbook Safaris
Observing & Appreciating Nature Creatively Travel Consultant Sarah Malcolm used lockdown to develop her passion for drawing and painting, and has now created a series of new Sketchbook Safari Workshops and Tours, together with professional artist Trevor Waugh.
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ooking for silver linings in lockdown, mine came in the form of a paintbrush. Nature has always inspired me and I would scribble in reverence of the natural world on scraps of paper, but earlier this year I decided to genuinely explore my creativity as I embarked on a foundation art course, mentored by internationally renowned artist Trevor Waugh. As I spent the summer months locked down in Devon, painting and drawing, I looked for inspiration in photographs from my travels and other travellers’ photography. I began to imagine what it would be like sketching the comings and goings of wildlife from the edge of a waterhole rather than a silent, one dimensional reference on my phone screen. The forced ‘time-out’ enabled me to discover the joy and fulfilment that painting has provided, and I am delighted to share such an opportunity with you in announcing our new Sketchbook Safari series. Whether you have previously painted, turned to art during lockdown or are interested in learning a new skill, our Sketchbook Safaris will allow you to develop your creativity in spectacular wildlife locations. Joined by Trevor Waugh, whose demonstrations and tutorship will improve your ability to draw and paint wildlife, we will also experience nature from a new perspective. In these workshops Trevor will encourage us to look deeper into nature and teach us that observation is our greatest tool. By truly observing a subject we can gain a significantly clearer understanding and appreciation. How often do we properly consider the contours of an impala’s horns, the spectrum of colours in a starling’s iridescent plumage or the nuanced postures of painted dogs? Studying the form, colour and movement of wildlife in their natural environments enables us to create better drawings and paintings. UK-based workshops will include three days in the New Forest, where our small group will search for deer and native ponies to paint en plein air. During a full day at Cotswold Wildlife Park Trevor will teach ways to capture movement and form of animals from life when observing a fantastic variety of both rare and iconic
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species. A five day trip to Lundy Island allows us to enjoy exclusive use of Millcombe House, a base from which we explore this idyllic traffic-free island as we paint puffins and coastal landscapes. Taking our sketchbooks further afield to study the enchanting African wildlife and landscapes of Botswana’s Okavango region, we are excited to launch a new small group trip with exclusive stays at two lodges in Khwai Private Reserve. Both lodges offer exceptional wildlife watching but with varied environments and activities. From the decking of Hyena Pan Lodge, set amongst a forest of cathedral mopane, we overlook a natural waterhole to paint the visiting herds of elephants that descend to quench their thirst, we also sketch the wonderful wildlife encountered on game drives and mokoro safaris during our stay at The Jackal & Hide. With pencil and paintbrush in hand we observe wildlife – notably without a background rattle of camera shutters – and convey each encounter in our sketchbooks, producing a unique, in-time album of our own experience and creation. This will be a memento of your wildlife holiday and a source of inspiration and reference when you return to paint more at home. The small group format means that you will receive personalised and expert guidance, and all are welcome with any level of experience.
Meet Trevor Waugh Trevor Waugh is an internationally renowned and highly regarded British fine artist living in Wiltshire, England. Working mainly with watercolour and oils, and occasionally in mixed media, his paintings can be found in many private and royal collections around the world. Trevor works in an impressionistic, loose artistic style that brings light and life to his chosen subjects. Trevor is passionate not only about painting but also teaching, reflected in his vast experience in running workshops both abroad and in the UK.
Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays
NEW New Forest
During a full-day workshop at Cotswold Wildlife Park, Trevor Waugh will teach you techniques to capture movement and form of various species. Drawing from life allows you to notice the important details and include them in your study.
The New Forest in spring is a vibrant place, full of life and colour. During our three day workshop we will study deer and New Forest ponies en plein air, learning techniques to paint subjects in their natural environment.
26 Apr 2021, 1 day, from £195, Group size: 5
11 May 2021, 3 days, from £595, Group size: 8
NEW Lundy Island
NEW Botswana
The sensational coastal scenery of Lundy remains unspoiled and is home to colonies of puffins, other seabirds and is laden with wildflowers at this time of year. We will not be short of inspiration during our watercolour workshop.
During workshops in an exclusive hide, lodge-based demonstrations, as well as boat and game drives, you will develop your portfolio of sketches whilst enjoying one of the world’s most exquisite wildlife destinations.
14 Jun 2022, 5 days, from £850, Group size: 10
14 May 2022, 10 days, from £5,995, Group size: 12
sales@wildlifeworldwide.com
01962 302055
www.wildlifeworldwide.com
Artwork by Trevor Waugh & Sarah Malcolm
NEW Cotswold Wildlife Park
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Wildlife Photography New & Exciting Tailor-made Holidays
The focus is yours with our new tailor-made photography holidays. Take advantage of our extensive destination knowledge and expert team of photographic leaders to create your dream photography trip with your chosen leader. From UK workshops to extended overseas trips, the choice is yours.
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ver the years we have curated a remarkable selection of group tours dedicated to wildlife photography. These have ventured from the poles, through rainforests, savannahs and mountains to observe and photograph some of the world’s most spectacular wildlife in their natural habitats. Following the success of these small group trips, we are now combining the photography focus with our extensive experience of creating bespoke tailor-made holidays. Some of the best photography leaders in the industry will be on hand to provide exclusive tuition on your itinerary and date of choice. Our new tailor-made photography option gives you the flexibility to choose when, where and with whom you wish to travel. Select from one of our existing photography itineraries or ask our team to help design a unique itinerary specifically tailored for you. You may have a target species or specific ecosystem you wish to photograph or you may wish to develop techniques and skills in a dedicated workshop. Regardless of your aim, the focus is yours and the options are many. Our specialist team of photography leaders (see overleaf) offer a range of expertise, from landscape, macro and general wildlife
photography to a documentary and conservation focus. We can help you to decide the best-matched leader to accompany you and develop your technical skills through personalised tuition ‘in the field’. A UK-based tailor-made workshop provides the perfect opportunity to familiarise yourself with a new leader and to focus on a particular aspect of photography. Hunker down in the New Forest, unseen by the browsing red deer stag, as you frame its noble antlers amongst the bracken or refine macro techniques amongst the plant, fungi and insect life. From a hide in Hampshire, focus on the turquoise kingfisher adorning a perch across the pond. Your expert photographic guide seated next to you will provide the tips required for you to capture the jewel-like bird as its beak breaks the water before momentarily disappearing in its dive for fish. Venturing to a remote private hide in Finland, play with composition as bears and wolverine navigate the boreal forests, or add a colourful blur of motion into your Zambia safari gallery as you perch along the banks of the Luangwa River, bustling with bee-eaters, before you cross the grassy plains and woodlands to photograph the prolific wildlife. These are our suggestions, but the options are endless so be sure to contact our expert team.
Suggested Tailor-made Photography Tours & Workshops
NEW New Forest Deer Photography
NEW Hampshire Bird Photography
Venture into the ancient open woodland and heather-clad heaths of the New Forest for a wealth of fantastic photography opportunities. Capture atmospheric images of wild fallow, red and possibly roe deer in their natural environment.
A fantastic opportunity to practice and improve your photographic skills and capture some unique images of iconic British birds for your portfolio, including kestrels and kingfishers, on a two day hide-based workshop.
Trip idea, Sep-Nov 1 day, from £250
Trip idea, Sep-Mar 2 days, from £450 Contact us today to plan your tailor-made photography trip.
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Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays
NEW Zambia Photo Safari
Embark on a remarkable photography tour to capture Finland’s finest predators – brown bear, Eurasian wolf and wolverine – in the magical boreal forest. Make the most of private hides for unrivalled images of these iconic species.
Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park is a photographer’s paradise with exquisite light, stunning wildlife and some of the best guides in Africa. This ten day tour is designed to maximise photographic opportunities from the comfort of a lodge.
Trip idea, May-Sep 6 days, from £3,475
Trip idea, Jun-Nov 10 days, from £5,495
Image by Bret Charman
NEW Finland – Boreal Predators
See overleaf to find out more about our expert leaders.
sales@wildlifeworldwide.com
01962 302055
www.wildlifeworldwide.com
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Tour Leaders
Meet Our Photography Experts
We are fortunate to work with some of the best wildlife photographers in the industry. They all have extensive experience of leading our small group tours and, where their calendars allow, are also now available for tailor-made trips. Choosing the right leader for your tailor-made photography trip is arguably the most important decision you will make, so we will be on hand to offer assistance. Each has their own style and expertise, coupled with specific destination experience which we will take into account when offering advice on whom is best suited to accompany you.
Mark Carwardine
Bret Charman
Mark Carwardine is a widely published wildlife photographer, having photographed a great variety of species across the globe. He has a wealth of experience leading numerous expeditions, particularly in the polar regions, Canada and in Mexico.
A multi award-winning photographer, Bret has experience leading tours across Europe, Africa and Asia. He also works closer to home photographing the wildlife of the South Downs and New Forest National Parks.
Ben Cherry
Nick Garbutt
Ben is a natural history cameraman and environmental photojournalist, working with the likes of the BBC Natural History Unit and numerous NGOs. His work has taken him far and wide documenting remarkable conservation stories.
An award-winning photographer and critically acclaimed author, Nick has been guiding wildlife and photographic tours for over 20 years. He is particularly well known for his work in tropical rainforests, especially Madagascar and Borneo.
Emma Healey
Alex Hyde
Emma is a popular and experienced photographic leader with a particular interest in macro photography. Costa Rica, Brazil and Borneo are among the many destinations she has travelled to in pursuit of photography.
Alex’s specialist interest in macro photography has taken him around the world in search of fascinating subjects. He has a particular interest in the European Alps where he has spent many years exploring the region’s insect and plant life.
Sean Weekly
Chris Weston
Multi award-winner and full-time photographer, Sean’s work is regularly featured across a range of publications, including national and international press. Sean leads a number of workshops across the UK, Europe and in Africa.
Chris has travelled the globe, from the Poles to the Pacific, from Africa to the Americas, capturing remarkable images of some of the world’s most endangered species. He is an enthusiastic and dedicated tour leader, passionate about sharing his knowledge.
Contact us today to plan your tailor-made photography trip.
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Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays
Expert-led
Small Group Photography Tours
Here is a selection of our small group, expert-led photography tours. To view our full range, or for further information, please visit the website or contact our expert team.
Botswana: Festival of Cats with Nick Garbutt
South Africa’s Rare Mammals Photo Safari with Bret Charman
Pumas, Condors & Landscapes in Winter with Nick Garbutt
Join wildlife photographer Nick Garbutt on our Festival of Cats, a tour dedicated to observing and photographing big cats including lion, leopard and cheetah.
Join this unique photo safari to Tswalu for unparalleled opportunities to photograph some of Africa’s rarest mammals, such as pangolin and aardvark.
Join wildlife photographer Nick Garbutt in the austral winter for ample opportunities to capture images of puma, Andean condor and unsurpassable landscapes.
19 May 2021 10 days, from £6,995
2 Jul 2021 10 days, from £9,995
17 Jul 2021 & 3 Jul 2022 16 days, from £9,495
Mana Pools: Wild Dogs & Elephants with Bret Charman
North Pantanal Photo Safari
South Luangwa Photo Safari
Explore Mana Pools National Park, accompanied throughout by Bret, as we experience remarkable encounters with African wild dogs and bull elephants.
Discover the magic of the North Pantanal to capture images of wonderful wildlife ranging from hyacinth macaw and ocelot to jaguar and giant river otter.
This small group tour to Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park – one of the finest wildlife locations in Southern Africa – is an ideal introduction to a photo safari.
12 Aug 2021 11 days, from £7,995
6 Sep 2021 12 days, from £5,995
30 Oct & 6 Nov 2021 10 days, from £4,495
Ethiopia: A Unique Wonder
Searching for Snow Leopards with Nick Garbutt
Japan’s Winter Wildlife Photography with Bret Charman
In an entirely different take on African wildlife photography, join award-winning photographer Ben Cherry to discover Ethiopia’s unique species.
Join Nick in Ladakh’s remote Ulley Valley on a quest to photograph snow leopards and other Himalayan wildlife, such as ibex, fox, bharal and Tibetan partridge.
Accompanied by Bret, we explore Japan in the midst of winter in search of the finest wildlife photographic opportunities in Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps.
20 Nov 2021 15 days, from £5,995
14 Feb 2022 18 days, from £7,795
17 Feb 2022 11 days, from £5,895
with Ben Cherry
with Bret Charman
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with Emma Healey & Sean Weekly
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Meet the Photographer Introducing Sean Weekly
As our portfolio of expert-led small group photography trips continue to grow, we are always on the lookout for exciting new leaders to join our highly acclaimed team and we are delighted to introduce our latest recruit, Sean Weekly.
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ean is a very talented full-time professional photographer whose work regularly features in a range of publications, including national and international press. An ambassador for F-Stop Gear, Sean has been running workshops for several years and is a superb tutor, helping hundreds of clients to improve their photography and providing an invaluable insight into his approach to capturing a subject.
photographic hides provide a unique opportunity to capture images of Africa’s most iconic mammals and birds. A chance to spend the night in a comfortable ground level hide positioned next to a floodlit waterhole is a must and with the option for further game drives, it promises to be a photographic bonanza! Working closely with Sean we are delighted to offer the five new trips below, but others are in progress and will be launched soon on our website.
Living in Wales, only a stone’s throw from Gigrin Farm Red Kite Feeding Station, Sean has amassed an incredible portfolio of red kite images, gaining recognition from far and wide. Also within striking distance of Elan Valley, a designated ‘International Dark Sky Park’, he has captured some wonderful images of the night sky in this remote part of Wales. These two forms of photography combine perfectly and with Sean’s expert knowledge, make for an enticing new workshop. Further afield Sean has travelled extensively across the UK and Europe, capturing a fabulous array of images on his travels, from deer and red squirrels to grey seals and raptors. However, it is perhaps his images from Greece’s Lake Kerkini that are most familiar. Here, the frozen landscape of deep winter provides a stunning backdrop to photograph the lake’s most famous residents the Dalmatian pelican, and it makes for a superb short-haul trip. With Sean’s breadth of skills and specifically his knowledge of night sky photography, he was an obvious candidate to lead our new trip to South Africa’s world famous Zimanga Game Reserve. The remoteness of the reserve allows for some breathtaking astrophotography, while a variety of
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NEW South Africa: Zimanga – Wildlife & Night Sky Photography
NEW England: Red Squirrel Photography on Brownsea Island
Join us on our extensive exploration of Zimanga Private Game Reserve to enjoy the wildlife and night sky photography opportunities that it has to offer from specially designed hides and game drives, perfect for photographing big cats, elephants and some of Africa’s most spectacular birdlife.
Brownsea Island is one of the only havens for red squirrels in the South of England. Join us on this three day photography workshop led by Emma Healey and Sean Weekly, where there will be multiple opportunities to seek and photograph these incredible creatures in the best light.
10 Jul 2021 10 days, from £5,195 Group size: 6
1 & 14 Sep 2021 3 days, from £475 Group size: 10
Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays
NEW Greece: Pelicans of Lake Kerkini
NEW Wales: Red Kite & Night Sky Photographic Workshop
Accompanied by Sean Weekly or Bret Charman, we visit the ancient forest of Białowieza for an extensive photographic itinerary in the height of winter. Our aim is to capture images of European bison, white-tailed eagle, wild boar and much more against a backdrop of winter scenery.
Join award-winning photographer Sean Weekly as we explore one of the finest locations in Europe for bird photography, Lake Kerkini. During the itinerary we have a myriad of opportunities to photograph the stunning Dalmatian pelicans as well as other excellent birdlife.
The secluded Elan Valley in Wales is the location for this unique photographic workshop. During our four day itinerary we enjoy sessions of wildlife and night sky photography to not only improve your skills by learning new techniques, but to also create a wonderful portfolio of images.
12 Dec 2021; 9 Jan & 21 Feb 2022 7 days, from £1,695 Group size: 7
17 & 21 Jan 2022 5 days, from £1,195 Group size: 7
26 Apr & 27 May 2022 4 days, from £695 Group size: 6
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Image by Sean Weekly
NEW Poland: Winter Wildlife Photography in Poland
Scotland
Festival of British Wildlife
With a team of expert naturalists, conservationists and photographers we explore the Scottish Highlands to discover and photograph iconic native species in a celebration of British Wildlife.
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or over 16 years we have operated Festivals of Wildlife from the polar regions to rainforests and savannahs gathering in a dedicated ovation of nature. Our self-prescribed criteria for a festival is an exclusive and unique environment that is home to plenty of iconic wildlife, combined with a rich variety of activities led by some of the world’s leading naturalists and wildlife photographers.
breeding territories. Our team, along with Aigas’s expert resident naturalists will guide you along the coast, bustling with waders and wildfowl and through woods and moorland, which echo with bird song, providing expert knowledge on the landscape, wildlife and history of Aigas. Education and conservation are integral features of the field centre and as a result you will have the very rare opportunity to see the critically endangered Scottish wild cat, which are part of a captive breeding programme.
The events of 2020 have provided a stark reminder of our fragile place in the world but have also encouraged a greater appreciation of wild places and nature close to home. So where better to pitch the next festival than on our own doorstep? The rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands provides the ultimate setting for our first Festival of British Wildlife. Nestled within the spectacular Highlands lies Aigas Field Centre, arguably one of the finest institutions of its kind in the UK that is renowned for its ground-breaking innovation, conservation, rewilding and education initiatives.
The long spring days will allow plenty of time to explore the spectacular glens and straths and the evocative ancient Caledonian pine forest where European crested tit and Scottish crossbill thrive, while golden eagles may be encountered in the more rugged areas. Pine marten and badgers are regularly seen and photographed from the purpose-built Campbell Hide in the evening. Along the banks of Aigas Loch sits the Kingdom Hide, looking across the waters, where we see resident beavers or visiting otters. A variety of raised groundlevel hides in different habitats offer opportunities to see red squirrels, deer and raptors. Whether a beginner or a more proficient photographer you will receive expert guidance from experienced wildlife photographer Nick Garbutt and macro specialist and wildlife photographer Alex Hyde.
We have exclusive use of the 600-acre Aigas Estate and well-established specialist hide network over the week, to observe and photograph some of the most iconic species in the British Isles including pine marten, badger, red deer and beavers. A lattice of well-maintained nature trails weave through the Aigas Estate, guiding you around the loch and adjacent woodlands and moorland which are home to resident red squirrels, field voles, red and roe deer, slow worms and an array of highland bird species. Spring welcomes wildflowers and warmth as well as migrants such as ospreys, wheatears, cuckoos and whinchats which are establishing their
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Throughout the festival there is a comprehensive programme of activities you can choose from. Our experts will deliver a unique series of talks and master classes ranging in topics from photography, UK wildlife and conservation projects. Each evening we gather for a delicious meal of the finest local produce and reflect on the day’s highlights, followed by a presentation by one of the festival experts. One thing is certain – you will not be short of things to keep you entertained.
Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays
Nick Garbutt
Alex Hyde
Nick Baker
Mike Dilger
Nick Joynes
NEW Festival of British Wildlife Join a small group of like-minded people with a strong interest in the natural world on this dedicated and captivating event, packed with a rich variety of activities. Led by some of the UK’s leading naturalists and wildlife photographers this is a true celebration of our island’s wildlife. 21 May 2022 8 days, from £2,995 Group size: 25
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Isle of Mull
Scotland’s Eagle Island Nestled on the west coast of Scotland, the Isle of Mull is an exceptional option for wildlife enthusiasts, and we are delighted to offer three exciting new trips. General Manager Dan Free gives us the low down on what to expect.
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he Isle of Mull offers some of the finest wildlife watching in the UK and in partnership with our friends at the Benmore Estate and in support of RSPB Scotland, we have developed a series of exclusive trips that allow you to enjoy the island to the full. With guidance from expert local naturalists Dave Sexton and Nic Davies we will gain a unique insight into island life as we explore this stunning island on foot, by vehicle and by boat. Our early summer trips should provide fantastic opportunities to view some of the UK’s most iconic wildlife, including otters, white-tailed and golden eagles, hen harrier and short-eared owl. A boat trip to the neighbouring Treshnish Isles will offer plenty of opportunity to spend time with one of the UK’s most charismatic seabirds – the enigmatic puffin – together with huge numbers of other seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, shags and fulmars. The island of Lunga offers a Galapagos-type experience, where tolerant, endearing birds can surround you on all sides. During the voyage to and from the isles, there is a reasonable chance of also seeing bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, basking sharks, seals and possibly even minke whales.
presentations and demonstrations, with the island’s diverse flora providing ample opportunities to refine the principles of macro photography. As summer transcends into autumn, the eagles and otters remain, but a new cast of species takes centre stage. Large numbers of Atlantic grey seals haul-out in sheltered bays to begin pupping, while inland, the island’s red deer engage in their annual rut. Under the guidance of the Benmore Estate team we will visit a remote and beautiful glen to witness the full force and majesty of the deer rut, the evocative roar of the stags echoing across the moorland. All our trips will be based in the comfortable surrounds of Knock House, a spacious 12-bedroom West Highland country house, located in the heart of the 13,000 hectare Benmore Estate. With exclusive use of this charming property guests can make themselves at home. A full programme of activities will be offered on each of the trips, but should you wish to relax in the confines of the house or take a gentle stroll through the estate, you are very welcome to do so.
Our dedicated photographic departure with Nick Garbutt and Alex Hyde follows a similar, but slower paced itinerary, maximising the time spent with the wildlife and landscapes to ensure that participants return with a comprehensive portfolio of images. Nick and Alex will provide a range of informal
In the evenings we enjoy sumptuous meals, featuring the finest local produce, with the chance to reflect on the highlights of each day, before retiring with a nightcap. With expert guiding, an exclusive comfortable base and super wildlife these trips to Scotland’s Eagle Island promise to be an experience you will never forget!
NEW Isle of Mull Wildlife Extravaganza
NEW Isle of Mull Wildlife Photography
Travelling in early summer, with Mike Dilger, we hope to enjoy a wealth of birds, mammals and flora. The seabird colonies of the Treshnish Isles will be a hub of activity; otters and seals hug shorelines while golden and white-tailed eagles soar overhead.
In the company of award-winning photographers Nick Garbutt and Alex Hyde spend time photographing the islands’ wildlife including its enigmatic puffins, spectacular white-tailed sea eagles and an extensive range of wildflowers and orchids.
5 Jun 2022 8 days, from £2,795 Group size: 12
29 May 2022 8 days, from £2,995 Group size: 12
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Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays
NEW Isle of Mull Wildlife in Autumn Join TV presenter Kate Humble on this exclusive holiday to the Isle of Mull, specifically timed to witness the red deer rut and pupping Atlantic grey seals. Amongst stunning autumn colours, we also hope to see otters, white-tailed and golden eagles. 24 Oct 2021 8 days, from ÂŁ2,795 Group size: 12
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Shetland Isles
Seabird Spectacular with Mike Dilger As you venture north-east from the Scottish mainland you will discover the remote and rugged Shetland Isles. TV naturalist Mike Dilger will guide you around this subarctic archipelago for a wildlife spectacle like nowhere else.
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he cacophony of calls alerts you to the sheer scale of the seabird breeding colonies as you approach the National Nature Reserves of Sumburgh Head, Noss and Hermaness. These cliffs seasonally serve as coliseums for vast breeding colonies of seabirds. Guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, fulmars and great skuas are just some of the 21 different species breeding around the Shetland coast, where seabirds substantially outnumber people. Gannets bombard the water by the thousand as they feast on the rich supply of fish while puffins, beaks brimming with their catch, return to burrows amongst the dramatic towering cliffs. Amidst the tapestry of heather, crowberry, bog bilberry and bog cotton we comb for the carnivorous round-leaved sundew and butterwort, discovering how these strange and beautiful insectivorous plants thrive on the heathland. Wildflowers, including several species of orchid, adorn the unspoilt terrain that is plentiful with passerines. In addition to the grouse, godwits and golden plovers we may be lucky enough to encounter one of Shetland’s rarest breeding raptors, the merlin. Our attention turns to migratory aquatic birds, diving ducks and waders and before exploring the island of Fetlar for red-necked phalaropes which represent 80% of the UK’s breeding population, whilst on Unst, Britain’s most northerly island, we visit one of the world’s largest breeding populations of great skuas, locally known as ‘Bonxie’. The summer sun barely dips below the horizon at this time of year, allowing ample time to search the unspoilt coastline and inlets for agile European otter as they forage and play. This iconic and charismatic mammal thrives in Shetland’s saltwater coastal environment and population densities here are the highest in the UK. These sheltered bays are shared with common and grey seal which languidly bask in the summer sun or bob in the adjacent clear waters.
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Offshore marine mammals thrive in the pristine waters. Keeping your eyes peeled for harbour porpoise – known as ‘Neesicks’ in Shetland – traversing the channels, you may see a pod of resident orca hunting close to the shore, a school of white-sided dolphins pursuing a shoal of fish, or even minke, pilot and sperm whales. These remarkable islands north of the Scottish mainland boast an abundance and diversity of wildlife both on and offshore. Together with an expert local naturalist guide, Mike Dilger will be your tour leader throughout, bringing passion and experience in equal measure. Mike has travelled extensively to Britain’s remote locations and describes Shetland as the ‘ultimate British wildlife destination’. Having carried out research on skuas in Shetland and filmed across the islands for television, he is thrilled to be returning. In addition to the world class wildlife, Mike can’t wait to sample the famed warm welcome from the locals who call this astonishing archipelago home, sweet home.
NEW The Shetland Islands with Mike Dilger With guidance from a local expert and TV naturalist Mike Dilger, the natural wonders of the Shetland Isles will be revealed to you on this small-group trip where mammals, birds and landscapes combine to form a sensational wildlife experience. 25 Jun 2022 8 days, from £2,495 Group size: 12
Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays
“If Wildlife Worldwide employ a better guide they must have him locked away in a cupboard somewhere. Mike Dilger was without any doubt on par with the best guides we have had in 106 countries over 40 years of world wildlife travel. His enthusiasm was infectious, his knowledge extensive and his interest in his clients shone through. He wasn’t simply doing a job, he loved the job and wanted his clients to enjoy the experience too.”
Image by Bret Charman
Stephen G, Scotland, Oct 2020
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Slovenia
Brown Bears & Picture Perfect Lake Bled General Manager Dan Free reflects on his recent visit to Slovenia combining time bear watching in the Dinariac Alps with a visit to the country’s most prized asset, the stunning Lake Bled.
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n September my wife and I decided to run the gauntlet of international travel and opted for a week in Slovenia. It was a country that I had only heard good things about, particularly from my colleague Bret Charman who has been leading bear photography trips there for the last few years, and it did not disappoint! My wife Dani is as much a wildlife enthusiast as I am and our personal holidays are always wildlife focused. Rarely do we allow ourselves time to relax and unwind, but on this occasion, we decided to break from the mould and spend four nights bear watching, followed by three nights at the breathtakingly beautiful Lake Bled. Only a two hour hop from London to Slovenia’s capital city of Ljubljana, we were soon on the ground, collecting our hire car and heading out into the countryside on excellent roads. Leaving the city behind, we very quickly got a feel for why the country is held in such high regard. A landscape of traditionally farmed arable and pastoral fields, forest stands and meandering rivers unfolded before us, punctuated by quaint well-kept villages.
the guesthouse and can be particularly productive in the warm summer months. Lake Bled is located in the Julian Alps in the Upper Carniolan region of north-western Slovenia, approximately 100 kilometres from the guesthouse. With its turquoise blue waters, picturepostcard island church and rockface medieval castle, I can honestly say that it is one of the most stunning places we have ever visited. Staying at the superbly located Villa Bled for three nights, we were able to soak in this view every day and it did not grow tired. An excellent trail around the lake makes it easy to get out and explore, with a visit to the castle and its superb cliffside restaurant an absolute must. It almost pains me to say it, but having a few days at Lake Bled to unwind, read a book and swim in the glacial waters was just what we needed, and it combined superbly with the bear watching. I cannot speak highly enough of Slovenia as a European holiday destination, it is a beautiful country, well kept, friendly and extremely easy to travel around.
Our guesthouse for the first four nights in Slovenia was located on the edge of the sleepy village of Markovec, in the south of the country. Simple, but perfectly comfortable, the hosts provide wholesome Slovenian food and it is a charming place to relax when you are not in the bear hides which are located in the surrounding hills, a short drive away. The grounds of the guesthouse attract a variety of birds including black redstart, crossbills and even white-backed woodpecker, and our trail cam recorded both pine marten and otter within a stone’s throw of the property. Visiting at the end of the bear watching season, hide sessions typically commenced around 3pm and continued through to 7pm when the light would begin to fade. Unlike Finland where the bears are often waiting for you at the hides, bear watching in Slovenia requires more patience, but this only serves to make it even more rewarding when the bears do show and we were lucky enough to see bears on each of our outings. The hides are set in some stunning forest locations, specifically selected with photographers in mind and over the course of our stay Dani was able to capture some fabulous images. When not in the hides, there was plenty to keep us occupied with superb limestone caves and excellent birding at Lake Cerknica, all just a short drive away. A bird photography hide complete with reflection pool is also located in the grounds of
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NEW Slovenia – Bears & Lake Bled Self-drive Combining four nights bear watching in the Dinaric Alps, with three nights at a superb hotel on the shores of Lake Bled, this easy paced self-drive holiday allows you to enjoy two of Slovenia’s most beautiful regions. Trip idea, May-Sep 8 days, from £1,895
Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays
We Create Outstanding Wildlife Holidays
Image by Dani Free
Our website features over 90 small group and tailor-made holidays to Europe
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Lynx Quest
News from the Field ... We take great pride in researching and developing new trips for some of the world’s most difficult to see species. General Manager Dan Free brings us news from three very different lynx trips.
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n mid-February 2020, my wife Dani and I embarked on a short trip to Lahemaa National Park in northern Estonia. This tiny country still has healthy populations of Europe’s three largest predators – including what is reputedly the highest density of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in Europe – the main purpose of our visit. From the comfort of a 16th century manor hotel we ventured out at dusk each evening in the company of an expert local tracker, slowly driving the countless forest tracks and scanning the forest clearings and fields with a powerful spotlight. Roe deer were a frequent sight and this boded well for our quest as they are the Eurasian lynx’s principal prey, but we also encountered elk, red fox, raccoon dog, wild boar, beaver, badger, American mink and both brown and mountain hare. Embracing technology our guide has over 20 trail cams set in the search area, providing live updates to his phone every time they were triggered. The updates became a feature of the trip and definitely added a new dimension to our search. Using the data gathered from the trail cams, our guide has spent the previous three seasons plotting the movements of the cats and spoke confidently of our chances of seeing this notoriously difficult animal. His confidence was not unfounded and on our third night we struck lucky – sighting a large male lynx through the trees, not 20 metres from the track, its stocky form striding almost nonchalantly past. Despite our best efforts to relocate him it proved to be the only sighting of the trip, but nevertheless we felt very privileged to have seen such a beautiful animal. Whilst our sighting was relatively fleeting, the guide explained that this was not typical of the species – indeed if found sitting or hunting in a clearing
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they will often stand their ground allowing the vehicle to approach and tolerating a spotlight. In late February 2020 Wildlife Worldwide operated its inaugural Wild Canada in Winter trip – a week-long venture to a remote lodge in eastern British Columbia in pursuit of moose, wolf and Canadian lynx (Lynx canadensis). With unseasonably warm temperatures, for much of our small group’s stay, sightings were hard to come by, limited to just a few encounters with moose. Undeterred the group persevered and on the final day they were rewarded for their efforts, with no fewer than five sightings of Canadian lynx in broad daylight (see main image), including a courting pair at very close range. It was a remarkable conclusion to the trip and certainly bodes well for future departures. The smallest and rarest member of the genus, the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is arguably the easiest to see and we have been running small groups to southern Spain with great success for nearly a decade. However, more recently, we introduced a five day tailor-made option, Iberian Lynx in Andújar, with a private guide and vehicle. The sightings from these trips have been outstanding and none more so than on a trip in October 2020, when our clients had an incredible encounter with a female lynx and her two sub-adult cubs – the three cats posing for several hours in the late afternoon/evening light. With a wealth of other wildlife, stunning scenery, excellent food and a comfortable base on the edge of the park – it is a super option for a short-haul break. With a very reliable site in the US now available for bobcat (watch this space!) we are able to offer options for all four members of the lynx genus.
NEW Estonia – Eurasian Lynx Quest With guidance from an expert local tracker and use of a private 4-wheel drive vehicle, explore Estonia’s Lahemaa National Park for the elusive Eurasian lynx and a host of other mammal species. Based at a comfortable 16th century manor hotel you will venture out at night for extensive spotlighting sessions. Trip idea, Jan-Mar 6 days, from £1,895
Canada – Wild Canada in Winter Travelling in the depths of winter, this pioneering tour focuses on three of Canada’s most iconic mammals: the Canadian lynx, timber wolf and moose. From the comfort of a cosy lodge, we don snowshoes and venture deep into the Cariboo Mountains in search of our target species. Trip idea, Jan-Mar 9 days, from £3,995
Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays
We Create Outstanding Wildlife Holidays
We offer a range of dedicated tailor-made and small group tours to see big and small cats around the world.
This five day tailor-made itinerary is dedicated to exploring one of Spain’s truly wild corners in Andalucia - Andújar Natural Park – which is home to a surprisingly large variety of birds and mammals. It is also one of the last strongholds for the world’s rarest feline, the Iberian lynx. Trip idea, Sep-Jun 5 days, from £1,495
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Image by Steve Darling
Spain – Iberian Lynx in Andújar
Finland
Europe’s Most Exclusive Bear Watching Bear watching in Finland has long been one of Europe’s best wildlife experiences, but staying overnight in a hide is not for everyone. Chris Smith describes how it is now possible to watch brown bears from the comfort of your own luxury cabin.
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ne of the last great wildernesses in Europe, the taiga forests of Finland are the best place on the continent to observe brown bears as well as other species such as wolverine, Eurasian wolf and great grey owl. Usually, the format for bear watching in Finland requires you to stay overnight in hides that have been purpose built for observing and photographing these amazing animals and the rest of the wildlife. Whilst there are certainly plenty of benefits to watching bears from hides, there are also some drawbacks, in particular the limited toilet and bed facilities which are not necessarily to everyone’s liking. However, another option has recently become available and it is arguably the most comfortable and exclusive bear watching experience there has ever been in Finland. Luxury cabins have been constructed sustainably in the heart of the Finnish wilderness and most importantly these cabins feature large floor-to-ceiling windows which provide plenty of opportunity to observe the wildlife of the taiga forest. The cabins overlook an area of mixed woodland and swampland, the ideal habitat for European brown bear. You can watch brown bears, wolverines, great grey owls, red fox and great spotted woodpecker all from the comfort of your own private en suite room. There is also a fully-equipped kitchen where you can prepare food to keep you going through the night. If you do want to get some rest, you can even catch some shuteye in a proper, full-sized bed!
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Depending on the length of your stay, you may choose to spend a night in one of the lodge’s own bear watching hides, which are perfect for photography. These hides are situated deeper in the forest and along the shores of a nearby lake. If you would like to spend a night or two in one of these hides to get a new perspective on this region and its wildlife or capture some different images, then the lodge can arrange this for you on a complimentary basis (book in advance). The season for watching the brown bears from the lodge’s luxury cabins and hides is mid-April until the end of October with the summer months being the optimal time. It is possible to see several bears in one evening from the cabins in June, July and August. However, spring and autumn is also an excellent time to visit. Whilst the evenings are shorter it is still possible to view wildlife and if the weather conditions and aurora activity are favourable you can also watch the northern lights from these wonderful cabins. NEW Finland’s Brown Bears in Style This is quite possibly the most luxurious and exclusive bear watching option in Europe. From the comfort of your own luxury cabin you will have plenty of opportunities to observe brown bear and even view other intriguing species including wolverine and great grey owl. The cabins are fitted with large floor-to-ceiling windows, private en suite bathroom, fully-equipped kitchen and king or twin beds. Trip idea, Apr-Oct 5 days, from £2,495
Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays
We Create Outstanding Wildlife Holidays We offer an extensive range of small group, tailor-made and dedicated photography holidays to Finland. To find out more contact our expert team
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India
The Dawn of a New Era General Manager Dan Free reports on his November 2019 trip to India and explains how it is now possible to see tigers, snow leopards and red pandas on a three week trip.
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uch is made of India’s tiger reserves and rightfully so. Few experiences in the natural world compare with the spine-tingling alarm call of a chital at dusk, betraying the presence of a tiger nearby. With a supporting cast of leopard, sloth bear, dhole and Asian elephant, these reserves have held our attention for the past 30 years. However, as India’s domestic flight network continues to expand, making remote little visited areas accessible – a new generation of mammals is slowly coming to the fray. In November 2019, Dani and I travelled to India in pursuit of three of these species, visiting the eastern and northernmost regions of the country. Our trip commenced in the most unusual of settings, a densely populated village in the floodplains of Southern Bengal. Here, under the cover of darkness and with an auto-rickshaw as our safari vehicle, we headed off to find one of the most bizarre of cat species, the fishing cat – a stocky medium-sized cat that lives exclusively around water. It is an eery experience driving through the villages in the early hours of the morning, scanning the margins of mist-covered ponds for a hint of eyeshine, but well worth the effort and alongside jungle cat, golden jackal (including a melanistic individual) and several brown fish owls, we were fortunate enough to see two individuals over the course of our three night stay. Returning to Kolkata we next flew to Bagdogra, arriving midmorning and transferring straight to Habre’s Nest, a simple but comfortable ecolodge in the heart of Singalila National Park. Straddling the Indian and Nepalese border and at an altitude of 3,000 metres, the lodge sits amidst stunning forest clad hills of fir and deciduous hardwood, with a thick understory of bamboo – the realm of the red panda. As few as 32 individuals are believed to reside in the 200 square kilometre park but, with the aid of a team of spotters, guests staying at the lodge have an excellent chance of seeing what must surely be one of the cutest animals in the animal kingdom. We were extremely fortunate to have sightings on each of the four days that we were at the lodge, enjoying some stunning views and on occasions even from the lodge itself, but success is very dependent on the weather which is notoriously fickle. The final chapter of our journey took us north to Ladakh, initially to the historic town of Leh for a couple days of acclimatisation (and ibisbill watching!), and then on to the small village of Ulley,
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at the head of the Ulley Chhu Valley. November marks the start of the snow leopard season in this region and we were here to try our luck for this most elusive of big cat species. At an altitude of nearly 4,000 metres the views of the surrounding mountains and valley are nothing short of spectacular and with snow leopards frequently seen from the lodge, there is a constant air of excitement. With excellent views of ibex, soaring golden eagles and lammergeier, and even a wolf with two pups, our first three days were thoroughly enjoyable, but did not bring us any sightings of snow leopard. It was late on day four and we were wondering if we had exhausted all our luck with the red pandas, that things suddenly changed. A tip-off from a villager saw us rush to a neighbouring valley where, after some minutes scanning our guide located a female snow leopard and her two sub-adult cubs pacing purposely across the mountainside above. The cats were remarkably well camouflaged and in the excitement of the moment, it took us a little time to get on them, but when we did, the joy and relief at seeing them was completely overwhelming and I do not mind admitting that we both shed a tear or two. Watching them through a scope from a distance of approximately 500 metres, we remained with them until darkness fell. This proved a turning point in our stay and we were able to locate and observe them on each of our remaining four days. On some days we spent the entire day watching them from 500 to 1,000 metres, as they followed a consistent routine of activity in the early morning and late afternoon and resting and playing in between. Hot food and drinks were brought to us in the field and having spent a lifetime wanting to see a snow leopard, I was more than content just to watch them sleeping. With daytime temperatures hovering around freezing but plummeting to -20˚C overnight the respective lodges do a fantastic job of keeping you comfortable and the food is both wholesome and plentiful. Having lived in India for a time before university and returned every few years since to visit the tiger reserves, it is incredible to see how much the country has changed. For me, one of the biggest positives is the upcoming movement of young naturalists and a few enterprising individuals who are embracing ecotourism to preserve its wildlife. Coupled with the expansion of the domestic flights network, there now exists the very realistic prospect of being able to see some of the countries rarest and most sought-after mammals on a three week trip.
Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays
We Create Outstanding Wildlife Holidays Our website features over 20 small group and tailor-made holidays to India
Visiting the forest clad hills of Singalila National Park for red panda, the snow-capped mountains of Ladakh for snow leopard and the teak forests and grasslands of Kanha National Park for tiger, this is the ultimate trip in India for mammal enthusiasts. Trip idea, Nov-Apr 21 days, from ÂŁ4,995
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33
Image by Dani Free
NEW India’s Tigers, Snow Leopards & Red Pandas
Polar Wildlife Voyages Journeys to the Ends of the Earth
The remote polar regions are home to some of the world’s most unique wildlife. Wildlife Worldwide Founder Chris Breen shares his expertise on travelling to the planet’s most fascinating regions.
O
f all the wonderful places I have been – and I have been lucky enough to visit many over the past 25 plus years – it is the polar regions that are the most striking, and in many respects the most memorable. And it is the remote polar regions that are home to some of the most iconic wildlife… polar bears on ice-flows, Arctic fox, great colonies of walrus in the north and in the south seals, sealions and beaches full of penguins.
Our polar voyages
Why visit the polar regions?
Our destinations
Although I had been on a number of the polar vessels it was not until comparatively recently that I went on a polar voyage – in fact my first was to Wrangel Island in the Russian Arctic. We saw nearly 80 polar bears, Kamchatka brown bear, bowhead whale and some of the very same grey whales that we see on our visits to Mexico’s Baja Peninsula… and that was it, I was completely captivated by polar cruising. The idea of visiting these remote ‘ends of the earth’ seems to capture the imagination like visits to nowhere else on earth and polar voyages are right at the top of my ‘must do’ list for when the world opens back up again. The chance to cruise along the edge of a glacier, watching spellbound as it calves, or to pass icebergs safe in your ice-strengthened vessel, to experience a sun that never sets – these are oncein-a-lifetime thrills. However, it is the chance to visit somewhere and see the wildlife, which is the polar regions’ most powerful allure… and to achieve that, nothing beats a small vessel voyage.
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On one of our polar voyages you will be on a specially adapted vessel that accommodates around 130 passengers or fewer and all of the vessels we work with are ideally suited in size, speed, safety and stability for exploring these remote, beautiful and frozen regions. Our aim is to take you into the wilderness, in the company of a team of onboard experts and a highly experienced expedition crew, to witness some of the world’s most spectacular scenery and wildlife. We offer voyages to the Arctic, the Russian Far East and Antarctica. In the Arctic and Russian Far East we visit Spitsbergen, Wrangel Island and Kamchatka, whilst our Antarctic voyages include such destinations as the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Life onboard & landings
You will be in the company of expert naturalists and expedition crew who will determine the exact itinerary according to the weather conditions, sea state and recent sightings. The voyages typically include a mixture of ‘sea days’ with a programme of lectures, and landings – on average, two each day.
Travel with Confidence
To ensure you feel confident and secure on our polar voyages, we are working closely with our partners so expeditions are safe for all passengers and crew. Voyages will operate in full compliance of the approved protocols in place at the time of departure.
Classic Antarctica This voyage is a perfect introduction to the Antarctic, visiting prime wildlife sites along the Peninsula and in the nearby South Shetland Islands. Encounter huge penguin colonies, beaches adorned with elephant seals, and whales and dolphins along the way. 19 & 29 Dec 2021; 8 & 18 Jan 2022 13 days, now from £9,245 – Special Winter Offer (excluding flights)
Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays
“The trip was all about seeing polar bears and we were not disappointed with the sightings we had. Being on an ice-strengthened ship was a great advantage as we were able to enter the pack ice, getting very close to this most amazing mammal. We are not people who normally get too excited whale watching but this trip has warmed us to these wonderful, but mostly hidden mammals. Watching grey and humpback whales on their migration route and so many around the boat was truly amazing. And finally, walruses swimming underwater by the boat was another unforgettable experience.” Michael W, Wrangel Island, Jul 2019
Festival of Wildlife Spitsbergen
Wrangel Island with Mark Carwardine
Frozen South Adventure
The Festival of Wildlife returns once again – this time we venture to the Arctic and the captivating island of Spitsbergen for a true wildlife expedition onboard the Ocean Adventurer. Travelling at the start of the season, we will go in search of some of the Arctic’s most iconic wildlife.
Explore the remote wilderness of Wrangel Island in the Bering Strait with its prehistoric landscapes and phenomenal wildlife. This 14-night cruise aboard an expedition vessel takes you right to the top of the world between Russia and Alaska in the company of Mark Carwardine.
Following the huge success of previous wildlife expeditions to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica, we return to this gloriously unforgettable polar region with renowned expert Mark Carwardine – marvel at the remarkable wildlife and rugged beauty on this unique voyage.
2 Jun 2021 10 days, from £5,995
19 Jul 2021 18 days, from £9,195 (excluding flights)
14 Nov 2021 20 days, from £13,995 (excluding flights)
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35
Group Tours 2021 Here we highlight our upcoming small group wildlife holidays in our 2021 Calendar (see overleaf for 2022 dates). For further information contact our expert team, or visit our website. Destination
Tour Name
Botswana Mexico Portugal Crete Borneo India Botswana Romania United Kingdom
Botswana’s Rare Mammals Great Whales of Mexico’s Pacific Coast Alentejo & Algarve in Spring & Autumn Crete’s Spring Flowers & Birds Wild Borneo Nagarhole’s Tigers, Wild Dogs & Leopards Desert to Delta Focus on the Danube Delta
May
Poland Slovakia Madeira United Kingdom France Belarus United Kingdom United Kingdom Slovenia Botswana United Kingdom Hungary India Romania Brazil Finland
June
April
July
August
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Departure Date
Duration
Price from
2 & 24 Apr 3 Apr 3 Apr 9 Apr 10 Apr 18 Apr 24 Apr 24 Apr 26 Apr
12 days 10 days 8 days 8 days 15 days 10 days 12 days 8 days 1 day
£4,995 £5,695 £1,925 £1,475 £5,895 £3,295 £4,595 £2,595 £195
Primeval Forests & Marshes Spring Birding in Slovakia Birds, Whales & Dolphins of Madeira Deep into Dartmoor with Nick Baker Spring Birds, Orchids & Prehistory in Wild Dordogne Secret Wildlife Wilderness NEW New Forest Sketchbook Safari with Trevor Waugh Somerset Levels in Spring with Mike Dilger Brown Bear Photography in Spring Festival of Cats Suffolk’s Coast & Heaths in Late Spring Spring Photography of the Steppe & Forests Amphibians & Reptiles of the Western Ghats with Nick Baker Romania’s Wildlife Highlights Wildlife of the Pantanal Boreal Predators Photography
3 May 4 May 6 May 7 & 21 May 8 May 9 May 11 May 16 May 16 May 19 May 20 & 24 May 22 May 28 May 30 May 31 May 31 May
8 days 5 days 5 days 3 days 8 days 8 days 3 days 4 days 6 days 10 days 4 days 7 days 11 days 8 days 12 days 6 days
£1,775 £1,395 £1,045 £695 £1,745 £1,975 £595 £725 £2,095 £6,995 £650 £2,245 £4,195 £1,875 £4,495 £2,495
Finland Ireland Norway Finland Canada South Africa France Zambia Mongolia United Kingdom United Kingdom Bulgaria Brazil Botswana Brazil
Brown Bear Photography with Tom Mason The Burren & Aran Islands Festival of Wildlife Spitsbergen Brown Bear Explorer Wildlife of the Canadian Rockies South Africa’s Rare Mammals in Style Birds, Butterflies & Wildflowers of the Dordogne Classic South Luangwa Safari Birding the Land of Genghis Khan The Farnes & Northumberland in Early Summer Isle of Mull Wildlife Cruise Butterflies & Birds of Bulgaria Wildlife of the North & South Pantanal Botswana’s Wild Dogs Wildlife of the Pantanal
1 Jun 2 Jun 2 Jun 6 & 27 Jun 10 Jun 11 Jun 12 Jun 12 & 19 Jun 14 Jun 15 Jun 16 Jun 17 Jun 19 Jun 25 Jun 30 Jun
6 days 8 days 10 days 8 days 14 days 10 days 8 days 10 days 16 days 6 days 7 days 9 days 14 days 10 days 12 days
£2,195 £1,795 £5,995 £1,995 £6,795 £9,495 £1,745 £2,995 £4,795 £975 £1,995 £1,295 £5,245 £4,395 £4,495
South Africa South Africa Finland Poland Tanzania
South Africa’s Rare Mammals Photo Safari NEW Zimanga – Wildlife & Night Sky Photography Brown Bear Explorer Butterflies & Moths of Southern Poland Serengeti Migration Special
2 Jul 10 Jul 11 Jul 11 Jul 11 Jul
10 days 10 days 8 days 9 days 10 days
£9,995 £5,195 £1,995 £1,795 £5,295
Chile
Pumas, Condors & Landscapes in Winter
17 Jul
16 days
£9,495
NEW Cotswold Wildlife Park Sketchbook Safari
United Kingdom
Splendours of Wester Ross
18 Jul
6 days
£1,245
Russia
Wrangel Island Exclusive with Mark Carwardine
19 Jul
18 days
£9,195*
Brazil
Wildlife of the Pantanal
24 & 31 Jul
12 days
£4,495
Botswana
Best of Botswana
25 Jul
13 days
£5,495
South Africa
Spring Flowers from the Cape to Kalahari
6 Aug
15 days
£5,795
Borneo
Borneo’s Rare Mammals
10 Aug
14 days
£3,895
Zimbabwe
Mana Pools – Wild Dogs & Elephants Photography
12 Aug
11 days
£7,995
Botswana
Best of Botswana – Photography Special
19 Aug
13 days
£5,995
Netherlands
Waders in Friesland
19 Aug
5 days
£1,095
Mongolia
Mongolia: Cats of Mountain and Steppe
26 Aug
14 days
£6,995
South Africa
Natural Highlights of South Africa
30 Aug
16 days
£5,525
Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays
October
Tour Name
Brazil
Wildlife of the Pantanal
United Kingdom Colombia
NEW Red Squirrel Photography on Brownsea Island Colombia Bird Photography
Romania
Focus on the Danube Delta
Borneo
Borneo’s Orangutans
Brazil
Price from £4,495
1 Sep
12 days 3 days
£475
2 Sep
16 days
£5,495
4 Sep
8 days
£2,595
5 Sep
11 days
£4,395
North Pantanal Photo Safari
6 Sep
12 days
£5,995
Guyana
A Pristine Wilderness
6 Sep
15 days
£5,895
Namibia
11 Sep
17 days
£4,895
Namibia
NEW Namibia Wildlife & Wilderness A Wilderness Adventure
12 Sep
14 days
£6,195
Borneo
Borneo’s Rare Mammals
13 Sep
14 days
£3,895
Hungary
Hungary’s Rare Mammals
13 Sep
8 days
£1,895
Slovenia
Brown Bear Photography in Autumn
13 Sep
5 days
£1,695
Botswana
Best of Botswana
14 Sep
13 days
£5,495
United Kingdom
Norfolk in Late Summer with Nick Acheson
17 Sep
5 days
£895
Australia
Islands, Rivers & Ranges
18 Sep
15 days
£6,095
Portugal
Alentejo & Algarve in Spring & Autumn
18 Sep
8 days
£1,925
Canada
Festival of Bears
30 Sep
9 days
£7,495
Hungary
Steppe & Forests in Autumn
2 Oct
8 days
£1,675
Namibia
A Living Desert
2 Oct
14 days
£8,295
Spain
Secret Wilderness of Extremadura
5 Oct
8 days
£1,775
Zambia
Sacred Combe Safari
8 Oct
8 days
£7,975
Uganda
Uganda’s Unforgettable Wildlife
10 Oct
14 days
£5,395
Borneo
Borneo’s Rare Mammals
11 Oct
14 days
£3,895
Spain
Wild Spain
11 Oct
8 days
£2,095
Brazil
Pantanal Wildlife Photo Safari: The Best of North & South
12 Oct
21 days
£12,195
Botswana
Best of Botswana (Reverse Itinerary)
13 Oct
13 days
£5,495
Zambia
Classic Kafue Safari
14 Oct
11 days
£5,795
United Kingdom
Autumn in the Scottish Highlands
16 Oct
8 days
£1,595
Spain
Iberian Lynx Quest
16 Oct
8 days
£1,775
United Kingdom
NEW New Forest Deer Photography Workshop Madagascar with Mike Dilger
22 Oct
1 day
£150
24 Oct
16 days
£5,295
NEW Isle of Mull Wildlife in Autumn Islay & Jura in Autumn
24 Oct
8 days
£2,795
United Kingdom
24 Oct
7 days
£1,345
Spain
Pyrenees Photo Workshop
25 Oct
8 days
£2,495
Indonesia
Raja Ampat’s Birds of Paradise
26 Oct
16 days
£8,795
China
Sichuan’s Sensational Mammals & Birds
30 Oct
16 days
£4,895
Zambia
South Luangwa Photo Safari – Mfuwe Lodge
30 Oct
10 days
£4,495
Gambia
West African Birdwatch
5 Nov
12 days
£1,995
China
Sichuan’s Sensational Mammals & Birds
6 & 13 Nov
16 days
£4,895
Zambia
South Luangwa Photo Safari – Mfuwe Lodge
6 & 13 Nov
10 days
£4,495
Zambia
South Luangwa Wildlife Art Safari
6 Nov
10 days
£5,895
Zambia
South Luangwa Photo Safari – Flatdogs
20 & 27 Nov
10 days
£3,995
Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s Wildlife Wonders
7 Nov
12 days
£3,895
Ethiopia
Ethiopian Endemic Wildlife
9 Nov
17 days
£4,795
Colombia
Colombia’s Rare Primates with Kate Humble
11 Nov
15 days
£6,795
Colombia
Colombia’s Birding Highlights
13 Nov
16 days
£5,195
India
North-west India’s Rare Mammals
13 Nov
13 days
£4,795
Sri Lanka
Blue Whales, Dolphins & Leopards
13 Nov
14 days
£3,195
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka – Off the Beaten Track
13 Nov
14 days
£3,995
Zambia
Easy Birding in South Luangwa
13 Nov
10 days
£3,395
Antarctica
Frozen South Adventure
14 Nov
20 days
£13,995*
United Kingdom
December
Duration
1 & 14 Sep
Madagascar
November
Departure Date
Indonesia
Raja Ampat’s Birds of Paradise
19 Nov
16 days
£8,795
Zambia
Zambia’s Wild West – Kafue & Liuwa Plain
19 Nov
11 days
£6,495
Ethiopia
Ethiopia – A Unique Wonder
20 Nov
15 days
£5,995
United Kingdom
Autumn in the Scottish Highlands
20 Nov
8 days
£1,595
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s Blue Whales
24 Nov
10 days
£3,495
India
Birds & Big Cats
28 Nov
15 days
£3,995
India
Birds & Tigers in Central India
28 Nov
17 days
£4,795
India
Nagarhole’s Tigers, Wild Dogs & Leopards
5 Dec
10 days
£3,495
Poland
NEW Winter Wildlife Photography in Poland Wild Spain
12 Dec
7 days
£1,695
13 Dec
8 days
£2,095
Spain
Image by Nick Garbutt
September
Destination
Dedicated photography tour All holiday prices in this brochure are based on two people sharing a room (or cabin), and include flights from the UK, wildlife activities, zaccommodation and transfers (except where specified *). Prices are correct at time of going to print. For full details contact our expert wildlife team.
sales@wildlifeworldwide.com
01962 302055
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Destination
Tour Name
January
USA Poland India Greece Spain Japan
Wild West Winter Wonderland NEW Winter Wildlife Photography in Poland Wild Karnataka NEW Pelicans of Lake Kerkini Wild Spain Japan’s Winter Wildlife
Departure Date
Duration
Price from
6 & 21 Jan 9 Jan 9 & 23 Jan 17 & 21 Jan 17 Jan 25 Jan
17 days 7 days 11 days 5 days 8 days 11 days
£9,495 £1,695 £3,395 £1,195 £2,095 £5,595
February
India Sri Lanka India Mexico Chile India India Japan India Poland
India’s Big Cats Sri Lanka – Off the Beaten Track India’s Wild South Great Whales of Mexico’s Pacific Coast Chile’s Rare Mammals Searching for Snow Leopards Ultimate Tiger Safari Japan’s Winter Wildlife – Photography Special Nagarhole’s Tigers, Wild Dogs & Leopards NEW Winter Wildlife Photography in Poland
1 Feb 5 Feb 6 Feb 10 Feb 14 Feb 14 Feb 17 Feb 17 Feb 20 Feb 21 Feb
23 days 14 days 12 days 10 days 15 days 18 days 12 days 11 days 10 days 7 days
£8,395 £3,995 £3,675 £5,795 £6,395 £7,795 £3,395 £5,895 £3,495 £1,695
March
India Botswana India Colombia Costa Rica Botswana China
Ultimate Tiger Safari Botswana’s Rare Mammals Nagarhole’s Tigers, Wild Dogs & Leopards Colombia’s Rare Mammals Costa Rica’s Wildlife Wonders Botswana’s Rare Mammals Sichuan’s Sensational Mammals & Birds
3 Mar 5 Mar 6, 13 & 27 Mar 13 Mar 13 Mar 19 Mar 26 Mar
12 days 12 days 10 days 17 days 12 days 12 days 16 days
£3,395 £4,995 £3,495 £5,175 £3,895 £4,995 £4,995
India Mexico Borneo Botswana United Kingdom
Nagarhole’s Tigers, Wild Dogs & Leopards Great Whales of Mexico’s Pacific Coast Borneo’s Rare Mammals Botswana’s Rare Mammals NEW Red Kite & Night Sky Photographic Workshop
3, 10 & 24 Apr 7 Apr 20 Apr 23 Apr 26 Apr & 27 May
10 days 10 days 14 days 12 days 4 days
£3,495 £5,795 £3,995 £4,995 £695
Botswana Slovenia Borneo United Kingdom Zambia United Kingdom
NEW Sketchbook Safari with Trevor Waugh Brown Bear Photography in Spring Borneo’s Rare Mammals NEW Festival of British Wildlife NEW Bangweulu Wetlands & South Luangwa National Park NEW Isle of Mull Wildlife Photography
14 May 15 May 16 May 21 May 26 May 29 May
10 days 6 days 14 days 8 days 12 days 8 days
£5,995 £2,095 £3,995 £2,995 £6,895 £2,995
June
Galapagos Islands United Kingdom South Africa United Kingdom Botswana Botswana South Africa Zambia United Kingdom
Galapagos Exclusive with Mark Carwardine NEW Isle of Mull Wildlife Extravaganza with Mike Dilger South Africa’s Rare Mammals Photo Safari NEW Lundy Island Sketchbook Safari Best of Botswana NEW Okavango Delta – Under Canvas & Lodge Safari South Africa’s Rare Mammals in Style Classic South Luangwa Safari NEW The Shetland Islands with Mike Dilger
2 Jun 5 Jun 11 Jun 14 Jun 18 Jun 18 Jun 18 Jun 18 Jun 25 Jun
14 days 8 days 10 days 5 days 13 days 12 days 10 days 10 days 8 days
£10,995 £2,795 £10,995 £850 £5,495 £5,995 £10,595 £2,995 £2,495
July
Brazil Botswana Chile Botswana Botswana
Wildlife of the Pantanal NEW Okavango Delta – Photography Special Pumas, Condors & Landscapes in Winter Botswana’s Wild Dogs Best of Botswana
1 & 31 Jul 2 Jul 3 Jul 11 Jul 16 Jul
12 days 12 days 16 days 10 days 13 days
£4,495 £6,495 £10,995 £4,595 £5,495
August
Borneo Mongolia Botswana
Borneo’s Rare Mammals Mongolia: Cats of Mountain and Steppe Best of Botswana
8 Aug 12 Aug 13 Aug
14 days 14 days 13 days
£3,995 £6,995 £5,495
September
Brazil Borneo Namibia Botswana Zambia
Wildlife of the Pantanal Borneo’s Rare Mammals NEW Namibia Wildlife & Wilderness Best of Botswana NEW Ultimate South Luangwa
7 Sep 8 Sep 10 Sep 17 Sep 20 Sep
12 days 14 days 17 days 13 days 12 days
£4,495 £3,995 £4,995 £5,495 £7,795
October
Brazil Botswana China
Wildlife of the Pantanal Best of Botswana Sichuan’s Sensational Mammals & Birds
1 Oct 15 Oct 29 Oct
12 days 13 days 16 days
£4,495 £5,495 £4,995
November
Zambia Zambia
Zambia’s Wild West – Kafue & Liuwa Plain South Luangwa Photo Safari
4 Nov 5 & 12 Nov
11 days 10 days
£6,595 £3,995
December
Australia
Australian Wildlife Photo Safari
1 Dec
17 days
£7,295
April
May
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Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays
Image by Nick Garbutt
Group Tours 2022
Festival of Wildlife Spitsbergen
Join our team of expert naturalists, photographers and expedition crew in June 2021 on a specially chartered cruise to Spitsbergen, timed to maximise our chances of encountering polar bears on the pack-ice.
T
he chance to join a polar voyage is always an exciting prospect. Combine a cruise to the High Arctic in the company of a team of expert naturalists, award-winning photographers and experienced expedition crew, at the best time of year for seeing polar bears – our primary focus – and you have the ingredients for a magical, once-in-a-lifetime, polar voyage. And this is exactly what is on offer in June 2021. We have chartered the ice-strengthened Ocean Adventurer for our voyage to Spitsbergen, the main island of Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. Spitsbergen and the surrounding islands and packice are home to one of the world’s greatest populations of polar bears. Each year, when the pack-ice begins to break up, bears head to the mainland to spend the summer on shore. Individuals are often seen from expedition vessels and, if we are very fortunate, they may even approach the vessel. Spitsbergen’s spectacular coastline is characterised by glaciers flowing into the sea, such as the impressive Monaco Glacier – a favourite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes. The island’s high cliffs provide refuge for thousands of little auks, as well as Brünnich’s guillemot and Atlantic puffin. It is also possible to see long-tailed skua, northern fulmar, king eider, ivory gull, snow bunting, black guillemot, and Arctic terns which migrate between the two poles every year. Arctic foxes patrol around the base of cliffs, hoping to chance upon an injured auk or early chick, while reindeer browse the mossy tundra. The rich seas around Svalbard are equally impressive and home to a wealth of marine life including blue, fin and humpback whales plus beluga, pinnipeds such as harbour, ringed and bearded seas as well as walrus. With almost 24 hours of daylight at this latitude at this time of year, we should be in for a real feast of wildlife viewing!
Since our first Festival of Wildlife in 2004, this winning formula – of a range of wildlife-based excursions alongside a programme of expert-led workshops and talks – offers a very special celebration of wildlife for all those who take part, so join us in Spitsbergen! Festival of Wildlife Spitsbergen 2 Jun 2021 10 days, from £5,995
Chris Breen
Mark Carwardine
Bret Charman
Joe Cornish
Nick Garbutt
Nick Joynes
Our team of experts will also be accompanied throughout the expedition by the Ocean Adventurer’s team of specialists whose expertise cover a range of fields, from ornithology and marine biology to geology and Arctic history.
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Save the Date
Discover Wildlife – Online Presentations to Inspire
Featuring our own wildlife experts, our Online Discover Wildlife presentations will appeal to all nature and travel lovers. You can expect to see wonderful imagery, hear inspiring stories about remarkable destinations and there will be the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the talks. Our evening presentations will run from 7.30pm – to find out more and to book your place email: events@wildlifeworldwide.com 2021 Dates
7 Jan 12 Jan 14 Jan 19 Jan 21 Jan 26 Jan 28 Jan 2 Feb 4 Feb 9 Feb 11 Feb 16 Feb 18 Feb 23 Feb 25 Feb
Online Discover Wildlife Presentations
Discover Namibia Discover Zambia Discover Botswana Discover Wildlife Photography Discover Brazil Introducing Sketchbook Safaris Discover Tigers, Snow Leopards & Red Pandas Discover Polar Voyages Discover Baja California Discover UK Photography Workshops Discover Guyana Discover Uganda Discover South Africa Discover Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest Discover Wildlife Photography
For further information please visit: www.wildlifeworldwide.com
Wildlife Photography Competition 2021
As restrictions have affected the ability to travel we have extended the closing date for our annual wildlife photography competition, so there is plenty of time to submit your photos! The competition is free to enter and open to everyone. There are three different categories, each with its own focus; Wildlife Portraits, Animal Action & Wildlife Portfolio The winner of each category will win a fantastic prize from our sponsor Rohan, with the overall winner, picked from one of the three category winners, winning a pair of Opticron Savanna R PC binoculars. The closing date is 19 Nov 2021. To find out more visit www.wildlifeworldwidephotographycompetition.com
We create outstanding
wildlife holidays Over 300 locations worldwide, handpicked for the best wildlife viewing. Over 25 years of creating the finest wildlife holidays Knowledgeable & passionate team of wildlife experts Flexible tailor-made holidays Small group wildlife & birding trips worldwide Committed to conservation & responsible tourism Expert local naturalist guides 24-hour on-call service for peace of mind 100% independent 100% financial protection
01962 302055 sales@wildlifeworldwide.com www.wildlifeworldwide.com Long Barn South, Sutton Manor Farm, Bishop’s Sutton, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 0AA, United Kingdom Wildlife Worldwide is part of The Natural Travel Collection Ltd, a small independent travel company that places a special emphasis on sustainable tailor-made and small group holidays.
©Wildlife Worldwide 2021 No portion of this brochure may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Wildlife Worldwide. Photographs courtesy of: Dani Free, Bret Charman, Micky Wiswedel, Bharath-Shreyas, Trevor Waugh, Emma Healey, Nick Garbutt, Sean Weekly, Steve Darling, Martin Piispea, Nick Dale, José Luis Ojeda, Hugh Harrop & Calum Kotze. Apologies for any omissions.