Wildlife Worldwide Brochure 2011/2012 by The Natural Travel Collection Ltd

HOLIDAYS WITH 100%

FINANCIAL PROTECTION

2011/12

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ack rhino duction of five bl tro in re e th to ss heart ted acce y is close to our ough to be gran a’s Luangwa Valle We were lucky en bi m Za . ay lped M he in ve e past we’ a National Park conceived. In th as to North Luangw w e id w ld or e W le to invit you to idea for Wildlife as great to be ab w it so as it’s where the t, ec oj pr ion n effort. We of the reintroduct kable conservatio ar m re a of with prior stages e ag azing st cal wildlife s the last and am oud to support lo pr e ar e w re he join us to witnes stinations w astic, pioneering il to our list of de e Pantanal, a fant th also added Braz in ch r. ar se re ar nce in Septembe macaw and jagu visit and experie to gh projects, aiding ou en y ck as lu ion, and one I w wildlife destinat tion projects oney for conserva m ise ra to rs ou endeav ism practices, continue in our responsible tour r fo sm ia Next year, we’ll us th nd of en . We’ll ng our special ki here and abroad worldwide, bringi hing we do both yt er ev to in in gy rticipate skills and ener to see wildlife, pa and our unique l w opportunities ne tic as nt unities you trave fa m u m g yo ment and co on vir continue to brin en e r th ou to to nefit mbabwe d make a real be re introducing Zi e’ w s, ar ye conservation an of r a numbe as the right the first time in mbabwe again w Zi g rin fe of at to. This year, for th to this 100% sure nding travellers g. I wanted to be inced that by se nv 2011/12 offerin co w no tle am a d e and provid lit velled there an e local economy th lp thing to do so I tra he to le ab we really will be wonderful country ost. re it is needed m employment whe ochure and our r new 2011/12 br ou y jo en u yo We hope helping you look forward to h uc m ry ve am dedicated te lifetime. life holiday of a arrange your wild Chris Breen e Worldwide Founder, Wildlif

have travelled with Wildlife “ IWorldwide, been to great places, met great people and seen great beasts -- and always, I know it’s going to be done right. That’s because they do ethics as well as efficiency.

”

Simon Barnes. Conservationist & author

Contents Introduction....................................... 2 - 11 Africa...................................................... 12 - 79 Europe. .................................................. 80 - 83 Asia.......................................................... 84 - 105 Americas.............................................. 106 - 151 Booking Information. .................. 152 - 155

Your Financial Security We are an ATOL bonded tour operator authorised by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Every holiday we sell that includes a flight element is protected under our ATOL licence. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advanced booking. ABTOT is authorised to hold bonds on behalf of travel organisers in order to provide financial protection for customer prepayments. It has an experienced membership secretary to help guide travel organisers through the regulatory maze and a straightforward membership process that satisfies obligations under the Package Travel, Package Holiday and Package Tours Regulations 1992 (The Regulations).

Contact Us Wildlife Worldwide Capitol House, 12-13 Bridge Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 0HL, UK 0845 130 6982 sales@wildlifeworldwide.com www.wildlifeworldwide.com Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Wildlife Choice

Small group tours Using our expertise, built over 19 years of creating dedicated wildlife holidays, we have designed a series of tours which provide our clients with the opportunity to join a small group of like-minded enthusiasts to some of the world’s most prolific wildlife destinations, to discover the natural world.

Look out for this icon as you explore our new range of holidays.

The essence of our tours is built around small groups. Many operators have larger numbers but, on the majority of our trips, we’ve stuck to a maximum of 12, sometimes less, so we can really show you the country and wildlife, with a new group of friends.

In 2010, these tours were a great success - passengers honed their photographic skills in Kenya and Zambia, spotted bears in Finland and were engulfed by Namibia’s dunes. Join us in 2011! Below are some examples of what’s on offer. Also look out for our new series of ‘Connoisseur’ trips, which lead you into pioneering destinations and to wildlife experiences designed especially for the seasoned traveller and those who really want to discover hidden highlights and wildlife in its natural state. N

Look out for this icon.

GROUP TOUR

“ join a likeminded group of enthusiasts ” 4

India – An exciting wildlife tour, designed to help you see the amazing Bengal tiger. Go to page 90

Namibia – An all-encompassing journey through the desert landscapes of Namibia, a scenic and wildlife wonder. Go to page 43

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Tailor-made A unique journey designed just for you. Do you want to create your own itinerary? You may want to choose certain places within a destination, particular national parks and lodges, a specific airline or class of seat, extra time in a reserve to improve sightings of a rare species… Our speciality is in creating tailor-made holidays which allow you the freedom and flexibility to travel how, when and wherever you want to go. To guide you through the possibilities, we often provide ‘suggested itineraries’, put together by experts who have ‘been there and done it’. These ideas suggest the

Canada – We’ve been tailoring holidays in Canada for 15 years, whether you want to see polar bears in Churchill or grizzly bears in British Colombia, let us guide you! Go to pages 108 - 117 Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

possibilities and guideline prices, but you are in the driving seat. We’re here to help you to arrange a holiday that is right for you. Since Wildlife Worldwide started in 1992, we have created literally thousands of wildlife holidays for people from all walks of life. Families and friends celebrating special occasions, birthdays and anniversaries, honeymooners looking for that ideal blend of luxury and nature, busy executives in search of a short break to a remote fly-in location, singles and couples trying out their first safari experience. With our expertise you choose what’s right for you.

Kenya – We’ve chosen a delectable selection of lodges in Kenya to ensure you have a comfortable stay with great wildlife sightings. Go to pages 58 - 65

Look out for this icon as you explore our holidays.

TAILOR-MADE

“ complete freedom and flexibility ” 5

Wildlife Choice

Photographic tours

Look out for this icon.

HORSE RIDING

“ we offer special photographic tours, accompanied by experts ”

You will undoubtedly want to record your encounters with wildlife or natural landscapes on camera. Over the years, we have built an association with many wildlife photographers – who, incidentally, often contribute to the photographs used in our brochures and website. Names like Nick Garbutt (award-winning wildlife photographer), Mark Carwardine (author and BBC zoologist) and David Back (runner up in Wildlife Photographer of the Year) have been associated with Wildlife Worldwide for a number of years. For those whose fascination with wildlife goes handin-hand with a passion for photography, we now offer special photographic tours, accompanied by experts. They’ll teach you how to capture the best light, how to prepare for those unforgettable close-ups and how to process and catalogue your images.

Borneo – In May 2011, why not join Nick Garbutt in the heart of the rainforest, to capture those special images of orang-utans. Go to page 102

We have three outstanding photographic destinations to offer – Zambia, Kenya and Borneo, all lead by Nick Garbutt. Nick is an award-winning wildlife photographer. Twice winner in the prestigious BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition, Nick won the Gerald Durrell Award for Endangered Wildlife in 2000, after previously winning in the Urban and Garden Wildlife category in 1996. He’s also received many accolades for his work and you may have seen his work in National Geographic, BBC Wildlife or Outdoor Photography magazines. Combining his photography with lecturing, artistry and writing several guides to wildlife photography, Nick is not only a professional, expert guide for your holiday, but great fun to travel with. These trips run on fixed departure dates and are in high demand, so please book early to secure a place.

Kenya & Zambia – Two wildlife favourites, where we learn how to take the best safari shots. Departures in June and October. Go to pages 21 & 63

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Wildlife Photography with Nick Garbutt - a report And here’s just a taster from last year’s trip to the Masai Mara, from Nick himself:

the sun was just It was day one, e horizon and creeping over th out of camp for we’d barely been e was an obvious 10 minutes. Ther ead – wildebeest commotion just ah l directions, scattering in al the billowing running through ey’d created. plumes of dust th rough the We approached th find a panicto , ds clearing clou st struggling stricken wildebee vice-like jaws for its life; the a clamped to a of a spotted hyen instantly clear rear leg. It was ly one outcome. there would be on d, the wildebeest Already exhauste and within soon succumbed enas arrived and seconds more hy d al was dispatche the hapless anim . zy en eding fr in an excited fe

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the action had The immediacy of by surprise, but taken all of us re firing, one soon shutters we her. This was burst after anot oth and claw, nature, red in to elling action and made for comp first encounter photography. This our week in the set the tone for there were Mara. Every day rs and superb te special encoun es. photo opportuniti action and game In between the r time to enjoy ou drives, there was os through phot super camp, work photography us rio and go over va . ssing techniques and digital proce e, in ag im s hard to By the end it wa d an in a week we’d seen so much eryone craving ev d ha it certainly g their next more and plannin photo safari.

“ Every day there were special encounters and superb photo opportunities.” 7

Festival of Wildlife

Wildlife Worldwide developed this unique annual event in 2004 and ran the first Festival of Wildlife to the game reserves of Kenya in support of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation and Mara Research. It was hailed as a huge success, with over 50 clients attending, along with wildlife experts, photographers, journalists and artists. Since then, ‘Festival’ has become an annual event, with the same core concepts running through: • An iconic wildlife venue

Experts and personalities Since the first festival, countless wildlife experts have attended, guided or given talks at the event. Top travel journalists Lyn Hughes of Wanderlust magazine and Sophie Stafford of BBC Wildlife Magazine, TV personalities like Jonathan Scott and the BBC’s zoologist Mark Carwardine, wildlife artists David Shepherd, Jonathan Truss and Mandy Shepherd, award-winning photographer Nick Garbutt, plus a range of local experts from the rainforests of Madagascar, the islands of the Galapagos and the parks of Tanzania, India and British Columbia.

• Charismatic wildlife experts, celebrities and journalists attend by invitation • Talks are given each day and evening by local wildlife experts • A strong conservation ethic – with money raised and donated to support specific charities • Arts, local crafts and photography always a strong theme • Extensions and options designed for those who wish to see more of the country before and/or after the festival

“ the festival is a unique concept ” 8

2010’s Festival of Wi ldlife was held in Bra zil. Charles Kinsey, to the Pantanal, co who travelled mmented: “The main reason for writing is to thank you so mu hard work in makin ch for all your g the Festival its elf such a success than lived up to . It more my expectations an d I know that yo extremely hard to u worked ensure that we ha d the best time The jaguar sight possible. ings were amazin g and I did not wonderful anima expect these ls to be so active during the day hunting etc. In swimming and particular, the tim e when some of us a jaguar causing observed trouble to a famil y of giant river then successfully otters and hunting a caima n was one of the of wildlife watchin best hours g I have ever exp erienced! The bir quite extraordina d life was ry and both the bir ds and animals we photograph than re easier to I had anticipate d. In the talks, enormous amount I learned an about the wildlife as well as local tou environmental iss rism and ues. I also greatly valued the time spent with me by the professional ph otographers to help me improve my photography.”

The next exciting adventure will be in Baja California, Mexico, in March 2011 – the main focus being on whale-watching. Please call if you are interested. Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

Value for money

This year we’ve been working hard to bring you the best-value wildlife holidays. Here’s how we’ve done it:

Business Class

• Our choice – throughout the brochure you’ll see accommodations highlighted as ‘our choice’. These are generally properties we’ve worked with for many years and have become firm favourites of our clients, or we simply know and love. This enables us to offer excellent rates at these properties, offering you great value and outstanding service. Look out for this icon.

We know that many of you enjoy that touch of luxury, and so why not ask us about our business class upgrades? You can choose to fly in style to hundreds of worldwide destinations, allowing you to arrive at your destination refreshed and relaxed.

Over the years we’ve built up great relationships with many airlines, which enables us to tailor your holiday perfectly using the best fares and the best routes.” Teresa Bennett, Flights Director

OUR CHOICE

• M id-range hotels – this year, throughout our brochure, you’ll see properties shown as ‘mid’ or ‘high’ level. We’ve been working hard to select a range of accommodation with different price brackets to suit varying budgets. We hope this will offer everyone the chance to experience a fantastic wildlife holiday, without compromising our exceptional service. Look out for these icons. MID

Single and solo?

HIGH

• Supplier relationships – thanks to the excellent relationships we’ve built with our suppliers worldwide, this year we’ve been able to negotiate many reductions on our ground costs, which we have passed directly on to you. Again, this doesn’t compromise on quality; it’s simply a case of offering value for money itineraries at great rates!

“ more for your money great rates and exceptional service ”

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Many of our clients are either single or decide to travel without their partners. Whether you decide to join a group tour or we tailor-make a special holiday just for you, you can be safe in the knowledge that you will be looked after from start to finish.

Responsible Travel Acting responsibly in the way we operate our holidays is very important to us. We have a mission that cuts across every aspect of the holidays we offer: To preserve the natural environment and minimise any negative impact on local cultures through education, conservation, sustainable development and socially responsible practices.

“ it’s all about giving something back ” 10

• David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation – for many years we have had a wonderful relationship and close association with David Shepherd and the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation. We have supported them in numerous ways and as such have raised (and continue to raise) considerable sums of money for the foundation.

• Horny@50 – this is a remarkable organisation setup to preserve the critically endangered rhinos. We have played an important part in helping Horny@50 translocate black rhinos into Zambia’s North Luangwa National Park, and now we are helping them to preserve the one-horned rhinoceros in India’s Kaziranga National Park.

• The Galapagos Conservation Trust – the Galapagos Conservation Trust was one of the key beneficiaries of our Festival of Wildlife in the Galapagos Islands.

• R aincoast Conservation Society – the society has brought awareness to the world of the plight of the Great Bear Rainforest on British Columbia’s central and north-west coast. Through our Festival of Wildlife and other collaborations spawned during the event we have benefitted this area significantly.

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BRAZIL • F estival of Wildlife – the 2010 Festival of Wildlife took us to the Pantanal, Brazil. Here we supported two local organisations working to conserve macaws and jaguars. They’re conducting vital research into these two most precious species. We also reserved a proportion of the £4,300 raised to go to sending disadvantaged young people abroad, to gain an understanding of the natural world around them. • Z ambia – we support two schools in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley. Over the years we have helped Yosefe Primary School build a comprehensive library for the school and the surrounding community, and more recently we have secured funding for the construction of a new classroom block. At Mkasanga School to the north, we have secured funding for a whole range of classroom facilities – desks, chairs, blackboards and even windows. As well as contributing to these charities, you can travel on any of our new and exciting Volunteer Holidays.

Volunteer holidays Conservation is crucial to us, and we know that it is to you, too. We offer a few carefully-selected destinations and projects, which you can get involved in. All of them give you the opportunity to help local communities research and protect their fragile environments and wildlife. You’ll generally spend a week or two on a project, whatever’s appropriate to make a difference, with time allowed to explore the country afterwards, if you wish. Look out for this icon.

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com HORSE RIDING

Africa Fabulous game parks with guaranteed wildlife sightings and breathtaking scenery combine to make Africa one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top wildlife viewing areas. First-time visitors and regular safari enthusiasts alike will always be delighted with the wildlife secrets it holds and the natural experiences to be discovered.

africa | introduction

Contents Southern Africa Zambia......................................................... 16 - 25 Victoria Falls................................................. 26 - 27 Zimbabwe.................................................... 28 - 31 Botswana..................................................... 32 - 37 Namibia........................................................ 38 - 43 South Africa . ............................................... 44 - 47 Mozambique................................................. 48 - 49 Madagascar.................................................. 50 - 55

East Africa Kenya........................................................... 58 - 65 Tanzania....................................................... 66 - 71 Uganda & Rwanda........................................ 72 - 77 Ethiopia........................................................ 78 - 79

you`re thinking about a trip to “ IfAfrica don`t just ask yourself what you want out of your trip, ask Wildlife Worldwide! If you’re big on birds or big on game, they have the experience to deliver your dream trip giving you the wildlife you want to see... not just the right areas, the best tried and tested camps and lodges, but also they know the best time of the year to see it all!

”

Jonathan Truss, wildlife artist

Ethiopia Uganda Rwanda

Kenya Tanzania

Zambia

Mozambique

Zimbabwe Namibia Botswana

Madagascar

South Africa

Southern Africa Southern Africa presents a huge variety of wildlife experiences. Zambia boasts the best walking safaris, whilst boat rides along the Zambezi River offer wildlife spotting from a different perspective. In Botswana, strictly-protected private concession areas allow exclusive safaris, whilst Namibiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dramatic deserts and towering dunes are unique - something for everyone!

africa | southern africa

In focus April April until the end of May is wild dog season in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, for great sightings. Pages 16-21

North Luangwa N.P.

Skeleton Coast Park

July

Bangweulu South Luangwa N.P.

ZAMBIA

Enjoy whale-watching during Madagascar’s winter months (July to September) as female humpback whales congregate to give birth. Pages 50-55

Kafue N.P. Lochinvar N.P. Caprivi N.P.

LUSAKA Lower Zambezi N.P. Lake Kariba Victoria Falls Livingstone MOZAMBIQUE Moremi Game Reserve Chobe N.P. MAUN Swakopmund ZIMBABWE ANTANANARIVO WINDHOEK Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

BOTSWANA

JOHANNESBURG

SWAZILAND

NAMIBIA

LESOTHO Atlantic Ocean

September Many migrant birds appear in southern Africa. Late September sees thousands of iridescent carmine bee-eaters re-establishing their colonies in the banks of the Luangwa and Zambezi Rivers. Pages 16-25

Central Kalahari Game Reserve Kruger N.P. MADAGASCAR

Drakensberg Mountains

SOUTH AFRICA CAPE TOWN

October The last dry month in southern Africa as the heat builds – this is a good time to view game by the major water courses.

Indian Ocean

Wildlife guide to Madagascar Nick Garbutt is an award-winning wildlife photographer, author and friend of Wildlife Worldwide. Nick’s images have been published in many books and magazines all over the world, and his own books have received wide critical acclaim. He’s also a regular expert at our annual Festival of Wildlife holidays and is leading some photography tours for us throughout 2011. One of the regions Nick’s particularly fond of and knowledgeable about is Madagascar. As such, we thought it’d be a great idea to ask him to write the Madagascar section of our brochure, as Nick and Wildlife Worldwide’s travel guide to this amazing island. We’re sure it’ll whet your appetite to visit Madagascar with us. . For more information on Nick’s work, you can see him online at www.nickgarbutt.com

Climate - Zambia

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Temperature max (˚C) 26 26 26 26 Rainfall (mm) 231 191 142 18

25 3

23 23 0 0

25 0

29 0

31 29 27 10 91 150

Top tip: November until May is . the ‘green’ season in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley with clear skies, spectacular sunsets, great offers and fantastic birdwatching.

Zambia

Zambia is the place we know best; this is where we grew up, and the place that draws us back time and time again. Our founder and director, Chris Breen, lived and worked here, and ran walking safaris from two beautiful bushcamps in the heart of the Luangwa Valley. It is against the standards of accommodation and guiding in Zambia that we compare everything else in the world that we offer. Zambia holds our heart. It is a country with warm, welcoming people and smiling faces. It also has fantastic accommodation and good transport links. However, it is Zambia’s staggering diversity that really makes it our number one destination. From the verdant grassy plains and first-class walking trails in the Luangwa, to the tree-climbing lions of Kafue’s Busanga Plains, and the canoeing and boating opportunities on the Lower Zambezi, this is ‘safari par excellence’. In some places, you won’t see another tourist. It is the way they ‘safari’ in Zambia that makes it all so special. Try it – we have lots of interesting suggestions over the next few pages, carved from our years of experience. In fact, we think that if you travel to Zambia, you will want to return again and again…. as so many of our safari-goers do.

South Luangwa National Park South Luangwa is the jewel of the country’s national parks and comprises 9,050 square kilometres of unspoilt African wilderness. Its eastern boundary is the meandering Luangwa River whose regular changes in course leave characteristically scenic ox-bow lagoons. Set amongst beautiful riverine vegetation of evergreen mahogany and ebony trees, these lagoons and the ‘grazing lawns’ around them are a magnet to the park’s outstanding wildlife. You can expect to encounter numerous large animals here - elephant, buffalo, hippo, Thornicroft’s giraffe, lion, crocodile, warthog, puku, Crawshay’s 16

zebra, Cookson’s wildebeest and eland are all common, and the Luangwa has the world’s highest naturally occurring population of leopard. For the birdwatcher too, Luangwa could hardly be better. The sun-scorched riverbanks play host to vast colonies of carmine bee-eaters, which together with lovebirds and kingfishers lend more than a splash of colour to this beautiful destination.

Norman Carr Safaris HIGH our choice Norman Carr was the pioneer of safaris in Zambia and his lodge and bush camps remain amongst the very best in Luangwa. Kapani Lodge is the main property sited just outside the park on a beautiful lagoon over which is a shady viewing platform and al-fresco dining area. Each of the four bush camps is

inside the park but two of them (Luwi and Nsolo) are located along the dry Luwi River, Norman’s favourite game-viewing and walking safari area in the whole of Zambia. The camps vary from the simple (and arguably perfect) Luwi, to the luxurious Kakuli and Mchenja which are located on the bank of the Luangwa itself.. . . Kakuli is the only bushcamp in Luangwa which is open in the green season from January to the end of March. At this time of year it is accessed by an exciting two hour river journey from the park entrance.

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africa | zambia

offers rustic accommodation in grass and reed huts (each with a verandah overlooking the river), but with the modern comforts of hot showers and running water. Both this and Kafunta are great value options for a Zambia safari.

The Green Season The green season is one of our favourite times to safari in Zambia. The rivers are high enough to enable boat trips, affording you a fantastic way to safari and a unique way to spot wildlife. Plus, the prices tend to be lower, so it’s great value, too!

. . . . . .

Fact! Flatdogs Camp mid our choice Flatdogs has one of the most wonderful sites in the Luangwa, with probably the longest river frontage of all the valley’s lodges. It is a medium-sized camp with a varied range of accommodation from en-suite safari tents to the beautiful Jackalberry Tree House. . . .

Kafunta River Lodge mid Kafunta, which accommodates 20 people, is built around a wild mango tree and thatched in traditional style. It offers superb panoramic views over the Luangwa River and the usual range of safari activities but is unique in having both a swimming pool and a spring-fed hot tub. This lovely addition to a safari lodge is naturally kept at a constant . 38 degrees!. .

Island Bush Camp mid This bush camp is small (it only accommodates ten people) and personalized. It is set in a mahogany grove on the bank of the Luangwa. It

Mwaleshi mid Mwaleshi is constructed in a traditional grass and pole fashion on a beautiful stretch of the perennially flowing Mwaleshi River. The camp is in the heart of an area legendary for its abundant wildlife and in particular lion. . . Kutandala mid Norman Carr (who our founder and director Chris Breen worked for in . the mid-1980s) was an eco-tourism . pioneer when in the 1950s he asked the local chief if he could bring tourists into the area to see wildlife – and pay the Chief a small ‘fee’ for his permission. The Chief thought Norman was mad (but agreed), and wildlife tourism and conservation in partnership in Zambia was born. It has set the standard for the rest of . Africa to follow. . .

North Luangwa North Luangwa National Park is separated from its southern cousin by the Munyamadzi Corridor. It is a virtually unexplored wilderness in safari terms with no permanent lodges. Its 6,000 square kilometres support a substantial wildlife population with lion, leopard, elephant being here in good numbers. It combines really well with South Luangwa (generally accessed by light aircraft from the south) and the emphasis here in the north is on vehicle-free safaris.

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Kutandala on the banks of the Mwaleshi River offers simple thatched chalets for only six guests. The dining area, bar and library are arranged under the shade of a huge Natal Mahogany Tree and with there being no generator, the true sounds of bush life can be heard. The food and quality of service here are exceptional.. .

Fact! The final translocation of five black rhinos to North Luangwa happened in May, 2010. They join 20 black rhino (plus young) who are already there, which it is hoped will re-establish a viable breeding population after they were decimated by poachers in the 1980s.

Luangwa Safari Adventure

TAILOR-MADE

Get up close and personal with lion, leopard, elephant and much more on this amazing Zambian safari. We’ve got together with a fantastic camp in South Luangwa National Park to offer you an unrivalled safari deal. You can experience Zambia in style but without the high price tag!

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Mfuwe (via Lusaka) Day 2 South Luangwa National Park, 7-nights, Flatdogs Camp. Located on the banks of the Luangwa River, the safari tents have great views of the valley, and you’ll have wonderful gameviewing opportunities (BLD) Day 9 Lusaka, 1-night, Pioneer Camp. Spend the night in Lusaka (BLD) Day 10 Depart for the UK (B) Day 11 Arrive UK

Departure dates

Daily, throughout the year

Cost per person From £2855 (Jan - mid Mar), £2695 (mid - end Mar), £2795 (Apr - Jun), £3085 (Jul - mid Sep), £3185 (mid Sep - Oct), £2885 (Nov - Dec), £3295 (Christmas)

National Park fees US$210 payable locally

What’s included

F lights, transfers, meals as indicated, eight nights tented camp, guided activities

The Luangwa Valley The Luangwa Valley has many excellent properties. The camps we work with in Zambia, we hand-pick and we know them well. All of the camps have en-suite facilities, superb guides, great food and wonderful views. Most camps offer game-drives in four-wheel drive vehicles, day and night, and walking safaris. Call us to chat through your options – or Chris himself.

. . . . . . Robin Pope Safaris HIGH Robin Pope Safaris is a well-established safari operation in Luangwa with three excellent camps that are scattered across the Valley; Tena Tena, Nsefu and Nkwali. They vary in size from Nkwali and Nsefu which each accommodate 12 guests, to Tena Tena which accommodates only eight.

Robin Pope Safaris also offers an excellent series of portered walking safaris to the remote northern section of South Luangwa. Please do ask us for more details. . . . . . . . . Tafika mid Tafika is superbly situated on a magnificent stretch of the Luangwa River. The camp consists of six comfortable grass and pole chalets catering for a maximum of 12 guests. With so few guests the camp offers a highly personalised, friendly service . and the game-viewing activities are very flexible. . . John Coppinger, the owner of Tafika, is a highly skilled pilot and offers early morning microlight flights – a great way to start the day’s game-viewing.

Luangwa’s Rivers & Rainbows

Leopards of Luangwa

TAILOR-MADE

This is without doubt our most popular safari. We have been selling this for many years and it is as popular now as it was when we first introduced it. From Kapani, you will have the opportunity to take early morning, afternoon and night drives with expert naturalists. You then stay in a selection of the superb satellite camps, set along the dry Luwi River.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Mfuwe (via Lusaka) Day 2 South Luangwa, 7-nights, Kapani Lodge or satellite camps. No two days will be the same – you will sit by tranquil lagoons, track lions, enjoy hearty bush breakfasts on the banks of the river and enjoy unrivalled game-viewing! (BLD) Day 9 Lusaka, 1-night, Pioneer Camp (B) Day 10 Depart for the UK (B) Day 11 Arrive UK

Departure dates

Daily, May to November

Cost per person From £3295 (mid May - Jun), £3685 (Jul - mid Sep), £3775 (mid Sep - mid Oct), £3395 (mid Oct - Nov)

National Park fees US$315 payable locally

What’s included

F lights, transfers, meals as indicated, seven nights lodge accommodation/tented camp, guided activities

TAILOR-MADE

This is the ultimate green season safari. It is rarely possible to travel by boat on the Luangwa River as it is full of crocs, hippos and fallen trees. However, between February and April the water level is high enough to allow some exciting boating opportunities - the high water creates a magical wildlife wonderland that has to be seen to be believed.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Mfuwe (via Lusaka) Day 2 South Luangwa, 4-nights, Kapani Lodge. Game drives and night drives (BLD) Day 6 South Luangwa, 3-nights, Kakuli. River transfer to Kakuli and then enjoy river-based as well as road (and possibly walking) safaris (BLD) Day 9 Lusaka, 1-night, Pioneer Camp (B) Day 10 Depart for the UK (B) Day 11 Arrive UK Departure dates

Daily, mid January to early April

Cost per person From £3355 (mid Jan - mid Mar), £3265 (mid - end Mar)

National Park fees US$235 payable locally

What’s included

F lights, transfers, meals as indicated, seven nights lodge accommodation/tented camp, guided activities

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africa | zambia

GROUP TOUR

Zambian Luxury Escape Highlights • Luangwa’s top camps and lodges • Sleep under the stars in the sandy Luwi River • The finest naturalist guides and wildlife scouts This is Luangwa at its best. Staying in the exceptional Norman Carr Safaris’ properties, we will enjoy the very best wildlife-viewing experience in the company of top guides and with open safari vehicles for great photographic opportunities. A walking safari is the very essence of a Luangwa experience. Heading into the heart of the park, we enjoy a trip that takes us down the Luwi River to Kakuli, even having the chance to sleep out under the stars one night. This is an extra special adventure, getting close to nature and having a unique wilderness experience. Due to our close relationship with the owners of the camp, we’ve also arranged for some extra special treats throughout the itinerary – from drumming workshops to picnic game drives, and much more!

Luwi River LUWI CAMP

WILD CAMP NSOLO CAMP

South Luangwa National Park

KAKULI CAMP

KAPANI LODGE

ZAMBIA Luangwa River

Mfuwe Airport To Lusaka

ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Mfuwe (via Lusaka) Day 2 Dine on the raised platform overlooking the lagoon and enjoy game drives from Kapani Lodge (D) Day 3 Walking safaris from the most perfect of Luangwa’s bush camps, Luwi (BLD) Day 5 Walking safaris and night drives from Nsolo (BLD) Day 7 A once in a lifetime experience to sleep out under the stars in an African wilderness – this is a fantastic opportunity to get close to nature (BLD) Day 8 Walking or driving safaris. A final farewell to the valley from Kakuli (BLD) Day 10 Overnight in Lusaka (B) Day 11 Depart for the UK (arrive the same day). Please note, camps are subject to change.

Departure dates Fri 10 Jun – Mon 20 Jun 11 Wed 26 Oct – Sat 05 Nov 11 Fri 08 Jun – Mon 18 Jun 12 Wed 24 Oct – Sat 03 Nov 12 Flight inclusive cost per person From £3995 Land only cost per person From £3200 Single room supplement Please call us for further details What’s included Flights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, eight nights lodge accommodation/tented camp, one night bush camp Tour code WZNC Max group size 8

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

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Chikoko and Crocodile Camps mid These are walking trails camps operated by Tafika in a wilderness area of great natural beauty teeming with big game. Both are simple camps constructed of thatch overlooking grassy plains. All luggage and supplies are portered into the camps as there are no roads – this is a walking safari at its very best.. .

Kaingo HIGH Kaingo is one of the very special Luangwa camps. Set in a wooded grove on the banks of the Luangwa, it is a luxury property accommodating only 12 people. Mwamba is its small satellite camp along the Mwamba River which sleeps six. Kaingo has photographic hides set above a hippo pool and near a large carmine bee-eater colony that have been designed by Derek Shenton, the camp’s owner. They have been used by some of the world’s top photographers.

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TAILOR-MADE

Luangwa Walking Adventure

This is another of our really popular Luangwa safaris. After the first few nights at Flatdogs camp, you will mainly be enjoying the wildlife on foot. Walking out of Chikoko you enter a vehicle free world so you can concentrate on the sounds and smells of the wilderness - the tracks, trails and the real bush experience.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Mfuwe (via Lusaka) Day 2 Luangwa, 3-nights, Flatdogs camp. Game drives morning and night (BLD) Day 5 South Luangwa, 3-nights, Chikoko Tree Camp. Walking safaris and relaxing in this beautiful bush camp (BLD) Day 8 Lusaka, 1-night, Pioneer Camp (BD) Day 9 Depart for the UK (arrive home same day)

Departure dates Cost per person

Daily, June to September From £3150 (Jun - mid Sep), £3295 (mid Sep - Oct)

What’s included

F lights, transfers, meals as indicated, seven nights tented camp, guided activities

Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

africa | zambia

GROUP TOUR

ZAMBIAN WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY - WITH NICK GARBUTT Highlights • Learn tips, trick and techniques from one of the world’s top wildlife photographers • Daytime workshops and evening presentations • Stay at two beautiful properties in the Luangwa Wildlife Worldwide has teamed up with award-winning wildlife photographer, Nick Garbutt, for a photography tour to Zambia. .

South Luangwa National Park KAKULI CAMP

ZAMBIA KAPANI LODGE

During the five days you’ll spend time out and about capturing great wildlife shots under the expert tuition of Nick, before going back to the lodge and spending time learning how to work with your images on photo editing software and catalogue them. The tours will run at both beginner and advanced level, so you can choose according to your ability. The dates are designed to run one after the other, so if you’ve completed the beginner course you can go and take the advanced lessons, too. Of course all this, staying in one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries on earth.

Departure dates Fri 07 Oct – Sat 15 Oct 11 (beginner/intermediate) Fri 14 Oct – Sat 22 Oct 11 (intermediate/advanced) Fri 05 Oct – Sat 13 Oct 12 (beginner/intermediate) Fri 12 Oct – Sat 20 Oct 12 (intermediate/advanced) Flight inclusive cost per person From £3995 Land only cost per person From £2925 Single room supplement Please call us for details What’s included Flights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, six nights lodge/tented camp accommodation Max. group size 8 Tour code WPZA

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Mfuwe Airport To Lusaka

ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Mfuwe (via Lusaka) Day 2 Transfer to Kapani Lodge and spend the next two days photographing in the Luangwa Valley from around the lodge (BLD, only dinner included on day two) Day 4 From Kakuli, you’ll experience a different base for your photographic safari. This gives you a changed perspective, new scenery and new game, allowing you the chance to practise varying skills and resulting in diverse photographs (BLD) Day 8 Depart for the UK Day 9 Arrive UK

Lower Zambezi For many years this was a forgotten wilderness. It covers an exceptionally beautiful 4,000 square kilometres with a backdrop of the steeply rising Zambezi Escarpment, its most characteristic feature being the Zambezi itself. Elephant, lion, cheetah, leopard and huge herds of Cape buffalo are all resident here. Perhaps though, the Zambezi is best known for its boating safaris. Tranquil yet exciting, these trips through waters such as the Chifungulu Channel are an excellent way to appreciate the Zambezi. You can go out on motor-boats and birdwatch or fish, or head out in a canoe!

. . . . . . Old Mondoro Camp mid Old Mondoro is the only bush camp in the Lower Zambezi. The accommodation is simple but comfortable and consists of four chalets. Walking safaris through towering acacia woodland are a particular speciality from Old Mondoro.

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. . . . . . Chiawa Camp HIGH Chiawa offers superb accommodation in nine tents under thatch. The eight-metre motorised pontoon at Chiawa is an ideal vessel to take advantage of the river and the photographic opportunities here are exceptional. Recommended for . keen photographers.

Chongwe River Camp HIGH Award-winning Chongwe River Camp is located at the confluence of the Zambezi and Chongwe Rivers, offering first-class service, fantastic accommodation and exceptional game-viewing. We recommend this camp for a great value stay in the Lower Zambezi.

Safari houses If you are travelling as a group you might like to consider renting a safari house. Perfect for families or groups of friends, it allows you the freedom of your own secluded luxury retreat with private game-viewing vehicles and guides and unlimited flexibility of game-viewing and meal times. Please do ask us for more information.

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

GROUP TOUR

Kafue’s Rivers & Plains Highlights • A unique safari to the remote Kafue wilderness • Cheetah and tree-climbing lions on the Busanga Plains • Little chance of seeing any other safari-goers This safari is a step back in time to travel by four-wheel drive with top wildlife guides on a short overland safari to a real wildlife haven. Experience a nostalgic, luxury safari that recreates the sense of a game-viewing adventure reminiscent of the times of the great African explorers.

BUSANGA BUSH CAMP/ MUSANZA

ZAMBIA

LUFUPA CAMP

Kafue National Park

LUSAKA

TO LIVINGSTONE

ZAMBIA ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Lusaka Day 2 Dine beneath huge jackelberry trees overlooking the Kafue River from your base in Central Kafue, Lufupa Tented Camp (BLD) Day 4 Moving to Musanza Camp in northern Kafue, to enjoy great gameviewing, beautiful scenery and wholesome food in the wilderness (BLD) . Day 6 Busanga Plains is one of the wildest parts of Africa, with 1000s of lechwe, cheetah and tree-climbing lions. Enjoy it from your base at Busanga Bush Camp (BLD) Day 8 Time to reminisce with tales of the wildlife you have enjoyed on safari (BLD) Day 9 Depart for the UK (via Johannesburg) (B) Day 10 Arrive UK Extend your stay at Victoria Falls. Ask us for details. Departure dates

Weekly, every Monday

Flight inclusive cost per person From £3465 (Jan - mid March), £3375 (mid-end March), £3395 (Apr - mid Sep), £3500 (mid Sep - Dec), £3980 (Christmas) Land only cost per person

From £2185

Single room supplement

From £400

What’s included

F lights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, two nights hotel accommodation and seven nights tented camp

Max. group size

Tour code

WZKF

Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

africa | zambia

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Kafue National Park Covering some 22,500 square kilometres, Kafue is one of the world’s largest parks and consists of woodland and wide grassy ‘dambos’ grazed by Defassa waterbuck, sable, hartebeest, blue wildebeest, Cape buffalo and Burchell’s zebra. The vast Busanga Plain in the north is dominated by the Lufupa River system, which recedes in the dry season stranding large herds of hippos in shallow pools. This is one of Kafue’s richest wildlife areas attracting a diverse range of antelope including thousands of red lechwe. The profusion of game in the park attracts lion, leopard and cheetah in good numbers. Kafue offers a traditional game-viewing adventure reminiscent of the times of the great African explorers.

. . . . . . . Nanzhila Plains, Southern Kafue

mid

our choice

This is an intimate lodge comprising four spacious thatched cottages and a raised central boma overlooking a dambo frequented by wildlife. A highlight here is the chance to observe the area’s strong populations of wild dog and cheetah, as well as all the other major predators. .

. . . Konkamoya Lodge, Southern Kafue mid

Konkamoya is a small family-run safari lodge in the south of the park, consisting of just three chalets. The atmosphere is personal with walks, fly-camping trips and canoeing all on offer..

Wilderness Safaris HIGH Wilderness Safaris are now operating a family of properties in Kafue - Busanga Bush Camp, Kapinga Bush Camp, Shumba Bush Camp, Lufupa Tented Camp and Musanza. These bring with them the same exceptional quality of service and guiding that has made them famous elsewhere. All are located in superb wildlife areas, and we recommend a mixture of tented, bush and lodge accommodation to make the most of your visit to Kafue. Special occasion? Why not ask us for business class upgrades? We can offer competitive prices and it’d be a lovely start to your trip.

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

. . . . . . Hippo Lodge, Northern Kafue mid Hippo Lodge is a small vintage-style stone camp with four private chalets and two safari tents, located on the bank of the Kafue River. Highlights here include extensive game-viewing by boat, foot or vehicle… and soaking in their nearby natural hot springs..

Kasanka Kasanka is one of the smallest parks in Zambia and is unique by being privately run. The habitat is a varied mixture of miombo woodland, riverine forest, evergreen swamp forest and papyrus swamps. It also has lakes, lagoons, plains, dambos and marshes. The game concentrations are not high, but there are a number of specialist species here including sitatunga, Lichtensteinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hartebeest, sable, grysbok and blue monkey. The birdlife is exceptional with nearly 400 species having been recorded, including the rare Pelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fishing owl, wattled crane and Rossâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; turaco.

. . . . . . . Wasa Camp mid Wasa is a small, rustic, but comfortable camp overlooking Lake Wasa and close to the sitatunga hide and mushitu (swamp) forest. There are eight chalets, three of which have en-suite facilities and private verandahs. The camp offers excellent walking trails, as well as safaris by canoe and four-wheel drive..

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Bangweulu Bangweulu is a vast watery wilderness about 55 kilometres northeast of Kasanka National Park. The endemic black lechwe congregate here in herds thousands strong. Elephant, tsessebe, reedbuck, oribi and sitatunga have also adapted to this area and can be found in good numbers, and the birdlife here is prolific. One of the magnificent rewards for visiting this area is the possibility of sighting the increasingly rare shoebill.

. . . . . . Shoebill Camp mid This is the only camp in this remote and rarely-visited wildlife paradise. The camp sleeps 12, each twin-bedded tent having a private toilet and shower. Excursions are conducted on foot, by four-wheel drive and in boats around the swamps (subject to the very variable water conditions).

Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

africa | zambia N

GROUP TOUR

Shoebills, Lechwe & Luangwa Highlights • Discover three unexplored habitats • See rare species • Lion, leopard and elephant up-close

NORTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK BANGWEULU

A pioneering expedition to Zambia’s hidden highlights. Not many . people venture to the remote wildernesses of Kasanka, Bangweulu and North Luangwa, which makes them the perfect locations for exclusive wildlife viewing. Wildlife abounds with black lechwe, sitatunga and shoebill among the specialist species you can see, alongside elephants, lions and leopards. Explorations are on foot and by boat, allowing ample opportunity for access to secret areas and great photography.

KASANKA NATIONAL PARK

ZAMBIA

MFUWE

LUSAKA

Your accommodation is in camps, which blend perfectly with the environment you’re in – only enhancing your truly natural experience.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart for Lusaka Day 2 Explore one of Zambia’s smallest national parks, Kasanka, in search of many specialist species, including sitatunga, grysbok and blue monkey (BLD) Day 5 Bangweulu is a safari destination for the true connoisseur – a wildlife paradise. You’ll stay in a remote camp and enjoy sightings of herds of thousands of black lechwe, the rare shoebill and much, much more (BLD) Day 8 North Luangwa National Park differs from its southern cousin by being virtually unexplored. Here you will discover significant lion, leopard and elephant populations and exploring on foot and in silence will have you overwhelmed by this natural wilderness (BLD) Day 9 Back to Lusaka for an overnight stay and to reflect on your adventures (BLD) Day 10 Depart for the UK (B) Day 11 Arrive UK

Departure dates

Sun 24 Jul – Thu 04 Aug 11 Sun 22 Jul – Thu 02 Aug 12

Flight inclusive cost per person From £4995

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Land only cost per person

From £4450

Single room supplement What’s included

Please call us for details Flights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, nine nights tented camps

Max. group size

Tour code

WCSL

Victoria Falls

In focus Victoria Falls is frequently named as one of the world’s top three waterfalls. The views are equally spectacular from both Zambia and Zimbabwe. Visitors follow a series of walkways where rainbows gleam through gaps in the dripping rainforest and occasional torrents of water are blown across the paths (especially in the green season). During the dry season months of June to October, water is concentrated into one section of the towering rock face of the gorge, and sometimes you can even walk across the rocks on the Zambian side to sit and wonder at the roaring spectacle. The Falls are at their peak around March and April, when the water and spray shower down on the walkways – it is so intense that you are guaranteed to get absolutely soaked, and the best views are from the air! All the properties we describe below offer visits to the Falls, river trips and excursions to the area’s various activities.

ZAMBIA

The Royal Livingstone Hotel Waterberry Lodge

Kasane

The Zambezi Sun

Tongabezi Sindabezi

Livingstone Town

Toka Leya

VICTORIA FALLS TOWN

BOTSWANA

In fact, the entire area has become a centre for all kinds of outdoor activities, from simple game drives in the area’s excellent parks to more adventurous and extreme sports of all kinds – elephant-back riding, canoeing, boating, white-water rafting and, of course, flying over the Falls by light aircraft, helicopter and even microlight!

Ilala Lodge

ZIMBABWE

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Zambia and Zimbabwe Livingstone in Zambia and the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe are towns located on either side of the Falls. The two countries ‘share’ the Falls, and are linked via a spectacular iron bridge suspended 100 metres above the raging waters below.

There are two key national parks in the area for wildlife – on the Zambian side (and upstream from the Falls) is Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. This is a small park with a chequered history, but which has a good range of wildlife. On the Zimbabwean side is Zambezi National Park, also with great wildlife.

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The Royal Livingstone Hotel HIGH The Royal Livingstone Hotel is opulent and it is without doubt the best place to view the falls. The luxurious rooms all have superb views of the river. There is a beautiful swimming pool and a large wooden platform beneath a shady tree which projects out over the Zambezi… perfect for sundowners!. . Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

africa | zambia

. . . . . . . Tongabezi HIGH our choice Tongabezi is a secluded riverside camp on a sweeping bend in the Zambezi accommodating 20 people in a combination of uniquely created cottages and ‘houses’. Each cottage is distinctive in design and located right next to the water with private views across the Zambezi.

. . . . . . . Sindabezi mid our choice If you want seclusion, Sindabezi is a small, intimate lodge located on a totally secluded island in the middle of the Zambezi River, accessed only by boat. It consists of just four individual thatched cottages. The island is surrounded by Victoria Falls National Park and the wildlife is abundant with large herds of elephant in the area, a variety of antelope and of course a magnificent birdlife.

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Toka Leya HIGH Toka Leya is the newest property in the area. It consists of 12 spacious tents on raised wooden decking beside the Zambezi River. There is a wonderful infinity pool right beside the river and a central dining and bar area.

Ilala Lodge mid Ilala Lodge is the closest of all the hotels in Victoria Falls town to the Falls themselves, being within close walking distance. Wild animals often graze on the hotel lawns with the spray of the Falls in the background. Ilala Lodge, which has 32 beautifully appointed rooms and two deluxe suites, offers distinguished yet affordable accommodation in warm elegant surroundings..

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge HIGH This largish lodge, which is a 10 minute shuttle-bus transfer from the town, is set high on a natural plateau. Bordering Zambezi National Park and facing due west, the sunsets from here are amongst Africa’s finest! All 72 rooms are beautifully appointed and the hospitality here is excellent. There is a range of restaurants including “The Boma”, a fun, African-themed restaurant. There is also good year-round game-viewing here with a well positioned waterhole at the back of the hotel.

. . . . The Zambezi Sun mid The Zambezi Sun is right next to the falls. Guests can stroll straight from the hotel grounds into the Falls park. The rooms provide the usual hotel amenities and the public areas include a lounge and bar with a restaurant and large swimming pool. Waterberry Lodge mid Set in a secluded position on the banks of the Zambezi River, Waterberry has wonderful views to the Zimbabwean park on the opposite bank. The bungalows are set around lovely lawns, perfect for relaxing, or why not relax by the swimming pool? Alternatively, take a walk on the lodge’s nature trail. This is one of our best value options.

. Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Zimbabwe

After some years of not offering Zimbabwe we have decided to bring it back into our Africa programme. Zimbabwe is as beautiful and as full of wildlife as it ever was; the wildlife is rich, the people are welcoming, and the camps and lodges have a distinctly â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;newâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; feel to them. Matusadona, Mana Pools and Matobo Hills are all names that, for those who know Africa, conjure up images of a great and varied wildlife, but which have become, over the past few years, both remote and little visited. We are being especially picky about what we are offering in Zimbabwe since it is essential in our view that whatever we are offering is benefitting the local economy, local communities and helping to provide employment at a grass-roots level. At the moment, for obvious reasons, Zimbabwe feels like a brand new safari destination, with prices to match, but it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel like that for long.

Hwange National Park Hwange National Park is home to 100 different mammal species and over 400 species of birds. Elephant, buffalo, sable, roan, giraffe, wildebeest, impala and even gemsbok can be seen here in good numbers. The park is among the best for predators with lion, leopard, wild dog and cheetah regularly seen, along with the smaller African wildcat, serval, honey badger, civet and hyena. It is a rich and diverse park with interesting landscapes, teak forests, palm islands, savannah and acacia woodland, and it is this variety that makes for such a rewarding and enjoyable safari. 28

The Hide mid The Hide is situated on a private concession bordering Hwange in a prime wildlife area with quick and simple access to the park itself. The lodge has ten large tented rooms overlooking a beautiful waterhole and accommodates a maximum of 16 people. It has a large thatched dining area and two comfortable underground hides (hence the name of the camp!).

Makalolo Plains HIGH Makalolo Plains is operated by Wilderness Safaris and situated on a private concession in the remote southern section of the park. Makalolo Plains is built on raised wooden decking and offers wonderful views across Somavundla Pan with its superb wildlife concentrations. It has ten comfortable tented rooms, all with en-suite facilities.

Little Makalolo HIGH Little Makalolo, also a Wilderness property, has only six tented rooms, is built among teak trees and looks towards a waterhole which is about 100 metres away from the camp. The camp is built on the ground and there is a hide in front of the camp offering great views onto the waterhole and some good photographic opportunities.

See us on the web at www.wildlifeworldwide.com for reservations call us on 0845 130 6982

africa | zimbabwe

Matusadona National Park

Mana Pools National Park

Matusadona has been a protected area since 1958 and comprises some 1,400 square kilometres of wilderness bordering Lake Kariba. Elephant, impala, buffalo, lion, leopard and cheetah are plentiful here, with black rhino a specialty (though seen increasingly rarely). Birdlife in the park is exceptional due to its varied habitats, with over 400 species having been recorded. It is still a relatively unknown park and a great place to enjoy a safari.

Mana Pools, a World Heritage Site, is a beautiful national park in the Zambezi Valley largely opposite Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park and has great views towards the mountainous escarpment on the Zambian side of the river. It is a park with rich riverine woodland, open plains and a great variety of wildlife including a good elephant population that especially enjoys feasting on the winterthorn trees that are so populous here. The area is renowned as one of the best destinations in southern Africa for walking safaris and canoe safaris. Mana Pools offers visitors a private and secluded safari experience with spectacular views of the river, the sunsets and the endless floodplains.

TAILOR-MADE

The Mana Canoe Trail

This is the ultimate in exciting safaris! It gives you the closest possible encounters with wildlife, some of the very best photographic opportunities, and an amazing ‘below eye-level’ view of almost everything you come across from elephant and buffalo, to kudu and impala. It is a truly thrilling experience! Our three night safari traverses the Mana Pools National Park, through the heart of Mana Pools and along the Zambezi shoreline, canoeing past countless hippos and crocs on the way. Nights are spent camping on the banks of the Zambezi and the trip ends 65 kilometres downstream. Encounters with animals, whether on canoe or on foot, are up close and awe-inspiring. You need to be reasonably fit to enjoy this safari, which is led by an experienced guide, but there are support vehicles and staff to assist with setting up camp each day.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Arrival at Ruckomechi airfield. Safety briefing then begin canoeing Day 2 Full day canoeing and walking in Mana Pools National Park Day 3 Full day canoeing and walking through the Wilderness area of Mana Pools Day 4 End canoeing, arrive Chikwenya airfield for your flight out Departure dates Monday and Thursday, May to November Cost per person Please contact us for details What’s included Transfers, three nights camping, guided activities

Bumi Hills Safari Lodge mid Set on a hill with commanding vistas of the magnificent Lake Kariba, Bumi Hills Safari Lodge is a wonderful ‘r and r’ stop. It has a stunning infinity pool and 20 lake-facing rooms, all with modern conveniences and many with spacious balconies. The food here is spectacular and the welcome is warm and friendly. Elephant and buffalo graze on the shoreline below the lodge with zebra, wildebeest, waterbuck and impala. Activities here include game-viewing and sunset watching.

Matobo National Park

Ruckomechi HIGH Ruckomechi Camp is on the western boundary of Mana Pools National Park, 100 kilometres below Lake Kariba. The camp, which is right on the bank of the mighty Zambezi, is nestled in a beautiful grove of trees, and has superb views of the mountains of Africa’s Great Rift Valley in Zambia. The camp accommodates 20 guests in ten en-suite tented chalets. Wildlife-viewing in the area is excellent and Ruckomechi offers a good range of game-viewing activities including day and night-time safaris in open 4-wheel drives, boat safaris and canoeing.

This is an internationally acclaimed park in the southwestern region of the country. Established in 1953, the park was awarded World Heritage status in 2003. Matobo National Park is an Intensive Protection Zone for endangered black and white rhinos. Its beautiful and unusual rock formations have inspired the cultural beliefs and have particular associations with particular wildlife including klipspringer and rock hyrax which occur here in large numbers and black eagles which are plentiful in the area too.

Amalinda Lodge HIGH The charming Camp Amalinda is located just outside Bulawayo, within Matobo National Park. It is an exclusive safari lodge tucked away in an ancient Bushman’s shelter consisting of nine individually thatched rooms set amongst the massive granite boulders and accommodating 20 people. The granite domes and castle kopjes of the Matobo Hills echo the essence of tranquility and the majesty of untamed Africa.

See us on the web at www.wildlifeworldwide.com for reservations call us on 0845 130 6982

Zimbabwe’s WILDLIFE HIGHLIGHTS

GROUP TOUR

Upper Zambezi Canoe trail

This is a really authentic African safari designed for those who really love to be in the bush. Some nights are spent under canvas in private camping areas but with every detail taken care of by an expert and a professional safari team.

This is a full two day safari, and a fantastic extension to any safari in the area or to any Victoria Falls stay.

This itinerary visits some of Zimbabwe’s best known parks, and includes time in Victoria Falls with a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, a guided tour of the Falls and a dinner at the famous Boma Restaurant. Exploring Hwange, well known for its large herds of elephants, is next, followed by Matopos National Park, home to black rhino, and finally a visit to the ruins at Great Zimbabwe.

ITINERARY Day 1 Depart the UK for Victoria Falls (via Johannesburg) Day 2 Guided tour of the Falls followed by a sunset cruise and overnight stay on the Zambezi River. Day 3 Day at leisure to enjoy the Falls area (consider prebooking an elephant-back safari or white-water rafting). Evening dinner at The Boma restaurant (BD) Day 4 Head off to Hwange where you spend three nights in an authentic mobile safari camp. Lots of great wildlife to see here on your game-drives (BLD) Day 7 Bulawayo and the Matobo Hills are next, where you spend two nights in a safari lodge. Rhinos, black eagles and walking safaris are the order of the day here (BLD) Day 9 Take a step back in time and discover the ‘early’ Zimbabwe at the Great Zimbabwe Monument and stay overnight nearby (BLD) Day 10 Drive to Bulawayo in time to meet your homeward flight (BL) Day 11 Arrive UK

Departure dates

Fact!

Departing Victoria Falls straight after breakfast you drive far upstream into the Zambezi National Park. Enjoy some game-viewing in the morning, followed by lunch and a safety briefing, then head out onto the river for some afternoon canoeing – hopefully seeing wildlife and birds along the way. As you are heading downstream this is not a strenuous paddle, and when you arrive at your camping spot the camp will already be set up on the banks of the river!

The camp has large (3.5m x 6m) tents, each with en-suite facilities. The tents have comfortable camp beds and hot showers will be provided. There is a small messtent for meals with proper chairs and tables – so there is no need to balance a plate on your knees! Your second day begins with a bush walk with a professional guide followed by brunch and then, in the cool of the afternoon, a downstream paddle to the vehicle for the return transfer to Victoria Falls where you arrive late afternoon.

Frequent departures throughout the year

Flight inclusive cost per person From £2995 Land only cost per person

From £2100

Single room supplement

From £370

What’s included Flights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, three nights lodge/hotel accommodation, five nights camping Tour code

WZID

See us on the web at www.wildlifeworldwide.com for reservations call us on 0845 130 6982

africa | zimbabwe

GROUP TOUR

The Best of Zimbabwe

This really is the very best of Zimbabwe and our safari highlights include a tour of the Falls, a sunset cruise on the Zambezi and a dinner at the Boma restaurant. Other highlights include Hwange, which offers fantastic game viewing from your private camp site; Chizarira, one of Zimbabwe’s gems with stunning scenery and a huge bio-diversity of species; Lake Kariba, for spectacular sunsets and shoreline game-viewing; and finally the famous Mana Pools in the Lower Zambezi, which offer the chance to canoe. Most of your nights will be spent in private camps in lovely 3.5 metre x 6.5 metres dome tents, all with an en-suite bathroom and a shady verandah. This is a real safari special!

ITINERARY Day 1 Depart the UK for Victoria Falls (via Johannesburg) Day 2 Guided tour of the Falls followed by a sunset cruise and overnight stay on the Zambezi River. Day 3 Day at leisure to enjoy the Falls area (consider prebooking an elephant-back safari or white-water rafting). Evening dinner at The Boma restaurant (BD) Day 4 Head off to Hwange where you spend three nights in an authentic mobile safari camp. Lots of great wildlife to see here on your game-drives (BLD) Day 7 Head off to the picturesque Chizarira National Park for two nights (BLD) Day 9 Head for the water today and Lake Kariba, Matusadona National Park, for a two night stop. There will be plenty of opportunity to get out on the water and to enjoy the wonderful wildlife of the area (BLD) Day 11 Transfer across the lake by boat to Kariba town and then drive down the escarpment into the legendary Mana Pools where you spend your final three nights camping. Game drives here are superb, but going out in canoes or on foot (both optional extras) is even better! (BLD) Day 14 Drive to Harare in time to meet your homeward flight (BL) Day 15 Arrive UK

Departure dates

Frequent departures throughout the year

Flight inclusive cost per person From £4315 Land only cost per person

From £3380

Single room supplement

From £540

What’s included Flights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, ten nights camping, two nights lodge/hotel accommodation Tour code

WZIB

See us on the web at www.wildlifeworldwide.com for reservations call us on 0845 130 6982

Botswana

Botswana is a huge landlocked country of parched desert and semi-arid lands. It offers some of the world’s best game-viewing and has been immortalised in wildlife documentaries. In the midst of this arid land there lies the Okavango Delta, a verdant oasis of clear, sparkling waterways and lagoons which simply teem with life. It boasts some of the world’s top safari lodges and visitors can see some of the world’s wildlife hotspots without compromising on comfort or service. A trip to Botswana will almost certainly be the trip of a lifetime, but be warned… one visit is rarely enough!

Okavango Delta This wildlife paradise consists of 1.6 million hectares of glistening waterways in the middle of the Kalahari Desert. Instead of flowing into the ocean, the Okavango River’s journey ends at a fault line in the Kalahari where it spills onto the sand. The result is a vast tapestry of crystal clear channels, lagoons and small islands which attract a myriad of birds and large concentrations of wildlife. Any safari will yield fantastic sightings, including red lechwe, sitatunga, reedbuck, hippo, Nile crocodile, sable, roan, blue wildebeest, impala and tsessebe.

Pom Pom Camp HIGH This small tented camp built in a traditional style, is located in a private concession in the heart of the Okavango Delta, adjoining the western boundary of the Moremi Game Reserve. The camp offers all the game-viewing activities you could wish for (walking, night drives and boating) and after a day of wildlifeviewing, unique luxury and fine dining in the heart of the African bush!

Mapula Lodge HIGH Mapula is a mid-market safari lodge with ten comfortable ethnic styled chalets on raised decking. It sits in a private concession in the north-western seasonal floodplains of the Okavango Delta and offers both waterborne and land-based game-viewing when conditions permit.

Kwando Safaris HIGH The luxury tented camps of Lebala and Lagoon are operated by Kwando Safaris within the massive private Kwando Concession. Each camp has just eight comfortably furnished safari tents and only accommodates a maximum of 16 people. They are small, intimate and special camps that go a step further to ensuring that you have the best possible safari. Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

africa | botswana

Botswana Adventure

TAILOR-MADE

This is a really exciting and well-priced itinerary to the key wildlife areas of northern Botswana. The accommodation is good (but not over the top), and the guiding is excellent. Sitatunga, red lechwe, cheetah, leopard and elephant are all possible sightings.

Wilderness Safaris – Okavango Delta HIGH

our choice

Altogether Wilderness Safaris operates 15 truly stunning lodges in the Okavango Delta, offering privacy and exclusivity within their own private concessions. There are six ultraluxurious lodges, Mombo, Little Mombo, Vumbura Plains, Abu, Villa Okavango and Jao, and nine ‘classic’ lodges, Chitabe, Chitabe Lediba, Jacana, Kwetsani, Tubu Tree Camp (pictured above), Little Vumbura, Duba Plains, Seba and Xigera. Each of these is sited in its own unique location and each has its own individual characteristics and style. Most of them are ‘tented’ camps and each accommodates a small number of guests, keeping the atmosphere exclusive and intimate.

All the Wilderness Safaris’ properties are built on stilts. This means that they have a much smaller footprint, the wildlife can pass through the camps without having to change their route, and of course the views are much better from the rooms.

Xugana Island Lodge HIGH Located on the edge of a large lagoon, this is a fantastic place to explore and relax. The swimming pool, open-sided bar and dining areas provide a haven of tranquillity after your game-viewing and before retiring to your comfortable chalet.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Maun (via Johannesburg). Day 2 Maun, 1-night. Thamalakane River Lodge. Day 3 Okavango Delta, 2-nights. Moremi Crossing. Safaris on foot and by mokoros (BLD). Day 5 Moremi, 2-nights. Sango Safari Lodge. Day and night-time game drives (BLD). Day 7 Chobe, 2-nights. Garden Lodge. Game drives and boat cruises for great photography (BLD). Day 9 Victoria Falls, 1-night. Bushfront Lodge (B). Day 10 Depart for the UK (via Johannesburg) (B). Day 11 Arrive home. Departure dates

Daily, throughout the year

Cost per person From £3325 (Jan - mid Mar), £3150 (mid - end Mar), £3555 (Apr - Jun), £3685 (Jul - mid Sep), £3775 (mid Sep - Oct), £3645 (Nov), £3365 (Dec), £3845 (Christmas) What’s included

Oddballs Enclave mid A relaxed camp newly built in 2009. It has six tents with bathrooms between them, linked by a raised walkway. Rustic in style it offers a friendly welcome and good value base.

The sheer beauty of the Delta, the vast emptiness of the Kalahari and the spectacular gameviewing makes Botswana one of my favourite countries in Africa. Whatever time of year you visit you cannot fail to come away leaving your heart in this stunning country. ” Isabel Ashworth, Senior Sales Consultant and Botswana expert.

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, six nights lodge accommodation and two nights tented camp, guided activities

Wings Over Botswana

TAILOR-MADE

Flying from camp to camp is one of the most exciting ways to experience the wilderness. Keep your cameras at the ready as you may well see herds of lechwe, sitatunga and elephants as you fly at low level over the stunning wilderness scenery of northern Botswana.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Maun Day 2 Okavango Delta, 3-nights, Pom Pom Camp. Mokoro trips, walking safaris, night drives and a luxurious lodge to come back to (BLD) Day 5 Moremi, 2-nights, Sango Safari Camp. Day and night-time game drives (BLD) Day 7 Chobe, 3-nights, Elephant Valley Lodge. Gameviewing by boat to see elephant and buffalo herds (BLD) Day 10 Depart for the UK (B) Day 11 Arrive home Departure dates

Daily, throughout the year

Cost per person From £3825 (Jan - mid Mar), £3745 (mid - end Mar), £3875 (Apr), £4195 (May), £4855 (Jul - mid Sep), £4955 (mid Sep - Oct), £4350 (Nov), £3895 (Dec), £4335 (Christmas) What’s included

Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, three nights lodge accommodation and five nights tented camp, guided activities

The Savuti-Linyanti Area The greater Linyanti region comprises the Savuti Marshes, the Savuti Channel and the Linyanti Concession. It is often described as one of the best wildlife-viewing areas in Africa and boasts perhaps the highest concentration of wildlife left on the continent. There are grasslands, papyrus marshlands, massive lagoons, and forests of acacia and mopane that sustain large elephant herds in the winter months. Life-giving perennial waters attract great herds of animals including buffalo, zebra, giraffe and greater kudu that walk

well-trodden paths to quench their thirst in the dry season. Cheetah and lion follow in their footsteps, but the speciality of the area is undoubtedly wild dog.

Wilderness Safaris - LinyantiSelinda areas HIGH There are some excellent lodges in the region all operated by Wilderness Safaris. All offer luxurious

Wings Over Botswana - Deluxe

TAILOR-MADE

Staying in top Wilderness Safaris’ lodges with guides and accommodation that are considered to be amongst the best Africa has to offer. This is one of our top safaris.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Maun Day 2 Linyanti, 2-nights, Selinda. One of the top camps in the Linyanti area. Excellent for cheetah and wild dog (BLD) Day 4 Okavango Delta, 3-nights, Duba Plains. World renowned for its lion population, this is a photographers’ paradise (BLD) Day 7 Moremi, 3-nights, Xigera. Panoramic views from camp and great game-viewing (BLD) Day 10 Depart for the UK (B) Day 11 Arrive home

Departure dates

Daily, throughout the year

Cost per person From £5465 (Jan - mid Mar), £5375 (mid - end Mar), £5545 (Apr - mid Jun), £6995 (mid Jun - mid Sep), £7195 (mid Sep Oct), £5645 (Nov - Dec), £6445 (Christmas) What’s included

Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, three nights lodge accommodation and five nights tented camp, guided activities

accommodation, superb guides and spectacular game-viewing. Kings Pool, in the Linyanti area, overlooks the oxbow-shaped Kings Pool Lagoon and Linyanti River, and Zarafa Camp, in the Selinda, evokes the traditional safari ambiance of the turn of the last century. DumaTau overlooks an enormous lagoon to the east of the source of the Savute Channel and there’s Savuti Camp (pictured above), in south Linyanti and Selinda Camp, where the double-tier lounge and dining room overlooks the Selinda Spillway.

Wilderness Safaris operates the fabulous Xigera Mokoro and Walking Trails, a two night (three day) trip gliding through the waterways in traditional Mokoro canoes observing the wildlife passing by and camping out on remote islands. An experience that will never be forgotten, and one that can be experienced on our group trip – see page 37.

Moremi Game Reserve Moremi is considered to be one of Africa’s finest wildlife sanctuaries. Covering 3,000 square kilometres of the Okavango’s north-eastern portion, its wide-ranging habitats include woodlands, floodplains, reedbeds and permanent waters of the Okavango Delta. Wildlife-viewing in this stunningly beautiful, unspoilt reserve is by both mokoro and on foot, and close encounters are possible with both sitatunga and red lechwe. There are high concentrations of all the major plains game and their predators, and an excellent birdlife (including Pel’s fishing owl).

Sango Safari Lodge mid A small new camp featuring five en-suite tents set on wooden decks and offering fantastic activities from a perfectly blended mix of a rustic yet luxurious camp. Part-owned by the Sango family, it also gives you a unique opportunity to learn about living in this wildlife-rich area.

Moremi Crossing mid A 16-tented camp located on the edge of palm-fringed Chief’s Island, a perfect base for mokoro and motorboat excursions, plus guided walks. The camp is powered by a large solar panel and leads the way in comfortable, responsible travel. Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

africa | botswana

can return to camp and enjoy some more… from the privacy of your very own viewing deck!

Chobe National Park

Kwando Safaris HIGH Kwara and Little Kwara are in a magnificent 1,700 square kilometres wilderness area bordering Moremi Game Reserve. Kwara overlooks a huge floodplain, adjacent to the permanent water of the Delta. Each camp is small (accommodating only 16 people), and prides itself on its guides and service. After a morning’s game-viewing you

Chobe borders the upper reaches and islands of the mighty Zambezi River where four countries meet at the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers. The area is a unique mosaic of bush, waterways, floodplains and woodland offering exceptional wildlife viewing. It is home to the largest concentration of elephant in Africa and huge herds of buffalo which congregate in the

Waterways and Big Game

TAILOR-MADE

The Okavango is seeing its highest flood for over 20 years with new channels giving access to more remote areas, and the Savuti Channel and Boteti River are now flowing again. Witness these amazing phenomena while viewing the spectacular wildlife that the new rivers have attracted.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Maun. Day 2 Maun, 1-night, Royal Tree Lodge. Day 3 Okavango Delta, 2-nights, Xugana Island Lodge. Mokoro trips and motorboat excursions (BLD) Day 5 Chobe, 2-nights, Savuti Safari Lodge. Watch game at the water and take exciting game drives to the Savuti marsh (BLD) Day 7 Magadikgadi NP, 2-nights, Mena a Kwena Camp. Spectacular gameviewing along the river (BLD) Day 9 Depart for the UK (B) Day 10 Arrive home

Departure dates

Daily, throughout the year

Cost per person From £3755 (Jan - mid Mar), £3665 (mid - end Mar), £3925 (Apr), £3995 (May - Jun), £4845 (Jul - mid Sep), £4945 (mid Sep - Oct), £4095 (Nov), £3785 (Dec), £4265 (Christmas) What’s included

dry season along the fertile flood plains of the Chobe River. Other major species include lion, wild dog, puku, red lechwe, sable and roan antelope, and huge numbers of hippos. There are over 450 bird species recorded here too.

Chobe Safari Lodge HIGH Chobe Safari Lodge offers a choice of air-conditioned rooms as well as special family rooms. A central pool, bar and restaurant overlook the Chobe River, and activities include game drives and boat rides into the National Park. Scenic flights and day trips to the Victoria Falls and Okavango Delta area are also possible from here. Elephant Valley Lodge mid This accommodation provides comfortable, en-suite tents, from which you can listen to the night sounds of the forest that surround the camp and which provide the perfect canopy for a large colony of white-back vultures. The lodge is also perfectly situated for boat and vehicle safaris.

our choice Muchenje Lodge mid This is situated to the west of Chobe in a quieter area of the park. This intimate lodge accommodates a maximum of 20 guests in comfortable chalets overlooking the rivers’ floodplains. Activities here include day and night game drives and boat cruises. The guides here are superb.

Garden Lodge mid TThis lodge, unlike others in its immediate locality, accommodates 24 people. Each of its eight rooms has beautiful views overlooking the Chobe River. Game-viewing is by road and of course boat. The lodge also has beautiful gardens (rich with birdlife) and a welcoming swimming pool.

Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, five nights lodge accommodation, two nights tented camp, guided activities

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Kalahari Desert

The Makgadikgadi

The Kalahari Desert is a giant arid region scored with the beds of dried up rivers and vast salt pans. However, this harsh environment also provides the setting for some of Africa’s finest game-viewing. Wildlife here includes gemsbok, springbok, blue wildebeest, red hartebeest, eland, ostrich and cheetah, and the area also supports around 200 species of bird. The Kalahari is possibly best known for the San people (or Bushmen) - hunter-gatherers whose long history is told in ancient rock paintings throughout the area. Their way of life is seriously threatened but they survive in a few places.

The Makgadikgadi is one of the most important wetland sites in Africa. Its huge salt pans remain dry and empty for much of the year, but during the rains (beginning in mid-November) the Pans are transformed into great sheets of water, which attract vast flocks of flamingos and other migratory birds. This is also the only area in southern Africa where it is possible to view a migration of tens of thousands of blue wildebeest and Burchell’s zebra. Mammal ‘specials’ in the area include gemsbok, brown hyena and springbok.

Edo’s Camp mid This small tented camp on a private concession in the western Kalahari is one of the few places where the San Bushmen still reside. Each tent has a high thatched roof and a wooden deck overlooking a waterhole. The concession is home to six white rhino. Game-viewing is both by vehicle and on foot. Tau Pan HIGH Situated on a beautiful sand ridge overlooking Tau Pan, the camp has stunning views of the permanent Tau Pan water hole and the endless Kalahari horizon – its spectacular location is why we recommend it. Guests are accommodated in eight custom-built desert rooms under thatch, while the main area consists of dining room, lounge area and a viewing deck. 36

Meno a Kwena Tented Camp mid Meno a Kwena means “tooth of the crocodile” and this traditional safari camp is located on a cliff top about 30 metres above the bank of the now flowing Boteti River above a beautiful waterhole. It is a simple, straight forward camp with good game-viewing opportunities in vehicles, on foot and from the relaxing surroundings of camp itself.

TAILOR-MADE

Five Rivers Safari

This is a safari to a really special and remote part of Africa. It delves into the ‘corners’ of southern Africa and visits some less-visited places. It is a combination of the wilds of Botswana with the intimacy of tucked away Namibia.

suggested ITINERARY Nxai Pan HIGH Nxai Pan National Park adjoins Makgadikgadi Pans National Park on its northern border and is well known for its huge springbok population. Once the rains begin each November gemsbok, elephant and zebras migrate to the region in significant numbers. Situated in the tree line, Nxai Pan Camp has eight tented desert rooms; all rooms have thatched roofs and insulation so it is cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Day 1 Depart UK for Maun Day 2 Okavango Delta, 2-nights, Kwara Camp. Game drives and night drives here. This is good leopard and lion country (BLD) Day 4 Kwando River, 2-nights, Lagoon Camp. Huge herds of elephants and buffalos and great opportunities to see wild dog (BLD) Day 6 Susuwe Island, 2-nights, Susuwe Island Lodge. Outstanding birdwatching, great gameviewing and river safaris (BLD) Day 8 Impalila Island, 2-nights, Impalila Island Lodge. Light-aircraft flight up the Zambezi and safaris by boat in northern Chobe (BLD) Day 10 Depart for the UK (B) Day 11 Arrive home

Departure dates

Daily, throughout the year

Cost per person

From £4225 (Jan - mid Mar), £4135 (mid - end Mar)

What’s included

Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, eight nights lodge accommodation, guided activities

Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

africa | botswana

GROUP TOUR

BOTSWANA EXPLORER Highlights

GROUP TOUR

HIGHLIGHTS OF BOTSWANA AND VICTORIA FALLS Highlights

• Two nights on a houseboat • Real wilderness experience in remote locations • Excellent guides

ZAMBIA

NAMIBIA This is a great value safari into the heart of Katima OKAVANGO DELTA i Mulilo Botswana’s wilderness, Capriv VICTORIA Strip FALLS with a unique stay on a MOREMI CHOBE houseboat also included. WILDLIFE NATIONAL PARK RESERVE With excellent guides and MAUN travelling through the BOTSWANA top wildlife locations that Botswana has to offer this is a traditional African camping safari in the true meaning of the word ‘safari’. ITINERARY

• Visit the mighty Victoria Falls • Travel through Botswana’s finest game-viewing areas • Explore private reserves This tour is a real treat! The guides are excellent, the vehicles are first-rate and the camps are extremely comfortable. It takes in all of the key areas of northern Botswana for game-viewing including some exclusive private reserves, so the photographic opportunities are excellent.

MOREMI GAME RESERVE

ZAMBIA

LINYANTI

Kasane

VICTORIA FALLS (LIVINGSTONE) Chobe National Park

Maun OKAVANGO DELTA

BOTSWANA

ITINERARY

Day 1 Depart UK for Livingstone for an overnight stay Day 3 Cross the border into Namibia and travel to the Okavango River, Botswana, for morning and afternoon boat activities to see hippos and crocodiles (BLD) Day 5 Optional flight over the Delta from Maun (BL) Day 6 Moremi is a wildlife Mecca and you’ll enjoy game drives and bird-watching (BLD) Day 8 Explore the Savuti area of Chobe National Park where you’ll hopefully spot lion, elephant, zebra and much more (BLD) Day 10 Drive to the great Chobe River, home to the world’s largest elephant breeding herds (BLD) Day 12 A great opportunity to view Victoria Falls and pick up some curios in Livingstone (B) Day 13 Depart for the UK (B) Day 14 Arrive home

Day 1 Depart London for Livingstone (via Johannesburg) Day 2 Victoria Falls, 1-night, Chundukwa. Guided tour of Victoria Falls and a chance to relax at one of the great wonders of the world (BLD) Day 3 Chobe National Park & Linyanti Concession, 3-nights, tented camp. Drive to Chobe, take a river cruise then drive to the Linyanti (BLD) Day 6 Okavango Delta, 3-nights, Khwai Adventure Camp. Fly into the Okavango Delta… then explore! (BLD) Day 9 Moremi Game Reserve, 2-nights, camping. Exciting light aircraft flight then wildlifeviewing by mokoro and on foot (BLD) Day 11 Light aircraft to Maun heading home (via Johannesburg) (B) Day 12 Arrive home Please note, on some dates this tour also operates in reverse.

Departure dates

Frequent departures throughout the year

Flight inclusive cost per person From £2995 Land only cost per person From £1915 Single room supplement From £245 What’s included Flights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, one night hotel accommodation, two nights lodge, two nights houseboat and six nights camping

Departure dates

Frequent departures throughout the year

Flight inclusive cost per person From £4095 Land only cost per person From £3090 Single room supplement From £520 What’s included Flights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, one night hotel accommodation and eight nights tented camp

Tour code

WBWD

Tour code

WBBH

Max group size

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Namibia

Namibia is a huge country, known for its towering sand dunes and wild, deserted coast. It lacks the huge abundance of animals found elsewhere but it holds some wonderful wildlife hotspotsâ&#x20AC;Ś Etosha and its gigantic white salt pan, and the lush greenery of the Caprivi Strip for starters. Other highlights include Fish River Canyon, the red rocky landscapes of Damaraland, the Himba people and the waterbird haven of Walvis Bay. For the ultimate wilderness, the Skeleton Coast offers some of the most remote and exclusive luxury camps in Africa, and a chance to see rare desert elephants.

Windhoek Windhoek is the capital of Namibia. It is a pleasant, modern city, but as far as the wildlife and nature enthusiast is concerned it is usually just an overnight stop.

Elegant Guesthouse mid This is a modern and well-appointed guesthouse in one of the nicest districts of Windhoek. There are only six rooms here. The Elegant also has a pleasant garden and a swimming pool.

Olive Grove mid This charming small guesthouse is in a peaceful suburb of Windhoek, yet within a few minutes drive of the city centre. There is an open-air lounge, spa, plunge pool and garden, and each of the eleven rooms provide all the amenities you would expect from a larger hotel. 38

Casa Piccolo Guesthouse mid This medium sized guest house is only five minutes drive from the city centre. Accommodation here is in sixteen large and tastefully furnished rooms. It is simple and straightforward, and has a small pool.

Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

africa | namibia

The Africat Foundation

Fact!

To the north of Windhoek is the AfriCat Foundation and it is a great place to stop if you don’t want to spend any time in Windhoek. This will give you the opportunity to visit the fascinating cheetah project, where you will not only learn about the welfare work, but also track cheetahs on foot and view leopards

70% of the world’s chestnut-banded plovers rely on Walvis Bay Lagoon for survival and 80% of all flamingos in southern Africa feed here.

from game-viewing vehicles. The surrounding woodland is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 200 species including rare endemics such as the Monteiro’s hornbill, Hartlaub’s francolin and rockrunner being recorded. Erongo Wilderness Lodge mid The lodge is near Omaruru, between Swakopmund and Windhoek, amidst the enormous granite boulders of the Erongo Mountains. Ten Meru-style tents sit on wooden stilts with wooden decking and fabulous views out across the landscape. There is a pool and a floodlit water hole for game-viewing. Okonjima Lodge HIGH Okonjima Lodge or the nearby Bush Camp offer luxurious African-style chalets. There is also a fabulous private villa with four bedrooms - including two super luxurious private suites where the king-size beds can be wheeled outside under the stars.

Swakopmund Swakopmund is a charming seaside town and its cooler climate is a welcome relief from the desert inland. The town itself is a bizarre colonial relic, dating back to German occupation and is full of traditional pastry and cake shops. Local attractions include the ancient Welwitschia plants in the excellent desert park, huge colonies of Cape fur seals and Walvis Bay lagoon, a world-renowned bird sanctuary for some 160,000 birds, as well as a biannual feeding station for 200,000 migratory shore birds and terns. Boat trips in the bay look for birdlife, seals and the locally common Heaviside’s dolphins.

Cornerstone Guesthouse mid Cornerstone Guesthouse is a small, private bed and breakfast, an easy walk to the sea and the town centre. Occupying a quiet corner of Swakopmund’s old town near the marine museum and the old brewery, it offers the charm and intimacy of a family-run bed and breakfast combined with the modern amenities of a luxury hotel.

Game Trails Self-Drive

TAILOR-MADE

This is our classic self-drive on what has become known as the ‘northern circuit’. It offers fantastic game-viewing and photographic opportunities staying in good quality (but not over the top!) accommodation.

suggested ITINERARY The Hansa Hotel HIGH This excellent hotel is considered by many to be the best hotel in Swakopmund. It has 58 rooms and dates from 1905. The emphasis here is still on the elegance and personal service of that era. It is located in the centre of town five minutes from the beach.

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Day 1 Depart UK for Windhoek Day 2 Windhoek, 1-night, Elegant Guesthouse. Relax after your flight Day 3 Waterberg, 1-night, Okonjima Lodge. Cheetahs and leopards are the order of the day here! (BD) Day 4 Eastern Etosha, 2-nights, Onguma Bush Camp. Sit by a waterhole and soak up the atmosphere (BD) Day 6 Western Etosha, 2-nights, Etosha Safari Lodge. Game drives in the park (BD) Day 8 Damaraland, 2-nights, Twyfelfontein Country Lodge. See the ancient rock engravings (BD) Day 10 Omaruru, 2-nights, Erongo Wilderness Lodge. Game-viewing and birdwatching (BD) Day 12 Depart for the UK (B) Day 13 Arrive home

Departure dates

Daily, throughout the year

Cost per person From £2745 (Jan - mid Mar), £2595 (mid - end Mar), £2685 (Apr), £2705 (May - mid Jun), £2765 (mid Jun mid Sep), £2855 (Mid Sep - Nov) What’s included

Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, ten nights lodge accommodation, guided activities

Please note, a four-wheel drive is necessary a certain times of the year.

Sossusvlei & NamibNaukluft Park The Namib Desert is the oldest desert in the world and the wildlife here is often unique having adapted itself to this harsh environment. Amongst the larger animals here are springbok, gemsbok and ostrich. Aardvark is occasionally sighted at night, along with Cape fox, polecats and aardwolf. With no light pollution and virtually guaranteed clear nights year-round, the Namib is also one of the finest star-gazing areas in southern Africa. Sossusvlei is the most remarkable site in the Namib-Naukluft Park. Here huge towering dunes, the highest in the world, rise dramatically over 300 metres above the surrounding plains.

experience – scenic drives, game drives, walks, balloon flights, sleep outs and scenic flights.

Kulala Desert Lodge HIGH Another luxury lodge, Kulala has 12 chalets with stunning views of the famous red Sossusvlei dunes. A highlight here is the opportunity to sleep under the stars on a special platform on Kulala’s roof.

Damaraland The remote mountainous area of Damaraland is one of stark arid plains, deep chasms and dramatic red, rocky peaks dominated by the massive Brandberg Mountains. Early morning mists drift inland providing sustenance to various life forms and the natural laws of food and water dictate the movement of the endangered desert elephant, black rhino, gemsbok, greater kudu and springbok. Lion and cheetah move in and out of the area and keen birders have the chance to see the endemic Monteiro’s hornbill, Ruppell’s parrot, white-tailed shrike, rockrunner and herero chat.

The lodge also has its own waterhole. For a nature and wildlife enthusiast it’s a great place to stay.

Sossusvlei Desert Camp mid A budget option located two minutes from the entrance gate to the Namib-Naukluft NP; the camp features 20 en-suite tented units. It features a pool, bar, two bomas for relaxing and a nearby restaurant. Enjoy the wonders of the desert, without breaking the bank.

Wolwedans HIGH Wolwedans offer a selection of excellent properties located in the heart of the private NamibRand Nature Reserve. Each offers a complete desert 40

Hoodia Desert Camp mid our choice Outside Sesriem, Hoodia has 12 comfortable tented bungalows with open-air bathrooms and shaded porches. An added bonus is their stargazing platforms for the many crystal clear desert nights that characterize this area. The views are beautiful and there is an excellent bar and restaurant.

Desert Homestead mid Desert Homestead consists of simple, stylish accommodation in thatched chalets. It is a warm and homely place with all the facilities that you would wish for including a swimming pool - a good value option.

Palmwag Lodge mid Located on the Uniab River in northwest Damaraland, the thatched bungalows of Palmwag Lodge are set in a spectacular environment, perfect for exploring on morning and afternoon game drives. Hiking trails are a major draw here, letting you discover your natural surroundings easily – a great spot to discover Damaraland.

Damaraland Camp HIGH This luxury camp has nine large walk-in tents. There is a fabulous rock swimming pool, and activities revolve around nature drives and walks into the Huab River system to look for desert elephant. Nearby is the rock art site of Twyfelfontein.

Twyfelfontein Country Lodge mid Twyfelfontein, just on the edge of Damaraland, is renowned for some of the best examples of bushman paintings and rock engravings in southern Africa - it is a World Heritage Site. The lodge is situated in the heart of the Twyfelfontein Uibasen Conservancy and has 56 rooms and all of the usual facilities including a lovely pool.

The Skeleton Coast This is one of the most isolated, beautiful and remote places on earth. The northern sector of the Skeleton Coast has everything from soaring dunes and plains to towering canyons, mountains, saltpans, seal colonies and shipwrecks. Hartmann’s mountain zebra, gemsbok, desert-adapted elephant, Cape fur seals, brown hyena, giraffe and occasionally cheetah may be found in this wild and rugged landscape. There is so much to see and experience here, that traditional morning and afternoon activities are usually abandoned in favour of full day’s of exploration.

Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

africa | namibia

Etosha & the Ongava Reserve

Skeleton Coast Camp HIGH Skeleton Coast Camp accommodates only twelve people in its six large and roomy Meru-style tents. It is situated in a private reserve on an island in a dry riverbed – a beautiful, wild and desolate spot. Game drives are conducted in Landrovers with pop-top roofs, whilst nature walks and trips to see the local Himba people are also possible.

Etosha National Park is considered by many to be one of the finest game sanctuaries in southern Africa. This enormous park is famous for its vast dazzling white salt pan. The nearby permanent waterholes attract a multitude of wildlife, particularly in the dry winter months, including black-faced impala, red hartebeest, Damara dik-dik, eland and greater kudu, together with large numbers of elephant, lion and black rhino. The birdlife of Etosha is also excellent, with over 300 species recorded. Ongava Private Game Reserve, bordering Etosha, has the big attraction of being able to offer rhino tracking on foot, an experience not permitted inside the park itself.

Onguma Bush Camp mid Onguma is a simple and comfortable base from which to explore Etosha. It has six rustic chalets and a large central swimming pool to cool off in after a hard day’s game-viewing.

Etosha Safari Lodge mid This 55-roomed lodge is situated on a rise with magnificent views over the tree-covered hills towards the park. The lodge is near the Anderson Gate.

The Mushara Outpost HIGH our choice This is an exquisite property (accommodating only 16 guests) built in the style of an old colonial homestead. The tented rooms are all raised on wooden decks and all have superb views of the countryside around. The food here is superb, the guiding excellent, and the service second to none.

Big Cat Volunteering

Serra Cafema HIGH This is perhaps the most remote camp in southern Africa, only reachable by light aircraft. Accommodation here consists of six comfortable Meru-style tents raised off the ground overlooking Kunene River. There is a dining room, bar and pool, and activities include walks, four-wheel drive safaris, boat trips on the river and visits to the nearby Himba village.

Ongava Lodge HIGH This is a Wilderness Safaris luxury lodge situated on a large private reserve close to Sossusvlei. It consists of nine bungalows, each with a private plunge pool. A great location. Little Ongava is the lodge’s smaller ‘sister’ camp. It is perfect for groups of friends to book for an exclusive private camp experience.

TAILOR-MADE

This is a truly amazing volunteer opportunity to get close to large carnivores. Based at a big cat rehabilitation centre north of Windhoek your day will be split in two. Early in the day you will be working as part of a team to help restore an old cattle station back to a game reserve. In the afternoon you have the opportunity to help gather vital data by tracking and monitoring (using a telemetry system) leopards and cheetahs. You will also get behind the scenes of the daily feeding run of over 100 big cats in the welfare programme. Staying in simple, but comfortable, accommodation and working as part of a closely knit team of volunteers, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Windhoek Day 2 Conservation project, 13 nights. Undertaking essential maintenance on the reserve, large carnivore tracking and monitoring, meeting the cheetahs, behind the scenes feeding run, possible rescue and release of cheetahs and leopards, visiting endangered wild dogs at close quarters, and sleeping under the stars occasionally! (BLD) Day 15 Return to the UK (B) Day 16 Arrive UK. Whilst we are offering a two-week conservation programme, this can be extended (in two week blocks) to a maximum of eight weeks.

Departure dates

Fortnightly, on a Friday

Cost per person From £2075 (Jan - mid Mar), £1995 (mid Mar - mid Sep), £2115 (Mid Sep - Nov) What’s included

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, thirteen nights’ accommodation at the project

Fish River Canyon The magnificent Fish River Canyon is one of nature’s great dramatic spectacles - second only in size to the Grand Canyon yet receiving just a fraction of the visitors. This enormous gorge winds for 161 kilometres through the surrounding desert plains, at times reaching depths of over 550 metres. There is great birdwatching here, and short scenic hikes are possible from the smaller nature park. Canon Lodge mid Located in a private reserve adjoining the canyon, the lodge has 30 bungalows scattered amongst gigantic granite boulders, and the original historic farmstead houses a central restaurant.

Dunes, Pelicans & Rhinos Self-Drive

As self-drive holidays go, you would be hard pushed to beat this one for value and quality. We feature all of the best places in the southern region of Namibia, for fantastic scenery and game-viewing.

suggested ITINERARY Ntwala Island Lodge HIGH Ntwala is a secluded and luxurious safari lodge accommodating a maximum of eight guests. Surrounded on all sides by waterways, Ntwala is located on an untouched Namibian cluster of islands within the Mambova rapids where the Zambezi and Chobe rivers converge. The emphasis here is on personal service with privately guided game viewing in your own personal boat.

The Caprivi Strip Namibia’s Caprivi Strip is a long ‘finger’ of land jutting out almost to Victoria Falls. Geographically, the Caprivi Strip is closer to the Falls than to Windhoek its capital, and as such perhaps combines better with a stay in nearby Botswana or Zambia than it does with other parts of Namibia. Here, the tributaries of the Zambezi form a complex system of waterways, islands and riverine forests all protected by a series of parks and wilderness areas. The trans-frontier park scheme allows freedom of wildlife movement across; it is as rich in wildlife as the more popular and better known areas of Chobe and the Okavango Delta in Botswana. See page 36 for how to include the Caprivi Strip in your holiday.

Susuwe Island Lodge HIGH Susuwe Island Lodge has six spacious thatched cottages with private plunge pools and viewing decks overlooking the Kwando River. The emphasis here is on privacy and comfort with game drives in Bwabwata National Park offering some great sightings of large elephant herds.

Day 1 Depart UK for Windhoek Day 2 Windhoek, 1-night, Elegant Guesthouse. Relax and unwind after your flight Day 3 Sossusvlei, 2-nights, Desert Homestead. Visit the dunes early morning for the best sunrise you will ever see (BD) Day 5 Swakopmund, 2-nights, Cornerstone Guesthouse. See the ancient Welwitschias and take a boat trip into the bay for Heaviside’s dolphin (B) Day 7 Damaraland, 2-nights, Palmwag Lodge. Morning and afternoon game-viewing and walking trails (BD) Day 9 Omaruru, 1-night, Erongo Wilderness Lodge. Game-viewing and birdwatching (BD) Day 10 Depart for the UK (B) Day 11 Arrive home

Departure dates Daily, throughout the year Cost per person From £2335 (Jan - mid Mar), £2245 (mid - end Mar), £2275 (Apr - mid Jun), £2325 (mid Jun - mid Sep), £2425 (Mid Sep - Nov) What’s included Flights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, eight nights lodge accommodation, guided activities Please note, a four-wheel drive is necessary at certain times of the year.

TAILOR-MADE

Wings Over Namibia

This is one of the best flying safaris Namibia has to offer. The finest lodges, a complete ‘north and south’ country experience, superb game-viewing and, as ever, the very best guides everywhere you go. Add to that great food and exceptional photographic opportunities and this trip is unbeatable!

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Windhoek Day 2 NamibRand, 2-nights, Wolwedans Dunes Lodge. Game-viewing, walks, optional balloon flight and the chance of a sleepout (BLD) Day 4 Swakopmund, 2-nights, Cornerstone Guesthouse. Fur seal colonies, Walvis Bay Lagoon and world-class birding (B) Day 6 Damaraland, 2-nights, Damaraland Camp. The chance to see desert-adapted black rhino (BLD) Day 8 Western Etosha, 2-nights, Ongava Lodge. Some of the best gameviewing in Africa (BLD) Day 10 Depart for the UK (B) Day 11 Arrive home Impalila Island Lodge HIGH At the eastern end of the Caprivi Strip, Impalila has eight beautiful chalets each overlooking the Mambova rapids on the Zambezi River. There is a dining area, open lounge, bar and swimming pool. Activities here include birding and fishing, game-viewing along the Chobe River and guided nature walks on the island.

TAILOR-MADE

Departure dates

Daily, throughout the year

Cost per person From £5365 (Jan - mid Mar), £5275 (mid - end Mar), £5295 (Apr - mid Jun), £5855 (mid Jun - mid Sep), £5945 (Mid Sep - Nov) What’s included

Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, eight nights lodge accommodation, guided activities

Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

africa | namibia

GROUP TOUR

Namibian Desert & Wildlife Adventure Highlights • See black rhino and the famous desert elephant • Be enveloped in the massive sand dunes of Sossuvlei • Enjoy included game drives in Etosha National Park Namibia is a spectacular wildlife destination. It is unique because its harsh and varied environment creates a stunning background from which to see some of nature’s most wonderful animals and birds. This 16-day tour combines wildlife hotspots such as Etosha National Park with abundant elephant, lion, leopard and cheetah, with a journey into some of Namibia’s more inhospitable and untouched desert wilderness, homeland of the endangered black rhino and famous desert elephant. Along the way you’ll also see soaring sand dunes and other scenic highlights.

ETOSHA NP KHOWARIB PALMWAG

NAMIBIA

Ugab River

Twyfelfontein Cape Cross Seal Reserve SWAKOPMUND

Otjiwarongo Kuiseb WINDHOEK Canyon

Sesriem Canyon Sossusvlei NAMIB DESERT Atlantic Ocean

ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Windhoek Day 2 Arrive Windhoek for an overnight stop (B) Day 3 Transfer to a comfortable lodge in the Namib Desert (LD) Day 4 Visit Sossuvlei, see animals such as springbok, gemsbok and ostrich (BLD) Day 5 Travel via the Kuiseb Canyon to Swakopmund, a charming desert town (BL) Day 6 At leisure in Swakopmund (B) Day 7 Journey along the west coast to the Cape Cross Seal Reserve and onwards to the start of your desert explorations, camping near to the Ugab River (BLD) Day 8 Twyfelfontein is your destination today to see the world-famous rock engravings (BLD) Day 9 Into the 5,000 square kilometre private Palmwag Concession, a breathtaking landscape teeming with wildlife, including endangered black rhino and desert elephant. Meandering elephant may wander past your camp at night! (BLD) Day 11 To the Khowarib Schlucht gorge for a night’s camping (BLD) Day 12 Drive east to the border of Etosha National Park. Your lodge is on a concession with elephant, lion, leopard and cheetah (BLD) Days 13/14 Etosha National Park: Game drives and visit the numerous waterholes, to see a myriad of animals and birds (BLD) Day 15 Via Okahandja to Otjiwarongo (BD) Day 16 Depart Windhoek (B) Day 17 Arrive home

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Departure dates Sat 28 May – Sun 12 Jun 11 Sat 23 Jul – Sun 07 Aug 11 Sat 13 Aug – Sun 28 Aug 11 Sat 26 May – Sun 10 Jun 12 Sat 21 Jul – Sun 05 Aug 12 Sat 11 Aug – Sun 26 Aug 12 Flight inclusive cost per person From £3995 Land only cost per person From £2995 Single room supplement From £165 What’s included Flights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, three nights lodge accommodation, four nights hotel accommodation and seven nights camping Tour code WNDD Max group size 12

South Africa

South Africa is an enormous country with a simply staggering array of different habitats and wildlife. The most popular destinations include the wonderful winelands of Cape Town and the Garden Route, the tropical hills and pristine coast of Kwazulu-Natal, Kruger National Park and the northeastern highveld, and the Drakensberg Mountains and historic battlefields. We love it because of the huge amount of wildlife – if you go once, you’re likely to want to return!

of Africa’s plains game. Meanwhile, the marine diversity off the Sodwana coast is said to rival Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Nature Game Reserve is home to both black and white rhino and all the major plains game. It is a wonderful reserve in which to enjoy self-driven game-viewing, and there are resident naturalists who (at additional cost) accompany morning and afternoon game drives. Walking safaris are also available and the birdlife is superb.

Kosi Forest Lodge mid The lodge is set in a beautiful sand forest on the banks of Kosi Lake. The thatched bush suites, some with open-air bathrooms, are carefully positioned for privacy and intimacy. The lodge accommodates 16 people, offers fine cuisine and caters for a host of estuarine, beach and wilderness activities.

Phinda Private Game Reserve

Hilltop Camp mid This is the only camp within the park itself. It is comfortable with 20 twin rooms under thatch and has commanding views of the surrounding reserve.

Phinda is a private reserve located in the lush rolling hills of northern KwaZulu-Natal, bordering the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. It shelters an extraordinary diversity of wildlife within no less than seven ecosystems. Giant leatherback and loggerhead turtles lay their eggs on the pristine beaches, whilst freshwater lakes and river floodplains are the domain of Nile crocodiles, hippos, pelicans and flamingos. The savannah is home to over 380 bird species and much

Phinda properties HIGH Accommodation at Phinda is in four private and exclusive lodges – Forest Lodge, Mountain Lodge, Rock Lodge, Zuka Lodge and Vlei Lodge. All the lodges have experienced rangers and Zulu trackers who offer excellent game-viewing in open four-wheel drives. You can also experience the thrill of tracking black rhino on foot, scuba diving on the world’s southern-most coral reefs and perhaps seeing whale sharks from the air.

Fact! Did you know that the largest population of clawless otters in South Africa is in the Drakensberg Mountains?

Drakensberg Mountains The Drakensberg Mountains World Heritage Site is known locally as uKhahlamba (the Barrier of Spears). This mountain fortress comprises massive basalt cliffs and soaring sandstone buttresses which separate KwaZulu-Natal from the tiny Kingdom of Lesotho. It is a beautiful area of endemic and threatened species and around 35,000 San rock art images. It is great for birdwatching, wildlife viewing and hiking too!

Didima Camp mid Didima has been themed around the art of the San people. Surrounded by mountains, the camp is sheltered by the Cathedral Peak valley. There is a central restaurant, bar and lounge area, pool and tennis courts. Activities include local walking trails, swimming in mountain streams and, of course, enjoying the beautiful scenery. Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

africa | south africa

Kruger National Park Kruger National Park is world-famous for offering a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. It stretches 350 kilometres from north to south and is virtually unrivalled in its diversity of life forms, with 300 species of tree, 49 fish species, 33 amphibian species, 114 reptile species, 507 bird species and 147 mammal species! The park is divided into the busier, southern sector with several tarred road circuits and the quieter northern sector around Pafuri where there are far fewer visitors.

Pafuri Camp HIGH Pafuri is in the far reaches of northern Kruger. This is the ancestral home of the Makuleke people and is the most diverse and scenically attractive part of the Kruger. We recommend it because it’s quiet and beautiful. It has 20 stunning tented rooms overlooking the Luvuvhu River where elephant, nyala, common waterbuck and bushbuck all come to drink.

The Pafuri area is about the best in Kruger for walking. Why not consider taking a three night walking trail from here with a naturalist guide?

Jock Safari Lodge mid Jocks is situated within Kruger in its own private concession and has stunning views over the Mitomeni and Biyamiti Rivers. Air-conditioned suites, a beautiful swimming pool and a spa all complement the game drives and walks that are offered here.

Nkambeni Tented Camp mid Nkambeni is a large tented lodge just inside Kruger’s Numbi Gate. It has a full range of facilities including a lovely swimming pool to cool off in after game-viewing and beautiful gardens rich with the sound of birds.

Other private lodges The Kruger is bordered by some of the world’s best private reserves and top private camps in addition to the ones that we describe above. Others include Sabi Sabi, Londolozi, Singita and Ulusaba.They all offer outstanding game-viewing in exclusive surroundings combined with the ultimate in food, service and personal pampering. Any of these can be incorporated into your tailor-made itinerary – just ask us for more details.

Lion Sands River Lodge HIGH This is a luxurious retreat in the Sabi Sand area, adjoining Kruger’s southern reaches. The lodge has 18 thatched bedrooms, there are two swimming pools, observation decks, a secluded bird hide, hammocks and a spa.

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Maputaland Coast Maputaland encompasses the remote north coast of KwaZuluNatal, where it meets the Mozambique border, and is home to a string of unique game reserves stretching from the Kosi Bay Marine Reserve in the north to Cape Vidal in the south. Some fabulous lodges in the region offer luxury accommodation and access to a totally unspoilt, pristine coastline, where it is possible to walk for hours without meeting another soul. In the summer there are nightly excursions to record turtle nesting activity and the crystal clear warm waters make this one of the world’s top scuba diving destinations.

Rocktail Bay Lodge HIGH This intimate lodge comprises 11 tree-house chalets nestled into the forest canopy of the Coastal Forest Reserve, between Sodwana Bay and Kosi Bay. From the main dining area and adjacent swimming pool a boardwalk winds through the dune forest to an endless white sandy beach. Turtle observation (in summer), fishing, birdwatching and scuba diving are all possible here.

Thonga Beach Lodge

HIGH

Thonga Beach Lodge is set on the pristine shores of the Maputuland coast in KwaZulu-Natal. It offers 12 air-conditioned suites set above a secluded bay with sweeping views of the pristine beach below. Activities here include snorkelling and diving, turtle tracking (in summer), whale and dolphin safaris, kayaking on Lake Sibaya, birdwatching, hiking and of course, relaxing on the beach or beside the pool.

Mashatu Camps

HIGH

There are two properties at Mashatu; Main Camp and Tented Camp. Main Camp has 14 luxurious air-conditioned suites, a waterhole, pool, lounge and dining room, whereas if you really want to get away from it all, Mashatu Tented Camp is an idyllic hideaway nestled in the remote northern area of the reserve, with eight luxurious twin tents and a camp plunge pool.

The Cape Grace Hotel

HIGH

The Cape Grace is one of the world’s premier small luxury hotels. With a classically inspired exterior and graceful elegant interior, it sits on its own private quay at Cape Town’s vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, and offers fabulous rooms with views of the ocean, harbour or Table Mountain. There is an excellent restaurant, spa and pool terrace.

Cape Town Mashatu Game Reserve Mashatu Game Reserve is located in Botswana’s Tuli Block, a remote eastern corner of Botswana at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers. It is most easily accessed from South Africa.This huge wilderness area offers some fabulous game-viewing by vehicle, foot or mountain bike – all with expert guides. It is home to large herds of elephant, giraffe and eland, as well as lion, cheetah, ostrich, kori bustard and over 350 species of birds. Along the river courses, huge Mashatu trees provide shade for impala, wildebeest and zebra, whilst at night, bat-eared fox, African wildcat and leopard search for prey.

Cape Town has one of the world’s most dramatic backdrops, with the vast bulk of Table Mountain dominating the skyline for miles around. Travel to the top to soak up the amazing views, or take a harbour cruise to look for seals, whales and seabirds, and visit infamous Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for so many years. Then of course there is Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, the African Penguins at Simon’s Town and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens… there is just not enough time for it all!

Southern Sun The Cullinan mid This hotel has a great location within walking distance of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. The rooms are spacious and facilities include a fitness centre and swimming pool. It’s a great base for your Cape Town explorations.

The Winelands A short drive from Cape Town takes you into the heart of the Winelands. Beautiful Cape Dutch architecture and restaurants serving fine food to accompany excellent wines characterise the pretty regional towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschoek. This is, after all, home to many of the world’s top vineyards. It’s good to combine the Winelands with a drive along the Garden Route.

Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

africa | south africa

South Africa. Beautifully restored, it is set in close proximity to bars and restaurants and has a lovely swimming pool.

The Franschhoek

HIGH

Blue Gum Country Estate

our choice

Located in the world famous Cape winelands, the food and wine capital of South Africa, The Franschhoek is an enchanting accommodation; a boutique residence decorated with style, providing a lovely, homely feel. Capturing the essence of five star luxury, we recommend the impeccably appointed ‘The Franschhoek’.

Knysna Log Inn mid The Log Inn is a lovely hotel. It is built from the local yellowwood and is a rich, comfortable and well-located place to stay. The rooms are beautifully appointed, and it serves excellent food.

We’ve negotiated something special for our clients who stay here, too – if two people stay two nights, you’ll get a free picnic hamper!

Queen’s Hotel mid This classic small and welcoming hotel in Oudtshoorn is in fact one of the oldest in

Auberge Burgundy

Tree Top Lodge mid Tree Tops Lodge in the Eastern Cape’s Lalibela Game Reserve is a tented camp perched high on thatched platforms at ‘tree top’ level. The lodge is interconnected by raised walkways and offers spectacular views over the thickly-wooded valley.

Hermanus Hermanus is a sleepy seaside town on the south coast which comes alive between August and early November when the whales are around. It is one of the world’s finest locations for shore-based whale-watching, with humpbacks and southern right whales seen almost daily. There is good birdwatching here too with over 100 local species, including blue cranes and fish eagles.

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

HIGH

The Auberge Burgundy is set above the picturesque Old Harbour, in the historic heart of Hermanus. It is a charming Provençal style guesthouse with fragrant courtyards and stone terraces.

Cape Town & Garden Route Self-drive

The Garden Route Cape Town marks the beginning (or end!) of the Garden Route. This popular self-drive route along Africa’s southern-most coastline takes in the towns of Swellendam, Oudtshoorn and Plettenberg Bay, with wildlife viewing opportunities at Knysna Lagoon, Wilderness and Tsitsikamma National Parks. A few of our favourite accommodations are below.

mid

This family-run lodge is surrounded by pastures and vineyards in the foothills of the coastal mountains. Charming suites are accompanied by excellent food and a relaxing ‘country estate’ atmosphere. Activities include whale-watching, birdwatching, hiking, riding, tennis, cycling, boat trips and just relaxing around the garden pool.

TAILOR-MADE

This is a classic self-drive itinerary through some of South Africa’s most beautiful scenery and staying in some lovely places. There is plenty of opportunity to see wildlife and birds, and even, at the right time of year, whales. Self-driving in South Africa is great. The roads are good, signposting is easy and most importantly you drive on the left. Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to explore South Africa’s nooks and crannies as you please.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Cape Town Day 2 Cape Town, 2-nights, Southern Sun The Cullinan. Soak up the bustling and vibrant atmosphere, and perhaps visit Robben Island (B) Day 4 Oudtshoorn, 1-night, Queens Hotel. Drive through the mountains or through the winelands to this Karoo town (B) Day 5 Knysna, 3-nights, Knysna Log Inn. Walk in the forests and past mountain streams, and enjoy wonderful sea vistas (B) Day 8 Lalibela Game Reserve, 2-nights, Tree Top Lodge. Game-viewing in open vehicles to look for the Cape’s wildlife (BLD) Day 10 Depart for the UK (B) Day 11 Arrive home

Departure dates

Daily, throughout the year

Cost per person From £2495 (Jan - mid Mar), £2425 (mid - end Mar), £2355 (Apr), £2285 (May - Aug), £2345 (beg Sep - mid Sep), £2445 (mid - end Sep), £2395 (Oct - Dec), £2985 (Christmas) What’s included

Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, eight nights hotel accommodation, guided activities

Mozambique

After more than two decades of civil war, Mozambique is now a place of peace and democracy and is poised to take its place as perhaps the ultimate beach and bush destination in southern Africa. The parks and reserves that were once home to huge populations of buffalo, wildebeest, elephant and antelope are being restored to their former glory. National Parks such as Gorongosa and Limpopo, Maputo Elephant Reserve, Niassa Reserve and others are re-introducing wildlife, controlling poaching and restoring the balance between man and the environment. They are quite simply becoming the ‘bigname’ parks that they were in days of old.

Gorongosa National Park The restoration of Gorongosa National Park is possibly one of the most exciting conservation and sustainable development projects in the region. Once termed the ‘Serengeti of the South’, Gorongosa was home to tens of thousands of megaherbivores such as buffalo, zebra, wildebeest and elephant. It had the highest density of lions of any park in Africa before the conflict.

Now, the park is being restored beyond its former state to a point where it is providing benefits beyond its boundaries to communities living in the region. This involves re-introduction of many species, some from Tanzania and Botswana, and the first elephants, wildebeest and buffalo from Kruger National Park have already arrived - come and see for yourself!

each with ‘en-suite’ waterless loos, hot bucket showers and basins. Food is all locally sourced and the staff are part of a greater hospitality skills development programme in the park.

Explorers’ Camp mid Opened in 2009, this unfenced tented camp is a luxury camp situated in the heart of the park in an area known for great lion activity and excellent birding. The camp currently caters for 12 guests in five eco-tents and one treehouse,

Being the first and (currently) only private operator in the park, Explore Gorongosa has a special license to explore the park on foot and on night drives, as well as permission to lead trips up nearby Mt. Gorongosa and to accompany any reintroduction of game that takes place as part of the restoration project. Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

africa | mozambique

The Northern Beaches Northern Mozambique is one of the world’s great wildernesses having been untouched and unexplored in recent decades. The recently declared Quirimbas National Park is a true example of bush meeting beach with elephants browsing mango trees just metres from the ocean. It is remote and not the easiest place to get to, but as a result it offers some wonderful beach-stay opportunities in some of the finest and most secluded beach properties on the East African coast.

the Quirimbas Archipelago’s fringing reef with breath-taking coral diversity as well as copious schools of fish, turtles, sharks and, between July and November, humpback whales. All the accommodation is spacious, with “to die for” views of the ocean and is a mix of beautifully constructed thatched ‘bandas’ or custom built tents. Everything about this lodge is a complementary mix of traditional and contemporary and everything is constructed to the highest environmental standards. Activities here include diving (there is a PADI dive centre here), snorkelling, sailing, village visits, bush walks and of course relaxing after a safari on the beautiful beaches…

Nuarro Lodge HIGH Nuarro is located on the beautiful Baixo do Pinda Peninsula south of Pemba and offers 12 luxury beachfront chalets (ten of which have a family option with an upstairs area for twin beds). Built with local materials and with beautiful views over the Indian Ocean it offers private beaches, world class diving and snorkelling, and between the months of June and November great whalewatching. There are also wildlife trails (which you can enjoy on foot or by bike), kayak trips to explore the mangroves and secluded bays along the shore, and dhows to take you to a secluded beach. Guludo Lodge HIGH Guludo is a true eco-lodge, set on probably the best beach in the Quirimbas National Park. It is perfectly positioned to enjoy some of the best, and most pristine, coral reefs in the world, as opposite Guludo’s calm bay is

Gorongosa Explorer

This is a fantastic itinerary exploring the main and hidden reaches of Gorongosa National Park, allowing you to discover all about the wildlife and project to reintroduce it to the park. This itinerary can be done on a tailor-made basis, with variations if you wish, or extensions to some of the wonderful beaches on the pristine Indian Ocean coastline.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Johannesburg Day 2 Gorongosa National Park, 2-nights, Gorongosa Safari Camp. Short sunset drive and relaxing in camp upon arrival (D) Day 3 Bush walks with a naturalist guide, afternoon and evening game drives exploring different areas of the park (BLD) Day 4 Gorongosa National Park, 1-night, Bushcamp. Today will be a day mixed of driving, walking, exploring and an exciting wild camp! (BLD) Day 5 Gorongosa National Park, 1-night, Gorongosa Safari Camp (BLD) Day 6 Gorongosa National Park, 1-night, Bushcamp. Explore the area around Mt. Gorongosa (BLD) Day 7 Gorongosa National Park, 2-nights, Gorongosa Safari Camp. Investigate the areas where the initial relocations are taking place (BLD) Day 9 Depart Mozambique for UK, via Johannesburg Day 10 Arrive UK

Departure dates

Daily, April to December

Cost per person

From £3435

What’s included

Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, seven nights camping, guided activities

Safari and Beach Medjumbe Private Island HIGH Medjumbe is a tiny, pristine Quirimbas island with bewitching ocean views and stunning coral reefs. It is worldrenowned for offering barefoot luxury, privacy and unparalleled hospitality. Its signature is stylish simplicity, with delicious seafood, some of the world’s premier diving and fishing, and a wealth of romantic delights. Its 13 palm-thatched chalets nestling on the white sands offer privacy and seclusion. Each chalet is luxuriously furnished. Outside each chalet, a private plunge pool with stunning ocean views provides relief from the tropical Mozambique heat and a hammock ensures ultimate relaxation!

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

TAILOR-MADE

This is a simple itinerary combining the wildlife of Gorongosa National Park with the calming waters and beautiful beaches of the Indian Ocean. We have used Nuarro Lodge, but if you would prefer to stay in either Guludo or Medjumbe this is of course also possible.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Johannesburg and Beira Day 2 Gorongosa National Park, 4-nights, Explorers’ Camp. Sunset drive or walk and relax in camp (D) Day 3 Bush walks, drives and night drives with a naturalist guide (BLD) Day 6 Early morning road transfer to Beira to meet your flight to Nampula and road transfer to Nuarro Lodge where you spend four-nights enjoying a range of beach and sea activities (BLD) Day 10 Depart Mozambique for the UK (B) Day 11 Arrive UK

Departure dates

Daily, April to October

Cost per person

From £3725

What’s included

Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, four-nights tented camp, four nights lodge, some guided activities

Madagascar

Madagascar is a country like no other. So often are the words “unique” and “bizarre” used when describing the world’s fourth-largest island that they have become synonymous. Coupled with all that makes it unusual, Madagascar also displays great diversity with distinct areas of rainforest, deciduous forest, high mountains and deserts. And it is the extraordinary array of wildlife that these habitats support, the majority of which is found nowhere else in the world, that is Madagascar’s feature attraction. In short, Madagascar is intoxicating – a destination brimming with intrigue and excitement. It offers a strange and incongruous mix of wildlife and culture that combine to produce a country unlike any other. Memories of the friendly people, unique habitats and bizarre wildlife will linger and the overriding experience will be of an island lost in time.

Antananarivo Madagascar’s vibrant capital city is amongst the most unusual and attractive capitals in the developing world. Built on a series of hills, many of the old buildings and narrow cobbled streets retain an almost medieval quality. There is the incongruous juxtaposition of old and modern as zebu carts laden with produce plod slowly along the same roads as cars and buses. At the heart of the city is the old ‘High Town’ from where the views are commanding. Far below is Avenue de l’Independence, the hub of the lower part of town with the impressive old train station at the far end.

Hotel le Royale Palissandre mid This elegant hotel is located in the bustling centre of Antananarivo. In spite of its modern feel, there is plenty about it that is traditionally Madagascan – the welcome, the food and of course the beautiful views over the city. It has 46 air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant and bar, and first-class health club.

Residence Lapasoa mid This is a relatively new family-run hotel housed in a large colonial-style mansion with an attractive brick façade and iron balconies. Each of the ten rooms is large, airy and uncluttered, with wooden floors, white-washed walls, wooden-framed beds and views across the city. Attached to the hotel is one of the best restaurants in Antananarivo, Ku-De-Ta, whose excellent FrancoMalagasy fusion menu is complemented by the décor and fabulous atmosphere.

La Pavillion de L’Emeryne

HIGH

our choice

This lovely boutique hotel is located in the historic upper part of Antananarivo. It is unique in occupying a traditional 1930’s house with high ceilings and polished floors. Each of the 12 rooms is quite different, but throughout the hotel there are elegant and complementary furnishings.

Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

africa | madagascar

Montagne d’Ambre National Park Located towards the island’s northern tip, Montagne d’Ambre was Madagascar’s first national park and derives its name from the coloured resin that oozes from some of the trees. It is reached by flying to Antsiranana (Diego Suarez), from where it is less than an hour by road. It is a cool green mountain oasis in an otherwise parched landscape with a well-maintained and labelled trail system that make it particularly rewarding, especially as crowned lemurs and Sanford’s brown lemurs are frequently seen. Reptiles, especially a wonderful array of chameleons, and numerous leaf-tailed geckos are abundant.

Nature Lodge mid Located a short drive from the park entrance, Nature Lodge provides comfortable accommodation with marvellous views across to the Indian Ocean. Individual thatched chalets, each with its own deck area, are simple but well-appointed, while a tasteful central restaurant and bar provides a focus.

Marojejy National Park

Masoala National Park

Marojejy towards the northern extreme of the rainforest belt comprises some remote and unexplored areas. This is the best place to look for the rare silky sifaka and no fewer than nine other lemur species. Other species include ring-tailed mongoose, helmet vanga plus countless reptiles and frogs. Marojejy is the last remaining place where it is possible to walk through unbroken forests from sea-level to the top of a high mountain. The view from Marojejy peak at 2,132 metres is spectacular, however not for the faint-hearted. It is reached by air into Sambava then a drive to Manantenina. It is then two hours on foot.

The Masoala peninsula supports the largest remaining area of lowland rainforest and the greatest collection of species in Madagascar. The park occupies around 230,000 hectares of mountains and valleys cloaked in primary forest on the western side of the peninsula and in many places it drops down to glorious sandy beaches that fringe the Bay of Antongil. This is the last refuge of the beautiful red-ruffed lemur, together with numerous chameleons including panther and tiny stump-tailed leaf chameleon. Bird rarities include helmet vanga, Bernier’s vanga and Madagascar serpent eagle. On nocturnal forays you may see mouse lemurs, woolly lemurs and possibly even the extremely rare aye-aye.

Camps Mantella, Marojejia & Simpona Three basic but well maintained camps (huts with bunks and separate flushing toilets) are located on the trail leading to the summit. Camp Mantella at about 450 metres is two-hour’s walk from the park boundary; Camp Marojejia at 750 metres is an hour beyond and has one of the most impressive views across rainforest and mountains imaginable. Camp Simpona at 1,250 metres is a three-hour steep hike further still.

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Hotel Relais du Masoala mid This is the first stop for most trips to Masoala National Park and Nosy Mangabe. This spacious and stylish hotel comprises 12 elegant thatched bungalows, each with two double beds, set in large gardens and coconut groves adjacent to the beach. The restaurant creates a relaxed ambience and serves excellent food, with the emphasis on local produce and seafood.

Masoala Forest Lodge

HIGH

our choice

Set next to the beach, this up-market lodge brings comfortable African safari-style camping to Madagascar. Large furnished tents are set on thatched shelters, with en-suite toilets and showers with hot water. In addition to exploring the forest you can take out kayaks and snorkel in the nearby marine reserve. In July and August there are humpback whales that come into shore to breed and calve – spectacular to see from a kayak!

Arol Lodge mid Located just behind the beach and near to some of the best areas of forest, Arol Lodge is simple but comfortable. Individual chalets are tastefully furnished, some with en-suite facilities. The restaurant serves simple local cuisine and bakes its own bread and pastries.

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park With easy access and excellent wildlife watching, this is arguably Madagascar’s premier rainforest reserve. It combines the small Indri Reserve (Analamazaotra) close to the village of Andasibe, with the much larger Mantadia National Park to the north. Close views of indri are virtually assured in the forest at Andasibe where groups of these spectacular lemurs have been habituated and there are regular sightings of brown lemurs. The superb forests of Mantadia have an extensive trail network which is very rewarding for diademed sifakas, indri, blackand-white ruffed lemurs and grey bamboo lemurs. Frequently seen birds include red-fronted coua, tylas, nuthatch, blue vanga and pitta-like ground roller.

Vakona Forest Lodge HIGH Located between the two main parts of the reserve, Vakona offers a high standard of hospitality and accommodation. Set in a natural ampitheatre that echoes to the sound of birds, the lodge is built overlooking a small lake and the restaurant is renowned for its excellent cuisine. There is also a small swimming pool. A short walk from the lodge is a private lemur reserve set on a nearby island. It will give you some wonderful close-up photographic opportunities.

Hotel Feon’ny ala mid This friendly lodge is situated next to a small lake, close to the reserve entrance and has a wonderful view facing the forest. Lemurs, including indris, can often be seen directly in front of the lodge. The thatched bungalows are basic but comfortable, while the often vibrant restaurant serves good food.

Eulophiella Lodge mid Set amongst spacious grounds and next to its own private area of forest, Eulophiella comprises ten A-frame bungalows and a large bar and restaurant area. The private forest here offers the chance to see indri, diademed sifakas, red-bellied lemurs and good birdwatching. Nocturnal walks in the forest are also very productive, especially for dwarf and woolly lemurs.

Ranomafana National Park Established in 1991 to protect the then newly discovered golden bamboo lemur, Ranomafana is one of the most important wildlife sites in Madagascar and amongst the island’s very best rainforest reserves. Its pleasant climate, misty forest slopes, spectacular

views, picturesque rushing river and huge diversity of species, make it a deserved favourite. It is one of the best places to see Milne-Edward’s sifaka, greater bamboo lemur and red-bellied lemur. Birdwatching is also very good as many rainforest endemics, such as pitta-like ground rollers, are often seen. Reptiles, frogs and invertebrates are also abundant including the bizarre giraffe-necked weevil. Centrest mid This is a simple lodge on the outskirts of Ranomafana overlooking the national park, and providing a comfortable base. Rooms are en-suite and there is a nice bar and restaurant. Setam Lodge mid This new lodge comprises a series of semi-detached bungalows with well-furnished rooms. The main lodge and restaurant have impressive views across the valley to the forest and early mornings with swirling mists can be particularly atmospheric. The lodge’s close proximity to the park entrance make it a convenient base from which to explore the area.

Kirindy Forest Kirindy is a couple of hours drive from Morondava via the famous Allé de Baobabs. The dry forest of Kirindy is extremely rich in wildlife and is the best place to see a number of peculiar endemics such as giant jumping rat, narrowstriped mongoose and fosa. Lemur watching is also excellent. By day Verreaux’s sifakas and red-fronted brown lemurs are frequently seen and at night you may see Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur - the smallest primate in the world. In the summer months in particular, reptiles are

extremely numerous – often seen is Labord’s chameleon which has spectacular rainbow colours. Kirindy Camping The tourist facilities in Kirindy are at best rudimentary. There is a basic camp and a small restaurant.

Zombitse National Park Zombitse, which lies between Isalo and Toliara, is a remnant of transitional forest between the western and southern regions. Despite its isolation and small size, it offers excellent opportunities to see interesting species. This forest is of particular interest to birdwatchers, being home to one of the country’s rarest endemics, Appert’s greenbul, but also many other species like giant coua, crested ibis and cuckoo roller. Verreaux’s sifakas and red-fronted brown lemurs are also seen, as are sportive lemurs. There is nowhere to stay here, so it is generally best to visit early in the morning, while en-route elsewhere. Isalo National Park Isalo is unlike any other place in Madagascar. Its appeal is the remarkable landscape of eroded sandstone outcrops, canyons and rare plants. There are spectacular vistas at every turn - this is a wonderful place for photographers. In the valleys there are ribbons of green where delicate feather palms and Pandanus grow, while on the cliffs and rocks endemic succulents such as the bizarre elephant’s foot plant flourish. In the gorges where patches of forest thrive, there are also troops of Verreaux’s sifakas, red-fronted brown lemurs and ring-tailed lemurs. Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

africa | madagascar

Fact!

Hotel Jardin du Roy & Hotel Relais de la Reine HIGH Nestling sympathetically amongst the outcrops, these adjacent hotels are amongst Madagascar’s finest. Local stone has been used to construct buildings that appear almost as extensions of the natural rocks. The excellent rooms each offer a window into the magnificent landscape that surrounds. There are also swimming pools to take a cooling dip, and spacious terraces on which to relax in the evening.

Ifotaka Community Forest The Ifotaka Community Forest is an admirable illustration of a government initiative that encourages local communities to sustainably manage their natural resources. The engaging Tandroy people harvest forest products from some areas, whilst elsewhere the forest is left intact preserving it for ecotourism. These areas of gallery and spiny forest are home to all the species that are synonymous with the south of Madagascar – ring-tailed lemurs, endearing Verreaux’s sifakas and a wide variety of birds.

Mandrare River Camp mid African safari-style camping is a new innovation in Madagascar and this camp exemplifies all that is good about the experience. Six spacious and beautifully appointed tents, with private facilities and hot water, are at the heart of this intimate camp situated on the banks of the Mandrare River. There is a large mess tent where extraordinary meals are served in the heart of the bush. The camp employs expert local guides who take pride in showing visitors the local wildlife, customs and way of life. The local Tandroy people are proud and engaging. A visit to the area would be incomplete without a visit to the village of Ifotaka to learn about the beliefs and customs of the Tandroy people.

Berenty Reserve Featured in numerous television documentaries, Berenty is perhaps the best known reserve in Madagascar. Adjacent to the Mandrare River, this small island of forest surrounded by sisal plantations is privately owned and run. On early morning walks large troops of ring-tailed lemurs are often encountered while Verreaux’s sifakas leap effortlessly through the canopy. Giant couas peck through the leaf-litter and there are numerous chameleons, if you are good enough to spot them! After dark, nocturnal mouse and sportive lemurs scurry along the branches and are readily seen, as are very approachable white-browed and Madagascar scops owls.

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Berenty Lodge mid A complex of simple bungalows and rooms with basic facilities forms the basis of the lodge adjacent to the reserve. There is a cafeteria close by and the restaurant is a short walk. Both ring-tailed lemurs and Verreaux’s sifakas are daily visitors.

In the Bay of Antongil, the idyllic island of Nosy Mangabe offers excellent wildlife watching. It has steep forested slopes and there is a glorious golden sand beach. It has proved a safe-haven for aye-ayes that were released in the 1960s and have subsequently thrived. Far easier to see are large leaf-tailed geckos, groups of black-and-white ruffed lemurs and white-fronted brown lemurs. The island is easily reached by a short boat ride from Maroantsetra or en-route to or from Masoala National Park.

Classic Wildlife Highlights

TAILOR-MADE

As the name suggests this is our premier Madagascar itinerary. It features all of the key locations on the island, the very best wildlife-viewing opportunities and some great accommodation. For a first-time explorer or regular visitor this is an itinerary well worth considering.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Antananarivo Day 2 Antsirabe, 1-night, Chambre du Voyageur. Drive south, through the highlands – perhaps pick up some handicrafts (BD) Day 3 Ranomafana, 3-nights, Centrest. Head out lemur spotting in the forests. Night walks possible too (BD) Day 6 Fianarantsoa, 1-night, Tsara Guest House. Drive through the highlands to Fianarantsoa, the capital of the Betisleo tribe (BD) Day 7 Isalo, 2-nights, Hotel Jardin du Roy. Walk the beautiful landscapes of Isalo, looking for lemurs and birds (BD) Day 9 Ifaty, 2-nights, Hotel Le Paradisier. Spend time in the spiny forest (BD) Day 11 Andasibe-Mantadia, 3-nights, Feon’ny Ala. The prize here is to see indri and to hear its incredible call (BD) Day 14 Depart for the UK (B) Day 15 Arrive home

Departure dates

Daily, throughout the year

Cost per person From £3185 (Jan - Mar), £3375 (Apr - Jun, Sep - Oct), £3765 (Jul - Aug) What’s included

Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, twelve nights hotel accommodation, guided activities (there may be a supplement for an English-speaking guide)

Ifaty Spiny Forest Although unprotected, the spiny forests near Ifaty are of great interest to birdwatchers and botanical enthusiasts alike. This is the best place to look for two of the islands, most threatened birds – long-tailed ground roller and sub-desert mesite. There is plenty more of interest too, including an excellent diversity of other birds and some of the most bizarre flora imaginable – the crazy waving branches of devilishlyspined octopus trees contrast sharply with the rounded bulbous forms of squat baobabs.

Hotel Le Paradisier mid Situated overlooking the Manambolo River, this lodge consists of a series of comfortable bungalows each with verandas.

Madagascar’s Beaches and Islands While the island’s wildlife is certainly its main draw, Madagascar also boasts a

Madagascan Explorer

TAILOR-MADE

To really enjoy Madagascar at its very best, you need to see not only great wildlife and be with great guides, but visit some alternative locations too! Our ‘Madagascan Explorer’ itinerary offers you all of this and more besides.

beautiful coastline and offshore islands that offer the chance to relax in seclusion and style and, at times, continuing enjoying the island’s biological riches. Here the pace of life is slowed and you will be able to experience the laid-back friendly atmosphere for which Madagascar is renowned. Anjajavy Private Reserve Located on a peninsula on the remote north-west coast, this private reserve is an oasis for both wildlife and visitors. It comprises mangroves, limestone outcrops and deciduous forest where many species of lemurs, birds and reptiles are easy to see. Along the coast, white sandy beaches mix with dramatic limestone outcrops and mangrove-fringed estuaries. Beautiful Coquerel’s sifakas are the local stars and are often seen in the trees above the villas.

A boat trip to Moramba Bay offers the chance to see the rare Madagascar fish eagle, experience the dramatic coastal baobab forests and swim in some of the most idyllic and remote bays imaginable.

Nosy Boraha (Ile Sainte-Marie) Tucked close to Madagascar’s north-east coast, Nosy Boraha epitomizes all that is good about tropical island cliches, while avoiding so many of the pitfalls that are negative. There are miles of beaches with overhanging palm trees, fringed by turquoise lagoons with distant reefs protecting the shore from rough seas. Sleepy coastal communities and villages sit comfortably next to discreet beach hotels and the air is filled with the freshness of the sea and the intoxicating scent of cloves.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Antananarivo Day 2 Maroantsetra, 1-night, Relais du Masoala. A relaxing afternoon including a visit to the vanilla plantation (BD) Day 3 Masoala, 3-nights, Arol Lodge. Guided walks in the forest and kayaking along the coast (BLD) Day 6 Maroantsetra, 1-night, Relais du Masoala. Leisurely boat transfer keeping an eye out for dolphins and whales (BD) Day 7 Fort Dauphin, 1-night, Le Croix du Sud. (BD) Day 8 Ifotaka Forest, 3-nights, Mandrare River Camp. Explore the wildlife of the forests and learn about the night sky from the river beach (BLD) Day 11 Andasibe-Mantadia, 2-nights, Feon’ny ala. Lemurs, indris, buzzards and vangas are all on the list here (BD) Day 13 Antananarivo, 1-night, Pavillion de L’Emeryne. A stay in the capital wouldn’t be perfect unless it was here! (B) Day 14 Anjajavy, 4-nights, Hotel Anjajavy. Great wildlife, wonderful food, friendly people, and all in the most tranquil and relaxing surroundings Madagascar has to offer (BLD) Day 18 Depart Antananarivo for the UK (B) Day 19 Arrive UK

Departure dates

Daily, throughout the year

Cost per person From £5060 (Jan - Mar), £5275 (Apr - Jun), £5865 (Jul - Aug), £5475 (Sep - Oct) What’s included

Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, sixteen nights hotel accommodation, guided activities (there may be a supplement for an English-speaking guide)

L’Hotel Anjajavy HIGH French flare and panache in splendid isolation. Sandy beaches and deciduous forest are the backdrop for a collection of beautifully appointed villas. These are spacious oases, with comfortable beds and lovely bathrooms. Each morning the soothing wash of the Mozambique Channel will caress your ears and lemurs may be feeding in the trees above you. This is a romantic and sumptuous place.

Princess Bora Lodge mid Located on the south-west coast, this is the best hotel on the island. The lodge has 15 beautiful villas nestled amongst coconut palms, each with decks and hammocks and within a stone’s throw of the sea. For those preferring fresh water, there is an infinity pool. The restaurant serves both French and Malagasy inspired cuisine, with plenty of seafood. Princess Bora Lodge is an excellent base for whale-watching and runs world renowned interpretive boat trips. Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

africa | madagascar

Nosy Mitsio

Boraha Village mid On the east side of the island lies Boraha Village, a small hotel comprising nine simple but tasteful sea-facing bungalows. The restaurant also faces the water and specializes in shellfish. There is no beach, but a long jetty gives access to the clear waters of the lagoon for swimmers.

Nosy Be Off the north-west coast, Nosy Be is renowned for the production of ylang-ylang and the heady scent of the blossom fills the air. More developed for coastal tourism than other areas in Madagascar, the island has attractions for everyone; quiet secluded beaches, vibrant night life, intimate wildlife watching, comfortable accommodation and wonderful cuisine. It is also a major centre for deep-sea fishing and scuba diving.

Vanilla Hotel mid The Vanilla Hotel is pleasantly located by the sea, on the north-western coast of Nosy Be across from the island of Nosy Sakatia. Each of its 41 air-conditioned bedrooms is tastefully decorated and opens onto a terrace with a magnificent view across the tropical gardens to the sea.

The archipelago of Nosy Mitsio, is a collection of ten or more islands that lie 70 kilometres north of Nosy Be and are reachable only by boat. The main island of La Grande Mitsio is surrounded by many smaller islands. Tsarabanjina is especially beautiful being fringed by pure white beaches lapped by crystal blue waters. The surrounding reefs harbour a wealth of marine life including turtles, rays and a myriad of colourful fish. There are also important seabird colonies with large numbers of nesting frigate birds, tropic birds and brown boobies.

long white sandbank. These islands provide important breeding beaches for nesting hawksbill turtles and work is in progress to safeguard and monitor their populations.

that ooze quality and class. Each has its own sea view.

Fact! Nosy Komba is famous for its population of very tame black lemurs that are considered sacred by the local people. The island is very popular, so expect company!

Nosy Iranja Hotel HIGH Situated on Iranja Kely, this refurbished property is now one of Madagascar’s most sought-after boutique hotels. Arranged sympathetically along the shore are 29 luxurious wooden rooms

Endangered Sifakas & Spiny Forests

TAILOR-MADE

This is a unique safari taking in the very best but least visited parts of Madagascar, peppered with a couple of our favourite destinations – namely Andasibe-Mantadia and Berenty. L’Hotel Tsarabanjina mid Few places match the solitude and tranquillity of Tsarabanjina. This is the place to live out your ‘Robinson Crusoe’ fantasies! The island covers a mere 22 hectares into which is set a collection of 18 beautiful wooden chalets all located by the beach. The ambience is attentive but laid back and days are spent snorkelling, scuba diving, sea-kayaking or simply relaxing.

Nosy Iranja About 50 kilometres south-west of Nosy Be and off the Ampasindava Peninsula, Nosy Iranja actually splits into two islands at high tide, Iranja Komba and Iranga Kely, but at low tide the two are joined together by a

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Antananarivo Day 2 Montagne d’Ambre National Park, 2-nights, Nature Lodge. Explore the forest, craters and lakes of Ambre Mountain (BD) Day 4 Marojejy, 3-nights, camping. Look for lemurs, reptiles, amphibians and birds (BLD) Day 7 Sambava, 1-night, Hotel Las Palmas (BD) Day 8 Andasibe-Mantadia, 3-nights, Vakona Forest Lodge. One of the highlights here will be the call of the Indri indri – an eerie cry that you will remember forever! (BD) Day 11 Antananarivo, 1-night, Le Pavillion de l’Emyrne. Arrive late afternoon to the comfort of this wonderful hotel (B) Day 12 Berenty, 2-nights, Berenty Lodge. Madagascar harrier hawks and sooty falcon are possibilities here as well as lemurs (BD) Day 14 Depart Antananarivo for the UK (B) Day 15 Arrive UK

Departure dates

Daily, throughout the year

Cost per person

From £3485 (Jan - Mar), £3655 (Apr - Jun, Sep - Oct), £4050 (Jul - Aug)

What’s included

Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, twelve nights hotel accommodation, guided activities (there may be a supplement for an English-speaking guide)

East Africa East Africa is the classic â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Out of Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; safari experience; a picture perfect scene of endless grassy plains teeming with game and dotted with umbrella-like acacia trees. There are spectacular parks in Tanzania and Kenya, mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in the forests of Uganda and the gelada baboons of - Ethiopia.

africa | east africa

In focus

ADDIS ABABA Langano

Murchison Falls National Park

Bale Mountains

The Masai Mara

Laikipia Plateau Samburu National Reserve Meru National Park Lake Nakuru Lake Naivasha NAIROBI Meru National Park Mombasa Arusha National Park Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area

KENYA

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

UGANDA

Lake Victoria Serengeti Parc National N.P. des Volcans Lake Manyara N.P

RWANDA

Katavi N.P.

The calving of the wildebeest in the southern Serengeti. They will stay in the southern and western areas of the park until late June when they begin to head north. Pages 66-71

Lalibela

ETHIOPIA

Kibale Forest N.P.

January

Simien Mountains

Gondar

Tarangire N.P.

Selous Game Reserve

TANZANIA

July The wildebeest cross the Grumeti River and head into the Masai Mara where they stay until around October. (Note that it is impossible to know the exact timing of the river crossing). Pages 60-65

November The wildebeest cross back down the eastern corridor of the Serengeti when they smell the rains approaching.

October Generally in Kenya and Tanzania, the last dry month and a great time for viewing large concentrations of game around the main water courses. Pages 60-71

The Great Migration October: Masai Mara

September

August

July

May

December: Loliondo National Park Serengeti National Park

December - April: Serengeti Plains

The migration of millions of white-bearded wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of Burchellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s zebra is the greatest wildlife spectacle on the planet. Zebra usually lead the way, with gazelles accompanying the herds for short distances. They move by instinct, nature dictating when to move where, and with grazing taking up some sixteen hours each day, the grass plains are left bare within a matter of days. It is a hazardous journey, with lion, leopard, hyena, wild dog, jackal and countless birds of prey constantly on the look out for their next meal, and of course Nile crocodiles lying in wait at fast-flowing river crossings such as the Grumeti and the Mara. Following the rains, these animals can be seen at various points in the Masai Mara and Serengeti throughout the year and our guide above and map to the left show you the best places for excellent viewings.

Climate - Kenya

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Temperature max (Ë&#x161;C) 25 26 25 24 22 21 21 21 24 24 Rainfall (mm) 38 64 125 211 158 46 15 23 31 53

23 23 109 86

Top tip: Many people choose to travel in the wet season, which brings clear skies, fewer visitors, beautiful sunsets and the birth of many young.

Kenya

Kenya is justifiably famous for being one of the best countries in Africa for wildlife-viewing. Its enduring popularity lies in its incredible diversity of habitats, its endless beauty and its world class hotels, lodges and tented camps. Most people are familiar with the Masai Mara, one of the best wildlife areas in the world, but there is stunning desert scenery in the Samburu area, and temperate mountain wilderness surrounding Mount Kenya. The Great Rift Valley dissects the country and its floor is lined with a string of salt and freshwater lakes, home to flamingos and many other birds and animals. Kenya is also blessed with beautiful beaches and an amazing marine life. In addition, its location and the exceptional links offered by Kenya Airways make it perfect for combining with other African and Indian Ocean destinations such as Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Mauritius, the Maldives or Madagascar.

Nairobi Nairobi is the vibrant capital of Kenya. For those with a little time to spare interesting half or full day trips can be organised to the Karen Blixen Museum, where the bygone era of the pioneering coffee farmer is preserved, the Giraffe Centre, for a close-up experience of the rare Rothschild’s giraffe, the colourful city market or the National Museum which all make interesting excursions. Elephant fans should also ask us about visiting the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage.

Southern Sun Mayfair mid A comfortable hotel with very nice gardens, two pools and a country ‘feel’ to it. Formerly the Mayfair Court Hotel, it enjoyed its first glory days in the 1940s; now its distinctive architecture remains and it’s a modern base from which to explore the city.

Serena Inn mid This is a modern hotel of international standards. It’s centrally located overlooking Central Park, and provides an easy place to stay if you’re only in Nairobi for a night, offering all modern conveniences at a reasonable price, and regularly winning travel awards for its service and facilities.

Norfolk Hotel mid The Norfolk Hotel is a good value base with a sense of history and also modern convenience. It is centrally located with a swimming pool and fitness centre, and provides historical artefacts of interest to browse while you’re taking breakfast – it offers something a little more quirky than your normal Nairobi hotel. Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

africa | kenya

small, friendly and comfortable camp. These eco-friendly camps have also been recognised for their contribution to the local communities.

The Masai Mara The Masai Mara is the finest wildlife sanctuary in Kenya. The wildlife is abundant and the gentle rolling grasslands ensure the animals are never out of sight. The wildlife is not confined to the reserve and wanders freely in the surrounding areas where the Masai people still live with their livestock – this close relationship between wildlife and people creates a wonderful harmony. Amid this natural wonderland you’ll find great herds of elephant, black rhino, Thompson’s and Grant’s gazelle, zebra, eland and many more species of plains game, offering a rich choice of food for the dominant predators - lion, leopard and cheetah - which hunt in the pristine wilderness, while the nearby Mara and Talek Rivers are home to many hippos and countless crocodiles.

Governors’ Camp HIGH Africa’s first luxury tented safari camp, today offers excellent style and comfort. This is for those who want a traditional, luxurious safari experience. Choose from four camps in the heart of the reserve, all under canvas. Choose Governors’ Private Camp for complete exclusivity. The private camp can only be booked by one group (minimum four people) at a time, so it’s yours to enjoy, with only the wildlife for company!

Mara Plains HIGH This excellent camp is great for those who want a small, exclusive experience. Due to our personal relationship with the owner of the camp, you can also learn about the valuable work that the tourism industry can contribute to the delicate eco-system while staying here and, if you want, enjoy non-stop game-viewing late into the night.

There is also a myriad of bird species recorded here, totalling 450 in all, and an unmatchable opportunity to add many rare animals to your list, such as bat-eared foxes and caracals. The Masai Mara remains one of our favourite wildlife destinations. our choice Porini mid Porini offers two small, traditional safari camps in pristine wilderness areas. Both camps – Mara Porini and Porini Lion - offer traditional day and night game drives, comfortable accommodation and, overall, a wonderful safari experience at an affordable price. Some of the best safari guides – we think – will show you the wildlife and, after a hard day’s game viewing, you can come back to your

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Rekero HIGH This must be the premier camp in the Mara. It is in a lush area on the Talek River with expansive lawns and consists of eight tents on the river. The welcome is simply wonderful, the camp is large and spacious, with the dining area and all of the tents superbly well appointed, though they don’t feel over the top. It feels like home from the moment you walk in the door.

Mara Balloon Safari Enjoy an adventurous early morning balloon flight over the Mara. It’s peaceful, tranquil and very exciting! Flights last for an hour or so – followed by a champagne breakfast – and we can book it for you.

Kicheche HIGH Two exclusive tented camps in the Mara. Kicheche Mara Camp sleeps 22 guests and is fantastically located in a wildlife-rich region of the Mara. A highlight of Kicheche Bush Camp is also its location, in a wonderfully remote area where big game wanders through the camp; this offers the ultimate back to nature experience (in comfort)!

Samburu National Reserve Samburu is located some 325 kilometres north of Nairobi in the hot arid fringes of Kenya’s vast northern region. The reserve lies within the lands of the colourful Samburu people, close relatives of the Masai, and the dramatic landscape harbours a number of wildlife species rarely found elsewhere. These include Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and vulturine guineafowl. The long-necked gerenuk is also a common resident here. The broad waters of the Ewaso Nyiro River run

through the park, attracting large herds of elephant and other animals, as well as a spectacular variety of birds.

The main lodge comprises six large and unique tented cottages and there is a spa and large pool. It’s a good spot for wildlife viewing and the waterhole below camp attracts a large range of animals.

Lion Hill Lodge mid This comfortable lodge is set amongst beautifully landscaped tropical gardens. All the bedrooms are en-suite with verandahs, and the restaurant terrace and pool give fantastic views out across Lake Nakuru and the Rift Valley.

Saruni Samburu mid This is a hilltop luxury lodge perched high above Samburu National Park.

A WEEKEND IN THE MARA

TAILOR-MADE

This is a short, sharp, intake of wildlife that will leave you refreshed, re-invigorated and full of memories of perhaps the finest wildlife sanctuary in the world!

Larsen’s Camp HIGH Larsen’s offers luxurious tented accommodation in a great location within Samburu National Park. 20 raised tents sit along the Ewaso Nyiro River and incorporate chic furnishings, private balconies and en-suite bathrooms. Game drives, bird walks, champagne breakfasts and camp fire sundowners are all on offer.

Lake Nakuru National Park

ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Nairobi Day 2 Masai Mara, 3-nights, Governors’ Camp. Game-viewing in open vehicles and on foot (BLD) Day 5 Depart for the UK (BL) Day 6 Arrive home

Departure dates

Thursdays, throughout the year

Cost per person

From £1985 (Jan - Mar, beg - mid Jul, Nov - Dec), £1725 (Apr - Jun), £2550 (mid Jul - mid Aug, Christmas), £2095 (mid Aug - Oct)

What’s included

Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, three nights tented camp, guided activities

Lake Nakuru National Park and Rhino Sanctuary are located in the Great Rift Valley. The small shallow lake has become world famous as the location of the greatest bird spectacle on earth – a myriad of fuschia pink flamingos whose vast numbers can at times turn the lake pink in colour. There are over 400 resident species of birds here and the surrounding park is famous for its sizeable population of both black and white rhinos. The rare Rothschild’s giraffe is present and the park is also home to buffalo, wild dog, zebra, eland, waterbuck and lion.

Sunbird Lodge HIGH Very small and exclusive. Set on 20 hectares of private land between Nakuru and Gilgil, Sunbird Lodge is located in the Great Rift Valley on the shore of Lake Elementaita. Activities here include game-drives in nearby Lake Nakuru National Park, early morning ballooning (and champagne breakfast!), or simply relaxing by the lodge swimming pool and soaking up the atmosphere of Africa.

Lake Naivasha Lake Naivasha is the Great Rift Valley’s highest and purest lake. Birdwatching is fabulous here with over 400 bird species recorded along the shoreline, from pelicans and fish eagles to weavers and warblers. In addition, lush vegetation supports a variety of wild animals including buffalo, antelope, Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

africa | kenya

giraffe, warthog and monkeys, and you will almost certainly catch sight of hippos lazily watching proceedings from the surface of the lake. You can also visit Hell’s Gate National Park with its spectacular canyons, hot springs and wildlife, or Joy Adamson’s House on the lake shore.

Loldia House HIGH Set amid manicured lawns, under shady acacia trees with magnificent views of Lake Naivasha, accommodation here is in seven separate beautifully furnished cottages. By foot or on horseback, guests can explore the farm’s 3,600 hectares amongst herds of wild antelope and zebra. Day trips are possible to the flamingo lakes of Elementaita, Bogoria and Nakuru.

Wildlife Sanctuary. Activities include game drives, guided walks, boat trips on Lake Naivasha and day trips to Lake Nakuru National Park.

Amboseli National Park Amboseli is just a few hours drive or a short flight south of Nairobi. The snowcapped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro which rises above the clouds in neighbouring Tanzania creates a dominating backdrop for this small park and perhaps the ‘classic’ image which many of us hold of East Africa. Lion, elephant, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, gerenuk, lesser kudu and a host of other plains animals have made this one of Kenya’s most sought after destinations. In addition to over 50 mammal species some 400 species of birds have been recorded here. Wildlife viewing is by four-wheel drive and on foot (outside the park).

our choice Amboseli Porini mid This is an exclusive bush camp in a real wilderness location with just nine guest tents near Amboseli Park and in the Selenkay Conservancy. This area of unspoilt wilderness is private and well off the beaten track, which means you won’t see any other vehicles nearby. The camp is superb and the guides outstanding. If you want real solitude in the bush, this camp is for you!

Harry Maina is one of Wildlife Worldwide’s guides in Kenya. Now based at Amboseli Porini Camp, he’s studied and worked with animals for many years, and is particularly passionate about evaluating the dynamics of the local ecosystems and habitats. Alongside conservation, he loves astronomy and will happily take you on a tour of the African skies.

Migration Special

TAILOR-MADE

One of our most popular short trips to Africa - this is a photographer’s dream! You can see one of the most famous wildlife events in the world, on an affordable short break to a great safari destination, staying in two of our favourite lodges in Kenya. For the first time this year, we’re also offering dates outside of the migration as it truly is a fantastic, value safari year-round!

suggested ITINERARY

Kiangazi House mid Kiangazi House is a traditional homestead with five rooms, on the side of a hill with panoramic views of Lake Naivasha and the Great Rift Valley, it is surrounded by beautiful gardens and guests have access to the Oserian

Tortilis Camp mid Tortillis is situated just outside Amboseli. Accommodation is in raised tents with thatch roofs and private verandahs. Activities include game drives, Masai guided walks or simply lazing by the camp swimming pool.

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Day 1 Depart UK for Nairobi Day 2 Amboseli, 3-nights, Amboseli Porini. Game drives and walks (BLD) Day 5 Masai Mara, 3-nights, Porini Lion Camp. Gameviewing and photography (BLD) Day 8 Depart for the UK (BL) Day 9 Arrive home Departure dates

Daily, throughout the year (except Apr & May)

Cost per person From £3335 (Jan - Mar), £3155 (Jun, Nov, Dec), £3675 (beg - mid Jul, mid Aug-Oct), £4125 (mid Jul - mid Aug), £3595 (Christmas) What’s included

Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, six nights tented camp, guided activities

The Laikipia Plateau The Laikipia Plateau is a beautiful and remote wilderness area located just above the equator, about five hours drive (or a short flight) north of Nairobi. It is home to greater kudu, reticulated giraffe, impala, elephant, lion, leopard and numerous other antelope and birds. The major draw here is the total immersion in the African bush through walking or riding safaris, accompanied by naturalist guides and Laikipiak Masai. The intensity and solitude of the experience is something often missing from other parts of Kenya and, as such, is one of our recommended Kenyan wildlife experiences.

our choice Porini Rhino mid This camp is located in a secluded and remote corner of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The large airy rooms offer comfort and space and all have beautiful views of the rolling countryside and its wildlife. The Masai guides here are superb and day/night game drives, guided walks, sundowners and a visit to a Chimpanzee Sanctuary are included.

Loisaba HIGH If you’re looking for a varied and active stay, Loisaba offers a variety of activities including game drives, mountain biking, horse-riding, camel treks, rafting and a spa. Located on the edge of Laikipia, each of the attractive rooms has a deck offering magnificent views over the edge of the escarpment and ‘star beds’ for those who wish to sleep under the African sky; a lovely feature that we’d highly recommend. The Lodge at Sosian

HIGH

For the true wildlife enthusiast: This beautiful ranch and its associated lodge supports some 70 species of mammals and over 300 species of birds. It is home to a number of the rarer species including Jackson’s hartebeest, Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe. Accommodation here consists of seven double cottages and a central ranch house.

Kicheche HIGH Sister camp to the Kicheche properties in the Mara, the camp on the Ol Pejeta Conservancy is beautifully presented and in a lovely location. The guides here are excellent and they offer both game drives and guided walks with Masai guides, a more relaxed place to stay for a traditional safari experience.

GROUP TOUR

Kenyan Wilderness Safari Highlights • Walking safari in Kenya’s wilderness • Spot leopard, elephant and giraffe with local Masai guides • Luxury accommodation at Meru

Rift Valley

KENYA LAKIPIA Sabuk Lodge

NAYASURA CAMP Nanyuki

MERU

For those who want to discover Kenya’s Nairobi hidden wild side, this is the trip for you. Starting with a camp-to-camp walking safari in unspoilt Laikipia, you’ll sleep TANZANIA under the African stars; listen to the nightjars calling and to the singing of the Samburu warriors in the distance. From here, you’ll walk to Sabuk Lodge, set in 610 hectares of natural habitat and home to leopard, elephant, giraffe, zebra and more. It is here you’ll learn animal tracking skills from the local Masai. Moving on to Meru and your accommodation in a collection of luxury cottages, you’ll spend your final days spotting more wildlife and maybe taking a dip in the swimming pool.

ITINERARY Day 1 Fly to Kenya Day 2 Journey to Laikipia, hopefully spotting wildlife along the way. Evening walking safari (LD) Day 3 A camel-supported walking safari in unspoilt wilderness escorted by Samburu and Masai guides, and exploring at close-hand the Kenyan wilderness and its wildlife (BLD) Day 5 Walk to Sabuk Lodge, for two days of guided bush walks, cultural visits, plus lots of game drives both day and night (BLD) Day 7 Private charter flight to Rhino River Camp, followed by a full day of activities (BLD) Day 9 Transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi (B) Day 10 Arrive UK Departure dates Flight inclusive cost per person Land only cost per person Single room supplement

Thu 30 Jun – Sat 09 Jul 11 Thu 28 Jun – Sat 07 Jul 12 From £4050 From £3665 From £230

Single room supplement Flights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, two nights hotel accommodation and five nights camping Tour code WCKE Max group size 12

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africa | kenya

GROUP TOUR

Kenyan wildlife photography - with Nick Garbutt Highlights • Team up with award-winning photographer, Nick Garbutt • Photograph big game • Use of a camp especially suited to photography

KENYA Ol Kinyei Conservancy

Wildlife Worldwide has teamed up with award-winning wildlife photographer, Nick Garbutt, for a photography tour to Kenya.

PORINI MARA CAMP

During the five days you’ll spend time out and about capturing great wildlife shots, under the expert tuition of Nick, before going back to the lodge and spending time learning how to work with your images on photo editing and cataloguing software. The tours will run at both beginner and advanced level, so you can choose according to your ability. The dates are designed to run one after the other, so if you’ve completed the beginner course you can go and take the advanced lessons, too.

Masai Mara Game Reserve

TANZANIA

ITINERARY Departure dates Sat 18 Jun – Sun 26 Jun 11 (beginner/intermediate) Sun 26 Jun – Mon 04 Jul 11 (intermediate/advanced) Sat 16 Jun – Sun 24 Jun 12 (beginner/intermediate) Sun 24 Jun – Mon 02 Jul 12 (intermediate/advanced) Flight inclusive cost per person From £2995 Land only cost per person From £2570 Single room supplement Please call us for details What’s included Flights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, six nights luxury tented camp accommodation Max. group size 8 Tour code WPKM

Day 1 Depart UK for Kenya Day 2 Arrive Nairobi and transfer to Mara Porini camp, in the Masai Mara (D) Day 3 You will spend six nights (five full days) photographing in the Masai Mara. You will have dedicated and exclusive space to learn your photography skills. The Mara itself provides abundant big game to photograph amid varying scenery and light. This provides the opportunity for dramatic shots and lots of new territory for exploratory learning (BLD) Day 8 Depart Kenya for UK (B) Day 9 Arrive UK

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Topi

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Caption

Meru National Park

The Coast

Meru is a vast area of arid open plains, rivers and baobabs in the northeastern lowlands of Kenya. The park is very interesting and boasts a greater diversity of species than other Kenyan parks. Regular sightings include Somali ostrich, beisa oryx, gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, greater and lesser kudu, wild dog and leopard. Meru is also famous for its birdlife.

Kenya’s coast offers some of Africa’s finest beaches and excellent opportunities for diving or snorkelling on the offshore reefs. Mombasa with its beautiful beaches and resorts and Watamu with its offshore marine park conjure up a truly tropical feel. Add to this the fact that centuries of trading have left some fascinating historical sites along this coastline, with Portuguese, Arabic and Indian influences, and you have the perfect post-safari sojourn.

Joy’s Camp

HIGH

Situated at Joy Adamson’s original campsite in Shaba, this stylish camp consists of ten huge individual tents. Each tent’s verandah overlooks a natural watering hole – perfect for private game-viewing. Activities include game drives, bush walks or soaking in the gorgeous infinity pool.

Wings Over Kenya

Elsa’s Kopje HIGH This luxury lodge consisting of nine cottages is situated on the site of George Adamson’s original camp. There is a central dining area, bar and swimming pool, and activities include game drives, bush walks and visits to a rhino sanctuary.

From the views of Kilimanjaro, to the drylands of Samburu and the plains of the Masai Mara, this is a fabulous mix of Kenya’s finest wildlife areas staying in great camps with top quality guides.

ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Nairobi Day 2 Amboseli, 2-nights, Amboseli Porini Camp. Game-viewing on foot and by vehicle. Night drives (BLD) Day 4 Samburu, 2-nights, Saruni Samburu Camp. Day and night gameviewing, walking and bush dinners (BLD) Day 6 Masai Mara, 3-nights, Kicheche Mara Camp. Walks and drives in Africa’s top reserve (BLD) Day 9 Depart for the UK (BL) Day 10 Arrive home

Departure dates

Lamu

For those seeking exclusivity and privacy, Elsa’s private house is set apart from the lodge with its own private pool.

TAILOR-MADE

Daily, throughout the year (except Apr & May)

Hemingways Resort HIGH Located in Watamu Bay, Hemingways is highly regarded and all its well appointed rooms have ocean views. It is privately owned, boasting many facilities and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Offshore, the sleepy vehicle-free island of Lamu, where time stands still, is renowned for its laid back atmosphere, clear waters and pristine beaches. If you’re looking for an alternative beach destination then try Lamu. Pinewood Village mid Situated on the beautifully secluded mile-long sands at Galu Beach, Pinewood Village is set amid tropical flora and palms and attracts the endangered colobus monkey and over 100 bird species from the surrounding forest. It is an intimate and stylish beach resort with a tremendous range of facilities.

Manda Bay Resort HIGH This small boutique resort comprises sixteen cottages with an intimate atmosphere on one of the many unspoilt islands off the Lamu coast. Soft white sand beaches, safe snorkelling, dhow trips, fascinating creeks and small islets makes it a perfect retreat.

Cost per person From £3905 (Jan - Mar), £3785 (Jun, Nov, Dec), £4325 (beg - mid Jul, mid Aug-Oct), £4765 (mid Jul - mid Aug), £4245 (Christmas) What’s included

Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, seven nights tented camp, guided activities

Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

africa | kenya

GROUP TOUR

Kenya Highlights Highlights • A good-value Kenyan safari • Excellent wildlife spotting opportunities • Amazing mountain views 80 I from your lodge on its slopes This is a great value safari designed to give you a wonderful introduction to Kenya and to safaris in Africa. Throughout the tour you’ll be led by excellent guides, who’ll tell you all about the wildlife and ensure you have an enjoyable, comfortable and hassle-free stay.

SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE

KENYA LAKE NAKURU Lake Victoria THE MASAI MARA

Mt. Kenya

LAKE NAIVASHA NAIROBI

Serengeti National Park Mt. Kilimanjaro

Lake Manyara

T A NZANIA

You’ll also get a taste of Kenya’s stunning scenic diversity, a great backdrop to the sightings of big game you’re bound to see from the comfort of specially-designed vehicles. Your journey ends in the famous Masai Mara, where you can enjoy sundowners and swap stories with new friends!

ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Kenya Day 2 Arrive Nairobi and transfer to the Holiday Inn Mayfair Day 3 Drive to Samburu National Reserve, home of the colourful Samburu people, and settle into your accommodation (BLD) Day 4 A day spent on game drives and enjoying wildlife spotting! (BLD) Day 5 Drive to your lodge, on the slopes of Mt. Kenya, for stunning vistas (BLD) Day 6 Visit Lake Nakuru National Park, home to numerous pink flamingos (BLD) Day 7 Transfer to the Masai Mara in time for an afternoon game drive. You will stay at Siana Spring Camp (BLD) Day 8 Game drives in the Masai Mara, where you will hopefully sight elephant, lion, leopard, black rhino and cheetah (BLD) Day 9 Drive to Nairobi. Day 10 Arrive UK

GROUP TOUR

KENYA IN STYLE Highlights • Stay in comfortable safari camps • Spot lion, leopard and cheetah • Spectacular scenery – views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and pink flamingos

KENYA LAKE ELEMENTAITA

Mt. Kenya

Lake Victoria

An excellent safari combining NAIROBI the two things any trip to Kenya THE MASAI MARA should – fantastic accommodation in comfortable safari camps and Serengeti AMBOSELI N.P. National Park wonderful wildlife. Your first stop Mt. Kilimanjaro is in the foothills of Mt. Kilimajaro, Lake Manyara where you will enjoy game drives TANZANIA with exceptional guides. Next you’ll journey to the sea of pink flamingos at Lake Nakuru; an excellent place to sight leopard, too. From here it’s to the famous Masai Mara for walks, game drives and, hopefully, sightings of lion, leopard and cheetah. This is an allencompassing safari experience, in one of East Africa’s premier destinations.

ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Kenya Day 2 Arrive Nairobi and transfer to the Tribe Hotel Day 3 Settle into your accommodation at Amboseli Porini Camp, in the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro (BLD) Day 4 A day spent on game drives, including at night (BLD) Day 5 Drive via the Rift Valley to Lake Elementaita, to your accommodation at Sunbird Lodge (BLD) Day 6 Full day’s visit to Lake Nakuru National Park, home to numerous pink flamingos (BLD) Day 7 Transfer to the Masai Mara in time for an afternoon game drive. You will stay at the comfortable Mara Porini Camp (BLD) Day 8 Game drives, bush walks and sundowners in the Masai Mara, Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve and deservedly so (BLD) Day 9 Early morning game drive, before a flight back to Nairobi. Depart Kenya for the UK (BL) Day 10 Arrive UK If you fancy some beach time at the beginning or end of your trip, you can extend your stay to enjoy the beaches of Mombasa.

Departure dates Sat 04 Jun – Mon 13 Jun 11 Sat 02 Jul – Mon 11 Jul 11 Sat 22 Oct – Mon 31 Oct 11 Sat 02 Jun – Mon 11 Jun 12 Sat 07 Jul – Mon 16 Jul 12 Sat 20 Oct – Mon 29 Oct 12 Flight inclusive cost per person From £1735 Land only cost per person From £1145 Single room supplement From £175 What’s included Flights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, one night hotel accommodation and six nights tented camp Max. group size 12 Tour code WKGC

Departure dates Fri 26 Aug – Sun 04 Sep 11 Fri 11 Nov – Sun 20 Nov 11 Fri 24 Aug – Sun 02 Sep 12 Fri 09 Nov – Sun 18 Nov 12 Flight inclusive cost per person From £2735 Land only cost per person From £2225 Single room supplement From £465 What’s included Flights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, three nights hotel/lodge accommodation and four nights tented camp Max. group size 12 Tour code WKGW

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Tanzania

Just south of the equator lies Tanzania, a safari destination without equal. It has world-class game reserves and offers some of the best game-viewing in Africa. There is more to Tanzania than just safari though... the snow-capped peaks of Kilimanjaro, the gigantic lakes – Victoria and Tanganyika – and, of course, a beautiful coastline. The offshore islands of Zanzibar, Mafia and Pemba offer a coastline studded with long white sandy beaches, stunning diving and mysterious ruins. Tanzania is a winning combination. You can fly straight from a safari camp in the morning and reach the shores of the Indian Ocean in time for an afternoon dip. A perfect destination for a romantic honeymoon, an adventure holiday just for one or, for the traditionalists, a fantastic safari and wildlife experience!

The Serengeti

The Serengeti is a vast area of land supporting the greatest remaining concentration of plains game in Africa, on a scale unparalleled anywhere else in the world. It contains an estimated three million large animals, most of which take part in a seasonal migration that is one of nature’s greatest wonders. Many of them become prey for the lions, cheetahs, leopards and other predators which constantly attend to the moving mass. The Serengeti is famous for its annual migration, but it makes a superb wildlife and safari destination year-round.

Ndutu Safari Lodge mid Ndutu, on the edge of the lake just outside the park boundary, consists of 32 large stone built cottages. Ndutu is great year-round and is a good stopping point en-route to or from the highlands if you have been in the northern reaches of the Serengeti. The lodge is in a fantastic location to view the migration in February and March on the short grass plains.

Mbalageti Safari Lodge mid Mbalageti Safari Lodge has both tented chalets and lodge rooms. Mbalageti has an exceptional outlook over the plains and is in a truly amazing location. The public areas include a large bar, and loft space for reading. The swimming pool has a 360-degree view of the Serengeti.

Olakira, Dunia & Sayari Camps HIGH These are classic mobile, tented camps in the heart of the best game-viewing areas of the Serengeti. Intimacy is assured at these beautiful luxury camps since they each accommodate a maximum of 16 guests. Depending on the time of year we will organise that you stay in a combination of these camps to get the very best from your game-viewing.

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africa | tanzania

Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area The Ngorongoro Crater provides one of the finest wildlife opportunities that Africa can offer. Covering 260 square kilometres the balance of predator and prey within the Crater is so precise that animals seldom leave. It contains possibly the largest permanent concentration of wildlife in Africa, with an estimate of 30,000 large animals. It is Africa in microcosm. There are two stream-fed swamps, two forests and a huge soda lake that attracts thousands of flamingos and other water birds. The popularity of the crater and its location on the classic ‘northern circuit’ mean that you will not have a solitary experience here, but you can escape the crowds, and the guaranteed sightings and benefits of wildlife-viewing here far outweigh the negatives.

Lake Manyara National Park

Ngorongoro Farmhouse HIGH Once a large coffee plantation the farmhouse has undergone major refurbishment by its Tanzanian owner. It is a special place to stay offering superb accommodation in handmade red brick bungalows. Their organic working farm supplies the lodge with fresh free-range eggs and vegetables, so the meals are delicious.

The Spirit of Tanzania Gibb’s Farm mid Gibb’s is still a working coffee farm (one of the oldest in this region) and has spacious manicured gardens. Great pride is taken in the food here which is plentiful and excellent. Walks and hikes can be arranged either through the gardens or further afield to the many trails.

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge HIGH This is one of Africa’s most famous lodges. It’s wonderful, and recommended for those who want luxury, but it is at the highest end of the price range. The lodge is divided into three separate camps - north, south and tree camp (which only has six suites) - all of which have lavishly decorated rooms with Victorian baths and oak panels. If you can afford it, Crater Lodge should be on your wish list of places to stay.

The mahogany and sausage trees of Lake Manyara are alive with blue and vervet monkeys, elephants feeding off fallen fruit, and bushbuck, baboons and leopard all making their homes in the forest. Manyara is also a sanctuary to hippo, giraffe, impala, zebra and its most famous residents - treeclimbing lions. Lake Manyara itself is a magnet for birdlife and a kaleidoscope of different species can be found around its shores including sizeable flocks of flamingos. The park is often just seen as a stopping off point on the popular ‘northern circuit’ of Tanzania, yet this small and interesting park warrants a visit in its own right.

Ngorongoro Serena Lodge mid The lodge is located on the crater’s southern rim. The stone building is covered by plant and ivy, and there are 75 rooms.

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I thought that I would contact you to briefly say what a wonderful holiday we had in the Selous and Ruaha in Tanzania. Everything went according to schedule – flights, transfers – and both camps were of an exceptional standard. Of course the wildlife experience was superb, we even saw wild dog in the Selous, which is only the second time in ten separate visits to Africa that we’ve come across them. DL, September 2009

TAILOR-MADE

This is a good value, classic safari route taking in all of the major highlights of Tanzania. It’s good for the first-time visitor to Tanzania, or even Africa.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Arusha Day 2 Tarangire, 2-nights, Tarangire River Camp. A great place to go on safari, particularly good sightings of elephant are had here (BLD) Day 4 Lake Manyara, 1-night, Kirurumu. A small park, famous for flamingos (BLD) Day 6 Ngorongoro, 2-nights, Ngorongoro Farmhouse. Safaris around the crater and reserve (BLD) Day 7 Serengeti, 3-nights, Mbalageti Safari Lodge. Game drives during your stay (BLD) Day 10 Depart for the UK (BL) Day 11 Arrive UK

Departure dates

Daily, throughout the year

Cost per person From £3725 (Jan - Feb, early Jul, mid Aug - Oct), £3345 (Mar, Nov - Dec), £2995 (Apr - May), £3345 (Jun), £4175 (mid Jul - mid Aug), £3815 (Christmas) What’s included

F lights, transfers, meals as indicated, eight nights lodge accommodation/tented camp, guided activities

Crater, you might see warthogs and buffalo as they feed on the grasslands of the crater floor, whilst monkeys and more elusive creatures hide in the forests.

Lake Manyara Tree Lodge HIGH This is the only lodge in the park and it is located in beautiful forest about 45 kilometres from the main gate. It has been designed as a treehouse. The large rooms are on a wooden platform with a verandah and some rooms are built around existing trees. The lodge has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.

Mount Meru Game Lodge HIGH The lodge is nestled amongst a grove of enormous old mango trees. It is approximately half an hour from Kilimanjaro airport making it an ideal lodge to stay in following a long flight. The game sanctuary here provides a safe haven to eland, ostrich, waterbuck, zebra, small carnivores and of course an enormous variety of birdlife.

Tarangire National Park

Kirurumu mid Kirurumu is a permanent tented lodge set high on the edge of the Rift Valley with spectacular views out over Tanzania. The open-sided dining room and bar make the most of the view!

Arusha National Park Set between the towering peaks of Mt. Meru and snow-capped Kilimanjaro, the park comprises lush montane forest, the beautiful Momella Lakes and the tranquil craters of Ngurdoto and Mt. Meru. There are few parks with such variety. The Momella Lakes host a variety of water birds including flamingos, ibises, spoonbills, ducks and a rich variety of waders, plus common waterbuck and Kirk’s dik dik loiter beside their drinking pools. From lookout points on the forested rim of the Ngurdoto 68

Tarangire National Park, dominated by the Tarangire River, is one of the best-kept secrets in Africa. It is a superb wildlife destination and particularly welcoming when added on after the busy ‘northern circuit’ of Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti. The river attracts enormous herds of elephants and the landscape is a rich and varied mix of trees, plains, swamps and rocky outcrops. Elephants are virtually guaranteed here and predators (including wild dog) hunt the herds of buffalo, Grant’s and Thompson’s gazelle, Burchell’s zebra, giraffe and warthog. The area is excellent for birds of prey and provides superb habitats for hundreds of other species.

Tarangire Treetops HIGH Tarangire Treetops is located just outside the park boundary. It is a great place for resident elephants. The ten treehouse style rooms are large and airy and some of them are built on stilts allowing the wildlife to pass freely underneath. The central area built around a giant Baobab overlooks a beautiful waterhole. Tarangire River Camp

our choice Oliver’s Camp HIGH Oliver’s has eight large tents and is situated in Tarangire’s remote south-eastern sector. This exclusive location is perfect for viewing crowded local waterholes, the spectacular Silale swamps, and the more popular baobab-country in the north. Walking safaris, fly-camping and off-road driving are all possible in this part of the park, led by experienced naturalist guides.

mid

Tarangire River Camp is near the main entrance to Tarangire in a fantastic position overlooking a tributary of the Tarangire River where you can sit and take in your surroundings with views across to the park. It has ten roomy tents.

Wings Over Tanzania

TAILOR-MADE

This is a luxury itinerary to Tanzania, staying in the best lodges in the best parks, and flying between them. If you want to do it in style, then this is the itinerary for you.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Arusha Day 2 Lake Manyara, 2-nights, Manyara Tree Lodge. A small park, famous for flamingos (BLD) Day 4 Serengeti, 3-nights, Kirurumu Serengeti Camp. Tanzania’s most famous park, game drives included (BLD) Day 7 Ngorongoro Crater, 1-night, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Explore this amazing enviorn (BLD) Day 8 Depart for the UK (B) Day 9 Arrive UK Departure dates

Daily, throughout the year (except Apr & May)

Cost per person From £5295 (Jan - Feb, Jun, Sep, Christmas), £4795 (Mar, Oct - Dec), £5425 (early Jul, end Aug), £5865 (mid Jul - mid Aug) What’s included

F lights, transfers, meals as indicated, six nights lodge accommodation/tented camp, guided activities

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africa | tanzania

Selous Game Reserve

Tanzanian Adventure Safari

Selous Game Reserve is named after Frederick Courtney Selous, the famous 19th century hunter and explorer. It is the largest wildlife sanctuary on the African continent covering a staggering 54,600 square kilometres consisting of vast tracts of wilderness containing perhaps the greatest concentration of big game left on earth. Only in its northern extremity in the area of forest set around the mighty Rufiji River has the Selous suffered the incursion of man, and it is still home to a bewildering array of birds and mammals. This is the Africa experienced by many of its early explorers – raw and untouched.

Highlights • Small vehicles and expert wildlife guides • See tree-climbing lions • Three of Tanzania’s top 80 I national parks Rufiji River Camp MID Set in a fantastic location high on a bank above the Rufiji River, the views from the front of the camp are truly wonderful. This rustic camp has 20 tents all with thatched roofs, stone floors and the occasional piece of carved furniture – for those who want an authentic experience, going back to Tanzania’s roots.

Lake Victoria

GROUP TOUR

KENYA

SERENGETI N.P.

Mt.

Kilimanjaro An adventurous, lodgeNGORONGORO based safari which gets CONSERVATION ARUSHA AREA up close and personal to Tanzania’s wildlife! Visiting the spectacular northern LAKE MANYARA parks of the Serengeti, TANZANIA Ngorongoro and Manyara, you’ll enjoy game drives in small vehicles and meet a new group of friends along the way!

Your accommodation is lodge-based, and you’ll travel with an experienced wildlife guide, ensuring you get the most out of your trip through Tanzania – whether it be to see amazing tree-climbing lions, or learn all about the wildlife and nature of the Serengeti. This great value safari is for those who really want to experience the African wilderness at its wildest and best.

Selous Safari Camp MID This camp is on the shores of Lake Tagalala close to the Rufiji River. Each of the 12 safari tents is on a timber platform offering great views of the lake. It offers good facilities; both the bar and dining room are raised on wooden platforms above the ground. The camp has a good-sized swimming pool – very welcome as it can get pretty hot in the Selous!

Beho Beho HIGH This luxurious camp is in the highlands of the park. Each large open-sided stone cottage overlooks the vast wilderness of the Selous below. There is also a swimming pool deck and dining area specially designed to catch cooling breezes. If you want a really remote experience then fly-camping is also possible from here for those staying a little longer. This camp appeals to serious safari aficionados looking for something different.

ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Tanzania Day 2 Arrive Arusha and transfer to your overnight hotel (D) Day 3 The start of your adventure! Travel to Lake Manyara National Park for wildlife viewing and continue up the Great Rift Valley (BLD) Day 4 Ngorongoro Crater game drive (BLD) Day 5 Two days in the Serengeti, Tanzania’s most famous park, where you’ll stay in the Seronera area and enjoy game drives (BLD) Day 7 To the Manyara area where you can visit markets and enjoy lots of optional activities (BLD) Day 8 Return to Arusha to connect with your flight to the UK (BL) Day 9 Arrive UK

Departure dates Flight inclusive cost per person Land only cost per person Single room supplement What’s included

Max. group size Tour code

Sat 28 May – Sun 05 Jun 11 Sat 20 Aug – Sun 28 Aug 11 Sat 26 May – Sun 03 Jun 12 Sat 18 Aug – Sun 26 Aug 12 From £1895 From £1240 From £95 Flights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, six nights lodge accommodation 12 WTAG

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GROUP TOUR

The Best of South Tanzania Highlights • Visit Tanzania’s wildest parks • See large predators • View Africa as early explorers did This is Tanzania at its wildest: Rugged parks crossed by raging rivers and inhabited by large numbers of predators like lion, leopard and cheetah. Tanzania’s south provides spectacular game-viewing and is a great itinerary for the discerning safari-enthusiast looking for a pioneering African exploration.

TANZANIA Dar Es Salaam RUAHA NATIONAL PARK RUAHA RIVER LODGE

Rufiji River

RUFIJI RIVER CAMP

SELOUS GAME RESERVE

ITINERARY Day 1 Depart the UK for Dar-es-Salaam Day 2 Explore the largest wildlife sanctuary on the African continent, Selous – a park you can experience like many of Africa’s early explorers, raw and untouched (BLD – breakfast not included on day two) Day 5 River activities in one of Tanzania’s least-visited parks, Ruaha. It’s one of Tanzania’s wildest parks with large numbers of predators, birds and mammals (BLD) Day 8 Depart for the UK Day 9 Arrive UK

Departure dates Flight inclusive cost per person Land only cost per person Single room supplement What’s included

Max. group size Tour code

Sat 09 Jul – Sun 17 Jul 11 Sat 07 Jul – Sun 15 Jul 12 From £3115 From £2570 From £465 Flights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, three nights lodge accommodation and three nights tented camp 12 WCRS

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africa | tanzania

Ruaha National Park

Katavi National Park

Ruaha is Tanzania’s second largest park and one of its wildest. Only the area around the Ruaha River has been developed for tourism, and because of its remote location even this sees relatively few visitors. Activities here centre around the river, which during the dry season is very low, with the remaining rock pools swarming with crocodiles and hippos. The birdlife is amazing here with some 450 species having been recorded and it is known for its large elephant and Cape buffalo herds, greater and lesser kudu, and sable and roan antelope. There are high numbers of predators including lion, leopard, cheetah and the increasingly rare wild dog.

Katavi is one of the upcoming tourist attractions in Tanzania and has become part of the new ‘western circuit’. It is unspoiled, raw and with unique attractions. Like the other western parks, Katavi’s remoteness results in low visitor numbers and is ideal for those who prefer gameviewing in peace and solitude. This undiscovered wilderness is awash with plains game including elephant, leopard, giraffe, lion and zebra. This is a place for the wildlife connoisseur to see sable, roan antelope and puku. Birdwatching is also excellent, with over 400 species recorded.

Ruaha River Lodge MID This was the first permanent camp to be built in Ruaha and it occupies a unique position on the river bank cleverly built around a rocky outcrop. Each of the thatched cottages is constructed from local stone. Mwagusi MID Mwagusi is a small tented camp on the banks of the dry Mwagusi river. There are just ten well-appointed tents here, each under thatch to keep them cool and blending with the surrounding bush. Food is freshly prepared and delicious, and the guiding from here is superb.

Jongomero Camp HIGH This is the only camp in the remote south-western corner of the park which ensures unmatched privacy and a true wilderness experience. Accommodation at Jongomero comprises eight large and well-appointed tented suites, all built on raised wooden platforms and under enormous thatched roofs that also encompass a spacious private verandah. They offer game-drives and walking safaris with expert naturalist guides.

Katavi Wilderness Camp MID The eight tents at Katavi Wilderness Camp are set on large wooden decks craftily hidden amongst the trees, providing both shade and camouflage. It is not a luxurious camp and has simple, comfortable décor. Safaris from here are conducted both by four-wheel drive, and on foot.

Mahale National Park our choice Kigelia Camp HIGH Set in a secluded grove of sausage trees, high on the banks of the Ifuguru River, Kigelia Camp is an exclusive seasonal camp offering a tailor-made, private experience. The camp consists of six large, beautifully appointed double tents with a range of amenities. The meals are prepared to the highest standard using wholesome fresh produce – and there is plenty of it. Game-drives and photography are the order of the day here!

Walking safaris are a key feature of a stay at Mwagusi. Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Mahale National Park is located on the shores of enormous Lake Tanganyika 120 kilometres south of Kigoma, and takes its name from the chain of mountains that bisects the park north to south. With more than 700 chimpanzees, Mahale is considered one of the best parks in Africa for viewing them. The area is inhabited by a wide range of other mammals including elephant, giraffe, buffalo and lion. It is also one of Africa’s best beach locations and offers superb swimming, sailing, snorkelling and fishing on the vast blue freshwater lake.

Greystoke Camp HIGH Greystoke only has six rooms. A tremendous amount of ingenuity has gone into building them as they have all been built using timbers from abandoned dhows! The rooms are really luxurious with open decks reached by ladders. The food is all fresh (often fish from the lake) and meals are regularly served on the beach – this is a really great place to stay. Nkungwe Camp MID With a backdrop of the Mahale Mountains, Nkungwe is a remote camp comprising ten thatched safari tents. Each sits on raised decking nestled in tropical forest overlooking a golden beach on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Activities revolve around tracking the chimpanzees here, as well as fishing, snorkelling and sailing on the lake.

If you’re a keen diver or would like to learn, we can arrange a number of different packages to the islands around Tanzania - Mafia, Pemba or Zanzibar.

Fact! Nutcracker Man Olduvai Gorge in the Serengeti is the site of some of the most important fossil finds of all time by Mary and Louis Leakey. Australopithecus (or ‘Nutcracker Man’) lived 1.75 million years ago. It is an archaeological treasure trove filled with fossils, settlement remains and stone artefacts – all evidence that this was once ‘The Cradle of Mankind’.

Uganda & Rwanda

Seeing gorillas is one of the greatest experiences in the wildlife world. Being so close to something so human, and yet so gentle and powerful, is a truly humbling experience. Uganda and Rwanda are different from any other African safari destination – they harbour a great variety of mammals and birds which are simply not found elsewhere in east or southern Africa; the major forests here are easily accessible and this makes them unbeatable countries for seeing woodland animals. From the forest’s most famous inhabitants - the mountain gorillas, to chimpanzees and golden monkeys. Uganda, of course, also has more conventional game-viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls which are home to many of the mammals that you would expect to see in East Africa’s more famous wildlife destinations such as Kenya and Tanzania.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Mgahinga in Uganda’s southwestern corner is part of the Virunga Conservation Area that straddles Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and the park is dominated by three extinct volcanoes. Habituated groups of mountain gorillas are the big draw here, but the park also supports buffalo, elephant, leopard, serval and around 180 species of birds. It is also possible to track a habituated group of golden monkeys.

Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda

Mount Gahinga Lodge mid The lodge, which consists of nine thatched cottages, nestles in the shadow of the Virunga volcanoes, on the edge of the park. The journey here itself is exhilarating as you drive through spectacular mountain scenery and look across endless terraced slopes to emerald-green crater lakes far below.

Parc National des Volcans is 120 square kilometres and is also part of the much larger Virunga Conservation Area, which contains around 380 increasingly rare mountain gorillas. Here, for some 20 years, Dian Fossey carried out pioneering studies of gorilla behaviour. The film ‘Gorillas in the Mist’, released three years after her untimely death, resulted in a world-wide audience quickly becoming aware of the importance of her conservation efforts. Apart from gorillas, the park is home to 76 mammal species and activities (apart from gorilla-tracking), include nature walks, climbing the Visoke Volcano, trekking to the

Karisoke Research Centre, visiting local communities, observing habituated golden monkeys or simply relaxing in camp!

Virunga Lodge mid Virunga Lodge is set on a stunning hillside with breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes and Lakes Ruhondo and Bulera. Its eight cottages accommodate a maximum of 16 people. The rooms are comfortably furnished and all have en-suite facilities.

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africa | uganda & rwanda

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda Bwindi is one of Africa’s most extensive belts of primary montane forest with an exceptional altitudinal variation (from 1,200 metres to 2,800 metres) which ensures unique flora and fauna. Mountain gorillas are undoubtedly the prime attraction. Over 300 live in the park, and two of the family groups have been successfully habituated to allow human approach. In addition, L’Hoest’s monkey is a speciality of the lower level forest and the rare golden monkey is occasionally encountered at higher elevations. Amongst the bird species you may hope to see are African goshawk, augur buzzard, western bronze-naped pigeon and olive long-tailed cuckoo.

Bwindi Lodge mid Bwindi Lodge overlooks the primeval forest. Amid the many noises of forest life, it is the perfect place to experience the magic of this wild place. It has eight spacious wooden cottages all with en-suite facilities.

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge HIGH This lodge consists of eight stone-built bedrooms. There is an attractive and spacious central lounge area with some excellent Ugandan-commissioned art adorning the walls, and the main balcony has far-reaching views across the forest to Rwanda and the Virunga’s.

Buhoma Lodge mid Buhoma Lodge commands spectacular and uninterrupted views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and is situated within the national park, less than five minutes walk from the start of the gorilla trekking point. The lodge has eight comfortable cottages each with its own private verandah, affording wonderful views of the forest canopy.

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Fact!

There is no doubt that seeing a gorilla face-to-face is a life-changing experience. However, tracking gorillas through the forest requires patience and stamina (especially in Bwindi, where much of the tracking is done over extremely arduous terrain). Sometimes the trackers find the gorillas within an hour, but it may take up to eight hours of tracking off-trail in thick jungle in order to

find them. Steep slopes, intense humidity and regular rainfall add to the challenge, but the exhilaration of a close encounter makes it all worthwhile. Access is always limited to an hour for the gorillas’ wellbeing. And remember to book early, gorilla permits are in short supply and cost changes frequently.

A weekend with the apes

GROUP TOUR

Highlights • A short trip is a great way to get rid of working stresses! • Spectacular photographic opportunities • A real ‘Dian Fossey’ experience Many people ask us about the chance of short trips overseas to find wildlife and this is one that we often recommend. There is nothing like a quick trip to a completely different environment to enable you to relax and unwind, and what better way to do this than to immerse yourself in gorillas for a weekend!

UGANDA PARC NATIONAL DES VOLCANS

RWANDA

Kigali

BURUNDI

Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda Queen Elizabeth National Park is situated on the Kazinga Channel between Lake Edward and Lake George, south of the Ruwenzori Mountains. With rolling grasslands, craters and crater lakes, tropical forests, papyrus swamps and an extensive lake shore, ‘QE’ undoubtedly offers Uganda’s best open-country birdwatching and wildlife-viewing. Tree-climbing lions are a big draw here. Great herds of Uganda kob roam the grasslands, giant forest hog are bold and uncaring, and along the Kazinga Channel you will be able to approach herds of elephant, buffalo and hippo by motor launch. You should also be able to get very close to a wide variety of waterbirds, amongst them pelicans, herons, storks and African skimmers.

ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Kigali Day 2 Parc National des Volcans, 3-nights, Virunga Lodge. Gorilla-tracking and photography (BLD) Day 5 Depart for the UK (B) Day 6 Arrive home Departure dates

From £2100

Single room supplement From £310 What’s included Flights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, three nights hotel accommodation

Tour code

WUWA

Max group size

Ishasha Wilderness Camp is designed to be as low impact as possible with low usage of water, power and other resources… and, unlike many other camps, all the power used for lighting is solar. Tree-climbing lions are often found near the camp.

Fact!

Frequent departures throughout the year

Flight inclusive cost per person From £2795 Land only cost per person

Ishasha Wilderness Camp mid Ishasha Wilderness Camp is situated inside the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park on the Ntungwe River, and is an idyllic retreat for people who really enjoy the wilderness. Each of the ten spacious Meru tents, situated in the wooded area beside the river, is comfortably furnished with en-suite facilities and on a clear day in this part of the park you can see the Virunga Volcanoes in the south and the Rwenzori Mountains in the north.

Mweya Safari Lodge HIGH The lodge, which consists of nine thatched cottages, nestles in the shadow of the Virunga volcanoes, on the edge of the park. The journey here is exhilarating as you drive through spectacular mountain scenery and look across endless terraced slopes to emeraldgreen crater lakes far below.

Near to Queen Elizabeth National Park is Kyambura Gorge, where dense forest harbours a large family of chimpanzees, red-tailed and black and white colobus monkeys, and a good selection of forest birds, including black bee-eater – a ‘special’ bird to see for those with a keen interest in birding.

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africa | uganda & rwanda

lodge with a spacious sitting room and dining room that is flanked by eight luxurious cottages built of local stone and thatch. The cottages each have panoramic views of the spectacular ‘Mountains of the Moon’ and are imaginatively furnished using local materials.

Kibale Forest, Uganda Kibale Forest to the east of the snow-capped Ruwenzori Mountains offers a splendid forest habitat, and is home to an incredible 11 species of primates. Amongst them are chimpanzees. Other species include black and white colobus monkey, red colobus, L’ Hoest’s monkey and grey-cheeked mangabey. The birdlife here is also outstanding – crowned eagles, African grey parrot, black bee-eater, blackand-white flycatcher and yellow-mantled weavers may all be found here. The wealth of wildlife in this magnificent forest will delight the keen naturalist,

and an overnight stay here is recommended as bird and mammal activity is at its best in the very early morning, and late at night. Tracking the noisy chimpanzee families racing through this verdant forest is a thrilling experience!

Ndali Lodge HIGH Ndali is perched on the edge of Lake Nyinambuga. There is a main thatched

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Primate Lodge mid This simple, pleasant camp consists of a mixture of tented accommodation (large tents on wooden decking) and stone-built cottages. Each of the rooms is situated in the forest and each has its own verandah on which you can simply sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest around you.

Rothschild’s giraffe, Uganda kob and Defassa waterbuck are commonly seen. There are six species of primate here including chimpanzee and large carnivores include lion, leopard and spotted hyena. The park also boasts an extensive birdlife most notable of which is the endangered shoebill.

Nile Safari Camp mid On the banks of the River Nile, halfway between Murchison Falls and Lake Albert, this is an exclusive tented camp. Blending unobtrusively into riverine woodland, it has six log chalets and six luxury tents.

Murchison Falls National Park Murchison Falls is renowned for the beauty of the River Nile, which dissects the park, and for the beauty of the falls themselves, where the 50-metre wide River Nile is forced through a narrow cleft in the rocks. A three-hour launch trip to the bottom of the falls is unforgettable, both to experience this mighty river and to see the wildlife that basks on its banks. On game drives in Murchison, Cape buffalo, 75

GROUP TOUR

Gorillas, Wildlife & Chimps Highlights • The very best of Uganda • Gorilla-trekking opportunities • Visit the chimpanzee sanctuary on Ngamba Island This wonderful safari offers the very best of Uganda. From the hustle and bustle of Entebbe, to the waters of Lake Mburo, the open plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park and the impenetrable forests of Bwindi, this trip encapsulates the spirit of Uganda. The highlight of your holiday is sure to be tracking gorillas – seeing these gentle giants, so close, is one of the greatest wildlife (and life) experiences you can have. We also thought it was important to include a trip to Ngamba Island, where you can learn about chimpanzee conservation – staying here for the night is a unique and fascinating experience.

UGANDA

QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST

NGAMBA ISLAND CHIMPANZEE SANCTUARY

ENTEBBE

LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK Lake Victoria

Departure dates

Fri 17 Jun – Sun 26 Jun 11 Fri 19 Aug – Sun 28 Aug 11 Fri 14 Oct – Sun 23 Oct 11 Fri 15 Jun – Sun 24 Jun 12 Fri 17 Aug – Sun 26 Aug 12 Fri 12 Oct – Sun 21 Oct 12

Flight inclusive cost per person From £3195 Land only cost per person

From £2685

Single room supplement From £305 (not available at Ngamba Island) What’s included Flights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, one night hotel accommodation and three nights lodge accommodation and three nights tented camp, one gorilla permit Tour code

WUGC

Max group size

ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Entebbe Day 2 Entebbe, 1-night, Lake Victoria Hotel Day 3 Lake Mburo, 1-night, Mantana Tented Camp. Afternoon game drive or perhaps a boat trip or walk instead (BLD) Day 4 Bwindi, 2-nights, Buhoma Lodge. Gorilla-tracking and forest walks (BLD) Day 6 Queen Elizabeth NP, 1-night, Ishasha Wilderness Camp. Game viewing (BLD) Day 7 Queen Elizabeth NP, 1-night, Mweya Safari Lodge. Game drive followed by a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel (BLD) Day 8 Ngamba Island, 1-night, Ngamba Island Tented Camp. See the chimps being fed and learn about their plight in the wild (BLD) Day 9 Depart for the UK (B) Day 10 Arrive UK

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africa | uganda & rwanda

Lake Mburo National Park Lake Mburo is a small, attractive park, comprising rolling hills, grasslands and a large papyrusfringed lake where shoebills occur but are seldom seen. Mburo is an extension of the Tanzanian plains with big herds of zebra, impala, eland and other ungulates. The park has 68 species of mammals including oribi and Bohor reedbuck. The park also has a good range of birds, with African finfoot and papyrus bushshrike amongst regular sightings.

Mantana Tented Camp mid Situated inside the park on a small hill overlooking Lake Mburo this is a genuine bush experience with nicely furnished tents and private verandas. The wooded ridge, adjacent to the lodge, is great for birdwatching and is also home to a number of interesting small mammals.

Ngamba Island This sanctuary in Lake Victoria near to Entebbe is home to orphaned chimpanzees, rescued from poachers, who have no hope

of returning to life in the wild. Here, they can enjoy a free run of the island, safe from harm. Day visits can be arranged but there is also a tented camp here for visitors wanting to learn more about the sanctuaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aims and spend more time with the chimps. Trips out to the island will give visitors the opportunity to view the twice-daily feeding times and explore the island, which is also home to over 120 species of birds and some 50,000 fruit bats!

Ngamba Island Tented Camp mid This small camp comprises just four tents, each on wooden decks, with superb views overlooking Lake Victoria. Meals are hearty here and often include freshly caught lake fish. By visiting Ngamba you will be helping to support the orphaned chimpanzee project. You can even join a forest walk with a group of infant chimps, or become a Chimpanzee Caregiver for a day and help prepare the chimpsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; food and feed them. (These activities are at an additional cost and must be pre-arranged.)

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Ethiopia

Ethiopia is a mythical land that is home to some of Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most magnificent mountain scenery and to a staggering array of wildlife and birds. 800 or more species of birds have been recorded here, 29 of which are endemic, and there are 80 species of large mammals. Amongst the most notable of the mammals is gelada baboon, walia ibex and the highly endangered Ethiopian wolf which survives in small pockets in both the Simien Mountains and the Bale Mountains. It is home to acacia woodland, pretty traditional villages, and, of course, this is where the Great African Rift begins so there is a string of beautiful, flamingo-fringed Rift Valley lakes.

Simien Mountains At 4,000 metres, the World Heritage listed Simien Mountains lie in Ethiopiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s northern region. This highland area which encompasses much of the region of Begemdir is one of dramatic scenery resulting from the erosion of basalt lava some 3,000 years old. From a wildlife point of view, there are three key mammal species of note here - walia ibex, gelada baboons and a small number of Ethiopian wolves. The area is also home to the gigantic lammergeier â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the largest of the vulture species.

This is the highest lodge in Africa at an altitude of 3,260 metres above sea level.

Simien Lodge mid Situated at over 3,000 metres, Simien Lodge is a beautifully and sympathetically constructed lodge in the Simien Mountains National Park. It consists of 20 rooms and two safari suites. The lodge offers the highest standards of accommodation and food in the area.

My first visit to Ethiopia was in 2009 and I was amazed by the scenery, wildlife and diversity of the country. As a wildlife destination, it has unique highlights, such as seeing gelada baboons; a fantastic experience for anyone wanting something a little different. Chris Osborn, Senior Sales Consultant

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africa | ethiopia

Gondar Between 1632 and 1855 Gondar served as Ethiopia’s capital city and it remains one of the country’s richest areas in terms of culture, history and natural beauty. There is plenty of Islamic

and Christian influence in the architecture of the city which is built at around 2,500 metres above sea level. Gondar is also a city noted for its many castles which have been built over a period of 236 years by various emperors.

WILDLIFE EXTRAVAGANZA

TAILOR-MADE

This is a wonderful introduction to the wildlife of Ethiopia and offers the opportunity to see not only all of the country’s key wildlife highlights, but a chance to see one of the world’s rarest mammals – the Ethiopian wolf. Other species highlights include Menelik’s bushbuck and mountain nyala.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Gondar via Addis Ababa Day 3 Simien Mountains, Simien Lodge, 2-nights. Explore the park looking for ibex and gelada baboons. (BLD – only dinner included on day two) Day 5 Gondar, Goha Hotel, 1-night. Explore the castles, and natural beauty of Gondar. (BLD) Day 6 Lalibela, Mountain View Hotel, 2-nights. Visit the amazing churches in one of the wonders of the world. (BLD) Day 8 Lake Langano, Sabanna Lodge, 1-night. (BLD) Day 9 Bale Mountains, Dinsho Lodge, 2-nights. An opportunity to seek out the Ethiopian wolf. (BLD) Day 11 Depart Addis Ababa for the UK. Day 12 Arrive UK.

Departure dates

Daily, throughout the year

Cost per person

From £ 2535 (Jan - Jun, Sep - Nov), £2665 (end Aug, Dec), £2780 (Jul - Aug, Christmas)

What’s included

F lights, transfers, meals as indicated, nine nights hotel accommodation, guided activities

HIGHLIGHTS OF ETHIOPIA

TAILOR-MADE

A delightful look at the highlights of Ethiopia - from the world-famous Simien Mountains, to the fascinating culture of Lalibela and, finally, a relaxing stay at a Rift Valley resort.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Gondar via Addis Ababa Day 3 Simien Mountains, Simien Lodge, 2-nights. Explore the park looking for Walia ibex (BLD – only dinner included on day two) Day 5 Gondar, Goha Hotel, 1-night. Explore palaces and cultural wonders (BLD) Day 6 Lalibela, Mountain View Hotel, 2-nights. Hike to wonderful churches (BLD) Day 8 Lake Langano, Sabanna Lodge, 2-nights. Relaxing beach and wildlife stay (BLD) Day 10 Depart Addis Ababa for the UK. Day 11 Arrive UK. Departure dates

Daily, throughout the year

Cost per person

From £2450 (Jan - Jun, Sep - Nov), £2575 (end Aug, Dec), £2695 (Jul - Aug, Christmas)

What’s included

F lights, transfers, meals as indicated, eight nights hotel accommodation, guided activities

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Goha Hotel mid The Goha Hotel stands at the crest of a hill with a commanding view of the city of Gondar with its enchanting and mysterious castles. The hotel consists of 60 rooms and four suites.

black cliffs and peaks that reflect in its deep waters. The lake contains nine small and rarely visited islands, providing breeding grounds for many birds.

Lalibela Lalibela in northern Ethiopia is set 2,600 metres above sea level. It is home to 11 monolithic churches all built in the 12th century, and each hewn from the characteristic pink granite of the area. It is an entire city superbly carved in a unique architectural style and most of the buildings are decorated with well-preserved paintings. Lalibela is considered by many to be one of the wonders of the world. Mountain View Hotel mid Mountain View Hotel is on the edge of the Lasta Mountains. It has magnificent panoramic views and is the ideal place from which to enjoy the surrounding countryside. The sunsets from here are particularly stunning.

Lake Langano Freshwater Lake Langano, located in the Rift Valley system, is naturally red in colour. The lake area is rich with wildlife; ibex, monkeys and baboons are all resident here and the birdlife is excellent. Nearby are lakes Abiata and Shalla. The two lakes are very different, Lake Abiata is surrounded by gentle, grasscovered slopes, and swathed in acacia woodland. It is a shallow alkaline lake and pink with thousands of flamingos that feed on the algae of the windward edge. Large numbers of both greater and lesser flamingos gather here with white pelicans and a host of other waterbirds. Lake Shalla is mysterious and foreboding, surrounded by steep

Sabanna Lodge mid Sabanna Lodge is a collection of attractive cliff-top bungalows each with a beautiful view over Lake Langano and the distant Arsi Mountains. Individually designed to ensure a relaxing and home-like atmosphere, all the bungalows are built with local materials in a simple design. Thatched roofs and large verandahs create ideal conditions for guests to spend tranquil time in the cool afternoon breeze.

Bale Mountains The Bale Mountains form an area of high altitude plateau broken by numerous spectacular volcanic plugs and peaks, beautiful alpine lakes and rushing mountain streams that descend into deep rocky gorges on their way to the lowlands below. The high Sanetti Plateau is home to the world’s rarest canid – the Ethiopian wolf. Nearby Harenna Forest is the place to find bushpig, giant forest hog, grey duiker and occasionally lion and leopard. Menelik’s bushbuck, mountain nyala and giant mole rat, all endemic to the Bale Mountains, may also be seen. Dinsho Lodge mid This is a simple, clean, down-to-earth lodge surrounded by juniper trees and plenty of wildlife.

Europe

In focus The Brown Bear The brown bear is the largest predator in Finland. The male can grow to be 2.85 metres tall and weigh in at 390 kilograms; females only grow to a little over half that size. Their name is a little misleading: some brown bears can have a creamy colour to their coat, while others are nearly black. They can run at speeds greater than 50 kilometres an hour for short distances and, at slower speeds, can run for several minutes when chasing down food, such as a young caribou. However, while most people see brown bears as voracious meat-eaters, they actually eat both plants and animals - much of their diet is made up of plants, berries and roots.

February The start of the wolf-tracking season in Romania. March is also a good time to go. Pages 81

Finland

April The best birdwatching in the Danube Delta begins and continues until the end of October. Pages 81

May The bear-watching season starts at the hides in Finland and Romania as the bears come out of hibernation. Pages 80-83

Romania

Bears and birds of Finland and Romania Finland and Romania are deemed to be two of Europe’s premier brown bear locations. The remote forests and mountains of Central Europe are home to half of Europe’s brown bear population, plus a third of its wolf and lynx populations. In addition, the Danube Delta is simply teeming with birdlife, fish, flora and fauna – spotting bears and cruising the delta’s channels are two very special wildlife experiences, close to home and affordable.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce in vulputate risus. Pellentesque scelerisque diam nec urna aliquam ut luctus augue scelerisque. Aliquam erat volutpat. Fusce ut ipsum sed odio blandit pretium. Suspendisse lorem tellus. Martinselkonen Wilderness Lodge, Finland mid Martinselkonen Wilderness Lodge is comfortable with 12 twin or double and two single en-suite rooms, a relaxing, communal dining area and saunas. Walking trails lead straight from the lodge. The two hides house nine and ten people, have areas for sleeping and comfortable seating/viewing areas.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce in vulputate risus. Pellentesque scelerisque diam nec urna aliquam ut luctus augue scelerisque. Aliquam erat volutpat. Fusce ut ipsum sed odio blandit pretium. Suspendisse lorem tellus. Elena Guesthouse, Romania mid Elena Guesthouse is a friendly, family-run hotel, beautifully located at the foot of a mountain. It has sound environmental principles; established as a result of the Carpathian Large Carnivore Project. It’s a comfortable base for a wildlife holiday, and serves excellent home-cooked food.

Danube Delta Apartment, Romania mid

In the heart of the Danube Delta, we use a comfortable apartment, which is excellent for birders. Rooms are en-suite and the apartment has balconies for admiring the views and a dining room serving hearty, traditional meals.

Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

europe | finland & romania

Zarnesti, Romania

Danube Delta

Zarnesti is nestled at the border of Kingstone Mountain National Park,

Spread over 2,200 square kilometres, Romania’s Danube Delta is teeming with

well-known for its population of wolves, brown bears and lynx. Bears in Romania are plentiful, but elusive; nevertheless you can be assured of a good opportunity to view them feeding close to the hide. Other wildlife you may see here includes red fox and very occasionally wild boar and red deer. Birdlife here includes woodpeckers, grouse, buzzards and owls. A walk in the Zarnesti Gorges is likely to reveal wallcreepers, alpine swifts and threetoed woodpeckers.

natural life. A World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve, the Delta’s varied habitat is home to many species of birds, fish, fauna and flora. You will explore the channels and crystal clear lakes of the Delta by boat, hopefully seeing many of the species of birds to be found here including the largest colony of white pelicans in Europe as well as Eurasian spoonbills, cormorants, ibis, herons, egrets and white-tailed sea eagle. The flora here is also amazing with many endemic species of trees and plants.

Bears and Wolves in Romania

TAILOR-MADE

During this four-day break there will be plenty of opportunity to look for bears, and the tracks of wolf and lynx. The park is well known for its healthy brown bear population and staying in a hide near to where they feed increases your chances of seeing these wonderful creatures. You will also have the option to visit eerie ‘Dracula’s Castle’ on your way back to Bucharest!

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Bucharest. Zarnesti, 3-nights, Elena Guesthouse. Drive via the Carpathian Mountains (BLD) Day 2 Brown bear viewing from hides (BLD) Day 4 Depart Romania for UK

Departure dates

Daily, May to September

Cost per person

From £1070 (Apr- Jul), £995 (Aug - Oct)

What’s included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, three nights guesthouse accommodation, guided activities

Winter Wildlife

TAILOR-MADE

The winter months provide an interesting time to enjoy spectacular icy scenery and a different wildlife experience in Romania. You will walk amidst forests and gorges tracking wolf, deer and chamoix, as well as searching for tracks in the snow. Cross-country skiing adds more excitement and enables you to cover more ground.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Bucharest. Zarnesti, 4-nights, Elena Guesthouse. Drive via the Carpathian Mountains (LD) Day 2 Easy trek in the Zarnesti Gorge, a good place for Chamoix (BLD) Day 3 Explore virgin forests near to mountains which house sheep folds – good for animal tracking (BLD) Day 5 Visit ‘Dracula’s Castle’ before driving back to Bucharest for your flight home (B)

Nature in the Danube Delta

A holiday exploring the Danube Delta, which teems with wildlife including many bird and fish species, flora and fauna. The only way to discover its beauty is by boat, where you can get close – hopefully! – to many birds, including white pelican. This itinerary also presents some wonderful photographic opportunities and the chance to sample some of Romania’s fantastic culture and delicious cuisine.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Bucharest. Danube Delta, 5-nights, apartments (BLD) Day 2 Explore the channels and crystal clear lakes of the Delta, looking for the myriad bird and fish species which inhabit this unique area (BLD) Day 6 Depart Romania for UK

Departure dates

December to March

Departure dates

Daily, April to October

Cost per person

From £1130 (Dec - Jan), £1060 (Feb - Mar)

Cost per person

From £1295

What’s included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, four nights guesthouse accommodation, guided activities

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

TAILOR-MADE

What’s included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, five nights comfortable local accommodation, guided activities

Suomussalmi, northern Finland Martinselkonen Wilderness Lodge is based about two hours from Kaajani, near to the Russian border. It is one of the finest areas for observing brown bears, set in a real wilderness location – tranquil and beautiful. The hide occupies a fantastic position in a forest clearing, ideal for bear-watching and photography. In addition to brown bears, you may also see reindeer, wolves, wolverine and interesting birdlife, with up to ten different species of owl in the area. The long evenings at this time of year are perfect for observing and photographing wildlife.

TAILOR-MADE

Brown Bears in Finland

Finland’s wilderness has long been recognised as a wonderful spot for brown bears, and on this holiday you will stay in comfortable accommodation and be accompanied by excellent guides. Our four-day break allows ample time for spotting bears; the shorter duration being good value, allowing you to fit in that little extra holiday!

For a completely peaceful and exclusive environment, ask us about hiring a private hide for your party.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Kaajani, via Helsinki. Pirttivaara, 3-nights, Martinselkonen Wilderness Lodge. Spend a night at the lodge and two nights in nearby bear-viewing hides, waiting and watching for brown bears (BLD) Day 4 Depart Finland for UK

Departure dates

Daily, May to mid-August

Cost per person

From £960

What’s included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, three nights lodge and hide accommodation, guided activities

Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

europe | finland & slovakia

GROUP TOUR

Brown Bear Explorer Highlights

ITINERARY

• Bear-watching from hides in the middle of the forest • Chance to see wolf, moose and wolverine • Activities including walking, boating and saunas Finnish wilderness is a tapestry of thousands of crystal-clear lakes, forest canopies and mountain slopes. This provides the perfect habitat for 430 bird species, 115,000 moose, 200 wolves and... 900 brown bears! During this one-week holiday you will have excellent opportunities to see many of these animals, with the PIRTTIVAARA help of expert guides.

FINLAND

We’ve chosen the two areas especially; one being excellent for bears and the other wolves, to increase your chances of sightings. You’ll be full of anticipation in the hides, hopefully spotting bears amid the purity and tranquillity of Finland’s northern forests.

Kajaani

Day 1 Depart UK for Kajaani, via Helsinki, and transfer to the Boreal Wildlife Centre, Viiksimo, in the middle of the northern Finnish wilderness (D) Day 2 Guided nature walk. Tonight is your first night in a bear hide, in the silence of the Taiga Forest (BLD) Day 3 Return to the lodge; afternoon free to relax or enjoy an optional nature reserve visit before a second evening hide adventure, waiting for wolf, wolverine, golden eagle and, of course, bear (BLD) Day 4 Transfer to the Petola Visitor Centre, spotting wild forest reindeer en-route. Continue to Martinselkonen Nature Reserve, Pirttivaara (BLD) Day 5 Guided walk in the Martinselkonen Nature Reserve to learn about Finnish natural habitats, before another exciting night in a hide (BLD) Day 6 Morning bird-spotting – maybe see the rare Siberian jay – and evening spent in a hide, your last chance to see brown bear up-close (BLD) Day 7 Optional boat ride followed by an evening spent watching for moose in a special hide. Lodge accommodation (BLD) Day 8 Depart Finland for UK

VIIKSIMO

Departure dates Sun 05 Jun – Sun 12 Jun 11 Sun 26 Jun – Sun 03 Jul 11 Sun 17 Jul – Sun 24 Jul 11 Sun 07 Aug – Sun 14 Aug 11 Sun 03 Jun – Sun 10 Jun 12 Sun 24 Jun – Sun 01 Jul 12 Sun 15 Jul – Sun 22 Jul 12 Sun 05 Aug – Sun 12 Aug 12 Flight inclusive cost per person From £1550 Land only cost per person From £1245 Single room supplement From £60 (not available in hides) What’s included Flights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, three nights lodge accommodation and four nights in hides Tour code WFBT Max group size 12 Ask for our full tour dossier

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Asia Asia provides some excellent wildlife destinations amid a growing awareness of the need to preserve the natural world. Our ever-popular Indian itinerary, Tiger Tiger, is complimented by a host of exciting ideas including primate research in Sri Lanka, a small group adventure in Borneo, and itineraries in China, home to the wonderful giant panda.

asia | introduction

Contents Asia India....................................................................................................86 - 93 Sri Lanka.............................................................................................94 - 97 China...................................................................................................98 - 99 Borneo.................................................................................................100 - 105

In focus An estimated 40,000 big cats lived in India a century ago. Today tiger numbers are approximately 1,400 although official data is hard to come by. This is an exceptionally sad situation and tourist support is necessary in order to help preserve these amazing creatures. Despite the dwindling numbers, sightings amongst Wildlife Worldwide clients are still good and India presents a different experience to the traditional safari.

China

March Spring time is one of the best times for panda tracking in the Qinling Mountains of China, before the vegetation becomes too thick. Pages 98-99

Nepal

February

India

As leaves fall, grasses wither and water sources recede in the Indian subcontinent, opportunities to see the magnificent tiger are at their best until April. Pages 86-93

October In Nepal the many wildlife camps and lodges begin to open again after the monsoon season. October and November are good for mammal sightings. See our website for details.

November For keen birders, the best Sri Lanka time to see birds in Bharatpur, India, is November to February when water levels are high and migratory birds are in residence. Page 91

Borneo

Climate - India

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Temperature max (Ë&#x161;C) 21 24 31 Rainfall (mm) 23 18 13

36 8

41 13

39 36 34 34 34 29 23 74 180 173 117 10 3 10

Top tip: Borneo is a good year-round destination. Wildlife viewing is often good during the wet seasons, generally only being suspended when rains make travelling difficult. 85

India

India is an eclectic mix of the old and the new, the traditional and the modern. There are few places that can stir people’s emotions like India can – you’ll either love it or hate it! Our view is that if you take one of our tailor-made holidays to India, with hand-picked lodges and camps, you will not only love it, but will want to keep going back to visit more of the national parks and fascinating cultural sights on offer. India’s wildlife is in a class of its own and there are superb properties located around all of the key tiger reserves. Our guides’ knowledge of wildlife is also excellent, providing you with an exciting and satisfying destination to explore.

Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh is a former royal hunting reserve where the elusive white tigers of Rewa were discovered. Today it has a very high density of Bengal tigers, one of the highest in India. Over the years, we have certainly been successful with sightings here. You can also spot a myriad of other animals amid its forest terrain.

Kings Lodge HIGH Recommended because of its eco-friendly design, Kings Lodge is set in five hectares and is surrounded by forested hills. There are four cottage rooms and eight rooms on stilts, each with a lofted balcony and beautiful views.

Tiger Trails Resort mid Tiger Trails consists of 12 cottages, each with en-suite facilities. Set in pleasant surroundings with a well-stocked library, restaurant and bar area, the lodge overlooks a private lake which attracts a variety of resident and migratory birds.

Treehouse Hideaway HIGH For a room with a view, choose Treehouse Hideaway. It is unique because its five spacious airconditioned thatched cottages are perched high in Mahua trees, with large balconies overlooking Bandhavgarh’s fort. Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

asia | india

Kanha National Park Kanha offers some of India’s finest tiger viewing. The grasslands and deciduous forests also support 22 other mammal species including barasingha, chital, muntjac, swamp, spotted and barking deer, sambar, common langur and rhesus monkeys, wild boar, Asiatic jackal, three of India’s four lowland antelopes (nilgai, four-horned antelope and blackbuck) and occasionally the fabulous leopard. Over 220 species of birds are also found here with waterholes and high plateaux providing excellent, tranquil spots for watching and taking in the peace and quiet of the jungle.

Tuli Tiger Corridor is the luxurious extension of Tuli Tiger Resort. Resident naturalists are on hand to answer questions about the local wildlife and environment. For the wildlife enthusiast who likes a touch of class!

Wild Chalet mid Wild Chalet is on the banks of the River Banjar, on the periphery of the park. It provides accommodation in pretty, rustic cottages that overlook the river, equipped with all modern amenities. You can sit out and enjoy the park in hammocks or around a central nature/ restaurant area.

Fact! Tuli Tiger Resort mid Tuli Tiger Resort has 18 air-conditioned tents with en-suite facilities. Set in the western region of the park’s buffer zone, it also has a swimming pool, theatre and library.

Bandhavgarh is home to some of India’s most famous tigers. ‘Charger’, a male tiger, started it all with his three cubs, B1, B2 and B3. Today B2’s son lives on as heir to the Bandhavgarh throne!

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Pench National Park Pench has been known throughout the ages for its rich flora and fauna and was a great inspiration to Rudyard Kipling. Named after the nearby river, it was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1983 and throughout its 760 square kilometres are cheetal, sambar, nilgai, gaur, sloth bears and dhole (Indian wild dog). Of course, tigers are what it’s famous for!

Pench Jungle Camp HIGH Pench Jungle Camp has 12 spacious safari tents, three cottages and four air-conditioned rooms set in eight hectares of mature forest. Each tent is housed on a permanent platform and offers an elegant twin room setting along with ample seating room both inside and on a private balcony, enabling you to relax and enjoy the natural jungle environment. This is our recommendation for a comfortable stay at Pench.

Tuli Tiger Corridor HIGH For an ultra-luxurious experience, choose one of Tiger Corridor’s tents – each is 51 square metres and has a private dining area, king-sized bed, bath, panoramic views and treats you may not expect, such as a DVD.

Shergarh Camp mid India’s eco-jewel in Kanha’s crown, Shergarh Camp is a wooded oasis of tranquility. Spacious tiled roof tents, home grown vegetables, proactive recycling and local employment all tip this camp high up the eco-tourism scale.

TAILOR-MADE

Tiger Tiger This is our most popular Indian tailor-made itinerary. It visits India’s finest national parks and offers the very best opportunities for tiger viewing. Pench, Kanha and Bandhavgarh all feature; three premier parks. You will also be escorted by experienced local wildlife guides throughout your journey. As with all of our itineraries, we can mix and match the accommodation and of course we can extend or shorten your stay in any of the locations we have proposed. Call us for details!

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Delhi. Day 2 Delhi, 1-night, The Claridges. City tour of Old and New Delhi (B) Day 3 Pench National Park, 2-nights, Pench Jungle Camp. Game drives (BLD) Day 5 Kanha Tiger Reserve, 4-nights, Tuli Tiger Resort. Explore the reserve, spotting tigers (BLD) Day 9 Bandhavgarh National Park, 4-nights, Kings Lodge. Explore on safari (BLD) Day 13 Overnight train to Agra, after a final morning in Bandhavgarh (BLD) Day 14 Agra, 1-night, The Trident. Taj Mahal tour (B) Day 15 Return to Delhi, 1-night, Radisson Hotel (B) Day 16 Return to the UK (B)

Departure dates

Daily, November to May

Cost per person

From £2975 (Jan - Mar), £2985 (Apr - mid Dec, Christmas), £3250 (mid Dec)

What’s included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, eleven nights hotel/ lodge accommodation, two nights tented camp, one night overnight train, guided activities

Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

asia | india

Satpura National Park Satpura National Park is just starting to come to the fore as one of India’s most intriguing wildlife destinations. Not many travellers venture here and you can enjoy foot safaris and viewing from hides around the park. Tigers live amongst the meadows, forested plateaux and mountains of the reserve, along with a number of prey species such as nilgai and sambar, plus leopards. It is also a haven for birdlife. Because of its virgin status, tigers don’t pose for the camera as easily as they do in other reserves, but because of the overall experience and environment on offer here we feel it makes a worthy addition to an itinerary.

Forsyth’s Lodge HIGH Forsyth’s Lodge is an eco-friendly property, built with environmental and community considerations as foremost principles. It is a small, stylish accommodation with only 12 cottages built primarily out of mud. Rooms are comfortable and the lodge also benefits from a swimming pool. The staff are exceptionally attentive and there’s also an in-house naturalist.

TIGERS OF BANDHAVGARH AND KANHA

TAILOR-MADE

Bandhavgarh and Kanha are two great reserves for seeing tiger, so they make a natural coupling for a shorter itinerary to spot these majestic creatures. Kanha has fine tiger viewing, because of its landscape. Twin this with Bandhavgarh, a smaller park with a greater density of tigers, and your chances of sightings are increased.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London for Delhi (B) Day 2 Delhi, 1-night, The Hans Plaza. City tour of Old and New Delhi (B) Day 3 Khajuraho, 1-night, Ramada Hotel. Visit the erotic temples (B) Day 4 Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, 3-nights, Kings Lodge. Tiger safaris (BLD) Day 7 Kanha National Park, 3-nights, Tuli Tiger Resort. Exciting excursions by jeep (BLD) Day 10 Overnight train to Agra (BLD) Day 11 Taj Mahal visit. Return to the UK (via Delhi) Day 12 Arrive home

Departure dates

Daily, November to May

Cost per person

From £2395 (Jan - May, Nov-Dec), £2675 (mid Dec)

Reni Pani Jungle Lodge HIGH Reni Pani is designed to have minimal impact on the environment. Wildlife often frequents its 30-acre grounds, which also houses the 12 cottages, outdoor pool and a lovely meeting area, ‘Gol Char’, where you can eat, read and chat about your day’s wildlife viewing.

Claridges Corbett Hideaway mid This property is concealed in the midst of a mango grove, providing a luscious setting for the accommodation. You can choose from deluxe or superior cottages, both with en-suite facilities and providing a comfortable base from which to explore.

Corbett National Park

Overnight elephant safaris can be arranged at Corbett National Park. It’s a great experience, if you don’t mind very basic accommodation.

Corbett National Park lies at the base of the Himalayan foothills, and was named after the legendary hunter and naturalist, Jim Corbett. Corbett’s rich variety of habitats and position in the foothills are the reason for its good population of mammals. Rhesus macaque, common langur, golden jackal, wild boar, chital, sambar, muntjac and hog deer are all common and regularly seen, whilst a good population of Indian elephant is discreet. The park remains famous for its tigers, however, which are frequently seen. The birdlife here is exceptional too with more than 620 species recorded.

I have found no greater satisfaction than achieving success through strict adherence to quality. Our 12year partnership with Wildlife Worldwide has been all about quality to clients and is testimony to this very belief. Ravi Kalra, managing director of Wildlife Worldwide’s local partner in India

What’s included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, eight nights hotel/ lodge accommodation and one night overnight train, guided activities

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

GROUP TOUR

Indian Wildlife Experience Highlights DELHI

• Spot tiger at three of India’s national parks • Fantastic wildlife viewing and stunning scenery • See the Taj Mahal at sunrise This is a fantastic opportunity to visit three of India’s premier national parks, combined with a visit to the world-famous Taj Mahal. We’ve designed this itinerary so you can enjoy Pench, Kanha and Bandhavgarh in a two-week holiday that’ll maximise your chances of seeing tiger.

Jaipur

INDIA

AGRA Kanpur

Pench, inspiration to Rudyard Kipling, is one of our favourite parks, home to Indian wild dog and chital as well as tigers. Kanha is famed as offering some of India’s finest tiger viewing – if you’re lucky you may also see leopard alongside a myriad of other mammals. Finally to Bandhavgarh, where you’ll go on safari amid stunning scenery, before journeying to the Taj Mahal for a look at this fantastic statement of love in its best light, at sunrise.

Umaria

BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK

KANHA NATIONAL PARK Nagpur

Pench National Park

Departure dates Sun 27 Mar – Fri 08 Apr 11 Sun 16 Oct – Fri 28 Oct 11 Sat 26 Nov – Thu 08 Dec 11 Sun 25 Mar – Fri 06 Apr 12 Sun 14 Oct – Fri 26 Oct 12 Sat 24 Nov – Thu 06 Dec 12 Flight inclusive cost per person From £2495 Land only cost per person From £1995 Single room supplement From £625 What’s included Flights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, ten nights hotel/lodge accommodation and one night overnight train Max. group size 12 Tour code WIPK Ask for our full tour dossier

ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Delhi Day 2 Transfer to Radisson hotel (B) Day 3 Fly to Nagpur and transfer to Pench, in time for an afternoon game drive (BLD) Day 4 Morning and afternoon game drives (BLD) Day 5 There’s time for another game drive before continuing to Kanha National Park, where you’ll stay at the Tuli Tiger Resort (BLD) Day 6 Enjoy exciting safaris in your quest to spot tiger! (BLD) Day 8 Drive to Bandhavgarh National Park (BLD) Day 9 Game drives at Bandhavgarh by jeep (BLD) Day 11 Train to Agra (B) Day 12 Visit the famous Taj Mahal at sunrise and Agra Fort, before transferring back to Delhi (B) Day 13 Depart Delhi for the UK

Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

asia | india

Bharatpur (Keoladeo Ghana National Park) Bharatpur consists of an area of 29 square kilometres of shallow wetland, which was once the private hunting reserve of the Maharajas of Bharatpur. Declared a National Park in the 1980s, it is now one of the finest water-bird sanctuaries in the world with over 400 recorded species. A few highly endangered Siberian cranes travel 5,000 kilometres to winter in this area. Other notable species include Pallas’s sea eagle, black-necked stork and the elusive spotted creeper.

National Chambal Sanctuary This beautiful sanctuary is a 400 kilometre stretch of the River Chambal in northern India. The Chambal ravines on both sides of the river are the product of centuries of soil erosion by flood and rain waters. The cliffs and vegetation provide shelter for numerous birds, mammals and reptiles, in particular gharial crocodiles. The river itself is one of India’s most pristine and as a result it is one of the last surviving habitats of the Gangetic river dolphin. The sanctuary also provides protection for marsh crocodiles, eight species of turtles and smooth-coated otters.

and mudflats, home to numerous bird species, as well as crocodiles, turtles, snakes and deer. Its most famous resident however is the tiger, although they’re harder to spot due to the nature of the terrain. The Sundarbans is a unique Indian wildlife-viewing experience as it’s done by boat and there are some excellent hides that can be made use of too.

huts. The camp is run by local villagers who offer friendly village-style hospitality and wonderful home-cooked Bengali cuisine. The camp is the livelihood for many local people, directly or indirectly, and its aim is to develop tourism that helps the community.

Sunderbans Jungle Lodge mid This is an eco-friendly lodge which sits between the river and local paddy fields, offering six basic but comfortable

Laxmi Vilas Palace mid This property was built in 1887 for the younger brother of the then ruler of Bharatpur. It has been operational as a hotel since 1994. It offers personal service, and although the amenities here are a little basic, for the avid birdwatcher visiting Bharatpur more than makes up for it.

Fact! In India, we’ve chosen some of our accommodation particularly because it benefits the local community. By staying in these places, you’ll also get a fantastic opportunity to experience something that other travellers don’t.

Chambal Safari Lodge mid There are eight air-cooled independent cottages and two air-conditioned rooms with attached bathrooms and verandahs. The lodge is largely built using local materials and local craftsmen. Set in a plantation it is surrounded by fields of organically grown produce, which supply the lodge’s kitchen. Sundarbans National Park The Sundarbans covers some 10,000 square kilometres of land and water (more than half of it in India, the rest in Bangladesh) in the Ganges Delta – it is the world’s largest area of mangrove forest. The region is intersected by a complex network of tidal waterways

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

India’s Big Five

TAILOR-MADE

See lion, leopard, tiger, elephant and rhino at three of India’s beautiful national parks.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Mumbai Day 2 Sasangir National Park, 3-nights, Lion Safari Camp. Six game drives to see Asiatic lion (BLD) Day 5 Mumbai, 1-night, Vits Hotel (B) Day 6 Kanha National Park, 3-nights, Tuli Tiger Resort. Safaris to spot tiger (BLD) Day 9 Nagpur, 1-night, Tuli Imperial Hotel (B) Day 10 Kaziranga, 3-nights, Wild Grass Resort. View Indian greater one-horned rhinoceros (BLD) Day 13 Return to Delhi (B) Day 14 Delhi sightseeing (B) Day 15 Depart India for the UK (B) Day 16 Arrive Home Departure dates

Daily, November to May

Cost per person

From £4350 (Jan - Mar), £4375 (Apr - May, Nov-Dec), £4640 (Christmas)

What’s included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, ten nights hotel accommodation and three nights tented camp, guided activities

Kaziranga National Park

Sasangir National Park

Little Rann of Kutch

Kaziranga, in north-east India in Assam, is set on the banks of the mighty Brahamaputra River and is the finest place to view Indian greater one-horned rhinoceros in the whole of the subcontinent. With nearly 80% of the world’s population resident, the park has been recognised as a World Heritage Site. In addition to wonderful rhino-viewing, the park is also home to large herds of elephant (sometimes up to 200) and wild buffalo. It may also be possible to arrange a visit to the nearby Panabari Forest Reserve to look for the elusive hoolock gibbon, India’s only ape. The open country makes wildlife viewing at Kaziranga fairly easy with most major species seen during a day or two’s safari.

Sansangir (widely known simply as Gir) is a large park in the Gujarat Peninsula of north-west India. The park’s main aim is to preserve the last healthy population of the critically endangered Asiatic lion. The area is characterised by an arid rugged terrain with low hills and mixed vegetation, with beautiful stands of teak, acacia and dhak trees interspersed with grassy plains. As well as approximately 300 lions, other smaller members of the cat family are well represented, namely the jungle cat, desert cat and the rusty spotted cat, and there is also a healthy population of leopard.

The Little Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary is one of India’s largest at a staggering 4,950 square kilometres. This is the last remaining home of the Asiatic wild ass. It is a conservation success story with the asses having recovered from a population of only 800 in the 1960s to currently more than 2,000. This is not the only mammal of interest here however as the sanctuary is also home to chinkara, blackbuck, nilgai, wild boar, jackal and jungle cat. There are so many birds here that the area has been named an official Ramsar Convention of Wetlands site.

Wild Grass Resort mid Wild Grass Resort is situated by a stream in the paddy fields and forest just outside the national park. The lodge provides 18 double rooms in two jungle lodges, each with en-suite facilities. Activities on offer here include jeep safaris and elephant rides into the park, offering you the best chance to view rhinos up close.

Diphlu River Lodge HIGH Diphlu River Lodge has tastefully decorated bamboo and thatch cottages, high up on stilts on the banks of the river Diphlu. All cottages are air-conditioned and have outside space; perfect for watching the world go by.

Velavadar National Park Velavadar is a peaceful sanctuary comprised of 35 square kilometres of savannah in Gujarat. Set between two rivers and only a few miles from the Gulf of Cambay this park is home to thousands of India’s endemic blackbuck. In the days of the Maharajas of Bhavnagar these handsome antelope were protected for the occasional royal hunting trips. Other animals of note include the endangered India wolf, red fox, jackal, jungle cat and wild pig. The birdlife here is also extensive with endangered birds such as houbara bustard, lesser florican, common crane, sarus crane, white stork and white pelican all present. Nilambagh Palace

Lion Safari Camp HIGH Lion Safari Camp consists of 20 luxury en-suite, air-conditioned safari tents in a beautiful setting in a private mango orchard overlooking the Hiran River. Each has a balcony on which to relax and enjoy the views.

Rann Riders Camp HIGH Rann Riders is a cottage camp at Dasada near the Little Rann of Kutch wildlife sanctuary. The camp has 13 self-contained twin air-conditioned cottages each resembling traditional village huts.

HIGH

Nilambagh Palace is a simple hotel located at Bhavnagar. It is a most attractive building which was originally built in 1859 as the residence of the crown prince. It has beautiful lawns, a pillared portico with high arches and is surrounded by forest. Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

asia | india

TAILOR-MADE

Delhi

Wilds of Gujarat

Most tailor-made itineraries to northern India will fly into Delhi and we can easily arrange sightseeing to suit however much time you’d like to spend here. Delhi is actually two fascinating cities – old and new. Old Delhi pulses with energy and colour, providing a fascinating insight into the sights, sounds and aromas of the Indian subcontinent. It is here you will see the enormous Red Fort, the Jama Masjid Mosque with its tapering minarets and wonderful marble domes, and the bustling bazaar of Chandni Chowk. New Delhi is a complete contrast; it is a landscaped city of wide boulevards, colonial monuments, stately palaces and formal parks.

A fascinating holiday to experience some of India’s lesser known wildlife in Gandhi’s home state. You’ll see Asiatic lions, ass and flamingos as well as endemic blackbuck, and endangered animals, like the India wolf. And it’s a lesser trodden route, so you are less likely to be sharing these beautiful reserves with others.

The Claridges HIGH The Claridges is a first-class historic hotel in the heart of New Delhi. All the beautifully appointed rooms are air-conditioned and en-suite with a full range of facilities. There is also a swimming pool, four restaurants and a health club. We recommend this as a good option for those who want a pleasant base and extremely decent hotel during their stay in India’s capital.

The Imperial HIGH This is Delhi’s luxury offering, a five-star hotel ideally located with 137 beautifully appointed rooms and suites. The hotel has a swimming pool, shopping arcade, health club, tennis and golf facilities. Built in 1933, the hotel is a spacious mix of Victorian, old colonial and art deco styles, set in beautifully landscaped grounds. Hans Plaza mid The Hans Plaza is a comfortable choice with the added bonus of being centrally located in New Delhi. Its 74 rooms are air-conditioned, tastefully furnished and have en-suite facilities. If you’re looking for a good value property for your stay in India’s capital, this would be it.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Bhavnagar (via Mumbai) Day 2 Velavadar National Park, 3-nights, Nilambagh Palace. Morning and afternoon game drives (BLD) Day 5 Sasangir National Park, 4-nights, Lion Safari Camp. Home to approximately 300 Asiatic lions, it’s your chance to see them! (BLD) Day 9 Gondal, 1-night, Orchard Palace. Visit Gondal Lake (BLD) Day 10 Little Rann of Kutch, 3-nights, Rann Riders Camp. Safaris to see the Asiatic wild ass (BLD) Day 13 Mumbai, 1-night, Vits Hotel (B) Day 14 Return to the UK (arrive same day)

Departure dates

Daily, November to May

Cost per person

From £2965 (Jan - Mar), £2995 (Apr - May, Nov-Dec), £3265 (Christmas)

What’s included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, five nights hotel accommodation and seven nights tented camp, guided activities

The Radisson HIGH A stylish hotel, the Radisson is conveniently located near to the airport so is perfect for stopovers en-route to your next location. Rooms feature TV and mini-bar, and there’s a spa, swimming pool and a choice of six bars and restaurants.

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a stunningly beautiful tropical island located south of India – like a teardrop falling into the Indian Ocean. Its golden beaches, wildlife reserves and spectacular mountain scenery make for a whole range of diverse habitats, enhanced by the romantic ruined forts and cities of ancient dynasties. Its isolated position has created some unique features, in particular its enormous leopard, large herds of elephants and numerous endemic bird species. The island is a world-renowned birdwatcher’s paradise.

Kandy & Udawattakele Rainforest Reserve

Kandy is a charming lakeside town, with rich historical, cultural and natural treasures. Formerly the capital of the Kandyan Kingdom, it’s today a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists who come to visit the Temple of the Tooth. It is surrounded by hills, valleys, rivers, lakes, cascading waterfalls and forests, home to the endemic Sri Lanka hanging parrot and Layard’s parakeet. Kandy is also famous for its elephants and the Udawattakele Rainforest Reserve, with resident deer, jackals, porcupines and civets. The forest is a haven for birdlife and with luck you may encounter one of the ‘bird waves’ which are a feature of tropical forests.

Nuwara Eliya & Horton Plains

Hotel Suisse mid An elegant colonial style hotel which overlooks Lake Kandy and provides comfortable accommodation in air-conditioned rooms, each with en-suite facilities. Public areas include a bar, restaurant and lounge areas, and there is also a swimming pool.

Amaya Hills HIGH A large hilltop hotel with magnificent views to the lakeside city of Kandy and across the surrounding hills. Each of the 100 en-suite rooms has its own individual balcony to enjoy those views. For relaxing, choose the Ayurvedic spa or one of the many international cuisines on offer.

Nuwara Eliya was once a popular British hill station, situated in the heart of ‘tea country’, and is now a quaint and charming resort town. The lower mountain temperatures mean that the birdlife is startlingly different with a number of interesting species including two endemics, the handsome yellow-eared bulbul and Sri Lanka hill white-eye. Nearby Horton Plains is Sri Lanka’s highest plateau, and where you’ll find the sheer precipice of World’s End. A cool and bracing climate plays host to distinctive flora, colourful butterflies, wild orchids and many rare highland birds including almost all of the country’s endemics. Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

asia | sri lanka

Birding highlights include the southern sirkeer, blue-faced malkoha, yellowwattled lapwing, rufous-winged bush lark, thick-billed flower-pecker, purple sunbird, little minivet, white-rumped shama and rare black-necked stork.

Galway Forest Lodge mid A lovely forest hideaway, located a couple of kilometres outside Nuwara Eliya – its location is fantastic for birding and nature enthusiasts. Accommodation consists of 52 en-suite rooms, all with heaters and modern facilities. The hotel has a restaurant, bar and billiard room. also has spectacular views. Activities

St Andrew’s Hotel HIGH A classic colonial hotel located next to the golf course. This historic hotel has 52 spacious rooms and preserves the atmosphere of a bygone age within its wood-panelled bar and dining room, tea lounge and billiard room. Activities from the hotel include nature treks, pony rides, birdwatching and scenic tours. Yala National Park Yala National Park is Sri Lanka’s oldest wildlife reserve, which is famous for having one of the highest densities of leopards in the world and some of the world’s largest and most visible leopards. During morning and evening safaris you may also see elephant, sloth bear, sambar, chital, wild boar, stripednecked, brown and ruddy mongoose, black-naped hare, marsh mugger crocodile and several civet species.

Yala Village Hotel HIGH Yala Village Hotel borders the park and sits beside miles of golden Indian Ocean beach. Accommodation is in rustic-style, spacious, air-conditioned beach chalets and jungle cabins with en-suite washrooms. A highlight of the property is an observation deck which offers panoramic vistas across the surrounding forest, beach and rocky outcrops (often frequented by local leopards).

Bundala Lewaya/Kalametiya Reserves Bundala Lewaya, recognised by Ramsar, and the Kalametiya Reserve are both important wetland areas on the south coast. They are home to almost all Sri Lanka’s resident water birds, as well as countless migratory birds between November and March. Highlights include greater flamingo, lesser adjutant and painted stork. Other common species are marsh sandpiper, intermediate and great egrets, brown-capped babbler, Asian openbill, Eurasian spoonbill, black-winged stilt, golden plover, little stint and curlew sandpiper. In addition, mammals such as elephant, chital, grey langur, water monitor and crocodile are often seen.

Oasis Hotel HIGH The Oasis Hotel is in Hambantota, within easy striking distance of Bundala Lewaya and Kalametiya Reserves, and offers comfortable accommodation in 38 air-conditioned rooms spread throughout ten chalets; all with balconies and private bathrooms. Other facilities include a large swimming pool, jacuzzi, restaurant, bar and gym.

Fact! Leatherback turtles come ashore to nest on the beaches near to Bundala Lewaya/Kalametiya Reserves, from April to June, and along the southern coast. Conservation projects are necessary to protect these delicate creatures.

Sri Lanka’s Wildlife Highlights

TAILOR-MADE

Sri Lanka is a perfect, good value destination for wildlife-lovers with some fabulous parks and reserves, great birdwatching and exceptionally knowledgeable guides. This itinerary takes in many of those parks. You can spot leopard, elephant and a myriad of bird species, including some of Sri Lanka’s endemics, on plentiful included wildlife visits and safaris.

suggested ITINERARY Leopards Yala National Park is renowned as one of the best places in the world to encounter leopards. Sightings usually occur early morning and at dusk, with excellent photographic opportunities afforded by confident males, especially the young. We’ll arrange your jeep safaris in the morning and afternoon, to give you the best chance of sightings of these enigmatic creatures – thought by some to be the largest leopards in Asia.

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Day 1 Depart UK for Colombo Day 2 Kandy, 2-nights, Hotel Suisse. Home to the famous Temple of the Tooth (D) Day 3 Visit the Millennium Elephant Foundation (BD) Day 4 Nuwara Eliya, 3-nights, Galway Forest Lodge. Enroute visit Udawattakele forest (BD) Day 5 Horton Plains excursion, endemic birds and colourful butterflies (BD) Day 7 Yala National Park, 3-nights, Yala Village Hotel. En-route visit Ravana Ella waterfall (BD) Day 8 Jeep safaris and nature trails (BD) Day 10 Hambantota, 2-nights, Oasis Hotel. Bundala/ Kalametiya safaris (BD) Day 12 Ratnapura, 3-nights, Ratnaloka Hotel. Udawalawe National Park jeep safari (BD) Day 13 Sinharaja Rainforest visit, pristine and little-visited (BD) Day 15 Negombo, 1-night, Goldi Sands (BD) Day 16 Depart for the UK (arrive same day) (B)

Departure dates

Daily, throughout the year

Cost per person From £1915 (Jan - early Apr), £1845 (late Apr - Jun), £1995 (Jul - Aug), £1955 (Sep - Oct), £2020 (Nov - Dec), £2225 (Christmas) What’s included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, 14 nights hotel accommodation, guided activities

Udawalawe National Park Walawe Reservoir and Udawalawe National Park comprise open plains and hills located in south-west Sri Lanka at the foot of the prominent Kaltota Escarpment. The park is home to many elephants with herds of 50 to 60 often being seen at one time and there are numerous sambar, chital and wild boar. There is wonderful birdlife here including grey-headed fish eagle, blackshouldered kite, changeable hawk eagle, crested serpent eagle, white-bellied sea eagle, shikra, common kestrel, brown fish owl and western marsh harrier.

eagles – rufous-bellied, crested serpent, black and mountain hawk eagle. Another wildlife coup is frequent mixed species ‘bird waves’, a real sight to behold. Ratnaloka Hotel mid Located about eight kilometres from the town of Ratnapura, a couple of hours drive from the World Heritage Rainforest Site of Sinharaja. The hotel has 53 air-conditioned rooms with ensuite facilities surrounded by gardens and a swimming pool shaded by cardamom trees. If you’d like to stay in the park itself, we can recommend a couple of options to suit different budgets – please ask us for details. Minneriya National Park

Centauria Hotel mid This is a simple hotel that lies on the edge of Chandrika Reservoir, just south of Udawalawe National Park. The hotel has 42 rooms in its main wing and eight rooms in four lakeside cottages. Rooms are air-conditioned, with en-suite shower rooms and lake-facing balconies. There is a swimming pool, café-bar and Ayurvedic centre. Sinharaja Rainforest If you have time, a visit to Sinharaja is a must! The forest is the last remaining primary lowland tropical rainforest in Sri Lanka, and home to many endemic plants, animals and birds, including some 139 varieties of Sri Lanka’s 830 endemic trees. It is one of the few places that you can see the blue-faced leaf monkey and the Sri Lanka hanging parrot, plus a wonderful diversity of butterflies includes the spectacular blue morpho and bird-wings. Much of the birdlife is endemic including four 96

The park is located a short distance north of Dambulla in eastern Sri Lanka. Sambar and Chital are commonly seen and birding highlights include the Sri Lanka grey hornbill and Sri Lanka jungle fowl. Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temples are also nearby. Polonnaruwa’s palaces and shrines are a World Heritage Site, home to troops of monkeys, whilst Dambulla Cave Temples house spectacular ceiling paintings. Sigiriya’s citadel and ruins are the remains of great civilisations and in surrounding water tanks dwell many different water-birds. Fact! Minneriya National Park is famous for its huge herds of elephants, particularly from June to September when more than 300 gather on the receding shores of the Minneriya Tank. This gathering of elephants at Minneriya is an awesome spectacle which ranks alongside some of the better known wildlife spectacles in East Africa.

Primates, Elephants and Whales

TAILOR-MADE

Help research scientist Dr. Wolfgang Dittus track toque macaques and purple-faced and gray langur monkeys. During your stay at the project, you’ll learn about his valuable studies and community conservation efforts. From June to September, you will also see the spectacular elephant gathering at Minneriya and, during the winter months, enjoy whale-watching and a bird safari. Please ask us for details of the winter itinerary; the summer itinerary is highlighted below.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Colombo Day 2 Habarana, 2-nights, Chaaya Village (BD) Day 3 Minneriya National Park elephant gathering, 300 elephants along with many birds (BD) Day 4 Polonnaruwa, 2-nights, Primate Research Camp. Field visits to track monkeys (BLD) Day 6 Nuwara Eliya, 1-night, Galway Forest Lodge. Tea plantation visit (BD) Day 7 Yala National Park, 2-nights, Yala Village. Jeep safaris (BD) Day 9 Colombo, 1-night, Pegasus Reef Hotel. Optional Yala jeep safari (BD) Day 10 Depart for the UK (arrive same day) (B)

Departure dates

Daily, throughout the year

Cost per person From £1695 (Jan - early Apr), £1495 (late Apr - Jun), £1750 (mid Jul - mid Aug), £1660 (mid Aug - Oct), £1785 (Nov - early Dec), £1985 (Christmas) Tour extension

I f you’d like to stay longer at the Primate Research Camp (a week, two or more) we can arrange this - please ask us for details

What’s included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, six nights hotel accommodation and two nights basic camp, guided activities

For ultimate privacy, choose Kingfisher Lodge, set in secluded grounds with stunning views of the lake and your own private chef on-hand.

Chaaya Village HIGH our choice Chaaya Village, in nearby Habarana, reaches across 13 hectares, and borders a spectacular lake. The hotel’s cottages are inspired by local designs so they blend with the beautiful natural surroundings. Its 106 superior and deluxe rooms are en-suite with TV and mini-bar. It’s a good place to stay for exploring nearby national parks and cultural highlights.

Many airlines fly via the Maldives, so if you fancy staying on a paradise island then please do ask for our advice and suggestions - our sister company, Dive Worldwide, can offer you a diving holiday in the Maldives.

Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

asia | sri lanka

Primate Research Camp

Colombo & Beaches

The Primate Research Camp of Dr. Wolfgang Dittus is located by the lovely Parakrama Samudraya lake. Dr. Dittus is a research scientist who carries out detailed studies on the primate population in the area. The main focus of the study is the populations of toque macaques and purple faced and grey langurs, which are considered holy by some. Purple faced langurs are endangered and a key part of the research is working with the local community to promote wildlife awareness. Dr. Dittus is happy to show visitors his work, and you will be involved in monkey tracking in the forests around Polonnaruwa, while learning about the studies.

Colombo is the capital city of Sri Lanka, located on the west coast of the island with a large natural harbour. The city is an interesting mix of modern construction and historic colonial buildings left by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. Alternatively why not stay at a lovely beach property at the end of your holiday? Sri Lanka’s coastline offers some fine beaches and excellent opportunities for relaxing. We recommend a few nights after your wildlife journey to experience the ultimate in Asian hospitality and service, and really taking the time to rejuvenate post explorations. Call us for luxury options!

After 37 years of observing toque macaques, there’s certainly lots of interest to keep you here for at least two nights, more if you have time, and we would be happy to arrange longer stays for you, so you can make a really valuable contribution to macaque and langur research.

From here you can visit nearby turtle projects, watching as baby turtles emerge from their protected nests and then help release them into the sea.

Goldi Sands mid If you’d prefer to stay at the beach, Goldi Sands offers a good option just an hour north of Colombo in the resort of Negombo. Conveniently located for the airport, it features 75 comfortable air-conditioned rooms with balconies, TV and en-suite.

Cinnamon Lakeside HIGH Cinnamon Lakeside is set on the edge of the beautiful Beira Lake, in the heart of Colombo. All rooms will have a view of the lake, perfect for birdwatchers who can enjoy sightings at dawn and dusk.

Sri Lanka Wildlife and Culture

TAILOR-MADE

Sri Lanka has wonderful wildlife and culture. This itinerary explores highlights of both with plenty of safaris included at three national parks; Yala, Bundala and Udawalawe. They’re home to leopards, elephants and, in season, leatherback turtles. Your visits to Sri Lanka’s sights will allow you a fascinating insight into the country’s cultural and historical tapestry. A good introduction to the teardrop isle.

suggested ITINERARY

Primate Camp mid Accommodation is in basic but clean and comfortable rooms, which accommodate up to four people (sometimes dorms are used). All have attached bathrooms and a small dining room is on site, serving good local cuisine. This is an experience which will more than make up for the lack of luxury.

Taj Exotica Resort HIGH The Taj Exotica resort is located a couple of hours south of Colombo and offers 162 air-conditioned rooms with balconies overlooking the Indian Ocean or lush tropical gardens. A large swimming pool is shaded by palms and fragrant Frangipani. The hotel has tennis courts, a gym and water sports, as well as restaurants, bars and a tea lounge

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Day 1 Depart UK for Colombo Day 2 Habarana, 2-nights, Chaaya Village, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya visits (BD) Day 4 Kandy, 1-night, Amaya Hills. Dambulla Caves and Temple of the Tooth visits (BD) Day 5 Yala National Park, 2-nights, Yala Village Hotel. Jeep safaris and nature trails (BD) Day 7 Embilipitiya, 2-nights, Centuria Hotel. Bundala and Udawalawe National Park safaris (BD) Day 9 Colombo, 1-night, Taj Airport Garden (B) Day 10 Depart for the UK (arrive same day) (B) Departure dates

Daily, throughout the year

Cost per person From £1735 (Jan - early Apr), £1660 (late Apr - Jun), £1880 (Jul - Aug), £1760 (Sep - Oct), £1820 (Nov - Dec), £2025 (Christmas) What’s included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, eight nights hotel accommodation, guided activities

China

China is an exceptionally beautiful place, and the areas in which you’ll track giant panda showcase its natural and rugged magnificence in absolute splendour. Tracking giant pandas in their own habitat certainly presents an unsurpassed and exciting opportunity to the wildlife enthusiast. The world’s highest density of pandas live at high altitude in the Qinling Mountains, in Shaanxi province in the north-eastern region of China, solitary creatures that will provide a real adventure to those that want to see them. This is a fantastic chance to learn about panda protection first-hand, amid simply stunning surrounds.

Xian The ancient city of Xian is where most of our itineraries start, because it’s close to the wilderness regions you’ll head to for giant panda tracking. Xian is home to the once mighty Terracotta Warriors; a true sight to behold is seeing the army lines and imagining them, 2,000 years or so ago, in a blaze of colour. As the end of the Silk Road, Xian was a very important city and evidence of its status can still be seen in its buildings. It’s a fascinating place to stay for a couple of nights.

Foping Nature Reserve Foping Nature Reserve is one of the main centres for giant panda tracking. During your time here you will explore different parts of the reserve, hiking deeper to find the elusive panda. This gives a varied and interesting look at Aurum International Hotel mid This is a large, 302 room hotel located in the business district. It’s popular with tourists and provides a comfortable base with modern amenities for your stay, such as indoor swimming pool and health centre.

Xian Hotel mid If you want to be close to the historical sites of Xian, then this is the hotel for you. It also has all of the modern amenities you’d except of an international hotel and well-appointed rooms.

the flora and fauna and increases your chances of sightings. Foping is also the centre of the panda conservation effort, and you’ll have the chance to learn more about the research at the Shaanxi Foping National Nature Reserve Bureau and Qinling Mountains Man and Nature Educational Centre. Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

asia | china

Laoxiancheng Nature Reserve Laoxiancheng Nature Reserve is another of the main centres for giant panda tracking, linked to the Foping Nature Reserve. Giant pandas can wander between the two, giving you a wider area in which to find them. Not only is this region home to the world’s highest density of pandas but the rich and diverse range of ecosystems of the Qinling Mountains also ensures the survival of many rare species including golden monkey, takin, crested ibis, golden eagle and clouded leopard.

Reserve Hostel Accommodation at Foping and Laoxiancheng is basic with limited heating and bathroom facilities. Hot water will be available (subject to season). Food is local Chinese style with seasonal vegetables. This is a place to lay your head, rather than fancy accommodation!

Changqing Nature Reserve Changqing Nature Reserve is a beautiful area of mixed terrain, providing differing habitats in which the giant pandas and other wildlife can live. Wild rivers and lovely waterfalls are interspersed with flora and plant life – a nice environment for you to trek in and the pandas to live in. You’ll also explore in higher mountains amid high altitude vegetation in the hope of not only spotting giant panda, but golden takin, golden monkey and myriad birdlife. Because the reserve is located next to the rural village of Huayang, you can stay here and explore Chinese local life and culture.

Village house Your base will be a local guesthouse, where you will stay in the home of villagers. While this provides more rustic accommodation, it does also give you a unique insight into rural Chinese life and the home-cooking using local ingredients will be great!

Shaanxi Crested Ibis Nature Reserve Yang County, and the Shaanxi Crested Ibis Nature Reserve, are home to the only wild population of the endangered crested ibis in the world. Since 1981, when seven were discovered, this rare bird has been protected by a dedicated group who research the bird’s habitat and behaviour in order to increase numbers and awareness. Its numbers have now increased dramatically. The area itself is mountainous, and dotted with rivers and streams – an ecosystem that the ibis thrives in. A unique opportunity to see a fantastic bird and wonderful protection project.

Panda Highlights

TAILOR-MADE

This trip offers an opportunity to track and view giant pandas in their natural habitat. Pandas are excellent at evading human presence, yet land pressure means the threat of extinction. Viewing of wild pandas cannot of course be guaranteed, but you will have the opportunity to experience the wildlife of China first-hand on this shorter itinerary.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Xian, via Beijing Day 2 Xian, Aurum International Hotel, 1-night. Day 3 Huayang, village house, 1-night. Village visit and watch crested ibis roost (BLD) Day 4 Changqing Nature Reserve for giant panda tracking and other wildlife spotting such as golden takin, golden monkey and numerous birds (BLD) Day 6 Xian, Aurum International Hotel, 1-night. Time at leisure (BLD) Day 7 Depart Xian for UK, via Beijing (B)

Departure dates

Daily, mid-March to November

Cost per person

From £2165 (Mar, Nov), £2220 (Apr - Jun, mid Aug - Oct), £2385 (Jul - mid Aug)

What’s included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, two nights hotel accommodation, three nights guesthouse accommodation, guided activities

In Pursuit of Pandas

TAILOR-MADE

We’ve designed this itinerary to take in the best of the Qinling Mountain reserves where giant pandas live, thus increasing your chances of sightings. There is a high chance of seeing giant panda at Foping Nature Reserve. You’ll also have the opportunity to see other Chinese wildlife such as crested ibis and golden monkey. Ibis Protection Centre Accommodation is at the reserve. Again it is more basic accommodation but a good base for your explorations.

Golden Monkey Reserve There are three species of golden monkey which all live in the forests or mountains of China: they inhabit the bamboo jungles, coniferous forests and rhododendron thickets found in the high central and western mountains. Golden monkeys are endangered, and protection policies here aren’t as advanced as others. This presents a good opportunity to see these most delightful creatures. Accommodation will be in a local lodge.

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Xian, via Beijing Day 2 Xian, Aurum International Hotel, 2-nights. Visit the amazing Terracotta Warriors (BL), no meals included on day 2) Day 4 Yang Country, Ibis Protection Centre, 1-night. See wild population of crested ibis (BLD) Day 5 Foping Nature Reserve, hostel, 4-nights. Day 9 Golden Monkey Reserve, 3-nights, lodge (BLD) Day 10 Xian, Aurum International Hotel, 1-night. Time at leisure (BLD) Day 11 Depart Xian for UK, via Beijing (B)

Departure dates

Daily, mid-March to November

Cost per person

From £3345 (Mar, Nov), £3395 (Apr - Jun, mid Aug - Oct), £3565 (Jul - mid Aug)

What’s included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, three nights hotel accommodation, one night lodge accommodation and seven nights hostel accommodation, guided activities

Borneo

Borneo has long fed the imagination of naturalists and travellers alike. The diversity of habitats supports a tremendous array of endearing and intriguing species – there are mammals, lizards and snakes, frogs that ‘fly’, fish that ‘walk’ on mud, monkeys that ‘dive’, plants that eat insects and flowers the size of dustbin lids. Borneo is a centre of biological richness for the Indo-Malayan region and a hot spot of world biodiversity. Ten hectares of rainforest in Borneo can support a greater number of tree species than occur in the whole of North America. The island is home to more bird species than are found in Europe and as many mammals as live on the island continent of Australia. Without question Sabah has some of the richest and most diverse parks and reserves in Borneo, which are easy to access with quality tourist facilities – it’s an easy window for those wishing to experience Borneo’s natural wonders, and recommended by Wildlife Worldwide.

Kinabalu National Park

Mt. Kinabalu stands like a citadel above the lowlands of northern Borneo. The park, which is easily reached from Kota Kinabalu in about two hour’s drive, harbours remarkable botanical diversity, perhaps as many as 6,000 plant species occur on the mountain. These include more than 1,000 species of orchid and more than one third of all the islands’ pitcher plants (genus nepenthes). Superlatives aren’t restricted to plants; there are over 600 species of butterflies and some 320 species of birds. Diversity of species is greatest on the lower slopes, whereas the greatest numbers of endemic species are found high on the mountain. 100

Nepenthes Villas mid Located close to the park headquarters, Nepenthes Villas are a convenient base from which to explore the network of trails leading through the forest on the middle slopes. The villas offer all the comforts you could require and are adjacent to the park restaurant.

From loveable orang-utans to tiny tree frogs, if you love wildlife you will love Borneo. Ranging from the majestic Mt. Kinabalu to the pristine rainforest of the Danum Valley, it is a place I will never forget. Chris Osborn, senior travel consultant and Borneo expert

Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

asia | borneo

Sepilok Forest Reserve & Orang-utan Sanctuary Sepilok Orang-utan Sanctuary, about 30 minutes by road from Sandakan, is renowned the world over for its work in rehabilitating orphaned orang-utans. Visitors can enjoy close encounters with these charismatic apes at the twice-daily feeding sessions in the forest, where individuals not fully capable of self-sufficiency return for a free meal. However, set amongst 43 square kilometres of primary lowland rainforest, the reserve has much more to offer besides. Boardwalks through the forest are excellent places to wander at leisure – the birdwatching here is superb and there is also a variety of snakes and frogs to look out for.

Sepilok Nature Resort mid The lodge is situated by the park entrance and next to the forest, offering spacious and comfortable accommodation. The air-conditioned wooden chalets are well appointed and connected by boardwalks to the main lodge and restaurant area that is set beside an artificial lake.

TAILOR-MADE

Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary

Sabah Wildlife Special

The Kinabatangan River snakes its way through the interior and coastal lowlands for 560 kilometres, until it reaches the Sulu Sea. A mosaic of riparian forest, oxbow lakes, nipah swamp and mangroves support the most diverse concentrations of wildlife in Sabah, including orang-utans, proboscis monkeys, Bornean pygmy elephants and a vast array of birds, including several species of hornbill, reptiles and amphibians.

A two-week holiday to Borneo, including the best of Sabah – Mt. Kinabalu, Sepilok Orang-utan Sanctuary, Kinabatangan River and a stay at the wonderful Borneo Rainforest Lodge in the Danum Valley, one of our favourites. Sabah offers the visitor a first-class wildlife experience, with the added benefits of good infrastructure, easy access and quality accommodation.

Sukau, about 80 kilometres up river from the coast, is the centre for wildlife tourism. Here the wildlife experiences are amongst the most memorable in Borneo. The majority of watching is done from boats and it is so good because most of the wildlife has become so tolerant. Boat journeys up a small tributary, the Mananggol River, are particularly intimate as the river narrows and forest encroaches. It is possible to peer into the tangled vegetation at the margins where water monitors bask on half-sunken trunks and mangrove snakes, young reticulated pythons and wagler’s pit vipers lay concealed and motionless. The most enjoyable way to reach the area is on a four-hour boat journey from Sandakan, travelling up the Kinabatangan River from its estuary.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London for Kota Kinabalu via Kuala Lumpur Day 2 Kota Kinabalu, 1-night, Shangri-la Rasa Ria Resort Day 3 Kinabalu National Park, 1-night, Nepenthes Villas (BLD) Day 4 Kota Kinabalu, 1-night, Shangri-la Rasa Ria Resort (BL) Day 5 Sepilok Orang-utan Sanctuary, 1-night, Sepilok Nature Resort. Close encounters with the apes (BLD) Day 6 Kinabatangan River, 3-nights, Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge. River journeys and wildlife spotting (BLD) Day 9 Danum Valley, 3-nights, Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Explore by canopy walkway (BLD) Day 12 Kota Kinabalu, 1-night, Shangri-la Rasa Ria Resort (BL) Day 13 Return to the UK via Kuala Lumpur (B) Day 14 Arrive UK Departure dates

Daily, throughout the year

Cost per person From £3395 (Jan - Feb), £3470 (Mar - Apr, Sep - mid Oct), £3420 (May - Jun, mid Oct - Dec), £3935 (Jul - Aug), £3810 (Christmas) What’s included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, eleven nights hotel/ lodge accommodation, guided activities

Fact! The Rafflesia is the world’s largest flower, and also parasitic – it grows from the stems and roots of a climbing vine. You can see it at the Tambunan Rafflesia Reserve, two hours from Kota Kinabalu.

Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge mid Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge offers rustic accommodation in an excellent location. There are 22 chalets with en-suite showers and fans, and friendly staff to ensure your stay is a good one! The main dining and bar areas are pleasant, with an outlook over the river. Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

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Gomantong Caves & Forest Reserve This is the largest cave system in Sabah and provides a home for tens of thousands of bats and cave swiftlets. The swiftlet nests are sustainably harvested three times each year for the Chinese soup trade, and the nest collectors live permanently on site to protect their valuable quarry. It is fascinating to see the lengths and intricacy these people go to when collecting this valuable commodity. There is a boardwalk inside and around the most accessible cave that allows for easy exploration. The forests around the caves are home to a wide variety of wildlife, and macaques, langurs and orang-utans are regularly seen. The caves are easily reached by road and are usually visited when driving to or from Sukau. Danum Valley The Danum Valley is arguably Borneo’s premier wildlife location. Wildlife here includes Sabah’s ten species of primate (including orang-utan), Asian elephant, banteng, Sumatran rhinoceros, clouded leopard, marbled cat, flat-headed cat and Malay sun bear. More common species include bearded pig, lesser and greater mouse-deer, the endemic Bornean yellow, and Bornean red muntjac, and sambar. Early mornings are the best time to enjoy the canopy walkway. Here a tree-top view of the forest provides a spectacular alternative perspective and great birdwatching opportunities: various hornbills, barbets and broadbills may be seen as well as the enigmatic and endemic Bornean bristlehead. And, importantly, Danum offers perhaps the best chance of seeing a wild orang-utan, especially when one of the large wild durian trees is in fruit. After dark, night walks 102

and vehicle rides offer a window into the secretive world of the forests nocturnal creatures – greater mouse deer, giant flying squirrels and culugo are often seen.

BORNEAN WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY - WITH NICK GARBUTT

GROUP TOUR

Highlights • Team up with award-winning photographer, Nick Garbutt • Photograph orang-utans and other animals • Learn the tricks of the trade amidst Bornean wilderness Wildlife Worldwide has teamed up with award-winning wildlife photographer, Nick Garbutt, for a photography tour to Borneo. Nick is an expert on Borneo, and knows the best places for wildlife photography – it was between us that we came up with the fantastic itinerary we’ve designed visiting the Danum Valley.

Borneo Rainforest Lodge

HIGH

our choice

The lodge lies at the heart of the Danum Valley on the banks of the Danum River, and facing the lodge on the opposite bank is a huge swathe of pristine forest. This is one of the best rainforest vistas you could wish for. The main lodge and its very comfortable chalets, with balconies, are built on stilts and connected by raised board walks. Trails surround the lodge. The lodge has a spectacular walkway with multiple viewing platforms, spanning approximately 300 metres in length. As it is high in the trees, 26 metres at the highest point, it’s a great way to view wildlife from a different perspective.

Sea You’ll spend time out and about capturing great wildlife shots,Sulu before going back to the lodge and spending time learning how BORNEO Sabah KOTA KINABALU to work with your images.

The tours will run at both beginner and advanced level and are designed to run one after the other, so if you’ve completed the beginner course you can go and take the advanced lessons, too.

BORNEO RAINFOREST LODGE

Danum Valley Conservation Area

BORNEO Kalimantan

ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Kota Kinabalu Day 2 Arrive and transfer to the Danum Valley (D) Day 3 You will spend six nights (five full days) photographing in the Danum Valley Conservation Area. The pristine lowland rainforest of Danum Valley is arguably Borneo’s premier wildlife location. Our base, Borneo Rainforest Lodge, is located on the banks of the Danum River. Within the vicinity of the lodge there is a network of well laid out trails that allow easy access to most of the valley and provide ample opportunity to begin to discover and photograph some of the forest’s amazing biodiversity, including orang-utan (BLD) Day 8 Depart Borneo for London, via Kota Kinabalu (B) Day 9 Arrive UK

Departure dates Sat 07 May – Sun 15 May 11 (beginner/intermediate) Fri 13 May – Sat 21 May 11 (intermediate/advanced) Sat 05 May – Sun 13 May 12 (beginner/intermediate) Fri 11 May – Sat 19 May 12 (intermediate/advanced) Flight inclusive cost per person From £3500 Land only cost per person From £2700 Single room supplement From £200 What’s included Flights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, six nights lodge accommodation Max. group size 8 Tour code WPBD Ask for our full tour dossier

Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

asia | borneo

Bako National Park Bako, which is only 40 kilometres from Kuching, offers an intoxicating mixture of stunning coastal scenery, teeming rainforests and abundant wildlife. It’s Sarawak’s premiere wildlife location for the first-time visitor. This is one of the best places in Borneo to see proboscis monkeys and they are regularly encountered in the mangrove forests, often right by the raised boardwalks. Other monkeys frequently seen include long-tailed macaques and silvered langurs. Other mammals that may be seen on night walks include colugos, slow loris and mouse deer. With such a variety of habitats, the park’s flora is correspondingly rich and diverse.

entrance like a giant plume of black smoke. The wildlife is diverse with around 75 species of mammals, over 260 species of birds, 170 species of wild orchids and 10 species of pitcher plants having been recorded. Many can be a challenge to see, but those who take the time to look carefully will be rewarded. Mulu is also the place to go for adventure activities and interaction with fascinating local people.

Royal Mulu Resort HIGH Styled like an ethnic longhouse and built on stilts, Royal Mulu Resort offers high quality and comfort amidst natural splendour. All rooms are air-conditioned and have verandahs with views to the rainforest or Melinau River. There is also a swimming pool. Park Chalets mid Park Chalets provide modest but adequate facilities and there is an adjacent canteen serving tasty Malay food where all meals are taken.

Fact! The Mulu caves have the world’s largest cave passage, the world’s largest natural chamber (capable of

Gunung Mulu National Park Gunung Mulu, Sarawak’s largest national park, is a UNESCO world heritage site and is dominated by three mountains; Gunung Mulu, Gunung Api and Gunung Benarat, which are surrounded by rainforest.However, what lies beneath is the park’s major claim to fame - one of the largest limestone cave systems in the world. The scale of these caves is bewildering. Visiting the mouth of Deer Cave at dusk is to witness one of the natural world’s most amazing spectacles as in excess of three million bats pour out of the

‘housing’ 47 jumbo jets!) and, at 108 kilometres, the longest cave in South East Asia. To date over 300 kilometres of underground cave passages have been surveyed.

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Best of Borneo Wildlife

TAILOR-MADE

A magnificent wildlife holiday in Borneo, including the best of both Sabah and Sarawak. During your holiday, you will – hopefully! – spot many of Borneo’s intriguing inhabitants and travel through a variety of natural environments. We can of course tailor this holiday to your exact requirements so if you fancy, for example, including Mulu National Park, just let us know!

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London for Kuching via Kuala Lumpur Day 2 Kuching, 1-night, Harbour View Hotel Day 3 Bako National Park, 2-nights, Park Chalets. Explore the park (BLD) Day 5 Kota Kinabalu, 1-night, Shangri-la Rasa Ria Resort (BL) Day 6 Kinabalu National Park, 2-nights, Nepenthes Villas. Be dwarfed by Mt. Kinabalu (BLD) Day 8 Kota Kinabalu, 1-night, Shangri-la Rasa Ria Resort (BL) Day 9 Kinabatangan River, 3-nights, Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge. A real wildlife experience – see orang-utan and Bornean gibbon. Also visit Sepilok Orang-utan Sanctuary. (BLD) Day 12 Danum Valley, 3-nights, Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Unparalleled views from the canopy walkway (BLD) Day 15 Kota Kinabalu, 1-night, Shangri-la Rasa Ria Resort (BL) Day 16 Return to the UK via Kuala Lumpur (B) Day 17 Arrive UK Departure dates

Daily, throughout the year

Cost per person From £4120 (Jan - Feb), £4195 (Mar - Apr, Sep - mid Oct), £4135 (May - Jun, mid Oct - Dec), £4655 (Jul - Aug), £4525 (Christmas) What’s included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, fourteen nights hotel/lodge accommodation, guided activities

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GROUP TOUR

Borneo’s Wildlife Highlights Highlights • See three million bats in an amazing natural spectacle • Orang-utans, proboscis monkeys and other primates • Enjoy a night cruise to see glittering fireflies This is an all-encompassing journey to Borneo’s wildlife highlights, including opportunities to see orang-utans, proboscis monkeys and many a natural spectacle. Borneo has an amazing diversity of habitats and its wildlife viewing is second-to-none, combining well laid out trails, high canopies and comfortable accommodation to ensure your holiday is the best overall experience.

Sepilok Orang-Utan Sanctuary KOTA KINABALU

Sat 02 Jul – Sun 17 Jul 11 Sat 13 Aug – Sun 28 Aug 11 Sat 15 Oct – Sun 30 Oct 11 Sat 07 Jul – Sun 22 Jul 12 Sat 11 Aug – Sun 26 Aug 12 Sat 13 Oct – Sun 28 Oct 12

Flight inclusive cost per person From £3250 Land only cost per person

From £2350

Single room supplement

From £570

What’s included Flights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, ten nights hotel/lodge accommodation and three nights park accommodation Max. group size

Tour code

WBOR

Ask for our full tour dossier

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Sukau

ABAI JUNGLE LODGE Sabah South China Sea

MULU NATIONAL PARK Sarawak

Bako National Park

LAHAD DATU

Danum Valley Conservation Area

KUCHING

Our trip takes you from the abundant wildlife of Bako NP, to see bats at Mulu, into the forests of the Danum Valley and, finally, on a unique river cruise in Borneo’s wilderness. It’s a trip you’ll certainly never forget!

Departure dates

SANDAKAN

BORNEO

ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Kuching Day 2 Upon arrival, transfer to the Grand Continental Day 3 Discover the charms of this riverside city, including a visit to the Semengoh Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre (BL) Day 4 Take a boat ride to Bako NP, where you can spot proboscis monkeys, silver leaf monkeys, long tail macaques and more… (BLD) Day 5 Hike trails before returning to Kuching for an overnight stay (BL) Day 6 Fly to Mulu, and visit the three million bats of Deer Cave at dusk, followed by a night walk to see nocturnal species (BD) Day 7 See rare plant species and swim in the shade of giant rainforest trees at Clearwater Cave (BLD) Day 8 Return flight to Kota Kinabalu for an overnight in the Shangri-la Rasa Ria Resort Day 9 Explore Kinabalu National Park on a guided nature walk with a naturalist, discovering the amazing biodiversity of the park (BL) Day 10 Danum Valley is arguably Borneo’s premier wildlife destination and we’ve allowed two days for you to hopefully sight orang-utan and Sabah’s other nine species of primate (BLD) Day 12 Continue to Sukau, where you’ll enjoy a night cruise to witness the glittering of fireflies on the mangrove trees (BLD) Day 14 Visit Sepilok Orang-utan Sanctuary (BL) Day 15 Fly, via Kuala Lumpur, to the UK (B) Day 16 Arrive UK

Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

asia | borneo

Borneo’s Resorts Borneo’s coastline offers some of Malaysia’s finest beaches and excellent opportunities for diving or snorkelling off the offshore reefs… Or, if you wish, an ideal environment for simply relaxing amidst pristine jungle and a tranquil natural paradise. We recommend a few nights after your wildlife journey to experience the ultimate in Asian hospitality and service, by staying in one of our chosen properties and really taking the time to rejuvenate post Borneo explorations.

Here is just a selection to tempt you – there are many lovely resorts not far from Kota Kinabalu, making it easy for you to add a stay on to your trip, or you could choose something a little further afield, depending on your wishes – just ask us for advice! Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai HIGH Located just 30kms from Kota Kinabalu, Nexus Resort is a haven of tranquillity that makes a perfect and convenient retreat at the end of a wildlife journey. In its 1,530 hectares of natural surroundings, you’ll find a spa, golf course, swimming pools, restaurants, bars and myriad activities, just footsteps from the beach.

Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa HIGH Named after an exotic hibiscus flower, the Bunga Raya Island Resort is set on a coral reef on an island off the coast of Borneo, not far from Kota Kinabalu. Its wonderful timber villas are sandwiched between a white-sand beach and pristine jungle, providing an idyllic hideaway just for you!

Gayana Eco Resort HIGH A short ferry ride from Kota Kinabalu, Gayana Eco Resort is, as the name suggests, all about protecting the natural environment and ensuring its vitality. By staying in one of the 44 luxury villas, you’ll not only have a wonderful stay at a top-class resort, but be contributing to valuable marine ecology research.

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Pom Pom HIGH Surrounded by white sands and the turquoise waters of the Celebes Sea, this resort is on a small atoll surrounded by seven islands, which are a shelter for green and hawksbill turtles; most of the year it’s hot and sunny with refreshing sea breezes. Built to offer complete luxury, comfort and privacy, the resort is set within lush tropical vegetation offering garden, beachfront and water villas, all of which are air-conditioned and with their own private balcony.

Sipadan Mabul HIGH Overlooking nearby Sipadan, the resort is located on the south east side of Mabul Island, an area that’s good for green, hawksbill and leatherback turtles (in season). Accommodation is in wooden duplex chalets dotted along the white sandy beach amongst the ubiquitous palm trees. Each room is furnished with twin beds, airconditioning and an en-suite bathroom. 105

The Americas The Americas are a destination holding some of the best wildlife experiences on the planet. For many, a visit to the Galapagos, made so famous by Darwin many years ago, is an ideal introduction and one Wildlife Worldwide recommends. Our other favourites include bears in Canada and, for the intrepid wildlife enthusiast, Guyana.

never stop raving and reminiscing about my Wildlife Worldwide “ I’ll trip to the Galapagos Islands. There was one particular day when we hiked to one of the finest viewpoints in the archipelago, then transferred to a nearby beach and snorkelled with some Galapagos penguins before paddling with a friendly group of juvenile white-tipped reef sharks – all before breakfast. It doesn’t get much better than that.

”

Mark Carwardine. Author, photographer and BBC zoologist

THE AMERICAS | introduction

Contents North America Canada......................................................... 108 - 117 Central America Costa Rica.................................................... 118 - 123 South America Ecuador and the Galapagos.......................... 126 - 133 Brazil............................................................ 134 - 137 Chile............................................................. 138 - 141 Argentina...................................................... 142 - 145 The Falkland Islands..................................... 146 - 147 Guyana......................................................... 148 - 151

Canada

Costa Rica Galapagos Islands

Guyana Ecuador Brazil Chile Argentina The Falkland Islands

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Canada

In focus Canada contains some of the world’s greatest untamed lands. These wild, beautiful habitats are home to three of the eight species of bear – black bear, brown (or grizzly) bear and polar bear. Its vast wilderness areas are the bears’ last stronghold; it is undoubtedly the best bear-viewing location in the world. Off the coast, the rich waters of the west coast islands draw whales and dolphins aplenty. Over the next few pages, you’ll find a selection of ideas and itineraries following our favourite routes through Canada – from classic self-drive road journeys, to those designed to show you the best of the country’s marine and wildlife, to some of the best stand-alone lodges for bear-viewing. With our advice, you’ll have the best bear-viewing holiday.

July The islet-dotted waters of Canada’s west coast is perhaps the best-place to see orcas, until early September.

October CANADA Churchill Hudson British Alber ta Bay Columbia Banff N.P. Manitoba Jasper N.P. VANCOUVER

Polar bears gather in Churchill on the west coast of Hudson Bay. They pass through the area until November.

Vancouver Isl

Vancouver Vancouver is a beautiful city in a wonderful coastal setting and with a backdrop of pine-covered peaks. There is plenty to do, with lush Stanley Park a great place to start your explorations by foot or bike. You could also take a trip across to Granville Island to look around the tempting array of produce on offer at the local market. Vancouver has some excellent restaurants, bars and coffee shops, and the main downtown area around Robson Street is great for shopping.

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Fairmont Waterfront Hotel HIGH The Fairmont Waterfront Hotel is within easy walking distance of all the city’s amenities and has great views of its busy harbour and the Vancouver skyline. It’s a large hotel with well-appointed rooms and all the facilities you would expect of a modern city-centre accommodation.

Four Seasons Vancouver mid The Four Seasons Vancouver offers upmarket, modern accommodation in a central location. Its rooms have city views and are comfortable as a base after your explorations. There is also a spa, terrace, garden and restaurant at the hotel.

Best Western Downtown mid A comfortable hotel in the downtown area, overlooking False Creek, convenient for trips to Granville Island. A large hotel, its rooms are all air-conditioned with TV, telephone, and tea and coffee making facilities. There’s also a steam room and fitness centre.

Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

THE AMERICAS | canada

Whistler

Banff and Jasper

Whistler is set to the backdrop of stunning mountain vistas all around and offers a plethora of activities in both summer and winter. Just two hours along the stunning Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver, it is regarded as one of the top four-season resorts in North America and was home to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. A stay here is delightful; Whistler successfully blends the charm of an alpine village with the amenities of a top resort – whether you want to walk, mountain bike, take helicopter rides, go rafting... or simply relax with a nice glass of wine and look at the views.

Banff and Jasper are located in the heart of the Rockies, connected by the scenic Icefields Parkway. Jasper is a park characterised by limestone-lined canyons and hanging glaciers where caribou and bears abound. You can explore the Athabasca valley, looking out for mountain goats and bighorn sheep. Why not take the Jasper Tramway up Whistler’s Mountain where at 2,285 metres you will have stunning views of the mountain ranges. A hiking trail leads those so inclined to the summit of the mountain.

Alpine Lodge mid Located on the edge of Whistler village, Alpine Lodge has comfortable bedrooms with en-suite facilities and mountain views. After a hard day’s activities (or relaxation!) you can enjoy the steam room and Jacuzzi at the lodge.

Blue Mountain Lodge, Banff mid Located only a couple of minutes walk from Banff centre, Blue Mountain Lodge offers delightful accommodation to the visitor. First built in 1908, it has been tastefully decorated, with some rooms reflecting different historical and wilderness themes and with stunning mountain views.

Mountain Mist Guesthouse, Jasper mid A small, family-run guesthouse offering only two rooms and a friendly welcome. Each room has a private bathroom and is nicely decorated. It’s located only five minutes’ walk from Jasper centre.

Fact!

Canada is one of Wildlife Worldwide’s most popular destinations. We’ve been organising holidays here for 16 years and have builtup relationships with the best local suppliers, accommodations and guides. Allow us to use that experience to tailor-make your perfect holiday.

Whales & Mountains

TAILOR-MADE

This is the ultimate self-drive road trip through western Canada and includes the celebrated sites of the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Rim National Park on Vancouver Island, famed for whale-watching.

suggested ITINERARY Canada is a real paradise when it comes to wildlife viewing holidays. Spectacular pristine wilderness areas combined with incredible wildlife, great food and top class accommodation, a photographers dream. So what are you waiting for?” Sally Jefferis, sales consultant and Canada expert.

Canadian bed & breakfasts Our suggested itineraries use bed & breakfasts in many locations. We like them because not only are they good value for money, but they also offer an authentic Canadian experience where your host welcomes you like a long-lost family member. Experience an impromptu barbecue or swinging in the hammock while the creek bubbles alongside, what more could you wish for? We’ll choose you a bed & breakfast that’s suited to you when you call us to enquire.

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Day 1 Depart UK for Calgary. Banff, 2-nights, bed & breakfast accommodation. Banff is in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and the perfect place to explore your mountainous surroundings (B) Day 3 Colden, 1-night, bed & breakfast. Visit the Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Centre (B) Day 4 Jasper, 2-nights, bed & breakfast. Drive along the Icefields Parkway to Jasper Day 6 Clearwater, 1-night, Clearwater Lodge. Stay in this lovely town by the Thompson River (B) Day 7 Whistler, 2-nights, Alpine Lodge. Enjoy one of the many activities on offer, or relax! (B) Day 9 Tofino, Vancouver Island, 3-nights, bed & breakfast. Whale-watching in Pacific Rim National Park (B) Day 12 Vancouver, 1-night, bed & breakfast. Enjoy the sights of this Pacific city (B) Day 13 Depart Vancouver for UK (B) Day 14 Arrive UK

Departure dates

Daily, May to September

Cost per person

From £ 2425 (May - Jun, Sep), £2725 (end Jun - mid Jul, early Sep), £2775 (mid Jul - Aug)

What’s included

F lights, car hire, ferries, meals as indicated, twelve nights bed & breakfast accommodation, guided activities.

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Vancouver Island

Telegraph Cove & Quadra Island

Vancouver Island is a great destination for

Telegraph Cove and Quadra Island are

wildlife enthusiasts because of its healthy black bear population and whale-watching opportunities. Tofino and the Pacific Rim National Park are the main places to go. Here you can walk along the wild beaches and through forests where black bears are common. Boat trips from here give you an excellent opportunity to see the impressive numbers of grey whales that spend their summer off these plankton-rich shores. A couple of nights in the historic city of Victoria is also worthwhile, and helps to break up the journey.

famous for their healthy population of orcas, where these most awesome creatures congregate in the summer months. Telegraph Cove is located at the northern end of Vancouver Island, and whale-watching excursions can be arranged in the Johnstone and Queen Charlotte Straits.

Wickaninnish Inn HIGH Beautifully located on Chesterman Beach, Tofino, Wickaninnish Inn is a rural retreat surrounded by forest and sea. Its restaurant has 240 degree views of ocean panorama while its Ancient Cedars Spa has won awards. This is a relaxing place to stay.

Whales & Bears of British Columbia

TAILOR-MADE

Long Beach Lodge mid Near to Tofino, Long Beach Lodge has a dramatic setting on the beautiful beach of Cox Bay. It is handy for activities and there’s a restaurant, fitness room and outdoor BBQ area so you can enjoy the beautiful views as you dine. It’s a rugged, spectacular place to stay.

Fact!

Visit the best, wildest places of coastal British Columbia. A great tour for wildlife enthusiasts with an abundance of grizzly and black bears, and orca, pacific grey and humpback whales. Wildlife viewing opportunities are excellent on this self-drive itinerary.

Just a short ferry ride away is remote Quadra Island, one of the wildest and most beautiful of the Northern Gulf Islands. The islands provide a scenic backdrop for watching resident orca whales in the sea, black bears on the beach and sea lions basking on rock islets. A tranquil place for a wildlife enthusiast to spend a few days in the company of just wildlife.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Vancouver, 1-night, bed & breakfast accommodation. Day 2 Whistler, 1-night, bed & breakfast. Enjoy one of the many activities on offer, or relax! (B) Day 3 1-night, 100 Mile House (B) Day 4 Bella Coola, 2-nights, bed & breakfast. Head into the Great Bear Rainforest – an area with one of the highest densities of brown bear (B) Day 6 Discovery Coast, 1-night. Optional ferry trip with amazing sightings of whales, porpoise and dolphin (B) Day 7 Telegraph Cove, 3-nights, bed & breakfast. Enjoy bear and whalewatching on this beautiful, remote island (paid upon arrival) (B) Day 10 Vancouver, 3-nights, bed & breakfast. Enjoy the sights of this Pacific city (B) Day 13 Depart Vancouver for UK (B) Day 14 Arrive UK Departure dates

Daily, June to September

Cost per person From £2685 (Jun, Sep), £2975 (end Jun - mid Jul, early Sep), £3035 (mid Jul - Aug) What’s included

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F lights, car hire, meals as indicated, eleven nights hotel accommodation, one night onboard a ferry, guided activities.

British Columbia on Canada’s west coast is by far the best location for seeing black and brown bears. Bear-viewing is highly seasonal and dependent on some of nature’s other wonders, particularly the running of salmon in the rivers and streams. Essentially, our summer months are the best for viewing brown and black bears, with many bears being visible in the latter part of the season due to an essential need for the bears to gorge themselves before hibernating.

Heriot Bay Inn mid Heriot Bay Inn is located on the eastern shore of Quadra Island, providing comfortable waterfront accommodation; a good base for whale and bear-watching activities. Rooms are cosy and the welcome is friendly.

Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

THE AMERICAS | canada

serenely down the river – which makes for exhilarating viewing and great photography.

Telegraph Cove Resort mid Telegraph Cove is a beautiful area and you can complete your experience by lodging in one of Telegraph Cove Resort’s unique cabins. Restored by historians, they replicate times gone by and therefore offer a charming place to stay, with the benefit of a shop, restaurant and bar to make your stay pleasant and convenient. The ‘Great Bear Rainforest’ The small town of Bella Coola lies 80 kilometres inland at the head of an inlet and is the gateway to Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, a hidden gem in British Columbia’s remote interior. The whole area is known as the Great Bear Rainforest. The coastal mountains, river valley and dense forests provide sanctuary for one of the highest concentrations of grizzly bears in Canada, as well as a healthy population of black bears, cougars, deer, beaver, wolves, to mention just a few. There are numerous places in mainland British Columbia where grizzly bears can be seen, but the Bella Coola valley is special. No other location offers the chance of such intimate encounters amidst utterly breathtaking natural splendour. Bear-viewing can be enjoyed on foot or from a boat while drifting

Tweedsmuir Park Lodge mid In a beautiful location, lies Tweedsmuir Park Lodge. Originally built in the early 1930s as a hunting lodge, it was completely rebuilt in 1952 to accommodate those seeking out a more eco-friendly adventure. Chalets here are in a spacious setting with spectacular views. Bears and other wildlife are regularly seen in the grounds.

Coast Mountain Lodge mid Originally built in 1896, historic Coast Mountain Lodge is a retreat in the heart of the Bella Coola valley. It has just 14 mountain view rooms and is surrounded by waterfalls, mountains and, of course, bears! Trails lead out from the property and we can help you organise guided trips to look for bears, salmon and eagles.

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Great Bear Lodge mid Great Bear Lodge is a self-contained floating lodge with five bedrooms and some fantastic bear-viewing nearby. The rooms all have en-suite toilets although showers are shared. There is a central common area for regular wildlife presentations. There are two daily bear-viewing sessions and other guided activities include boat excursions and interpretive walks.

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Princess Royal Island

Fact!

Princess Royal Island is just off the

It is on Princess Royal Island that you find the spirit bear. Isolated for thousands of years here, this small community of ‘white’ black bears inhabits some of the most pristine areas left on earth. These all-white bears (which owe their unusual colouring to a double recessive gene) are elusive, with optimum sightings occurring only from the end of August to the first week of October. With the experience and knowledge of Gitga’at native guides, searching for these rare creatures is an adventure in itself and will involve boat trips and short walks to reach specially located viewing

coast of British Columbia, a truly amazing wilderness location in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. In the summer months the wildlife is prolific here. Apart from bears, June to August are exceptional months for sighting humpback whales, orcas, dall’s porpoise and Pacific white-sided dolphins. On half day and full day whale-watching excursions you will have a unique opportunity to learn about the marine creatures which inhabit and migrate through the region.

platforms which offer superb photographic opportunities. The platforms are well positioned above salmon streams and patience is likely to be rewarded not only with spirit bears but black bears fishing for salmon.

Grizzly and Polar Bear Adventure

TAILOR-MADE

In early October there’s a small window of opportunity to see two of the world’s greatest bear species in one fantastic holiday. You will see brown bears in the wilds of British Columbia, followed by a polar bear extravaganza, seeing these magnificent creatures close-up. As an added bonus, orcas will still be around in Canada’s west. King Pacific Lodge HIGH The accommodation is in exceptionally comfortable rooms, all with en-suite facilities with wonderful views of the wilderness or ocean. Public areas include a lounge and dining room, sauna, steam room and hot tub, and there are also aromatherapy and massage treatments in the spa for those so inclined! A trip to King Pacific Lodge begins with a charter flight from Vancouver to Bella Bella followed by a spectacular float-plane flight directly to the lodge.

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Spirit Bear Lodge mid New for 2011, Spirit Bear Lodge will have 12 rooms, all built in traditional style. The atmosphere is deliberately designed to be both modern and relaxing with “The Great Room” a cosy place to share stories about spirit bear viewing. It’s also where you can watch for passing whales and dolphins. It’s a comfortable place to stay that offers great value accommodation for seeing spirit bears.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Vancouver. 1-night, Fairmont Waterfront Hotel Day 2 Campbell River, 1-night, Heron’s Landing (B) Day 3 Glendale Cove, 3-nights, Knight Inlet Lodge. Enjoy looking for brown bears and orca whales from this unique floating lodge (BLD) Day 6 Vancouver, 1-night, Fairmont Waterfront Hotel. Walk or bike around Stanley Park (B) Day 7 Winnipeg, 1-night, Hotel Fort Garry. Fly to Winnipeg, gateway to polar bear country! (B) Day 8 Churchill, 3-nights, local hotel. See polar bears as they spend their winter hunting amidst the remote scenery of Cape Churchill (BLD) Day 11 Winnipeg, 1-night. Hotel Fort Garry. Sadly time to say farewell to Canada (B) Day 12 Return to UK (via Toronto) Day 13 Arrive UK Departure dates

Daily, early October

Cost per person

From £7230

What’s included

F lights, transfers, meals as indicated, eleven nights hotel accommodation, guided activities

Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

THE AMERICAS | canada

Glendale Cove, the ‘Great Bear Rainforest’ In the wild and pristine region of Western Canada’s Pacific north-west, a select few travellers are afforded the incomparable thrill of close encounters with some of North America’s most impressive creatures – massive brown bears, soaring bald eagles and large pods of orca whales. Our wilderness trips visit this untouched area 70 kilometres north of Campbell River for a wildlife and photography adventure few can rival. The activities at Knight Inlet vary from season to season and even from week to week, depending upon animal migrations. From early May until the end of June the grizzlies are in the estuary very close to the lodge. At this time young bear cubs and new life explode in the bay and all wildlife-viewing is enjoyed from the water. The bears are frequent travellers along the shores in this season and it is not uncommon to see twelve to fifteen different bears in a day, plus whales and dolphins in the Johnstone Strait. In the summer months the bears move into the forest to feed on the berry crop so numbers are fewer, but past sightings have included mothers and cubs playing, mating rituals on the beach and sub-adults sparring. From July to October, close encounters with orca whales, along with porpoises and large numbers of playful Pacific white-sided dolphins, are common. In September you may see humpback whales. From the middle of August to the middle of October, millions of salmon making their final spawning run turn the clear waters dark, attracting dozens

of brown bear who are able to gorge to their hearts content in preparation for the imminent winter freeze.

Bears of Knight Inlet

TAILOR-MADE

Knight Inlet is one of our favourite Canadian properties because of its pristine location and fantastic summer-round brown bear and whale-watching opportunities. Simply, this is wildlife-viewing and scenery at its best.

our choice Knight Inlet Lodge mid Knight Inlet is reached by float-plane from Campbell River and accommodates a maximum of 30 guests in floating wooden cabins, most of which have lounge areas with wood burning stoves. The bedrooms are cedar-panelled and have their own private bathrooms. Public areas include a rustic dining hall and lounge area.

Your stay here could be for anything from one night to seven nights – but we recommend five nights in order to fully appreciate the bears and whales in this spectacular location.

Knight Inlet A trip to Knight Inlet is a great holiday in itself, however if you’d like us to look at adding this wonderful bear-viewing lodge on to one of our self-drive itineraries, we can do that too. Specialist travel consultant Chris Osborn visited Knight Inlet in 2009, so you can ask him for first-hand advice!

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Vancouver, 1-night, Fairmont Waterfront Hotel Day 2 Campbell River, 1-night, Heron’s Landing (B) Day 3 Glendale Cove, 5-nights, Knight Inlet Lodge. Enjoy looking for brown bears and orca whales from this unique floating lodge (BLD) Day 8 Depart for UK Day 9 Arrive UK Departure dates

Daily, May to October

Cost per person From £4230 (May - mid Jun), £4190 (late Jun - Jul), £4530 (Aug), £4560 (Sep - Oct) What’s included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, two nights hotel accommodation and five nights Knight Inlet, guided activities

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Polar Bears

Polar bears are surely the most beautiful of the world’s bears. Standing nearly two metres tall at the shoulder and weighing an average of 600 kilogrammes, the males are powerful and fearless. They are expert hunters with a highly acute sense of smell… they can detect a scent 32 kilometres away! They have no natural enemies and no fear. You may see young adult males play-fighting, solitary adult males lumbering across the tundra and mothers with young cubs. The interaction between polar bears in October and November is fascinating and your guide will ensure that you see and learn as much as possible.

Winnipeg Winnipeg is the gateway to the Cape Churchill region, and you’ll fly into Winnipeg to start your holiday. It is the capital of Manitoba, and where most state residents live. An old Aboriginal trading post before the arrival of Europeans, it’s now a multicultural city, famed for its urban forests and parks.

Hotel Fort Garry HIGH We use the elegant Hotel Fort Garry, one of the original and most characterful trans-Canadian railway hotels. It is the kind of hotel that has marble floors and a piano bar – it feels a little like a step back in time when you walk in. Facilities here include a fitness centre and gym.

Fact!

After dark you need to turn your eyes towards the sky since the Northern Lights are spectacular in this area, with the highest intensity of Arctic auroral activity said to occur over this region.

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Tundra vehicles All of our Polar Bear trips go out on the tundra in specially designed tundra vehicles with heaters and toilet facilities on board. Lunch and refreshments are provided on board too, to maximise your bear-viewing day. As well as bears you may also see Arctic fox, caribou, snowy owls and ptarmigan. With a maximum group size of 15, in a vehicle that can accommodate up to double this number, you will have ample room for viewing and photographing the bears.

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THE AMERICAS | canada

Churchill

Tundra Lodge Adventure

Churchill is the ‘Polar Bear Capital of the World’ and the only human settlement where polar bears can be observed in the wild - it lies right in the bears’ migratory path. Our tours here are planned for October and November, at the time of the annual migration towards the Cape Churchill area. The bears generally spend the summer along Churchill’s coastline. As winter approaches they begin to move towards the Cape, which is where the sea freezes over first and as soon as the ice is thick enough, the bears head north where they spend the winter hunting.

Highlights

lorem tellus. Churchill hotel mid The hotels we use in Churchill will be small, clean and functional (they are not luxurious!). They are however warm and comfortable with en-suite facilities, and close to the town’s amenities. Hospitality here is good, providing a good base for a polar bear adventure.

GROUP TOUR

• Total immersion in the world of the polar bear • Stay overnight in the arctic wilderness • Excursions in tundra vehicles, to get even closer! lorem tellus. Tundra Lodge mid Tundra Lodge is unique - a remarkable mobile hotel that is placed in an area of high bear density at the beginning of the Polar Bear season. It has 32 rooms (although group sizes are limited to a maximum of 28) and each room is a single compartment. There are shared shower and toilet facilities as well as a lounge and dining area from where you can observe bear activity while relaxing in Tundra Lodge’s modest surroundings. During your time spent on the tundra you will have unparalleled opportunities for polar bear viewing. Inquisitive bears often approach the lodge which is equipped with rows of windows and observation decks to accommodate your own curiosity. This unique location, combined with the opportunity for half-day excursions around the tundra in an on-site tundra vehicle, affords some of the best possible wildlife experiences in the Churchill area. Early booking is strongly recommended for the Tundra Lodge trips due to their huge popularity and the limited availability of space.

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

This is an extraordinary adventure to see polar bears. You’ll stay in the Tundra Lodge, a mobile hotel that moves around the arctic tundra, according to the highest bear density at the beginning of the polar bear season. Staying in the icy wilderness at night is a real treat – where else can you watch the sunset across the snow in the home of the polar bear. Your excursions during the day will be in the tundra vehicles, so you can get close to these amazing creatures. This is complete immersion into the world of the polar bear!

ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London for Winnipeg (via Toronto) and transfer to the graceful Hotel Fort Garry for your first night’s accommodation (D) Day 2 After flying to Churchill, you’ll spend four days in the arctic wilderness, looking for polar bears. Staying in the Tundra Lodge affords you wonderful chances to be close to the bears (BLD) Day 6 Return to Winnipeg and your original base at Hotel Fort Garry (BL) Day 7 Depart for the UK (B) Day 8 Arrive home

Departure dates 11 Oct - 18 Oct 2011 15 Oct - 21 Oct 2011 19 Oct - 25 Oct 2011 23 Oct - 29 Oct 2011 27 Oct - 2 Nov 2011 31 Oct - 6 Nov 2011 4 Nov - 10 Nov 2011 8 Nov - 14 Nov 2011 12 Nov - 18 Nov 2011 (Dates subject to change) Flight inclusive cost per person From £5475 Land only cost per person From £4395 Single room supplement From £220 What’s included Flights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, two nights hotel accommodation and four nights in the Tundra Lodge Tour code WCLA Max group size 28

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Riding Mountain National Park

Polar Bear Photo Adventure

Riding Mountain National Park is about

Highlights

three hours from Winnipeg by road. It is a vibrant wilderness oasis set high above three prairies in a landscape of rolling aspen and spruce forests, wildflower-filled meadows, crystal-clear streams and a profusion of lakes and wetlands. Large mammals are considered relatively easy to observe here, with some of the world’s largest black bears and highest population densities of bears, plus moose, elk and beaver. In addition, the wildlife of the area includes bison, beaver, coyote and wolf, and birdwatchers will be treated to over 260 species of birds.

GROUP TOUR

• Sunset and sunrise photo opportunities • Accompanied by an expert guide • Photograph polar bears up-close

Riding Mountain Guest Ranch mid Riding Mountain Guest Ranch is on a private nature reserve, near Riding Mountain National Park. The ranch is run by a wildlife biologist, who offers daily wildlife safaris in the park, and bear viewing from a hide on the ranch. You can be assured of a friendly welcome... and delicious home-cooked meals at the end of a hard day’s viewing!

For keen photographers, this trip is a must. It provides unique and rare opportunities to photograph polar bears from your base on the tundra itself – including at sunset and sunrise. Accompanied by an expert photography guide, you’ll learn tips and tricks and discuss Arctic photography from the Tundra Lodge, which has ample space for your equipment and good public space for you to position yourself for the very best shots. Churchill has long been a pilgrimage for wildlife photographers – now it’s your chance to experience the thrill of taking that classic polar bear shot!

Riding Mountain makes an ideal add-on to one of our polar bear holidays. Male black bears are often seen here until the beginning of November, so you can see two species in one holiday.

ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London for Winnipeg (via Toronto) and transfer to the graceful Hotel Fort Garry for your first night’s accommodation (D) Day 2 Fly to Churchill, and spend five days with specialist photographers taking photos of polar bears and this unique landscape from your Tundra Lodge base (BLD) Day 7 Return to Winnipeg and your original base at Hotel Fort Garry (BL) Day 8 Depart for the UK (B) Day 9 Arrive home

Departure dates Wed 16 Nov – Thu 24 Nov 11 Flight inclusive cost per person From £5715 Land only cost per person From £4665 Single room supplement From £220 What’s included Flights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, two nights hotel accommodation and four nights in the Tundra Lodge Tour code WCPA Max group size 28

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THE AMERICAS | canada

GROUP TOUR

Classic Polar Bears Highlights • See the world’s greatest concentrations of polar bears • Viewings from warm, specially-designed tundra vehicles • A stunning icy wilderness, maybe you’ll see the Northern Lights Seeing polar bears in the wild is awe-inspiring. This tour allows you to get close to these magnificent creatures from the warmth and safety of a speciallydesigned tundra vehicle and affords maximum opportunity to see the bears on evening, and full-day excursions. You can be sure to be in the company of people as enthused about polar bears as you are, you will be afforded great wildlife viewing opportunities and be accompanied by expert local guides who will answer all of your questions about these simply wonderful animals.

CHURCHILL Churchill

Departure dates

Hudson Bay

Reindeer Lake

CANADA

Saskatchewan

Lake Manitoba

O n t ario Lake Winnipeg

WINNIPEG

ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London for Winnipeg (via Toronto) and transfer to the graceful Hotel Fort Garry for your first night’s accommodation (D) Day 2 After flying to Churchill, you have three days to enjoy polar bear viewing. We’ve included three bear-viewing trips as well as evening presentations during your time here (BLD) Day 5 Today you’ll have free-time to explore the historic town of Churchill, before returning by air to Winnipeg and your original base at Hotel Fort Garry (BL) Day 6 Depart for the UK (B) Day 7 Arrive home

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

8 Days Mon 10 Oct – Mon 17 Oct 11 Mon 11 Oct – Mon 18 Oct 10 Fri 14 Oct – Fri 21 Oct 11 Mon 17 Oct – Mon 24 Oct 11 Wed 19 Oct – Wed 26 Oct 11 Fri 21 Oct – Fri 28 Oct 11 Sun 23 Oct – Sun 30 Oct 11 Tue 25 Oct – Tue 01 Nov 11 Thu 27 Oct – Thu 03 Nov 11 Sat 29 Oct – Sat 05 Nov 11 Wed 02 Nov – Wed 09 Nov 11 Thu 03 Nov – Thu 10 Nov 11 Sun 06 Nov – Sun 13 Nov 11 Mon 07 Nov – Mon 14 Nov 11 Thu 10 Nov – Thu 17 Nov 11 Mon 14 Nov – Mon 21 Nov 11 (Dates subject to change) Flight inclusive cost per person From £4235 (7 Days) £4520 (8 Days) Land only cost per person From £3265 (7 Days) £3530 (8 Days) Single room supplement From £570 What’s included Flights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, five nights hotel accommodation Tour code WCCP Max group size 15

Manitoba

Lake Winnipegosis

7 Days Fri 14 Oct – Thu 20 Oct 11 Sat 15 Oct – Fri 21 Oct 11 Tue 18 Oct – Mon 24 Oct 11 Tue 25 Oct – Mon 31 Oct 11 Fri 28 Oct – Thu 03 Nov 11 Mon 31 Oct – Sun 06 Nov 11 Mon 07 Nov – Sun 13 Nov 11 Tue 08 Nov – Mon 14 Nov 11 Thu 10 Nov – Wed 16 Nov 11 Fri 11 Nov – Thu 17 Nov 11 Sun 13 Nov – Sat 19 Nov 11

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Costa Rica

In focus Costa Rica is possibly the finest country in Central America for wildlife viewing, offering a simply exceptional biodiversity and a proud heritage of wildlife preservation with world-class parks and reserves. Visitors on a two week trip can easily take in all the main wildlife and scenic areas on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Highlights include watching turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs, howler monkeys swinging through the jungle canopy, toucans and brightly coloured parrots flitting through the forests, plus tiny colourful tree frogs resting on bright green leaves. We can easily organise self-drive programmes or fully-escorted private trips, or perhaps a combination of the two depending on your preference.

July to September Arenal Volcano N.P.

Tortuguero N.P.

Sarapiqui Tamarindo Monteverde Cloud Forest

Braulio Carrillo N.P.

SAN JOSE

COSTA RICA

Gulf of Nicoya

Cahuita N.P.

Green and hawksbill turtles gather in Tortuguero National Park, where night walks are organised.

December to January Humpback and sperm whales can be seen along the coastline of the Corcovado National Park in southern Costa Rica.

Corcovado N.P.

San José San José is the capital of Costa Rica and the country’s main transportation hub. Its central location means that most visitors will spend some time here. The downtown area is fairly small and there are several interesting museums and parks. Of special interest is historic Barrio Amón where many of the cafetalero (coffee baron) mansions have been restored to their former glory. At an elevation of around 1200 metres, San José enjoys a near– perfect temperature of around 21°C all year round.

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The Alta Hotel mid The Alta Hotel is a delightful boutique property, tastefully decorated and with wonderful views of surrounding valleys. You can see the views from your room’s balcony! Another attraction of The Alta Hotel is its restaurant, fusion cuisine made from lovely, fresh produce.

Xandari Resort and Spa HIGH The 22 huge private villas are on a high hilltop 20 minutes from San José. Each villa has its own walled terrace for privacy and solitude, and a large viewing terrace overlooking the surrounding coffee farms and the central valley below. The hotel also has a spa, restaurant, two swimming pools, an orchid house and over four kilometres of private scenic trails.

Grano de Oro HIGH Elegant and refined, Grano de Oro is located just off San Jose’s main street – a haven in the heart of the city. The hotel is a converted Victorian mansion, and retains its old world charm and homely atmosphere throughout. If you’re looking for luxury, this hotel is for you!

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Braulio Carrillo National Park Braulio Carrillo preserves a pristine emerald swathe of rainforest full of tropical plants, waterfalls and trees, located just 20 kilometres north-east of San José. The highlight here is a ride on the rainforest aerial tram, looking down into the forest below where over 340 species of bird have been recorded, together with howler and white-faced monkeys, tapirs, jaguars, pumas, ocelots and pacas. There are also several short hiking trails that offer the opportunity to see animals or birds such as beautiful quetzals, toucans, trogons and eagles.

Rainforest Lodge mid Rainforest Lodge is well-positioned for unforgettable views of the forest and mountains. It consists of ten modern, well-equipped bungalows with lovely wooden floors and a balcony. It is perfectly located for trips aboard the aerial tram, a highlight of any visit to the area.

There are 12 spacious rooms and four suites with private balconies offering modern amenities. In the grounds a pool is surrounded by lush, tropical gardens full of birds, and guests can enjoy tranquil canoeing trips on the nearby lake. For a special (or romantic!) occasion there is the split-level master suite with living room and enormous balcony. Sarapiqui Sarapiqui is a fascinating area dominated by the Sarapiqui River and surrounding lowland rainforest just north of Braulio Carillo National Park, near the border of Nicaragua. The area is rich in wildlife and is known for its jungle reserves and boat rides, including exciting white-water rafting and kayaking trips.

COSTA RICAN ODYSSEY

TAILOR-MADE

Costa Rica is one of the finest Central American destinations for the wildlife lover. This is a well-priced, classic itinerary which takes in all of the main wildlife highlights, which you can explore at a relatively leisurely pace. We can offer this itinerary as a self-drive or, if you wish, with transfers throughout.

suggested ITINERARY

Hacienda La Isla mid A delightful property with outstanding natural features for the wildlife enthusiast. Its setting alongside mountain streams and rainforest is breathtaking, and is where you can learn about and photograph the birds and wildlife contained within. A truly lovely place to stay.

Casa Turire HIGH Casa Turire is in the nearby Turrialba Valley, a hotel with an old world charm. Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Day 1 Depart London for San José (via Miami). 1-night, The Alta Hotel Day 2 Braulio Carrillo, 1-night, Rainforest Lodge. Enjoy views from the canopy walkways (BLD) Day 3 Tortuguero, 2-nights, Pachira Lodge. Explore untouched rainforest (BLD) Day 5 Arenal, 2-nights, Arenal Country Inn. At leisure to explore the Arenal Valley (BL) Day 7 Monteverde, 2-nights, Cloud Forest Lodge. Unique opportunity to see cloud forest (B) Day 9 Gulf of Nicoya, 2-nights, La Ensenada Lodge. Guided excursion on the canals of the Abangares River (B) Day 11 San José, 1-night, The Alta Hotel (B) Day 12 Return to the UK (via Miami) (B) Day 13 Arrive home

Departure dates

Daily, throughout the year

Cost per person

Self-drive From £1995 (Jan - Jun, Sep - Oct), £2235 (Jul - Aug)

Transfers From £2215 (Jan - Jun, Sep - Oct), £2445 (Jul - Aug)

What’s included

F lights, transfers, meals as indicated, eleven nights hotel accommodation, guided activities, car hire

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TAILOR-MADE

Untamed Costa Rica

set amidst the 50% protected primary rainforest on the farm, with the canopy walkway giving a great vantage point from which to observe the forest.

Explore the wild side of Costa Rica on this adventure to some of the little-visited national parks and natural areas, from the reefs and forests of Cahuita National Park to the unique landscapes of the Tenorio Volcano National Park. We’ve also chosen your accommodation with nature in mind – your accommodation at Sarapiqui has butterfly and frog gardens.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London for San José (via Miami). 1-night, The Alta Hotel Day 2 Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, 2-nights, Almonds & Corals Hotel. Unique environment of reef and forest to explore (BD) Day 4 Sarapiqui, 2-nights, Hacienda La Isla. Various adventure activities on offer (B) Day 6 Arenal, 2-nights, Arenal Manoa. See the volcano from your room! (B) Day 8 Tenorio Volcano National Park, 2-nights, Celeste Mountain Ecolodge. True Costa Rican wilderness (B) Day 10 Tamarindo, 2-nights, Jardin del Eden. Beach stay to relax at the end of your adventure (B) Day 12 San José, 1-night, The Alta Hotel (B) Day 13 Return to the UK (via Miami) (B) Day 14 Arrive home

Mawamba Lodge mid The lodge has 54 comfortable rooms and four superior rooms. This beachfront property is surrounded by rainforest and exotic gardens and located on a sand bar between two canals. From here guests can easily visit the park, walk to the beach, hike on trails or just relax in hammocks beside the pool and lagoon. Monteverde Cloud Forest

Departure dates

Daily, throughout the year

Cost per person From £2665 (Jan - Apr), £2595 (May - Jun, Sep - Oct), £2895 (Jul - Aug) What’s included

F lights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, twelve nights hotel accommodation, guided activities

Tortuguero National Park Tortuguero is a vast area of untouched rainforest on a remote part of the Caribbean coast where beaches, canals, lagoons and wetlands create an extraordinary biodiversity. Activities here centre on boat trips through the extensive network of freshwater creeks and lagoons. The park is home to seven species of river turtle, spectacled caiman, southern river otters, spider, howler and capuchin monkeys, threetoed sloths and over 300 species of birds. But most visitors’ attention turns to the beaches when, at night, green and hawksbill turtles come ashore to nest between July and September (peaking in August) and leatherback turtles between February and April.

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Pachira Lodge mid The lodge has 88 comfortable rooms in wooden cabins, each with en-suite bathroom and ceiling fans. The lodge is on the main canal in Tortuguero town, just five minutes from Tortuguero National Park. It has a restaurant serving three buffet-style meals a day, and a bar.

Monteverde Cloud Forest is a reserve of some 4,500 hectares straddling the continental divide at 1,440 metres. Here, weather patterns from both the Caribbean and Pacific oceans create a cloud forest ecosystem; it is considered to be one of the most outstanding wildlife reserves of Central America, home to over 100 species of mammal (including five species of cats), over 400 species of bird (including 30 species of hummingbirds), tens of thousands of insect species (including over 5,000 species of moths) and 2,500 species of plants (including 420 kinds of orchids).

Hotel Fonda Vela HIGH There are nine buildings nestled in serene landscaped grounds with more than a kilometre of nature trails. There are 21 standard rooms and 18 junior suites, all with modern amenities. Parrots, toucans and numerous other birds feed from the wild fruit trees and resplendent quetzals are seen here in season. The Cloud Forest Reserve is just two kilometres away and a terrace overlooks the Gulf of Nicoya. Cloud Forest Lodge mid Cloud Forest Lodge is a comfortable option, surrounded by 5kms of private trails where you’ll find 180 species of birds. In the evenings you can enjoy beautiful sunsets from the restaurant and bar, while enjoying a relaxing drink at the end of the day. The bungalow-style rooms feature all modern amenities.

Fact!

El Establo HIGH Situated on a private farm, the Cloud Forest Lodge offers a relaxing spot with a great emphasis on nature. The two swimming pools and restaurants are

The resplendent quetzal, the sacred bird of the Mayans, is considered by many to be the most beautiful bird in the world, and is regularly seen between January and July in Monteverde Cloud Forest.

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THE AMERICAS | costa rica

GROUP TOUR

Costa Rica’s Natural Highlights Highlights • See prolific wildlife in a unique natural environment • Take in the world’s most active volcano - Arenal • Relax on tropical, white sand beaches Wildlife abounds on this wonderful trip exploring Costa Rica’s natural highlights. You’ll discover nesting turtles, monkeys, prolific birdlife and much more besides, amidst a tapestry of forests, beaches, lagoons and waterfalls. Exploring by foot, boat and high above the trees on canopy walkways, this tour visits our favourite places, from Tortuguero National Park to Monteverde Cloud Forest and the white-sand beaches of Tamarindo.

RINCON DE LA VIEJA NATIONAL PARK ARENAL SPRINGS TAMARINDO

Atlantic Ocean TORTUGUERO NATIONAL PARK

SAN JOSE Siquirres

Carara National Park MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST

COSTA RICA

Pacific Ocean

ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for San Jose Day 2 Travel to Tortuguero National Park for a two night stay at Laguna Lodge (BD) Day 3 Boat journey to see numerous monkeys and prolific birdlife (BD) Day 4 To Arenal Volcano National Park to see the world’s most active volcano (B) Day 6 Two days exploring Santa Elena Cloud Forest – canopy walkways are one of the best ways to explore the region (B) Day 8 In Rincon de la Vieja you’ll enjoy various trail walks and swim in waterfalls (B) Day 10 After your explorations, there’s time to relax on the white sand beaches of Tamarindo from the beach-front Diria Hotel (B) Day 12 A final night in San Jose, visiting Carara National Park en-route (B) Day 13 Depart San Jose for UK Day 14 Arrive UK

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Departure dates

Sat 12 Feb – Fri 25 Feb 11 Sat 16 Apr – Fri 29 Apr 11 Sat 13 Aug – Fri 26 Aug 11 Sat 12 Nov - Fri 25 Nov 11 Fri 10 Feb – Thu 23 Feb 12 Sat 14 Apr – Fri 27 Apr 12 Sat 11 Aug - Sun 24 Aug 12 Sat 10 Nov - Fri 23 Nov 12

Flight inclusive cost per person From £2295 Land only cost per person

From £1425

Single room supplement From £455 What’s included Flights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, ten nights hotel/lodge accommodation and two nights in a hacienda Tour code

WCRW

Max group size

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The Gulf of Nicoya The Gulf of Nicoya is a stunning coastal landscape of wetlands, jagged rocky islands, cliffs and mangroves. The offshore islands protect seabird sanctuaries inaccessible to visitors. However, with binoculars, birdwatching is easily enjoyed by boat. Guayabo is the largest of four known nesting sites for brown pelicans in Costa Rica and is also home to boobies, frigatebirds and falcons at certain times of year. This is not an area regularly visited by tourists – a distinct advantage for those with a keen interest in wildlife!

Villa Caletas HIGH Villa Caletas is a luxurious boutique hotel perched in an absolutely stunning location amidst rainforest overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Nicoya. Accommodation consists of 52 gorgeous rooms, individual villas and suites. There’s a dramatic amphitheatre where concerts are often held. The area is renowned for its flocks of colourful scarlet macaws. Arenal Volcano National Park

La Ensenada Lodge mid This is a unique opportunity to stay on a working ranch and wildlife refuge. It offers 25 spacious rooms in comfortable ocean-facing villas. Activities include horse-riding and guided birding excursions in the forest and marshes which provide excellent opportunities to see herons, pelicans, parrots, ducks and spoonbills gathering during the dry season.

Arenal Volcano National Park is famous for Mt. Arenal, one of the world’s most active volcanos. It lay dormant for centuries, erupted in 1968 and has been continuously active ever since, making it one of the world’s most explosive cones. The highlight comes after dark when volcanic activity often includes explosions and flowing lava. The surrounding national park contains a bizarre landscape of lava flows, lush natural forest and tropical flora and fauna, including howler monkeys, toucans and over 350 species of birds.

Arenal Springs HIGH A delightful retreat, designed to give guests the best views of the Arenal Volcano from their rooms. The hotel has lovely gardens, a large swimming pool and spa, so you can treat yourself to a massage. Rooms are air-conditioned and have a terrace. The hotel has a vegetable farm and guests are invited to visit to see how some of the local agricultural product is harvested.

Arenal Manoa HIGH Each room at the Arenal Manoa hotel offers a panoramic view of the volcano, as does the delightful swimming pool and garden area. So why not sit on your balcony and observe the amazing sight of one of the world’s most active volcanoes before you. There’s also a spa – a perfect combination of nature and relaxation. Arenal Country Inn HIGH A comfortable base from which to explore the volcano, whether you choose bird-watching in the morning or to enjoy the hotel’s gardens. Rooms are tastefully decorated with mini-bar and air-conditioning.

Fact! Arenal Observatory Lodge HIGH This is a unique property, once a Smithsonian Institute scientific research station and located just 1.7 kilometres from the volcano. It is protected from danger by a deep gorge and offers magnificent views of the volcano on a clear night.

The Tenorio Volcano National Park, 35 kilometres from Arenal, sports one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful waterfalls and natural hot springs; clear waters here turn blue because of a unique volcanic chemical reaction. We visit it on our Untamed Costa Rica itinerary, for those who really want to get close to Costa Rica’s wild side... See page 122

Upgrade to Smithsonian wing rooms or suites, which have huge picture windows for even better views!

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THE AMERICAS | costa rica

Tamarindo

Costa Rica in Style

Tamarindo is the bustling surf capital and tourist centre of Costa Rica’s north Pacific coast, but besides the stunning beaches it also offers fabulous opportunities to explore the surrounding rainforest reserves, mangrove swamps, estuaries, rivers and volcanoes for wildlife. Tamarindo’s broad sandy bay stretches for three and a half kilometres, and is bordered by large river estuaries whose extensive mangrove forests are protected reserves. Leatherback turtles lay their eggs in the north, howler monkeys swing through trees, parakeets screech as they settle for the night and giant iguanas can be seen downtown!

Tamarindo Diria HIGH This is a fantastic hotel located on the white sands of Tamarindo Beach. Many rooms have ocean views and guests can enjoy relaxing in the lush tropical gardens facing the beach. Recommended for its location and style, we’re sure you’ll enjoy staying here.

TAILOR-MADE

A comprehensive itinerary, featuring wildlife highlights and accommodations that offer a touch of class. This is for those who want to see the best bits of Costa Rica, with lovely accommodation at the end of the day. We’ve also chosen to include Corcovado National Park as we think it adds something special to the itinerary, as ‘the most biologically intense place on earth’. Jardin del Eden mid A small resort and boutique hotel on a small hill a few minutes walk from the beach. This enchanting hotel consists of five villas with a total of 34 rooms and two fully-equipped apartments. Corcovado National Park Corcovado National Park is wet tropical lowland forest at its best, named ‘the most biologically intense place on earth’ by Americas National Geographic Society, and it is the last remaining Pacific lowland rainforest of a sustainable size in Central America. With 500 species of tree, 104 species of mammal, 367 species of bird, 117 species of amphibians and reptiles and 40 species of freshwater fish, this area is a naturalist’s paradise. Here amongst the largest trees of Costa Rica, can be found the densest population of tapirs, jaguars and scarlet macaws in the region. The park is also home to ocelots, pumas, giant anteaters and harpy eagles. Other protected species here include howler, spider, squirrel and white-faced capuchin monkeys, great tinamou, silky anteater, poison dart frog, glass frog, bushmaster snake, and leatherback, olive ridley and green turtles.

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London for San José (via Miami). 1-night, Grano de Oro Day 2 Braulio Carrillo, 1-night, Casa Turire. Enjoy views from the canopy walkways (B) Day 3 Tortuguero, 2-nights, Mawamba Lodge (superior room). See nesting turtles, in season (BLD) Day 5 Arenal, 2-nights, Arenal Manoa. Enjoy a multitude of optional excursions (B) Day 7 Monteverde, 2-nights, El Establo. See how many of the 100 mammal species you can spot! (B) Day 9 Corcovado, 3-nights, Drake Bay Wilderness Resort. Explore ‘the most biologically intense place on earth’ (BLD) Day 12 Gulf of Nicoya, 3-nights, Villa Caletas. Stay in a lovely boutique hotel – a luxury end to your holiday (B) Day 15 Return to the UK (via Miami) (B) Day 16 Arrive home

Departure dates

Daily, throughout the year

Cost per person From £3545 (Jan - Apr), £3385 (May - Jun, Sep - Oct), £3775 (Jul - Aug) What’s included

F lights, transfers, meals as indicated, fourteen nights hotel accommodation, guided activities

Drake Bay Wilderness Resort mid This resort has 20 charming, spacious tropical cabins. Each cabin has a view of the bay, mountains and rainforest, with delicious food prepared and cooked using ingredients from the resort’s own organic farm. 123

South America This enormous region offers visitors a huge choice of environments, from tall Andean peaks to the dense Amazon jungle. Geography like this is home to a spectacular array of wildlife - the amazing jaguar and Andean condor are amongst the hundreds of species of birds and mammals, and thousands of plant species.

THE AMERICAS | south america

In focus February

Mindo Cloud Forest Galapagos Islands

Orcas start arriving off the Valdes Peninsula and can be seen until the end of April. Pages 142-145

GEORGETOWN

GUYANA

Quito Amazon

AMAZON

ECUADOR

May

BRAZIL

CHILE Valparaiso

South Pantanal

Iguassu Falls

RIO DE JANEIRO

Yacutinga Rainforest

Ibera Marshlands

SANTIAGO

Salvador

North Pantanal

Lauca N.P. Atacama Desert

In Guyana the main wet season from May until August is considered the best time for jaguar sightings (although there are sightings year round). Pages 148-151

BUENOS AIRES

ARGENTINA Chiloe Island Patagonia Torres del Paine

June

The start of the dry season in the Pantanal make this a good time to see mammals such as black howler monkeys, anteaters and crab-eating fox. Pages 134-137

July

Valdes Peninsula

Southern right whales start arriving off the Valdes Peninsula in order to mate and calve. They remain until December. Pages 142-145

Los Glaciares National Park The Falkland Islands

The Galapagos Cycle

Genovesa Santiago Fernandina

SANTA CRUZ

ISABELA SAN CRISTÓBAL Pacific Ocean

Floreana

Española

Different wildlife events happen at different times of the year in the Galapagos. Here we cite a few of our favourites: January – green sea turtles arrive to the beaches to lay their eggs February – greater flamingos begin nesting on Floreana March and April – waved albatrosses arrive for the start of their courtship May – most of the marine iguana eggs hatch from their nests on Santa Cruz June – humpback whales can be seen along the coast of Ecuador to the Galapagos

July – a great time to see breeding sea bird colonies August – Galapagos hawks begin their courtship displays on Espanola and Santiago September – Galapagos sealions are very active October – blue-footed boobies raise their chicks on Espanola and Isabela November – an excellent time for snorkelling December – hatching of giant tortoise eggs begins and lasts until April

Climate - Ecuador

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Temperature max (˚C) 22 22 22 21 21 22 Rainfall (mm) 99 112 142 175 137 43

22 23 20 31

23 22 22 22 69 112 97 79

Top tip: Many of the countries straddling the tropics will have their temperatures moderated by high altitude, so you’ll need to pack a variety of clothing for your trip.

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Ecuador

Ecuador, as its name implies, straddles the equator. It is a land of startling contrasts and, when combined with the unique islands of the Galapagos, offers the wildlife enthusiast perhaps the ultimate holiday with a simply staggering number of species, many of which are endemic, from the lush green jungles of the Amazon Basin to the rocky marine paradise of the Galapagos archipelago.

Quito Quito, the capital of Ecuador, sits at an altitude of 2,850 metres on the slopes of the active Pichincha Volcano and was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city. It lies just 25 kilometres south of the Equator. Quitoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful old town is perhaps the least altered historic centre in Latin America. Most itineraries will spend some time in Quito whilst transferring between attractions and many will allow enough time for exploration. You could visit the Equatorial Monument, go horse-riding or white-water rafting, visit an Indian market or simply take a city tour.

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our choice Hotel Patio Andaluz mid This is a lovely, boutique hotel, which was declared a National Monument by UNESCO in 1978 as it was part of the original City of San Francisco of Quito at the time of its foundation. It has 31 rooms, a restaurant, a cava bar and a library, and is located in the heart of the city.

Hotel Relicario del Carmen mid A small historic hotel in the heart of the colonial centre. It is an old house said to date back to 1705. It has 18 charming rooms and is oozing with character. Many of the original paintings decorate its hallways.

Casa Aliso mid Casa Aliso is a small, ten bedroom boutique accommodation, which has the feel of a luxury home away from home. Its lovely rooms are tastefully decorated in keeping with its role as a former residence and, if the weatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nice, breakfast is served in the garden to a chorus of birdsong. A delightful place to stay. Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

THE AMERICAS | ecuador

The Amazon The Amazon experience begins with a flight east from Quito to the rather ordinary town of Coca. However, this is where the adventure begins. A short transfer takes you to the river port where you board a motorised canoe for your journey down the mighty Rio Napo into the heart of the forest. The final stretch of your journey will be by Indian dugout canoe that will take you right to your lodge. This vast region protects more species of plant and mammal than almost any area of a similar size. It is home to a simply astonishing wildlife repertoire - 15% of all the bird species on the planet, over 100 species of mammal and 300 species of fish. And that’s not to mention the 1,000 species of butterfly, freshwater dolphins, caimans, 10 monkey species and innumerable exotic flowers. Of particular interest to you may be to try and sight the mystical and enigmatic jaguar.

llus. . Sacha Jungle Lodge HIGH our choice The 26 individual en-suite cabins at Sacha Jungle Lodge are constructed using local materials and traditional methods. There is a main dining and observation area all surrounded by 1,700 hectares of privately-owned jungle. All excursions are accompanied by an English-speaking naturalist guide and a local quichua guide.

Napo Wildlife Centre HIGH Napo Wildlife Centre is run in conjunction with the local Anangu Quichua Community and is involved in many different conservation projects. The 12 cabanas have been designed with comfort in mind, with private porches for relaxing when you’re not in the rainforest.

La Selva mid La Selva is a simple and rustic lodge built to a native design. The lodge accommodates a maximum of 40 guests and offers forest walks and excursions by motorised and dugout canoe.

The lodge has a spectacular 300-metre canopy walkway and a 43-metre high observation tower, which allow you to get an unprecedented look at the rainforest’s animals and birds.

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

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The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos archipelago sits astride the equator, 960 kilometres west of the Ecuadorian mainland (you fly from either Quito or Guayaquil to the islands of Santa Cruz or San Cristobal). These volcanic islands have a unique biological identity, never having been connected to another landmass, and over millions of years species endemic to the islands have formed. In addition, the absence of large predators means that wildlife on the Galapagos shows little or no fear of man, and it is possible to approach birds, mammals and reptiles openly and very closely – it’s a photographer’s dream! Sealions, seals, dolphins and whales are present throughout the archipelago due to a constant supply of nutrient rich water and the islands are home to a wealth of bird species including the unique finches that played such a prominent role in the development of Darwin’s theory.

Cruising the Galapagos We offer a selection of vessels to take you around the Galapagos, which are shown on the following pages. We favour the smaller and mid-sized boats, which have a high level of personal service and naturalists on-board, thus enhancing the wildlife experience. Cruises are generally for seven nights but three and four night options are available on some vessels.

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Galapagos vessels When considering a voyage around the Galapagos Islands the type of vessel you choose is important. There are really two options – motor-sailors and motorcruisers. The motor-cruisers, which tend to be a little larger, can generally reach more of the islands, whilst the motor-sailors offer a more traditional way of getting between the isles.

Finch Bay Eco Hotel HIGH At the end of your Galapagos voyage you may wish to spend a little time staying at one of the small hotels on Santa Cruz to soak up a little local life. We highly recommend the Finch Bay Eco Hotel, where wildlife happily wanders around the hotel’s grounds – please ask us if you would like us to tailor this into your itinerary.

Special occasion? Why not ask us for business class upgrades? We can offer competitive prices and it’d be a lovely start to your trip.

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THE AMERICAS | Galapagos

Fernandina An active volcano with rugged slopes, unusual lava formations and a huge population of land iguanas. There are also sealions, marine iguanas, sally lightfoot crabs, Galapagos penguins and flightless cormorants.

The Santa Cruz usually visits Baltra, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, Espanola, San Cristobal, Bartolome, Santiago, Floreana and North Seymour â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a comprehensive itinerary. Three or four night cruises are also available on the Santa Cruz â&#x20AC;&#x201C; please ask us for details.

Isabela

Santiago and Bartolome

By far the largest island and home to some 6,000 Galapagos tortoises around the volcanic slopes. There is

Lava lizards are common on Santiago and the island is good for birds such as Galapagos dove, Galapagos

an interesting uplifted coral reef and the brackish lagoons host egrets, flamingos and white-cheeked pintails. South American fur seals are common around the coastline as are Galapagos penguins and iguanas.

mockingbird and Galapagos hawk. Land iguanas, Sally lightfoot crabs, sealions and South American fur seals may also be seen. The small island of Bartolome, famous for Pinnacle Rock, is home to Galapagos penguins. Turtles and whitetipped reef sharks may also accompany you while snorkelling here.

Fact! San Cristobal Home to frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies and sealions, this island was the first that Charles Darwin set foot on in September 1835.

lorem tellus. our choice Santa Cruz HIGH The Santa Cruz is a first-class 72-metre motor-cruiser carrying 90 passengers in 43 cabins, all with private bathrooms (shower and toilet). The cabins - all outside - are located on the boat, main and upper decks. Facilities include a lounge, bar, restaurant, resident physician, shop, reading room and library, Jacuzzi, sun deck and an aromatherapy centre. The vessel is also air-conditioned throughout. There are 52 crew members on-board with six naturalist guides, and five zodiacs for ship to shore transportation.

lorem tellus.

Due to the popularity of the Galapagos Islands and of the vessels, early booking is always recommended for the best chance of getting your choice of boat.

lorem tellus. La Pinta HIGH La Pinta is a motor-yacht offering a luxurious expedition around the Galapagos Islands. If you want the ultimate treat, then this is the boat for you. With a capacity of just 48 guests, it boasts 24 spacious cabins with large windows for panoramic views. It has a sitting room, well-stocked library, lecture area with cinema screen, Jacuzzi and separate dining areas both inside and outside with a choice of deck bars.

Samba mid The Samba is a 24-metre motor-sailor accommodating 14 passengers in six air-conditioned cabins, each equipped with private bathrooms (shower and toilet). Facilities include a restaurant and sun deck. There is one naturalist on-board. This is our recommendation for a good value, comfortable cruise around the Galapagos. Samba usually visits Baltra, North Seymour, Santa Cruz, Floreana, Fernandina, Isabela, Santiago and Bartolome, and Espanola.

La Pinta usually visits San Cristobal, North Seymour, Santa Cruz, Floreana, Fernandina, Isabela, Bartolome and Espanola. Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

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Genovesa

Santa Cruz

Breeding ground for the South American fur seal and sealions. The cliffs are home to Galapagos and Madeiran storm-petrel, Audubonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shearwater and red-billed tropicbird. Look out for lava gulls too, the rarest gull in the world. Hammerhead sharks also cruise along the coastline.

Its rocky coastline and maze of mangrove-lined inlets is good for sea turtles, sharks and rays. It is also home to a good population of tortoises, land and marine iguanas and birds â&#x20AC;&#x201C; there are eight species of finch here. This is the home of the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise breeding centre. Nearby, Seymour supports the largest colony of magnificent frigatebirds in the Galapagos archipelago, while North Seymour is home to blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, sealions and marine iguanas.

lorem tellus. Isabela II HIGH The Isabela II is a deluxe 53-metre motor-yacht carrying 40 passengers in 21 cabins. All cabins have a private bathroom (shower and toilet) and are located on the main and upper decks of the vessel. Facilities include a lounge, bar, dining room, resident physician, boutique, reading room and library, Jacuzzi and sun deck. The vessel is also air-conditioned throughout. There are 24 crew members on-board with three naturalist guides, and three zodiacs for ship to shore transportation. This is luxury accommodation, but without the price tag. The Isabela II usually visits Baltra, North Seymour, Espanola, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago and Bartolome.

Fact! The Galapagos is a fantastic location for diving. Please call our Head of Sales, Helen Brown, for more information. She enjoyed a trip there in 2009.

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lorem tellus. Beluga HIGH The Beluga is a spacious, comfortable, first-class 36-metre motor-yacht carrying 16 passengers in eight double/ twin cabins, each with a private bathroom (shower and toilet). Facilities include lounge, bar, dining area and plenty of deck space. The vessel is air-conditioned throughout. There are seven crew members on-board, including a naturalist guide. The Beluga usually visits Espanola, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Fernandina, North Seymour, Santiago and Bartolome.

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THE AMERICAS | Galapagos

Floreana Densely studded with volcanic cones and relatively luxuriant. There are nesting areas for tropicbirds, shearwaters and noddies on the island, and a good lagoon for flamingos and several sealion colonies. The submerged volcanic crater of Devilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crown provides one of the best snorkelling sites in the Galapagos.

lorem tellus. Sagitta HIGH The beautiful and spacious first class, three-masted sailing ship Sagitta is 36 metres long. She accommodates 16

passengers on two decks and has a crew of nine. There are ten airconditioned cabins, each with double lower and single upper berths. Each cabin has an en-suite bath and shower. There is a library, comfortable conference room, dining room and deck salons. The Sagitta usually visits North Seymour, Genovesa, Santa Cruz, Espanola, Floreana, Isabela, Fernandina and Bartolome. Espanola Magnificent seabird colonies include blue-footed and masked boobies and swallow-tailed gulls. This is also the breeding site for the waved albatross (although the colonies are deserted from January to March).

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

lorem tellus. The Cachalote mid The Cacahlote is a tourist class 21-metre ketch-rigged motor-sailor, carrying 16 passengers in eight double/ twin cabins, each with private facilities (shower and toilet). The public areas include a bar and dining area, together with ample deck space spread over three decks. There is air-conditioning throughout. There are six crew members on board, including a naturalist guide. The Cachalote usually visits Baltra, Santa Cruz, Espanola, Isabela, Santiago and Bartolome.

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Amazon and the Galapagos

TAILOR-MADE

A fantastic look at the wildlife of Ecuador and the Galapagos, this itinerary takes in the two foremost natural highlights – the Amazon and the Galapagos Islands.

Land-based Galapagos

GROUP TOUR

Highlights • Snorkel amidst colourful marine life • See dolphins, iguanas and more… • Meet the tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station Amazing wildlife, both on land and underwater, is the drawcard of the remote Galapagos Islands. Discover the outstanding natural beauty, interesting history and unique wildlife by foot, boat and bike on this Galapagos adventure: Trace Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, spot colourful, bizarre and beautiful creatures and have an experience that is completely out of this world. This is a great value trip to the Galapagos, which uses land-based accommodation, rather than a cruise. You’ll stay at a variety of comfortable hotels on different islands, allowing us to keep the price down without compromising on the quality of the wildlife-viewing in this enchanted wonderland.

ITINERARY suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Quito (via Madrid or Miami), 2-nights, Hotel Patio Andaluz Day 2 Free day to explore Quito (B) Day 3 Amazon jungle, 3-nights, Sacha Jungle Lodge. Explore the tributaries, forests and myriad wildlife in this pristine jungle environment (BLD) Day 6 Quito, 1-night, Hotel Patio Andaluz. (BLD) Day 7 Galapagos voyage, 7-nights, your choice of vessel. A cruise around the unique Galapagos archipelago for close encounters with the bird and marine life (BLD) Day 14 Guayaquil, 1-night, Hampton Inn. Day at leisure (B) Day 15 Depart Ecuador for the UK (B) Day 16 Arrive UK

Departure dates Throughout the year Cost per person

Samba From £4530 (Jan - Jun, Aug - Nov), £4810 (Jul, Dec) Cacholote From £4640 (Jan - Apr, Aug, Nov), £4440 (May - mid Jun, Sep - Oct), £4920 (Jul, Dec) Santa Cruz From £5050 (Jan - Jun, Aug - Nov), £5330 (Jul, Dec) Isabella II From £5250 (Jan - Jun, Aug - Nov), £5530 (Jul, Dec) Beluga From £5340 (Jan - Apr, Aug, Nov), £5050 (May - mid Jun, Sep - Oct), £5610 (Jul, Dec) Sagitta From £5390 (Jan - Jun, Aug - Nov), £5670 (Jul, Dec) La Pinta From £6050 (Jan - Jun, Aug - Nov), £6330 (Jul, Dec)

National Park Fee US$110 What’s included

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Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, four nights hotel accommodation, three nights lodge accommodation and seven nights cabin accommodation, guided activities

Day 1 Depart UK for Ecuador. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel in Quito Day 2 Explore this picturesque city, resting beneath Pichincha Volcano Day 3 To the Galapagos and San Cristobal; bike ride around the island, stopping at the Interpretation Centre to learn the history of the Galapagos (BL) Day 5 Floreana: Glimpse dolphins and albatross and experience some of the Galapagos’ best diving and snorkelling at Enderby Islet (BL) Day 6 Isabela: Get a bird’s-eye view of this magical landscape from Sierra Negra Volcano (BL) Day 8 Santa Cruz: See amazing lava tunnels while taking in panoramic views of the islands. Head to Tortuga Bay to see the comical marine iguanas (BL) Day 9 Santa Fe/San Cristobal: Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to meet the tortoises and iguanas brought back from the brink of extinction. Snorkel at Santa Fe among marine iguanas and surgeonfish (BL) Day 10 San Cristobal/Quito: Farewell the Galapagos Islands and return to the mainland Day 12 Depart Ecuador for the UK Day 13 Arrive UK

Departure dates Fortnightly year round Flight inclusive cost per person From £2985 Land only cost per person From £2010 National Park Fee US$110 What’s included Flights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, eleven nights hotel accommodation Tour code WGXF Max group size 16

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THE AMERICAS | Galapagos

GROUP TOUR

Wildlife of Ecuador and the Galapagos Highlights • Colourful Amazonian wildlife • Cruising amongst the enchanting Galapagos Islands • Luxury accommodation This tour combines two of South America’s finest wildlife destinations. The Amazon rainforest is a rich paradise, home to an incredible diversity of mammals, birds and fish. You’ll explore trails and rivers, discovering the colourful and varied life within the forest canopies, and all from your luxurious eco-lodge in the heart of the jungle. Moving on to the Galapagos Islands, you board your first-class vessel for a cruise around this unique, volcanic landscape. The wildlife hasn’t developed a fear of humans, and so you’ll be able to get close to the friendly sealions, seals, dolphins, whales and prolific birdlife that call this archipelago their home.

Pacific Ocean

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS QUITO AMAZON SAN CRISTOBAL Guayaquil

COCA

Napo River

SACHA JUNGLE LODGE

Departure dates Sun 31 Jul – Wed 10 Aug 11 Sun 09 Oct – Wed 19 Oct 11 Sun 29 Jul – Wed 08 Aug 12 Sun 07 Oct – Wed 17 Oct 12 Flight inclusive cost per person From £3480 Plus $110 Galapagos National Park Fee, payable locally Land only cost per person From £2540 Single room supplement £375 (not including Galapagos cruise) What’s included Flights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, three nights hotel accommodation, three nights lodge accommodation and three nights cabin accommodation Max. group size 12 Tour code WEGC Ask for our full tour dossier

Yasuni National Park

ECUADOR

Maran

ón Riv er

PERU

Amazon

ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Ecuador. Upon arrival transfer to your centrally located hotel for an overnight stay in the capital, Quito Day 2 Fly to Coco and journey by dugout canoe to your luxury eco-lodge hideaway in the Amazon, Sacha Jungle Lodge (BLD) Day 3 Various activities in the Amazon rainforest. Observe monkeys and jungle life from up high on a canopy walkway, hike trails and canoe, and see hundreds of colourful parrots and macaws at clay licks (BLD) Day 5 Final chance to see Amazonian wildlife, before flying to Quito (BLD) Day 6 A threenight Galapagos cruise on-board the first-class Santa Cruz. Visit San Cristobal, Espanola, Floreana, Fernandina, Isabela, Santa Cruz and Baltra islands (BLD) Day 9 Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station before flying to Guayaquil (B) Day 10 Depart Ecuador for the UK (B) Day 11 Arrive UK Please note, if you’d like to stay extra nights in Quito before your tour, please let us know and we’ll be happy to arrange it for you.

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

133

Brazil

Brazil is the largest country in South America, dominated by 60 percent of the Amazon Rainforest. This immense country has a huge diversity of wildlife in more than 100 parks, reserves and protected areas, including coastal forests, savanna and the world’s largest wetland area, the Pantanal. Brazil is considered to have the greatest biodiversity of any country on the planet with new species still being discovered on a regular basis. As well as a simply staggering array of birds, fish, amphibians, insects and reptiles, larger animals here include jaguar, puma, giant anteater, coati, giant river otter, maned wolf, tapir, capybara and over 70 species of primate including howler, capuchin and squirrel monkeys. The country’s other major attractions include the mighty Iguassu Falls, dazzling white beaches, magnificent colonial architecture and, of course, the world-renowned Rio Carnival.

Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro is the seductively friendly and hedonistic city of eastern Brazil. It is well known for its stunning location between lush, forested mountains and breathtaking golden beaches, most famously Copacabana. The symbols of Sugar Loaf Mountain and the statue of Christ the Redeemer are known worldwide, but other natural attractions include the botanical gardens and Tijuca National Park, the last remnant of the Atlantic rainforest that once surrounded the city. Here, you can walk on wellmarked trails through a dripping green forest full of creeks, caves and waterfalls - home to many different species including iguanas and monkeys. 134

Porto Bay Rio International Hotel HIGH

our choice

This stylish modern hotel has a superb waterfront setting. It boasts magnificent ocean views and close access to the world-famous Copacabana beach. There are rooftop leisure facilities, a private beach service and sophisticated wining and dining options. The rooms are beautiful and all have balconies and sea views.

Augusto’s Copacabana mid This hotel is well-located just a couple of blocks from Copacabana beach. As you would expect of a modern Rio hotel, it has a bar, swimming pool and excellent restaurant. If you’re looking for a good value option, then this is it.

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THE AMERICAS | brazil

Pantanal The Pantanal is an immense landlocked river delta - one of our planet’s most spectacular wetland systems and unmissable for any lover of wildlife or the natural world. This ecological paradise contains hundreds of species of birds, thousands of varieties of butterflies, a myriad of brightly coloured flowers and shoals of fish. The ecosystems are different in the north and south, and a visit to both areas is recommended.

Bonito, on the southern fringe of the Pantanal, and very good for nature. Here you can snorkel on the surface of the ‘natural aquarium’, said to have the most transparent water in the world. You can also see the Blue Lake Grotto, one of the world’s largest flooded caves. Pousada Olho D’Agua mid Just outside Bonito, Pousada Olho D’Agua is a simple lodge surrounded by woodland filled with native flora and fauna. It has rustic decoration in its 12 rooms each with a verandah and a hammock!

North Pantanal South Pantanal This is a great place for spotting jaguar. Although no one can guarantee jaguar sightings in the wild, this is one place where your chances of seeing one are maximized. This area is also home to the hyacinth macaw project and bird lovers should not miss the incredible Macaw’s Crater, a huge depression in the ground, home to a large macaw population. Wildlife spotting is by a number of exciting activities - travel by boat through the Pantanal’s watery channels, go horse riding or maybe fish for piranhas. One of the attractions of this area is the small town of

Pantanal seasons The nature of the Pantanal varies depending on the season and cycle of the waters. There are four key periods. January to March: The Pantanal is flooding at this time and the mammals are seeking the higher ground. There is a stunning explosion of colours as flowers bloom.

Embiara Lodge HIGH This is a comfortable eco-lodge situated in the southern Pantanal. Family-owned, it prides itself on offering a peaceful, intimate experience, extremely close to nature; it has only three rooms. San Francisco Farm mid San Francisco Farm is a working rice farm which offers rustic accommodation, game-viewing and bird-watching by boat, foot or on horseback in the southern Pantanal.

April to June: The floodwaters recede at this time, migratory birds return from the north, reptiles tend to gather in number and the young caiman are born. July to September: This is the dry season, the time when there is the greatest concentration of wildlife in and around the remaining pools. October to December: This is when the floodwaters are advancing. It coincides with the return of the rains; the migratory birds are preparing to depart. This is a good time for observing predators.

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

The northern Pantanal is reached by regional flights to Cuiaba and then a drive into the pristine interior where the largest populations of wild animals and huge flocks of birds can be found. On exciting night safaris you may see owls, nightjars, armadillos, foxes and maybe even maned wolves. Home to an amazing diversity of wildlife, you could see jaguar, ocelot, puma, giant anteater, coati and much, much more. This is a premier wildlife destination.

Wildlife of the Pantanal Larger mammals here include capuchin and howler monkeys, capybaras, tapirs and over 160 species of reptiles including the infamous anacondas and caimans. Caimans are particularly abundant in the Pantanal, and it is thought the population is so high that it is home to the largest population of crocodilians anywhere. Capybara numbers are estimated at half a million and the Pantanal continues to

Rio Mutum HIGH A higher end lodge where you’ll be accommodated in one of 22 comfortable rooms, all with a private verandah. You can also take a dip in the lodge’s swimming pool and enjoy the tropical gardens which surround the property. Araras Eco Lodge

mid

Araras is a delightful lodge set in the midst of the Pantanal. Access to wildlife is fantastic, on nature trails, night drives and from three towers set high above the trees. Capybaras regularly wander through the outside dining area, as hyacinth macaws fly overhead. This is a truly special place to stay. Porto Jofre Hotel mid This is a larger hotel with comfortable rooms, a swimming pool and lots of outside space in which to relax or observe any roaming wildlife. The main draw here is the direct access to the river, from where you can enjoy boat excursions in search of the enigmatic jaguar.

be one of the best places to see jaguar, black howler monkeys, giant river otter, coatimundi, black-capped capuchin, yellow anaconda, crab-eating fox, both greater and lesser anteater, giant armadillos, the endangered maned wolf and marsh deer. There is also a huge diversity of bird species here as it is one of the three migratory paths, bringing ospreys from the Arctic latitudes to the north, wood storks from the pampas to the south and flycatchers from the Andes to the west. The result is one of the planet’s most diverse avian communities, with 656 species of birds, belonging to 66 families identified so far.

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Iguassu A two-hour flight from Rio takes you south to the border with Argentina and the mighty Iguassu Falls. Set amongst lush tropical forest there are 275 waterfalls, which stretch for a total of three kilometres. Higher than Niagara and more impressive than Victoria Falls, the surrounding national park is home to over 2,000 species of plants, 400 species of birds and an array of mammals. Visits to both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the Falls are highly recommended. Yacutinga Rainforest Lodge is a short drive away from Iguassu Falls and set in a private rainforest reserve, it’s the perfect place to observe countless mammals, birds and plants. We recommend a visit here – for more information – see page 144.

Hotel Das Cataratas HIGH A colonial style hotel that overlooks Iguassu Falls. Facilities available at the hotel include tennis courts, and an outdoor pool bar and restaurant. Panoramic viewing walkways start in front of the hotel and zig-zag their way down to the end of Devil’s Throat. This is the only hotel on the Brazilian side of the falls to offer such a high standard of service and an unrivalled location next to one of the true wonders of the natural world.

Brazil’s Natural Highlights

Fact! The little-visited Savannah Tablelands is an area of intriguing caves and grottos and, at nearby Chapada dos Guimaraes National Park, rich vegetation. It’s an area of enormous ecological importance, home to a myriad of bird, mammal, reptile and fish species.

TAILOR-MADE

We wanted to bring you a comprehensive wildlife experience in Brazil, staying in comfortable lodges, at a reasonable price. This is what we’ve found! It features three eco-systems, holding a huge diversity of species, and by avoiding unnecessary internal flights it’s an affordable look at Brazil’s natural highlights.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Cuiaba Day 2 Amazon Rainforest, 2-nights, Jardim da Amazonia Lodge. Boat trips and trail walks (BLD – only dinner included on day two) Day 4 Savannah Tablelands, 2-nights, Park Eco Lodge. Hiking in the Chapada dos Guimaraes National Park (BLD) Day 6 Pantanal, 3-nights, Araras Eco Lodge. Excellent area for wildlife sightings (BLD) Day 9 Depart Cuiaba for UK Day 10 Arrive UK

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San Martin Hotel and Resort mid Set in vast gardens, the San Martin Hotel and Resort offers a pleasant place to stay close to the falls. Rooms are comfortable and tastefully decorated, while facilities include a restaurant and swimming pool. A good base from which to explore the falls at a reasonable price.

Departure dates

Daily, throughout the year

Cost per person

From £3760 (Jan - Mar), £3695 (Apr - Jun), £4220 (Jul - Aug), £3910 (Sep - Dec), £4220 (Christmas)

What’s included

F lights, transfers, meals as indicated, seven nights lodge accommodation, guided activities

which many are migrants. Macaws gather in flocks of thousands and reptiles and fish species also number the thousands with famous residents being the anaconda and fearsome piranha. It is a unique chance to experience the lush foliage of the jungle… where the raucous calls of the creatures within and the bright colours of the flowering plants and butterflies hint at more complexity than we can imagine.

The Amazon The Amazon Basin is the world’s largest river basin. It is believed to be the oldest tropical forest in the world and is made up of millions of species of plants and animals, also making it the most diverse ecosystem in the world. Its biodiversity is astounding: a single bush in the Amazon may have more species of ants than the entire British Isles, while a lone hectare of forest may have more than 480 species of trees. Mammals you’ll find include the world’s largest rodent, the capybara. Other residents include tapir, jaguar, monkeys, deer and otters. Over 1,500 bird species are found in the Amazon Basin, of

Cristalino Jungle Lodge HIGH Cristalino Jungle Lodge is nestled in a private forest reserve in the southern reaches of the Amazon. The lodge is only accessible by boat and borders the Cristalino State Park which contains many species found only in this part of the Amazon. It’s a good option for birdwatchers and has a 50-metre high observation tower for spotting the many avian species found here. The lodge has won awards for its attention to the environment and so we’re happy to recommend it.

Uakari Lodge mid Uakari Lodge offers unique accommodation on seven floating wooden structures. Ten large, comfortable en-suite rooms with Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

THE AMERICAS | brazil

terraces overlook the rainforest beyond and floating walkways connect them with the central dining area. The lodge has been specially designed for minimum environmental impact. Activities include river trips, interpretative trails through the rainforest and an observation hide.

Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge HIGH This is a small and exclusive lodge, situated in the heart of the Amazon at Anavilhanas, the world’s largest fresh-water archipelago. There are 16 elegant, well-equipped suites, a pool and a central dining area with views out across the Rio Negro. Activities here include rainforest hikes, and boat trips to fish for piranha or spot caiman.

Clipper Premium mid This is a wildlife cruise on a small ship which is large enough for 16 spacious cabins with lower beds and en-suite facilities, yet small enough to dock at remote spots. It has an observation/sun deck and dining-room. Expert guides take you in motorised canoes up the smaller creeks to enable you to birdwatch, photograph and admire the scenery. There is the option of two, three or five night cruises and we can easily tailor it into your itinerary.

Salvador Salvador is a beautiful old colonial town situated in Bahia State on the central coast of Brazil. This former capital city and major port lies between green tropical hills and broad sandy beaches on the bay of Todos os Santos. It is the perfect final stop for a few days of relaxation at the end of your South American holiday. The surrounding beaches are important breeding areas for green, olive ridley, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles from May to December.

BRAZILIAN WILDLIFE ADVENTURE

GROUP TOUR

Highlights • Magnificent Iguassu Falls • An Amazon river journey spotting wildlife • Activities in the Pantanal This is an exhilarating trip taking in Brazil’s best wildlife and natural highlights plus the exhilarating city of Rio de Janeiro!

MANAUS Amazon

BRAZIL Praia Do Forte PANTANAL

Salvador Brasília

RIO The Amazon is home to simply DE JANEIRO millions of animal and bird species IGUASSU FALLS – a mystery unfolds as you see Atlantic Ocean acrobatic troupes of monkeys in PARAGUAY the forest canopy above or hear the hacking cough of the jaguar, stalking his prey. From the Amazon it’s to the Pantanal where we’ve designed a programme of enticing activities to get you close to the wildlife – from boat journeys to horse rides. Finally, you’ll see the mighty Iguassu Falls – a spectacular end to a spectacular tour!

ITINERARY

Tivoli Praia do Forte

HIGH

Praia do Forte, north of Salvador, offers modern en-suite rooms with verandas overlooking the sea and is surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds full of birds. The hotel is near to popular turtle breeding grounds. It’s a good choice for a wildlife enthusiast. There are also wonderful beaches here offering a relaxing sojourn at the end of your holiday.

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Day 1 Depart UK for Brazil Day 2 Your introduction to Rio is a city tour including famous Sugar Loaf Mountain (B) Day 3 An exciting Amazon cruise on-board the Amazon Clipper (BLD - only breakfast included on day 3, and breakfast and dinner on day 4) Day 7 A myriad of exciting activities await in the Pantanal, where you can go horse-riding through the jungle, on a photographic safari by boat and nocturnal animal spotting by jeep! (BLD - only breakfast included on day 7) Day 10 We’ve included walks on both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides of the falls (B) Day 12 Depart Brazil for the U K Day 13 Arrive UK If you fancy a relaxing end to your wildlife holiday, extend your stay at Tivoli Praia do Forte, a luxury retreat in Bahia. Your itinerary would be as follows: Day 12 Fly to Salvador and transfer to Tivoli Praia do Forte (BD) Day 13 Days at leisure to soak up your surroundings, snorkel in the crystal clear seas and learn about turtle conservation (BD) Day 15 Depart for the UK Day 16 Arrive UK Please note, the itinerary may vary slightly, depending on your departure date. Departure dates Mon 22 Aug – Sat 03 Sep 11 Sun 20 Nov – Sat 03 Dec 11 Mon 20 Aug – Sat 01 Sep 12 Sun 18 Nov – Sat 01 Dec 12 Flight inclusive cost per person From £3795 Land only cost per person From £3040 Single room supplement From £830 Tour Extension From £1060 What’s included Flights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, four nights hotel accommodation (seven on the extension), three nights lodge accommodation and three nights on a boat Tour code WBRZ Max group size 12

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Chile

If you look at a map of the Americas it’s likely that a very long and narrow country will catch your eye. Chile is a geographical extravaganza in its own right – nearly 5,000 kilometres long but only 150 kilometres wide. Located on the western side of South America, Chile is flanked by the high Andes and the cold Pacific Ocean. In the north sits the driest desert in the world, the Atacama, while in the south the immense and contrasting landscape of Patagonia emerges between deep fjords, glaciers and vast steppes. This vastly contrasting landscape allows for the existence of a mosaic of habitats and ecosystems and correspondingly an amazingly diverse array of wildlife. We can tailor-make you a truly wonderful wildlife holiday.

Santiago Chile’s capital city is located in the central valley, flanked by the Andes to the east and the coastal range to the west. It is a lively and dynamic capital including several buildings in the historic downtown area – the Presidential Palace called ‘La Moneda’, Plaza de Armas (main square) and the imposing Metropolitan Cathedral. If time permits, we recommend taking an afternoon trip into the Andes as an introduction to the beautiful wildflowers and breathtaking scenery of the country. You may well see your first Andean condor too!

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Hotel Rugendas mid Hotel Rugendas is a boutique style hotel in a quiet location, which is tastefully decorated. It has comfortable rooms, a restaurant, plus a gym and sauna. It’s a lovely hotel, which offers a warm welcome to Santiago.

Galerías Hotel mid The Galerías Hotel offers excellent services in a lovely historic setting in downtown Santiago. If you want a modern hotel, which is centrally located, this is the hotel for you. It has 162 spacious rooms, including six suites. Each room is air-conditioned.

W Hotel HIGH For ultimate luxury, we recommend the new W Hotel. It’s unique in its design and is a good alternative for people looking for something extravagant. Near to the quiet Las Condes district, it’s a retreat from the frenetic pace of Santiago, and affords views to the snow-capped Andes.

Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

THE AMERICAS | chile

Valparaiso Valparaiso is one of the oldest cities in Chile and currently one of its main ports. Located on a beautiful bay, a short distance from Santiago, this UNESCO World Heritage Site literally hangs from the steep coastal cliffs. It is an extraordinary setting. A variety of seabirds including the stunning Inca tern and humboldt penguins can be seen in the surrounding coastal areas of Valparaiso, while the wineries of the Casablanca and Colchagua valleys, Chile’s wine valleys, are located a relatively short distance away – a retreat of delicious food and fine wines!

Zero Hotel HIGH Facing the Pacific Ocean, this beautiful property affords wonderful views perfect from dawn to dusk - and is a great place from which to enjoy the stunning location of Valparaiso. It’s a boutique property, a converted house, which provides class and comfort for your stay.

Atacama Desert & the Altiplano Chile’s Atacama Desert comprises the virtually lifeless coastal pampas, plains that are dissected by dramatic and deep river gorges. To the east, this barren, lunar landscape, changes abruptly as it rises through the foothills of the Andes. This becomes the impressive Altiplano, with its alluvial salt basins, fabulous snow-capped volcanoes and a surprising variety of wildlife. Lake Verde and the El Tatio geysers are well worth a visit. Surrounded by

volcanoes, the beautiful emerald green lake is home to flocks of Andean flamingos as well ostrich-like nandus, guanacos and vicunas.

Hotel Alto Atacama HIGH To get the most out of this unique landscape, we recommend staying in the midst of it. The Hotel Alto Atacama is located in the fertile Catarpe valley, three kilometres from San Pedro, but a world away; you’ll be surrounded by silence, and a rugged mountain environment. Rooms are comfortable, with private terrace to enjoy the views.

Awasi HIGH Awasi is a luxurious oasis in the desert. It has only eight rooms, built from wood, adobe and stone, and each has both indoor and outdoor showers, a verandah with beautiful views and spacious areas for relaxing and reading. It is perhaps the perfect place for relaxation and reflection after some time in the desert. Hotel Poblado Kimal mid This is a great mid-range option offering comfortable accommodation in lovely rooms, which blend perfectly with the surrounding environment. Each room has a balcony to enjoy starry evenings after you’ve been out exploring during the day and maybe making use of the lovely swimming pool!

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Lauca National Park Lauca, in northern Chile, is a wild and remote park with stunning scenery. Putre, at an altitude of 3,500 metres, is the base for visits to the park and has a wonderful setting in the hills with the Nevados de Putre as a backdrop. There are several pre-Inca ruins nearby as well as prehistoric caves with 5,000year old hand paintings. Excursions from Putre are generally either by jeep or on foot and wildlife you could hope to see includes vicuna, guanaco, taruca, Andean deer, puma, alpaca, vizcachas and armadillo.

Hosteria Las Vicunas mid Located in Putre, this is a rustic hosteria, which provides a good base from which to explore the nearby parks. Rooms are comfortable, but don’t expect luxury, with ample public areas for relaxing.

Hotel El Paso mid Centrally located, this hotel offers a nice environment in which to stay and is close to Arica’s centre. Arica is an alternative base which we use on our itineraries after visits to Lauca National Park. The hotel has nice gardens and 80 modern rooms with air-conditioning.

Patagonia & the Straits of Magellan Patagonia is a land of superlatives. It is a vast and contrasting region extending across the tip of the southernmost portions of South America. The southern Andes act as a monumental barrier on this area, while towards the Pacific Ocean into Chile, the land has been broken by glacial action resulting in hundreds of fjords and channels and thousands of islands. Within the Straits of Magellan is Chile’s first and only marine reserve, Francisco Coloane Marine Park, which protects the incredible marine biodiversity of the western branch of the Straits. It holds a summer population of humpback whales (and occasionally sei and orca whales), as well as Chilean and Peale’s dolphin, South American sealion and southern fur seals. Tierra del Fuego comprises all of the archipelagic area to the south of the Straits of Magellan and is home to active breeding colonies of penguins and sea lions, and there are numerous majestic albatrosses to see too.

San Isidro Lodge mid This small, intimate lodge is located at the site of Chile’s southern-most lighthouse. It accommodates only 12 people. The rooms are comfortable and the food is magnificent. It is the perfect base from which to explore the Straits of Magellan.

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opportunity to go whale-watching and also to learn about long-term population studies and identification techniques used by the whale researchers.

Eco-camp Carlos III Scientific Campsite mid Within the marine reserve on Carlos III Island, is a small scientific eco-camp accommodating only ten people in comfortable twin-bedded dome tents. The entire camp is built on wooden terracing to avoid erosion and is dedicated to whale research in the Straits. The intimate experience of this camp is enriched by the beautiful mountains, glaciers and pristine forests. The camp was founded by scientists who discovered this is where humpback whales return to every summer and so there will be plenty of

MV Mare and Via Australis mid Sailing from Punta Arenas between September and mid-April, the boats Mare and Via Australis sail the famed Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel and spectacular Glacier Alley calling at Port Williams, Ushuaia and Cape Horn National Park. Eco-walks, glacier visits, on-board lectures and educational briefings are the highlight of this three and four night cruise which can easily be tailored into your holiday itinerary.

Land of Extremes

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Santiago Day 2 Santiago, 1-night, Hotel Rugendas (B) Day 3 San Pedro de Atacama, 3-nights, Hotel Poblado Kimal. Explore by foot, bike or vehicle to the salt flats, geysers and lunar landscapes of the desert (BL) Day 6 Putre/Arica, 2-nights, Hosteria las Vicunas/Hotel El Paso. Full day excursion to Lauca National Park (BL - only breakfast included on day six) Day 8 Santiago, 1-night, Hotel Rugendas (B) Day 9 Torres del Paine, 3-nights, suite domes. Explore the glaciers and lakes of this beautiful area, home to a myriad of wildlife (BLD) Day 12 Santiago, 2-nights, Hotel Rugendas. Explore Santiago, Chile’s sophisticated capital (BL - only breakfast included on day thirteen) Day 14 Depart for the UK (B) Day 15 Arrive home Daily, throughout the year

Cost per person From £4545 (Jan - Feb, May - Jun, Dec), £4615 (Mar, Sep - Nov), £4695 (Apr, Jul - Aug), £4785 (Christmas) What’s included

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Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia is a wonderful mix of peaks, lakes, ice fields and green valleys. The omnipresent Paine Massif, a magnificent set of rugged peaks, formed of granite and sedimentary rock, dominates the landscape. The wildlife here includes Andean deer, guanaco, pumas, skunks and hares as well as a host of birds such as Andean condors, lesser rhea, Chilean flamingo, black-faced ibis, black-necked swans and kelp geese. Special occasion? Why not ask us for business class upgrades? We can offer competitive prices and it’d be a lovely start to your trip.

EcoCamp – suite domes

mid

our choice

Suite domes are comfortable 28 metre square tented igloo-type double domes. The whole ethos is to have minimal environmental impact, while providing an efficient, warm place to stay with great exposure to the Patagonian nature. Each dome has a private bathroom. Our Patagonia Wildlife Safari (below) uses the suite domes. We can also offer you a stay at the EcoCamp in great value standard domes. They have all the same great features, apart from the bathrooms, which are shared.

TAILOR-MADE

Explore the unique panorama and wildlife of Chile on this itinerary which takes in the beautiful lunar landscapes of the Atacama desert and the splendour of Torres del Paine. We’ve also added Lauca National Park, not a usual stop on a Chilean itinerary – but we know it’ll be worth it for a wildlife enthusiast.

Departure dates

Torres del Paine

F lights, transfers, meals as indicated, nine nights hotel accommodation and three nights suite domes, guided activities

Patagonia Wildlife Safari

TAILOR-MADE

We’ve found this special wildlife safari in Patagonia. We think it’ll appeal to those of you who love wildlife, adore beautiful scenery and fancy staying in unique, comfortable accommodation. This itinerary also has flexibility on its side; you can stay for three nights as an extension to another tailor-made itinerary, any number of nights in-between, or as a six-night stand alone trip – the choice is yours!

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Arrive Punta Arenas. Torres del Paine National Park, 3-nights, EcoCamp, suite domes. Over the next three days you will enjoy a programme of activities, designed around your wishes. You can walk, drive or trek to lakes and glaciers within the national park, seeing puma, grey fox, guanaco, and birds such as bi-coloured hawk and black-chested buzzard-eagle. The park is your oyster! (BLD) Day 4 Depart for your next destination Departure dates

Daily, January to April

Cost per person

From £940 (Jan - Apr)

Tour Extension

P lease ask us for prices for other durations, the standard domes or for a complete package with other destinations in Chile

What’s included

T ransfers, meals as indicated, three nights suite domes, guided activities (flights not included)

Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

THE AMERICAS | chile

Fact!

Patagonia has a long tradition of horsemanship. If you fancy a spot of horse-riding while you’re in this area, we can recommend a lovely ‘estancia’ (ranch) to give you an authentic Patagonian experience.

rooms and so has a lovely, cozy atmosphere with terraces overlooking the sea beyond. The restaurant serves delicious food with abundant seafood naturally being the highlight.

Easter Island Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, is a small triangle of volcanic rock, located about 3,700 kilometres off the central coast of Chile in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, reached in five hours from Santiago. It can easily be combined with a holiday to Chile. It has always been the subject of curiosity and speculation. What are the origins of the islanders? How did they transport their massive moai from quarry locations to their platforms?

Chiloe Island Altiplanico Rapa Nui Hotel HIGH The hotel boasts lovely views of the coast, and is set in 1.5 hectares of tranquil gardens, providing a luxuriant place to stay on Easter Island. Traditional in design, your stay will also reflect the typical friendly welcome of the Rapa Nui people. There’s a swimming pool too.

Robinson Crusoe Island

Hosteria Las Torres HIGH Las Torres sits in the heart of Chilean Patagonia and enjoys beautiful views over the snow-capped mountains. This charming rustic hotel with 84 rooms provides a comfortable base from which to explore the park’s towering mountains, turquoise lakes, glaciers, ice fields and steppes.

O’tai Hotel mid This is a mid-sized family-run hotel with a cosy and homely atmosphere. As the name, which translates as ‘in the coast’, suggests, it’s just moments by foot from the coast and to Hanga Roa village.

Fact! If you’re interested in the natural environment, we’d also recommend a visit to the Lake District region of Chile. It has many interesting trees which are unique due to their geographical isolation, including various species of the southern tree genus nothofagus. The dominant forests here also comprise ancient species such as araucaria, or monkey puzzle, tree and the endangered alerce.

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Juan Fernández is a fascinating volcanic archipelago situated 1,500 kilometres off the coast of Valparaíso. Robinson Crusoe Island, the main island of the group, is accessible by a two hour flight from Santiago. It can easily be combined with a holiday to Chile. It was Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk, marooned here for five years between 1704 and 1709, who made the island famous. His experiences inspired Daniel Defoe’s famous novel, Robinson Crusoe. It is a volcanic island swathed in sub-tropical forest and is of particular interest to birders and botanists.

The island of Chiloe has changed little over the past few hundred years. Located off the mainland near to the town of Puerto Montt, Chiloe is an important island for Magellanic and humboldt penguins, black-necked swan, greenbacked firecrown, Patagonian tyrant, ringed kingfisher, silvery grebe and Chilean flamingo. It is an interesting island from a cultural point of view and it also has some wonderful temperate forest. In addition it is a great place to see blue whales, where sightings at the right time of year are known to be particularly reliable.

Hosteria de Castro mid Located in Chiloe’s main centre, Castro, Hosteria de Castro has modern accommodation and good facilities, including a spa and restaurant. It also offers panoramic views over the bay and is a good choice for your stay.

Crusoe Island Hotel HIGH Crusoe Island Hotel is a great base for exploring Robinson Crusoe Island. This small lodge has only 15 comfortable 141

Argentina

Argentina is a land of great contrasts and offers a variety of wildlife experiences – from the great grass plains of the pampas, and the colourful birds of Yacutinga Rainforest, to the Valdes Peninsula where southern right whales, dolphins and Magellanic penguins can be spotted in season. Journey south and you’re in territory that offers simply striking scenery, right down to the deep fjords, snow-capped peaks and glacial lakes of Tierra del Fuego National Park. If you’re looking for dramatic vistas and an interesting wildlife experience, then Argentina is recommended as a great destination.

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is the vibrant dynamic capital of Argentina, probably more European than South American in flavour, with bustling streets, grand mansions, broad leafy avenues, old-time cafes and a colourful population. It has great restaurants and is the home of the Tango. Highlights include ‘Teatro Nacional’, the vibrant Boca district and many museums and art galleries. We can easily arrange sightseeing tours for those with some time to spare en-route to the start of your wildlife holiday.

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Hotel Claridge HIGH A classic and elegant hotel located in Buenos Aires’ main financial and shopping district, with the magnificent Teatro Colon only five blocks away. The hotel offers accommodation in 161 modern en-suite rooms. There are several dining options, a gym and an outdoor heated pool.

Caesar Park Silver HIGH A newer alternative to the Hotel Claridge would be the Caesar Park Silver. It offers accommodation in a tastefully restored old building, a couple of blocks from the Teatro Colon. It has 74 rooms, a restaurant, bar and fitness centre.

NH Lancaster Hotel mid The NH Lancaster Hotel offers excellent services in the heart of Buenos Aires. If you want a modern hotel, which is centrally located, this is the hotel for you. It has 115 rooms, cocktail bar and good restaurant.

Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

THE AMERICAS | argentina

Valdes Peninsula The Valdes Peninsula is a dramatic steppe landscape of vast bays, sandy beaches, rocky shelves and gulfs. It’s located on the northeastern tip of Patagonia. You’ll see marine wildlife in large numbers here - sealions, southern right whales, dolphins, Magellanic penguins and numerous seabirds all around the peninsula. Land mammals in this area include guanacos, lesser rheas, Patagonian foxes and hairy armadillos. The only elephant seal habitat in Argentina is found in Punta Norte on the northern tip of the peninsula. Seasonality varies with the area good year-round for birdwatching and sightings of elephant seals, sealions, Commerson’s dolphin, guanaco and grey wolf, whilst orcas are present October to April, and penguins September to March. Peak numbers and viewings for whales tend to occur from September to November.

Ushuaia & Tierra Del Fuego National Park

Peninsula Hotel HIGH The Peninsula Hotel in Puerto Madryn offers 70 air-conditioned en-suite rooms. The hotel has a spa and restaurant and it is located just a short distance from local restaurants, shops and a large beach. It is a good base for day trips to explore the nature reserves of the Valdes area. Puerto Madryn is the gateway city to the Valdes Peninsula. Full-day excursions depart from here to the peninsula. To stay here is a cheaper option, although the wildlife experience isn’t as good. Hotel Tolosa mid A stylish hotel located close to the main square. Its 100 rooms have all the facilities you’d expect of a modern hotel and its public areas offer pleasant surroundings in which to relax.

Fact!

Faro Punta Delgada Hotel mid Sitting in a unique location right at the tip of the beautiful Valdes Peninsula, this exclusive cliff-top hotel overlooks the wild, dramatic coastline and crashing waves of the southern Atlantic Ocean. This is the best option for wildlife lovers. It is unique because you can walk down to the beach and see the wildlife in close-up.

Ushuaia is the capital of the Argentinean Province of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and South Atlantic Islands, and is located over 3,000 kilometres south of Buenos Aires in a dramatic position on the Beagle Channel. Tierra del Fuego is the archipelago’s largest island. The wilderness, lakes and bays provide the opportunity for plenty of outdoor activities such as horse-riding, trekking, fishing, canoeing and, of course, wildlife-viewing. Along the coast you may well see seals, albatrosses, ducks and petrels. Also present is the rare chungungo otter as well as Magellanic woodpecker, black-chested buzzard and austral parakeet.

Punta Tombo in southern Argentina is the location of the world’s largest colony of Magellanic penguins. Over half a million penguins come here to breed between September and mid-March. The eggs hatch around the beginning of December when the colony is full of noisy, hungry chicks.

Or visit us on the web www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Hotel Acebos mid Hotel Acebos is a modern hotel with 56 large rooms overlooking the Beagle Channel, just a few kilometres from the port city of Ushuaia. Hotel Las Lengas mid In the centre of Ushuaia, this hotel has 46 rooms all with lovely views over Encerrada Bay. It’s a good and comfortable base from which to explore.

Los Cauquenes HIGH Los Cauquenes, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is a tasteful hotel, fantastically located on the shores of the Beagle Channel. Rooms enjoy views of the Beagle Channel or the Andes Mountain Range. It also has an enclosed winter garden and bar area. It’s a real treat to stay here!

On a half-day Beagle Channel cruise you will have a good opportunity to see cormorants, penguins, sealions and South American fur seals whilst you enjoy the extraordinary geography of Tierra del Fuego’s islands and bays.

Antarctica Most of our Antarctic cruises depart from Ushuaia, Argentina’s most southerly town. For more information on the cruises we offer please see our Oceans Worldwide website and brochure.

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parks on both sides of the border. The vegetation ranges from semi-deciduous to tropical, resulting in dramatic contrasts in the flora with orchids growing next to pine trees, bamboo next to palm trees, and mosses next to lianas and colourful begonias.

El Calafate and Los Glaciares National Park El Calafate is a small attractive resort town on the shores of Lago Argentina, and the base for touring the region’s glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park. Los Glaciares National Park is a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site - some 40% of the park is covered by giant ice fields which feed the two big lakes, Lake Viedma and Lago Argentino. Birdlife is rich and includes blacknecked swan, black-chested buzzard and Andean condor. The Perito Moreno Glacier is a staggering five kilometres across, towering some 70 metres above the lake waters. Thunderous booms are common as huge chunks of ice break off and crash into the lake. A series of boardwalks with strategically placed viewing points let you explore the area at your own pace, and there are also boat rides along the southern face. In addition to rich birdlife, puma is occasionally seen here.

Fact!

Posada Los Alamos HIGH Posada Los Alamos is an elegant four-star hotel set in beautiful gardens along the shores of Lago Argentino in the centre of El Calafate. Accommodation is in 144 rooms overlooking the surrounding gardens and mountains.

Hotel Sierra Nevada mid A small, characterful hotel with 40 rooms set amidst lovely gardens. Each room is light and airy, and the gardens are a relaxing place to sit and reflect on your holiday so far!

Sheraton Resort and Spa HIGH The hotel is unique as it’s located in the heart of the Iguazu Falls National Park. This large modern resort has 176 rooms featuring glass window walls and large private balconies offering excellent views of the rainforest or the waterfalls. There are restaurants, gardens and a swimming pool area with walking trails to the falls.

Yacutinga Rainforest A two-hour drive west from Iguazu Falls brings you to Yacutinga Rainforest; a private rainforest reserve whose layered ecosystem is home to countless species of birds, mammals and plants. You’ll explore it on both walking and river safaris with naturalist guides. Amongst the forest, colourful birds, such as toucans, guans, trogons and woodpeckers, flit through the dappled shadows. The reserve also protects several endangered species such as the jaguar, tapir and ocelot, although these elusive creatures are difficult to spot. It’s a fantastic, relaxing end to a wildlife itinerary in Argentina and one of our favourite locations - we thoroughly recommend a visit.

Yacutinga Rainforest Lodge

mid

our choice

Iguazu Falls

Trelew, gateway to Patagonia, has a strong Welsh influence. Many people here are descendents of the settlers who came to Patagonia in the 19th century to escape persecution at home and create a ‘New Wales’.

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Iguazu Falls on the Argentine-Brazil border is a magnificent array of 275 separate waterfalls that stretches for over three kilometres. It is surrounded by lush tropical forest with an abundant flora and fauna, including over 500 species of butterfly, 400 species of bird and 2,000 species of plant. Iguazu joins Niagara Falls and Victoria Falls as one of the world’s three great waterfall spectacles. Iguazu offers excellent viewing opportunities on a system of paths and we would advise visiting the

Panoramic Hotel mid A reasonably priced option close enough to the falls to allow easy exploration, and with lovely views over the surrounding jungle canopy. Rooms are comfortable, and the tropical gardens and large swimming pool provide a nice place to relax after your sightseeing.

Set in primary rainforest, there are 21 rooms here each with private facilities, wood-burning stoves and great views. The main building houses a restaurant and bar, whilst outside there are botanical gardens, a pool and elevated jungle canopy walkway. The lodge was built with the environment in mind, employing local people, re-introducing endangered plant species and being careful with resources.

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THE AMERICAS | argentina

Ibera Marshlands For an extra wildlife experience in Argentina, you could visit the Ibera Marshlands. Located in the north, the Ibera Marshlands, also known as the Argentine Pantanal, cover an area of some 9,000 square kilometres, twice the size of Florida’s Everglades. Its topography is made up of lagoons, dykes, water courses, marshlands and islands, creating the perfect habitat for birds, mammals and reptiles. Black caiman, boa constrictor and capybara are all common here and of course the birdlife is spectacular. Other interesting possible sightings include armadillos, turtles, monkeys, deer, anacondas, otters, wildcats and maned wolf. Over 400 species of bird range from the largest, the greater rhea, to various herons, storks, eagles, parrots, snipe, woodpeckers, kingfishers, hummingbirds, magpie tanagers and thrush.

Irupe Lodge mid Named after a local rare aquatic plant, Irupe Lodge is simply a fantastic location for wildlife. It has only eight rooms, all of which have panoramic windows for fantastic views out on to Lake Ibera and the gardens, which are crowded with colourful birds. Around about you’ll find endangered plants, colourful butterflies and, with luck, howler monkeys and all sorts of other wildlife surprises!

Wild Argentina

Argentina is also becoming a popular destination for self-drive itineraries, which we can arrange for you. For example, the Lake District area is a perfect place to explore by hire car.

TAILOR-MADE

We’ve designed this itinerary to take in Argentina’s scenic and wildlife highlights. From the eclectic city of Buenos Aires to the whales of the Valdes Peninsula and colourful birds of the rainforest. A night at the amazing Iguazu Falls will also be a highlight.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Buenos Aires Day 2 Buenos Aires, 1-night, NH Lancaster Hotel. Explore Argentina’s eclectic capital Day 3 Puerto Madryn, 1-night, Hotel Tolosa (B) Day 4 Valdes Peninsula, 2-nights, Faro Punta Delgada Hotel. Full day visit to the peninsula (BD) Day 6 Ushuaia, 3-nights, Hotel Las Lengas. Tierra del Fuego visit and Beagle Channel navigation (B) Day 9 El Calafate, 3-nights, Hotel Sierra Nevada. Enjoy glacier visits (B) Day 12 Buenos Aires, 1-night, NH Lancaster Hotel (B) Day 13 Iguazu, 1-night, Sheraton Resort and Spa. Visits to the Argentinean and Brazilian sides of the falls (B) Day 14 Yacutinga Rainforest, 3-nights, Yacutinga Lodge. Explore the rainforest with naturalist guides (BLD) Day 17 Return to Buenos Aires (B) Day 18 Return to the UK (B) Day 19 Arrive UK

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Departure dates

Daily, September to March

Cost per person

From £5150 (Jan), £4980 (Feb), £4930 (Mar), £5530 (Sep), £5600 (Oct), £5640 (Nov), £6030 (Dec)

What’s included

F lights, transfers, meals as indicated, sixteen nights hotel/ lodge accommodation, guided activities

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The Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands are a British archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean. They consist of two main islands – East Falkland and West Falkland and 776 smaller islands, many of which are unpopulated. They are famous for their amazing bird and marine mammal life, which is often easily approachable. There are six species of penguin here including king, gentoo, magellanic, rockhopper and macaroni. Tall tussac grass surrounds the beaches which are also home to elephant seal, sea lion and fur seal, and the islands are a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 200 species including many large colonies of seabirds, the black-browed albatross and giant petrel. These remote, unspoilt and sparsely populated islands are heaven for nature lovers and photographers.

Stanley Stanley, in north-east East Falkland, is the capital of the Falkland Islands and home to about 2,000 of the Islands’ 2,400 residents. This historic cathedral town is small, tidy and colourful, and visitors may enjoy relaxing here for a few days – walking around the town and visiting nearby wildlife attractions.

Fact! Our Senior Travel Consultant, Chris Osborn, has travelled to the Falklands and can plan you a tailormade itinerary using his knowledge and enthusiasm. Please ask to speak to him when you call us.

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Carcass Island

Malvina House Hotel mid The Malvina House Hotel is considered Stanley’s premier hotel. All 35 twin and double rooms have en-suite bathrooms. There is a large bar-lounge area and the original conservatory houses the restaurant, considered the best in town. There is also a spa and sauna.

Carcass Island is named after HMS Carcass. It has seen 100 years of habitation by three environmentally conscious owners who have avoided the introduction of rats and cats. This means that the birds and animals here have been protected from predation, and are therefore carefree, trusting and approachable. The island is known for its colonies of magellanic and gentoo penguins. There is also a large colony of striated caracaras, a small elephant seal colony, king cormorants and night herons. Usually boat excursions are also possible to nearby West Point Island, formerly known as Albatross Island, to see the dramatic Devil’s Nose,

home to over 2,000 breeding pairs of black-browed albatross. With 500 pairs of rockhopper penguins also in the area, it makes for one of the most amazing sights in the Falkland Islands. Homestay mid Carcass Island accommodation is in a house owned by the settlement manager. The house has two double rooms, three twin rooms and one triple room, all of which have en-suite bathroom facilities. Within walking distance of the settlement you will find magellanic penguins and striated caracaras, to the north elephant seals, and to the south a colony of gentoo penguins.

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THE AMERICAS | FALKLANDS

Pebble Island Pebble Island is 38 kilometres long and is one of the largest islands in the Caption West Falklands group. It has white sand beaches, ponds and wetlands, tussock plantations, moorlands and rocky cliffs which offer shelter and protection to sealions and thousands of penguins. In fact it is the only place in the Falkland Islands where all six species of penguin known to visit the islands have been seen: magellanic, gentoo, rockhopper, macaroni, king and erect-crested. As well as the 42 resident bird species, the island attracts rare visitors from mainland South America such as the black-necked swan.

Sea Lion Island is the most southerly inhabited island in the Falklands group. It is only eight kilometres long and just over a kilometre and a half at its widest point which makes it perfect for exploring on your own. Beautiful plantations of tussock grass cover much of the island and provide a perfect habitat for huge colonies of elephant seal and sealions. Orcas can be seen offshore, as can leopard seals and the occasional larger whale. Dazzling white sand beaches, cliffs, fresh water ponds and heath land are home to 47 different species of bird. Many prize-winning photographs have been taken of the scenery and wildlife on this spectacular island.

Fact!

Farm Accommodation mid Accommodation is at the island’s farm settlement on either a self-catering or full board basis, within walking distance of the natural highlights. New rooms are being added as we go to press, and will be ready by March 2011, making it a comfortable base for your holiday.

Saunders Island Saunders Island is the second largest of the Falkland Islands and is home to a staggering array of wildlife. Here you may see a colony of 11,000 breeding pairs of black-browed albatross, magellanic, gentoo, rockhopper and king penguins, plus southern giant

You can also visit the islands on several of the longer Antarctic Expedition Voyages and this is certainly one of the best and easiest ways to visit them. Please ask for a copy of our Oceans Worldwide brochure. Sea Lion Lodge mid Sea Lion Lodge is the only purpose-built tourist lodge in the Falklands archipelago. It consists of six twin rooms and one double room with en-suite facilities. It offers modern accommodation with a degree of amenity one might not expect in one of the world’s most remote locations. Pebble Island Hotel mid This used to be the farm manager’s house, but now caters for visitors offering six rooms, each with en-suite facilities. It is situated in the middle of the farm settlement and retains the warm and friendly atmosphere of a large farm house. The island is home to 47 species of birds, including four species of penguins, and many of these can be seen on a four-wheel drive tour of the island.

petrel, rock shag, king shag and striated caracara. The north of the island is made up of two peaks divided by a thin strip of sand known as The Neck which is considered one of the best wildlife sites in the Falklands.

Sea Lion Island

Bleaker Island Situated just off the south-east coast of East Falkland, isolated Bleaker Island is particularly interesting as it has a large colony of rockhopper penguins in addition to magellanic and gentoo. There is also a large king cormorant colony and striated caracaras are often seen. The island has many pools which are home to a large number of waterfowl including white-tufted and silver grebes, and black necked swans. This remote island is small and fairly flat, so walking between the various bird colonies is easy and there are many sandy beaches to stroll along.

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Cottages mid Accommodation consists of three self-catering cottages in the main Saunders Settlement and a very simple, remote self-catering cabin at The Neck. There is also a new cabin at The Rookery - home to albatross and rockhopper penguins.

Highlights of the Falklands

TAILOR-MADE

We’ve designed this itinerary so it gives you a comprehensive overview of the highlights of the Falklands and takes you to the islands that are open to visitors - we have found over the years that most of our customers want to see and visit them all!

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for the Falklands, via Chile Day 2 Stanley, 1-night, Malvina House Hotel Day 3 Carcass Island, 2-nights, Carcass Settlement. Optional West Point boat trip (BLD) Day 5 Saunders Island, 2 nights, Saunders Settlement. Visit the Neck, considered one of the best wildlife spots in the Falklands (BLD) Day 7 Pebble Island, 2-nights, Pebble Island Hotel. Full-day excursion to see sealions, penguins and the 42 resident bird species (BLD) Day 9 Bleaker Island, 2-nights, Bleaker Settlement. See the large colony of rockhopper penguins (BLD) Day 11 Sea Lion Island, 3-nights, Sea Lion Lodge. Elephant seals are abundant here and you’ll hopefully get some good photographs (BLD) Day 14 Stanley, 2-nights, Malvina House Hotel. Day trip to Volunteer Point (B) Day 16 Depart the Falklands for the UK, via Chile (B) Day 17 Arrive UK Departure dates

Saturdays, October to March

Cost per person

From £4825 (Feb, Nov, Dec), £4485 (Mar, Oct), £4560 (Apr, Sep), £4990 (Christmas)

What’s included

F lights, transfers, meals as indicated, fourteen nights hotel/settlement accommodation, guided activities

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Guyana

Guyana is one of our favourite destinations – it is a pioneering destination and we have excellent sales knowledge. As one of the smallest (and only English-speaking) countries in South America, Guyana is relatively new to the tourist trail. The main habitations are along a narrow coastal strip and the rest of the interior is virtually pristine rainforest. Guyana marks the meeting point between the Caribbean fauna and flora of the coast and the Amazonian wildlife in its heartlands. Being surrounded by the lush rainforest canopy and the calls of the multitude of animals and birds within is a fabulous experience.

Georgetown

Georgetown is the principal port and capital city of Guyana, situated on the Demerara River estuary. Most of the buildings in the city are still wooden with a unique architecture dating back to the 18th century. During your visit to Georgetown there are a number of interesting sights to see. Visitors with enough time should not miss a visit to the botanical gardens. They are home to one of the most extensive collections of tropical flora in the Caribbean; this in turn brings glorious birds including the blood-coloured woodpecker.

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Fact!

Cara Lodge mid Cara Lodge is a pleasant hotel with 34 rooms that combines tradition and nostalgia with the comfort of a modern establishment. This historic colonial hotel has a long and romantic history. Over the years it has hosted dignitaries and celebrities including Edward VII, Jimmy Carter, Prince Charles and Mick Jagger!

Arrowpoint Nature Resort mid This is a charming rainforest lodge situated on the Pokero River, upstream from the Amerindian village of Santa Mission, near to Georgetown. The resort is set against a backdrop of rainforest and is staffed by a committed local team. There are four Amerindian-style bungalows offering eight comfortable rooms. A back to nature experience!

Kaieteur Falls is the world’s tallest single drop falls at 225 metres and supports a unique microenvironment with the world’s largest Tank Bromeliads providing a home for the tiny golden frog. Guyana cock-of-the-rock nests close by and you may be lucky enough to see Kaieteur swifts too. The Orinduik Falls, with a backdrop of the rolling grass covered hills of the Pakaraima Mountains, is truly one of the most beautiful locations in Guyana’s hinterland. Here you will find natural Jacuzzis. Visits to Kaieteur and Orinduik falls are generally conducted as day trips by air from Georgetown.

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THE AMERICAS | guyana

Iwokrama The Iwokrama forest is a centre for rainforest conservation and sustainable development. This is an extremely worthwhile project because the 1,000 metre high Iwokrama Mountains are the focal point of the forest and provide a refuge for both the native people and wildlife. The wildlife here is spectacular and includes red howler monkey, wedge-capped capuchin, black spider monkey, black caiman, tree boas, pacas and hula tree frogs. There are over 500 species of birds including screaming piha, grey-chinned hermit, blacknecked aracari, scarlet macaw, Guiana toucanette and channelbilled toucan. Iwokrama is also considered to be one of the best places to see wild jaguars.

Atta Rainforest Lodge mid Atta is a simple hammock camp situated close to the entrance of the canopy walkway. It consists of two open-sided buildings in pristine forest. Sleeping is in hammocks - going to sleep to the night sounds of the forest and waking to the sound of howler monkeys will be one of the trip highlights - or in one of the eight available rooms. Iwokrama Canopy Walkway is a series of suspension bridges and decks high above the forest floor offering commanding views out over the forest and the chance to see a number of the canopy-dwelling species.

The Surama Community

Iwokrama River Lodge mid Iwokrama consists of eight large timber and thatch cabins - each beautifully situated on the banks of the mighty Esequibo River with private facilities and solar powered electricity. It is equipped with a lounge, bar and library, and whilst it is remote, it has all that you could possibly need for a comfortable stay; there are strategically placed hammocks for daytime relaxation and the birdwatching here is excellent.

The Amerindian village community of Surama is in the heart of Guyana where eight square kilometres of savannah are surrounded by the forest-covered Pakaraima Mountains. Surama’s inhabitants are mainly from the Macushi tribe and still observe many of the traditional practices of their forebears. It’s an isolated and idyllic location, which provides a fascinating insight into Guyana’s rainforests due to the guides’ knowledge - it’s their home. And that’s also why they welcome tourists – tourism means they can be employed at home without having to move away for work, and eco-tourism maintains their land as the forests are why people come to stay.

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Surama Eco-Lodge mid Surama Eco-Lodge has four simple cabins with en-suite bathrooms and a central dining, bar and lounge area offering fantastic views across the savannah, rainforest and mountains. Surama guides lead dawn nature walks up Surama Mountain, revealing a multitude of birds and fantastic vistas, and short nature walks in the nearby forest.

Lost Land of the Jaguar

TAILOR-MADE

An exciting itinerary which journeys through the main highlights of Guyana and affords ample opportunity for you to hopefully sight the elusive jaguar.

suggested ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Georgetown, 2-nights, Cara Lodge Day 2 Enjoy a city tour of Georgetown and visit Kaieteur and Orinduik Falls (BL) Day 3 Iwokrama, 2-nights, Iwokrama Field Station. Good bird-watching opportunities (BLD) Day 5 Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, 1-night, Atta Rainforest Lodge. Four-wheel drive excursion to spot jaguar (BLD) Day 6 Surama Village, 2-nights, Surama Eco-Lodge. Learn about the traditions and culture of the Macushi tribe (BLD) Day 8 Rewa, 2-nights, Rewa Eco-lodge. Boat trips and village visits (BLD) Day 10 Rupununi River, 2-nights, Karanambu Ranch. Explore the Rupununi River in search of giant river otters (BLD) Day 12 Yupukuri Village, 1-night, Caiman House. Spot black caiman on a river trip (BLD) Day 13 Georgetown, 1-night, Cara Lodge (BL) Day 14 Return to UK (B) Day 15 Arrive home

Departure dates

Daily, throughout the year

Cost per person

From £4595 (Jan - Mar), £4990 (Apr), £4660 (May - June, mid Aug - Nov), £4805 (Jul - mid Aug), £5300 (Christmas)

What’s included

F lights, transfers, meals as indicated, thirteen nights lodge accommodation, guided activities

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Annai Landing

Rewa

Rupununi

This Amerindian Village is in the foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains 420 kilometres south of Georgetown. There is plenty to do here with four-wheel drive explorations to the forest, savannah, mountains and Rupununi River on offer, as well as simply relaxing in a hammock, or maybe some horse-riding. Located near to Surama and the Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve, it is a worthwhile stop on any itinerary, and is home to howler monkeys, hummingbirds and a myriad of other wildlife, too.

The Amerindian village of Rewa is an unknown wildlife haven, its rainforest, mountains and oxbow lakes teeming with wildlife, birds and fish. Only a handful of people have ever visited so this is your opportunity to see a fantastic wilderness, before others even know of its existence. The tribal communities of approximately 220 people still practice subsistence farming and fishing so by staying at the lodge here you are contributing to their income and enabling them to make a responsible living from tourism.

Rupununi is an area where working ranches have opened their doors to visitors, with cowboys still working the land in the age old way. It is a unique addition to a holiday for any visitor, with each lodge described below offering a different experience. It’s also here that you can see many endangered species including black caiman, arapaima fish, harpy eagle and giant river otter. Excursions are by four-wheel drive, canoe, horse-back or on-foot. This is also a good place to see the world’s largest water lily and Guyana’s national flower, Victoria Amazonica.

Rock View Lodge HIGH Rock View Lodge is a working ranch in the village, making a perfect base from which to explore. Guests are accommodated in eight well-furnished suites in two guesthouses. The lodge is surrounded by acres of lush gardens, which attract hummingbirds and other wildlife and at dawn you can often hear the howler monkeys calling nearby.

Rewa EcoLodge HIGH Situated on the river bank, the lodge enjoys views of the Rupununi River from outside seating, and the dining area. Accommodation is in two benabs (small huts) each with two bedrooms and a large hammock area for relaxing. There are three bathrooms near to the bedrooms.

Karanambu Ranch mid This ranch is an eco-tourism resort well-known for its tranquillity, abundant wildlife and legendary hospitality. Guests are accommodated in six en-suite cabanas each with a veranda. The facilities here are comfortable but basic, with no hot water and limited availability of electricity.

Caiman House mid Caiman House is upstream from Karanambu on the Rupununi River in the village of Yupukari. The accommodation at this ecological research station is rustic with electricity and running water. During your stay you will go out on night trips on the river. You may well see black caiman, as this river has South America’s second largest population as well as tree boas and frogs.

Dadanawa mid On the Rupununi River deep in the southern savannah, Dadanawa Ranch is the largest and most isolated ranch in Guyana, covering some 1,500 square kilometres. It is the perfect base for expeditions in search of harpy eagle in the rainforest, and Amerindian paintings and petroglyphs on the savannah.

Diane McTurk, ranch owner, is well-known for her work in rehabilitating orphaned giant river otters to the wild, and there are good chances of seeing both orphaned and wild giant rivers otters from here, and helping her with her work. 150

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THE AMERICAS | guyana

GROUP TOUR

Guyana Wildlife Journey Highlights • Sight the elusive jaguar • Stay at Rewa, a hidden wildlife haven • River journeys and trail walks to see myriad birdlife

VENEZUELA

An adventurous wildlife journey through Guyana where you’ll learn all about Guyana’s animal and birdlife in the company of specialist guides, with excursions designed for you to see the best that the country has to offer – from a canoe, on trails or high above the trees on a canopy walkway – visiting a range of exceptional areas we know offer excellent wildlife sightings.

GEORGETOWN

GUYANA KAIETEUR FALLS

If you love wildlife – this is the trip for you!

Departure dates Thu 24 Mar – Fri 08 Apr 11 Thu 08 Sep – Fri 23 Sep 11 Thu 22 Mar – Fri 06 Apr 12 Tue 06 Sep – Wed 21 Sep 11 Flight inclusive cost per person From £4580 Land only cost per person From £3845 Single room supplement From £410 (not available at all properties) What’s included Flights (flight inclusive package only), transfers, meals as indicated, eleven nights lodge/ranch accommodation and two nights in a hammock Max. group size 8 Tour code WGGW Ask for our full tour dossier

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Atlantic Ocean

IWOKRAMA KARANAMBO, RUPUNUNI RIVER

SURINAME

SURAMA ROCK VIEW LODGE, ANAI LANDING

REWA ECO-LODGE

BRAZIL

ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Georgetown and spend your first night in Guyana’s capital Day 2 Fly to Iwokrama for three nights, from where you will enjoy various bird-watching excursions and search for jaguar (BLD) Day 5 Continue by road to the Amerindian community of Surama where you’ll spend an exciting two nights looking for animals by river and sleeping in hammocks (BLD) Day 7 A night relaxing at Rock View Lodge (BLD) Day 8 A fantastic collection of wildlife viewing experiences at Karanambu Ranch, including dinner with Diane McTurk to learn about giant river otters (BLD) Day 11 Spot harpy eagle, red howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys and brown capuchin from your base in the wilds further along the Rupununi River (BLD) Day 13 A chance to see black spider monkeys, arapaima and Victoria amazonica (BLD) Day 14 Travel back to Gerogetown Day 15 Depart Georgetown for the UK Day 16 Arrive UK

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Date

Booking information & conditions Booking Information Please note, this Booking Information forms part of your contract with The Natural Travel Collection Ltd. Please see our Booking Conditions for definitions of words used.

1. Making your booking To confirm a booking, you should provide us with the information requested on our booking form either verbally, by completing and returning the booking form or in writing by some other means (such as e-mail). All bookings are subject to our Booking Conditions. You should confirm your acceptance of our Booking Conditions by signing and returning our booking form or in writing by some other means (such as e-mail). The lead passenger must be authorised by all participants, or their parent or guardian where the participant is under 18, to make a booking with us on the basis of our Booking Conditions. By making a booking, the lead passenger confirms that he / she and all participants agree to the Booking Conditions. The lead passenger is responsible for making all payments due to us as set out in more detail in clause 2 below. The lead passenger must be at least 24 years old when the booking is made. Once we have received the information we need to make the booking and all appropriate payments, we will, subject to availability, confirm your booking by issuing a confirmation invoice. This invoice will be sent to you or your travel agent. Please check your invoice carefully as soon as you receive it. Contact us immediately if any information which appears on the confirmation or any other document appears to be incorrect or incomplete as it may not be possible to make changes later. We regret we cannot accept any liability if we are not notified of any inaccuracy (for which we are responsible) in any document within 14 days of our sending it out (5 days for tickets). We will do our best to rectify any mistake notified to us outside these time limits but you must meet any costs involved in doing so. The only exception to this requirement to meet costs is where the mistake in question was made by us and there is good reason why you did not tell us about it within these time limits.

2. Payment The applicable deposit (as set out in Table A below) per person must be paid at the time of booking. If you wish to purchase the insurance policy we offer, all applicable premiums must also be paid at the time of booking. Please see clause 4 below on the subject of insurance. The final balance of the price is due no later than the date set out in Table A below. If a booking is made after this date then the full amount is payable at the time of booking

Table A - On Booking £100 per person or 10% of the holiday cost as a deposit (whichever is the greater). For some holidays we may request a higher deposit to cover non refundable elements of the holiday payable by us to our suppliers on booking or prior to balance due date.

Eight weeks before departure* Balance of the total holiday cost. *(Four months for liveaboard cruises)

3. Special requests & medical problems/disabilities If you have a special request, you should inform us of it in writing at the time of booking. We will advise the relevant supplier of your requirements, but we cannot guarantee that such requests will be met unless we have specifically confirmed this. For your own protection, you should obtain confirmation in writing from us that your request will be complied with (where it is possible for us to give this) if your request is important to you. Confirmation that a special request has been noted or passed on to the supplier or the inclusion of the special request on your confirmation invoice or any other documentation is not confirmation that the request will be met. Unless and until specifically confirmed, all special requests are subject to availability. We regret we cannot accept any conditional bookings, i.e. any booking which is specified to be conditional on the fulfilment of a particular request. All such bookings will be treated as “standard” bookings subject to the above provisions on special requests. If any participant has any medical problem or disability which may affect your holiday, you must tell us before the lead passenger confirms your booking so that we can advise as to the suitability of the chosen arrangements. In any event, you must give us full details in writing at the time of booking. You must also notify us of any changes or deterioration in the disability or medical condition or development of any disability or medical condition after booking. In view of the nature of the holidays featured in this brochure and on our website, we regret we must reserve the right to decline any booking or cancel (in the event of the development, deterioration or change of any disability or medical condition occurring after confirmation) whenever we reasonably feel unable to accommodate the needs or restrictions of any particular client or where, in our reasonable opinion, the medical condition or disability of the client concerned is likely to have a significant adverse effect on other clients taking the same holiday. We further reserve the right to cancel any holiday and impose cancellation charges if we are not fully advised of any relevant disability or medical condition at the time the booking is made and/or promptly notified of any development, change or deterioration occurring after booking. On occasions, the decision for us to cancel may be made at the time the person concerned joins the tour as it may only be apparent at this stage that their disability or medical condition cannot be accommodated. Any client affected by a disability or medical condition must ensure they have notified this to their travel insurers and that their travel insurance will cover it. As it is a condition of booking that all clients have adequate and appropriate travel insurance, we are entitled to insist on evidence that the disability or medical condition is covered.

4. Insurance The lead passenger is responsible for ensuring all participants have adequate and appropriate insurance. The insurance must as a minimum cover personal accident, medical expenses, loss of effects, repatriation costs and all other expenses, which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience. This policy must include a minimum cover of £5,000,000 for medical and repatriation expenses. Policy details should be read carefully and taken on holiday with you. It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance cover you purchase is suitable and adequate for your particular needs. Details of the policy we offer are shown in this brochure and on our website.

5. Passports, visas, permits, certificates and health All participants must be in possession of a valid passport and all visas, permits and certificates, including medical certificates required for the whole of the holiday booked. It is your responsibility to obtain these unless you are expressly advised otherwise by us. All information and advice given by us on visas, vaccinations, climate, clothing, baggage, special equipment etc. is given in good faith. The lead passenger must ensure that all participants are in possession of all necessary travel and health documents before departure. All costs incurred in obtaining such documentation must be paid by you. We regret we cannot accept any liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure on your part to carry correct documentation. If you are not a British citizen or hold a non British passport, you must check passport and visa requirements with the embassy or consulate of the country(ies) to or through which you are intending to travel.

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If failure to have any necessary travel or other documents results in fines, surcharges or other financial penalty being imposed on us or costs incurred by us, you will be responsible for reimbursing us accordingly. We require details of the passports held by all participants no later than 6 weeks prior to departure. A full British passport usually takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks to obtain unless you are 16 or over and are applying for a first passport. The UK Passport Service has to confirm your identity before issuing such a passport and asks applicants to attend an interview in order to do this. A minimum of 6 weeks should be allowed in this case. If any participant does not have a passport or will need to renew it prior to departure, they are recommended to apply at least 3 months in advance. For travel to and via the USA, every person travelling (including children) must have a visa unless they qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Most British citizens travelling on holiday will qualify for the VWP but please see the important note below. All visitors who are eligible for the VWP must now apply for authorisation to travel to the US in advance in accordance with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). You must complete an online application for authorization to travel on the ESTA website (details below) at least 72 hours before your flight to the US departs but you are recommended to apply earlier. Providing the application is accepted, you will be provided with approval via the website. Approval is usually provided very quickly but can take up to 72 hours if data needs to be checked. You should make a note of the ESTA approval number when you receive it. Please note; authorisation to travel under ESTA does not guarantee entry into the United States; that decision rests with the immigration official at the point of entry in the same way that travellers currently entering the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program or with a visa are subject to inspection. Warning: If your passport has ever been reported lost or stolen to the authorities and then recovered, please do not attempt to use it for travel to the United States. If you input the passport details into ESTA, your application will be denied. It is your responsibility to obtain ESTA approval or a US visa if required. If you fail to obtain authorization to travel through the ESTA website or a US visa in advance of travel, you will not be allowed on your outbound flight to the US. Full cancellation charges will then apply. The ESTA website can be found at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ esta Important note; Not all British visitors to the USA will qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. You cannot apply for the VWP and will require a visa if you do not have a machine readable passport. All new style, burgundy coloured UK passports are machine readable. You will also need to apply for a visa if you have ever been arrested (even if you were not convicted of an offence) or have a criminal record of any description. Other exemptions also apply. If you are in any doubt as to whether you may require a visa, please contact the US Embassy, Consular Information Unit, 24 Grosvenor Square, London W1A 1AE or visit the website www.usembassy.org.uk before making your booking. Further information on entry requirements for the USA is available at http://travel.state.gov. You must check entry requirements at the time of booking and in good time before departure as requirements may change. Requirements generally and for any country may change and you must check the up to date position in good time before departure with the embassy or consulate of the country(ies) you are travelling through and to. It is your responsibility to ensure you are aware of all recommended vaccinations and health precautions in good time before departure. Details are available from your GP surgery and from the National Travel Health Network and Centre www.nathnac.org. Information on health is also contained in the Department of Health leaflet T7.1 (Health Advice for Travellers) available from the Department of Health on 0870 1555 455 or via its website www.dh.gov. uk and most Post Offices. For holidays in the EEA all participants should obtain an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) prior to departure. An EHIC is not, however, a substitute for travel insurance. Health requirements and recommendations may change and you must check the up to date position in good time before departure.

6. Minimum Numbers and effect on price of party/group size Some of the holidays featured in this brochure require a minimum number of participants before we can operate them. The applicable minimum number depends on various factors and varies from tour to tour. If the group size drops below the minimum number, we reserve the right either to cancel or to run the trip. We promise to advise you no later than 6 weeks prior to departure if we have to cancel your holiday due to lack of numbers. Clause 5 of our Booking Conditions will then apply. For groups, the price per person given at the time of booking is based on a particular number of participants. If the group size changes at any time prior to departure (including where confirmed participants cancel without being substituted and pay less than 100% cancellation charges), we reserve the right to re-cost the trip and the per person price. Any increase in the price will be payable by all remaining participants. The increase will not be a surcharge and accordingly will not be subject to the surcharge provision set out in clause 4 of our Booking Conditions.

7. Tailor-made prices Our tailor-made prices are based on two people travelling together and sharing a room. If you require a single room, please ask us to quote the appropriate supplement. 8. Variation of conditions No variation of these Conditions may be made unless this is done in writing by one of our directors.

8. Variation of conditions No variation of these Conditions may be made unless this is done in writing by one of our directors..

Booking Conditions The following Booking Conditions together with the Booking Information form the basis of your contract with Wildlife Worldwide, a trading division of The Natural Travel Collection Limited (registered in England with number: 7860375) having its registered office address at High Street, Knaphill, Woking, Surrey GU21 2PG. Please read them carefully as they set out our respective rights and obligations. These Booking Conditions and the Booking Information only apply to holiday arrangements which you book with us in the UK and which we agree to make, provide or perform (as applicable) as part of our contract. All references in these Booking Conditions to “booking”, “contract”, “itinerary”, “tour” or “arrangements” mean such holiday arrangements. The following words have the following meanings in both these Booking Conditions and the Booking Information. References to “you”, “your”, “party”, “group” and “participant(s)” means all persons (or any of them as the context permits or requires) named on the booking (including anyone who is added or substituted at a later date). In relation to all communications between us, “you” means the lead passenger. “We”, “us” and “our” means The Natural Travel Collection Limited. The “lead passenger” means the adult who makes the booking with us in accordance with clause 1 of the Booking Information. We will communicate with the lead passenger and only the lead passenger should communicate with us. In order to make a booking, please follow the procedure set out under Booking Information. 1. A binding contract between us and you comes into existence when we despatch our confirmation invoice to the lead passenger / group organiser. We both agree that English law (and no other) will apply to that contract and to any dispute, claim or other matter of any description that arises between us (“claim”) (except as set out below). If proceedings are brought in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you may choose to have the contract and your claim governed by the law of Scotland or Northern Ireland as applicable (but if you

do not so choose, English law will apply).

2. Payment must be made as set out under Booking Information. If we do not

receive all payments due (including any surcharge where applicable) in full and on time, we are entitled to assume that you wish to cancel your booking. In this case, we will be entitled to keep all payments which are due and paid or due at that date. If we do not cancel straight away because you have promised to make payment, you must pay the cancellation charges shown in Table B depending on the date we reasonably treat your booking as cancelled. If you make your reservation through a travel agent we shall address all communications to the agent. Except for flight inclusive bookings, all monies you pay to one of our authorised travel agents for your holiday with us will be held by the agent on your behalf until we issue our confirmation invoice. After that point, your agent will hold the monies on our behalf until paid to us. For flight inclusive bookings, all monies paid to such agents for your holiday with us will be held on our behalf until they are paid to us. 3. If you wish to make any alterations to your holiday we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate these, but cannot guarantee that alterations will be possible. If the alterations you request are possible, these will be subject to payment of any amendment or other charges imposed or incurred by the relevant supplier plus the sum of £50 to cover our administrative costs. Requests for amendments must be made in writing by the lead passenger. Any cancellation of the entire booking or by of the booking of any participant must be notified to us in writing by the lead passenger. The date on which the letter is received by us will determine the cancellation charges applicable. The applicable cancellation charges will be as set out in Table B (below) and are expressed as a percentage of the total holiday price (excluding amendment charges and insurance premiums) payable by the participant(s) cancelling. Amendment charges and insurance premiums are not refundable in the event of your cancellation. Depending on the reason for cancellation, you may be able to reclaim these cancellation charges (less any excess) under the terms of your insurance policy. Claims must be made directly to the insurance company concerned. 4. Prices quoted are based on costs and exchange rates as known at the time of preparation of this brochure (£1 = US$1.55 on 4 May 2012) or at the time your quotation is given to you in the case of itineraries. We reserve the right to make changes to and correct errors in quoted prices at any time before your holidays is confirmed. Once the price of your chosen holiday has

Table B - Cancellation Charges More than 56 days before departure 45 - 56 days before departure 31 - 44 days before departure 30 days or less before departure

deposit 50% 75% 100%

Please note, deposits are not refundable in the event of your cancellation except as set out in these Booking Conditions. Deposits include any additional amounts payable at the time of booking to cover non refundable elements of the holiday which need to be paid to suppliers at this stage or prior to balance due date. Partial cancellation may result in additional costs being payable by the remaining participants – see clause 6 of the Booking Information. been confirmed at the time of booking, we will only increase or decrease it in the following circumstances. A surcharge or refund (as applicable) will be payable, subject to the conditions set out in this clause, in the event of a change in transportation costs (e.g. fuel, scheduled airfares and any other airline surcharges which are part of the contract between airlines (and their agents) and the tour operator) or in dues, taxes or fees payable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports or airports or in the exchange rate(s) which have been used to calculate the cost of your holiday. Even in the above cases, only if the increase in our costs exceeds 2% of the total cost of your holiday (excluding insurance premiums and any amendment charges) will we levy a surcharge. If any surcharge is greater than 10% of the cost of your holiday (excluding insurance premiums and any amendment charges), the lead passenger will be entitled to cancel the booking and receive a full refund of all monies paid to us (except for any amendment or previously levied cancellation charges) or alternatively purchase another holiday from us as referred to in clause 5 below. Although insurance (where purchased through us) does not form part of your contract with us or of any “package”, we will consider an appropriate refund of any insurance premiums paid to us if you can show you are unable to use/reuse or transfer your policy in the event of cancellation or purchase of an alternative holiday. Where a surcharge is payable, there will be an administration fee of £5 per person. Please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your holiday due to contractual and other protection in place. A refund will only be payable if any decrease in our costs exceeds 2% as set out above. Where a refund is due, we will pay you the full amount of the decrease in our costs. You have 14 days from the issue date printed on the surcharge invoice to tell us if you want to cancel or purchase another holiday where applicable. If you do not tell us that you wish to do so within this period of time, we are entitled to assume that you will pay the surcharge. Any surcharge must be paid with the balance of the cost of the holiday or within 14 days of the issue date printed on the surcharge invoice, whichever is the later. We promise not to levy a surcharge within 30 days of the start of your holiday. No refunds will be payable if any decrease in our costs occurs within this period either. 5. We start planning the holidays we offer many months in advance. Occasionally, we have to make changes to and correct errors in details both before and after bookings have been confirmed and cancel confirmed bookings. Whilst we always endeavour to avoid changes and cancellations, we reserve the right to do so. Most changes are minor. Occasionally, we have to make a “significant change”. A significant change is a change made before departure which, taking account of the information you give us at the time of booking and which we can reasonably be expected to know as a tour operator, we can reasonably expect to have a major effect on your holiday. Significant changes are likely to include the following changes when made before departure; a change of outward departure time or overall length of time you are away of twelve or more hours*, a change of UK departure point* to one which is more inconvenient for you and a significant change of itinerary missing out one or more major destination substantially or altogether (on which our decision is final). NB Please also see clause 8. *Only applies where transport to and from the UK forms part of your contracted arrangements with us. If we have to make a significant change or cancel, we will tell you or your travel agent as soon as possible. If there is time to do so before departure, we will offer you the choice of the following options:- (a) (for significant changes) accepting the changed arrangements; or (b) purchasing an alternative holiday from us, of a similar quality to that originally booked if available. Providing it is possible to do so, we will offer at least one alternative holiday of at least equivalent standard for which you will not be asked to pay any more than the original price. If this holiday is in fact cheaper than the original one, we will refund the price difference. If the lead passenger does not wish to accept the

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holiday we specifically offer, you may choose any of our other then available holidays. You must pay the applicable price of any such holiday. This will mean you paying more if it is more expensive or receiving a refund if it is cheaper; or (c) cancelling or accepting the cancellation in which case you will receive a full and quick refund of all monies you have paid to us. Please note, the above options are not available where any change made is a minor one. If we have to make a significant change or cancel, we will as a minimum (where compensation is appropriate) pay you the compensation payments set out in Table C (below) depending on the circumstances and when the significant change or cancellation is notified to you or your travel agent subject to the following exceptions. Compensation will not be payable and no liability beyond offering the above mentioned choices can be accepted where we are forced to make a change or cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care (for example, but not limited to, where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against travel or all but essential travel to your destination after your booking has been confirmed) or where we have to cancel because the minimum number of persons required to operate your holiday is not reached – please see Booking Information. No compensation will be payable and the above options will not be available if we cancel as a result of your failure to comply with any requirement of these Booking Conditions entitling us to cancel (such as paying on time) or if the change made is a minor one. A minor change is any change which is not a significant change. In the unlikely event that we become unable to provide a significant proportion of the services you have booked after you depart, we will endeavour to make alternative arrangements in respect of those services at no extra charge, or, if we are unable to do so or you do not accept these alternative arrangements for a good reason, we will provide you with transport back to your point of departure with us as soon as we are reasonably able to (using the same type and class of transport included in the holiday) and a pro rata refund of the cost of theremainder of your holiday. In addition, if appropriate, we will pay you compensation of an amount which is reasonable taking into account the circumstances. Compensation and refunds (unless obtained from any supplier) will not be payable where the situation is caused by force majeure – see clause 6. NB. If any flight you have booked with us is cancelled or delayed, your flight ticket is downgraded or boarding is denied by your airline, depending on the circumstances, the airline may be required to pay you compensation, refund the cost of your flight and/ or provide you with accommodation and/

Table C - Compensation payments Period before departure within which significant change/ cancellation is notified

Compensation per person

More than 56 days 56 – 43 days 42 – 29 days 28 – 15 days 14 – 0 days

Nil £10 £15 £20 £30

or refreshments under EC Regulation No 261/2004 - the Denied Boarding Regulations 2004. Where applicable, you must pursue the airline for the compensation or other payment due to you. All sums you receive or are entitled to receive from the airline concerned by virtue of these Regulations represent the full amount of your entitlement to compensation or any other payment arising from such cancellation, delay, downgrading or denied boarding. This includes any disappointment, distress, inconvenience or effect on any other arrangements. The fact a delay may entitle you to cancel your flight does not automatically entitle you to cancel any other arrangements even where those arrangements have been made in conjunction with your flight. We have no liability to make any payment to you in relation to the Denied Boarding Regulations or in respect of any flight cancellation or delay, downgrading of any flight ticket or denial of any boarding as the full amount of your entitlement to any compensation or other payment (as dealt with above) is covered by the airline’s obligations under the Denied Boarding Regulations. If, for any reason, we make any payment to you or a third party which the airline is responsible for in accordance with the Denied Boarding Regulations, you must, when requested, assign to us the rights you have or had to claim the payment in question from the airline. If your airline does not comply with these rules you should complain to the CAA on 020 7240 6061 www.auc.org.uk. 6. Except where otherwise expressly stated in these Booking Conditions, we regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our obligations under our contract with you is prevented or affected by or you otherwise suffer any damage or loss (as more fully described in clause 15.2) as a result of “force majeure”. In these Conditions “force majeure” means any event or circumstances which we or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Examples include (in all cases whether actual or threatened) war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, epidemics / pandemics, fire, adverse weather conditions, unusual water levels in rivers and closure of airspace or airports. 7. If you have a special request or medical problem or disability, please let us know as set out under Booking Information. 8. We are not an ordinary tour operator. The type of travel we offer requires flexibility and you must allow for alternatives. The outline itinerary as given for each holiday must therefore be taken as an indication of what may be accomplished, and not as a contractual obligation on our part. The final decision on the itinerary and conduct of any holiday will be taken by us in the interests of the group as a whole. It is understood that the route schedules, itineraries, amenities and mode of transport may be subject to alteration without prior notice due to local circumstances or events which may include sickness, accident, mechanical breakdown, flight cancellations, strikes, events emanating from political disputes, entry or border difficulties, climate and other unpredictable or unforeseeable circumstances. 9. At all times the decision of our tour leader or overseas representative will be final on all matters likely to affect the safety and well being of the tour being operated. You must at all times strictly comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of the countries visited. Should any participant fail to do so then that person may be required to leave the holiday. In this situation, the person(s) concerned will not be entitled to the payment of any refund, expense or other sum whatsoever. 10. The lead passenger accepts responsibility for any damage or loss caused by any participant. Participants are also responsible for any damage or loss they cause. Full payment for any such damage or loss (reasonably estimated if not precisely known) must be made direct at the time to the accommodation owner or manager or other supplier. If the actual cost of the loss or damage exceeds the amount paid where estimated, you must pay the difference once known. If the actual cost is less than the amount paid, the difference will be refunded. If you fail to

pay for any damage or loss when requested, you will be responsible for meeting any claims subsequently made against us (together with our own and the other party’s full legal costs) as a result of your actions. We expect participants to have consideration for other people. We strongly condemn the collecting of any specimen from the natural world. Our holidays often provide the opportunity to view and photograph wildlife but not to disturb it! If in our reasonable opinion or in the reasonable opinion of any other person in authority, you behave in such a way as to cause or be likely to cause danger, upset or distress to anyone or damage to property or fail to comply with the reasonable instructions of our tour leader or overseas representative or with clause 9, we are entitled, without prior notice, to terminate the holiday of the person(s) concerned. In this situation, the participant(s) concerned will be required to leave the accommodation or other service. We will have no further responsibility toward such participant(s) including any return travel arrangements. No refunds or compensation will be paid and we will not meet any expenses or costs incurred as a result of the termination. 11. It is essential that you are covered by adequate travel insurance. Please see Booking Information for further information. 12. Subject to clause 13, if we accept a request to transfer you from one holiday to another you will be liable for the cancellation charges applicable as a result of cancelling the original holiday in addition to the cost of the new one. In addition, we also reserve the right to charge an administration fee of 10% of the value of the first holiday booked. 13. Any participant may, up to 7 days before departure, transfer their booking to another person (introduced by you) if you are unavoidably prevented from travelling and the transferee meets any conditions which may apply to the holiday in question. The right to transfer is subject to payment of an administration fee of £25 per person to cover our administration expenses (plus the appropriate insurance premium if applicable) together with all additional charges of whatever sort imposed by suppliers providing the component parts of the package. These charges will be the joint responsibility of the lead passenger and original and replacement participant(s) and must be paid before the transfer can be made. You should note that some airlines may refuse to accept a name change, or may treat it as a cancellation and a rebooking with a 100% cancellation charge. All notifications of any wish to transfer must be made to us in writing by the lead passenger / group organiser. 14. By booking with us, you acknowledge that the holidays we offer often involve their own inherent risks and dangers due to matters such as the geographical location of the tour and the activities involved. Such holidays may involve a significant amount of inherent personal risk. These include injury, disease, illness, loss or damage to property, inconvenience and discomfort. 15.1 We promise to make sure that the holiday arrangements we have agreed to make, perform or provide as applicable as part of our contract are made, performed or provided with reasonable skill and care. This means that, subject to these Booking Conditions, we will accept responsibility if, for example, you suffer death or personal injury or the contracted holiday arrangements are not provided as promised or prove deficient as a result of the failure of ourselves, our employees, agents or suppliers to use reasonable skill and care in making, performing or providing, as applicable, the contracted arrangements. Please note it is your responsibility to show that reasonable skill and care has not been used if you wish to make a claim against us. In addition, we will only be responsible for what our employees, agents and suppliers do or do not do if they were at the time acting within the course of their employment (for employees) or carrying out work we had asked them to do (for agents and suppliers). 15.2 We will not be responsible for any injury, illness, death, loss (for example, loss of enjoyment or possessions), damage, expense, cost or other sum or claim of any description whatsoever which results from any of the following:- the act(s) and/or omission(s) of the participant(s) affected or any other participant(s); or the act(s) and/or omission(s) of a third party not connected with the provision of your holiday and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable; or ’force majeure’ as defined in clause 6 above. 15.3 Please note, we cannot accept responsibility for any services which do not form part of our contract. This includes, for example, any additional services or facilities which your hotel, accommodation provider or any other supplier agrees to provide for you where the services or facilities are not included in the cost of your itinerary and we have not agreed to arrange them as part of our contract, and any excursion or activities you purchase whilst overseas. In addition, regardless of any wording used by us on our website, in any of our brochures or elsewhere, we only promise to use reasonable skill and care as set out above and we do not have any greater or different liability to you. 15.4 The promises we make to you about the services we have agreed to provide or arrange as part of our contract - and the laws and regulations of the country in which your claim or complaint occurred will be used as the basis for deciding whether the services in question had been properly provided. If the particular services which gave rise to the claim or complaint complied with the local laws and regulations applicable to those services at the time, the services will be treated as having been properly provided. This will be the case even if the services did not comply with the laws and regulations of the UK which would have applied had those services been provided in the UK. The exception to this is where the claim or complaint concerns the absence of a safety feature which might lead a reasonable holidaymaker to refuse to take the holiday in question. Please note, however, our obligation is to exercise reasonable skill and care as referred to in clause 15.1. We do not make any representation or commitment that all services will comply with applicable local laws and regulations and failure to comply does not automatically mean we have not exercised reasonable skill and care. 15.5 Where we are found liable for loss of and/or damage to any luggage or personal possessions (including money), the maximum amount we will have to pay you is £1000 per participant affected or twice the price (excluding insurance premiums and amendment charges) paid by or on behalf of the participant(s) affected, whichever is the lower, unless a lower limitation applies to your claim under clause 15.6 below. For all other claims which do not involve death or personal injury, if we are found liable to you on any basis, the maximum amount we will have to pay you is twice the price (excluding insurance premiums and amendment charges) paid by or on behalf of the participant(s) affected in total unless a lower limitation applies to your claim under clause 15.6 below. This maximum amount will only be payable where everything has gone wrong and you have not received any benefit at all from your holiday. 15.6 Where any claim or part of a claim (including those involving death or personal injury) concerns or is based on any travel arrangements (including the process of getting on and/or off the transport concerned) provided by any air, sea or rail carrier to which any international convention or EC regulation applies, the maximum amount of compensation we will have to pay you will be limited. The most we will have to pay you for that claim or that part of a claim if we are found liable to you on any basis is the most the carrier concerned would have to pay under the international convention or regulation which applies to the travel arrangements in question (for example, the Warsaw Convention as amended or unamended and the Montreal

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Convention for international travel by air and/or for airlines with an operating licence granted by an EU country, the EC Regulation on Air Carrier Liability No 889/2002 for national and international travel by air, the Athens Convention for international travel by sea and COTIF (the Convention on International Travel by Rail). Please note: Where a carrier would not be obliged to make any payment to you under the applicable international convention or regulation in respect of a claim or part of a claim, we similarly are not obliged to make a payment to you for that claim or part of the claim. When making any payment, we are entitled to deduct any money which you have received or are entitled to receive from the carrier for the claim in question. Copies of the applicable international conventions and regulations are available from us on request. 15.7 Please note, we cannot accept any liability for any damage, loss, expense or other sum(s) of any description which (1) on the basis of the information given to us by you concerning your booking prior to our accepting it, we could not have foreseen you would suffer or incur if we breached our contract or (2) did not result from any breach of contract or other fault (for which we are legally liable) by ourselves or our employees or, where we are responsible for them, our suppliers or (3) relates to any business (including self employed loss of earnings). 16. If you have any complaint whilst on holiday, you must immediately inform your tour leader or our overseas representative who will use all reasonable efforts to remedy it. If you remain dissatisfied, you must make full details of the complaint known to us in writing within 28 days of the end of your holiday. If you fail to follow this simple complaints procedure, your right to claim the compensation you may otherwise have been entitled to may be affected or even lost as a result. 17. For requirements relating to passports, visas, permits, certificates and health, please see Booking Information. 18.1 For land only arrangements where you have booked your own flights, it is your sole responsibility to ensure you arrive at the departure point for the contracted arrangements in good time before these commence. In the event that flight delays or cancellation result in your late arrival, you will be responsible for all costs we incur in assisting you to join the holiday at a later stage. No refunds will be provided in respect of any services which are unused as a result. Similarly, our contractual responsibilities cease at the end of your contracted arrangements. 18.2 We regret we are not in a position to offer you any assistance in the event of delay at your outward or homeward point of departure. The airline concerned will be responsible for you in the event of flight cancellation or delays and may provide refreshments / meals /accommodation in the event of a delay or cancellation. 18.3 We cannot accept liability for any delay which is due to any of the reasons set out in clause 6 of these Booking Conditions (which includes the behaviour of any passenger(s) on the flight who, for example, fails to check in or board on time). In addition, we will not be liable for any delay unless it has a significant effect on your holiday arrangements. 19. Please note, it is the requirements and standards of the country in which any services which make up your holiday are provided which apply to those services and not those of the UK. As a general rule, these requirements and standards will not be the same as the UK and may often be lower. 20. In accordance with EU Directive (EC) No 2111/2005, we are required to bring to your attention the existence of a “Community list” which contains details of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban with the EU Community. The Community list is available for inspection at hhtp:// ec.europa.eu/transport/air-ban/list_en. In accordance with EU regulations, we We are also required to advise you of the carrier(s) (or, if the carrier(s) is not known, the likely carrier(s)) that will operate your flight(s) at the time of booking. Where we are only able to inform you of the likely carrier(s) at the time of booking, we shall inform you of the identity of the actual carrier(s) as soon as we are aware of this. Any change to the operating carrier(s) after your booking has been confirmed will be notified as soon as possible. We are not always in a position at the time of booking to confirm the flight timings which will be used in connection with your flight. The flight timings shown in this brochure, on our website and detailed on your confirmation invoice are for guidance only and are subject to alteration and confirmation. The latest timings will be shown on your e-tickets which will be despatched to you approximately two weeks before departure. You must accordingly check your tickets very carefully immediately on receipt to ensure you have the correct flight times. It is possible that flight times may be changed even after tickets have been despatched - we will contact you as soon as possible if this occurs. Any change in the identity of the carrier, flight timings, and/ or aircraft type (if given) will not entitle you to cancel or change to other arrangements without paying our normal charges except where otherwise specified in these Booking Conditions. If the carrier with whom you have a confirmed reservation becomes subject to an operating ban as above as a result of which we/ the carrier are unable to offer you a suitable alternative, the provisions of clause 5 will apply. 21. We hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 10544). When you buy an ATOL protected air inclusive holiday or flight* from us you will receive a confirmation invoice from us (or via our authorised agent) confirming your arrangements and your protection under our ATOL. In the unlikely event of our insolvency the CAA will ensure that you are not left stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. For further information, visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk. *The air inclusive holidays and flights we arrange are ATOL protected providing either the person who pays for the booking is present in the UK when the booking is made or the first leg of any flight or flights we arrange for you commences in the UK. We are also a member of the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers (ABTOT) with whom we have lodged a bond. This membership and bond protects all bookings which do not include flights which are made with us directly or booked through one of our authorised UK travel agents. Please note, bookings made via an agent based outside the UK are not protected by this arrangement. In the unlikely event of our being unable to provide your holiday due to our insolvency, this means all money you have paid us for your booking will be refunded or, if your holiday is already underway, you will be returned to the place where your arrangements commenced.

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Talk to our specialist consultants:

0845 130 6982 Calls charged at local rate Overseas tel: +44 (1962) 30 20 86 Email: sales@wildlifeworldwide.com Web: www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Address: Capitol House, 12-13 Bridge Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 0HL, UK Open Monday to Friday - 9am to 6pm and Saturday - 9am to 1pm

Superb diving opportunities for the beginner who wants to learn, through to the experienced diver wishing to explore new areas. Call Dive Worldwide on 0845 130 6980 for a brochure.

TT-COC-002452

Group-based whale and dolphin watching holidays, led by experts - operated in association with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society. Call Oceans Worldwide on 0845 290 3218 for a brochure.

We work with horse riding holiday specialist operators who offer an excellent range of trips and have a very good track record. Please contact us with details of your request.

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