Wildlife Holidays Worldwide Blog

Big 5 safaris - What and where to find them on your wildlife holiday?

2011-09-16T14:29:00.000+01:00

The Big 5 is historically a hunting term, which is why we don't particularly like it, but it seems to have stuck, and is still used in some African safari guides. The big 5 are the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros. Our holidays obviously involve taking camera shoots, not any other kind...

For more information on Big 5 Safaris - Click here

Ocean Giants, Giant Lives - Whale watching tonight on the BBC

2011-08-14T08:00:00.004+01:00

Tune in today at 21:00.

Ground-breaking documentary granting a unique and privileged access into the magical world of whales and dolphins, uncovering the secrets of their intimate lives as never before.

This episode explores the intimate details of the largest animals that have ever lived on our planet- the great whales. From the balmy waters of the Indian Ocean to the freezing seas of the Arctic, two daring underwater cameramen - Doug Allan, Planet Earth's polar specialist, and Didier Noirot, Cousteau's front-line cameraman - come face-to-face with fighting humpback whales and two-hundred-ton feeding blue whales.

Teaming up with top whale scientists, Giant Lives discovers why southern right whales possess a pair of one-ton testicles, why the arctic bowhead can live to over two hundred years old, and why size truly matters in the world of whales.

For your chance to see some of these Oceans Giants in real life, see our whale watching holidays .

Flying Safaris - View Wildlife from the air!

2011-07-27T12:21:00.001+01:00

For a bird's eye look at roaming wildlife with spectacular panoramic views opt for our Wings over Namibia or Wings over Botswana flying safaris. Your aerial vantage point makes for some fantastic photographic opportunities as well as allowing you to maximise your time by covering greater distances with shorter journey times.

We can also offer African flying safaris as part of our Tailor made service in many other destinations, so please contact our specialists for ideas.

Self Drive Safaris

2011-07-27T12:08:00.001+01:00

Why not go at your own pace on a self drive safari? Enjoy fantastic scenery and game-viewing from the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. Both Namibia's Dunes, Pelicans & Rhinos and South Africa's Cape Town & Garden Route self drive tours are on good roads with easy signposting. Contact us now to tailor make your holiday.

600 new species found in Madagascar!

2011-06-08T10:12:00.001+01:00

Madagascar's treasure trove of new species...

WWF report on the staggering 615 new species discovered by scientists in Madagascar in the last 10 years.
For the full report, please follow the following link:
http://www.wwf.org.uk/news_feed.cfm?4980/Madagascar-new-species-discovered-but-already-in-danger

Madagascar Holidays - Click here

Bear Watching in Slovakia - Trip Report by Mark Wright

2011-06-01T14:16:00.000+01:00

"We've arrived at the ranger's cottage deep in the Tatras for two days.

Accommodation is ok, an old wood cottage straight out of Red Riding Hood. Although facilities are pretty simple it's a real privilege to be allowed up here in the midst of nature in the park - Projekt Medved (project Bear) works with the national park authorities to allow a select few tourists to stay and visit and see wildlife. There are NO other tourists up here and we have the entire park ourselves.

It's our first day and we have struck lucky. Observing the avalanche slopes between stands of fir trees we spot a solitary brown bear high on the upper slopes. Binoculars and telescope at the ready, we are delighted to see that three young cubs are in hot pursuit of their mother. We watch with fascination for a few minutes until the four figures lumber and toddle away into the dwarf pine and are then lost from view.

We walk through incredible mountain landscapes for the rest of the day, but see no more bears. Plenty of evidence on the trail of bear activity, but no more sightings today.

Tomorrow we'll be out at 5am to look for more."

Bear Watching in Slovakia - Trip Report by Mark Wright

2011-05-30T06:24:00.001+01:00

Maths homework in the Tatras

Soon to be added to Wildlife Worldwide's European Bear Watching Holidays, Mark Wright is in the Tatras with his son Joe on a recce trip for Families Worldwide:

"As I get deeper into this trip in Slovakia I realise the importance of Project Bear. Throughout Europe, bear-watching tourists are attracted to sit in hides and wait for sightings. Bears are attracted to the hides by food being regularly placed outside the hides. The ethics and wisdom of this is very questionable; bears that become accustomed to being fed can become dependent upon such food sources and seek out places with people and problems start as bears become more aggressive and are then shot by fearful humans.

This project, where tourism works hand in hand with national parks and a research project, allows bears to be seen in their natural habitat without the need for baiting.

The project is terribly underfunded. It needs help as tourism alone may not be able to provide enough support for this worthwhile cause."

Mark Wright
Families Worldwide

Namibia Safaris: Special Offer on Outpost Camps for Children

2011-05-27T09:23:00.000+01:00

Namibia: Children under 12 years enjoy a complimentary stay at Outposts camps in 2011 and 2012.
Some of the camps include:

Damaraland Camp

Kulala Desert Lodge in Sossusvlei and Namib-Naukluft

Ongava Lodge close to Sossusvlei

Contact our expert consultants to tailor make the perfect Namibia safari for your family to take advantage of this offer.

Gorilla Safaris in Uganda: Save £100 on Gorilla Permits

2011-05-27T08:58:00.002+01:00

The Uganda Wildlife Authority have reduced the gorilla permit fee by £100 for all visits in the low season months of May, October, November and March/ April. So, there has never been a better time to go to Uganda !!!

Whether you can just spare a few days and go with our 'Weekend with the Apes' holiday or you can stretch to our full blown safari holiday - Gorillas, Wildlife & Chimps we have the best choice of group or tailor made wildlife holidays.

Kenya Safari Holidays: Save on selected accommodation

2011-05-27T08:47:00.000+01:00

There are great savings to be made on accommodation when you stay at Outposts camps. Contact our expert wildlife consultants who will incorporate these offers when they tailormake your trip.

Some of the Outposts Camps we deal with are:

Governer's Camps in the Masai Mara

Loisaba on the Laikipia Plateau

Saruni Samburu

Please contact us to find out more.

Late Availability for Big Cat Volunteering in Namibia (Snippet)

2011-05-27T08:34:00.000+01:00

Fancy spending a fortnight helping big cats back on their feet at the rehabiliation centre near Windhoek, Namibia? We have late availability on the 04 June departure. Contact our wildlife experts now if you can get away at such short notice! Call us on 0845 130 6982 or find out more here: Big Cat Volunteering in Namibia

Private Safaris in your own 'Safari House' in Africa

2011-05-23T10:43:00.001+01:00

The private safari house, private villa or camp is the great way to enjoy Africa at your own pace. Perfect for small groups of friends and families looking for something different - it is a fantastic wilderness experience that allows you the freedom of your own secluded luxury retreat. This personal and relaxed alternative to the traditional safari holiday gives you the chance to enjoy private safaris with your own vehicles and guide, and unlimited flexibility over game viewing times - perfect for families and small groups!

Black Rhino - The Conservancy Equation

2011-05-12T12:01:00.000+01:00

Happy animals = happy tourists = happy locals

Much has been written on the complex issue of wildlife conservation in Africa. Seen from afar, the issues are hard to understand, and it’s easy to become precious. However conservation is meaningless unless accompanied by development, and due to the relationship between habitat and species, any initiative must be holistic i.e. involve the entire ecosystem rather than individual species – including human.

Despite Africa’s national park systems and the best efforts of authorities to eradicate it, poaching is on the rise in some countries. One notable exception to this is Namibia; mainly as a result of the development of conservancy areas being developed in partnership with local communities.

Local people have always hunted animals for food. But increased human populations conspire with more efficient means of hunting to create massive pressure on wildlife. One result of establishing a national park is that wildlife becomes state property, and those who depend on wildlife as a source of food are driven to poach in order to survive.

In 1998 there were four conservancy areas in Namibia, but in 2011 there are now 64, with another 25 planned. 51,000 km2, some 6% of the country, is given over to conservation. Since this visionary initiative began in 1996 animal populations have increased and the statistics speak for themselves. The number of springboks has grown from 2,000 to an estimated 70,000, and the lion population, which had been almost eradicated, to 120!

Community-based tourism is on the increase, with many projects linked directly to conservation initiatives. Save the Rhino Trust, based in Kunene Conservancy Area in northern Namibia, monitors the rhino population to build up a valuable information database. However, equal importance is given to community outreach and training about the contribution that properly planned tourism can make.

The essential message is: unhappy rhinos = unhappy visitors = unhappy communities. If communities fail to safeguard the natural resource that attracts visitors, whose presence creates employment and injects funds into the local economy, those communities will suffer and miss opportunities for development. This may be simplistic but is, at least, easily understandable.
As part of the balancing act, to minimise the disturbance from humans the Kunene Conservancy has introduced strict limits on the time visitors can watch rhino and the distance to be maintained between vehicles and animals. This plays a part in fostering the rhino’s natural environment and contributes to its ongoing success.

To see the positive effects of well thought through conservation initiatives in action visit Namibia. Contact us for a tailor-made itinerary or join us on a group tour.

Where: Namibian Desert & Wildlife Adventure
When: May – August
How much: From £3,995

Where: Dunes, Pelicans & Rhinos
When: Daily, year round
How much: From £2,065

For more black rhino spotting try:

Kenya Safari Holidays

Tailormade: A Weekend in the Mara
When: Thursdays, year round
How much: £1,575

Small Group tour: Kenya Highlights
When: June, July, October
How much: £1,735

Tanzania Safari Holidays
Tailormade: The Spirit of Tanzania
When: Daily, year round
How much: £2,830
Tailormade: Wings over Tanzania
When: June to March
How much: £5,295

Zambia Safaris: A Walk on the Wild Side

2011-05-11T12:36:00.004+01:00

What’s so amazing about the Luangwa Valley, in comparison with everywhere else in Africa, is the sheer volume of wildlife and the fact that you can enjoy it at eye level…. on foot. It is without doubt the jewel in Africa’s crown.

It is a safari destination without equal and a location in which to enjoy driving safaris during the day and night drives with spotlights under the cover of darkness.

For our 2011 summer season we are offering a special opportunity to enjoy an extended zambia walking safari with a top guide.

From June onwards the Valley of the Luangwa gets hotter and drier and the grass level drops as it is trampled by the big mammals - elephant, hippo and buffalo.

This is the perfect time for walking. Warm during the day and cool at night, you will be able to fill your wildlife aspirations and then sit around the campfire after eating a beautifully prepared dinner to chat about the highlights of the day. Lions are plentiful in this part of The Valley, as are giraffe, leopard, roan antelope, greater kudu and sometimes wild dog.

A walking safari is not just about the mammals though, this is your opportunity to learn about the tracks, the trails, the insects, grasses, trees and birds… this is a complete immersion into African wildlife led by one of Africa’s top guides.

The 10 night Robin Pope Safari begins with a night at Nkwali set on the Luangwa River just outside the park where you will get your first taste of the wonders of The Valley, before taking a long drive north through the park right up to the northern river border of the Mupamadzi. Here you will spend five nights in an area unvisited by any
of the other safari operators in the Luangwa.

Each night you will stay at a different location, in large walk-in tents with comfortable beds, en-suite facilities and everything you might wish for in an African camp. The camp is mobile, and when you disappear off in the bush on your walking safari in the morning, the crew will dismantle it and ensure that it magically re-appears in time for your next overnight stop at a new location.

This traditional walking safari, in the company of an armed scout and top naturalist, takes a maximum of six people and offers one of the best walking safari experiences in Africa. The final night of the safari is spent at their beautiful Tena Tena camp, before returning to the airport for your homeward flight or perhaps completing your stay with a beachside stop at Lake Malawi or Mozambique, another safari in the Lower Zambezi, or maybe a visit to Victoria Falls.

To book your ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ contact our specialist wildlife team now for further details on our featured safari or choose a walking safari to suit you from our wide selection including:

Zambian Luxury Escape
Small group tour: June & October
How much: From £3,995
Leopards of Luangwa
Tailor-made: Daily, May to November
How much: From £2,995
Luangwa Walking Adventure
Tailor-made: Daily, June to September
How much: From £2,895

This featured 13 day trip departs on the following dates:
June: 17 and 26
July: 1, 6, 11, 26 and 31
August: 9, 14, 24
September: 3, 8
Price from: £4,995 (£3,995 Land Only)
10 Nights: Nkwali 2 nights, Walking (mobile camps) 5 nights, Tena Tena
or Nsefu 3 nights.
Includes £500 off usual price

Starry Starry Nights, Our guide to camping without compromise

2011-05-11T10:47:00.001+01:00

Mchenja, Zambia

People often tell us when they are enquiring about going on safari that they only want the very best, that they don’t want to camp, and that holidaying under canvas is something that they left behind as teenagers. The thing is that some of the very best safari lodges in Africa and elsewhere in the world are now tented.

Of course there is no longer a need to get down on your hands and knees to scramble into the tent, you are unlikely to have to crawl in to a sleeping bag in order to sleep and you certainly won’t be cooking your own food over a wobbly gas stove!

Eco-Camp, Chile

Take Mchenja for example, in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley. This beautiful tented camp can sleep up
to ten people, each of them in stunning luxury. Each room has an outdoor shower and a free-standing indoor bath and the camp itself has a spacious lounge and dining area and cool plunge pool overlooking the Luangwa River for added relaxing pleasure.

Holiday on the Indian subcontinent and take a visit to Pench National Park to see tigers, and you might like to look at Pench Jungle Camp. With 12 spacious safari tents set in eight hectares of beautiful mature forest, Pench offers elegant luxury in the heart of the jungle.

Governor's Camp, Kenya

In Chile we highly recommend the Eco Camp in the rugged and breathtakingly beautiful Torres del Paine. These beautiful and unusual giant dome tents (28 square metres each!) have been specially designed to withstand the climatic extremes of their environment... and of course to
look good and feel comfortable too.

Each of these holidays makes use of beautiful tented camps:

Zambia: Leopards of Luangwa
When: May to November
How much: From £3,295 (Inclusive of flights)

India: Tiger Tiger
When: November to May
How much: From £2,975 (Inclusive of flights)

Chile: Land of Extremes
When: Year round
How much: From £4,545 (Inclusive of flights)

Botswana: Wings over Botswana - deluxe
When: Daily, year round
How much: From £4,995 (Inclusive of flights)

Madagascar: Madagascan Explorer
When: Daily, year round
How much: From £5,165 (Inclusive of flights)
Other Madagascar Holidays

Kenya: A Weekend in the Mara
When: Thursdays, year round
How much: From £1,575 (Inclusive of flights)

For Wildlife Holidays and Safaris in Luxury Tented Camps - Click here

Top Ten National Parks & Reserves (Snippet)

2011-05-05T12:49:00.004+01:00

Our theme for the Summer 2011 edition of The Chameleon is national parks and reserves. It’s difficult to overstate their value because they conserve while also allowing us to experience our planet’s wildlife and ecosystems. Here are our top ten:

01 Corcovado, Costa Rica

Exotic and lush, this National Park is home to thirteen major ecosystems that range from mangrove swamps and jolillo palm groves to montane forests, lagoons, beaches, freshwater herbaceous swamps and primary lowland rainforests. Habitat of the rare harbor squirrel monkey and the harpy eagle, Corcovado National Park is a great place to spot the poison arrow frog, indigenous wild cats, crocodiles, pumas and jaguars and sea turtles.
Our best trip is: Costa Rican Odyssey (self drive)
When: Daily, year round
How much: from £1,845

Other: See all our holidays to Costa Rica

02 Kanha, India

Despite the dispute over whether Khana or neighbouring Pench was Kipling’s inspiration for The Jungle Book, Khana National Park remains the natural habitat of the Royal Bengal tiger. This plateau of open grasslands offers superb tiger viewing opportunities and is part of India’s Project Tiger conservation effort. Khana has also protected the swamp deer from near extinction.
Our best trip is: Tiger Tiger - India Safari Holiday
When: Daily, November to May
How much: from £2,795

03 Galapagos Islands

This volcanic archipelago straddling the equator forms both an Ecuadorian national park and biological marine reserve. UNESCO considers it to be one of the most unique, scientifically important and biologically outstanding areas on earth and it remains home to numerous endemic species crucial to the development of Darwin’s theory of natural selection. View giant tortoises and iguanas among others.
Our best trip is: Amazon & The Galapagos
When: Fortnightly year round
How much: from £4,195

04 Danum Valley, Borneo

Danum Valley is a vast reserve of lush tropical lowland forest rich in Sabah’s unique flora and fauna. The virgin forest has been recognised as one of the world’s most complex ecosystems. The Danum Valley provides visitors with an ecological experience in the wilds and wonders of ancient tropical forests. The hot and humid jungle teems with a variety of towering tropical trees, lingering lianas, exotic orchids and overhanging epiphytes.
Our best trip is: Best of Borneo Wildlife
When: Daily, throughout the year
How much: from £3,825

05 Serengeti, Tanzania

A UNESCO World Heritage Site deserving of every accolade that comes its way, the Serengeti is the place to witness the extraordinary seasonal migration of the wildebeest, zebra and gazelle. At other times the plains quieten but wildlife viewing doesn’t diminish, with buffalo, giraffe, elephant, eland, impala and the mighty lion, leopard and cheetah all to
be seen.
Our best trip is: Tanzanian Adventure Safari
When: Group tours, Saturdays, May–Aug
How much: from £1,895

06 Martinselkonen, Finland

While technically not a national park or reseve, this park is a marvellous spot to see brown bears. The Finnish wilderness is peppered with small lakes, and the swamps and their birdlife benefit from the habitat having been protected. Bear-viewing takes place in nearby hides where you stay while watching and waiting for bears. An excellent wildlife experience, especially if you’re short on time.
Our best trip is: Brown bears in Finland
When: Daily, May to mid-August
How much: from £895

07 Masai Mara, Kenya

Kenya’s Masai Mara lies in the Great Rift Valley, East Africa’s 3500-mile long fault line, with expansive savannah and big skies. Home to countless wildlife and the Masai people, this beautiful reserve is the favourite of many. After all, little can beat a dawn balloon flight over an awakening Mara. Wildlife over a long weekend; what could be better?
Our best trip is: Kenya Highlights Safari
When: Group tours, Saturdays, Jan–Oct
How much: from £1,735

08 Pantanal, Brazil

The Pantanal is the world’s largest seasonal wetland, flooded by the Paraguay River which eventually empties into the Atlantic via the River Plate estuary. This breathtaking wetland
can be discovered by boat or on horseback – the choice is yours.
Jaguar, howler monkeys, giant river otter, giant armadillos, anacondas and caiman are all here to be seen. A premier wildlife destination.
Our best trip is: Brazil’s Natural Highlights
When: Saturday (set dates)
How much: from £3,425

09 Yala, Sri Lanka

Sri Lankans venerate their elephants. Yala National Park in the south–east offers regular sightings and is also one of the world’s best places to see leopards, either at early morning or at dusk. Storks, pelicans and sea birds including the lesser flamingo reside in the park’s numerous lagoons, as do many of the island’s crocodiles. Beautiful beaches are close by.
Our best trip is: Sri Lanka’s Wildlife Highlights
When: Daily, throughout the year
How much: from £1,695

10 Chobe, Botswana

Not much can beat a slow river trip along the Chobe River for close-up views of families of elephants washing and drinking, mothers with calves at their side and bulls sometimes fighting over supremacy. Hippos wallow together in extraordinarily large numbers and crocodiles bask in the sun. The birdlife is unbelievably colourful. A must-do trip.

Our best trip is: Botswana Adventure
When: Daily, throughout the year
How much: from £2,925

Wildlife Holidays in Canada - Going Wild in British Columbia

2011-05-05T08:55:00.008+01:00

The coastline of Canada’s British Columbia is an immensely rich area for wildlife where, during the benign summer, a spectacular series of natural tableaux unfolds. In early summer (May to July) black and brown (a.k.a. grizzly) bear, including mothers with cubs barely a few months old, can be seen foraging at low tide along the shoreline. This is also prime breeding season where more than one male may catch the female’s scent and this can lead to some potentially violent showdowns between competing males.

As summer wears on, the forest berries ripen and the bears spend increasing amounts of time feeding in the woods. By mid-July the seasonal upwelling of nutrients at the northern end of Vancouver Island attracts prey for large pods of orca (killer whales), which congregate to hunt. Numerous harbour seal, mink and bald eagles are also present at this time, but black bears become wary of the grizzlies and are more difficult to see.

By mid-August the rivers fill with salmon moving upstream to spawn in the headwaters, and the grizzlies gorge themselves on the foreshore to fatten up for hibernation. By late October, things quieten down as shorter days herald the arrival of winter.

To witness these spectacles you can take a float plane out to a remote but comfortable, specialist lodge. In early summer you’ll watch bears from a boat, while later on you’ll view them from purpose-built platforms. One of our favourites is Knight Inlet, as large numbers of grizzlies are seen near the floating lodge, plus whales and dolphins on boat trips in the nearby Johnstone Strait. Another more intimate property, Great Bear Lodge, offers equally good opportunities.

Alternatively on the mainland near Bella Coola, both Coast Mountain and Tweedsmuir Lodges are accessible by road, allowing you the flexibility of self-drive – and both are great spots for bear watching (September to mid October). On Vancouver Island, Tofino and Telegraph Cove make ideal bases for seeing black bears and whales, while in September on Princess Royal Island you can view all-white spirit bears from King Pacific and Spirit Bear Lodges.

One effortless way to see both bears and whales is from a comfortable 21-metre yacht, while sailing at the northern end of Vancouver Island, or in the remote Queen Charlotte archipelago. With eight cabins, three shower/toilets, a large saloon and a galley, these vessels are crewed by an experienced skipper, a knowledgeable naturalist and a talented cook.

Both trips offer unparalleled opportunities to explore pristine coastal forests and ancient First Nations villages, and see orcas and other whales, bears and numerous birds. Each day there are a couple of shore excursions, and once at anchor there’s time to unwind in the long summer evenings – take a sea-kayak for a paddle, go for a stroll, or simply marvel at the beauty.

In October, if you time it just right, you can combine seeing the grizzlies in BC before heading to Churchill in Northern Manitoba to see the first polar bears arrive – possibly the best bear extravaganza in existence!

To help select the best option for you, contact our friendly and knowledgeable team for advice. We tailor-make your holiday to suit you but for recommended itineraries – or very useful starting points see:

Orcas, Bears and Forests of BC
When: 2-6 & 21-27 August
From: £4,299

Queen Charlotte Islands
When: early May to late August
From: £5,049

Bears of Knight Inlet
When: May to October
From: £4,190

Whales & Bears of British Columbia - 14 day self drive
When: Daily, May–Oct
From: £2,995

Grizzly & Polar Bear Adventure
When: Daily, early October
From: £6,995

For all our Canada Wildlife Holidays click here or for our guide to Tailor Made Holidays in Canada click here

Our Top 5: Memorable trips and Best Wildlife Safaris

2011-05-04T12:44:00.001+01:00

Our specialist team here at Wildlife Worldwide take the opportunity to travel whenever they can, for business or pleasure. It has been difficult to choose but here is a selection of some of our favourite, most memorable trips and best safari holidays.

Botswana Safari - Chris Breen
The Okavango Delta is surely one of the safari-goers iconic ‘marker posts’. Rich with birdlife, centrally located to enable visits to Moremi, Savute, Chobe and of course the wonderful Victoria Falls, the Okavango is a really magnificent safari stop. Our ‘Highlights of Botswana and Victoria Falls’ takes in all of these and a stay on a lovely houseboat too.
Recommended Wildlife Holiday: Highlights of Botswana & Victoria Falls
When: July & October
How much: From £3,090

Finland Wildlife Photography - Sally Jefferis
The observation and photography season of the brown bear and wolverine starts in early April, as the bears start waking up from their hibernation, and lasts until October. During the first three or four weeks, they can be photographed against a snowy background. There is also the possibility to catch a glimpse of the elusive wolf.
I can’t wait to go back!
Recommended Wildlife Holiday: Brown Bears in Finland
When: May to mid August
How much: From £960

Galapagos Holidays - Isabel Ashworth
The Galapagos Islands make a marvellous year round destination and offer fantastic wildlife viewing – whether on land, by boat or in the water, all surrounded by spectacular scenery. What really struck me was the variety of wildlife on the islands we visited, which were all in relative close proximity to each other along with its astounding, nonchalant attitude.
Recommended Wildlife Holiday: Wildlife of Educador & the Galapagos
When: July & October
How much: From £2,540

Madagascar Holidays - Chris Osborn
Visiting Madagascar is like visiting another world. I will never forget the dawn call of the indri or seeing the world’s smallest chameleon. There are vast, spectacular fields of jagged rocks surrounded by endemic baobabs. Together with the culture, a unique mix of African and Asian influences, makes this a place you will never forget.
Recommended Wildlife Holiday: Classic Wildlife Highlights
When: Year round
How much: From £3,185

Mozambique Safaris - Teresa Bennett
With new flights accessing more remote areas, the 45 minute flight into Nampula provided easy access to the old capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilha
de Mozambique. Snorkelling in the lagoon next to our lodge I even saw the very rare African angelfish. What a perfect, relaxing end to
our safari!
Recommended Wildlife Holiday: Safari & Beach
When: April to October
How much: From £3,435

Photo Safari Holidays and Photo Tours

2011-05-04T11:25:00.002+01:00

For world-renowned hands-on photography tuition and guidance, join Nick Garbutt, one of the UK's leading wildlife photographers, on safari on dates we have specifically selected to maximise your photographic results and enjoyment. At a time when the birds are plentiful, there are fewer visitors, the skies are more clear and when wildlife and their young abound - the opportunities for stunning photos are endless...

Photo Safari Holidays and Photo Tours with Wildlife Worldwide

Don't miss "The Secrets of Scott's Hut", a fantastic documentary on BBC2 at 8pm this Sunday!

2011-04-15T14:18:00.003+01:00

Ben Fogle's documentary entitled "The Secrets of Scott's Hut" is showing this Sunday (17th) at 8PM on BBC2.

“Ben Fogle joins an expedition across Antarctica to find Captain Scott's Hut, frozen in time for a century. The hut was built to support Scott's 1911 attempt to be first to the South Pole, and was later abandoned together with ten thousand personal, everyday and scientific items. Ben uncovers the hut and its contents, finding new information about his hero Scott and his famously tragic expedition. Scott's diaries are read by Kenneth Branagh."

If you are interested in discovering Antarctica, Oceans Worldwide currently offers a broad range of expedition voyages and wildlife cruises to see some of the most exciting wildlife in the world.

For some this is a once in a lifetime experience, although we find that many return time and time again to this truly unique continent.

To see all of Oceans Worldwide's Antarctica itineraries, click here.

Zambian Safari Adventure: Customer Comment

2011-04-10T08:55:00.001+01:00

"It was incredible. All connections went like clockwork. The lodges and people were just excellent and the jeep, boat and walking safaris were the best we had ever experienced. The four nights at Victoria Falls were action packed and The Falls were awesome. Chundakwa Lodge was lovely especially with the horses right there on your doorstep. Norman Carr Safaris were faultless from the lodge managers (Tara at Kapani and Glenn at Kakuli), all the staff and the guides were so professional and knowledgable we had brain overload. The food was healthy, tasty and varied and nothing was too much trouble, so much so we had to be careful what we wished for as the staff would immediately try and arrange it.

The Zambians were delightful and we had a lot of jokes and laughs with them. Kapani and a trip to Kakuli were perfect, enjoying the difference between the two. I couldn't say which part I enjoyed the most as everything we experienced will hold some very special memories for us, along with numerous photos and videos. At Kapani they know Chris Breen and I see from your brochure that Zambia is one of your specialities, why am I not surprised!

This is the third holiday I have had with Wildlife Worldwide, and hope it is not the last. Well done - take a bow!"

Sue K. April 2011

For all our recommended Zambia Safari Holidays - Click here

Highlights of Nepal Wildlife Holiday (Customer Comment)

2011-04-06T15:09:00.001+01:00

"Just a quick thank you for your hard work organising our trip to Nepal. The itinerary was fantastic, and all worked out well. We really enjoyed our time, and the people we met along the way were extremely welcoming.

A special thank you to Soham for his help and assistance whilst in Kathmandu. If you do have the need to contact him I would appreciate you thank him for organising the delivery of our Thanka to the hotel, and if he could pass our thanks to Ratna for making such a special Thanka for us, we have a wonderful memory of Nepal.

The hotel at Pokhara was very good, and in an ideal setting. Easily accessible to the small town, but secluded enough for a little privacy, being across the river. We had a good view of Fishtail early morning, which was an added bonus.

What can I say about Machan, words fail me. We felt like family by the time we left, all the staff were extremely helpful, friendly, and nothing was too much trouble. The activities were just what we required, and being a small lodge there were never large groups of people in one place at one time. We had two fantastic days bird watching and treking for animals, which proved to be worth every minute. A special thanks to Ram and Ganesh, our guides, who managed to find wonderful birds, sight of the Rino, and fresh Tiger prints, and scats to excite us beyond belief. The elephant safari's and being able to get so close to the elephant was a dream come true for me. I will never forget being able to ride and bath the elephant in the river.

I have to say, Nigel, Nepal ticked all our boxes, with your help. Thanks again."
Tracey & Phil E. April 2011.

Wildlife Holidays in Nepal - Click here

Sun and Storm over Botswana (Customer Review)

2011-04-06T14:32:00.002+01:00

"Darkness came early on March 13th. A layer of leaden clouds descended over Maun Airport like a giant threatening duvet. The pilot of the four seater Cessna flew at a low altitude, changing direction to navigate around the rain. I arrived at the airstrip only to be greeted by an almighty thunderclap from the dark velvet sky.

I have travelled to Botswana several times before, but always in October, when the sky is a flawless azure blue, and the sun is scorchingly unforgiving. Animals are desperate for water. and competition at water holes is fierce. By mid morning they are seeking shade. A dusty arid landscape.

My camp in March is beside the now flowing Savute Channel. All about me is verdant, vibrant flora. Emerald and lime trees surround glorious grassland, dotted with an abundance of wild flowers. What a contrast with October! Now the animals seem very contented. Cheetah spots more defined. Hyena coats thick and lustrous. October in Savute resembles a different planet, for the Mopane trees are stripped bare by elephants, and black ghostly trunks and branches litter the white parched terrain. A scene of desperation and desolation, with a paucity of water, but perfect for game viewing. Elephants search longingly for water, travelling many kilometres every day.

In March, game is still about, but it takes clever guiding and intense detective work to track animals. Elephants suddenly appear through thickets. The virgin butterfly shaped leaves of the Mopane glow with a rosy hue. At dawn, tall golden grasses appear white with dew, water droplets suspended, reflecting the sunrise. Carmine Bee-eaters swoop beside the vehicle, catching insects, and butterflies abound, enjoying the colourful flower selection. It has not rained for two days, but the sky is adorned with fluffy clouds.

The Duba Plain in March is like a green fire blasting through swamps. A thousand ebony coated buffalo cross the marsh fleeing from the Tsaro lion pride, hastening to the bush, where heavily leaved branches form dark tunnels. Giraffe graze contentedly on the Acacia now, but soon their supply will be scarce in the rolling savannah of Duba. The seasonal deep water affords me a wonderful view of lions and cubs swimming through a metre deep channel.

The area around Mombo Camp now resembles a gigantic shallow lake, here and there interspersed with lily filled lagoons, like a scene from a Monet painting. Suddenly, another storm descends, sending the fauna for cover. However, it is brief, and the Monitor lizards appear again to soak up the sun.

October in Botswana is amazing, but it is so, so dry. In March the senses are bombarded by the aroma of the bush, and allured by the scent of wild sage and basil. An ornamental allotment where the wildlife feast on a market garden of vegetation. On the horizon, distant trees are etched black silhouettes. Dusk leaches colours from the sky. Mauve, cobalt, grey, and then black. Stars gradually emerge. Goodnight Botswana."

Annette & Andrew B. April 2011.

Wildlife Safari Holidays in Botswana - Click here

Wildlife Holiday in Nepal: Customer Comments

2011-04-05T13:12:00.001+01:00

A special thank you to Soham for his help and assistance whilst in Kathmandu. If you do have the need to contact him I would appreciate you thank him for organising the delivery of our Thanka to the hotel, and if he could pass our thanks to Ratna for making such a special Thanka for us, we have a wonderful memory of Nepal.

The hotel at Pokhara was very good, and in an ideal setting. Easily accessible to the small town, but secluded enough for a little privacy, being across the river. We had a good view of Fishtail early morning, which was an added bonus.

What can I say about Machan, words fail me. We felt like family by the time we left, all the staff were extremely helpful, friendly, and nothing was too much trouble. The activities were just what we required, and being a small lodge there were never large groups of people in one place at one time. We had two fantastic days bird watching and treking for animals, which proved to be worth every minute.

A special thanks to Ram and Ganesh, our guides, who managed to find wonderful birds, sight of the Rino, and fresh Tiger prints, and scats to excite us beyond belief. The elephant safari's and being able to get so close to the elephant was a dream come true for me. I will never forget being able to ride and bath the elephant in the river.

I have to say, Nigel, Nepal ticked all our boxes, with your help."

Tracey & Phil E. April 2011.

For Wildlife Holidays in Nepal - click here

Snippets: Death of Knut the Polar Bear re-opens zoo debate

2011-03-24T16:49:00.000Z

The death of Knut, the world’s most famous polar bear in Germany at the weekend has sparked the debate about the ethics of zoos in modern day society.

Knut was born in captivity in Berlin Zoo in December 2006 and, after being rejected by his mother, was placed in an incubator and raised by humans. The story of his abandonment plus his good looks and close relationship with his keeper, Thomas Doerflein, turned him into something of a celebrity.

He was used by the German Government to campaign against the threat of global warning and even appeared, Photo-shopped in, with Leonardo DiCaprio for Vanity Fair's Green Issue in May 2007.

News of his premature death at the weekend (in the wild they live to 30, Knut was just 4) has raised questions about the way Knut was treated and the very fact polar bears are in zoos at all.

Comments Chris Breen, Founder of Wildlife Worldwide: “This is a very sad story but it raises legitimate questions about the future of zoos. They have improved beyond all recognition from a few decades ago but Knut would almost certainly have lived a lot longer in the wild. The same can be said about whales being used to entertain crowds in US theme parks; their lives are cut desperately short and the only place for them is in the ocean.

“Zoos can play useful roles – breeding programmes for endangered animals for example – and not everyone is afforded the luxury of being able to travel vast distances to see them But, ideally, the best place to witness these beautiful creatures is in their natural habitat.”

Wildlife Worldwide offers a choice of trips to view polar bears, all of which focus on the town of Churchill – 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.

The most popular itinerary is the 7-day Classic Polar Bears trip which includes three days’ Polar Bear viewing from a specially designed Tundra vehicle and evening presentations from wildlife experts. There is also a strong likelihood of witnessing the amazing Northern Lights during the holiday.

The trip departs on 12 October and now costs from £3585 per person – a reduction of £650 pp - (two sharing). Alternative, similar departures are available on 19 and 20 October. The price includes international and domestic flights, all transportation, bear viewing activities as detailed in itinerary, 5-nights’ accommodation, most meals and expert guides with evening presentations/lectures.

Other Polar Bear trips from Wildlife Worldwide include:

Tundra Lodge Adventure – 7 days from £4825 pp (11-18 October)

8-Day Classic Polar Bear Expedition – from £3870 pp (15 October)

To qualify for the reduced prices, trips must be booked by 1 May. All trips can be purchased ‘land only’ for those who would rather source their own flights.

For further information call 0845 130 6982 or visit www.wildlifeworldwide.com.

Wildlife Worldwide is committed to preserving the natural environment and minimising any negative impact on local cultures through education, conservation, sustainable development and socially responsible practices. Donations are made direct to a variety of charities and environmental causes through Wildlife Worldwide’s holidays.

Wildlife Worldwide Tailor-Made Visit to The “Golden Triangle” in India – Feb. 2011 (Customer Review)

2011-03-23T15:33:00.021Z

"This is the third time that we have arranged a holiday through Wildlife Worlwide, because their advice on the itinerary has been impeccable, and the implementation faultless.

Our first trip (for 2 of us) was to Guatemala and Belize, then four of us went to South Africa, and this year we had a party of six people.

We flew overnight (Air India) to Delhi, and arrived, tired and disheveled, at our B&B Saubagh, where we were met by our hostess Meera Dass. She noticed our condition and very kindly made us a complimentary lunch. Our group had a suite (on two floors) of three double bedrooms and two sitting rooms, we also had access to the rest of the house including the family sitting room and the dining room. Meera booked us into a super locals’ restaurant for dinner (very reasonably priced), and arranged two cars to take us and collect us.

The next day we had a tour of Old and New Delhi, and we met our mini-bus driver (Dev Kumar) for the first time. Meera suggested that as the sight-seeing was quite tiring, she would arrange a typical Indian meal for us when we returned (ETA about 6pm).

We had a really knowledgeable Guide who gave us a lot of detailed information, and answered our many questions, about the Mughal Red Fort, the bustling bazaar of Chandni Chowk (on bicycle ‘rickshaws’), the graceful Humanyun’s Tomb (inspiration for the later Taj Mahal), the modern Parliament buildings, India Gate War Memorial, and finally the ancient and mysterious Qutab Tower (built in 1199), which is part of the fusion of the Hindu Religion and the new (at that time) Mughal Muslim architecture. We were so involved with the history and the magnificent architecture that we did not get back to Saubagh until 7.15 pm (later than any previous guests!!), but it still gave us time to shower before a magnificent meal. (We are still in touch with Meera and have received some of her recipes via email).

The next day we were off to Jaipur (the ‘Pink City’), which I think was our favourite ‘metropolis’ destination. For the next week we were to be driven around by Dev Kumar, who had already impressed us with careful but positive driving through the mad-cap traffic of Delhi. He was unfailingly considerate and helpful (despite his some-what limited English), and coped magnificently beyond the call of duty.

In Jaipur we stayed in the aristocratic Samode Haveli (a former Indian Prince’s Mansion). Our senses were almost overloaded by the colour, the sights, the sounds, the scents, and the bustle of Jaipur. The high-light of the city is probably the fortified palace of the Amber Fort, covering an enormous area, and holding many buildings of opulent and dramatic Mughal architecture. But we were enchanted by the awesome design of the Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal), and the City Palace (still occupied by the current Maharaja) and its interesting museum of former lifestyles at the palace. Our biggest surprise was the Jantar Mantar Observatory, which holds the largest sun-dial in the world (accurate to two seconds!), and other intricate astrological instruments measuring the movements of the planets and the stars. A novel and fascinating place.

After a very good dinner at the Samode Haveli, which we had just finished when we engulfed in the most dramatic thunder storm for an hour (the only rain we saw on the whole trip), and a comfortable night’s sleep, our driver took us to Agra (via the uninhabited city/ fort of Fatehpur Sikri).

Agra is of course world famous for the Taj Mahal, and we were delighted to find that the beauty and setting of the Taj far exceeded expectation. We had two trips there, one at dusk and then at dawn the next day. Photographic opportunities abounded, and we all got through a lot of (digital) ‘film’.

The romantic story behind the Taj Mahal would not be complete without a visit to the Agra Fort which was the magnificent home (and subsequently prison) to the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan, who commissioned the building of the Taj, and is now buried there with his Queen Mumtaz Mahal, who died at the age of 39 giving birth to their fourteenth child. We also visited the tomb of one of Shah Jehan’s ministers, known as the ‘Baby Taj’ or Akbar’s Tomb.

The next morning our driver took us to Chambal Safari Lodge. The three hour journey was enhanced by the beautiful green countryside, where the main crops were ‘mustard’ (we were told, but it looked like oil seed rape), sugar cane, and potatoes. There were some large estates, but many well cared for family farms and colourful villages along the way.

Chambal Safari Lodge itself is very rural, and set in open woodland surrounded by farms.

There is a very pretty central lodge covered in bougainvillea, which contains the dining room, and the accommodation lodges are set in their own space throughout the woodland.

The camp is the comfortable side of basic, and very eco-friendly. The staff are untiringly helpful. Our first afternoon we were taken on a bird sighting tour locally, and in the evening we drank ‘Kingfisher’ beer around a campfire before going into dinner.

The next day we went on a boat trip on the Chambal River, and our very knowledgeable guide pointed out over 120 different species of birds, Marsh or Mugger Crocodiles, and the uniquely snouted, fish eating, Gharial Crocodile. For wildlife enthusiasts, like us, this was an experience not to be missed.

The following day we were due for an overnight train journey to Jabalpur. Our driver took us back to Agra, where he first drove us to a pleasant hotel to relax with coffee and cakes beside their pool, before being supplied with a ‘packed dinner’ to enjoy on the train. At Agra station we said farewell to Dev Kumar and his assistant, before entering the hustle and bustle of the terminus. This was an exceptional “Indian Experience”. The railway system is central to Indian life, and reputed to be the biggest employer in the world.

At Jabalpur we were collected by two comfortable saloon cars, and after a quick breakfast at a local hotel, we were driven to Shergarh tented camp in Kanha National Wildlife Reserve. On our arrival we were met by the manageress, Mizbah. It transpired that nothing was too much trouble for this endlessly cheerful lady, who was always on hand to greet us or offer assistance. This is a very sophisticated operation. Attention to detail is everything. The ‘tents’ are well appointed, the showers hot, the food plentiful and very tasty. Our Guide for the three days, a Nepalese called Raj, knew his wildlife, how to read their tracks, and interpret their behavior.

We enjoyed two safaris a day, and were lucky enough to see: Spotted, Swamp, Barking (Muntjac) and Sambar Deer, along with Wild Boar, Gaur (Indian Bison), Langur Monkeys, Jungle Cat, and (eventually) a close encounter with a Tiger – not to mention dozens of species of ‘new’ birds.

Our thanks must go to Katie and her husband, who own Shergarh. They controlled everything quietly and efficiently. Our penultimate night was Valentine’s Day. We had our usual drinks round the camp fire, but noticed that the dining room had not been laid up. We were led down a path, lit by night-lights on both sides, to a long candle lit table dressed with a fine table cloth and flowers, and all the guests enjoyed a sumptuous meal in the most romantic of settings. One of the high-lights of our holiday!!

Our next stop, after a six hour car journey, was to Tree House Hideaway in Bandhavgarh National Park. This is a truly rustic experience. Five individual ‘houses’ are perched, on stilts, 15 feet up in Mahua trees. Each house is made of wood, with a thatched roof. Accommodation is basic, but comfortable (the showers were hot), and we were situated in forest so close to the reserve that we could hear a tiger roaring one night!

The Park is much smaller than Kanha, but very beautiful, more open in aspect and wonderfully hilly. Our Guide, Anan, was also from Nepal and very knowledgeable about the wildlife. The species are very similar to those in Kanha (but no Marsh Deer), and our only ‘new’ mammal sighting was the large Ruddy Mongoose (as well as the Grey), and we saw a lot of additional birds. Anan, and a park ranger, worked hard to find us a tiger, but without success (except for a distant sighting). Then on our very last drive, he heard of a tiger that had been sited near a stream. Anan guessed that this tiger would follow a track down the stream, so we waited, and within 20 minutes we were rewarded. The tiger passed close by us, and Anan used his experience to track it (on and off) for nearly two hours – giving us plenty of opportunity for great photographs. So ended an absolutely brilliant holiday.

Tree House Hideaway is nowhere near as ‘polished’ as Shergarh, and there were a few minor ‘hiccups’, but the staff are very willing. We paid our bill the night before we left, because we had to be up at 3am to catch a flight in Jabalpur back to Delhi. We made our farewells to the staff, but the manageress and two staff were up that early to see us off (and provide us with a packed breakfast!!) Such dedication can only be admired.

Our final word of thanks must go to the ground handlers who were responsible for our itinerary in India. Everything worked like clockwork. Someone was there to meet us at every connection. The accommodation was always ready for us and of the highest standard, as were the Guides who provided us with so much information at each stop (and with such enthusiasm and pride for their country’s history). The M.D even phoned us at Bandhavgarh for a progress report."

Tony A. February 2011.

For Tiger Watching and Wildlife Holidays in India - Click here

Customer Comment: Jan S. Botswana Wildlife Holiday

2011-01-24T12:26:00.001Z

"Thank you very much for planning an absolutely brilliant holiday for me. The camps were great and each one provided a different experience, your choice was spot on.

Saw Leopard and Wild Dog in the same day – Wow !! The guides and trackers at Kwara and Lebala were fantastic and did their very best to try and find what you wanted to see and make your stay there special.

Xakanaxa was lovely and The Islands of Siankaba exceptional and a wonderful place to end the holiday.

Overall it was a fantastic experience and I would recommend it to anyone.

Thanks again and hope to travel with you again soon."

For Wildlife Holidays and Safaris in Botswana - Click here

Customer Comment: Gill & David G - India Wildlife Holiday

2010-12-21T13:41:00.001Z

"We'd just like to say a big thank you to the team for getting our trip reorganised following the disappointment of not getting away on Sunday. From the moment we phoned Chris O, not long after 07:00 on Sunday, we realise how hard he and the rest of the team, both in the UK and in India, must have been working to get a new itinerary sorted for us.

We never make it easy for you, in that we are always "late bookers", but after fantastic holidays with you in 2006 in Madagascar (thanks Chris) and 2009 in Zambia (thanks Isabel) we were already delighted to recommend you to friends and colleagues. When the chips were down the benefits of a small enthusiastic team have really shone through and I've been singing your praises at work all week (yes I went back in to work when I couldn't get away). We're sure we'll love another trip to India we've been to the North before in 2005 (sorry it was with Exodus!).

Fingers crossed we get away on Friday - it's looking good for now. Finally could we ask that you let us know a ball park figure for the costs of the two days holiday we've lost, as our Insurers look likely to recompense us for the reduction in vacation length. We're already thinking of 2011 vacations and beyond - my vote currently is for South America. So look out for another booking from two very satisfied customers."

Gill & David G. December 2010.

For Wildlife Holidays and Tiger Safaris in India - Click here

Customer Comment: Big Cat Volunteering Trip - Namibia - Recommendation

2010-11-30T12:25:00.001Z

I have been returned a few weeks from my superb trip to Namibia with you to take part in one of your Volunteering trips. I've started a new job and been very busy but have at last found the time to drop you a note with my feedback ...
The trip surpassed my expectations ! It doesnt get much better than that does it !

PAWS (Roma & Clive) who run the project have done the most superb job - Clive was over in the UK when i was over there so i wasnt lucky enough to have met him but Roma and Rian the lead guide plus the other guys made everything a delight !

The thought that has gone into setting up the camp and the passion with which they lead the project was inspiring - whilst it was camping, in my mind it was so much better than i expected and so comfortable.

I learned so much in my 2 weeks there - the 'cause' is admirable and you can really see the difference they have made which makes you want to do even more - being able to feel i had contributed even a little made me very inspired and i enjoyed the rewards of the afternoon activities even more as a result - it felt great to have earned the right to be part of the cheetah's/leopards world as we followed them in the afternoon game drives and got so close to them with such wonderful sightings. Getting to know the names of the released cats and each of their stories made it even more personal and very much a privilege to share time with them. There were more than one 'once in a lifetime' moments - my very best was the sheer thrill of watching a cheetah chase and making a kill whilst we observed on foot - wow, how special and truly amazing is that!.

I travelled by myself and as a 40yr old was nervous that everyone would be younger but the mix was great - from 18 to 60's and with our shared interest in the cats, the wildlife and the project (both PAWS and AFRICAT). I would encourage everyone with an interest in this direction to give it a go and not hold back.

I've done safaris before - both overland camping and also in luxury tents - whilst i have loved each and everyone of those i must say, the joy of being in one place for 2 weeks was really relaxing and really gave me a sense of being part of the environment, 'in it' as opposed to 'moving through it' - together with the opportunity to learn about conservation, PAWS and AFRICAT, and doing something personally to make a very small difference to the future of the cats and the reserve was a privilege that made it a very different and hugely more rewarding trip. I have brought home so much more than just great photographs !

Anyway, I wanted to share my experience of the trip so that you can pass it on to others expressing an interest - I'm not sure how you operate but i would be very happy to speak to any potential clients for the trip if they want to hear from someone who's been there - I know it can be daunting when trying to decide which trips to do when they all look so fantastic in your brochure but i would like to share my experiences in some way to encourage more people to take the plunge, I am sure like me they'll come back llike me with a special place in their hearts for Paws and Africat.

I attach just a couple of my very very many photographs from a fantastic fortnight that i really didnt want to end !

Sarah K. Namibia. November 2010

For Big Cat Volunteering holiday in Namibia - click here

Customer Review: Tswalu, South Africa - Renewal of Land and Spirit

2010-11-30T11:52:00.001Z

"The word ‘desert’ conjures up visions of endless sand and rolling dunes, as in the Sahara or Namib Deserts. Imagine our surprise when we arrived at the Kgalagadi or Kalahari Desert to find that, as far as the eye could see, desert sand was visible only as an ochre background to a foreground of blond savannah grass. Instead of the scrubby bushes we expected, our eyes were drawn across a great plain dotted with blossoms, yellow on the camel thorn acacia and white on the blackthorn, liberally interspersed with leafy green shrubs and small trees, some yet to bloom.

Tswalu before

Tswalu after

Welcome to the aptly named ‘thornveld’ and welcome to Tswalu, literally the ‘re-birth’ of this part of Africa.

We have often been disheartened in our travels round the world by witnessing man’s destruction of habitat and wildlife. In one nature reserve in India, poachers had preceded us and killed all the tigers. In a National Park in Borneo, two hundred metres from our lodge, we awoke to the buzz of chain saws ripping into the forest. In the Amazon, 25% of the rainforest has been mowed down. In Los Llanos, Venezuela, destruction of habit and wildlife is rife since the Chavez government ‘nationalised’ many ranches/nature reserves.

Doubly welcome then to Tswalu, a rehabilitation project that will restore some of your faith in human nature.

Over many years, cattle farming reduced this region of the Kalahari to a barren landscape, with patches of savannah, blackened shrubs and large areas of land scuffed down to the sand by bovine hooves. This is what team Tswalu, with careful husbandry, is gradually restoring to flourishing thornveld, re-populated with the animals that had previously inhabited it.

The restoration of the desert adapted animals has progressed so well that, after just twelve years, there are now small herds of ungulates, twenty two different species, happily breeding, as well as predators and a plethora of smaller mammals and birds. The investment is enormous. It provides for over 140 people, progressive fencing of 1,000 sq. kilometres and the import and export of suited species to and from other reserves.

They have created a haven here for the endangered rhino, both black and white, which, despite their bulk, are only found with persistent searching because the area is so vast. And what a place this is to go cheetah tracking: for three mornings the spotted cats led us a merry dance in and around the sand dunes. We did not find them this time but maybe next time, for surely this is place worthy of another visit in a few years to see how the re-birth is progressing.

The Kalahari is home to over 70 species of mammals and 240 species of birds. We had first ever sightings of black rhino (below), black maned lion, blue wildebeest, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, roan and sable antelope, red hartebeest, springbuck and the mischievously entertaining meerkats. At night, we had our first tantalising glimpses of aardvark, aardwolf, cape fox and spring hare.

We re- encountered white rhino, giraffe, Burchell’s zebra, eland, kudu, ostrich, oryx, steenbok, duiker, bat eared fox, rock monitor lizard, slender and yellow mongoose, ground squirrel, kori bustard and some non-indigenous antelope (nyala, impala, waterbuck) introduced by the founder, Stephan Bolar, but gradually being re-settled by the Oppenheimer family, who took over ten years ago when the founder died only two years into the project.

Save up your money and invest in a visit to Tswalu to refresh your spirit and your soul. Fly in on an executive turbo prop. See animals on your way to and from the airstrip. Set out your viewing ambitions with your private guide, Adrian, and tracker, William, two of the best in Africa, and discuss your likes and dislikes with the executive chef. Enjoy being pampered beyond belief in your own gorgeous Motse (thatched, private lodge) capacious enough to live in permanently. One evening you may be served diner on the deck of your Motse, another by the pool, another amongst the sand dunes, another in the Boma, where the dinners are ringed by fires, and take a leisurely brunch in the eagle’s nest, entertained by frolicking animals and overlooking thornveld which stretches to the horizon.

The author of this article, Alan Wood, a frequent traveller with Wildlife Worldwide, has made 25 journeys in search of wildlife in Africa, Asia and the Americas. Tswalu is the 21st reserve visited across 9 countries in Africa."

For Wildlife Safari Holidays in South Africa - Click here

Customer Comment: Zambia Safari - October 2010 - Mike & Pauline R.

2010-11-30T11:15:00.001Z

"We were with you from 16th -25th October and would just like to say what an absolutely fabulous time we had with you while we were there. From the moment we arrived at Lusaka until we flew out again you really looked after us and made sure everything went so smoothly.

We started off at Kapani then Mchenja, Luwi and finally Nsolo and all four places were just terrific. All the ground and camp staff were so friendly and welcoming, the food and accommodation was just excellent but i would particularly like to express my thanks to all the guides. Their knowledge and understanding of the landscape and the ecosystems in which the wildlife operates was outstanding and their willingness to share that knowledge with us and the enthusiasm with which they did it really helped make the holiday.

Thanks to Willy for finding me the Pel's Fishing Owl, Innocent for working out where the crocodiles nest was and then finding the eggs, Brian for his great humour and enthusiasm and Lawrence for his fantastic bird impressions! Also thanks to Shaddy for his knowledge on the final day and to Andrew for his great conversation, the relating of his life and communuity and also for his great passion for conservation, truly inspiring.

If there was one comment i would make, which is by no means a critisism, is perhaps say a little bit more about the conservation work going on and try to get the bigger picture over to visitors about the importance of the whole ecosystem and that is so much more to see than just the big animals. (I say that just because a few people (not with Norman Carr Safaris!) were complaining about not seeing leopards after 3 days and they were missing out on so much else!)

We would like to support your work in some small way and i know we can contribute to the school. I did wonder if there was any contribution we make to the guide training programme; i say this as i had a wonderful chat with Kasami (i hope i got his name right) at Mchenja and i if there was any way, if that is needed, we could make some small contribution to his ambition to become a guide, pleae let us know. If not we will certainly make some donation to the school or community.

Thanks once again for help making our holiday of a lifetime just that."
Mike & Pauline R. Zambia. October 2010.

Wildlife Safaris in Zambia and Luangwa Valley - Click here

Staff Report: Simon Barnes of the Times in Zambia

2010-11-17T08:27:00.001Z

Simon Barnes recently joined Wildlife founder Chris Breen leading the Zambian Luxury Escape group safari. He has kindly given us permission to publish his article which appeared in the Times this weekend:

"I have a secret vice. I re-read books. Some I read again and again and again, always content with them, always rejoicing in the familiarity, always finding something new. In particular, I read Ulysses.

I have another vice, but after in indulging in it for more than a week, I think it might be the same vice in different form. I go back to places. Well, one place. Here I rejoice in the familiarity, always finding something new. I revisit the Luangwa Valley in Zambia.

I was co-leading a trip with Wildlife Worldwide. We drove out from the lovely Kakuli bush-camp to a place deeply familiar, where this mad untameable river seems to make an impossible 360-degree loop. The cliffs stand high over a river horribly diminished as the dry season flows towards its dramatic climax.

Lion.

Lions love a dramatic spot. They like sit on the top of these cliffs with their paws flopping over the edge. A lion doesn’t need to look for a safe place. A lion is a safe place. A lion needs merely to indulge his sense of drama.

It was on this spot, 21 years ago, that I saw lions for the first time. It was here I first witnessed that glorious hot cosy intimacy of lions at peace: sometimes striking commanding poses like the lions of Trafalgar Square, at other times rolling sloppily onto their backs like daft old pussy-cats.

I watched as one young male – his mane just beginning to get serious – slouched from one group the next and then lay down as if he were a puppet and all his strings had been cut. And I thought: this lion is almost certainly related to those first lions of 21 years back.
*
The social life of lions is full of contradictions. Unlike hyenas or wild dogs, they seem to make it up as they go along, improvising, falling out, snarling, making up. A pride is a central group of related females that takes on a succession of males.

The pride male – sometimes there’s more than one -- kicks out young males out when they get too sniffy round the back ends of females. Then they must go and seek their fortunes; when they are good enough and confident enough, they can try for a pride of their own.

There has always been a pride around here, and its female axis is likely to be stable. It would be highly improbable if these lions weren’t, as it were, related to me. How many generations? Three or four, I’d guess. Good afternoon, ladies: I knew your great-great-grandmother. We go way back.

Other connexions, too. Isaac Banda works at out next camp, Mchenja. I knew his father, also Isaac. He was a scout and he led me to those first lion, with his air of easy comfort in the bush, leaning on his gun and smiling at the lions with a kind of paternal pride.
*
But as I found new things in Ulysses, while Bloom walked along the Liffey and I sat by the Luangwa, so I found new things in the Luangwa. I saw a butterfly of outrageous beauty, a cream-striped swordtail. At Kakuli I found a pan-hinged terrapin, a flap-necked chameleon and an olive grass-snake, all new to me. One new bird, a grey-rumped swallow.

Going back to the same place is no way to build a great life-list of birds – but I’d sooner revisit the colony of carmine bee-eaters, and live with the sounds of their aerial squeaking, looking up as the sun catches their extravagant colours. As a lay in my grass hut at night, I could put a name to every sound I heard: wood owl and scops owl and barred owlet, Mozambique nightjar, painted reed frog, Peterson’s epauletted fruit bat, the whoop of hyena, the distant barking as a leopard disturbed a baboon colony, and the great crump of lion, using the Luangwa river as an amplifier.

This trip was not the first time I have experienced the thump in the gut that comes when you meet lions on foot. But like pain, like a dream, it isn't something you can ever quite remember, until you experience it again. It’s not precisely fear; I’ve been out there enough to know what’s safe and what’s not. It’s more vulnerability. That sense of being not so much a student of James Joyce as an item of protein. You can see lions from a vehicle: you only experience them on foot.

Another point. Ulysses is simply the best book, and the Luangwa Valley is simply the best place for wildlife. Why go elsewhere? Why read a lesser book? The peaceful bits of this trip were every bit as good as the headline moments, but I’d better give you a taste of the drama. Pitch darkness, lit by a single spotlight, in a vehicle surrounded by 200 buffalo, the lowing, crashing noise of their panic as they encountered the lions we had been watching, and then the detonation as the two pride males came out of nowhere to knock down a calf, after which, with the calf only half-dead, they proceeded to have a stand-up dominance dispute, roaring, slashing and raising dust as the poor calf staggered to its feet and tried to make a run for it –

These two rivers never disappoint. The Liffey and the Luangwa flow through my life. I will return, I hope, to both before long."
Simon Barnes. November 2010.

For images from a participant on this trip click here.
To check out future departures on Zambian Luxury Escape click here.

Customer Comment in images: Dramatic images from a stampede and lion kill in Zambia

2010-11-16T11:52:00.000Z

Customers on the recent 'Zambian Luxury Escape' Safari lead by Wildlife Worldwide founder Chris Breen and Times journalist Simon Barnes were awed by these dramatic scenes of a stampede and lion kill taken by particpant John W.

For future Zambia Luxury Escape details click here or browse our other Zambia Safaris here.

Customer Comments: Festival of Wildlife 2010 - Pantanal Brazil

2010-11-15T11:46:00.000Z

"I had a wonderful experience in the company of yourself, your colleagues and delegates attending the festival. I should like to comment on the excellence of the English speaking, Brazilian guides who accompanied all of us in the Pantanal, and the three guides who were my life support system in Rio; not only were they very knowledgeable in their chosen specialities, but most informative about such matters as the history, cultures, politics and other aspects of Brazil.

The sightings of jaguar exceeded my expectations and I am glad to report that I managed to get some good video clips of this beautiful animal, despite the fact that it is always difficult to hold a camcorder steady when on water, but not quite as bad as being astride an elephant in search of a tiger!"

JR Guest. Festival of Wildlife 2010.

To find out more about Festivals of Wildlife - click here

Customer Comment: Richard and Nancy D Safari in Namibia and Botswana

2010-10-20T06:37:00.001+01:00

"As you predicted, we had a great time in Namibia and Botswana. South African Airways was excellent--comfortable seats, long legroom, good food, free drinks and good service. The effect was a bit spoiled by the fact that Nancy's suitcase was lost at Heathrow and chewed up in the conveyor system.

It was returned to us in Windhoek, unfortunately after we had left, so we were without it for two weeks. Also we cannot understand why we had to wait

5 hours in Johannesburg when there were 2 flights direct to Windhoek between our arrival in the airport and our departure from it. However we did arrive on time in Windhoek and spent an enjoyable day and a half with our friends.

Budget Rent a Car did not have the car we ordered but gave us a Nissan double cab as a free upgrade. We would honestly advise future travellers to take a double cab. We kept all our luggage, picnics, drinks, cameras, binoculars etc on the back seat. It would have been very inconvenient to have had to get out and open the back compartment everytime we wanted one of these items. We are very glad we took the 4WD feature. Although we only needed it twice, it got us out of serious holes/sand. Also renters should be advised to lower their tyre pressure if driving on sand as even 4WD alone won't dig you out. In general the roads were pretty good but beware of being lulled into any sense of security as occasionally a rock will appear protruding from the middle of the road. We passed people with punctures but we were lucky and had no problems. A family we met who were travelling with a VW Golf had lots of difficulties.

The drive up to Okonjima was fast as it was on tarmac. We heartily recommend a stop at Okahandja to bargain in the craft market--by far the best prices and widest selection in Namibia. The coffee shop across the road did excellent lunches. Also all petrol stations marked on the official road maps had petrol and diesel at about two-thirds UK prices. Other petrol stations, mainly in small villages, were often out of supplies.

Okonjima Bush Camp was great. Our guide and driver, Albert, got us very close to leopards and cheetahs on foot and really got us started on our bird list. You might tell future travellers that all the camps take only two to six people in their open vehicles so everyone gets an outside view. We never travelled with more than one other couple and were able to plan our own itinerary and stop whenever we wanted to take a photo or see a bird.

We did this by meeting people at dinner and going out with people of like interests. Also all the camps except Sossusvlei had free laundry returned within the day. Had we known this, we'd have been able to travel lighter.

With reference to currency for tips, snacks and fuel, everyone wanted Namib dollars in Namibia and pula in Botswana. Taking pounds, euros or dollars was unnecessary. The ATMs in Windhoek and Swakupmund worked well.

On the way to Mushara, we stopped at Tsumeb which has an excellent small museum for both history and geological specimens. The town had a good German cake shop also serving lunches.

Mushara was also very comfortable and had its own waterhold a little way from the camp where you could watch birds and animals come down to drink in the evening.

The day trip through Etosha was helped immeasurably by our friends' giving us a map marking the waterholes that actually had water at that time of year. That's where the animals and birds were. The rest of the salt pan was dry and arid. We actually saw 100 elephants at one waterhole (Goas) which was amazing.

Ongava Tented Camp was also very comfortable with good food. They were breeding black and white rhino and selling them on to other national parks to widen their own range of animals. Ther best views were on a night drive when we saw family parties of both black and white rhinos and eland as well as spotted thick knees and nightjars. The day drives also gave more distant views of these and many other animals and birds.

Desert Rhino Camp was also excellent but visitors should be aware that you have to leave your car in Palmwag and it was a further 2 hour drive from there to the camp in their vehicle. Again the accommodation and the food were excellent. The camp was run by a well educated lady, Helen, from the local village who was a joy to work with. They took us out rhino tracking in vehicles and on foot, and apart from the incredibly bumpy roads, we enjoyed our time there. They gave Ricky a great birthday party with a huge chocolate cake which he shared with all the guests and staff. The staff not only sang Happy Birthday but also put on a show of local singing and dancing--great stuff! The only difficulty while we were there was the intense cold. After many days in the 30's it was a shock to have the sun shing out of a clear sky with no wind and temperatures of 3-5 C. The guides were wearing 2 fleeces, jackets, gloves and beanie hats. We put on everything we had! Visitors need to know that a thick fleece and a windproof jacket are essential as well as the hat and gloves.

From there we had planned to drive to Torra Bay and then down the coast to Swakupmund, but people coming up from that direction warned us that there was thick fog and mizzle all the way and that the salt roads were as slippery as ice. We reverted to our original plan and visited Twyfelfontein. There is an excellent NEW Damaraland village museum on the road to the petroglyphs which should not be missed. People live in the twig huts and wear traditional clothing and show you how they make a fire, use traditional medicines, make metal tools and tan hides. They also dance and sing for you. At the petroglyphs you have a choice of 3 routes. It is very hot there in the middle of the day so we chose the 1 hour easier route and saw plenty of rock engravings. It was very rocky underfoot. We wished we'd had our walking boots!

Swakupmund is a pretty small town. Cornerstone Guesthouse was great with an element of return to civilisation. There were some good restaurants in the area and we walked around town by ourselves both day and night with no problems. The birding trip at Walvis Bay was excellent--incredible numbers and variety. By request we were also driven out to Pelican Point to see the fur seals which meant there was no need to drive 100 km north to Cross Bay(?) to see the more famous colony. On the second day we opted for the Mola Mola boat trip to see the dolphins, pelicans and more seals. This was great fun but a bit of a show with trained animals.

On the long drive to Sossusvlei and on to Mountain Homestead we stopped at Solitaire for lunch at the famous bakery found in our Lonely Planet guide--truly the best savoury and sweet pies in Africa and maybe in the world, really cheap and to the right of the petrol station. Avoid the lodge restaurant!

Mountain Homestead was also a long drive off the road, this time in our car. The concessionaire had recently changed and it's now run by a local man called Alex who really worked hard to give us a great visit. The previous managers had taken away the laundry equipment, the advertised telescope for stargazing, and various other things like coathangers. However it was easy to do our own washing and everything dried in half an hour in the warm wind. The chalets were very spacious and the food excellent.

Namibia Tracks and Trails had only booked one excursion for us--the trip to Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei and Sesriem Canyon as most people only stay 2 nights there. Once we'd explained our predicament to Alex, he generously added a sundowner drive and the next day a full day walking trip with a guide to Namib Naukluft National Park, the Waterkloof Walk. This park is the largest national park in the world and is well worth a visit, especially the walk up the freshwater running stream through the rocks to the mountains. Although it is vaguely marked by yellow and white flashes, we would not recommend this walk to anyone unused to mountain walking and navigating where there are no paths. Our guide had only been a short way up the trail before and we found ourselves showing him the way! Still, having an extra person was very useful and he picked out the animals and birds and scared away the baboons for us. For those wanting a less arduous walk there is the Olive tree walk starting from the same point. The day was fascinating and exciting and gave us a feeling for being out in the wilderness without a backup vehicle. Again we wanted our hiking boots.

On returning to Windhoek, we phoned in to return our car, only to find the downtown office closed (it was Sunday) and we had to return the car to the airport or pay an extra day. All this despite the fact that we were promised on renting the car that we could return anytime before 4 pm downtown. Luckily our friends kindly drove with us the 40 minutes out to the airport to drop the car where we read the riot act to the office manager who was horrified and agreed to pay our extra petrol. We found Nancy's baggage back at our friends' house. It was damaged but complete.

The next day flying to Botswana took all day with four flights and having to go through customs twice, once in Gabarone and once in Maun. Why could we not have taken one of the many direct flights from Windhoek to Maun? We ended up on an old turbo prop anyway with Botswana Airways. They failed to make it to Maun in time for our small plane flight to Shinde. Ker and Downey put us up in Maun Lodge for the night. We flew to Shinde the next morning on the regular small plane and they took all of our luggage including the bags we had packed to store at Maun. So your warning to restrict our luggage to 18kg total was unnecessary. Had we not had the excitement immediately on arrival of a quick dash to get close up views of a leopard we would have counted ourselves as having lost half a day, but as it was things worked out well.

The welcome at Shinde and the wonderful hospitality got us over our initial irritation. Aubrey became our personal guide and took us on water and land trips. Our bird and animal list expanded hugely for such a short visit. A genet even came to join us for dinner--a beautiful sight.

We then flew to Okuti run by a young Englishman called Murray. He really tried his best but that camp needed a woman's touch particularly in the kitchen as the food was very English boarding school. Our guide, Nawa, was superb. Again we travelled by land and water and our bird list reached 250 and our animal list over 50. We even saw honey badgers during the day--a very rare occurrence. On our last day we unintentionally broke park rules by staying out after dark, first because we slowly followed a leopard walking down our track in front of us and when he'd moved on, the road was blocked by a large bull elephant for about half an hour. Wonderful sightings and no regrets.

The flight home involved 3 hops in the small plane, then the Foker Friendship went all the way from Maun to Gabarone to Johannesburg. The half hour change was no problem in Gabarone this time as we stayed in the same plane despite different flight numbers. South African Airways were again very comfortable back to Heathrow where unfortunately we missed our slot and had to circle for an hour before landing. We then missed our connection to Manchester and had to wait another 3 hours at Heathrow. What a pity that such a wondrful airline only flies to Africa from such a lousy airport as Heathrow! This time they lost both our suitcases but we got them back 24 hours later at home. They have already replaced our damaged cases and we are now claiming for the few clothes, toiletries and prescription medicines Nancy had to buy in Windhoek.

Thank you so much for organising a great holiday for us. We hope these notes will be of some help to future customers with you." Nancy and Richard D. Namibia

Tailor-made safaris in Namibia and Wildlife Holidays in Botswana

Customer Comment: John N 'Once in a Lifetime' in Botswana

2010-10-18T08:48:00.001+01:00

"I have finally found the time to sit down and tell you about our trip. 'Once in a lifetime' is a much used phrase in holiday advertising but this one was!

The journey out was going well but was even better when we were upgraded to Club Class for the flight to South Africa.

Once we found the guide at Livingstone, the holiday really took off. There were only two other guests and one of them dropped out half because she wanted more lions and luxury so for most of the time there were just three of us. This gave plenty of room in the vehicles and virtually personal attention. At times, we were outnumbered by the camp staff.

We met the main tour guide at the first camp, by which time we had already seen baboons and elephants. At this camp, they laid on a boat trip on the Zambezi for more animal spotting and we had our last taste of comfort.

The next day we transferred to Botswana and the arrangements went well. The animal spotting around the Chobe river front was very good and we sailed close to elephants making the river crossing.

Unfortunately, road transport was not available to the first camp in Botswana and we had a very uncomfortable 45 minute flight to the Linyanti camp. The final section by road was livened up when a leopard walked through some kudu and crossed the road in front of us.

I would not like to say that the three Botswana camps were completely as per the brochure but it did not matter - the pluses more than outweighed any minuses. To sit down to lunch with elephants walking relatively close by to the water is a wonderful experience and at the same time we could watch the hippo in the pool that would noisily graze near the camp at night.

No-one believes how many and how many types of animal that we saw. I have nearly 2000 photos covering virtually all of the types of animals and some of the birds. All of the drives produced masses of animals. Only one lion and one lioness but who cares. We were very close to vervet monkeys, baby elephants, warthogs and many others, all of which were fascinating in their own right. Occasionally we saw other safari cars but they never spoilt our viewing and we never saw a village between Chobe and Maun.

Our guide was Emmanuel and he was brilliant in terms of knowledge, customer care and management. All of the camp staff were very attentive and the food was of a high standard. On the last night, the camp staff demonstrated various African skills, including their singing.

One of our concerns had been medical support. During the trip I developed shingles, which probably started at about the time I was leaving the UK. At first we put it down to muscle strain and heat rash but then realised it was something else. By then we were at the last camp. After discussing it with Emmanuel, I was taken by 'emergency' mokoro to the larger camp where the manager took my blood pressure and temperature and photographed the spots. She then radioed it all to the bush doctor, who came back with a diagnosis. Fortunately, I did not need major drugs and the camp supplied what I did need. If necessary, they would have taken me to a camp near Maun for further treatment. I cannot speak too highly of the care and attention that I received from everyone at the big camp and at our own.

As an aside, I did not like the big camp at all - it was far too civilised! We were with the animals, day and night, we ate with some of the staff and felt part of the environment. The big camp had raised walkways, big guest areas and little contact with the staff. I could not wait to get back, although rounding a bend in reeds brought the mokoro up close to an elephant's backside that was paddling in front of us - the one time I did not have my camera! Quite safe but very unexpected.

In terms of safety, we were always close to the animals but never felt at risk, even at night. Safety was paramount and we were always kept within the rules but this did not inhibit our activities. We were often with a few yards of the animals, including the lion.

Despite all of the above, I am finding it difficult to put into words the sheer enjoyment that we had and the value of the experience. We would like to go back but know that it could never be as good as this - the small group, the guide, the wildlife. For a first trip to Africa, we could not have wished for better.

Thanks for all of your help and for a wonderful holiday."
John N. Botswana. September 2010.

Wildlife and Safari Holidays in Botswana - click here.

Customer Comment: Andrew B - Namibia

2010-10-15T06:32:00.001+01:00

"We have returned from Namibia and had a wonderful time. all the arrangements worked perfectly, no hitches at all.

Thanks for arranging everything so well, and putting together a great trip. The Schoemans safari was really something to experience, just us and Andre Schoeman with his wealth of knowledge. He has a real feeling for the area. The food was great and the Land Rovers unforgettable! Purros camp has been completely rebuilt in a new position on the a high outcrop overlooking the river below, the other 2 camps are unchanged, but perfectly adequate and the staff were great. I would recommend the trip to anyone as once in a lifetime experience.

Your request for separate evening dining got through to all the camps, thank you. It was interesting to see how many people were doing the same thing. We had Wolverdons Boulders camp to ourselves which was very nice, and doctor food cooked up some really good food with the aid of jamie olivers cook book.

We did not need to take Malaria tablets at all, we asked the each camp and everywere said not a problem at this time of year, so we can save them for Botswana were I am sure we will need them in March.

Once again thanks for a great itinery. We will be in touch again nearer to our Botswana trip."

Andrew B. October 2010.
Tailor-made Namibia Safari and Wildlife Holidays - Click here

Snippet: Group Tour? – Not on your (wild) life! By Mel Kinder

2010-10-12T08:28:00.005+01:00

Scared by the thought of travelling into the unknown with unknown company? Petrified of being stuck with a group of ‘know it all naturalists’? These are all completely normal feelings for lone travellers, but all distinctly curable. Launching into the world of ‘group tours’ on the third Festival of Wildlife to India in 2006 opened my eyes to the vast benefits of group travel. Yes, admittedly, Festival of Wildlife is not your average group tour but the highs of any group travel can significantly outweigh the lows.

As a relative novice to wildlife travel in general, I was convinced that most of the guests attending this trip would be hardened wildlife enthusiasts, sparring their wildlife sound bites at any given opportunity. I was mistaken. Yes, many guests had a wide knowledge gained from numerous previous trips, but were only too cheerful to exchange this information with others when prompted or as no more than chatty dinner conversation. As wildlife enthusiasts wouldn’t we all like to talk to the animals? Instead we make do with the next best thing – talking to each other about the animals. Sharing experiences like this (and sometimes gaining new skills) whilst on a group tour is something very special and can result in lifelong friendships being formed. I am always excited when meeting past Festival clients who keep me updated with others they have met or are due to meet in social situations as a result of their first trips together.

Of course there are significant financial benefits to travelling together too – transport, administration and guiding costs are all shared. We are also more than happy to arrange room and tent shares for same gender travellers, eliminating single supplements and helping people re-engage with travel. Tempted? Let’s start talking and learning about the animals.

Group Wildlife Holidays with Wildlife Worldwide - Click here

Festival of Wildlife 2010: Customer Comments - Charles K.

2010-10-06T09:57:00.006+01:00

"The main reason for writing is to thank you both so much for all your hard work in making the Festival itself just a success. It more than lived up to my expectations and I know that you both worked extremely hard to ensure that we had the best time possible. The Jaguar sightings were amazing and I did not expect these wonderful animals to be so active during the day - swimming and hunting etc. In particular, the time when some of us observed a jaguar causing trouble to a family of Giant River otters and then successfully hunting a Caiman was one of the best hours of wildlife watching I have ever experienced! The bird life was quite extraordinary and both the birds and animals were easier to photograph than I had anticipated. In the talks, I learned an enormous amount about the wildlife as well as local tourism ane environmental issues. I alo greatly valued the time spent with me by the professional photographers to help me improve my photography."

Charles K. Festival of Wildlife 2010. Pantanal. Brazil.

Festival of Wildlife - Further details - Click here

Snippet: Wildlife Photography Event - London

2010-09-22T10:23:00.002+01:00

Join some of the world’s top wildlife photographers for a two-day symposium at the Royal Geographical Society, London, on the 22nd & 23rd October. Learn about and discuss all aspects of wildlife and environmental photography from the likes of Mark Carwardine, Charlie Hamilton-James and many more top international photographers.

See http://www.wildphotos.org.uk/ for full details and cost.

Customer Comment: Borneo

2010-09-14T13:38:00.003+01:00

"We had a tremendous time in Sarawak and Sabah. All of our guides were tremendous and we would particularly like to commend Steve at Bako, Noah at Mulu, Roslan at Mount Kinabalu, Leo at Sandakan, turtle island and the Kinabatangan River, Mat (Mohamad) at Kinabatangan River and Jun 21 (Junaihad?) at Rainforest Lodge, Danum Valley.

We learnt a tremendous amount from all of them and they were excellent guides in every way.It was fantastic - accommodation good, I'll tell you about 'basic' another time, with some advice for future travellers, Borneo is unbelievable."

Alan H. September 2010

Wildlife Holidays in Borneo - Click here

Staff Report: Guyana in Pictures - By Sally Jefferis

2010-08-17T15:58:00.000+01:00

Rewa River sunset

A lazy morning spent paddling down the Buro Buro river wildlife spotting

An early morning wake up call from a Red Howler monley beats any alarm clock!

Fruit bats woken from their sleep

Giant river otter swimming

Giant river otter

Guyana's national flower the Victoria Amazonica has leaves that grow up to 3m in diameter. At dusk the lily's flower slowly opens to reveal a brilliant white bloom.

Humming Bird at Maipaima Eco Lodge

Incredible sunsets over unspoilt rainforest

Kaieteur with Rainbow

Playful Giant River Otter

Singing and dancing with children from the local village

The Central Rainforests area is best viewed from the canopy walkway at Atta Rainforest Lodge.

The sight of 30,000 gallons of water per second tumbling over the 741 foot sheer drop is an awe inspiring sight and sound.

For further details of Tailor-made Wildlife Holidays in Guyana - Click here

Bear Watching in Finland - August 2010 (Customer Comment)

2010-08-04T06:35:00.006+01:00

"Thank you all at Wildlife Worldwide for organising such a unforgetable trip to Finland to see Brown Bears. Even after my reservations concerning my final flight were allayed. Martinselkonen was a superb base, food accomodation guides were all first class. The Bears played ball and I have some beautiful images from the trip, attached will one of the cubs. There will be more on our website if you care to have a look at. Once again a very big thank you all, I will continue to reccomend your fine company to all."

Ron & Maggie T. August 2010

Bear Watching Holidays in Finland - Click here

Customer Comment: Eclipse - Easter Island 2010

2010-07-27T09:06:00.004+01:00

"Merely wanted to say how much we enjoyed the eclipse on Easter Island and how special it was to be there. Here are a couple of pictures. I admit that the monochrome one I cheated a bit-its my eclipse pic on my statue pic but closer together than in reality!"
Sue P. July 2010.

Customer Review: Bears in Finland, by John B. May 2010

2010-05-26T15:33:00.001+01:00

“Climbing up a small incline we approach our hide for the evening, here in the ancient taiga forest of pine on the Russian-Finnish border we need to move carefully as our guide, Jano, has warned that Bears could be close by and we need to quickly secure ourselves in the hide for the evening. However, as our small party of 6 reach the larger of the 3 hides, these words dissolve as quickly as our first bear of the evening appears about 20 metres away and the pure excitement of seeing these animals in the wild kicks in and we do the opposite of our genetic instinct and we try and move in closer, as this is the reason we have travelled this far for a short 4 day break in Finland.

Having arrived the previous evening after a flight through Helsinki and Kajanni and a dusk (about 10:00pm) drive through the serene forest and lake environment of eastern Finland we had woken that morning to the sound of birdsong, and the pet Reindeer Martin at our window at the Martinselkonen Erakeskus. Here as an unexpected consequence of the Cold War, this former guard house, has been comfortably converted and is a true family affair with the family providing food and help over the day before the trip to the hides in the evening. After a morning walk, accompanied dog-like by Martin, we spend a happy hour before hot drinks at 12:00 by the bird feeders spotting squirrels, woodpecker, Siberian Jays, gloriously coloured finches and a host of other small birds.However, this is just the warm up act; and after a sumptuous feast of salmon (very much like the bears we will soon be seeing) at 15:00 we depart promptly towards the hide at 16:00. As there is still snow on the ground, we travel part way to the hide on a skidoo and sleigh construction, but due to the weather just starting to warm the male members of the party have to de-camp half way to the hide after a couple of groundings in the mix between frozen and de-frosting ground.

It is after we have all met up again that we have our first bear encounter as we approach the hide. On the first night our party of three had the whole 10 person hide to ourselves with the guide, and after our spectacular arrival we quickly moved into the safety of the hide and were securely locked in for the evening. Within half an hour of setting up in the well-organised hide, another bear arrived, walking in the area in front of the hide, which soon discovered and starting eating the salmon and "Bear" snacks (dog biscuits) cleverly hidden around the small clearing.

Over the course of the next 6 hours we saw around 18 different bears come and go according to hierarchy within the group, with barely any time when a bear wasn't in sight. The number of bear sightings was mainly due to the fact that they had only recently emerged from hibernation so were wanting to "power-snack" their way up to mating weight. We were completely enthralled; it made for a stunning spectacle. Just when we thought it couldn’t get any more exciting, the evening was ‘crowned’ just towards dusk, when one of the alpha males moved in close to a female and her three two-year old cubs resulting in the family making a mad dash up the nearest pine tree. However, one of the smaller cubs wasn’t going to miss out on his food – he made sure he took it with him and then proceed to nonchalantly eat this piece of salmon whilst secured around 75 feet from the ground away from the grumpy male.

When the light began to fade, we turned our attention to getting some sleep. The arrangements were simple – bunk beds each equipped with a sleeping bag and pillow. We each claimed a bed and climbed into our sleeping bags fully clothed. During the night we could hear the sounds of grunting and snorting as the bears continued to eat, which competed with the sounds of snoring from inside the hide.Those of us keen enough then re-commenced watching from around 04:00 and although not the same volume, did manage to see some bears before we were released from the hide around 07:00 and transported back to the lodge for a well deserved breakfast.

Our schedule saw us staying a second night in the same hide where we were joined by two coaches from the bronze medal 2010 Finnish Olympic Ice Hockey team. The hours passed swiftly as we sat enthralled by the antics and inter-play between the bears who we'd now come to regard as friends.

The next day we said our farewells to Martinselkonen, and with Markuus driving were transferred over the next 2 hours to the latest addition in the family business near Kuhmo at Viiksimo called Boreal Wildlife Centre..

Run by Markuus's son Jani in joint ownership with world renowned Finnish videographer Kari Kemppainen the recently converted guard house had only been taking guests for around a month but the place was in full swing with the short season of capercaillie lecking and black grouse. However, despite the wonderful crisp weather the thought of an evening in a small tent hide wasn't why we had swopped location; for us the spotting list here was about the elusive wolverine, wolves (a pack of eight had been seen the previous night), which along with the bears promised a real spotting feast.

The set-up here was similar to the well tested operation at Martinselskonen and we quickly slipped into the routine culminating in making our way to the hide for the evening again at 16:00 but with a slightly shorter trip. Here the hides are located in atmospheric no-mans land between Finland and Russia. This experience offered a more open environment from the previous two nights looking out over rough grass and ponds with the tree line about 1/2 km away on all sides. This created an altogether more wild and isolated experience with the bears seemingly more nervous (whether from the recent arrival of the wolf pack or just their recent awakening from hibernation) and smaller in number but with a very knowledgeable guide and visits from a white tailed sea eagle, a veritable murder of crows and black headed gulls the time passed quickly, and although as nature often does, we weren't rewarded with sightings of wolves or wolverines, over the course of the three nights we had more than our fair share of memories and enough reason to return in the not too distant future.

This is certainly a trip we’ll recommend to fellow wildlife enthusiasts.”

John B. May 2010.

Wildlife Holiday, Bear-Watching in Finland - Click here

‘Pantanal Wildlife’ – James Lowen

2010-04-29T09:02:00.001+01:00

To celebrate the wonders of the Brazil, Wildlife Worldwide and the Brazilian Tourist Board are hosting a special evening of events. Come and listen to Latin American resident James Lowen, author of the recently published Bradt guide ‘Pantanal Wildlife’ and award-winning wildlife photographer Nick Garbutt as they engage you in experiences of the Pantanal and beyond.

Where better than to host a travel author event than Stanfords Books & Maps store in Covent Garden? We will be providing Brazilian Caipirinha cocktails and nibbles with a possible smattering of Portuguese! Guests can also enjoy a 10% discount voucher from the store where they may choose to delve deeper into the specifics of Pantanal wildlife through the purchase of James’ Bradt ‘Pantanal Wildlife’ guide.

Event Date: Tuesday 11th May
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Stanfords Book & Map store, 12-14 Long Acre, Covent Garden, WC2E 9LP

Places are limited so to book a place at this event please contact sales@wildlifeworldwide.com or call 0845 130 6972

Our Top 5: Lodges - Let us WOW you with a selection of our favourite places to stay...

2010-03-11T08:18:00.007Z

Tafika, Luangwa
Zambia

John, Carole and their team welcome you as friends to their remote camp. The camp has beautifully constructed cottages where locally produced textiles adorn the beds.

Breakfast campfires and superb access to wildlife all make for a fantastic retreat and John can even give you an aerial view of the local wildlife from his microlight if you wish. Find out more about Zambian walking and driving safaris on our Zambia web pages or our - Luangwa Walking Adventure from £4785 per person

Knight Inlet Lodge
Canada

Grizzly bear viewing and whale watching beyond compare – but don’t just take our word for it... ‘..we were blown away by the Knight Inlet trip, which surpassed all our expectations, not just with the animal viewing, but by the friendly and dedicated staff at the lodge.’
Viv & Roger C - Oct 2009

See all our Canadian bear viewing trips or our:

Bears of Knight Inlet Holiday from £3549 per person

Amboseli Porini
Amboseli, Kenya

Your stay at Amboseli Porini directly assists the surrounding Masai community in the unspoilt wilderness of the Selenkay Conservancy. This secluded camp of just nine tents provides tranquility and luxury without excess. Porini headlines in the eco-tourism stakes. Superb lodges, outstanding guides and just about the best value for money of any property on the continent of Africa. Other options can be found with our-
Wings over Kenya Safari Holiday from £3395 per person

Sacha Jungle Lodge
Amazon, Ecuador

Visit the Amazon, becomepart of it…and leave no trace! Sacha Jungle Lodge is constructed as a group of small cabins from locally sourced materials. Sacha works naturally with the surrounding forest and allows for unprecedented viewing of the forest canopy from a raised walkway. Rainforest walks and river trips with top notch guides are the order of the day at Sacha. Have a look at our Ecuador and Galapagos itinerary -
Complete Ecuador & the Galapagos from £3799 per person

Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Borneo, Malaysia

Borneo Rainforest Lodge lies in the heart of the Danum Valley, a pristine environment great for wildlife viewing, including Borneo’s signature creature, the enigmatic orang-utan. The highlight of a stay here is a walk along the canopy walkway – a unique vantage point from which to see the wonderful natural environment and live theatre below. See -

Sabah Wildlife Special from £2749

Customer Comment: Wildlife Holiday in Uganda

2010-01-15T10:23:00.001Z

This was a short and intensive trip primarily focussed on the forest birds of west Uganda. It was a great success.

Flights
Business Class Kenya Airways was very good, certainly superior to Air Namibia and to European airlines like Iberian. Flights were on time throughout.

Lodges
Lake Victoria Hotel
Colonial Africa in feel, slightly run-down charm, but fine for the purpose.

Ndali Lodge
Same as I remember it from 7 years ago. Still very friendly with good accommodation and very good food.

Jacana Lodge
Much preferable to Mweya. Good accommodation and excellent food.

Bwindi
Had it much to myself. Food not quite up to standard of other lodges but very good none the less.

Mihingo
Spectacular setting, excellent rooms and food. Could be a problem for people with leg, hip or knee problems given the walk from rooms to the main areas.

Programme
The programme was very full, though that is what I expected and wanted. It took me to places I wanted to visit and I saw 300 birds in 8 days.

Guides and Tour arrangements
I had one driver/guide provided by Volcanos and a bird guide found through Patrick.

The Volcanos guide, Charles Kawooya, was an excellent driver, efficient organiser and a delightful man who looked after me very well indeed. I would be happy to travel with him again.
Alfred, the specialist bird guide, was essential to the trip. Without him, the holiday would have been much less successful since forest birding is really only possible with expert help. Alfred was one of the best bird guides I have ever encountered and I would recommend him to anyone who expresses an interest in birding in Uganda.

Margaret P. January 2010

Wildlife holidays in Uganda - Click here

Customer Comment: Leopard Sighting in Zambia

2009-12-10T08:39:00.000Z

"This was my second holiday organised by you (the first was to the South Luanga Valley) - and I have nothing but praise (with two exceptions!) for the entire experience. My consultant was Sarah Williams and I could not ask for better. We saw leopard! Not a suggestion of one hidden in the bush, but an uninterrupted view of a female sprawled on a branch of a dead tree with her cub. I have travelled many times to southern Africa over the last 20 years and probably seen almost every animal that exists, but NEVER such a wonderful sighting. The locals told me I really should visit north Zambia, so maybe when the piggy bank rattles again, I will be off." Carole S.

For Wildlife and Safari Holidays in Zambia - Click here

Staff Report: Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique. November 2010.

2009-11-17T10:24:00.012Z

An exploratory safari led by Chris Breen, founder of Wildlife Worldwide.

Gorongosa National Park is one of Africa’s hidden gems – but of course you have heard that before about other places too. Let me explain…

Earlier this year, I was exploring the possibility of putting Mozambique into our 2010 brochure, but I was only prepared to put in a really special wildlife destination, one with a real story behind it. Mozambique has been included in plenty of companies brochures in the past few years, but mainly as a beach destination – something which at Wildlife Worldwide we don’t do in isolation. I was looking for something a little different. Gorongosa is that place.

The park has had protected status since 1921 but sadly civil war broke out after Mozambique gained independence from Portugal in 1975. During the war Gorongosa was a battleground between the forces of the ruling Frelimo party and the apartheid-backed Renamo rebels. When the war finally came to an end and the peace treaty was signed in 1992 the wildlife of Gorongosa had been, not surprisingly, decimated. Meat and ivory had been hunted to fund the war and to feed soldiers, so basically when the park was once again opened in 1995 there was very little wildlife there and plenty of landmines (which were later cleared).

And now? Well the park is a beautiful place – vast open floodplains, a beautiful lake, expansive woodlands of lime green fever trees, and tall stands of lofty Borassus palms. All this is overseen by the towering Mount Gorongosa which dominates the horizon. But still, not a great deal of wildlife here – yet. And this is the story…

An American IT multi-millionaire turned philanthropist, Greg Carr, visited the park a few years back and seems to have fallen in love with the place. Over the course of the past few years (since 2004) he has given the park a staggering U$15 million in assistance in an effort to re-habilitate the park to its former glory. This is not just money being thrown at the park in an unstructured and disorganized way, it is clearly a well thought through and brilliant combination of social, ecological and environmental projects that are being run in conjunction with, and with full support of, the government and parks authorities.

Together with a small group of wildlife enthusiasts (there were five of us in all) I spent a week immersed in the glories of the park and all it could offer. True, the wildlife is not thick on the ground, but with a little patience and effort the wildlife here is extremely rewarding. I have been going to Africa for the best part of 30 years but I hadn’t seen bushpig until an early morning walk when we came across a family foraging and wallowing by the side of a watery pool. It is not often that you get to add a new mammal to the list.

On an afternoon drive we sat by a cabbage-green lagoon watching saddle-billed storks fishing, and a waterbuck deciding whether or not to come to drink. He pondered the situation for 20 minutes or more (they are at their most vulnerable when they have their heads down to drink) and finally decided that it was safe to do so. All the while, the saddle-bills were clocking up their fish count. We watched the male saddle-bill catch four catfish. Each time he caught one he flicked his head quickly until it was dead, then broke its dorsal fin and manoeuvred it so that it would slide down his neck head-first.

On another drive we heard a terrifyingly loud screaming noise above us and looked up to see half a dozen vultures (white-backed and white-headed) coming in fast and low to attend to something on the road ahead. A big baboon had taken and killed a baby warthog. The vultures had snatched the kill, and together with a pair of marabou storks and an immature bateleur, were tearing it apart and flying off with the remains.

We were staying in a beautiful, but simple, tented camp on the Muscicadzi River. The camp accommodates a maximum of eight guests in spacious tents each with its own shower and toilet, and a view of either the river (which at this time in October/November is pretty dry) or the grasslands. There is a central dining area and campfire and a small library of wildlife books. The food here is absolutely excellent, all freshly prepared (and beautifully presented), and for once on safari it wasn’t in gigantic proportions. Not too much, and certainly not too little. The atmosphere in camp is relaxed, informal and very welcoming. Our hosts, Jos, Rob and Cassius, and our guide Andy were all excellent.

One afternoon we set out on a short drive, stopping to look at one of Africa’s most pristine and delicate raptors a pallid harrier, before abandoning our vehicle to walk for a couple of hours as the sun was dropping in the sky and the temperature was cooling. Our destination was to be our night stop, a beautifully set fly camp, on a small rise enclosed by 1000-year old baobabs overlooking a grassy plain and forest beyond. Sundowner drinks by the fire turned into moon-upper drinks as the gigantic full moon dominated the sky and provided our lighting for another lovely dinner.

There were two real highlights for me on this trip though – one aural and one visual. We had had a sighting on our first day of three lions, two males and a female near to camp, and we had heard them calling every now and then. But one night the calling was deafening, and regular. You know they are close when you can hear the gurgling sound in the back of a lions throat at the end of a deep and guttural roar. As they came closer we decided that it was sensible to retire to our beds, and the roaring continued throughout the night. Most of us lay awake listening to this most spine-chilling call of the African bush.In the morning we saw their tracks, first on the fire break around the outside of camp, then on the path past one of the tents, then the place that they had rested for some of the night - between the kitchen and the dining tent.

The visual highlight, apart from the rainforest on Mount Gorongosa (home to green-headed oriole, Livingstone’s turaco and blue swallow), the fever tree forests, the savannah plains, lake and general wildlife will always be the birds for me, and most particularly the raptors. Pallid harrier, bateleur, black-breasted, and brown snake eagle, Wahlberg’s, tawny, and martial eagle, Dickinson’s kestrel and peregrine falcon were amongst the best. But October is the time of plenty on the bird front since many are arriving from cooler northern climes. Carmine, and European bee-eaters, red-chested cuckoos, African hoopoes all add to the brilliance of colour that this beautiful park can offer, and that is to say nothing of the mammals. Countless warthogs (most with fast and furious young), impala, waterbuck, nyala, reedbuck, kudu, sable, oribi, elephant, buffalo and of course the night mammals make this a very attractive place to visit. And, over the next couple of years as the wildlife naturally recovers, and as more and more mammals are re-introduced it will flourish and will, I suspect, go a considerable way to returning to its former glory.

If you would like us to organise a safari to this unusual and special park, or would like to read more about it, then please click here.

Further images from this trip:

Customer Comment: Jenny D in Sri Lanka

2009-10-23T09:37:00.001+01:00

"We had the most wonderful holiday in Sri Lanka. In fact it was one of the best we have ever had.

We had both a very good driver, Sunil and a first rate guide in Dhami. They both went out of their way to take care of us and to make the whole trip run smoothly. Dhami could identify birds from a thousand paces and knew all the best places to find them. He even found us a civet cat, which are nocturnal and very elusive. As he knows all the best guides in the National Parks , we saw 4 leopards in Yala , which was amazing, we had really good views of them as well. We saw one at Yala Beach Hotel too.

Baurs are an excellent local agent. They have a policy not to take you to shops or to any of the places where other agents go in expectation of receiving commission, which we really appreciated. We were only taken to the shops we asked to go to.They spend all their advertising budget on supporting the local community since the tsunami struck, which impressed us.

The holiday was everything we hoped it would be and more. It's success was due in no small part to Sunil and Dhami both of whom we liked enormously and to Dhami's expert knowledge of the birds and wildlife.

If Willdlifeworldwide is considering supporting some projects in Sri Lanka, then providing a ranger or two in Bundala and particularly Minneriya, to keep the local cattle and domestic buffalo from grazing there, would be very worthwhile. The elephants in Minneriya are in poor condition as there is too much competition for the available grazing. Maybe the answer is to somehow provide grazing for domestic animals outside the National Parks which would also be of benefit to the local community."

Jenny D. October 2009.

Wildlife Holidays in Sri Lanka - Click here

Customer Comment: Margaret P. Namibia

2009-10-13T12:22:00.003+01:00

"As you will remember, [we] always spurned your questionnaire and sent you instead a detailed report on our trips. This time I am doing neither of those things. To do so would be the equivalent of evaluating a friend's hospitality when you had stayed with them for a weekend. All I can say is that I received royal treatment wherever I went within the Wilderness network and am indebted to Louis for all he did..... Special thanks also to Victoria at Serra Cafema ..... I regard both of them as true friends and hope that is reciprocated!"

Margaret P. October 2009

Wildlife Holidays in Nambia - Click here

Customer Comment: Viv & Roger C. Bears in Canada

2009-10-08T09:32:00.006+01:00

"Having enjoyed a Classic Polar Bears holiday last November we couldn't resist dipping into your brochure again, resulting in us returning to Canada, this time to Bears of Knight Inlet, from which we have recently returned. Neither of these could really be called holidays, but rather never to be forgotten experiences. Additionally we would like to thank you for the efficient and friendly manner in which both of these trips were arranged for us.

We thought that Churchill couldn't be bettered, but we were blown away by the Knight Inlet trip, which surpassed all our expectations, not just with the animal viewing, but by the friendly and dedicated staff at the lodge.

The animal viewing itself was spectacular, with some 60 grizzly bears, although some of these were the same bears viewed on different days, black bears, orkas, hump back whales, sealions, and a truly exceptional sight of a pod of 300-400 Pacific white sided dolphins. Below are a few photos of some of the sightings, and thank you once again for all your help."

Viv & Roger C. October 2009

Bear Watching Wildlife Holidays in Canada - Click here or

Bear Watching Holidays Worldwide - Click here or

Whale Watching Holidays Worldwide - Click here

Festival News - Alison interviewed for 'The Insider'

2009-09-27T12:27:00.004+01:00

From 'Jungle Drums' Brazilian Travel Specialists:

"Hampshire-based Wildlife Worlwide is an independently-owned tour operator specialised in wildlife-themed trips to far-flung destinations such as Borneo, Malawi and the Arctic. Next year travellers will be taken to a one-off special tour to the Pantanal guided by a group of celebrity wildlife experts for their Festival of Wildlife. We spoke to Alison Bembridge, fresh from her experience in the lush wetlands to tell us more about the abundant fauna and flora. "

Read the full article from The Insider - click here

Customer Comment: David L in Selous and Ruaha in Tanzania

2009-09-22T08:56:00.004+01:00

"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 come across them."

David L. September 2009

Safari Holidays in Tanzania - Click here

Here are a selection of pictures that David took on this trip:

Eclipse News from 2009

2009-07-22T14:56:00.004+01:00

Just a quick message now we are back in Hangzhou after a very challenging eclipse! Lots of rain, clouds and thunderstorms in this part of China but the rain stopped and the cloud thinned enough for us to enjoy a spectacular total eclipse that lasted for nearly 6 minutes. The corona was quite limited in extent by the clouds as you can see from the attached pic. I had chosen a site at a small farm near Daixi at the foot of the Mogan Shan Mountains and the other pic shows the family and the team from the UK.

Everyone had a great time and particularly enjoyed the farm and meeting the people and animals. As far as I can tell very few other people managed to see the eclipse but I had worked hard accumulating weather observations for several years and selected a good area - maybe I still have some of the old magic!!

John Parkinson, July 2009

Customer Comment: Rachel Fryer in Botswana

2009-07-20T15:23:00.005+01:00

"I just wanted to say thank you very much for all your work in organising our trip to Zambia and Botswana as we had a wonderful time! We’ve received your standard feedback form which I will complete but thought I’d pass on a few more comments in case they are useful for you in future.

The high water levels in the delta also seemed to be affecting Victoria Falls as they were very full when we arrived and as we managed to arrange a helicopter flight the views were beautiful and it made a great start to the trip. I know you had some concerns about Camp Moremi as the area is not as exclusive as the private concessions but we had a great time. As it was our first camp in Botswana and our previous experience is East Africa and India the area didn’t seem too busy with other visitors, there were some but not that many.

The camp itself was great, the management and staff couldn’t have been more welcoming or helpful and the accommodation was very good, it was all much better than we were expecting with a really good atmosphere. Most importantly we also had some stunning sightings of a lion pride, a pair of mating lions and an absolutely gorgeous male leopard so I’ve attached some photos (below).

Duma Tau as you know is a lovely camp and as we expected more luxurious than the others. As far as sightings went we really benefitted from the higher water levels as the Savuti Channel is flowing and this lead to a great sighting of a group of elephants crossing the channel, and lots of hippos. They also managed to find a group of wild dogs which we were so pleased to see as we’ve never seen them before, and some beautiful male lions, as well as all the usual antelopes, zebras, and giraffes.

We were also incredibly lucky at Duma Tau as we had one of the Wilderness Safari's most senior guides, Ant (Anthony), who trains the other guides. He was amazing and we not only had some great sightings but also learnt so much, you of course know how much that adds to the experience. The only slightly odd thing that we noticed is that the food and service at dinner was not as good as the other two camps but I think they are in the process of appointing new managers, we met the couple who might be taking it on and I’m sure that will be sorted very soon.

Pom Pom, was last but by no means least. Again the sightings were great with more mating lions, another leopard, elephants, though not as much wildlife as the other camps, possibly because they have less area available to them…

We saw so much across the three camps there was almost a risk of becoming blasé! The managers Sue and Brian were so friendly and again there was a really good relaxed atmosphere in the camp as well as some brilliant food, the best that we had. We did discover just how cold it can be during the winter in Botswana! Though the temperatures probably didn’t drop much below what your information suggested it took so much longer to warm up during the day that it seems much colder than it really is so it might be useful to other clients to highlight just how cold, the blankets and hot water bottles on the morning game drives were a life saver at Duma Tau. We also found out that Sefofane have a maximum luggage allowance on the internal light aircraft flights up to 20kg total luggage per person though of course it still has to be in soft cases.

This was definitely our best wildlife experience and we’ll want to return, though we’ll probably have to wait for a few years... Thank you again for all your help."

Rachel Fryer. July 2009.

Safari Holidays in Botswana - Click here

African Safari Holidays

Customer Comments: Jill & Stephen in Zambia

2009-07-16T10:49:00.006+01:00

"Just to say we had the most wonderful time in Zambia and thanks for advice , organising etc etc Everything was perfect , The SLNP (South Luangwa National Park) really is beautiful , now appreciate why David Shepherd loves it so much.

All the guides were great , some been there years and worked for Norman Carr who died in 1997. A few remember Chris (Breen) and wish to be remembered , Levi , Lawrence to name but a few. The camps were great , fav was Mchenja , service excellent.

Saw some magical sights , one day to remember was at 9 am I spotted a lion with a snare round his neck , asked if I could go with the vet from the AWDC to watch , lasted until 7 pm !!! (You can see the images below).

I was told everything about the whole thing as only his 2nd lion , as now moving into Lions following 10 years of monitoring the wild dogs. So the male lion now with a radio collar , a fascinating time and saved a lion which if had not been sighted may have died with that awful snare.

Already planning next holiday !!!"

Jill & Stephen, Zambia, July 2009

Zambian Safari Holidays - Click here

Customer Review - Annmarie Meredith - Botswana

2009-06-22T07:54:00.012+01:00

Just to let you know that our March 09 trip to the Okavango Delta, Botswana was a wonderful experience with memories that will stay with us forever - and if not, my 3,000 photographs will take care of that! The main highlights for us were to see the lion kill at Duba Plains, the leopard kill (OK it was a dove, but still) and the wild dog kill at Chitabe Lediba.

We kicked off at the remote Duba Plains camp, and saw an abundance of wildlife with our private guide Reuben. On the second morning we observed the lions of the Tsaro Pride resting in the shade of the acacia bushes and closely monitoring a herd of buffalo. Within 10 minutes, five lionesses (including the infamous Silver Eye) had spotted an opportunity on hearing the plaintive cry of a sick calf left behind at the rear of the herd. They looked at each other and seemed to communicate their strategy. With their necks outstretched, mouths watering, their gaze in the distance, they raced off and we followed at great speed. Not knowing what to expect, it was quite a thrill, and we had to hold on tight as the Land Rover followed at the same pace. My heart was racing as I saw other lions joining the hunt. We crossed through a deep channel - not a problem for these strong swimming lions. One lioness hunted the calf and the others prepared to attack its mother who had returned to protect it.

What an adrenaline rush to witness this sequence of events at such close range. These lions were hungry, and according to our guide, hadn't eaten for 18 days, so it didn't take them long to cripple the buffalo. Once the buffalo was down, the male lion appeared on the scene and settled in by the hindquarters for his long awaited breakfast. What followed was a veritable feeding frenzy by eight growling lions and the last remaining cub from this pride, interspersed with the occasional pause to drink from the nearby channel.

We left them to it but returned at sunset and saw them still at the scene of the crime, and clearly not leaving much for the vultures and hyenas. The game was poor at our second camp, Kwetsani, due to the higher than expected water levels and fortunately we were able to transfer to another camp. I was very keen to see wild dog and leopard and our guide suggested Chitabe Lediba. Nothing was a problem for our hosts and Wilderness Safaris helped us charter a flight. We were met at the airstrip by Newman Chuma who would be our private guide for the next 3 days. That afternoon we set off with Newman in search of leopard. Within 2 hours or so we found ourselves in a dry, low wooded area and our guide listened and watched for signs. He stopped the vehicle when he heard a flock of noisy and agitated francolins in a nearby tree, then drove off through the long grass and soon spotted a leopard sleeping under a tree. It was a female, about 6 years old, and so beautiful. An awesome sight. Our guide made a scratching noise which caused the leopard to sit bolt upright, slowly look around, and make eye contact with us. Poised and ready with my camera on continuous shoot mode, my shutter release sounded like grateful applause. The leopard then fixed its gaze on something a few metres away, and we were treated to a display of a stealthy stalk-and-pounce. Its prey was a collared dove feeding in the long grass. She played with it rather like a domestic cat with a mouse. We watched her strip the feathers, then eat it but not without a fight, lick her lips, clean the feathers from her whiskers and walk off through the woods. What a promising start!

After that we spotted wildebeest, giraffe, elephant and black back jackal, all very special, but my heart was still pounding from the leopard experience. With the sun sinking fast we headed off to find a safe spot for our sundowner. We parked up by some trees with an open area ahead of us and hopped out to stretch our legs. I swapped over to my macro lens to photograph some colourful wild flowers whilst Newman prepared our G&Ts. Newman heard something - it was an impala running at speed towards the trees on the far side, but what was it running from? An African wild dog no less.

We looked at each other in disbelief. Newman asked us what we wanted to do? No brainer, let's follow the wild dog. In a mad rush we abandoned the cool box, drinks and nibbles, and sped off after the wild dog. Bouncing around in the back I swapped my lenses over in record time. The dog was joined by another one and we raced after them. They stopped to drink at a pool of water, but didn't stop for long, they were very excited about something. We followed and saw them join up with 6 other dogs all running straight ahead of us. Newman made the call of a wild dog in distress which caused them to stop and look around at us - nice photo opportunity! They continued and we followed them into the woods where we found them all huddled around a freshly killed impala. The noises and the smell were remarkable. These eight dogs were hungrily gnawing away at the kill, barking, growling, moaning. I snapped away with my camera but with the combination of the adrenalin and the low light found it difficult to get good shots, however I can't complain. What beautiful animals they are with their yellowish brown, black and white coat, white tipped tail, black muzzle and huge oval black ears.

Within ten minutes there was nothing left but bones; two black back jackals were waiting for their chance, also the vultures, including white headed, white backed, hooded and leopard faced. All this in one afternoon - how amazinlgy lucky we were, and what a great guide we had in Newman. Am I glad we changed our plan and came to Chitabe Lediba! We would definitely recommend this lodge. The wildlife is prolific, the accommodation is adequate, and I believe is due for a refurbishment shortly and its sister camp, Chitabe, was undergoing a refurbishment while we were there. I hope it's not too long before my next African adventure.

Annmarie Meredith

http://www.annmariemeredithphotography.com/

Wildlife Safaris in Botswana and the Okavango Delta - Click here

Festival of Wildlife 2009 - Tanzania - Staff Report by Mel Kinder

2009-06-08T11:08:00.007+01:00

As far as the eye can see....

Nothing can quite prepare you for the expanse of the Serengeti plains. Driving to our private camp from Arusha in preparation for the 6th Annual Festival of Wildlife was a truly memorable experience for Alison and myself. With numerous bags loaded with Festival auction items, little customer gifts purchased at the Masai market, projector, laptops, a printer, banner and our personal equipment, we headed away from the ever-growing arable suburbs and bustle of the town and west towards the peak of Ngorongoro crater. Having carried out the necessary pre-Festival meetings in Arusha we were being treated to an afternoon game drive in the crater with top guide Ayoub, en route to our camp spot in the central Serengeti. As we climbed towards the rim of the crater the increasingly green landscape turned into what could almost be described as lush rainforest. Ayoub suddenly insisted we close our eyes and then, once instructed a moment later, we were gazing down into what must surely be one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. But where are the flamingos I insisted? I was overwhelmed by the landscape before me but intent on cementing my dream of witnessing the mass of elegant pink birds on the lake.

Soon we had descended the steep sides of the crater and were eye to eye with zebras, hyenas, Wildebeest, warthogs – you name it! But still no sign of pink. This is when you begin to realise just how big the 260 square kilometre crater is. We trundled along and although we had managed to see lions and 4 of the meagre Black Rhino population within an hour, it wasn’t until we neared closer to the soda lake that the blur of pink haze became thousands of individual birds….astounding!

Leaving the hospitable and comfortable Serena lodge bright and early in the morning we headed further west and down into the lowlands towards the Serengeti, passing solitary and regal Masai herders as the dark green turned into varying shades of yellow and brown. This is where the horizon becomes infinite and space unrestrained and this is where we were to host the Festival of Wildlife.

Turner’s Camp was the perfect base from which to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration – the reason for our presence in this location. At the end of the rainy season the ground here provides the perfect larder for the million or so White-bearded Wildebeest and Burchell’s Zebra which have arrived from the east. They did not disappoint. Having flown back with our Festival group into the local Seronera airstrip we were all warmly welcomed with cheery register calls of endless grunts resembling ‘here’, ‘here’, ‘here’, as we passed by the scattered and sometimes bunched brown cattle.

The welcome continued at camp with dancing by the local Wakuria tribe, poachers in a past life but now working with conservation tourism. Everyone was glad to have finally reached their home for the next 5 days.

Festival is always ‘full-on’ and this year was to be no exception. Joined by expert wildlife photographers Mark Carwardine, Suzi Eszterhas and Nick Garbutt, artist Mandy Shepherd and editor of BBC Wildlife magazine Sophie Stafford, not forgetting Selous Save the Rhino project leader Fraser Smith, Jackson Looseyia from Big Cat Live, local Masai and bushcraft expert Ole Kirimbai and Damian Bell from the local Honeyguide Foundation, we had a lot to pack in.

‘Water ready’ came the call in the dark at 5:30 each morning as our superb camp staff miraculously provided about twenty tents with hot water for washing before everyone congregated around a welcome camp fire for hot porridge and tea. Head torches blinding fellow participants, we headed for our designated vehicles in readiness for the mornings viewing. ‘Who heard the lion roar last night?’ exclaimed a voice ‘It was really close!’ In fact much closer than we had realised. At dusk a lioness was spotted a few dozen metres from camp, surveying the territory atop the nearby kopjes.

Festival is all about sharing wildlife knowledge and information flows freely from dawn till dusk as the melee of participants, experts, camp staff and the Wildlife Worldwide team share stories, witness events, listen to presentations and attend workshops in their preferred subjects.

Varying workshops this year included beadwork with the Wakuria ladies, bushcraft with local Masai guru - Ole Kirimbai, birding with Nick Garbutt, painting with Mandy Shepherd and the ever popular photography skills and manipulation. The pace is fast but there is just so much to do and see in the space of the event so a few nodding heads just after lunch are all part and parcel!

Everyone’s back in camp for brunch at 11am and the stories are coming thick and fast – lions in abundance in trees, leopards spotted both in trees and wandering through the thick grass, Wildebeest in their thousands and a solitary python trying to hide unsuccessfully in a termite mound!

Once fed and watered presentations follow, taking in subjects like ‘Last Chance to See’ with Mark Carwardine previewing a couple of antics from the forthcoming series he has been filming with Stephen Fry, ‘Tales and Tragedies from Tiger Land’ by Nick Garbutt about his recent India trip and ‘Life as BBC Wildlife Editor’ by Sophie Stafford.

Workshops and further game drives ensure everyone is kept busy followed by a quick bucket shower before sitting down to the delights created by Leonard the camp chef and stories around the camp fire. Having never visited the Serengeti before, I understand now that May and June are excellent months to visit; before the numbers of visitors really kick in. As a reasonably large group taking 8 vehicles out each morning, we rarely came into contact with more than one or two other vehicles at most stopping to view a similar event. Our local Tanzanian guides were extremely knowledgeable and attentive to the needs of the group. Aware that other vehicles would encounter equally exciting events, they did not jump to grab a radio resulting in situations of vehicle overload, as can so easily happen when wildlife viewing.

There is also another wonderful way of getting a different perspective on the whole area – a balloon ride. Six of us braved the 4:30am wake-up call and headed wearily to the take-off point. Packed like pigeons into racing baskets, with only heads protruding as we sat in our advised astronauts position. Slowly the heat built into the balloon and we were upright again and gazing out towards the rising sun and the magnificent plains. Soon we could see for miles and the rising and falling to turn of the balloon, allowed us unparalleled wildlife sightings as we skimmed vulture nests in acacia trees, saw lion cubs darting into the undergrowth and gazed in awe at the aphid-like mass of black which described the head of a huge Wildebeest herd and the tail stretching for miles behind.
Everywhere the abundance of wildlife is staggering. Big cats lounge nonchalantly in acacia branches, well fed and seemingly unconcerned by the stampeding of nearby hooves. Giraffes in their dozens browse gracefully as they create acacia topiary and hyena and jackals roam freely on the off-chance of a grabbed meal. All this and thousands of Wildebeest on a mission. I couldn’t help but draw an imaginary comparison with the bison roaming on the former plains of the USA and the cartoon by the great cartoonist Gary Larson where he has drawn a traffic report helicopter entitled ‘Herd Report’ circling above a mass of cattle with a bubble from the pilot stating ‘It’s bad out there today folks....Noses to derrières as far as I can see.

Of course we can never take these incredible spectacles for granted, and the Festival ethos is one of conservation and learning to highlight issues and promote discussion regarding solutions. We always try to raise as much money as possible for different conservation groups in whichever destination we happen to be. This year we are raising money for Save the Rhino International, The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation and the Honeyguide Foundation. Even in this year of cutbacks and credit crunch, people realise the importance of wildlife conservation and we are proud to have raised £5,135 during this Festival trip alone. The Serengeti is a vast and unique wildlife reserve without boundaries which is constantly under treat from land usage, poachers, climate changes and more. Let’s try and ensure that its fate is not sealed as below……

If you would like to find out about next year’s Festival trip to the Pantanal in Brazil then please click here.

Festival of Wildlife Customer Testimonials - Tanzania

2009-06-08T08:30:00.000+01:00

"Alison, Mel,

A BIG thanks to both of you for an excellent festival. Paul and I had a great time. Everything was just FAB. We really liked the experts, loved the game drives, everyone at the camp site was great, and every moment of the day there was lots of fun. OK the bucket showers took a bit of working out – 20 litres sounded lots but on the first day I hadn’t even got through the wash cycle so had to have 2 buckets - got the hang of it however as time moved on. "

Jackie Bench

"Dear Chris, Alison and Mel
Now sleeping fairly normally again after the most excellent week in the Serengeti, I should like to thank you all for your enormous hard work and really perfect organisation. Although I am an experienced 'safari-goer' and traveller, I had never imagined what your festival was going to offer, with all the expertise by most pleasant and helpful people and the tremendous attention to detail in all respects. For me, it turned out to be a considerable success, and I am very glad now that I was able to join you. I also found the camp organisation really first-class - and the charging facility on the vehicles was particularly brilliant (and saved me from disaster!)."

Morley Pecker

"Dear Chris, Alison and Mel,
Once again, it was a super enjoyable Festival – all the staff at the camp treated us superbly, food was excellent and tents spacious. The site was relaxing and well laid out and it was nice to see old friends again.
I was fascinated by the plains covered with swirling wildebeest as far as the eye could see, almost sounding like a motorway in the places where there were milling around, and of course the zebras with them were as sweet as ever. I loved seeing so many stately giraffes, pretty coloured birds large and small. The hippo pool was a beautiful place even without hippos, but it was fun to see and hear so many.
The most amazing thing for me was to see the lions in trees (and so many not) – no more will I think to climb a tree if in danger of a lion!! It was great to see the leopards, cheetahs, buffalo etc. and finally the elephants.
I enjoyed all the talks/experiences of the celebs and as usual enjoyed painting with Mandy, always so enthusiastic about everything.
Many thanks to you all for all you did to make this a very happy celebration of wildlife."

Diana Garfitt

Festival of Wildlife in Brazil 2010 - Click here

Festival of Wildife 2009 - Customer Comments - Ballooning!

2009-06-07T16:05:00.000+01:00

"The balloon flight was one of the highlights of the Festival for me. I never realised how much wildlife can be seen from a balloon and how much the pilots can manoeuvre the balloon in order to get closer to the animals. Giraffe, buffalo, hippo, wildebeest, a hyena, a cheetah and even a serval and I lost count of the number of lions we saw! "

Charles Kinsey, Festival of Wildlife 2009

World Wildlife Fund news - protecting sub-Antarctica

2009-06-05T12:42:00.003+01:00

The South African government has announced it will create a vast protected area around the remote Prince Edward Islands in the Southern Ocean – and WWF is taking a lead in providing technical and management advice.

At 180,000km2, the Prince Edward Islands region will become one of the biggest Marine Protected Areas in the world. It’s an environmental achievement of global importance, which will help protect a suite of spectacular wildlife. WWF’s director general, Jim Leape, says: "South Africa has made a globally significant commitment to our oceans."South Africa plays a key role – along with countries such as Australia, France, UK and New Zealand – in protecting the amazing biodiversity and commercially important fisheries of the sub-Antarctic."

Located almost 2000km south of Cape Town, in the Southern Ocean, the islands are home to:

• 450,000 King penguins (and two other penguin species)

• 33% of the world’s sub-Antarctic Fur Seals (and two other types of seal)

• 44% of all Wandering Albatrosses (and four more kinds of albatross)

• 14 species of petrel

The islands have been threatened by illegal and irresponsible fishing practices in the past – for instance vessels targeting Patagonian toothfish have often killed albatross as bycatch.

Wildlife Discovery Voyages in the Antartic region - click here

Newsflash: Madagascar Visas

2009-05-27T07:21:00.002+01:00

Please be aware that the Embassy of Madagascar in London has announced that tourist visas will be issued free of charge for the foreseeable future.

This is not an official change and it is likely to be withdrawn without prior notice.

Madagascar Wildlife Holidays - Click here

Customer Reviews: Mr Wood in Belize

2009-05-11T10:38:00.013+01:00

REPORT ON VISIT TO BELIZE, April 2009

It always seems extraordinary to me how difficult it can be to travel from one country to another in a region, even to neighbouring countries. As you grow older time seems to accelerate exponentially; this is an illusion of course but for older folk time relates more to what is left than what is past. Now we know we can only travel to other continents for a relatively short number of years, we are inclined to twin or triplet the countries we visit.

This year we were returning to Venezuela and wished to marry it to a wildlife experience in another nearby country in Latin America. Guyana looked like a good choice for the Kaieteur Falls, the possibility of jaguar at Iwokrama and giant otter on the Rupununi River. But there are no direct flights between these immediate neighbours and travel by road would have taken us away from our dogs for too long. Combining Venezuela and Guyana involves using Trinidad as a staging post. To get the best air fares, the trip demands 4 local flights to and from the island. Maybe next time the call of steel bands will be enough to seduce us.

We turned instead to Belize, a lot like a Caribbean ‘island’ except it is landlocked. Getting to this charming country from Venezuela, and then home, is even more complicated than combining Venezuela and Guyana. It involved a flight from Caracas via Panama City into San Salvador for an overnight stop, before a further two flights to take us to the lodge at Gallon Jug in Belize; with two flights via San Salvador to Guatemala and a flight home from there, exiting the plane at Panama City, changing in Madrid for London. Exhausting, yes, and not recommended. The first time we went to Belize we flew direct to Cancun in Mexico and took a simple, easy and interesting road transfer from there.

The lure in Belize was the real possibility of an encounter with puma, jaguar and ocelot at Chan Chich, a terrific lodge located in the heart of 125, 000 acres, most of which is tropical forest. The small plane journey was a dream. We were whisked by our pilot through Godson International Airport, Belize City, like VIPs, and flown in to Gallon Jug, 2000 ft over jungle as dense as a forest of broccoli. Effects of the two day transfer started to fade with the onset of delicious anticipation in searches and sightings to come.

We had our first night drive that very evening, not wholly productive as heat and travel were taking their toll. We relied entirely on Luiz, our driver, for spotting and to awaken us if we nodded off. During the following seven days we fell into a routine of rising at four thirty to catch the dawn on our morning drives and departing two hours before sunset for pre-dinner drives. On two of the days we varied the routine so that we could stay out longer, taking a breakfast picnic on the escarpment one morning and a picnic dinner by Laguna Seca one evening. In between drives, we walked the nine trails that surround the lodge.

There were lots of howler monkeys roaring to get us up before dawn and, each evening, an entertaining troupe of spider monkeys swung in near the lodge to take up residence for the night. As we travelled, we marvelled at the display and colours of the ocellated turkey, every bit as impressive in its shimmering, many coloured feathers as a peacock. Apparently these large birds have been ‘disappeared’ in most places outside Gallon Jug because they make such good eating.

Gallon Jug provides a variety of habitats and some great places to observe birds and butterflies, not forgetting frogs and crocodiles. Our quest was centred on the big cats; we had to rely on them to make an appearance in the open areas as the jungle is so dense, a jaguar would be lost to sight a few metres into it. The road and trail systems together with the 3000 acre clear area around Gallon Jug village and farm, offers the best possibility of a sighting. On our first day, one member of staff saw a puma on the Logger’s Trail within a kilometre of Chan Chich lodge. On day three there were two puma sightings by the lodge manager and, on day four, a jaguar was seen at 200 ft. crossing the road, apparently on its way to slack it thirst in Laguna Seca.

Next morning, an hour after we had driven our golf cart to Sylvester Village, there was a close encounter there with a large puma by staff man, Jorge, who came back to lodge with a photo in his camera. That night we staked out a spot where the farm had laid a dead calf to be naturally re-cycled by vultures and, we hoped, the big cats. No luck there, so we headed off to Laguna Seca keeping our eyes peeled as it grew dark so suddenly. On our way back from the lagoon, I was picking out the eyes of deer and cattle with the spotlight, when I lighted up something that was too low down to be either: the green eyes reflecting back at me were only two or three feet off the ground on a hill in a large field fenced off for the cattle.

We moved right next to the fence and continued to stare through the binoculars until we could be sure the colour, shape and size meant we were looking at a puma. It was 80 metres away but identifiable in the spotlight, although out of camera range. We squeezed through the barbed wire and tried to get a better view but it shrank away over the hill and out of sight. We drove down an adjacent road still trying to catch it in the light. As we cast about, our guide saw a different pair of green eyes lurking in a mango orchard on the opposite side of the road to the first sighting, this time about 120 metres away. We saw the eyes and a faint suggestion of a body as it moved along the base of the trees but we could get no closer. So we had two distant, night sightings to go down in the book, our first ever of puma, and therefore a special thrill.

The Chan Chich Lodge at Gallon Jug is situated in an old Mayan site. Both the main lodge and the cabanas are beautifully appointed: our bathroom alone was 15 sq metres, with his and her showers and washbasins. The forty odd staff come from about 6 families who live nearby in service areas or the village. Most of them have grown up in Gallon Jug or worked there for years, all part of a Chan Chich community which gives the place a very special feeling. There is a school, where almost 80 of the community’s children are taught, located near the airstrip and farm, along with a shop and post-office.

There are lots of activities both on and off the Chan Chich reserve, which itself borders two other large areas of forest, including the 260, 000 acre Rio Bravo Nature Reserve. You can visit the impressive Mayan ruins at Lamanai or trip next door to seek out the wildlife. We had more than enough within the reserve to keep us fully engaged, with visits to the Jacuzzi, swimming pool and massage parlour to help recover from all those drives and walks. You can also hire a golf cart (make sure its battery is fully charged!), go bike riding or take a canoe out on Laguna Verde, another pretty lake on the property. All of which makes Chan Chich a great place to visit.

"Female collared peccary"

"Peccary and 'Peclet' "

"Bigger than my hand, Tarantula"

"Ocelot, Hato Pinero"

"Is it a Space-ship orbiting the moon?"

Alan Cantrell Wood, April 2009

Customer Comments: Christine in Zambia's Green Season - March 2009

2009-04-21T10:03:00.010+01:00

Dear Sarah,
"We got back from South Luangwa on 24th March and this is the first opportunity I have had to email you, so apologies for lateness. As you know, this was our third visit to Norman Carr Safaris in Zambia, but our first in the 'emerald season', and what a great visit it turned out to be.

We had expected rain, and by golly we got it. However the thunderstorms were absolutely fantastic, with huge forks of lightning piercing the dark grey clouds and adding another
dimension to being out in such a wild and wonderful place. It was great to catch up with staff that we had met previously, and everyone of them seemed genuinely pleased to see us and welcome us back.
It was quite an experience to turn off the engine of the boat and slowly and silently float into the ebony groves and across areas where we had previously walked or driven. On one occasion we moored the boat on top of a bridge and were able to walk along the actual road for a short space before the water was lapping at our feet again. We did manage one walk in the bush and were very excited at being able to track and find a large group of buffalo.

We saw many animals, far more than we expected in fact, including a pack of eight wild dog that were still on their kill. Also hyena, elephant, giraffe, plenty of hippo and crocodiles and from the boat a pride of eight lion (including two cubs), who had very conveniently plonked themselves close to the river bank.

The birds were fantastic and there was much excitement at seeing a palm nut vulture, which are apparently quite rare within that area. We saw so much wildlife that it would bore you rigid if I listed it all, and I think that this was one of the surprises of the whole trip. We had not thought to see so much. The experience of seeing 'green Zambia' was one we will always remember, along with that wonderful feeling of being the only people there, in the middle of such a wild place - a priceless emotion that only Africa seems to satisfy somehow.

Thanks to you, the arrangements, flights, pick ups etc went without a hitch and made the less enjoyable part of a holiday that much easier to cope with. Pioneer Camp was an interesting place and managed to have the largest spiders I have ever seen in a bath!!!

So as a summary, I would suggest to everyone who has not visited South Luangwa at this time of year to make a special effort to get there. It is truly breathtaking and makes a wonderful contrast to seeing the area when all is 'brown' and 'baking' during the summer months. A truly memorable holiday in a truly memorable place.

Thanks to you and all at Wildlife Worldwide for a really great time."

Christine, March 2009

Visit Zambia's Luangwa Valley in Green Season for Less

African Safari Holidays

Staff Report: Mexico - A whale of a time! By Clementine Gent

2009-04-07T11:07:00.003+01:00

Deciding where to go on holiday is never easy and with four people, each with differing demands, this trip was going to be no different. Getting away in the depths of winter the destination definitely had to be warm, adventurous if possible, good food (very important if travelling with the French!) and (my demand) some good wildlife encounters! Mexico managed to tick all the boxes!!

British Airways fly direct several times a week to Mexico City but to get to Baja California it is actually easier, quicker and cheaper to go via the States. Immigration was actually relatively painless when entering the US (much to my surprise) and after a few days of exploring northern California I was eager to reach Baja.

We flew two hours from LA and landed in Cabo – surrounded by brown desert, cacti and the heat. I was slightly nervous as I had made all the arrangements and knew two of the group were wildlife virgins – fingers crossed they were going to enjoy it!

We travelled north to the city of La Paz – actually the capital of Baja California Sur – which has a pleasant seaside-town feel with a large waterfront promenade and plenty of good shops and restaurants. Mardi Gras celebrations had just finished but many of the fair rides and entertainments were still there and the local people were out in force, enjoying the evening.

We had an early start the next morning – the group met in the hotel lobby (10 Americans, 2 French, 1 Finn and myself) and we were transferred three and a half hours by road to Magdalena Bay on the Pacific side of the Baja Peninsula. Our camp was perched on the side of the bay on a white sand beach – nothing luxurious but perfect for easy access to the Whales.

The days consisted of breakfast, morning whale watch, back to the camp for lunch, afternoon whale watch or other activity, sundowners at the camp and then dinner.

Grey Whales calve in three bays on the Baja California Peninsula of which Magdalena (Mag for short) Bay is probably the quietest as it is furthest away from the US. The whales enter the bay in December and stay there until early April when they start their long migration to the feeding grounds of northern Canada and Alaska.

In Mag Bay the mothers and calves generally remain in the shallow water whilst mating adults congregate at the mouth of the bay. Our guides JJ and Carlos (both fantastic!) also showed us dolphins, Frigate birds, Sea Lions, pelicans and cormorants to name a few.

We must have seen 30 or so different individuals over the three days we were there. The mothers and calves tended to keep a little distance from the boats although a number of the calves we saw breached seemingly to get a closer look at us. We were able to have closer contact with the mating adults – perhaps because they were rather distracted?! It was not uncommon for us to see between three and five whales in a mating group and every so often one would break off to inspect our boat – perhaps to assess his chances.

Other activities were available when we weren’t whale watching; one afternoon we took the boat to the opposite side of the bay and walked across the sand dunes to the Pacific coast. Large shells by the thousands had been deposited high up by the winter storms, along the never-ending beach we found giant Mussels, Sand dollars, desiccated Trigger and Puffer fish and the skulls of dolphins and pelicans. On another afternoon we went kayaking in the mangrove swamp close to the camp. No prior experience is necessary as the waters in the mangroves are shallow. Paddling through the waterways we got up-close and personal with herons, ospreys, grebes, Whimbrels and had the privilege to see a school of dolphins herding a shoal of fish onto the sandbanks.

Sadly our three magical days in “Mag Bay” came to and end but all was not over as the next half of the trip was based on an island in the Sea of Cortez. We travelled back to La Paz and from there by boat to Isla Espiritu Santo.

Our camp in the island was on the beach in a beautiful bay surrounded by towering red cliffs and green cacti. The camp was more basic than the one at Mag Bay – thermorests rather than cots and torches rather than a generator but the setting was so stunning that no one minded at all.

Our activities here were very flexible – the emphasis was on kayaking but it was optional and there were plenty of other things to do. We started the stay with a dunk test in order to kayak out on the open sea. There were rock stacks going out into the bay which were covered by birds and ringed in coral and we could snorkel to them easily from the camp.

We could hike in the canyon behind the camp where Turkey vultures flew overhead, Rock lizards sunned themselves and Ant lions waited for the unsuspecting to walk into their traps. We kayaked around to an adjacent bay where we saw the archaeological evidence of human habitation some 12,000 years ago. On one morning we went by boat to Los Islotes – a group of islands just off the northern point of the island. Here there is a large Sea lion colony where you can snorkel with them. There are also large colonies of Brown and Blue-footed Boobies. Snorkelling with the playful Sea lions, despite a large swell, was a fantastic experience. The Sea lions were very inquisitive and were eager to inspect (i.e. chew on) anything within their grasp.

The days passed too quickly and soon it was time to return to La Paz and civilization. A final hour adjustment to the homeward plans however meant that our wildlife extravaganza was not over yet…Whale sharks had been spotted in La Paz bay – incredibly early as they usually arrive in May! JJ and Carlos were very helpful in organising an additional tour so, on our final morning, instead of last minute present shopping; we were to be found cruising the shallow waters in desperate search of the biggest fish in the sea.

Three hours into our four hour trip and not a dickey bird or indeed a very large spotted fish. We turned around to head for home and suddenly came across a baby (15 foot!) and shortly after another and then another. The boat dropped us to the side and slightly in front so we were able to have some incredible snorkelling with these gentle giants. I am actually still lost for words at how amazing this experience was and as we rushed from the boat straight to the airport we ended the holiday with gigantic grins on our faces!

Clementine Gent, Wildlife Consultant, March 2009

Click here for our wildlife holidays with Whale Watching in Mexico

Customer Profiles Booklet: Find out why you should travel with Wildlife Worldwide

2009-04-01T10:05:00.007+01:00

We have just published a colourful booklet with some good reasons from our valued customers why you should travel with us:

For freedom and flexibility

For superb wildlife

For exceptional guides & lodges

For the personal touch

For something unique

Click here to view our customer profiles booklet online!

New Wildlife Worldwide Calendar

2009-03-30T12:24:00.010+01:00

Have you ever wondered when is the best time to visit some of the world’s most spectacular locations?

When do the ravenous brown bears congregate in Canada to catch salmon?

Where is the best place and time to see the largest mammal on our planet – the magnificent blue whale?

When do you stand the best chance of sighting the spectacular Blue Wildebeest crossing the Grumeti River in Kenya’s Masai Mara?

With the guidance of our team of experienced wildlife specialists we can now help you to select the optimum time to visit some of the world’s most impressive destinations and enjoy the amazing wildlife at its best. Visit the new Wildlife Worldwide Calendar to find out more!

Customer Review: Mr DeFrias in Botswana

2009-03-23T11:16:00.005Z

"The trip was outstanding, really good - despite all my concerns with the wet season. Clearly the tall grasses make wildlife watching much more of a challenge, and we missed a few things (for example we were not able to find a cheetah with 2 month old cubs despite we tried and tried... and there are no buffalo herds this time of the year which means much less predator activity...).

But I saw lots and lots of animals, and a few very special things. The absolute highlight was that in Laggon I could spend several hours following a pack of dogs whilst they hunted... and we were lucky enough to see them taking down an impala, less than two meters from our car. We witnessed the whole process - which I found very upsetting, as they ate the poor animal alive in less than two minutes - and I took probably a hundred top quality pictures in those two minutes. I have never seen in my life pictures of a wild dogs kill so I think I got something that is really unique... although very gory.

We also saw cheetah almost daily, including an amazing image of a coalition of three brothers watching from a termite mound less than 10 meters from the car, in great light... a family of lions playing rough games... a coalition of 7 male lions hunting by night, hippos fighting, a very rare African Wild Cat, an even rarer Pangolin...

And of course, the lodges are very good, the guides and trackers are fantastic (the two guys that I had at Laggon are absolutely top class), etc.

You also did well by choosing 3 nights at each Lagoon and Kwara and only 2 at Tau Pan. Although Tau Pan is a very beautiful lodge - and of course brand new - and the Kalahari is a very interesting experience, it is lighter than the delta in terms of wildlife, which is my main interest.

All said, without doubt, one of my best trips to Africa. Thanks very much for 'convincing' me to go, I will definitely return to Kwando as soon as I can."

Mr DeFrias, Botswana, March 2009

Click here for safari holidays in Botswana

Customer Comments: Scotts Signature Safari February 2009

2009-02-26T13:47:00.000Z

"Well what can I say... All I can say is that we had the most amazing time and we can't believe it's all over!

Jonathan and Angela, Warren and everyone at the camp were all just so great. I can't put into words how great an experience we had and we we're just stunned by the beauty of the camp and the lengths to which they went to make our stay as great as possible.

All the food that they made specially for Tracy was just brilliant and we've both said to each other that it didn't feel like a holiday, it was a once in a lifetime experience that we will never forget.

The only trouble is that we don't know where to go next to that will top it!

We thought the organization throughout the whole holiday was excellent by the way and we're looking forward to booking another trip with you in the future.

We would love to hear about any future trips you are planning with Jonathan and Angela but one of our goals is to visit Antarctica but we may have to do a little saving for that one! Thank you again."

Paul and Tracy, February 2009

Customer Comment: Mr West - Botswana

2009-02-15T09:03:00.004Z

"It was a wonderful trip and I am so glad I did it. The Botswanans were just delightful, and so enthusiastic, friendly,talented and articulate. Thank you so much for doing such a great job of organising the trip for me; it all worked very well. The camps in the Kwando Reserve were just great; because it was wet season, of course, the grass was high and we didn't see large numbers of animals, but we saw nearly everything there was to be seen - including a pair of ardwolf (first time ever for me), and we managed to blunder into the midst of a herd of elephant who were decidedly angry at the intrusion (resulting in the first genuine charge I've ever experienced, and a bumper one at that - three angry cows!).

Thanks again for your impeccable service. It was a wonderful trip."
Mr West. February 2009.

Click here for Wildlife Safari Holidays in Botswana

All images courtesy of Mr West.

Staff Report: Sarah Williams in Namibia - A unique place in Africa

2009-02-04T12:51:00.012Z

The last time I visited Namibia was eight years ago so I was looking forward to returning to this dry and austere part of Africa. When I departed Windhoek two weeks later, I had completely fallen for this beautiful scenic country.

My journey began in the south, in Sossusvlei where the red dunes dominate the landscape. Staying at Sossusvlei Wilderness Lodge my large picture windows allowed the scenery to be an extension to my room.

An early start is required to visit the dunes, before the sun begins to really turn up the heat. By seven o’clock I was climbing ‘Big Daddy’ – in a moment of madness I had decided, when given the choice, to climb the highest dune in the area!! But the view from the top was quite spectacular and well worth the effort. We descended via Dead Vlei, an eerie graveyard for expired trees.

A couple of days spent at Wolwedans on the edge of the NamibRand Nature Reserve was an opportunity to appreciate one stunning scene after another. Every which way I looked was a view so breathtaking that it was just impossible to capture the scene in a photograph. The vast openness, occasionally punctuated by a hansom Oryx was simply one of the most incredible places I have ever seen. In this crowded world it was refreshing to be enveloped by both space and silence.

After an overnight in Windhoek and a delicious dinner in NICE, I headed north west past the Zebra Mountains and Namibia’s highest peak, Brandberg Mountain, to Palmvag Lodge where the Save the Rhino team is located. Chances of seeing Black Rhino in the Damaraland area is extremely high.

From this point we headed well off the beaten track and down the dry Uniab Riverbed where our progress was periodically halted by desert Elephants who were enjoying a bumper crop of seed pods lying under trees. Our destination was Hoanib River Camp, a remote camp in an amazingly scenic location. Around the fire that evening we stared into the wonderful canopy of stars which seemed so bright and so close, untouched by light pollution.

The following morning saw us climb gradually up a valley of golden grass and then down the other side towards the Hoarusib River, the scenery constantly changing but never dull. We never saw another vehicle or person and in these vast scenes we were just a speck on the landscape.

Further on we drove along a meandering riverbed, a permanent source of water, and saw several elephants who are attracted to this very green and fertile area. Lions are also an occasional visitor. That night we camped at Purros on the banks of the dry riverbed and enjoyed dinner al fresco before a light shower fell that night. The next morning the sky was clear so we set off along prairie style landscapes then through mountains before reaching Sesfontein where we camped on the high banks above the river. By late afternoon dark clouds were gathering and finally we were treated to the most amazing electrical thunderstorm from our dry location. When we woke the next morning the river had risen and our intended 40 km route along the river bed had to be abandoned for the longer 280 km route via the road!

We had only just set up camp at Hobatere, west of Etosha when another huge thunder storm struck. This was very unusual weather for this time of year; the previous December had seen the wildlife in the area desperate for food and water. The following morning, which was our last, we packed away wet camping gear while a beautiful rainbow appeared as a colourful conclusion to our amazing trip!

Namibia is unique; it’s unlike any other Southern African country. If you are a frequent traveller to Africa and have not yet visited Namibia, I urge you to go soon. This is such a beautiful country where the wildlife is unusual, the lodges are exceptional and the scenery is utterly breathtaking. I for one will not be waiting another eight years before I return.

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Hilary Bradt - The Investiture

2009-02-01T06:56:00.008Z

Quite a few people dream that they meet The Queen – indeed a book on the subject was published a few years ago. So how does one feel when it actually happens? I found out when I was invited to Windsor Castle to receive my MBE on December 12.

The waiting period between getting the news in May and the actual investiture in December was nerve-wracking. When would it be? How many friends could I take? And, most important, what should I wear? The Palace was quite vague on the subject: morning dress or lounge suits for men (easy for them) but nothing specific for women. In the first flush of excitement in June I’d bought a lovely summery outfit from a charity shop, but as the months passed without notification, and the weather got colder, I realised that I would need to rethink. In the end I was borrowed a red velvet jacket and black trousers from friends, bought a charity shop top and hired a huge red hat.

From the moment my friends and I arrived at the special entrance to Windsor Castle we were made to feel really special. Up the broad staircase lined with motionless guards from the Household Calvary in full uniform, and into a splendid room with a huge ornate fireplace and crammed with paintings to have a drink (non-alcoholic) and mingle with the other recipients. Then an equerry, gorgeously attired in red and gold military uniform gave us a demonstration of exactly what we had to do – including the curtsy, which was quite something in spurs. You could see the same thought: “Oh God, I’ll never remember all that!” flit across everyone’s face.

In no time at all I found myself at the head of the queue and there, in the Waterloo Chamber, was a tiny woman, dressed in blue, standing on a dais. The Queen! I was rooted to the spot. “Go on” said the equerry and gave me a little push. The trouble was I couldn’t remember what legs are supposed to do to create a forward movement. I wobbled to the centre of the room, managed my curtsy, and walked forward to meet Her Majesty. She hooked the MBE over a pre-positioned pin, and looked at me in some surprise. “Um… is it children?” she asked. “No no, I publish guidebooks for adults. Oh, children! Charity! Yes yes! Madagascar!” I blurted out, forgetting all about the “Your Majesty/Ma’am” that we’d been instructed to say. HM looked a bit alarmed and offered her hand. Another curtsy and a rather hasty exit.

I think most of us would have liked another go in order to get it right but the Queen must have seen it all. Why else would the equerry have said, rather urgently, “And don’t forget to let go of The Queen’s hand!"

Hilary Bradt is a regular participant in Wildlife Worldwide's Annual Festival of Wildlife.

Snippet: 'Rainforests, Reptiles and Popular Primates' Evening Review

2009-01-17T11:12:00.000Z

I went to my daddy’s office to watch a Madagascar talk It was so so good!! There were snakes and lizards! And what’s more you could hold them! There was also lots and lots of food like crisps with dips and jelly snakes (sweets) and lots more! I brought my friend called Carrie along she thought It was great to! There was a raffle to win Tops, hats, perfume! It was just great, though I didn’t win anything! Whilst the talk was on, I went with my friend Carrie over to hold a snake! It was wriggling all over my shoulders and it really tickled! Then I went and held a bearded lizard! That was so cool! I then went back In to watch some of the talk, that was amazing! There was a very funny picture of a gorilla in a tree! There was another one of a dung beetle standing on some dung! I then went back to the snake place again and held a different snake! That one was quite heavy, though that didn’t matter to me! Then I was looking through all the raffle tickets, we wont talk about this part! When it was time for the raffle, me and my friend Carrie were doing the raffle and it was so cool! I loved sticking my hand in the bucket full of raffle tickets! There were lots of people winning lovely things! There was this one thing I really wanted to win witch was the Madagascar T-Shirt it had pictures of monkeys and gorillas on the front! After a couple of hours we went home!

Mummy, Daddy, Charlotte, Immy and Chloe(me)

Chloe Breen
Aged 9

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