Winter/Spring | 2021
Tailor-made holidays and expert-led small group tours Welcome t seems as though we are finally emerging from the Covid-19 era with the advent of vaccines and the gradual opening up of countries around the world. It feels to me as Ithough we are rubbing our eyes and looking at a new world, one that has been closed down for the best part of a year, but that we are now finally able to raise our gaze above the horizon, look at the blue sky and think about some of the wonderful places in the world we can travel to – cautiously, responsibly, and even more respectfully than before.
We are delighted to welcome you to our latest Seasonal Brochure – packed with new and exciting holiday ideas for you. During the past months we have been active and creative, and have developed some wonderful new tours which you will find adorning the following pages. A unique expert-led self-drive holiday in Namibia for example, exploring all the wonders of this magnificent desert country, a wild and exclusive safari to the wilderness of the Okavango Delta in Botswana, the ultimate safari in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley and even a visit to Zambia’s Bangweulu Swamps to see endemic black lechwe and the extraordinary-looking shoebill.
Closer to home we introduce the first ever ‘Festival of British Wildlife’ in the Scottish Highlands with an amazing expert line-up, as well as a range of new trips to Mull and the Shetland Islands.
If the wildlife of Europe is more appealing, then read about Dan Free’s adventures to Slovenia and his quest for Eurasian lynx in Estonia. There is also an exciting new option for bear watching in Finland’s taiga forests.
Further afield we have some exciting special offers to Antarctica for departures in late 2022, and of course, we would love you to join us in Svalbard for our 2021 Festival of Wildlife.
Finally, we have two new concepts for you – expert-led Sketchbook Safaris for those of you with an inclination to record your wildlife with paints and pencil sketches, and for the very first time, the opportunity to enjoy privately-guided, tailor-made photographic holidays.
We think this is more than enough to keep you reading, and would love to chat to you about your next wildlife holiday!
Chris Breen, Founder
2 Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays
Contents
Zambia: The Heart of Luangwa & Bangweulu NEW 4/5 Namibia: Guided Self-driving in Africa’s Wilderness NEW 6/7 Botswana: Wild Okavango Delta NEW 8/9 Safari Slowly – Reconnect with Nature NEW 10/11 Sketchbook Safaris NEW 12/13 Tailor-made Wildlife Photography NEW 14/15 Our Photography Tour Leaders 16 Expert-led Small Group Photography Tours 17 Meet the Photographer: Sean Weekly 18/19 Scotland: Festival of British Wildlife NEW 20/21 Scotland: Isle of Mull NEW 22/23 Shetland Isles: Seabird Spectacular with Mike Dilger NEW 24/25 Slovenia: Brown Bears & Picture Perfect Lake Bled NEW 26/27 Lynx Quest: News from the Field NEW 28/29 Finland: Europe’s Most Exclusive Bear Watching NEW 30/31 India: Tigers, Snow Leopards & Red Pandas NEW 32/33 Polar Wildlife Voyages 34/35 Group Tours Calendar 2021/2022 36-38 Festival of Wildlife Spitsbergen 39 Online Wildlife Presentations & Photography Competition 40
Tailor-made Holidays We excel at tailoring holidays which allow you the freedom and flexibility to travel how, when and where you want to go. You may want to see a certain species, visit specific locations, or need to travel at a certain time of year. To guide you through the options, we provide ‘trip ideas’, designed by our expert team to give you an idea of the possibilities and prices, and we can create a holiday to meet your exact requirements. For the first time we are also offering tailor-made photography holidays – see pages 14/15 for more details. Small Group Tours Our collection of small group tours has rapidly expanded and we now offer a wide range of over 230 trips to some of the wildest places on Earth. Travelling as part of a small group can be hugely rewarding, allowing you to meet like-minded wildlife enthusiasts and benefit from the expertise of a naturalist tour leader. If you prefer to travel independently, or with your friends and family, a large number of our group tours can be adapted and organised on a private basis. Book with Confidence In these uncertain times our ‘Book with Confidence Promise’ (details on our website) and the full Covid-19 cover now available from a number of travel insurance companies, mean you can plan and book your wildlife holiday with complete peace of mind. We are working closely with our overseas partners to ensure that the operation of all our holidays is fully compliant with the new protocols in place for safe travel.
All holiday prices in this brochure are based on two people sharing a room/cabin, and include Opening Hours flights from the UK, wildlife activities, accommodation and transfers (except where specified). We are open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and also on Prices are correct at time of going to print. For full details contact our expert wildlife team. Saturdays from 9am to 1pm in January, February and March.
[email protected] 01962 302055 www.wildlifeworldwide.com 3 Zambia The Heart of Luangwa & Bangweulu
There is no doubt that 2020 was an unusual year – I think it is only the second time since the mid-1980s that I have not managed to get to Africa, and particularly to Zambia – I really miss it.
s you walk off the plane the many other highlights. in Lusaka, I highly recommend keeping an From here, a low-level flight across eye out for the charming the Luangwa Valley takes you to the littleA swifts that nest on the terminal Nsefu sector. On the eastern side of the building. If you are particularly lucky, river sits Tafika, one of the oldest and you may even see a raptor or two most established lodges in the valley. overhead. Breathing in the warm It is simply wonderful, blending in with African air is hard to describe, but its natural surroundings and providing NEW Bangweulu Wetlands & South I cannot wait to experience it once everything you could wish for, including Luangwa National Park more. It is even better when arriving a river view like no other in Africa. On This exciting new 12-day trip combines in Mfuwe, situated in the heart of my first morning at Tafika a year or so two of Zambia’s most prized natural the Luangwa Valley. It is like arriving ago, we watched a pack of wild dogs assets, the Bangweulu Wetlands and home, for me at least – with carmine on the other side of the river whilst we South Luangwa National Park. With and white-fronted bee-eaters, enjoyed our pre game-drive cuppa – not exclusive use of two remote camps lilac-breasted rollers and possibly a a bad start! we go in search of the bizarre shoebill, fly-past from a magnificent bateleur huge herds of endemic black lechwe eagle – all before you have even Wild dog and lion are amongst the major and the big cats and elephants of the collected your bags predators in the park, but for many the Luangwa Valley. real prize is leopard. The opportunities A scenic drive in an open vehicle, takes to see these usually elusive big cats are 26 May 2022 us through busy villages and across exceptional in South Luangwa, either 12 days, from £6,895 the bridge which spans the Luangwa during the day or on exciting night-time Group size: 8 River. The bridge marks the entrance excursions. And for me, visiting the to the national park and is the first Valley is not just about 4-wheel drive wildlife stop. With stunning views up and safaris, it is being out on foot and at down the river, it provides the perfect eye-level with the wildlife. Learning opportunity to see large numbers of about the tracks and trails, grasses, hippos and enormous crocodiles, as well trees and birds, and letting the sights, as egrets, herons, storks and possibly sounds and smells of the wilderness fill a fish eagle (if you do not hear them your senses. first). Broadly following the course of the Luangwa River, we head south to a Most will visit Zambia during the dry remote, wild and rarely visited part of season (June to October), but the NEW Ultimate South Luangwa the park where our ‘camp’ awaits. The country is a world-class wildlife and Combining two of the finest camps wildlife is simply sublime. It is possible birding destination throughout the in the South Luangwa National Park, to see impala, zebra, bushbuck, buffalo year. A visit to the Bangweulu Swamps Kuyenda and Tafika, this exclusive and puku (an antelope endemic to this is a must for a green season safari. small group tour will provide one of the part of Africa) before even arriving in Bangweulu is untouched, rarely visited best wildlife experiences that Zambia camp. Situated in the shade of trees and bursting with life. Tens of thousands has to offer. Travelling at the perfect along the Manzi River, a beautiful of endemic black lechwe (a magnificent time of year to optimise sightings, we collection of traditional thatched water-loving antelope), harriers, ducks, should encounter wild dog, Thornicroft’s rondavels, each with a large verandah, geese and the piece-de-resistance … giraffe, lion, African fish eagle, leopard will be home for the next few nights. It is the utterly bizarre shoebill. A large and and many other species. the perfect place to sit back and watch unusual-looking bird, the shoebill makes families of elephants drinking peacefully, its home amongst the papyrus swamps 20 Sep 2022 as if nothing has changed for millennia. of Bangweulu. Combine Bangweulu 12 days, from £7,995 Safaris in this part of the park are and South Luangwa and you have the Group size: 12 incredibly rewarding, with lions among perfect green season safari. Leader: Chris Breen
4 Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays [email protected] We Create Outstanding Wildlife Holidays Our website features over 100 small group and tailor-made holidays to Africa 01962 302055 www.wildlifeworldwide.com 5
Image by Bret Charman Namibia Guided Self-driving in Africa’s Wilderness
Namibia may just be the perfect destination to travel to in a ‘post-Covid’ world. Here, Director Nick Joynes explains why this remote country ticks all the boxes for an exceptional adventure in an exclusive ‘bubble’.
ollowing months of travel of other remarkable locations and wildlife to restrictions, lockdowns and experience. Searching for desert-adapted spending a lot more time at home elephants, brown hyena, the critically endangered than we are used to, we have all desert lions of the Skeleton Coast or tracking the Fbeen dreaming of destinations to escape only free roaming population of black rhino in to. Whilst there are many countries to ‘Kaokoland’, provide thrilling wildlife encounters choose from, Namibia’s combination of vast in this rugged hinterland. open spaces, stunning landscapes, remote wilderness, warm climate and superb Witnessing the coastal wildlife, such as the wildlife should place the country firmly at gigantic Cape fur seal colony at Cape Cross, the top of your list. the enormous population of lesser and greater flamingos in Walvis Bay, or spotting pods of Even when things were ‘normal’, Namibia’s Heaviside’s and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in the remarkable scenery, luxurious lodges, offshore waters are equally unforgettable. Plus, resplendent night skies and desert-adapted Namibia is a mecca for birdwatching, especially wildlife provided more than enough reason to in the Erongo Mountains or throughout the visit this amazing country, but now Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, where over 480 species have been appeal is even greater. identified.
Being one of the least densely populated So, there you have it! If you are craving an countries in the world, social distancing or being encounter with fantastic wildlife, in a place with in a bubble poses no problem at all – in fact, in awe-inspiring landscapes, where you can feel many areas you may well find that (apart from safe being distanced from everyone else, then the flora and fauna around you) you are the only booking a place on one of our fully-guided small living soul for many miles around. group departures to Namibia is all you need to do … We are expanding our programme of holidays to Namibia and are excited to launch a new trip with a unique concept – a guided self- drive tour. One of the best ways to explore and experience Namibia is to self-drive in your own 4-wheel drive vehicle so we have designed a tour which allows you to experience the joy of self-driving and combine this with the services of an expert local guide. A guide will accompany the group throughout in a lead vehicle and will not only locate wildlife and highlight points of interest, but also be on hand to help navigate Namibia’s dirt roads by communicating with NEW Namibia Wildlife & Wilderness on-board radios. The guide will be able to Led throughout by an expert guide in a lead advise which gear to be in, the best route vehicle, this 4-wheel drive, self-drive and around any potential obstacles and any other socially distanced exploration of Namibia is the information which will really enhance the perfect way to experience this immense country holiday experience. and its remarkable desert-adapted wildlife. This new itinerary includes the must-see 11 Sep 2021 & 10 Sep 2022 locations of Etosha National Park and the Namib 17 days, from £4,895 Desert, but the country has an abundance Group size: 6
6 Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays We Create Outstanding Wildlife Holidays Our small group trips are available on a private, tailor-made basis, to find out more contact our expert team
[email protected] 01962 302055 www.wildlifeworldwide.com 7 Botswana Delta Dreamin’
General Manager Dan Free explains why he rates Botswana as Africa’s ultimate safari destination and introduces an exciting new trip to the Okavango Delta, combining comfortable mobile camping with an excellent private lodge.
t is no secret that I am a big fan of Botswana and it hares emerge from their daytime hiding. With luck we may is to here, above any other destination, that I most even be fortunate enough to see some of the delta’s smaller cat long to return. I love the wildness of the country, the species, including African wild cat and serval, or perhaps even a incredible diversity of habitats and the superb wildlife honey badger, reputedly one of Africa’s most fearless animals. Iviewing opportunities it presents, particularly in the Okavango Delta. Whilst the potential wildlife sightings are a huge draw and a key focus of the trip, it is actually the smaller things that we take for When I first joined Wildlife Worldwide three years ago, I granted at the time that I have found myself yearning for most. introduced our Best of Botswana trip, a nine night mobile The smell of the campfire, the soothing repetitive coo of a Cape camping trip combining Moremi Game Reserve, Khwai turtle dove and the joy you feel as the sun clears the horizon and Concession and Chobe National Park. It is a trip that I have warms your face on a cool morning drive. undertaken with my wife on multiple occasions and one that has become one of our most popular small group holidays. Having been confined to the office for so long, I am delighted to be leading this trip in June 2022 with my good friend Disho – Building on the success of this trip, we are delighted to offer unquestionably one of the best guides in Africa. It promises to be a slightly more relaxing option that will combine six nights of a fantastic trip and we would love for you to join us! fully-serviced mobile camping in Khwai and Moremi, with a further three nights at Mma Dinare Lodge, located on a private 272 square kilometre concession. With exclusive use of this comfortable tented lodge we will be able to settle in and unwind, setting our own programme of activities and enjoying the benefits of being on a private concession. Night drives, mokoro boat trips and walking safaris should all be an option in this exceptionally wildlife rich area of the delta.
Over the course of our nine night stay we can expect to encounter a wealth of wildlife. Large herds of elephant, buffalo and antelope species such as impala, lechwe, kudu and red hartebeest will almost certainly be a feature of the trip alongside giraffe and zebra. Inevitably with such a high concentration of prey animals we will encounter a variety of predators and we have an excellent chance of seeing lion, leopard, cheetah, NEW Okavango Delta – Under Canvas & Lodge Safari spotted hyena and wild dog. During our stay at Mma Dinare we will also meet J.W. (‘Tico’) McNutt, Founder and Director of Combining the unique wilderness experience of fully-serviced Botswana Predator Conservation to hear about the invaluable mobile camping, with the comfort of an intimate private lodge work which his team are undertaking in the area. (pictured above), this exciting new trip to Botswana’s Okavango Delta is the complete safari. In the company of expert guides Birder or not, one cannot help but marvel at the spectacular we will explore on foot, by mokoro and on traditional game range of avian species on display in the delta. Electrifying lilac- drives, encountering some of the best wildlife on the continent. breasted rollers adorn acacia trees, cartoon like saddle-billed 18 Jun 2022 storks, bizarre openbills and shimmering glossy ibis patrol 12 days, from £5,995 shallow pools, while secretary birds stalk the grasslands. All Group size: 12 (split between two vehicles) under the watchful eye of soaring vultures, bateleur, tawny and Leaders: Dan Free & Gabatsholwe Disho martial eagles. Dedicated photography departure As darkness falls a new cast of characters takes centre stage Led by Emma Healey, Bret Charman & Gabatsholwe Disho as civets, genets, African porcupine, lesser bushbaby and spring 2 Jul 2022, 12 days from £6,495
8 Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays [email protected] We Create Outstanding Wildlife Holidays Our smallgroup tripsare availableonaprivate,tailor-made basis, 01962 302055 www.wildlifeworldwide.com to findoutmore contactourexpertteam 9
Image by Dani Free Safari Slowly Reconnect with Nature
An extended stay in one of the world’s finest wildernesses where you can relax, experience the incredible wildlife and reconnect with nature once again is surely the perfect tonic.
ith all the lockdowns, restrictions on international travel and constant reminders about coronavirus, 2020 was an exhausting year and had us allW dreaming of destinations that we could escape to in the future.
There is nothing better than spending several nights in a comfortable lodge in the middle of the wilderness to relax, unwind, take things slowly and just enjoy the wildlife and environment – for us at Wildlife Worldwide, this would be the perfect remedy to 2020 and the trials and tribulations it has brought.
Some of us have been yearning to venture back to the great plains and savannah of East and Southern Africa, home to the first true safari. From the wildlife haven of the Okavango Delta to the remote and awe-inspiring landscapes of Namibia, there is no end of places to reconnect with nature on the African continent.
Alternatively, some may wish to stay closer to home. If there is one benefit from the lockdowns and the travel restrictions, it has been rediscovering the wonders of our native wildlife. There are few better places for truly experiencing the wildlife of the British Isles than in the Scottish Highlands or on the Isle of Mull against a stunning backdrop of rugged and weathered scenery.
Whether it is watching grizzly bears, orcas and humpback whales in British Columbia, from a lodge situated in the heart of the Broughton Archipelago, or joining us on one of our small group trips to the now famous Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka, India, in search of the enigmatic black panther, there is somewhere to suit everyone.
Wherever you choose to gather your thoughts, move on from the difficulties of 2020 and revive your passion for the natural world. It will be a moment that lives long in the memory as you remember just how good it feels to be travelling again and encountering all of those remarkable species that you come across.
It feels like it has been forever, but the time to head out on safari once again is coming. On this occasion though we will all safari slower, taking more time to appreciate where we are, what we have come through, immerse ourselves in the natural environment and revel in the wildlife that we encounter because we will finally be back where we truly want to be!
10 Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays NEW Canada: Safari Slowly on Canada’s West Coast Travel to Canada’s West Coast and take time to immerse yourself and enjoy the serenity in one of the finest wildlife locations in North America. Experience the region’s wealth of wildlife with opportunities to encounter grizzly bear, humpback whale, bald eagle, black bear and orca. Trip idea, Jun-Oct 10 days, from £5,295
South Africa’s Rare Mammals in Style Join us on this exclusive small group safari as we enjoy seven nights at South Africa’s largest private game reserve, Tswalu, with the chance to view rare mammals including pangolin, aardvark, aardwolf and brown hyena. 11 Jun 2021 & 18 Jun 2022 10 days, from £9,495 Group size: 9
Zambia: Classic South Luangwa Safari South Luangwa National Park is Zambia’s premier wildlife destination and it has been one of our most popular destinations for many-a-year. Join us on this classic small group safari where we spend an entire week exploring this iconic park in search of its amazing wildlife. 12 & 19 Jun 2021 & 18 Jun 2022 10 days, from £2,995 Group size: 12 (split between two vehicles)
UK: Autumn in the Scottish Highlands Join Mike Dilger in the Scottish Highlands, in the midst of Autumn, with migrating waders heading south, golden eagles soaring over mountains and red deer stags roaring in the hills. We enjoy an entire week in Scotland to truly experience one of the finest wildlife locations in the British Isles. 16 Oct & 20 Nov 2021 8 days, from £1,595 Group size: 5
India: Nagarhole’s Tigers, Wild Dogs & Leopards Unwind in India’s unspoilt south on our small group tour spending seven nights in Nagarhole National Park. A haven for wildlife, this park offers a tantalising variety of iconic mammals such as tigers, wild dogs and leopards, along with one very special cat – a melanistic leopard. 5 Dec 2021; 20 Feb; 6, 13 & 27 Mar; 3, 10 & 24 Apr 2022 10 days, from £3,495 Group size: 6 [email protected] 01962 302055 www.wildlifeworldwide.com 11 Sketchbook Safaris Observing & Appreciating Nature Creatively
Travel Consultant Sarah Malcolm used lockdown to develop her passion for drawing and painting, and has now created a series of new Sketchbook Safari Workshops and Tours, together with professional artist Trevor Waugh.
ooking for silver linings in lockdown, species. A five day trip to Lundy Island allows us to mine came in the form of a paintbrush. enjoy exclusive use of Millcombe House, a base from Nature has always inspired me and I which we explore this idyllic traffic-free island as we would scribble in reverence of the natural paint puffins and coastal landscapes. Lworld on scraps of paper, but earlier this year I decided to genuinely explore my creativity as I Taking our sketchbooks further afield to study embarked on a foundation art course, mentored by the enchanting African wildlife and landscapes of internationally renowned artist Trevor Waugh. Botswana’s Okavango region, we are excited to launch a new small group trip with exclusive stays As I spent the summer months locked down in at two lodges in Khwai Private Reserve. Both lodges Devon, painting and drawing, I looked for inspiration offer exceptional wildlife watching but with varied in photographs from my travels and other travellers’ environments and activities. From the decking of Hyena photography. I began to imagine what it would be Pan Lodge, set amongst a forest of cathedral mopane, like sketching the comings and goings of wildlife we overlook a natural waterhole to paint the visiting from the edge of a waterhole rather than a silent, one herds of elephants that descend to quench their thirst, dimensional reference on my phone screen. The forced we also sketch the wonderful wildlife encountered on ‘time-out’ enabled me to discover the joy and fulfilment game drives and mokoro safaris during our stay at The that painting has provided, and I am delighted to share Jackal & Hide. such an opportunity with you in announcing our new Sketchbook Safari series. With pencil and paintbrush in hand we observe wildlife – notably without a background rattle of Whether you have previously painted, turned to art camera shutters – and convey each encounter in our during lockdown or are interested in learning a new sketchbooks, producing a unique, in-time album of our skill, our Sketchbook Safaris will allow you to develop own experience and creation. This will be a memento your creativity in spectacular wildlife locations. Joined of your wildlife holiday and a source of inspiration and by Trevor Waugh, whose demonstrations and tutorship reference when you return to paint more at home. will improve your ability to draw and paint wildlife, we The small group format means that you will receive will also experience nature from a new perspective. personalised and expert guidance, and all are welcome with any level of experience. In these workshops Trevor will encourage us to look deeper into nature and teach us that observation is our greatest tool. By truly observing a subject we can gain Meet Trevor Waugh a significantly clearer understanding and appreciation. How often do we properly consider the contours of an Trevor Waugh is an internationally impala’s horns, the spectrum of colours in a starling’s renowned and highly regarded iridescent plumage or the nuanced postures of painted British fine artist living in Wiltshire, dogs? Studying the form, colour and movement of England. Working mainly with wildlife in their natural environments enables us to watercolour and oils, and create better drawings and paintings. occasionally in mixed media, his paintings can be found in many private and royal UK-based workshops will include three days in the collections around the world. Trevor works in an New Forest, where our small group will search for deer impressionistic, loose artistic style that brings light and native ponies to paint en plein air. During a full and life to his chosen subjects. Trevor is passionate day at Cotswold Wildlife Park Trevor will teach ways to not only about painting but also teaching, reflected in capture movement and form of animals from life when his vast experience in running workshops both abroad observing a fantastic variety of both rare and iconic and in the UK.
12 Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays NEW Cotswold Wildlife Park NEW New Forest During a full-day workshop at Cotswold Wildlife Park, Trevor The New Forest in spring is a vibrant place, full of life and Waugh will teach you techniques to capture movement and colour. During our three day workshop we will study deer and form of various species. Drawing from life allows you to notice New Forest ponies en plein air, learning techniques to paint the important details and include them in your study. subjects in their natural environment. 26 Apr 2021, 1 day, from £195, Group size: 5 11 May 2021, 3 days, from £595, Group size: 8
NEW Lundy Island NEW Botswana The sensational coastal scenery of Lundy remains unspoiled During workshops in an exclusive hide, lodge-based and is home to colonies of puffins, other seabirds and is laden demonstrations, as well as boat and game drives, you will with wildflowers at this time of year. We will not be short of develop your portfolio of sketches whilst enjoying one of the inspiration during our watercolour workshop. world’s most exquisite wildlife destinations. 14 Jun 2022, 5 days, from £850, Group size: 10 14 May 2022, 10 days, from £5,995, Group size: 12 Artwork by Trevor Waugh & Sarah Malcolm Waugh Artwork by Trevor
[email protected] 01962 302055 www.wildlifeworldwide.com 13 Wildlife Photography New & Exciting Tailor-made Holidays
The focus is yours with our new tailor-made photography holidays. Take advantage of our extensive destination knowledge and expert team of photographic leaders to create your dream photography trip with your chosen leader. From UK workshops to extended overseas trips, the choice is yours.
ver the years we have curated a remarkable photography to a documentary and conservation focus. We can selection of group tours dedicated to wildlife help you to decide the best-matched leader to accompany you photography. These have ventured from and develop your technical skills through personalised tuition ‘in the poles, through rainforests, savannahs the field’. Oand mountains to observe and photograph some of the world’s most spectacular wildlife in their natural habitats. A UK-based tailor-made workshop provides the perfect Following the success of these small group trips, we are opportunity to familiarise yourself with a new leader and to now combining the photography focus with our extensive focus on a particular aspect of photography. Hunker down in experience of creating bespoke tailor-made holidays. Some the New Forest, unseen by the browsing red deer stag, as you of the best photography leaders in the industry will be on frame its noble antlers amongst the bracken or refine macro hand to provide exclusive tuition on your itinerary and techniques amongst the plant, fungi and insect life. From a date of choice. hide in Hampshire, focus on the turquoise kingfisher adorning a perch across the pond. Your expert photographic guide seated Our new tailor-made photography option gives you the flexibility next to you will provide the tips required for you to capture the to choose when, where and with whom you wish to travel. Select jewel-like bird as its beak breaks the water before momentarily from one of our existing photography itineraries or ask our team disappearing in its dive for fish. to help design a unique itinerary specifically tailored for you. You may have a target species or specific ecosystem you wish to Venturing to a remote private hide in Finland, play with photograph or you may wish to develop techniques and skills in composition as bears and wolverine navigate the boreal forests, a dedicated workshop. Regardless of your aim, the focus is yours or add a colourful blur of motion into your Zambia safari gallery and the options are many. as you perch along the banks of the Luangwa River, bustling with bee-eaters, before you cross the grassy plains and woodlands to Our specialist team of photography leaders (see overleaf) offer a photograph the prolific wildlife. These are our suggestions, but range of expertise, from landscape, macro and general wildlife the options are endless so be sure to contact our expert team.
Suggested Tailor-made Photography Tours & Workshops
NEW New Forest Deer Photography NEW Hampshire Bird Photography Venture into the ancient open woodland and heather-clad A fantastic opportunity to practice and improve your heaths of the New Forest for a wealth of fantastic photography photographic skills and capture some unique images of opportunities. Capture atmospheric images of wild fallow, red iconic British birds for your portfolio, including kestrels and and possibly roe deer in their natural environment. kingfishers, on a two day hide-based workshop. Trip idea, Sep-Nov Trip idea, Sep-Mar 1 day, from £250 2 days, from £450
Contact us today to plan your tailor-made photography trip.
14 Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays NEW Finland – Boreal Predators NEW Zambia Photo Safari Embark on a remarkable photography tour to capture Finland’s Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park is a photographer’s finest predators – brown bear, Eurasian wolf and wolverine – in paradise with exquisite light, stunning wildlife and some of the the magical boreal forest. Make the most of private hides for best guides in Africa. This ten day tour is designed to maximise unrivalled images of these iconic species. photographic opportunities from the comfort of a lodge. Trip idea, May-Sep Trip idea, Jun-Nov 6 days, from £3,475 10 days, from £5,495
See overleaf to find out more about our expert leaders. Image by Bret Charman
[email protected] 01962 302055 www.wildlifeworldwide.com 15 Tour Leaders Meet Our Photography Experts We are fortunate to work with some of the best wildlife photographers in the industry. They all have extensive experience of leading our small group tours and, where their calendars allow, are also now available for tailor-made trips.
Choosing the right leader for your tailor-made photography trip is arguably the most important decision you will make, so we will be on hand to offer assistance.
Each has their own style and expertise, coupled with specific destination experience which we will take into account when offering advice on whom is best suited to accompany you.
Mark Carwardine Bret Charman Mark Carwardine is a widely published A multi award-winning photographer, Bret wildlife photographer, having photographed has experience leading tours across Europe, a great variety of species across the globe. Africa and Asia. He also works closer to He has a wealth of experience leading home photographing the wildlife numerous expeditions, particularly in the of the South Downs and New Forest polar regions, Canada and in Mexico. National Parks.
Ben Cherry Nick Garbutt Ben is a natural history cameraman and An award-winning photographer and environmental photojournalist, working with critically acclaimed author, Nick has been the likes of the BBC Natural History Unit guiding wildlife and photographic tours and numerous NGOs. His work has taken for over 20 years. He is particularly well him far and wide documenting remarkable known for his work in tropical rainforests, conservation stories. especially Madagascar and Borneo.
Emma Healey Alex Hyde Emma is a popular and experienced Alex’s specialist interest in macro photographic leader with a particular photography has taken him around the interest in macro photography. Costa Rica, world in search of fascinating subjects. He Brazil and Borneo are among the many has a particular interest in the European destinations she has travelled to in pursuit Alps where he has spent many years of photography. exploring the region’s insect and plant life.
Sean Weekly Chris Weston Multi award-winner and full-time Chris has travelled the globe, from the Poles photographer, Sean’s work is regularly to the Pacific, from Africa to the Americas, featured across a range of publications, capturing remarkable images of some of including national and international press. the world’s most endangered species. He is Sean leads a number of workshops across an enthusiastic and dedicated tour leader, the UK, Europe and in Africa. passionate about sharing his knowledge.
Contact us today to plan your tailor-made photography trip.
16 Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays Expert-led Small Group Photography Tours Here is a selection of our small group, expert-led photography tours. To view our full range, or for further information, please visit the website or contact our expert team.
Botswana: Festival of Cats South Africa’s Rare Mammals Pumas, Condors & Landscapes with Nick Garbutt Photo Safari with Bret Charman in Winter with Nick Garbutt
Join wildlife photographer Nick Garbutt Join this unique photo safari to Tswalu for Join wildlife photographer Nick Garbutt in on our Festival of Cats, a tour dedicated unparalleled opportunities to photograph the austral winter for ample opportunities to observing and photographing big cats some of Africa’s rarest mammals, such as to capture images of puma, Andean including lion, leopard and cheetah. pangolin and aardvark. condor and unsurpassable landscapes.
19 May 2021 2 Jul 2021 17 Jul 2021 & 3 Jul 2022 10 days, from £6,995 10 days, from £9,995 16 days, from £9,495
Mana Pools: Wild Dogs & North Pantanal Photo Safari South Luangwa Photo Safari Elephants with Bret Charman with Bret Charman with Emma Healey & Sean Weekly
Explore Mana Pools National Park, Discover the magic of the North Pantanal This small group tour to Zambia’s South accompanied throughout by Bret, as we to capture images of wonderful wildlife Luangwa National Park – one of the finest experience remarkable encounters with ranging from hyacinth macaw and ocelot wildlife locations in Southern Africa – is African wild dogs and bull elephants. to jaguar and giant river otter. an ideal introduction to a photo safari.
12 Aug 2021 6 Sep 2021 30 Oct & 6 Nov 2021 11 days, from £7,995 12 days, from £5,995 10 days, from £4,495
Ethiopia: A Unique Wonder Searching for Snow Leopards Japan’s Winter Wildlife with Ben Cherry with Nick Garbutt Photography with Bret Charman
In an entirely different take on African Join Nick in Ladakh’s remote Ulley Valley Accompanied by Bret, we explore Japan wildlife photography, join award-winning on a quest to photograph snow leopards in the midst of winter in search of the photographer Ben Cherry to discover and other Himalayan wildlife, such as finest wildlife photographic opportunities Ethiopia’s unique species. ibex, fox, bharal and Tibetan partridge. in Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps.
20 Nov 2021 14 Feb 2022 17 Feb 2022 15 days, from £5,995 18 days, from £7,795 11 days, from £5,895
[email protected] 01962 302055 www.wildlifeworldwide.com 17 Meet the Photographer Introducing Sean Weekly
As our portfolio of expert-led small group photography trips continue to grow, we are always on the lookout for exciting new leaders to join our highly acclaimed team and we are delighted to introduce our latest recruit, Sean Weekly.
ean is a very talented photographic hides provide a unique full-time professional opportunity to capture images of photographer whose work Africa’s most iconic mammals and regularly features in a birds. A chance to spend the night in a Srange of publications, including comfortable ground level hide positioned national and international press. next to a floodlit waterhole is a must An ambassador for F-Stop Gear, and with the option for further game Sean has been running workshops drives, it promises to be a photographic for several years and is a superb bonanza! tutor, helping hundreds of clients to improve their photography and Working closely with Sean we are providing an invaluable insight into delighted to offer the five new trips his approach to capturing a subject. below, but others are in progress and will be launched soon on our website. Living in Wales, only a stone’s throw from Gigrin Farm Red Kite Feeding Station, Sean has amassed an incredible portfolio of red kite images, gaining recognition from far and wide. Also within striking distance of Elan Valley, a designated ‘International Dark Sky Park’, he has captured some wonderful images of the night sky in this remote part of Wales. These two forms of photography combine perfectly and with Sean’s expert knowledge, make for an enticing new workshop.
Further afield Sean has travelled extensively across the UK and Europe, capturing a fabulous array of images on his travels, from deer and red squirrels to grey seals and raptors. However, it is perhaps his images from Greece’s Lake Kerkini that are most familiar. Here, the frozen landscape of deep NEW South Africa: Zimanga – NEW England: Red Squirrel winter provides a stunning backdrop Wildlife & Night Sky Photography Photography on Brownsea Island to photograph the lake’s most famous Join us on our extensive exploration of Brownsea Island is one of the only residents the Dalmatian pelican, and it Zimanga Private Game Reserve to enjoy havens for red squirrels in the South makes for a superb short-haul trip. the wildlife and night sky photography of England. Join us on this three day opportunities that it has to offer from photography workshop led by Emma With Sean’s breadth of skills and specially designed hides and game Healey and Sean Weekly, where there specifically his knowledge of night drives, perfect for photographing big will be multiple opportunities to seek sky photography, he was an obvious cats, elephants and some of Africa’s and photograph these incredible candidate to lead our new trip to most spectacular birdlife. creatures in the best light. South Africa’s world famous Zimanga Game Reserve. The remoteness of the 10 Jul 2021 1 & 14 Sep 2021 reserve allows for some breathtaking 10 days, from £5,195 3 days, from £475 astrophotography, while a variety of Group size: 6 Group size: 10
18 Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays NEW Poland: Winter Wildlife NEW Greece: Pelicans of Lake NEW Wales: Red Kite & Night Sky Photography in Poland Kerkini Photographic Workshop Accompanied by Sean Weekly or Join award-winning photographer The secluded Elan Valley in Wales is the Bret Charman, we visit the ancient Sean Weekly as we explore one of location for this unique photographic forest of Białowieza for an extensive the finest locations in Europe for bird workshop. During our four day itinerary photographic itinerary in the height of photography, Lake Kerkini. During we enjoy sessions of wildlife and night winter. Our aim is to capture images the itinerary we have a myriad of sky photography to not only improve of European bison, white-tailed eagle, opportunities to photograph the your skills by learning new techniques, wild boar and much more against a stunning Dalmatian pelicans as well as but to also create a wonderful portfolio backdrop of winter scenery. other excellent birdlife. of images. 12 Dec 2021; 9 Jan & 21 Feb 2022 17 & 21 Jan 2022 26 Apr & 27 May 2022 7 days, from £1,695 5 days, from £1,195 4 days, from £695 Group size: 7 Group size: 7 Group size: 6 Image by Sean Weekly
[email protected] 01962 302055 www.wildlifeworldwide.com 19 Scotland Festival of British Wildlife
With a team of expert naturalists, conservationists and photographers we explore the Scottish Highlands to discover and photograph iconic native species in a celebration of British Wildlife.
or over 16 years we have breeding territories. Our team, along operated Festivals of Wildlife with Aigas’s expert resident naturalists from the polar regions to will guide you along the coast, bustling rainforests and savannahs with waders and wildfowl and through Fgathering in a dedicated ovation woods and moorland, which echo with of nature. Our self-prescribed bird song, providing expert knowledge criteria for a festival is an exclusive on the landscape, wildlife and history and unique environment that is of Aigas. Education and conservation home to plenty of iconic wildlife, are integral features of the field centre combined with a rich variety of and as a result you will have the very activities led by some of the world’s rare opportunity to see the critically leading naturalists and wildlife endangered Scottish wild cat, which are photographers. part of a captive breeding programme.
The events of 2020 have provided a The long spring days will allow plenty stark reminder of our fragile place in of time to explore the spectacular glens the world but have also encouraged a and straths and the evocative ancient greater appreciation of wild places and Caledonian pine forest where European nature close to home. So where better crested tit and Scottish crossbill thrive, to pitch the next festival than on our while golden eagles may be encountered own doorstep? The rugged beauty of the in the more rugged areas. Pine marten Scottish Highlands provides the ultimate and badgers are regularly seen and setting for our first Festival of British photographed from the purpose-built Wildlife. Nestled within the spectacular Campbell Hide in the evening. Along the Highlands lies Aigas Field Centre, banks of Aigas Loch sits the Kingdom arguably one of the finest institutions Hide, looking across the waters, where of its kind in the UK that is renowned we see resident beavers or visiting for its ground-breaking innovation, otters. A variety of raised ground- conservation, rewilding and education level hides in different habitats offer initiatives. opportunities to see red squirrels, deer and raptors. Whether a beginner We have exclusive use of the 600-acre or a more proficient photographer Aigas Estate and well-established you will receive expert guidance from specialist hide network over the week, experienced wildlife photographer Nick to observe and photograph some of the Garbutt and macro specialist and wildlife most iconic species in the British Isles photographer Alex Hyde. including pine marten, badger, red deer and beavers. A lattice of well-maintained Throughout the festival there is a nature trails weave through the Aigas comprehensive programme of activities Estate, guiding you around the loch you can choose from. Our experts and adjacent woodlands and moorland will deliver a unique series of talks which are home to resident red and master classes ranging in topics squirrels, field voles, red and roe deer, from photography, UK wildlife and slow worms and an array of highland conservation projects. Each evening we bird species. gather for a delicious meal of the finest local produce and reflect on the day’s Spring welcomes wildflowers and highlights, followed by a presentation by warmth as well as migrants such as one of the festival experts. One thing is ospreys, wheatears, cuckoos and certain – you will not be short of things whinchats which are establishing their to keep you entertained.
20 Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays Nick Garbutt Alex Hyde Nick Baker Mike Dilger Nick Joynes
NEW Festival of British Wildlife Join a small group of like-minded people with a strong interest in the natural world on this dedicated and captivating event, packed with a rich variety of activities. Led by some of the UK’s leading naturalists and wildlife photographers this is a true celebration of our island’s wildlife. 21 May 2022 8 days, from £2,995 Group size: 25 [email protected] 01962 302055 www.wildlifeworldwide.com 21 Isle of Mull Scotland’s Eagle Island
Nestled on the west coast of Scotland, the Isle of Mull is an exceptional option for wildlife enthusiasts, and we are delighted to offer three exciting new trips. General Manager Dan Free gives us the low down on what to expect.
he Isle of Mull offers some of the finest wildlife presentations and demonstrations, with the island’s diverse flora watching in the UK and in partnership with our providing ample opportunities to refine the principles of macro friends at the Benmore Estate and in support of photography. RSPB Scotland, we have developed a series of Texclusive trips that allow you to enjoy the island to the full. As summer transcends into autumn, the eagles and otters With guidance from expert local naturalists Dave Sexton remain, but a new cast of species takes centre stage. Large and Nic Davies we will gain a unique insight into island life numbers of Atlantic grey seals haul-out in sheltered bays to as we explore this stunning island on foot, by vehicle and begin pupping, while inland, the island’s red deer engage in their by boat. annual rut. Under the guidance of the Benmore Estate team we will visit a remote and beautiful glen to witness the full force and Our early summer trips should provide fantastic opportunities majesty of the deer rut, the evocative roar of the stags echoing to view some of the UK’s most iconic wildlife, including otters, across the moorland. white-tailed and golden eagles, hen harrier and short-eared owl. A boat trip to the neighbouring Treshnish Isles will offer plenty of All our trips will be based in the comfortable surrounds of Knock opportunity to spend time with one of the UK’s most charismatic House, a spacious 12-bedroom West Highland country house, seabirds – the enigmatic puffin – together with huge numbers located in the heart of the 13,000 hectare Benmore Estate. of other seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, shags and With exclusive use of this charming property guests can make fulmars. The island of Lunga offers a Galapagos-type experience, themselves at home. A full programme of activities will be where tolerant, endearing birds can surround you on all sides. offered on each of the trips, but should you wish to relax in the During the voyage to and from the isles, there is a reasonable confines of the house or take a gentle stroll through the estate, chance of also seeing bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, you are very welcome to do so. basking sharks, seals and possibly even minke whales. In the evenings we enjoy sumptuous meals, featuring the finest Our dedicated photographic departure with Nick Garbutt local produce, with the chance to reflect on the highlights of and Alex Hyde follows a similar, but slower paced itinerary, each day, before retiring with a nightcap. With expert guiding, maximising the time spent with the wildlife and landscapes to an exclusive comfortable base and super wildlife these trips to ensure that participants return with a comprehensive portfolio Scotland’s Eagle Island promise to be an experience you will of images. Nick and Alex will provide a range of informal never forget!
NEW Isle of Mull Wildlife Extravaganza NEW Isle of Mull Wildlife Photography Travelling in early summer, with Mike Dilger, we hope to enjoy In the company of award-winning photographers Nick Garbutt a wealth of birds, mammals and flora. The seabird colonies of and Alex Hyde spend time photographing the islands’ wildlife the Treshnish Isles will be a hub of activity; otters and seals hug including its enigmatic puffins, spectacular white-tailed sea shorelines while golden and white-tailed eagles soar overhead. eagles and an extensive range of wildflowers and orchids. 5 Jun 2022 29 May 2022 8 days, from £2,795 8 days, from £2,995 Group size: 12 Group size: 12
22 Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays NEW Isle of Mull Wildlife in Autumn Join TV presenter Kate Humble on this exclusive holiday to the Isle of Mull, specifically timed to witness the red deer rut and pupping Atlantic grey seals. Amongst stunning autumn colours, we also hope to see otters, white-tailed and golden eagles. 24 Oct 2021 8 days, from £2,795 Group size: 12
[email protected] 01962 302055 www.wildlifeworldwide.com 23 Shetland Isles Seabird Spectacular with Mike Dilger
As you venture north-east from the Scottish mainland you will discover the remote and rugged Shetland Isles. TV naturalist Mike Dilger will guide you around this subarctic archipelago for a wildlife spectacle like nowhere else.
he cacophony of calls alerts Offshore marine mammals thrive in the pristine you to the sheer scale of the waters. Keeping your eyes peeled for harbour seabird breeding colonies as you porpoise – known as ‘Neesicks’ in Shetland approach the National Nature – traversing the channels, you may see a pod TReserves of Sumburgh Head, Noss and of resident orca hunting close to the shore, a Hermaness. These cliffs seasonally serve school of white-sided dolphins pursuing a shoal as coliseums for vast breeding colonies of of fish, or even minke, pilot and sperm whales. seabirds. Guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, These remarkable islands north of the Scottish fulmars and great skuas are just some of mainland boast an abundance and diversity of the 21 different species breeding around the wildlife both on and offshore. Shetland coast, where seabirds substantially outnumber people. Gannets bombard the Together with an expert local naturalist guide, water by the thousand as they feast on Mike Dilger will be your tour leader throughout, the rich supply of fish while puffins, beaks bringing passion and experience in equal brimming with their catch, return to burrows measure. Mike has travelled extensively to amongst the dramatic towering cliffs. Britain’s remote locations and describes Shetland as the ‘ultimate British wildlife destination’. Amidst the tapestry of heather, crowberry, Having carried out research on skuas in Shetland bog bilberry and bog cotton we comb for and filmed across the islands for television, he is the carnivorous round-leaved sundew and thrilled to be returning. In addition to the world butterwort, discovering how these strange class wildlife, Mike can’t wait to sample the and beautiful insectivorous plants thrive on famed warm welcome from the locals who call the heathland. Wildflowers, including several this astonishing archipelago home, sweet home. species of orchid, adorn the unspoilt terrain that is plentiful with passerines. In addition to the grouse, godwits and golden plovers we may be lucky enough to encounter one of Shetland’s rarest breeding raptors, the merlin. Our attention turns to migratory aquatic birds, diving ducks and waders and before exploring the island of Fetlar for red-necked phalaropes which represent 80% of the UK’s breeding population, whilst on Unst, Britain’s most northerly island, we visit one of the world’s largest breeding populations of great skuas, locally known as ‘Bonxie’.
The summer sun barely dips below the horizon NEW The Shetland Islands with Mike Dilger at this time of year, allowing ample time to With guidance from a local expert and TV search the unspoilt coastline and inlets for naturalist Mike Dilger, the natural wonders of agile European otter as they forage and play. the Shetland Isles will be revealed to you on This iconic and charismatic mammal thrives in this small-group trip where mammals, birds Shetland’s saltwater coastal environment and and landscapes combine to form a sensational population densities here are the highest in wildlife experience. the UK. These sheltered bays are shared with common and grey seal which languidly bask 25 Jun 2022 in the summer sun or bob in the adjacent clear 8 days, from £2,495 waters. Group size: 12
24 Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays “If Wildlife Worldwide employ a better guide they must have him locked away in a cupboard somewhere. Mike Dilger was without any doubt on par with the best guides we have had in 106 countries over 40 years of world wildlife travel. His enthusiasm was infectious, his knowledge extensive and his interest in his clients shone through. He wasn’t simply doing a job, he loved the job and wanted his clients to enjoy the experience too.” Stephen G, Scotland, Oct 2020 Image by Bret Charman
[email protected] 01962 302055 www.wildlifeworldwide.com 25 Slovenia Brown Bears & Picture Perfect Lake Bled
General Manager Dan Free reflects on his recent visit to Slovenia combining time bear watching in the Dinariac Alps with a visit to the country’s most prized asset, the stunning Lake Bled.
n September my wife and I decided to run the the guesthouse and can be particularly productive in the warm gauntlet of international travel and opted for a week summer months. in Slovenia. It was a country that I had only heard good things about, particularly from my colleague Lake Bled is located in the Julian Alps in the Upper Carniolan IBret Charman who has been leading bear photography region of north-western Slovenia, approximately 100 kilometres trips there for the last few years, and it did not disappoint! from the guesthouse. With its turquoise blue waters, picture- postcard island church and rockface medieval castle, I can My wife Dani is as much a wildlife enthusiast as I am and our honestly say that it is one of the most stunning places we have personal holidays are always wildlife focused. Rarely do we ever visited. Staying at the superbly located Villa Bled for three allow ourselves time to relax and unwind, but on this occasion, nights, we were able to soak in this view every day and it did not we decided to break from the mould and spend four nights bear grow tired. An excellent trail around the lake makes it easy to get watching, followed by three nights at the breathtakingly beautiful out and explore, with a visit to the castle and its superb cliffside Lake Bled. restaurant an absolute must.
Only a two hour hop from London to Slovenia’s capital city of It almost pains me to say it, but having a few days at Lake Ljubljana, we were soon on the ground, collecting our hire car Bled to unwind, read a book and swim in the glacial waters and heading out into the countryside on excellent roads. Leaving was just what we needed, and it combined superbly with the the city behind, we very quickly got a feel for why the country bear watching. I cannot speak highly enough of Slovenia as a is held in such high regard. A landscape of traditionally farmed European holiday destination, it is a beautiful country, well kept, arable and pastoral fields, forest stands and meandering rivers friendly and extremely easy to travel around. unfolded before us, punctuated by quaint well-kept villages.
Our guesthouse for the first four nights in Slovenia was located on the edge of the sleepy village of Markovec, in the south of the country. Simple, but perfectly comfortable, the hosts provide wholesome Slovenian food and it is a charming place to relax when you are not in the bear hides which are located in the surrounding hills, a short drive away. The grounds of the guesthouse attract a variety of birds including black redstart, crossbills and even white-backed woodpecker, and our trail cam recorded both pine marten and otter within a stone’s throw of the property.
Visiting at the end of the bear watching season, hide sessions typically commenced around 3pm and continued through to 7pm when the light would begin to fade. Unlike Finland where the bears are often waiting for you at the hides, bear watching in Slovenia requires more patience, but this only serves to make it even more rewarding when the bears do show and we were lucky enough to see bears on each of our outings. The hides are set in some stunning forest locations, specifically selected with NEW Slovenia – Bears & Lake Bled Self-drive photographers in mind and over the course of our stay Dani was able to capture some fabulous images. Combining four nights bear watching in the Dinaric Alps, with three nights at a superb hotel on the shores of Lake Bled, When not in the hides, there was plenty to keep us occupied this easy paced self-drive holiday allows you to enjoy two of with superb limestone caves and excellent birding at Lake Slovenia’s most beautiful regions. Cerknica, all just a short drive away. A bird photography hide Trip idea, May-Sep complete with reflection pool is also located in the grounds of 8 days, from £1,895
26 Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays [email protected] We Create Outstanding Wildlife Holidays Our websitefeatures over90smallgroup andtailor-made holidaystoEurope 01962 302055 www.wildlifeworldwide.com 27
Image by Dani Free Lynx Quest News from the Field ...
We take great pride in researching and developing new trips for some of the world’s most difficult to see species. General Manager Dan Free brings us news from three very different lynx trips.
n mid-February 2020, my wife they will often stand their ground Dani and I embarked on a short allowing the vehicle to approach and trip to Lahemaa National Park tolerating a spotlight. in northern Estonia. This tiny Icountry still has healthy populations In late February 2020 Wildlife Worldwide of Europe’s three largest predators operated its inaugural Wild Canada – including what is reputedly the in Winter trip – a week-long venture highest density of Eurasian lynx to a remote lodge in eastern British (Lynx lynx) in Europe – the main Columbia in pursuit of moose, wolf and purpose of our visit. From the Canadian lynx (Lynx canadensis). With comfort of a 16th century manor unseasonably warm temperatures, hotel we ventured out at dusk each for much of our small group’s stay, NEW Estonia – Eurasian Lynx Quest evening in the company of an expert sightings were hard to come by, limited With guidance from an expert local local tracker, slowly driving the to just a few encounters with moose. tracker and use of a private 4-wheel countless forest tracks and scanning Undeterred the group persevered and drive vehicle, explore Estonia’s the forest clearings and fields with a on the final day they were rewarded Lahemaa National Park for the powerful spotlight. for their efforts, with no fewer than five elusive Eurasian lynx and a host of sightings of Canadian lynx in broad other mammal species. Based at Roe deer were a frequent sight and daylight (see main image), including a comfortable 16th century manor this boded well for our quest as they a courting pair at very close range. It hotel you will venture out at night for are the Eurasian lynx’s principal prey, was a remarkable conclusion to the extensive spotlighting sessions. but we also encountered elk, red fox, trip and certainly bodes well for future raccoon dog, wild boar, beaver, badger, departures. Trip idea, Jan-Mar American mink and both brown and 6 days, from £1,895 mountain hare. Embracing technology The smallest and rarest member of the our guide has over 20 trail cams set in genus, the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is the search area, providing live updates arguably the easiest to see and we have to his phone every time they were been running small groups to southern triggered. The updates became a feature Spain with great success for nearly of the trip and definitely added a new a decade. However, more recently, dimension to our search. Using the data we introduced a five day tailor-made gathered from the trail cams, our guide option, Iberian Lynx in Andújar, with a has spent the previous three seasons private guide and vehicle. The sightings plotting the movements of the cats and from these trips have been outstanding spoke confidently of our chances of and none more so than on a trip in seeing this notoriously difficult animal. October 2020, when our clients had an His confidence was not unfounded and incredible encounter with a female lynx on our third night we struck lucky – and her two sub-adult cubs – the three Canada – Wild Canada in Winter sighting a large male lynx through the cats posing for several hours in the late Travelling in the depths of winter, this trees, not 20 metres from the track, its afternoon/evening light. With a wealth pioneering tour focuses on three of stocky form striding almost nonchalantly of other wildlife, stunning scenery, Canada’s most iconic mammals: the past. Despite our best efforts to relocate excellent food and a comfortable base Canadian lynx, timber wolf and moose. him it proved to be the only sighting of on the edge of the park – it is a super From the comfort of a cosy lodge, we the trip, but nevertheless we felt very option for a short-haul break. don snowshoes and venture deep into privileged to have seen such a beautiful the Cariboo Mountains in search of our animal. Whilst our sighting was relatively With a very reliable site in the US now target species. fleeting, the guide explained that this available for bobcat (watch this space!) was not typical of the species – indeed we are able to offer options for all four Trip idea, Jan-Mar if found sitting or hunting in a clearing members of the lynx genus. 9 days, from £3,995
28 Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays We Create Outstanding Wildlife Holidays We offer a range of dedicated tailor-made and small group tours to see big and small cats around the world.
Spain – Iberian Lynx in Andújar This five day tailor-made itinerary is dedicated to exploring one of Spain’s truly wild corners in Andalucia - Andújar Natural Park – which is home to a surprisingly large variety of birds and mammals. It is also one of the last strongholds for the world’s rarest feline, the Iberian lynx. Trip idea, Sep-Jun 5 days, from £1,495 Image by Steve Darling [email protected] 01962 302055 www.wildlifeworldwide.com 29 Finland Europe’s Most Exclusive Bear Watching
Bear watching in Finland has long been one of Europe’s best wildlife experiences, but staying overnight in a hide is not for everyone. Chris Smith describes how it is now possible to watch brown bears from the comfort of your own luxury cabin.
ne of the last great wildernesses in Depending on the length of your stay, you may choose Europe, the taiga forests of Finland to spend a night in one of the lodge’s own bear are the best place on the continent watching hides, which are perfect for photography. to observe brown bears as well as These hides are situated deeper in the forest and Oother species such as wolverine, Eurasian wolf along the shores of a nearby lake. If you would like and great grey owl. to spend a night or two in one of these hides to get a new perspective on this region and its wildlife or Usually, the format for bear watching in Finland capture some different images, then the lodge can requires you to stay overnight in hides that have been arrange this for you on a complimentary basis (book purpose built for observing and photographing these in advance). amazing animals and the rest of the wildlife. Whilst there are certainly plenty of benefits to watching The season for watching the brown bears from the bears from hides, there are also some drawbacks, in lodge’s luxury cabins and hides is mid-April until the particular the limited toilet and bed facilities which are end of October with the summer months being the not necessarily to everyone’s liking. optimal time. It is possible to see several bears in one evening from the cabins in June, July and August. However, another option has recently become available and it is arguably the most comfortable and However, spring and autumn is also an excellent exclusive bear watching experience there has ever time to visit. Whilst the evenings are shorter it is still been in Finland. possible to view wildlife and if the weather conditions and aurora activity are favourable you can also watch Luxury cabins have been constructed sustainably the northern lights from these wonderful cabins. in the heart of the Finnish wilderness and most importantly these cabins feature large floor-to-ceiling NEW Finland’s Brown Bears in Style windows which provide plenty of opportunity to This is quite possibly the most luxurious and observe the wildlife of the taiga forest. The cabins exclusive bear watching option in Europe. From the overlook an area of mixed woodland and swampland, comfort of your own luxury cabin you will have plenty the ideal habitat for European brown bear. You can of opportunities to observe brown bear and even watch brown bears, wolverines, great grey owls, view other intriguing species including wolverine red fox and great spotted woodpecker all from the and great grey owl. The cabins are fitted with large comfort of your own private en suite room. There is floor-to-ceiling windows, private en suite bathroom, also a fully-equipped kitchen where you can prepare fully-equipped kitchen and king or twin beds. food to keep you going through the night. If you do want to get some rest, you can even catch some shut- Trip idea, Apr-Oct eye in a proper, full-sized bed! 5 days, from £2,495
30 Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays We Create Outstanding Wildlife Holidays We offer an extensive range of small group, tailor-made and dedicated photography holidays to Finland. To find out more contact our expert team
[email protected] 01962 302055 www.wildlifeworldwide.com 31 India The Dawn of a New Era
General Manager Dan Free reports on his November 2019 trip to India and explains how it is now possible to see tigers, snow leopards and red pandas on a three week trip.
uch is made of India’s tiger reserves and at the head of the Ulley Chhu Valley. November marks the start rightfully so. Few experiences in the natural of the snow leopard season in this region and we were here to world compare with the spine-tingling try our luck for this most elusive of big cat species. At an altitude alarm call of a chital at dusk, betraying of nearly 4,000 metres the views of the surrounding mountains Mthe presence of a tiger nearby. With a supporting cast and valley are nothing short of spectacular and with snow of leopard, sloth bear, dhole and Asian elephant, these leopards frequently seen from the lodge, there is a constant air reserves have held our attention for the past 30 years. of excitement. However, as India’s domestic flight network continues to expand, making remote little visited areas accessible – a With excellent views of ibex, soaring golden eagles and new generation of mammals is slowly coming to the fray. lammergeier, and even a wolf with two pups, our first three days were thoroughly enjoyable, but did not bring us any sightings of In November 2019, Dani and I travelled to India in pursuit of snow leopard. It was late on day four and we were wondering if three of these species, visiting the eastern and northernmost we had exhausted all our luck with the red pandas, that things regions of the country. suddenly changed. A tip-off from a villager saw us rush to a neighbouring valley where, after some minutes scanning our Our trip commenced in the most unusual of settings, a densely guide located a female snow leopard and her two sub-adult populated village in the floodplains of Southern Bengal. Here, cubs pacing purposely across the mountainside above. The cats under the cover of darkness and with an auto-rickshaw as our were remarkably well camouflaged and in the excitement of the safari vehicle, we headed off to find one of the most bizarre of moment, it took us a little time to get on them, but when we did, cat species, the fishing cat – a stocky medium-sized cat that the joy and relief at seeing them was completely overwhelming lives exclusively around water. It is an eery experience driving and I do not mind admitting that we both shed a tear or two. through the villages in the early hours of the morning, scanning the margins of mist-covered ponds for a hint of eyeshine, but Watching them through a scope from a distance of well worth the effort and alongside jungle cat, golden jackal approximately 500 metres, we remained with them until (including a melanistic individual) and several brown fish owls, darkness fell. This proved a turning point in our stay and we we were fortunate enough to see two individuals over the course were able to locate and observe them on each of our remaining of our three night stay. four days. On some days we spent the entire day watching them from 500 to 1,000 metres, as they followed a consistent routine Returning to Kolkata we next flew to Bagdogra, arriving mid- of activity in the early morning and late afternoon and resting morning and transferring straight to Habre’s Nest, a simple but and playing in between. comfortable ecolodge in the heart of Singalila National Park. Straddling the Indian and Nepalese border and at an altitude Hot food and drinks were brought to us in the field and having of 3,000 metres, the lodge sits amidst stunning forest clad spent a lifetime wanting to see a snow leopard, I was more than hills of fir and deciduous hardwood, with a thick understory of content just to watch them sleeping. With daytime temperatures bamboo – the realm of the red panda. As few as 32 individuals hovering around freezing but plummeting to -20˚C overnight the are believed to reside in the 200 square kilometre park but, with respective lodges do a fantastic job of keeping you comfortable the aid of a team of spotters, guests staying at the lodge have an and the food is both wholesome and plentiful. excellent chance of seeing what must surely be one of the cutest animals in the animal kingdom. We were extremely fortunate Having lived in India for a time before university and returned to have sightings on each of the four days that we were at the every few years since to visit the tiger reserves, it is incredible lodge, enjoying some stunning views and on occasions even to see how much the country has changed. For me, one of from the lodge itself, but success is very dependent on the the biggest positives is the upcoming movement of young weather which is notoriously fickle. naturalists and a few enterprising individuals who are embracing ecotourism to preserve its wildlife. Coupled with the expansion of The final chapter of our journey took us north to Ladakh, initially the domestic flights network, there now exists the very realistic to the historic town of Leh for a couple days of acclimatisation prospect of being able to see some of the countries rarest and (and ibisbill watching!), and then on to the small village of Ulley, most sought-after mammals on a three week trip.
32 Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays We Create Outstanding Wildlife Holidays Our website features over 20 small group and tailor-made holidays to India
NEW India’s Tigers, Snow Leopards & Red Pandas Visiting the forest clad hills of Singalila National Park for red panda, the snow-capped mountains of Ladakh for snow leopard and the teak forests and grasslands of Kanha National Park for tiger, this is the ultimate trip in India for mammal enthusiasts. Trip idea, Nov-Apr 21 days, from £4,995 Image by Dani Free [email protected] 01962 302055 www.wildlifeworldwide.com 33 Polar Wildlife Voyages Journeys to the Ends of the Earth
The remote polar regions are home to some of the world’s most unique wildlife. Wildlife Worldwide Founder Chris Breen shares his expertise on travelling to the planet’s most fascinating regions.
f all the wonderful Our polar voyages places I have been – On one of our polar voyages you will and I have been lucky be on a specially adapted vessel that enough to visit many accommodates around 130 passengers Oover the past 25 plus years – it is or fewer and all of the vessels we work the polar regions that are the most with are ideally suited in size, speed, striking, and in many respects safety and stability for exploring these the most memorable. And it is the remote, beautiful and frozen regions. Our remote polar regions that are home aim is to take you into the wilderness, to some of the most iconic wildlife… in the company of a team of onboard polar bears on ice-flows, Arctic fox, experts and a highly experienced great colonies of walrus in the north expedition crew, to witness some of the and in the south seals, sealions and world’s most spectacular scenery and beaches full of penguins. wildlife.
Why visit the polar regions? Our destinations Although I had been on a number We offer voyages to the Arctic, the of the polar vessels it was not until Russian Far East and Antarctica. In comparatively recently that I went on a the Arctic and Russian Far East we polar voyage – in fact my first was to visit Spitsbergen, Wrangel Island Wrangel Island in the Russian Arctic. We and Kamchatka, whilst our Antarctic saw nearly 80 polar bears, Kamchatka voyages include such destinations as brown bear, bowhead whale and some the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the of the very same grey whales that South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic we see on our visits to Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. Peninsula… and that was it, I was completely captivated by polar cruising. Life onboard & landings You will be in the company of expert The idea of visiting these remote naturalists and expedition crew who will ‘ends of the earth’ seems to capture determine the exact itinerary according the imagination like visits to nowhere to the weather conditions, sea state and else on earth and polar voyages are recent sightings. The voyages typically right at the top of my ‘must do’ list for include a mixture of ‘sea days’ with a Classic Antarctica when the world opens back up again. programme of lectures, and landings – This voyage is a perfect introduction The chance to cruise along the edge on average, two each day. to the Antarctic, visiting prime wildlife of a glacier, watching spellbound as it sites along the Peninsula and in calves, or to pass icebergs safe in your Travel with Confidence the nearby South Shetland Islands. ice-strengthened vessel, to experience To ensure you feel confident and secure Encounter huge penguin colonies, a sun that never sets – these are once- on our polar voyages, we are working beaches adorned with elephant seals, in-a-lifetime thrills. However, it is the closely with our partners so expeditions and whales and dolphins along the way. chance to visit somewhere and see the are safe for all passengers and crew. wildlife, which is the polar regions’ most Voyages will operate in full compliance 19 & 29 Dec 2021; 8 & 18 Jan 2022 powerful allure… and to achieve that, of the approved protocols in place at the 13 days, now from £9,245 – Special nothing beats a small vessel voyage. time of departure. Winter Offer (excluding flights)
34 Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays “The trip was all about seeing polar bears and we were not disappointed with the sightings we had. Being on an ice-strengthened ship was a great advantage as we were able to enter the pack ice, getting very close to this most amazing mammal. We are not people who normally get too excited whale watching but this trip has warmed us to these wonderful, but mostly hidden mammals. Watching grey and humpback whales on their migration route and so many around the boat was truly amazing. And finally, walruses swimming underwater by the boat was another unforgettable experience.” Michael W, Wrangel Island, Jul 2019
Festival of Wildlife Spitsbergen Wrangel Island with Mark Carwardine Frozen South Adventure The Festival of Wildlife returns once Explore the remote wilderness of Following the huge success of again – this time we venture to the Wrangel Island in the Bering Strait previous wildlife expeditions to the Arctic and the captivating island with its prehistoric landscapes and Falkland Islands, South Georgia and of Spitsbergen for a true wildlife phenomenal wildlife. This 14-night Antarctica, we return to this gloriously expedition onboard the Ocean cruise aboard an expedition vessel unforgettable polar region with Adventurer. Travelling at the start of the takes you right to the top of the world renowned expert Mark Carwardine – season, we will go in search of some of between Russia and Alaska in the marvel at the remarkable wildlife and the Arctic’s most iconic wildlife. company of Mark Carwardine. rugged beauty on this unique voyage. 2 Jun 2021 19 Jul 2021 14 Nov 2021 10 days, from £5,995 18 days, from £9,195 (excluding flights) 20 days, from £13,995 (excluding flights)
[email protected] 01962 302055 www.wildlifeworldwide.com 35 Group Tours 2021 Here we highlight our upcoming small group wildlife holidays in our 2021 Calendar (see overleaf for 2022 dates). For further information contact our expert team, or visit our website.
Destination Tour Name Departure Date Duration Price from Botswana Botswana’s Rare Mammals 2 & 24 Apr 12 days £4,995 Mexico Great Whales of Mexico’s Pacific Coast 3 Apr 10 days £5,695 Portugal Alentejo & Algarve in Spring & Autumn 3 Apr 8 days £1,925 Crete Crete’s Spring Flowers & Birds 9 Apr 8 days £1,475 April Borneo Wild Borneo 10 Apr 15 days £5,895 India Nagarhole’s Tigers, Wild Dogs & Leopards 18 Apr 10 days £3,295 Botswana Desert to Delta 24 Apr 12 days £4,595 Romania Focus on the Danube Delta 24 Apr 8 days £2,595 United Kingdom NEW Cotswold Wildlife Park Sketchbook Safari 26 Apr 1 day £195 Poland Primeval Forests & Marshes 3 May 8 days £1,775 Slovakia Spring Birding in Slovakia 4 May 5 days £1,395 Madeira Birds, Whales & Dolphins of Madeira 6 May 5 days £1,045 United Kingdom Deep into Dartmoor with Nick Baker 7 & 21 May 3 days £695 France Spring Birds, Orchids & Prehistory in Wild Dordogne 8 May 8 days £1,745 Belarus Secret Wildlife Wilderness 9 May 8 days £1,975 United Kingdom NEW New Forest Sketchbook Safari with Trevor Waugh 11 May 3 days £595 United Kingdom Somerset Levels in Spring with Mike Dilger 16 May 4 days £725 May Slovenia Brown Bear Photography in Spring 16 May 6 days £2,095 Botswana Festival of Cats 19 May 10 days £6,995 United Kingdom Suffolk’s Coast & Heaths in Late Spring 20 & 24 May 4 days £650 Hungary Spring Photography of the Steppe & Forests 22 May 7 days £2,245 India Amphibians & Reptiles of the Western Ghats with Nick Baker 28 May 11 days £4,195 Romania Romania’s Wildlife Highlights 30 May 8 days £1,875 Brazil Wildlife of the Pantanal 31 May 12 days £4,495 Finland Boreal Predators Photography 31 May 6 days £2,495 Finland Brown Bear Photography with Tom Mason 1 Jun 6 days £2,195 Ireland The Burren & Aran Islands 2 Jun 8 days £1,795 Norway Festival of Wildlife Spitsbergen 2 Jun 10 days £5,995 Finland Brown Bear Explorer 6 & 27 Jun 8 days £1,995 Canada Wildlife of the Canadian Rockies 10 Jun 14 days £6,795 South Africa South Africa’s Rare Mammals in Style 11 Jun 10 days £9,495 France Birds, Butterflies & Wildflowers of the Dordogne 12 Jun 8 days £1,745 June Zambia Classic South Luangwa Safari 12 & 19 Jun 10 days £2,995 Mongolia Birding the Land of Genghis Khan 14 Jun 16 days £4,795 United Kingdom The Farnes & Northumberland in Early Summer 15 Jun 6 days £975 United Kingdom Isle of Mull Wildlife Cruise 16 Jun 7 days £1,995 Bulgaria Butterflies & Birds of Bulgaria 17 Jun 9 days £1,295 Brazil Wildlife of the North & South Pantanal 19 Jun 14 days £5,245 Botswana Botswana’s Wild Dogs 25 Jun 10 days £4,395 Brazil Wildlife of the Pantanal 30 Jun 12 days £4,495 South Africa South Africa’s Rare Mammals Photo Safari 2 Jul 10 days £9,995 South Africa NEW Zimanga – Wildlife & Night Sky Photography 10 Jul 10 days £5,195 Finland Brown Bear Explorer 11 Jul 8 days £1,995 Poland Butterflies & Moths of Southern Poland 11 Jul 9 days £1,795 Tanzania Serengeti Migration Special 11 Jul 10 days £5,295 July Chile Pumas, Condors & Landscapes in Winter 17 Jul 16 days £9,495 United Kingdom Splendours of Wester Ross 18 Jul 6 days £1,245 Russia Wrangel Island Exclusive with Mark Carwardine 19 Jul 18 days £9,195* Brazil Wildlife of the Pantanal 24 & 31 Jul 12 days £4,495 Botswana Best of Botswana 25 Jul 13 days £5,495 South Africa Spring Flowers from the Cape to Kalahari 6 Aug 15 days £5,795 Borneo Borneo’s Rare Mammals 10 Aug 14 days £3,895 Zimbabwe Mana Pools – Wild Dogs & Elephants Photography 12 Aug 11 days £7,995 August Botswana Best of Botswana – Photography Special 19 Aug 13 days £5,995 Netherlands Waders in Friesland 19 Aug 5 days £1,095 Mongolia Mongolia: Cats of Mountain and Steppe 26 Aug 14 days £6,995 South Africa Natural Highlights of South Africa 30 Aug 16 days £5,525
36 Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays Destination Tour Name Departure Date Duration Price from Brazil Wildlife of the Pantanal 1 Sep 12 days £4,495 United Kingdom NEW Red Squirrel Photography on Brownsea Island 1 & 14 Sep 3 days £475 Colombia Colombia Bird Photography 2 Sep 16 days £5,495 Romania Focus on the Danube Delta 4 Sep 8 days £2,595 Borneo Borneo’s Orangutans 5 Sep 11 days £4,395 Brazil North Pantanal Photo Safari 6 Sep 12 days £5,995 Guyana A Pristine Wilderness 6 Sep 15 days £5,895 Namibia NEW Namibia Wildlife & Wilderness 11 Sep 17 days £4,895 September Namibia A Wilderness Adventure 12 Sep 14 days £6,195 Borneo Borneo’s Rare Mammals 13 Sep 14 days £3,895 Hungary Hungary’s Rare Mammals 13 Sep 8 days £1,895 Slovenia Brown Bear Photography in Autumn 13 Sep 5 days £1,695 Botswana Best of Botswana 14 Sep 13 days £5,495 United Kingdom Norfolk in Late Summer with Nick Acheson 17 Sep 5 days £895 Australia Islands, Rivers & Ranges 18 Sep 15 days £6,095 Portugal Alentejo & Algarve in Spring & Autumn 18 Sep 8 days £1,925 Canada Festival of Bears 30 Sep 9 days £7,495 Hungary Steppe & Forests in Autumn 2 Oct 8 days £1,675 Namibia A Living Desert 2 Oct 14 days £8,295 Spain Secret Wilderness of Extremadura 5 Oct 8 days £1,775 Zambia Sacred Combe Safari 8 Oct 8 days £7,975 Uganda Uganda’s Unforgettable Wildlife 10 Oct 14 days £5,395 Borneo Borneo’s Rare Mammals 11 Oct 14 days £3,895 Spain Wild Spain 11 Oct 8 days £2,095 Brazil Pantanal Wildlife Photo Safari: The Best of North & South 12 Oct 21 days £12,195 Botswana Best of Botswana (Reverse Itinerary) 13 Oct 13 days £5,495 Zambia Classic Kafue Safari 14 Oct 11 days £5,795 October United Kingdom Autumn in the Scottish Highlands 16 Oct 8 days £1,595 Spain Iberian Lynx Quest 16 Oct 8 days £1,775 United Kingdom NEW New Forest Deer Photography Workshop 22 Oct 1 day £150 Madagascar Madagascar with Mike Dilger 24 Oct 16 days £5,295 United Kingdom NEW Isle of Mull Wildlife in Autumn 24 Oct 8 days £2,795 United Kingdom Islay & Jura in Autumn 24 Oct 7 days £1,345 Spain Pyrenees Photo Workshop 25 Oct 8 days £2,495 Indonesia Raja Ampat’s Birds of Paradise 26 Oct 16 days £8,795 China Sichuan’s Sensational Mammals & Birds 30 Oct 16 days £4,895 Zambia South Luangwa Photo Safari – Mfuwe Lodge 30 Oct 10 days £4,495 Gambia West African Birdwatch 5 Nov 12 days £1,995 China Sichuan’s Sensational Mammals & Birds 6 & 13 Nov 16 days £4,895 Zambia South Luangwa Photo Safari – Mfuwe Lodge 6 & 13 Nov 10 days £4,495 Zambia South Luangwa Wildlife Art Safari 6 Nov 10 days £5,895 Zambia South Luangwa Photo Safari – Flatdogs 20 & 27 Nov 10 days £3,995 Costa Rica Costa Rica’s Wildlife Wonders 7 Nov 12 days £3,895 Ethiopia Ethiopian Endemic Wildlife 9 Nov 17 days £4,795 Colombia Colombia’s Rare Primates with Kate Humble 11 Nov 15 days £6,795 Colombia Colombia’s Birding Highlights 13 Nov 16 days £5,195 India North-west India’s Rare Mammals 13 Nov 13 days £4,795 November Sri Lanka Blue Whales, Dolphins & Leopards 13 Nov 14 days £3,195 Sri Lanka Sri Lanka – Off the Beaten Track 13 Nov 14 days £3,995 Zambia Easy Birding in South Luangwa 13 Nov 10 days £3,395 Antarctica Frozen South Adventure 14 Nov 20 days £13,995* Indonesia Raja Ampat’s Birds of Paradise 19 Nov 16 days £8,795 Zambia Zambia’s Wild West – Kafue & Liuwa Plain 19 Nov 11 days £6,495 Ethiopia Ethiopia – A Unique Wonder 20 Nov 15 days £5,995 United Kingdom Autumn in the Scottish Highlands 20 Nov 8 days £1,595 Sri Lanka Sri Lanka’s Blue Whales 24 Nov 10 days £3,495 India Birds & Big Cats 28 Nov 15 days £3,995 India Birds & Tigers in Central India 28 Nov 17 days £4,795 India Nagarhole’s Tigers, Wild Dogs & Leopards 5 Dec 10 days £3,495 December Poland NEW Winter Wildlife Photography in Poland 12 Dec 7 days £1,695 Spain Wild Spain 13 Dec 8 days £2,095
Dedicated photography tour
All holiday prices in this brochure are based on two people sharing a room (or cabin), and include flights from the UK, wildlife activities, zaccommodation and transfers (except where specified *). Prices are correct at time of going to print. For full details contact our expert wildlife team. Image by Nick Garbutt
[email protected] 01962 302055 www.wildlifeworldwide.com 37 Group Tours 2022
Destination Tour Name Departure Date Duration Price from USA Wild West Winter Wonderland 6 & 21 Jan 17 days £9,495 Poland NEW Winter Wildlife Photography in Poland 9 Jan 7 days £1,695 India Wild Karnataka 9 & 23 Jan 11 days £3,395 January Greece NEW Pelicans of Lake Kerkini 17 & 21 Jan 5 days £1,195 Spain Wild Spain 17 Jan 8 days £2,095 Japan Japan’s Winter Wildlife 25 Jan 11 days £5,595 India India’s Big Cats 1 Feb 23 days £8,395 Sri Lanka Sri Lanka – Off the Beaten Track 5 Feb 14 days £3,995 India India’s Wild South 6 Feb 12 days £3,675 Mexico Great Whales of Mexico’s Pacific Coast 10 Feb 10 days £5,795 Chile Chile’s Rare Mammals 14 Feb 15 days £6,395 February India Searching for Snow Leopards 14 Feb 18 days £7,795 India Ultimate Tiger Safari 17 Feb 12 days £3,395 Japan Japan’s Winter Wildlife – Photography Special 17 Feb 11 days £5,895 India Nagarhole’s Tigers, Wild Dogs & Leopards 20 Feb 10 days £3,495 Poland NEW Winter Wildlife Photography in Poland 21 Feb 7 days £1,695 India Ultimate Tiger Safari 3 Mar 12 days £3,395 Botswana Botswana’s Rare Mammals 5 Mar 12 days £4,995 India Nagarhole’s Tigers, Wild Dogs & Leopards 6, 13 & 27 Mar 10 days £3,495 March Colombia Colombia’s Rare Mammals 13 Mar 17 days £5,175 Costa Rica Costa Rica’s Wildlife Wonders 13 Mar 12 days £3,895 Botswana Botswana’s Rare Mammals 19 Mar 12 days £4,995 China Sichuan’s Sensational Mammals & Birds 26 Mar 16 days £4,995 India Nagarhole’s Tigers, Wild Dogs & Leopards 3, 10 & 24 Apr 10 days £3,495 Mexico Great Whales of Mexico’s Pacific Coast 7 Apr 10 days £5,795 April Borneo Borneo’s Rare Mammals 20 Apr 14 days £3,995 Botswana Botswana’s Rare Mammals 23 Apr 12 days £4,995 United Kingdom NEW Red Kite & Night Sky Photographic Workshop 26 Apr & 27 May 4 days £695 Botswana NEW Sketchbook Safari with Trevor Waugh 14 May 10 days £5,995 Slovenia Brown Bear Photography in Spring 15 May 6 days £2,095 Borneo Borneo’s Rare Mammals 16 May 14 days £3,995 May United Kingdom NEW Festival of British Wildlife 21 May 8 days £2,995 Zambia NEW Bangweulu Wetlands & South Luangwa National Park 26 May 12 days £6,895 United Kingdom NEW Isle of Mull Wildlife Photography 29 May 8 days £2,995 Galapagos Islands Galapagos Exclusive with Mark Carwardine 2 Jun 14 days £10,995 United Kingdom NEW Isle of Mull Wildlife Extravaganza with Mike Dilger 5 Jun 8 days £2,795 South Africa South Africa’s Rare Mammals Photo Safari 11 Jun 10 days £10,995 United Kingdom NEW Lundy Island Sketchbook Safari 14 Jun 5 days £850 June Botswana Best of Botswana 18 Jun 13 days £5,495 Botswana NEW Okavango Delta – Under Canvas & Lodge Safari 18 Jun 12 days £5,995 South Africa South Africa’s Rare Mammals in Style 18 Jun 10 days £10,595 Zambia Classic South Luangwa Safari 18 Jun 10 days £2,995 United Kingdom NEW The Shetland Islands with Mike Dilger 25 Jun 8 days £2,495 Brazil Wildlife of the Pantanal 1 & 31 Jul 12 days £4,495 Botswana NEW Okavango Delta – Photography Special 2 Jul 12 days £6,495 July Chile Pumas, Condors & Landscapes in Winter 3 Jul 16 days £10,995 Botswana Botswana’s Wild Dogs 11 Jul 10 days £4,595 Botswana Best of Botswana 16 Jul 13 days £5,495 Borneo Borneo’s Rare Mammals 8 Aug 14 days £3,995 August Mongolia Mongolia: Cats of Mountain and Steppe 12 Aug 14 days £6,995 Botswana Best of Botswana 13 Aug 13 days £5,495 Brazil Wildlife of the Pantanal 7 Sep 12 days £4,495 Borneo Borneo’s Rare Mammals 8 Sep 14 days £3,995 September Namibia NEW Namibia Wildlife & Wilderness 10 Sep 17 days £4,995 Botswana Best of Botswana 17 Sep 13 days £5,495 Zambia NEW Ultimate South Luangwa 20 Sep 12 days £7,795 Brazil Wildlife of the Pantanal 1 Oct 12 days £4,495 October Botswana Best of Botswana 15 Oct 13 days £5,495 China Sichuan’s Sensational Mammals & Birds 29 Oct 16 days £4,995 Zambia Zambia’s Wild West – Kafue & Liuwa Plain 4 Nov 11 days £6,595 November Zambia South Luangwa Photo Safari 5 & 12 Nov 10 days £3,995 December Australia Australian Wildlife Photo Safari 1 Dec 17 days £7,295 Image by Nick Garbutt
38 Over 25 years’ experience of designing the finest wildlife holidays Festival of Wildlife Spitsbergen
Join our team of expert naturalists, photographers and expedition crew in June 2021 on a specially chartered cruise to Spitsbergen, timed to maximise our chances of encountering polar bears on the pack-ice.
he chance to join a polar voyage is always Since our first Festival of Wildlife in 2004, this winning formula – an exciting prospect. Combine a cruise to the of a range of wildlife-based excursions alongside a programme High Arctic in the company of a team of expert of expert-led workshops and talks – offers a very special naturalists, award-winning photographers and celebration of wildlife for all those who take part, so join us in Texperienced expedition crew, at the best time of year for Spitsbergen! seeing polar bears – our primary focus – and you have the ingredients for a magical, once-in-a-lifetime, polar voyage. Festival of Wildlife Spitsbergen And this is exactly what is on offer in June 2021. 2 Jun 2021 10 days, from £5,995 We have chartered the ice-strengthened Ocean Adventurer for our voyage to Spitsbergen, the main island of Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. Spitsbergen and the surrounding islands and pack- ice are home to one of the world’s greatest populations of polar bears. Each year, when the pack-ice begins to break up, bears head to the mainland to spend the summer on shore. Individuals are often seen from expedition vessels and, if we are very fortunate, they may even approach the vessel. Chris Breen Mark Carwardine Bret Charman
Spitsbergen’s spectacular coastline is characterised by glaciers flowing into the sea, such as the impressive Monaco Glacier – a favourite feeding spot for thousands of kittiwakes. The island’s high cliffs provide refuge for thousands of little auks, as well as Brünnich’s guillemot and Atlantic puffin. It is also possible to see long-tailed skua, northern fulmar, king eider, ivory gull, snow bunting, black guillemot, and Arctic terns which migrate Joe Cornish Nick Garbutt Nick Joynes between the two poles every year. Arctic foxes patrol around the base of cliffs, hoping to chance upon an injured auk or early chick, while reindeer browse the mossy tundra. The rich seas around Svalbard are equally impressive and home to a wealth of marine life including blue, fin and humpback whales plus beluga, pinnipeds such as harbour, ringed and bearded seas as well as walrus. With almost 24 hours of daylight at this latitude at this time of year, we should be in for a real feast of wildlife viewing!
Our team of experts will also be accompanied throughout the expedition by the Ocean Adventurer’s team of specialists whose expertise cover a range of fields, from ornithology and marine biology to geology and Arctic history.
[email protected] 01962 302055 www.wildlifeworldwide.com 39 Save the Date Discover Wildlife – Online Presentations to Inspire Featuring our own wildlife experts, our Online Discover Wildlife presentations will appeal to all nature and travel lovers. You can expect to see wonderful imagery, hear inspiring stories about remarkable destinations and there will be the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the talks. Our evening presentations will run from 7.30pm – to find out more and to book your place email: [email protected] 2021 Dates Online Discover Wildlife Presentations 7 Jan Discover Namibia 12 Jan Discover Zambia 14 Jan Discover Botswana 19 Jan Discover Wildlife Photography 21 Jan Discover Brazil 26 Jan Introducing Sketchbook Safaris 28 Jan Discover Tigers, Snow Leopards & Red Pandas 2 Feb Discover Polar Voyages 4 Feb Discover Baja California 9 Feb Discover UK Photography Workshops 11 Feb Discover Guyana 16 Feb Discover Uganda 18 Feb Discover South Africa 23 Feb Discover Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest 25 Feb Discover Wildlife Photography For further information please visit: www.wildlifeworldwide.com
Wildlife Photography Competition 2021 As restrictions have affected the ability to travel we have extended the closing date for our annual wildlife photography competition, so there is plenty of time to submit your photos! The competition is free to enter and open to everyone. There are three different categories, each with its own focus; Wildlife Portraits, Animal Action & Wildlife Portfolio The winner of each category will win a fantastic prize from our sponsor Rohan, with the overall winner, picked from one of the three category winners, winning a pair of Opticron Savanna R PC binoculars. The closing date is 19 Nov 2021. To find out more visitwww.wildlifeworldwidephotographycompetition.com
We create outstanding 01962 302055 [email protected] wildlife holidays www.wildlifeworldwide.com Over 300 locations worldwide, handpicked for the best wildlife viewing. Long Barn South, Sutton Manor Farm, Bishop’s Sutton, Over 25 years of creating the finest wildlife holidays Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 0AA, United Kingdom Knowledgeable & passionate team of wildlife experts Flexible tailor-made holidays Wildlife Worldwide is part of The Natural Travel Collection Ltd, a Small group wildlife & birding trips worldwide small independent travel company that places a special emphasis Committed to conservation & responsible tourism on sustainable tailor-made and small group holidays. Expert local naturalist guides 24-hour on-call service for peace of mind 100% independent 100% financial protection
©Wildlife Worldwide 2021 No portion of this brochure may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Wildlife Worldwide.
Photographs courtesy of: Dani Free, Bret Charman, Micky Wiswedel, Bharath-Shreyas, Trevor Waugh, Emma Healey, Nick Garbutt, Sean Weekly, Steve Darling, Martin Piispea, Nick Dale, José Luis Ojeda, Hugh Harrop & Calum Kotze. Apologies for any omissions.