THE TRAVELLING NATURALIST TRAVEL | EXPERIENCE | CONSERVE

BIRDWATCHING & WILDLIFE HOLIDAYS WORLDWIDE 2017/18 THE TRAVELLING NATURALIST Contents Tour calendar 4-5 Slovakia 32 Costa Rica 55 General information 6-7 Slovenia 32 Falkland Islands 55-56 Naturalist tour leaders 8 Spain 33-35 Guatemala 56 Sweden 35-36 Guyana 57 EUROPE 9-36 Mexico 57-58 Austria 10 AFRICA 37-47 Trinidad & Tobago 58 Belarus 11 Botswana 38 Corsica 11 Ethiopia 38 ASIA 59-65 Crete 12 Gambia 39 Armenia 60 Cyprus 12 Ghana 40 Borneo 60 England 13 Madagascar 40-41 India 61-62 14 Morocco 41 Japan 62 Finland 15, 24 Namibia 38, 42 Malaysia 63 France 11, 15-19 South Africa 42-45 Maldives 63 Germany 20 Tanzania 46 Mongolia 64 Hungary 20-21, 32 Uganda 46 Sri Lanka 64-65 Iceland 21-22 Zambia 38, 47 Taiwan 65 Ireland 23 NORTH AMERICA 48-51 AUSTRALASIA 66-69 Montenegro 23 Alaska 49 Australia 67-68 Netherlands 24 Canada 49 New Zealand 68 24 USA 50-51 Papua New Guinea 69 Poland 25-26 Portugal 27 LATIN AMERICA 52-58 Wildlife Worldwide 70 Romania 27-28 Argentina 53 Wildlife cruising 71 Sardinia 28 Bolivia 54 Scotland 29-31 Brazil 54

The following symbols identify the primary focus of each small group tour and help you find your ideal wildlife holiday.

Birdwatching

Flora

Whale & dolphin watching

Mammals

Dragonfly watching

Photography

Butterflies & moths

2 WELCOME A warm welcome to our new brochure!

For more than 30 years The Travelling Naturalist has been taking small groups around the world in search of wildlife. Over the last year we have continued to work closely with our naturalist leaders to create even more exciting itineraries to new destinations. Our brochure continues to grow and there are now more than 100 tours from which to choose. This year we have introduced an unprecedented number of new trips in such diverse locations as Argentina, Australia, Austria, Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Japan, the Maldives, Mexico, Morocco, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Slovakia, South Africa, Taiwan, Tanzania, Uganda and the United States – which gives us a truly global presence. Some of these tours were released earlier in the year as part of our policy to innovate by introducing two new trips each month on the Travelling Naturalist website – which continues to make huge advances – while others make their appearance for the very first time. And although most focus on birdlife, in others mammals, botany or wildlife photography form the major component, while the 2017 Festival of Wildlife in Borneo is a celebration of all aspects of that extraordinary island’s rainforest. As usual you can meet us in person as we tour the UK with our Discover Wildlife evenings between September and March. Featuring presentations by our own experts, together with speakers from around the world, these will appeal to all lovers of travel and nature. To check your nearest venue and book a place, see our website. You can also find us – along with the Wildlife Worldwide team – at Birdfair in Rutland, the Luxury Travel Fair in Olympia, and Destinations in both Manchester and London. So that you can stay up-to-date with all the above, plus events and special offers, make sure you visit our website and sign up to receive our regular e-newsletter. Whatever your interest, you are guaranteed to find something to inspire you, and we look forward to welcoming you on your next Travelling Naturalist holiday.

Chris Breen Managing Director

Visit Us The Travelling Naturalist office is located in the charming and historic city of Winchester, and you are more than welcome to visit the team there. We are open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday throughout the year, and between January and March we also open on Saturday mornings from 9am to 1pm.

www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 3 Destination and dates are colour coded by Your Tour Calendar region and page numbers are specified for ease of reference. October 2016 South Africa Flowers & Wildlife of the Cape & Garden Route Sun 2 p.43 Iceland Harlequins & Northern Lights in Winter Thu 16 p.22 Brazil Jaguars & Raptors of the Pantanal Thu 6 p.54 Sri Lanka & Whales of Sri Lanka Fri 17 p.65 Hungary Steppe & Forests in Spring & Autumn Sat 8 p.20 Cyprus Birds & Flowers on Aphrodite’s Isle Thu 23 p.12 Scotland Outer Hebrides in Summer & Autumn Mon 10 p.30 Portugal Alentejo & Algarve in Spring & Autumn Sat 25 p.27 Germany Brandenburg Crane & Goose Concerto Thu 13 p.20 Norway & Finland Northern Lights, Astronomy & Wildlife Sun 26 p.24 England Dorset’s Coasts & Heathlands Mon 17 p.13 Scotland Autumn in the Scottish Highlands Sat 22 p.30 April 2017 Spain Iberian Lynx Quest Sat 22 p.34 Spain Secret Wilderness of Extremadura Sat 1 p.33 South Africa Wildlife of Kruger & KwaZulu-Natal Sun 23 p.44 Scotland Highland Wildlife Break Mon 3 p.31 Namibia Skeleton Coast & Etosha Sun 23 p.42 Mexico Ocean Giants of Baja California Fri 7 p.57 Slovakia Spring Birding in Slovakia Wed 12 p.32 November 2016 Crete Spectacular Flowers & Wildlife Tue 18 p.12 Iceland Harlequins & Northern Lights in Winter Thu 3 p.22 Sweden Scandinavian Spring Thu 20 p.35 Gambia West African Birdwatch Fri 4 p.39 Montenegro The Unknown Adriatic Sat 22 p.23 Zambia Birding in South Luangwa Sat 5 p.47 Scotland Lewis & Harris - Seabirds & Standing Stones Sat 22 p.29 India Birds & Big Cats Sat 12 p.61 Belarus Forest Birds of Deepest Belarus Sun 30 p.11 Taiwan Endemics & Winter Migrants Sat 12 p.65 Corsica Mountains in the Med Sun 30 p.11 Guyana Rainforests, Savannahs & Wetlands Sat 12 p.57 Argentina Wildlife & Glaciers of Patagonia Mon 14 p.53 May 2017 Falkland Islands Falklands Wildlife Photography Thu 24 p.55 Scotland Orkney’s Wildlife & Prehistory Wed 3 p.29 India Birding in Central India Fri 25 p.62 Spain Pyrenees & Plains Sat 6 p.35 Japan Japan’s Spectacular Winter Wildlife Sat 26 p.62 Tanzania Birding the Serengeti & Beyond Sun 7 p.46 Sri Lanka Blue Whales & Dolphins Sat 26 p.64 Poland Primeval Forests & Marshes Mon 8 p.25 England Dorset’s Coasts & Heathlands Mon 8 p.13 December 2016 Estonia The Baltic in Springtime Fri 12 p.14 Sri Lanka Birds & Whales of Sri Lanka Sat 3 p.65 Hungary Steppe & Forests in Spring & Autumn Sat 13 p.20 Spain Wallcreepers & Cranes in Aragón Sun 4 p.33 France Wildlife of the Dordogne in Spring Mon 15 p.17 Gambia Photography Safari Tue 13 p.39 Austria Lake Neusiedl in Spring & Autumn Sat 20 p.10 England Isles of Scilly in Spring & Autumn Sat 20 p.13 January 2017 Zambia Birding in Livingstone’s Footsteps Sun 21 p.47 South Africa The Cape & Karoo Sat 7 p.43 Hungary Spring Photography of the Steppe & Forests Sun 21 p.21 New Zealand New Zealand’s Natural History Sat 7 p.68 Finland Brown Bear Explorer Sun 28 p.15 Guatemala Quetzal Quest in the Land of the Maya Sat 21 p.56 USA Birding the Rio Grande Valley Sun 22 p.50 June 2017 Spain Iberian Lynx Quest Sat 28 p.34 Borneo Festival of Wildlife Fri 2 p.60 France Flower Photography of the Vercors Sat 3 p.19 February 2017 Spain The High Aragón Wed 7 p.34 Poland Bison, Elk & Wolves in Winter Thu 2 p.26 Ireland The Burren & Aran Islands Sat 10 p.23 Poland Bison, Elk & Wolves in Winter Mon 6 p.26 France Vercors in Spring Sun 11 p.19 Trinidad & Tobago The Asa Wright Experience Thu 9 p.58 Papua New Guinea Birds of Paradise Mon 12 p.69 Ethiopia Ethiopian Endemics in Winter Thu 16 p.38 Romania Birds & Bears in Transylvania Mon 12 p.28 India Quest for the Snow Leopard Sat 18 p.61 USA Alaskan Wilderness in Summer Fri 16 p.49 Ghana Quest for the Picathartes Tue 21 p.40 Austria Close-up on Alpine Nature Sat 17 p.10 France Camargue in Winter - Wallcreepers & Wetlands Tue 21 p.16 Scotland Shetland Wildlife Sat 17 p.31 Mexico , Whale & Wed 22 p.58 Mongolia Birding the Land of Genghis Khan Sun 18 p.64 Botswana Endemics & Migrants in Kalahari Waterways Sat 25 p.38 Finland Brown Bear Explorer Sun 18 p.15 Costa Rica Cloud Forests, Jungles & Volcanoes Sat 25 p.55 France Wildlife of Dordogne in Spring Mon 19 p.17 Sweden & Dragonflies in Summer Sat 24 p.36 March 2017 Iceland Winter Orcas & Auroras Thu 2 p.21 July 2017 Malaysia Peninsular Birding Fri 3 p.63 France Dragonflies in Deepest Dordogne Mon 3 p.16 Sri Lanka Blue Whales & Dolphins Sat 4 p.64 Finland Brown Bear Explorer Sun 9 p.15 Wallcreepers, Woodpeckers & Kites of the Iceland Principally Puffins Fri 14 p.22 France Tue 6 p.17 Dordogne France Flower Photography in the Pyrenees Sat 15 p.18 Morocco High Atlas, Sahara & Atlantic Fri 10 p.41 Slovenia & Hungary Butterflies of the Alps, Grasslands & Coast Sat 15 p.32 South Africa Flora & Fauna of Zululand & the Drakensberg Tue 14 p.44 Scotland Outer Hebrides in Summer & Autumn Sat 22 p.30 Germany Brandenburg Crane & Goose Concerto Thu 16 p.20 Finland Brown Bear Explorer Sun 23 p.15

4 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays August 2017 January 2018 Netherlands Waders in Friesland Thu 10 p.24 South Africa The Cape & Karoo Sat 6 p.43 South Africa Spring Flowers from Kalahari to The Cape Sat 12 p.42 New Zealand New Zealand’s Natural History Sat 6 p.68 Canada Grand Manan’s Birds & Whales Thu 17 p.49 Falkland Islands Falkands Wildlife Photography Thu 11 p.55 USA Grand Teton & Yellowstone Solar Eclipse Fri 18 p.51 Guatemala Quetzal Quest in the Land of the Maya Sat 20 p.56 South Africa Flower Photography in Namaqualand Sun 20 p.45 Spain Iberian Lynx Quest Sat 27 p.34 Austria Lake Neusiedl in Spring & Autumn Sat 26 p.10 France Camargue & Pyrenees in Autumn Sat 26 p.15 February 2018 South Africa Birds & Big Cats of Kruger Mon 28 p.45 Poland Bison, Elk & Wolves in Winter Thu 1 p.26 Armenia Demoiselle Cranes in Autumn Tue 29 p.60 Trinidad & Tobago The Asa Wright Experience Thu 8 p.58 Australia Top End Birding Tue 29 p.67 Ethiopia Ethiopian Endemics in Winter Thu 15 p.38 India Quest for the Snow Leopard Sat 17 p.61 September 2017 France Camargue in Winter - Wallcreepers & Wetlands Tue 20 p.16 Sweden Scandinavian Autumn Fri 1 p.36 Ghana Quest for the Picathartes Wed 21 p.40 England Isles of Scilly in Spring & Autumn Fri 1 p.13 Mexico Butterfly, Whale & Bird Migration Wed 21 p.58 Spain Pyrenees & Plains Sat 2 p.35 Botswana Endemics & Migrants in Kalahari Waterways Sat 24 p.38 Sardinia Mediterranean Wildlife Sat 2 p.28 Costa Rica Cloud Forests, Jungles & Volcanoes Sat 24 p.55 France Dordogne’s Moths & More Mon 4 p.18 Australia Jewels of the Kimberley Wed 6 p.67 March 2018 Madagascar Land of the Lemur Thu 7 p.40 Iceland Winter Orcas & Auroras Thu 1 p.21 Poland Birding in Krakow & the Carpathians Fri 8 p.25 Malaysia Peninsular Birding Fri 2 p.63 Spain Pyrenees & Plains Sat 9 p.35 Sri Lanka Blue Whales & Dolphins Sat 3 p.64 USA Land of the Navajo Mon 11 p.50 Wallcreepers, Woodpeckers & Kites of the France Tue 6 p.17 Uganda Uganda’s Great Apes Thu 21 p.46 Dordogne Estonia Autumn Migration in the Baltic Fri 22 p.14 Morocco High Atlas, Sahara & Atlantic Fri 9 p.41 Australia Islands, Rivers & Ranges Sat 23 p.68 South Africa Flora & Fauna of Zululand & the Drakensberg Tue 13 p.44 Spain Secret Wilderness of Extremadura Sat 23 p.33 Germany Brandenburg Crane & Goose Concerto Thu 15 p.20 Portugal Alentejo & Algarve in Spring & Autumn Sun 24 p.27 Iceland Harlequins & Northern Lights in Winter Thu 15 p.22 Sri Lanka Birds & Whales of Sri Lanka Fri 16 p.65 October 2017 Portugal Alentejo & Algarve in Spring & Autumn Sat 24 p.27 South Africa Flowers & Wildlife of the Cape & Garden Route Sun 1 p.43 Norway & Finland Northern Lights, Astronomy & Wildlife Sun 25 p.24 Bolivia Birding in the Heart of South America Wed 4 p.54 Spain Secret Wilderness of Extremadura Sat 31 p.33 Brazil Jaguars & Raptors of the Pantanal Thu 5 p.54 Whales, Dolphins & Mantas in the Indian April 2018 Maldives Fri 6 p.63 Ocean Scotland Highland Wildlife Break Mon 2 p.31 Hungary Steppe & Forests in Spring & Autumn Sat 7 p.20 Cyprus Birds & Flowers on Aphrodite’s Isle Thu 5 p.12 Scotland Outer Hebrides in Summer & Autumn Sat 7 p.30 Mexico Ocean Giants of Baja California Sat 7 p.57 Madagascar An Island Apart Tue 10 p.41 Slovakia Spring Birding in Slovakia Wed 11 p.32 Germany Brandenburg Crane & Goose Concerto Thu 12 p.20 Montenegro The Unknown Adriatic Sat 14 p.23 Argentina Birding in Northwest Argentina Fri 13 p.53 Crete Spectacular Flowers & Wildlife Tue 17 p.12 England Dorset’s Coasts & Heathlands Mon 16 p.13 Corsica Mountains in the Med Wed 18 p.11 Falkland Islands Birding the Falklands Thu 19 p.56 Sweden Scandinavian Spring Thu 19 p.35 Spain Iberian Lynx Quest Sat 21 p.34 Scotland Lewis & Harris - Seabirds & Standing Stones Sat 21 p.29 Scotland Autumn in the Scottish Highlands Sat 21 p.30 Belarus Forest Birds of Deepest Belarus Sun 29 p.11 Namibia Skeleton Coast & Etosha Sun 22 p.42 South Africa Wildlife of Kruger & KwaZulu-Natal Sun 22 p.44 May 2018 Scotland Orkney’s Wildlife & Prehistory Wed 2 p.29 November 2017 Romania Focus on the Danube Delta Sat 5 p.27 Gambia West African Birdwatch Fri 3 p.39 Spain Pyrenees & Plains Sat 5 p.35 Zambia Birding in South Luangwa Sat 4 p.47 Tanzania Birding the Serengeti & Beyond Sun 6 p.46 Argentina Wildlife & Glaciers of Patagonia Fri 10 p.53 Poland Primeval Forests & Marshes Mon 7 p.25 India Birds & Big Cats Sat 11 p.61 England Dorset’s Coasts & Heathlands Mon 7 p.13 Taiwan Endemics & Winter Migrants Sat 11 p.65 Estonia The Baltic in Springtime Fri 11 p.14 Iceland Harlequins & Northern Lights in Winter Thu 16 p.22 Hungary Steppe & Forests in Spring & Autumn Sat 12 p.20 Guyana Rainforests, Savannahs & Wetland Sat 18 p.57 France Wildlife of the Dordogne in Spring Mon 14 p.17 India Birding in Central India Fri 24 p.62 Austria Lake Neusiedl in Spring & Autumn Sat 19 p.10 Japan Japan’s Spectacular Winter Wildlife Sat 25 p.62 England Isles of Scilly in Spring & Autumn Sat 19 p.13 Sri Lanka Blue Whales & Dolphins Sat 25 p.64 Zambia Birding in Livingstone’s Footsteps Sun 20 p.47 Hungary Spring Photography of the Steppe & Forests Sun 20 p.21 December 2017 Sri Lanka Birds & Whales of Sri Lanka Sat 2 p.65 USA Birding the Rio Grande Valley Sat 2 p.50 To view full details of our comprehensive collection of Spain Wallcreepers & Cranes in Aragón Sun 3 p.33 birding and wildlife holidays please go to our website Gambia Bird Photography Safari Tue 5 p.39 Spain Secret Wilderness of Extremadura Sat 23 p.33 www.thetravellingnaturalist.com

01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 5 General Information Our expert naturalists lead small group tours A COMPLETE SERVICE to some of the world’s most spectacular We provide a complete service from the moment you book, wildlife destinations. taking all the stress out of arranging your holiday so you can relax. We never forget that it is your holiday and work hard to ensure that all the components of a tour – accommodation, NATURALIST LEADERS transport, food, design and pace of the itinerary, and the Our expert leaders are all-round naturalists with a wealth all-important leadership factor combine to create a superb of field and leadership experience. It is their expertise and all-round experience, and, of course, some wonderful wildlife professionalism, coupled with their easy-going and flexible memories! approach, that is probably the most important factor in the We can help to arrange connecting flights where needed – success of our tours. We also work with expert local guides just request this at time of booking –as well as offering useful to ensure the highest-quality wildlife experiences. Although discounts on airport car parking and a choice of airport hotels. we endeavour to name the naturalist who leads each tour, Details are sent with our travel information pack. And if you on occasion we may have to substitute a different leader. See have any questions about the tour – just ask our friendly team! overleaf for further information on our naturalist leaders.

SMALL GROUPS TAILOR-MADE EXTENSIONS If you have an extra few days to spare, why not let us quote for We believe that our holidays are best enjoyed in small groups. an independent extension either before or after your tour? The maximum size of our groups is usually 12 or 14 clients We can offer excellent prices at a range of hotels or lodges, (frequently fewer), with a leader and/or a local guide; a group and our expert team will make some suggestions for those of 11 or more is usually accompanied by two leaders/local extra days. guides. Please note that if numbers fall below this, the tour may operate with a local guide only. Cruises are not subject to this restriction – please refer to the detailed tour description. HOW TO BOOK The operation of our tours is subject to reaching a minimum Once you have selected a tour you would like to book, you number of participants at least 70 days prior to departure. can either book online or contact a member of our expert The usual minimum number of clients on a trip is four to six, team who will check availability on your chosen departure but we often run tours with fewer than this number. If a tour date. We can hold a provisional reservation for up to five days. has not reached the minimum number required at that time, we may defer cancellation but will inform you if the tour is When you are happy to proceed with your booking, we running or not, no later than six weeks prior to departure. require you to pay a deposit of £200 per person or 20% of the total cost of the holiday (whichever is the greater) and send a completed booking form. If you book 12 weeks or less SINGLE ROOMS before departure, you must pay the total cost of the holiday at the time of booking. Please note that for some holidays we We welcome single travellers, offer a limited number of single may ask you to pay a higher deposit. rooms on all our trips, and endeavour to keep single room supplements as low as possible. In most cases, if you are a single traveller willing to share with someone else of the same sex, we will not charge a single supplement.

THETRAVELLINGNATURALIST.COM Our website contains much more information than we can squeeze into this brochure! It features detailed day-by-day itineraries for each holiday, profiles of our expert leaders and an easy-to-use tour calendar. We are continually adding new tours, so take a look at the website for the latest trips, the most up-to-date programme, and last-minute availability. You are now also able to book any tour online for your added convenience. Sign up to receive a copy of our e-newsletters, which include information on new tours, events and offers "Our trip to Finland to see the bears was amazing..never in our wildest – we send out one or two per month. If you are not an internet dreams did we expect to see so many bears….definitely one of the best user, please contact our expert team who can give you first- experiences of our lives." hand advice and mail copies of the itineraries that interest you. Sally M travelled to Finland in 2016

6 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays TOUR PRICES All tour prices in this brochure include flights from the UK (except where specified), accommodation, most meals, transportation, wildlife and birdwatching activities as detailed in the itinerary, and the services of an expert leader. Prices are correct at the time of print. Please consult our website for accurate, up-to-date prices, or call our team of consultants.

EARLY-BIRD OFFER We are delighted to offer a discount of £50 per person for each 2017 and 2018 departure booked before 14 October 2016. "Really enjoyed the week in the Highlands. It exceeded my expectations." Please note: this offer applies to new bookings only and Liz and Jim N travelled to the Scottish Highlands with Mike Read in 2015 to qualify booking form and deposit must be received by 14 October 2016. This early booking discount scheme only YOUR FINANCIAL SECURITY applies to tours featured in this brochure. The discount will be deducted from the holiday balance. We hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL number 10544) authorised by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Our flight inclusive tours are LOYALTY DISCOUNT fully bonded. This means that the complete cost of the holidays featured in this brochure are financially We are extremely proud of our clients' loyalty towards protected us. Many new clients learn about us through personal by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with recommendation and some of our regular clients return year an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for this and check it to ensure after year. A few have even notched up over forty trips! that everything you booked is listed on it or your travel plan. Our loyalty programme offers a special 5% discount from the Please see our booking conditions for further information, price of the main tour (excluding any single supplement) on or for more information about financial protection and the every fifth trip you take with us. ATOL Certificate, go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure To claim this discount, just let us know how many trips you that you are not stranded abroad, and will arrange to refund have taken with us when you book, and we’ll check against any money paid for an advance booking. our records, and deduct the appropriate amount from the final invoice. If you wish, you can save two 5% discounts to get a The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust 10% discount on your tenth tour! Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Please note: this loyalty discount scheme applies to tours Tours Regulations 1992 for The Natural Travel that appear in The Travelling Naturalist brochure and website, Collection Ltd trading as The Travelling Naturalist, and in the and excludes bookings made with sister company, Wildlife event of insolvency, protection is provided for the following: Worldwide. 1) Non-flight packages commencing in and returning to the UK SUSTAINABLE TOURISM 2) Non-flight packages commencing and returning to a country other than the UK We firmly believe that the sustainable development of wildlife 3) Flight inclusive packages that commence outside the UK, tourism can be a major tool in promoting conservation, which are sold to customers outside the UK generating long-term benefits for wildlife, the environment and communities alike. We support small, locally-owned Please note that bookings made outside the UK are only hotels and lodges as well as local wildlife guides, and employ protected by ABTOT when purchased directly from The local staff where possible, thereby providing employment and Travelling Naturalist. generating incomes in local communities. We work with and support local projects and conservation BROCHURE VALIDITY charities including the Save The Rhino and their Rhino Dog This brochure is published in August 2016. The itineraries and Squad project, South Luangwa Conservation Society and prices herein replace those previously published. To see our World Land Trust, to name a few. booking conditions, please visit www.thetravellingnaturalist.com/booking/conditions

01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 7 Meet our Naturalist Tour Leaders Our expert leaders are all-round naturalists with a wealth of field and leadership experience. Here we introduce you to some of them – have a look at our website to see all their profiles.

Barrie Cooper Stephen Daly With a lifelong interest in nature, Barrie’s Stephen’s first birding memories are of enthusiasm for conservation led him to Aberlady Bay outside Edinburgh at the develop a career with the RSPB, where age of eight. After living and working in he worked developing international the UK, Germany and France, he settled conservation and ecotourism – one in southern Spain where he ran his own legacy of this can be seen on our trip to wildlife tour company. Now back in Belarus. His passion for travel then encouraged him to develop southern Germany, he is a devotee of Facebook and tweeting, and lead tours. As an amateur astronomer, he delivers the and enjoys using his wide-ranging knowledge on some of our occasional informative session on the night sky. European tours. Chris Mattison John Muddeman With a degree in zoology, Chris After settling in Madrid in 1997, specialises in natural history John now lives with his family in the photography – particularly and mountains nearby. He is a freelance amphibians. A past Fellow of the Royal wildlife tour guide, author, translator and Photographic Society and member honorary member of the Extremadura of several natural history societies, he Association of Birdwatching and has participated in many field trips, both independently and Wildlife Guides. His all-round natural history knowledge, affable as a tour leader, to North, Central and South America, the personality and excellent field skills have brought him a well- Galapagos Islands, Southern and East Africa, South-East Asia deserved loyal following. and Madagascar. Ashley Grove Chris Griffin Ashley has been a wildlife enthusiast Chris has been passionate about birds from childhood, and is now an excellent from the age of six, but expanded his self-taught wildlife photographer with knowledge to encompass other aspects more than ten years of experience. Since of the natural world from butterflies to 2011 he has been leading tours to The reptiles and more. Although only 31, Gambia and elsewhere, helping both Chris has more than 20 years experience beginners and experienced photographers to capture great of volunteering and working in conservation, for the RSPB images of West African birdlife, as well as running workshops and as a Field Ornithologist. He is an avid photographer and is and lecturing to local RSPB groups. training to be a bird-ringer. Varun Narain Mathur Dr Charles Anderson Raised within an environment of As a professional marine biologist who wildlife preservation, Varun grew has lived in the Maldives since 1983, to love and respect India’s natural Charles is the islands’ foremost authority heritage. With first-hand knowledge on cetaceans and fish, and pioneered of the country’s key wildlife and whale and dolphin watching there. In birding locations, he has worked with addition to many scientific papers, he the Wildlife Conservation Society among others to educate has published a series of guides to Maldivean marine life. visitors in ecology, behaviour and the challenges to A talented underwater photographer, he usually gives evening conservation. He will introduce you to India’s most sought presentations on marine life on his trips. after wildlife, and its lesser known species. Mike Read Nick Garbutt An experienced tour leader, author, and A photographer with a background in superb wildlife photographer, Mike’s zoology, Nick combines these skills with books include ‘The Barn Owl’, ‘Red Kite leading tours and lecturing. Author of Country’ and ‘The New Forest National several critically acclaimed books such Park’. His friendly and easy-going style as ‘100 to See Before They Die’, of leadership and his ability as an all- Nick has twice been a winner in the BBC round naturalist add immensely to the tours he leads in Europe Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, and also won and elsewhere. All he needs now are some new jokes for the the prestigious Gerald Durrell Award for Endangered Wildlife. returning clients he often attracts. His photographs appear widely in publications.

8 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays Europe

9 Austria Austria

Lake Neusiedl in Spring & Autumn Close-up on Alpine Nature Saturday 20 - Saturday 27 May 2017 Saturday 17 - Saturday 24 June 2017 Saturday 26 August - Saturday 2 September 2017 June sees the alpine meadows of the Austrian Tyrol in their full Saturday 19 - Saturday 26 May 2018 glory, flushed with a spectacular show of wild flowers and an equally stunning array of butterflies and other . In short, Visit the lakes, forests and mountains of Eastern Austria in spring, this is the perfect time for macro photography. when the breeding season is in full swing and the mountains are carpeted with flowers, or in early autumn, with all the excitement We explore the many and varied meadows to discover gems such of passage migrants. as the delicate burnt tip orchid hidden amongst the grasses, and along the way encounter beautiful insects that flourish on the Neusiedl has long been a firm favourite of ours – one of Europe’s alpine slopes. There is a good chance of finding the iconic Apollo largest lakes, and one of the very best for birds. To the east lie the butterfly too. Moving higher up the slopes, the colourful meadows splendid wetlands of the Seewinkel and the start of the Great give way to swathes of vibrant alpenrose and high alpine species Hungarian Plain; to the north, the riverine forests of the March; and such as dwarf snowbell and trumpet gentian. to the west, the pine-clad foothills of the Austrian Alps which we access via a scenic rack-and-pinion railway. The tapestry of habitats We will photograph flowers and insects, marmots, mountaintops at is surpassed only by the hugely impressive variety of birds. sunrise and dramatic glacial valleys – looking at all aspects of macro photography from the basics such as depth of field, through to Most of central Europe’s long list of special birds occur here: advanced techniques like focus stacking. You will learn how Adobe spoonbill, ferruginous duck, red-crested pochard, great bustard, Lightroom and Photoshop techniques can complement your field black and Syrian woodpecker, penduline tit, golden oriole and red- skills and let you get the most from your digital camera. backed shrike should all be present. Why not consider our Further into the Field extension? OUTLINE ITINERARY See website. OUTLINE ITINERARY Day 1 Fly to Vienna & transfer to Illmitz Days 2-7 Natural history excursions in & around Lake Neusiedl Day 8 Transfer to Vienna. Flight to UK Day 1 Fly to Innsbruck & transfer to Fisse Höfe Days 2-7 Photography workshops in alpine meadows & back at the hotel Day 8 Flight to UK - or join extension 'further into the field' ACCOMMODATION Small, characterful, family-run hotel with ACCOMMODATION Friendly, family-run hotel with en suite en suite facilities facilities PRICE FROM £1,495 PRICE FROM £1,595 (land only) SINGLE SUPP £110 SINGLE SUPP Nil PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 8 GROUP SIZE 10 LEADER Stephen Daly LEADERS Alex Hyde & Nick Garbutt TOUR CODE AUST2 TOUR CODE AUST1 10 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays Europe Belarus Corsica

Forest Birds of Deepest Belarus Mountains in the Med Sunday 30 April - Sunday 7 May 2017 Sunday 30 April - Sunday 7 May 2017 Sunday 29 April - Sunday 6 May 2018 Wednesday 18 - Wednesday 25 April 2018 Imagine a land of ancient forests, hundreds of meandering rivers, We travel to the breathtakingly scenic island of Corsica in the the biggest marshes and fens of the continent, and roads where Mediterranean, where we search out its unique wildlife among you hardly ever meet any traffic or even people – this is the wild stunning granite mountains reaching nearly 3,000 metres. country of Belarus! Corsica is one of the most rugged and mountainous of Poland's eastern neighbour boasts a superb variety of birds and Mediterranean islands, largely untouched by tourist development. mammals and we visit three contrasting locations to see as many From the clear, dark blue seas of the coast, up through the lush as possible. The fabled marshes of Pripyat National Park near Turov green forests of the lower slopes, to the white snow-capped peaks play host to numerous migrant waders including Terek and marsh of its highest mountains, the island offers a superb variety of both sandpiper, and other eastern species such as the beautiful azure tit. scenery and wildlife. The only place in Europe where we have a good chance of finding We begin in the mountains in search of Corsican nuthatch, Corsican this stunning bird is in the willow forests along the Pripyat River. citril finch and lammergeier. Descending to the coast we should see Penduline tits also hang their distinctive nests here. Audouin’s gull, Cory’s shearwater and many Mediterranean birds On the other hand, the forests of Belovezhskaya Pushcha National including cirl bunting, spotless starling and Eurasian . Park, a wilder and larger counterpart to the adjoining Bialowieza Cap Corse, to the north, is one of the best migration watchpoints National Park in Poland, are home to elk, wild boar and Eurasian in the Western Mediterranean and can turn up a good range of lynx, while Sporava Reserve protects a huge percentage of the migrants as well as the resident Marmora’s warbler. world’s aquatic warbler population. OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 1 Fly to Bastia & transfer to Corte Day 1 Fly to Minsk Days 2-4 Restonica Gorge Days 2-3 Pripyat National Park Days 5-7 Etang de Biguglia & Cap Corse Days 4-5 Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park Day 8 Flight to UK Days 6-7 Sporava Reserve Day 8 Flight to UK ACCOMMODATION Simple tourist class hotels ACCOMMODATION Good quality hotels with character PRICE FROM £2,095 PRICE FROM £1,595 SINGLE SUPP £200 SINGLE SUPP £240 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 12 GROUP SIZE 7 LEADERS Attila Steiner & Barrie Cooper* LEADERS Mike & Liz Read* TOUR CODE BELA1 TOUR CODE FRAN3 * 2nd tour leader subject to minimum numbers * 2nd tour leader subject to minimum numbers 01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 11 Crete Cyprus

Spectacular Flowers & Wildlife Birds & Flowers on Aphrodite’s Isle Tuesday 18 - Tuesday 25 April 2017 Thursday 23 - Thursday 30 March 2017 Tuesday 17 - Tuesday 24 April 2018 Thursday 5 - Thursday 12 April 2018 This rugged island - the largest of the Greek islands and the fifth This relaxed trip has been one of our staples for more than 20 largest in the Mediterranean - has a mountainous spine that rises years and offers plenty of time to enjoy gentle walks amidst the to nearly 2,500 metres. At this time of year it forms a spectacular flowers and birds of this compelling island - the Mediterranean's snow-capped backdrop almost wherever we go. third largest. Lying right across the flyway of birds passing from sub-Saharan Africa, north through Egypt and over the Eastern Crete's remarkable geology, along with its isolation from mainland Mediterranean into Europe, Cyprus is one of the most exciting Europe, Asia and Africa, has endowed it with a unique and diverse places we know to watch the annual passage. flora - no less than one tenth of all its plants (some 180 species) are endemic to the island. For anyone interested in botany, the orchids There's plenty of variety as we explore the Paphos headland and are many and varied: Cretan bee, bumblebee, yellow bee, Marengo, the west coast, venture into the snow-capped Troodos Mountains, milky, Provence and Bory’s toothed orchids are all found here. and visit beaches, wetlands and salt pans. The range of avian species is almost equally diverse. The high The activity can be dramatic, with large flocks of herons, as well as mountains and deep gorges provide a refuge for the endangered , larks and wagtails, and parties of common, pallid and lammergeier, while other raptors include golden and Bonelli's alpine swifts, and red-rumped flying low overhead. eagles, griffon vulture, a trio of falcons - Eleanora's, peregrine and Add to this the presence of a number of distinctive island races lanner - European kestrel, and tawny and little owls. During our and two unique endemic species – Cyprus warbler and Cyprus one-week stay we are also likely to see hooded crow, Eurasian wheatear – plus around 30 possible species of orchids and several hoopoe, European bee-eater, wryneck, red-throated pipit, black- endemic flowers, and the appeal of a week-long stay on beautiful eared wheatear, plus alpine and red-billed choughs. ‘Aphrodite’s Isle’ in springtime is virtually irresistible! OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 1 Fly to Heraklion & transfer to Chania Day 1 Fly to Larnaca & transfer to Paphos Days 2-5 Chania; explore the surrounding area Days 2-7 Birding & wildlife excursions around the island Days 6-7 Transfer to Heraklion & explore Day 8 Flight to UK Day 8 Flight to UK ACCOMMODATION Good quality, comfortable hotels ACCOMMODATION Good quality hotel PRICE FROM £1,395 PRICE FROM £1,645 SINGLE SUPP £95 SINGLE SUPP £145 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 14 GROUP SIZE 14 LEADER Mike Langman LEADER Mike Langman TOUR CODE GREE1 TOUR CODE CYPR1

12 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays Europe England England

Dorset's Coasts & Heathlands Isles of Scilly in Spring & Autumn Monday 17 - Thursday 20 October 2016 Saturday 20 - Saturday 27 May 2017 Monday 8 - Thursday 11 May 2017 Friday 1 - Friday 8 September 2017 Monday 16 - Thursday 19 October 2017 Saturday 19 - Saturday 26 May 2018 Monday 7 - Thursday 10 May 2018 It is partly the scale of Scilly that makes it so special – the biggest We go back to our roots on a short break in the wonderful county town is the size of a village, the main road is a tiny winding lane, of Dorset and stay at one of its very best hotels. South Dorset, and the fields seem like walled gardens. with the Isle of Portland sticking out into the English Channel, Add to this the unique character of each of the islands: Tresco with includes some of the best sites in Britain - and some would say its amazing variety of lush vegetation, heathland, and lagoon; Europe - to witness the spectacle of bird migration. St Martin’s with its cliffs, sandy beaches, and seals offshore; wild Each spring and autumn thousands of migrant birds break their Bryher, which takes the full force of the Atlantic breakers; and lovely journey by resting on Portland’s fields and shoreline. The fields St Agnes with its cottages, and tamarisk-edged bulbfields. and hedges at this time can be alive with warblers, chats and Horse Point on St Agnes is the most south-westerly point of Britain. flycatchers, with wheatears on the open fields. Offshore, seabirds It is the edge of the world for many migrant birds – whether such as skuas and shearwaters stream past the tip of Portland Bill they’ve strayed too far out into the Atlantic, or whether they’ve en route to their Arctic breeding areas. Some, such as puffins, stop headed west beyond Cornwall, birds arrive here in amazing variety. to breed on Portland’s high cliffs, along with a growing population Although birds don’t occur here in great numbers, the excitement of peregrine falcons and ravens. of birding on the islands is that of simply not knowing what you We also explore the nearby RSPB reserves of Radipole and may find. Lodmoor for sightings of breeding bearded tit and Cetti’s warbler. Dartford warbler and woodlark can be seen only a few kilometres OUTLINE ITINERARY further away on Dorset’s heathlands. OUTLINE ITINERARY Day 1 Meet at Penzance and ferry to St Mary's Days 2-7 Walking & boating excursions to enjoy & wildlife of the islands Day 1 Meet at Weymouth station or Isle of Portland Day 8 End at Penzance Days 2-3 Birding & wildlife excursions around South Dorset Day 4 End at Weymouth station ACCOMMODATION Good hotel overlooking Portland Harbour ACCOMMODATION Good quality hotel with en suite facilities PRICE FROM £535 (land only) PRICE FROM £1,295 SINGLE SUPP £175 SINGLE SUPP £270 PRICE INCLUDES Transfers, accommodation, all meals & PRICE INCLUDES Return ferry from Penzance, guided activities accommodation, most meals & guided GROUP SIZE 8 activities LEADER Bob Ford GROUP SIZE 10 TOUR CODE UK2 LEADER Will Wagstaff TOUR CODE UK3 01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 13 Estonia Estonia

The Baltic in Springtime Autumn Migration in the Baltic Friday 12 - Friday 19 May 2017 Friday 22 - Friday 29 September 2017 Friday 11 - Friday 18 May 2018 Estonia, the smallest and northernmost of the Baltic republics, lies Few places in Europe can match the excitement of watching at a crossroads on the Eastern Atlantic migratory flyway, between Estonia’s amazing wildlife. In May, birds – especially wildfowl the Gulf of Finland, the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea, and Lake and waders – pass through this tiny country in their millions, Peipsi near the Russian border. pausing to feed and rest here before pushing on northwards to During the migration season, flocks of southward-rushing their summer feeding grounds on the tundra and in the forests of birds pass through in incredible numbers – several hundred Lapland. thousand waterfowl and migrants can be seen flying Our visit is timed to coincide with massed flights of common and overhead every day. The peak time for observation is at the end of velvet scoters, long-tailed duck, red-throated and black-throated September. divers, and skeins of barnacle, bean and white-fronted geese Estonia’s coastline offers a natural stepping-stone between their migrating northward up the Baltic Sea. breeding and wintering areas for millions of Arctic birds – making We will also enjoy woodpeckers in Estonia’s ancient forests, ‘lekking’ birdwatching fabulous at this time of year. great snipe and black grouse, and magnificent elk in the marshes. But our trip is not all about passage migration; the country’s long This natural bounty attracts predators such as white-tailed, lesser and indented coastline, shallow and sheltered bays, straits, coastal spotted and golden eagles, while mammals of note include meadows, marshes, lagoons and over 1,000 islands are crucial mountain hare, red and flying squirrels, brown bear and – with any feeding sites, and provide some wonderful viewing points. luck – European beaver. OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY

Days 1-3 Fly to & transfer to Haapsalu Days 1-2 Fly to Tallinn & transfer to Noarootsi Peninsula Days 4-5 Saaremaa Island Days 3-4 Tartu Days 6-7 Pärnu Days 5-7 Rakvere Day 8 Flight to UK Day 8 Flight to UK

ACCOMMODATION Good mid-range hotels with en suite ACCOMMODATION Good mid-range hotels with en suite facilities facilities PRICE FROM £1,995 PRICE FROM £1,945 SINGLE SUPP £215 SINGLE SUPP £215 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 12 GROUP SIZE 12 LEADER Barrie Cooper LEADER Barrie Cooper TOUR CODE ESTO2 TOUR CODE ESTO1

14 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays Europe Finland France

Brown Bear Explorer Camargue & Pyrenees in Autumn Sunday 28 May - Sunday 4 June 2017 Saturday 26 August - Saturday 2 September 2017 Sunday 18 - Sunday 25 June 2017 * The freshwater marshes of the Camargue and the surrounding Sunday 9 - Sunday 16 July 2017 meadows remain one of Europe’s most exciting birdwatching Sunday 23 - Sunday 30 July 2017 * areas. During this week-long trip at the height of summer, we stay at The array of herons is quite outstanding: grey herons, little and two carefully selected locations, each equipped with purpose- cattle egrets, and great white egret – a more recent colonist. built hides, where we keep a night-time vigil to see bears, Raptors are always present, including marsh harrier, short-toed wolverines and wolves lured by carrion. eagle and hobby chasing the abundant dragonflies. Martinselkonen Nature Reserve is now considered one of the best In the limestone hills of the Alpilles with the spectacular hilltop places to see and photograph European brown bear. On occasion fortress of Les Baux we may see blue rock thrush, alpine swift, crag up to 20 adults and eight cubs have been seen in a single night. We martin and rock sparrow. also visit Boreal Wildlife Centre where we spend as many hours as In the High Pyrenees, amongst some of Europe’s most inspiring possible looking at, and photographing, bears and other wildlife. scenery, we can find lammergeier patrolling the cliff-faces, griffon We may also see moose, wolverine and possibly wolf. Birds such as vulture and golden eagle, and both red-billed and alpine chough. Siberian jay, rustic bunting, black kite, white-tailed eagle, golden The pine forests hold citril finch and crossbill, while high on the eagle and up to ten species of owl are also possible. slopes we can see rock bunting, snow finch and alpine accentor and possibly wallcreeper. OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 1 Fly to Kajaani & transfer to Martinselkonen Days 2-4 Bear-watching & birding Day 1 Fly to Marseille & transfer to the Camargue Days 5-7 Bear-watching & birding at Boreal Wildlife Centre Days 2-4 Birding excursions in & around the Camargue Day 8 Flight to UK Days 5-7 Luz St-Sauveur Day 8 Flight to UK * These departures operate in reverse

ACCOMMODATION Wilderness guesthouse with shared ACCOMMODATION Good hotels, all with en suite facilities facilities & simple bear-watching hides/ PRICE FROM £1,995 cabins with shared toilet facilities SINGLE SUPP £245 PRICE FROM £1,595 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all SINGLE SUPP £115 meals & guided activities PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, most GROUP SIZE 7 meals & guided activities LEADER Ashley Grove GROUP SIZE 12 TOUR CODE FRAN2 LEADERS Jani Määttä or Joona Kaltion TOUR CODE FINL1 01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 15 France France

Camargue in Winter - Wallcreepers Dragonflies in Deepest Dordogne & Wetlands Monday 3 - Monday 10 July 2017 Tuesday 21 - Sunday 26 February 2017 The Dordogne is an excellent place for a dragonfly-watching Tuesday 20 - Sunday 25 February 2018 holiday. There are around 60 species across a diverse range of wetland habitats – ponds, canals, lakes, fens and, of course, the Winter in the Camargue, one of Europe’s great river deltas, is a great River Dordogne itself, together with its smaller tributaries, superb time to visit, with birds present in tens of thousands. streams and springs. Masses of wildfowl, waders, raptors and flamingos haunt the Water quality is high and adjacent grasslands and forest habitats wetlands, while high alpine species winter in the drier country provide further feeding areas. Most habitats are on limestone but waiting for the warmer weather to arrive. These include we also visit areas of sandy geology. Rare and extinct UK species wallcreeper, often a difficult species to get to grips with in breeding can be seen here together with exotic and familiar ones. habitat, but easier to see at this time as they forage for insects on We visit several reservoirs where a variety of species can be found, the low cliff-faces in and around the lovely town of Les Baux. including the orange-spotted emerald, which became extinct in its Other mountain birds that descend here for the winter include last Dorset stronghold about 20 years ago, and the violet dropwing, alpine accentor, which hang around the village in small flocks. an exotic new arrival. Out on the steppe-like habitat of La Crau, little bustards also spend Western demoiselles and smaller damselflies flit close to the bank the winter – in the past we have seen more than 150 in a single whilst larger clubtails patrol the open water. Perhaps a western flock. Other resident birds elsewhere in the area include Eurasian spectre may even grace us with its presence after dinner above the eagle owl, Bonelli’s eagle, red kite and the rather more humble rock terrace at our cosy riverside hotel! sparrow. Our trip is designed and co-led by dragonfly expert Dick Askew, a keen entomologist and author of ‘Dragonflies of Europe’. OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 1 Fly to Marseille & transfer to the Camargue Days 2-5 Birding excursions in & around the Camargue Day 1 Fly to Bergerac & transfer to Mauzac Day 6 Flight to UK Days 2-7 Dragonfly & wildlife excursions in & around the area Day 8 Flight to UK

ACCOMMODATION Comfortable hotel with en suite facilities ACCOMMODATION Cosy riverside hotel with en suite facilities PRICE FROM £1,395 PRICE FROM £1,645 SINGLE SUPP £145 SINGLE SUPP £260 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 14 GROUP SIZE 7 LEADERS Mike & Liz Read* LEADERS David Simpson & Dick Askew TOUR CODE FRAN1 TOUR CODE FRAN4 * 2nd tour leader subject to minimum numbers 16 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays Europe France France

Wildlife of the Dordogne in Spring Wallcreepers, Woodpeckers & Kites Monday 15 - Monday 22 May 2017 of the Dordogne Monday 19 - Monday 26 June 2017 Tuesday 7 - Saturday 11 March 2017 Monday 14 - Monday 21 May 2018 Tuesday 6 - Saturday 10 March 2018 We keep an eye out for woodland birds such as honey buzzard, For the enthusiastic naturalist the Dordogne offers a wide range Bonelli’s warbler, crested tit, woodlark and golden oriole. In the of interesting habitats including dry rocky hillsides, arable plains, fields and scrub we should see crested lark, melodious warbler, heathlands and wetlands. However, the area is dominated by the red-backed shrike, corn bunting, stone curlew and hen harrier. classic oak forest and limestone meadows cut through by the The flowers are outstanding, orchids are everywhere and many great river itself, beneath some impressive cliffs. butterflies that are scarce or on the edge of their range in the UK This short trip visits the area in early spring as the land is warming can easily be seen here, including European swallowtail, Duke of up, early avian migrants are moving through, leafless trees make Burgundy and Glanville fritillary. the birds easy to see, and the weather can be very pleasant! Honey-coloured villages with Romanesque churches and chateaux Wallcreepers are relatively easy to find, often accompanied by dot the picturesque landscape, and the local Périgord cuisine is alpine accentors. Peregrine, red, black and black-shouldered kite, renowned, together with the wines of Bergerac and Cahors. Our raven, crag martin and regular over-wintering ‘specials’ like water boat trip in an old ‘gabarre’ on the Dordogne and a visit to a cave pipit and rock bunting are all possible. The Dordogne is rich in with prehistoric art by mini electric train add an interesting cultural woodpeckers too. We should see black, middle spotted, green, and geological insight to the experience. This holiday is a gentle great spotted and, with any luck, lesser spotted woodpecker. affair and has been designed as an introduction to the wildlife riches of the region. OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY Day 1 Fly to Bergerac & transfer to Mauzac Days 2-4 Wildlife & birding excursions in the area Day 1 Fly to Bergerac & transfer to Mauzac Day 5 Flight to UK Days 2-7 Wildlife & flora excursions in & around the area Day 8 Flight to UK

ACCOMMODATION Cosy riverside hotel with en suite facilities ACCOMMODATION Cosy riverside hotel with en suite facilities PRICE FROM £1,495 PRICE FROM £1,095 SINGLE SUPP £270 SINGLE SUPP £150 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 7 GROUP SIZE 7 LEADER David Simpson LEADER David Simpson TOUR CODE FRAN7 TOUR CODE FRAN5

01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 17 France France

Dordogne’s Moths & More Flower Photography in the Monday 4 - Monday 11 September 2017 Pyrenees The warm, humid nights of early autumn are always an exciting Saturday 15 - Saturday 22 July 2017 time for moths, with light traps often at their most effective. David Simpson, ‘our man in the Dordogne’, invites moth enthusiasts The central area of the French Pyrenees is home to a wonderful to visit and see what the light traps bring in. Moth expert Mike range of wildlife from eagles and vultures to mammals and Coverdale will be co-leading this tour. endemic flowers such as Pyrenean saxifrage and Spanish iris. David Simpson’s home, La Cabane du Pommier, lies in the forested On this dedicated photography trip, flowers, insects and the hills near the small town of Lalinde, north of the Dordogne River, magnificent scenery that the area offers will be our main subjects. approximately 20 kilometres east of Bergerac. Its situation presents However, large raptors occasionally pass low overhead and we excellent opportunities for the recording of moths and butterflies, occasionally drive close to alpine marmots, so having a longer due to the wide ranging habitats nearby. We will run a number lens handy may prove useful. At this time of year the weather of Robinson traps every night, weather permitting, and we will is generally superb but the morning mist in the valleys and examine the catch the following morning, with plenty of time occasional ‘above cloud’ views at higher altitudes can make for available to identify and photograph the moths. Aside from a excellent ‘mood’ shots. diversity of moths, the traps often attract large numbers of weevils, We visit Cirque de Gavarnie, perhaps the most scenic in the French as well as smaller numbers of coneheads, mantids and beetles. Pyrenees, and on the way are likely to find magnificent wildflowers The property is situated at the edge of woodland, with an open including common and yellow monkshood, dusky cranesbill and meadow looking out across a quiet valley. Other habitats close by elder-flowered orchid. Butterflies here include Apollo, scarce and range from dry limestone grassland to marshland. common swallowtails, as well as a number of blues and fritillaries. We will be using La Cabane du Pommier as our main ‘field station’ And of course you will be accompanied by Mike Read – an expert and stay in a cosy riverside hotel in nearby Mauzac. wildlife photographer.

OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 1 Fly to Bergerac & transfer to Mauzac Day 1 Fly to Toulouse & transfer to Luz St-Sauveur Days 2-7 Birding & moth excursions in the surrounding area Days 2-7 Flower photography outings & excursions in the area Day 8 Flight to UK Day 8 Flight to UK

ACCOMMODATION Cosy riverside hotel with en suite facilities ACCOMMODATION Good comfortable hotels with en suite PRICE FROM £1,645 facilities SINGLE SUPP £260 PRICE FROM £1,995 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all SINGLE SUPP £180 meals & guided activities PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals GROUP SIZE 7 & guided activities LEADERS David Simpson & Mike Coverdale GROUP SIZE 7 TOUR CODE FRAN6 LEADER Mike Read TOUR CODE FRAN9 18 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays Europe France France

Vercors in Spring Flower Photography in the Vercors Sunday 11 - Sunday 18 June 2017 Saturday 3 - Saturday 10 June 2017 Vercors is a superb mountain area on the fringes of the French We travel to the Vercors with our cameras to capture the Alps. Our springtime trip is timed to coincide with the birds and superb flora, which includes up to 30 species of wild orchids flowers at their best. amidst stunning scenery. Focusing on flower, landscape and, if opportunities arise, photography, we will find different The region is home to an excellent range of mountain birds ways to capture the essence of our subjects whether it is a close- including alpine chough, golden eagle and citril finch. At lower up portrait or a wide angle ‘in habitat’ view. altitudes the forests show a decidedly Central and Eastern European influence, with breeding nutcracker and Tengmalm’s owl This mosaic of limestone mountains provides a rich range of amongst the beeches and firs. Other owls include the localised flowers, butterflies, mammals and birds, all of which add their pygmy owl, eagle owl on some of the cliffs, and scops owl own magic to a stunningly beautiful part of France. The flora is sometimes close to our hotel in La Chapelle. spectacular with alpine meadows full of white, yellow, blue and pink blossoms, including the semi-parasitic greater yellow rattle – The area's mammals are also fascinating, with alpine chamois and which is increasingly rare in the UK. mouflon quite widespread, while alpine ibex may be seen on some of the highest ridges and we may visit a colony of alpine marmot. Various species of cranesbill, saxifrage and narcissus may be the first plants we notice in the meadows, but these are soon followed Finally, the flora of the Vercors is truly superb, with an array of wild by the vivid deep blues of spring gentian or the pinks of red clover, orchids, from the diminutive coralroot, growing in the depths of wild thyme or mountain thrift which catch the eye. beech woodland, to the spectacular lady’s slipper which sometimes can be found in large clumps. Depending on the timing of the Wild orchids are also abundant throughout the Vercors and we season, we often see 30 or more orchid species during our visit. regularly see Spitzel’s orchid – one of Europe’s rarest.

OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 1 Fly to Lyon & transfer to Chichilianne Day 1 Fly to Lyon & transfer to Chichilianne Days 2-3 Natural history excursions around the Vercors Days 2-3 Flower photography excursions around the Vercors Days 4-7 La Chapelle-en-Vercors Days 4-7 La Chapelle-en-Vercors Day 8 Flight to UK Day 8 Flight to UK

ACCOMMODATION Simple hotels with en suite facilities ACCOMMODATION Simple hotels with en suite facilities PRICE FROM £1,795 PRICE FROM £1,995 SINGLE SUPP £90 SINGLE SUPP £170 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 14 GROUP SIZE 7 LEADERS Mike & Liz Read* LEADER Mike Read TOUR CODE FRAN11 TOUR CODE FRAN12 * 2nd tour leader subject to minimum numbers 01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 19 Germany Hungary

Brandenburg Crane & Goose Steppe & Forests in Spring & Concerto Autumn Thursday 13 - Monday 17 October 2016 Saturday 8 - Saturday 15 October 2016 Thursday 16 - Monday 20 March 2017 Saturday 13 - Saturday 20 May 2017 Thursday 12 - Monday 16 October 2017 Saturday 7 - Saturday 14 October 2017 Thursday 15 - Monday 19 March 2018 Saturday 12 - Saturday 19 May 2018 The State of Brandenburg has Berlin at its centre – the terrain is Steppe covers a vast swathe of temperate Eurasia, but only extends flat and wetlands abound, with lakes, rivers, polders, marshes and into Europe in one place – the Great Plain of Hungary. This is the reed-fringed fishponds interspersed with forests, meadows and Hortobágy, an ancient floodplain of grassland, meadows, marshes swathes of heathland. This watery land holds the last remaining and pools, which is one of Europe’s largest national parks, where population of great bustards in northern Europe. nothing other than the odd patch of woodland breaks the horizon. From autumn through to early spring sizeable numbers of geese In May it is green and lush, and offers some of Europe’s most are present: bean, white-fronted, barnacle, lesser white-fronted and exciting birdwatching, while in autumn it is a place to marvel at red-breasted. Ducks are also abundant, as are golden plover and the awe-inspiring migration along Europe's main eastern flyway . This huge avian concentration attracts a good population for cranes. At peak there may be as many as 60,000 of these of raptors that includes white-tailed eagle, rough-legged buzzard, magnificent birds here, and the sight of squadron upon squadron hen harrier, merlin and goshawk. filling the sky is one of Europe's great avian spectacles! Spectacular numbers of common crane migrate through in We also visit the rolling, forest-clad Zemplén Hills which are home October on their way south to Extremadura, while in March they to various Central European forest specialities, including eastern are heading north. In the woodlands there is a chance of black, imperial eagle, and nine species of woodpecker. middle spotted and lesser spotted woodpeckers and hawfinch. OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 1 Fly to Budapest & transfer to Hortobágy National Park Day 1 Fly to Berlin & transfer to Semlin Days 2-3 Birding & wildlife excursion around Hortobágy Days 2-4 Birding & wildlife excursions Days 4-7 Zemplén Hills Day 5 Flight to UK Day 8 Flight to UK ACCOMMODATION Comfortable hotel with en suite facilities ACCOMMODATION Good hotels with en suite facilities PRICE FROM £995 PRICE FROM £1,395 SINGLE SUPP £75 SINGLE SUPP £130 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 8 GROUP SIZE 14 LEADER Stephen Daly LEADERS Gábor Sĭmay & Barrie Cooper* TOUR CODE GERM1 TOUR CODE HUNG2 *2nd tour leader subject to minimum numbers 20 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays Europe Hungary Iceland

Spring Photography of the Winter Orcas & Auroras Steppe & Forests Thursday 2 - Tuesday 7 March 2017 Sunday 21 - Saturday 27 May 2017 Thursday 1 - Tuesday 6 March 2018 Sunday 20 - Saturday 26 May 2018 On this short winter break, we search for birds and whales in south and west Iceland. We travel in a specially prepared If your interest is bird photography, this one-week trip at the ‘winterised’ 4-wheel-drive vehicle to get to some really out-of- height of the breeding season is ideal. Various hides in scenic, the-way places. bird-rich Kiskunság National Park – at the forest edge, overlooking marshland or on the banks of alkaline lakes – offer exceptional Iceland’s wildlife has to struggle to survive the harsh winter photographic opportunities. Avocets, geese and stilts nest here, conditions and often congregates around the coast or other and the lakes offer a temporary home to many migratory species. sheltered areas. We expect to see several different species of wildfowl, including harlequin and eider ducks, and there’ll be lots In spring, waders such as ruff and redshank stop off to feed en of gulls including glaucous gull and the eponymous Iceland gull on route to their northern breeding grounds. Flocks of greater white- the coasts and in harbours. We’ll also keep an eye out for common fronted goose rest here, along with bean and greylag goose, while and grey seals in the fjords. black-tailed godwit and great bustard all breed in the area. Further inland we should encounter large flocks of snow buntings The sparse forest has red-footed falcon, common kestrel and long- and ptarmigans in their white winter , and there’s always eared owl, while little owl and barn owl nest in abandoned farm the chance of a gyrfalcon or even a white-tailed eagle. All this is buildings, and lesser grey shrike are seen among the bushes. The complemented by the dramatic landscapes of Iceland, orcas and migrating flocks attract white-tailed eagle, but white-beaked dolphins off the magnificent Snæfellsnes peninsula and the rare saker falcon also hunt here. Each day brings something and, if the weather allows, beautiful displays of the northern lights. entirely new and unexpected! OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 1 Fly to Keflavik & transfer to Hveragerði Day 1 Fly to Budapest & transfer to Tiszaalpár Days 2-3 South coast birding & hot springs Days 2-6 Bács-Kiskun Days 4-5 Whale watching in Snæfellsnes Day 7 Flight to UK Day 6 Flight to UK

ACCOMMODATION Good hotels with en suite facilities ACCOMMODATION Comfortable hotels with en suite facilities PRICE FROM £1,795 PRICE FROM £1,645 SINGLE SUPP £145 SINGLE SUPP £200 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 8 GROUP SIZE 10 LEADERS Mike Read & István Bártol LEADER Trausti Gunnarsson TOUR CODE HUNG1 TOUR CODE ICEL1

01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 21 Iceland Iceland

Principally Puffins Harlequins & Northern Lights in Friday 14 - Friday 21 July 2017 Winter This trip offers the best possible views of puffins and other North Thursday 3 - Monday 7 November 2016 Atlantic seabirds and takes place at a perfect time to delight in Thursday 16 - Monday 20 March 2017 the colourful carpet of Arctic and alpine wildflowers found here Thursday 16 - Monday 20 November 2017 and we have a good chance of finding cetaceans offshore too! Thursday 15 - Monday 19 March 2018 We spend time on the Westman Islands and travel to the incredible bird cliffs of Latrabjarg in the north-west of the country. Each year Iceland is locked firmly in an icy grasp for several months, yet the start and end of winter, when the nights are not After crossing the staggeringly beautiful Breiðafjörður we visit the too long, are still good times to visit. island of Flatey to see yet more puffins. Iceland’s vibrant geology and remarkable landscapes never fail to impress. We visit the crater Along the coast and on the numerous lakes there are many on Heimaey - one of the Westman Islands - and keen botanists wildfowl, and sightings of harlequin duck, Barrow’s goldeneye, will be delighted by the colourful carpet of arctic and alpine glaucous gull and Iceland gull are frequent. Inland the snowy wildflowers that are found here. wastes are enlivened by flocks of snow buntings, ptarmigans in their winter plumage, and even the odd gyrfalcon or white-tailed Of course Iceland’s other special birds are important too and we eagle. may see harlequin duck and Barrow’s goldeneye, white-tailed eagle and gyrfalcon and a wonderful array of breeding waders. Iceland’s unique landscapes leave an indelible memory at this time of year, as its extraordinary geology takes on a entirely different OUTLINE ITINERARY character. However, possibly the greatest highlight of all is the unforgettable sight of the northern lights – illuminating the night skies of the sub-Arctic region. Day 1 Fly to Keflavik & transfer to Hveragerði Days 2-3 Westman Islands OUTLINE ITINERARY Day 4 Snæfellsnes Days 5-6 Flókalundur Day 7 Reykjavík Day 1 Fly to Keflavík & transfer to Hveragerði Day 8 Flight to UK Days 2-4 Exploring the coast & mountains of south Iceland Day 5 Flight to UK

ACCOMMODATION Hotels & guesthouses with en suite ACCOMMODATION Comfortable guesthouse facilities PRICE FROM £1,295 PRICE FROM £2,745 SINGLE SUPP £150 SINGLE SUPP £320 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 10 GROUP SIZE 10 LEADER Trausti Gunnarsson LEADER Trausti Gunnarsson TOUR CODE ICEL2 TOUR CODE ICEL4 22 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays Europe Ireland Montenegro

The Burren & Aran Islands The Unknown Adriatic Saturday 10 - Saturday 17 June 2017 Saturday 22 - Sunday 30 April 2017 This spring trip combines the fabulous wild flowers of the Burren Saturday 14 - Sunday 22 April 2018 with an opportunity to explore this lovely coast, and includes a Despite its tiny size, Montenegro contains a wealth of habitats – stay on the Aran Islands. rich wetlands, conifer-clad mountains, and deep, dramatic fjords. The Burren is a plateau of carboniferous limestone worn bare The Mediterranean coast is perhaps the most striking in Europe. by the last glaciation. The rock forms an amazing landscape of Besides beaches, it also offers saltpans, sand dunes and the River limestone pavement cut by gullies, swallet holes, underground Bojana delta – each an important migration stopover. rivers and caves. The region is renowned for these rock formations Further inland, Lake Skadar, fed by the scenic Rijeka Crnojevica, is and its relics of ancient civilisations, but is best known for its rich home to thousands of pygmy cormorant, and the westernmost combination of Mediterranean and Arctic-alpine flora. nesting place of the endangered Dalmatian pelican. And Durmitor Here you can see gems such as spring gentian, pyramidal bugle, National Park offers unspoilt mountains with huge coniferous fen violet and mountain avens. The gullies between the limestone forests that are home to three-toed woodpecker, nutcracker and pavement harbour rare ferns, and the whole area is a botanist's several alpine species amongst others. paradise and also home to 80% of Ireland’s butterfly species. We make a short side-trip into Albania to bird around the southern To the south of the Aran Islands, at the mouth of Galway Bay, the end of the lake, where the hilly countryside is home to classic open- spectacular Cliffs of Moher house superb seabird colonies, and country birds and a variety of egrets and waders. there is always a chance of seeing whales and dolphins offshore. OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY Day 1 Fly to Dubrovnik, in Croatia Day 1 Meet at Shannon airport & transfer to Lisdoonvarna Day 2 Cross border to Montenegro & drive to Virpazar Days 3-4 Explore the Burren Days 3-5 Virpazar; day trip into Albania Days 5-6 Ferry to the Aran Islands Days 6-7 Zabljak, Durmitor NP Day 7 Ferry to the mainland & transfer to Lisdoonvarna Day 8 Back to Dubrovnik Day 8 Transfer to Shannon airport to head home Day 9 Flight to UK

ACCOMMODATION Comfortable inn & simple guesthouse ACCOMMODATION Mid-range hotels & guesthouses with with en suite facilities en suite facilities PRICE FROM £1,545 (land only) PRICE FROM £1,595 SINGLE SUPP £110 SINGLE SUPP £195 PRICE INCLUDES Accommodation, transfers, all meals & PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 8 GROUP SIZE 14 LEADER Steve Duffield LEADER István Bártol TOUR CODE IREL1 TOUR CODE MONT1 01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 23 Netherlands Norway & Finland

Waders in Friesland NEW Northern Lights, Astronomy & Thursday 10 - Monday 14 August 2017 Wildlife Join us for a superb summer break in one of Europe’s best Sunday 26 March - Saturday 1 April 2017 destinations for waders. Few places on earth offer such a variety Sunday 25 - Saturday 31 March 2018 of species and such a great number of birds, which visit the reserves along the northern coast as an essential stopover during This combination of northern lights and wildlife has proved their southward migration in summer. highly popular in this interesting Arctic land. The Netherlands’ most famous high-tide refuges offer the The birds at this time of year include some really sought-after unforgettable spectacle of many species of waders seen at close Siberian specialities. We start amidst the conifers of the taiga forest quarters. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage area of the Waddenzee, in Finland, which still harbour Siberian tit, Siberian jay and pine Lauwersmeer National Park has another major attraction: raptors grosbeak, before crossing north into Norway where the sheltered such as white-tailed eagle and Montagu’s harrier, which breed here. coastal waters have three species of eider in stunning plumage and In a single day it’s not unusual to see around 100 species! are thronged with seabirds. Breebaart Polder, at the northeastern tip of Groningen province, is a In March there is plenty of daylight to take advantage of all this must for anyone who wishes to see the highly sought‐after broad‐ wildlife, while the nights are still long enough to give us a good billed sandpiper in its sheltered inland roost. Nearby, the recently chance of seeing the northern lights in all their glory. We’ll also do developed Oostpolder and Onnerpolder have rapidly become well- some astronomy here – birding telescopes and even binoculars can known birding destinations, mainly famous for breeding terns, as be excellent for this. well as the numbers of migrating waders. OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY Day 1 Fly to Ivalo & transfer to Kaamanen Day 1 Fly to Amsterdam & transfer to Groningen Days 2-3 Batsfjord Day 2 Birding at Westhoek & Zwarte Haan Days 4-5 Vardo Day 3 Lauwersmeer National Park Day 6 Kaamanen Day 4 Breebaart Polder plus Oostpolder & Onnerpolder Day 7 Flight to UK Day 5 Transfer to Amsterdam and flight to UK

ACCOMMODATION Comfortable, small, mid-range hotel ACCOMMODATION Comfortable hotels & lodges PRICE FROM £845 PRICE FROM £2,495 SINGLE SUPP £165 SINGLE SUPP £225 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 7 GROUP SIZE 12 LEADER Martijn Bot LEADERS Local guide & Barrie Cooper* TOUR CODE NETH2 TOUR CODE FINL2 *2nd tour leader subject to minimum numbers 24 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays Europe Poland Poland

Primeval Forests & Marshes Birding in Krakow & the NEW Monday 8 - Monday 15 May 2017 Carpathians Monday 7 - Monday 14 May 2018 Friday 8 - Friday 15 September 2017 North-eastern Poland boasts some of the wildest forest and Visiting four key birdwatching sites in the south of Poland – the freshwater marshland habitats in Europe. From the vast Biebrza Pieniny Mountains, the Tatra Mountains, Niepołomice Forest and Marshes to the ancient forest of Bialowieza, we travel through an the extensive Zator Fishponds – we hope to witness the autumn old-world landscape of working horses and wooden carts. migration in full swing, and enjoy a wealth of spectacular birds. The forest of Bialowieza is the largest area of virgin lowland The tour begins in the picturesque Carpathian Mountains, where woodland in Europe. Huge trees, some of which are over 2,000 we explore the mixed forests and wild meadows of the Pieniny years old, form the core of the forest. May is the prime breeding and Tatra ranges in search of raptors, woodpeckers and cranes, all season when red-breasted flycatcher, river and aquatic warblers the while looking out for the large mammals that inhabit Poland, are all in full song. Nine woodpecker species occur here including including brown bear, Tatra marmot, chamois and beaver. Spending middle-spotted and the rare white-backed. We should also see a day at Zator Fishponds should reward us with Temminck’s stint, pygmy owl, thrush nightingale and scarlet rosefinch. ferruginous duck and little stint, as well as nutcracker, alpine Biebrza Marshes form one of the largest stretches of marshland accentor, Caspian gull, lesser spotted eagle and black stork. in Europe and are home to a plethora of species including red- Our final stop is Niepołomice Forest, where amidst the oak, necked grebe, spotted crake and white-winged black tern. The hornbeam and lime trees of six nature reserves, we look for red- maze of channels intersect a landscape of pools, reedbeds and wet backed shrike, great grey shrike and Ural owl. meadows, where we hope to see a range of mammals, including elk, otter and wild boar, as well as European beaver. OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY Day 1 Fly to Krakow Days 2-3 Explore the Pieniny Mountains Day 1 Fly to Warsaw & transfer to Bialowieza Day 4 Explore the Tatra Mountains Days 2-4 Wildlife & birding excursions in & around Bialowieza Day 5 Visit Zator Fishponds Days 5-7 Biebrza Marshes Days 6-7 Explore Niepołomice Forest Day 8 Flight to UK Day 8 Flight to UK

ACCOMMODATION Comfortable hotels with en suite facilities ACCOMMODATION Comfortable hotels with en suite facilities PRICE FROM £1,395 PRICE FROM £1,295 SINGLE SUPP £135 SINGLE SUPP £90 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 12 GROUP SIZE 12 LEADER Felix Felger LEADER Felix Felger TOUR CODE POLN1 TOUR CODE POLN2

01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 25 Poland We continue south to Bialowieza which is most famous for its NEW Bison, Elk & Wolves in Winter reintroduced herd of European bison. Visiting the forest during Thursday 2 - Monday 6 February 2017 winter also gives us the advantage of being able to track the more Monday 6 - Friday 10 February 2017 elusive species in the snow, and look for numerous bird species such as white-tailed eagle, waxwing, eagle owl, great grey shrike Thursday 1 - Monday 5 February 2018 and nine species of woodpecker. Visiting two of Poland’s renowned areas for wildlife – Biebrza OUTLINE ITINERARY Marshes and Bialowieza Forest – we go in search of the large, yet elusive mammals and exceptional winter birdlife that inhabit the unspoilt snow-covered landscapes. Day 1 Fly to Warsaw Our tour begins in the wildlife-rich Biebrza Marshes in the north- Day 2 Visit Biebrza Marshes east of the country where we look for an array of mammals Days 3-4 Explore Bialowieza Forest including elk, otter, European beaver, red deer, wild boar, roe deer, Day 5 Return to Warsaw for flight to UK red squirrel, pine marten, and – if we are lucky – we may even encounter wolf or lynx. ACCOMMODATION Comfortable hotels with en suite facilities PRICE FROM £995 As we travel to the ancient Bialowieza Forest, we visit a 19th century Russian fortress which is known for being one of the SINGLE SUPP £55 largest wintering bat sites in Eastern Europe. We can expect to see PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all around ten species of bat here including greater mouse-eared, meals & guided activities Daubenton’s, Natterer’s, Brandt’s, whiskered, pond, northern, brown GROUP SIZE 12 long-eared, serotine and barbastelle bats, which spend the winter LEADER Felix Felger in the underground corridors. TOUR CODE POLN3

26 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays Europe Portugal Romania

Alentejo & Algarve in Spring & Focus on the Danube Delta Autumn Saturday 5 May - Saturday 12 May 2018 Saturday 25 March - Saturday 1 April 2017 The Danube is Europe’s second largest river delta and one of the Sunday 24 September - Sunday 1 October 2017 continent’s great wetland wildernesses. In spring it is a haven for Saturday 24 - Saturday 31 March 2018 migrating birds, as well a being the permanent home for a wealth of other wildlife that includes mammals, reptiles, amphibians and With its great diversity of habitat providing first landfall for an impressive diversity of insects. thousands of spring migrants, and a fine range of resident birds, An extensive network of trails from our lodge on a private reserve Portugal’s Algarve and Alentejo regions offer some of Europe’s allows access to all the prime wildlife areas, and dotted around finest spring birdwatching, and outstanding flora. the complex are more than 20 photographic hides that have been Add to this a range of varied and beautiful landscapes, a rich established to target key species. history, friendly people and some fine food and wine, and you have More than 150 bird species are resident, including European roller, the makings of a great week! Eurasian hoopoe, white-tailed eagle, marsh harrier, little owl, Alentejo’s rolling plains dotted with cork oaks are home to great collared pratincole, European bee-eater, common kingfisher and and little bustard, larks, buntings, Montagu’s harrier, white stork, black, grey-headed and lesser spotted woodpeckers. European bee-eater and hoopoe. Further south, the Algarve’s The varied wetlands are also home to a fantastic array of coastal habitat, from the rugged cliffs of Cape St Vincent on the dragonflies and damselflies, and after dark there are opportunities Atlantic coast to Salgados Marsh and Ria Formosa wetlands, is to see and photograph various nocturnal species including wild home to an impressive array of birds, including azure-winged cats and several species of owl, with professional photographer magpie, and purple gallinule in the freshwater marshes. and bird expert Ashley Grove.

OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 1 Fly to Faro & transfer to Santa Clara Velha Day 1 Fly to Bucharest Days 2-7 Birding & wildlife excursions Days 2-7 Wildlife & photography excursions in & around the Day 8 Flight to UK Danube Delta Day 8 Flight to UK

ACCOMMODATION Family-run hotel with en suite facilities ACCOMMODATION Wilderness lodge with private facilities PRICE FROM £1,545 PRICE FROM £1,995 SINGLE SUPP £300 SINGLE SUPP £165 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 12 GROUP SIZE 6 LEADER Frank McClintock LEADER Ashley Grove TOUR CODE PORT1 TOUR CODE ROMA1 01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 27 Romania Sardinia

Birds & Bears in Transylvania Mediterranean Wildlife Monday 12 - Monday 19 June 2017 Saturday 2 - Saturday 9 September 2017 We travel to the historical region of Transylvania – for a wonderful Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea variety of habitats and birds, and a chance to see some of and holds all the quintessential elements of Mediterranean Europe’s largest mammalian predators. beauty, from white sandy beaches to rolling plains, wetlands and mountain ranges. We begin in Zarnesti, situated near the picturesque Piatra Craiului Mountains, to explore prime wildlife locations. We spend an Located on a main avian migration route between Europe and afternoon in the Stramba Valley, where go in search of wild brown Africa, with a fabulous array of migrating and endemic species, the bear, and visit Bran Castle - a traditional Romanian fortress thought island is the perfect spot for an autumnal birdwatching break. to be the home of the infamous Count Dracula. Birding highlights In the mountains around Orgosolo we go in search of Corsican citril include alpine swift, crag martin, serin, crossbill, black woodpecker finch and hawfinch, while at Lago Omodeo we should see cirl and and numerous . corn bunting. And we scout the coastal lagoons in search of greater Surrounded by the spectacular Carpathian Mountains, we flamingo, herons, egrets, ducks and waders. travel into the centre of Transylvania, stopping in Rimetea and Exploring the southern end of the island from our base south of Gheorgheni, to enjoy the wild mountainous landscape. Here we Cagliari, on Monte Arcosu we should see Sardinian, garden and look for golden eagle, honey buzzard, nutcracker and an impressive melodious warblers on their southbound migration, and perhaps diversity of alpine flowers. We also visit Dumbravita Fishponds, even golden eagle and the occasional red deer. We round off where we hope to see a wealth of waterbirds, as well as Eurasian our trip with a ferry to the enchanting island of San Pietro to see spoonbill, whooper swan, glossy ibis and red-breasted goose. breeding Eleonora’s falcon, and perhaps even a cetacean or two en route! OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY Days 1-3 Fly to Bucharest & transfer to Zarnesti Days 4-5 Rimetea Days 1-2 Fly to Cagliari & transfer to Orgosolo; explore Days 6-7 Gheorgheni Day 3 Drive to Capoterra, south of Cagliari Day 8 Flight to UK Days 4-7 Wildlife & birding excursions from Capoterra Day 8 Flight to UK

ACCOMMODATION Good local hotels ACCOMMODATION Good quality hotels with en suite facilities PRICE FROM £1,495 PRICE FROM £1,995 SINGLE SUPP £245 SINGLE SUPP £190 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 12 GROUP SIZE 7 LEADERS Local guide & Barrie Cooper* LEADERS Mike & Liz Read* TOUR CODE ROMA3 TOUR CODE ITAL2 * 2nd tour leader subject to minimum numbers * 2nd tour leader subject to minimum numbers 28 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays Europe Scotland Scotland

Lewis & Harris - Seabirds & Orkney’s Wildlife & Prehistory Standing Stones Wednesday 3 - Wednesday 10 May 2017 Saturday 22 - Friday 28 April 2017 Wednesday 2 - Wednesday 9 May 2018 Saturday 21 - Friday 27 April 2018 We spend a spring week on the green isles of the north to see huge numbers of breeding birds, an excellent array of northern The neighbouring islands of Lewis and Harris in the Outer flowers, and some of Europe’s finest archaeological monuments. Hebrides are renowned for their wild, windswept beauty, with glorious white beaches, rugged moorland and lochs in the east. The Orkney archipelago is a complex jigsaw of land and water, while the land is a varied patchwork of cliffs, beaches, rich farmland, The former has extensive moorlands, and the latter high wetland, lochs and dry moorland. mountains, but both posess the typical vegetation of machair grassland where waders and corncrakes nest, wonderful coastlines The fertility of both the land and the sea, and the sheer diversity of for seabirds, and offer what is probably the best chance in Britain of habitat, gives rise to a corresponding wealth of wildlife - particularly seeing four species of diver in breeding plumage. birds - and Orkney boasts several reserves that protect them. Lewis has one of the highest densities of breeding merlins in Huge numbers of guillemot, razorbill, puffin, kittiwake and fulmar Europe, and Harris is similarly endowed with golden eagles. Both populate the cliffs, breeding wildfowl and waders frequent the are outstanding for breeding wildfowl and waders. small lochans, and short-eared owls quarter the moorland, along with both great and Arctic skua and a few hen harriers. Add to this, wonderful wild scenery and perhaps the most impressively-sited standing stones in Europe, at Callanish, and you Wild flowers also abound, including the minute and vivid Scottish have the ingredients for a great British holiday. primrose, a British endemic.

OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 1 Meet at Stornoway airport & transfer to Carloway Day 1 Meet at Stromness Days 2-6 Birdwatching & wildlife viewing around the islands Days 2-6 Wildlife & birdwatching excursions on Orkney Day 7 End at Stornoway airport Day 7 End at Stromness

ACCOMMODATION Charming mid-range hotel with en suite ACCOMMODATION Loch-side hotel with en suite facilities facilities PRICE FROM £1,525 (land only) PRICE FROM £1,295 (land only) SINGLE SUPP Nil SINGLE SUPP Nil PRICE INCLUDES Transfers, accommodation, all meals & PRICE INCLUDES Transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities guided activities GROUP SIZE 8 GROUP SIZE 7 LEADER Steve Duffield LEADER Steve Duffield TOUR CODE UK5 TOUR CODE UK4 01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 29 Scotland Scotland

Autumn in the Scottish Highlands Outer Hebrides in Summer & Saturday 22 - Saturday 29 October 2016 Autumn Monday 10 - Sunday 16 October 2016 Monday 10 - Sunday 16 October 2016 Saturday 21 - Saturday 28 October 2017 Saturday 22 - Friday 28 July 2017 The Scottish Highlands are at their most dramatic in late October, Saturday 7 - Friday 13 October 2017 when autumn colours permeate the trees, mists linger in the glens, and red deer stags roar in the hills in the rutting season. This beautiful corner of Britain is renowned for its wild and windswept beauty, with glorious white beaches and rugged We visit ancient Caledonian pine forests, moorland and perhaps moorland indented with numerous lochs to the east. lower mountain slopes, as well as the highland glens and lochs, and will also venture to the coast of the Moray Firth. In summer the machair is in full bloom, with multi-coloured patches of kidney and tufted vetch, and white and red clover Exploring nearby Loch Garten and Abernethy Forest Reserves, we creating a stunning, sweet-smelling display. Waders breed in search for common and Scottish crossbill, crested tit, capercaillie, abundance, divers in breeding plumage frequent the lochs, golden black grouse, red squirrel and red deer, while in Strathdearn we eagles soar overhead, and there's chance of seeing storm petrel should see brown and mountain hares, golden eagle, peregrine, and cetaceans. raven, dipper and plenty of red deer. White-tailed eagles are a possibility here too. Autumn is arguably one of the most exciting times of year as the islands teem with migrant birds. The beaches are full with waders, On the coast we should see red-breasted merganser, long-tailed while the lochs come alive with wildfowl arriving from the north. duck, common and velvet scoters, eider, plus various auks and Raptors are everywhere, and the bellowing of red deer stags in gannets. There may also be time to visit the Black Isle to look for red their rut breaks the still morning air. Otters are easier to spot as they kite and visit Chanonry Point to see bottlenose dolphins, seals and enjoy the renewed quiet in the seaweed-strewn arms of the eastern otters. lochs, which also provide shelter to harbour seals.

OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 1 Meet at Inverness & transfer to Grantown-on-Spey Day 1 Meet at Benbecula airport Days 2-6 Birding & wildlife excursions in the area Days 2-6 Wildlife & birding excursions around the islands Day 7 End at Inverness Day 7 End at Benbecula airport ACCOMMODATION Comfortable hotel with en suite facilities ACCOMMODATION Two-star hotel with en suite facilities PRICE FROM £1,325 (land only) PRICE FROM £1,155 (land only) SINGLE SUPP £145 SINGLE SUPP Nil PRICE INCLUDES Transfers, accommodation, all meals & PRICE INCLUDES Transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities guided activities GROUP SIZE 12 GROUP SIZE 8 LEADERS Mike & Liz Read* LEADER Steve Duffield TOUR CODE UK9 TOUR CODE UK6 * 2nd tour leader subject to minimum numbers 30 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays Europe Scotland Scotland

Shetland Wildlife Highland Wildlife Break Saturday 17 - Saturday 24 June 2017 Monday 3 - Saturday 8 April 2017 The most northerly place in Britain, Shetland is a rugged Monday 2 - Saturday 7 April 2018 archipelago of over one hundred islands and skerries, with a Aigas Field Centre makes an ideal location for an early spring landscape of peat-covered hills and a bewildering mosaic of sea break in the Scottish Highlands. Based around a fine Victorian lochs, rocky peninsulas and scattered crofts and freshwater lochs. mansion that was originally built as a shooting lodge, it has both These remote havens hold some of the most spectacular seabird a formal garden and a wild estate. During our stay we enjoy the colonies – a quarter of a million puffins and hundreds of thousands ‘Highland house-party’ atmosphere, hosted by its owners. of guillemots for starters. There are accessible gannet colonies with The facilities are extensive with hides, nature trails and vehicles at least 15,000 pairs, while kittiwakes and both common and Arctic all designed with wildlife watching in mind, and a team of highly terns have great and Arctic skua to contend with. The lochs hold trained wildlife rangers. The grounds are alive with birdlife, numerous pairs of red-throated diver and several species of wader, including crested tit and crossbill. The mammals can be spectacular including whimbrel and red-necked phalarope, breed here. too, with red squirrel and pine marten around the lodge itself, and Shetland has also become well known for its otters and we pay introduced European beaver nearby. special attention to finding and photographing them on this trip. Full day excursions to the Black Isle and across to the spectacular Finally, either of our boat trips or sea-watching from the shore may West Coast ensure we get the absolute best out of the region's flora produce grey and harbour seal, harbour porpoise, minke whale and and fauna. Highlights include its avian residents – golden eagle, even orca (whose sightings are increasing each year). peregrine, red kite, black and red-throated divers, and red and black grouse - some of which are in breeding plumage. OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY

Days 1-3 Meet at Sumburgh airport & transfer to Scalloway Days 4-6 Baltasound; explore Unst, Fetlar and Yell Day 1 Meet at Inverness airport/station & transfer to Aigas Day 7 Scalloway Day 2 Wildlife & birding activities around Aigas Estate Day 8 End at Sumburgh airport Days 3-5 Nature trips to the Black Isle & West Coast Day 6 End at Inverness airport/station

ACCOMMODATION Good mid-range hotels with en suite ACCOMMODATION Characterful accommodation at Aigas facilities PRICE FROM £1,045 (land only) PRICE FROM £1,595 (land only) SINGLE SUPP Nil SINGLE SUPP £295 PRICE INCLUDES Transfers, accommodation, all meals & PRICE INCLUDES Transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities guided activities GROUP SIZE 20 GROUP SIZE 8 LEADERS Brian Wood, accompanied by Aigas LEADERS Rebecca Nason & Phil Harris rangers TOUR CODE UK10 TOUR CODE UK8 01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 31 Slovakia Slovenia & Hungary

Spring Birding in Slovakia NEW Butterflies of the Alps, Grasslands Wednesday 12 - Sunday 16 April 2017 & Coast Wednesday 11 - Sunday 15 April 2018 Saturday 15 - Saturday 22 July 2017 With its unspoilt nature, beautiful landscapes, short distances The tiny nation of Slovenia has a little bit of everything - and good infrastructure, Slovakia makes an excellent birding wonderful scenery with high mountains, Adriatic beaches and destination. The Tatra Mountains offer beautiful scenery and vast rich wildlife - all still relatively undiscovered. coniferous forests with pygmy and Ural owls, three-toed and white-backed woodpeckers, ring ouzel, golden and lesser spotted Amidst the majestic, soaring limestone crags of the Julian Alps, we eagles. explore still lakes, dense forests and high alpine pastures in search of the many butterflies that reside here, including a number of The Tatras, which straddle the Slovak-Polish border, rising to 2,495 rarities. Camberwell beauty, purple emperor, dark green fritillary, metres, are a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Among the commoner false grayling and greater sooty satyr are all present. woodland species, we hope to find nutcracker, hazel grouse, firecrest and ring ouzel. We then head down to the Adriatic coast in search of Mediterranean long- tailed blue, purple-edge copper, common Leaving the Tatras behind, we head southeast to the Slovak Karst. glider, spotted fritillary and tufted-marbled skipper. In what must In April there’s a good chance of seeing pygmy and Tengmalm’s surely be one of the most varied itineraries possible in Europe, we owls by day, while at higher elevations we search for hazel grouse, also visit the beautiful glacial lake of Bohinj in Triglav National Park, nutcracker, common crossbill and crested tit. before spending three days just over the border in Hungary.

OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 1 Fly to Poprad and transfer to Liptovsky Jan in the Tatra Day 1 Fly to Ljubljana & transfer to Podgorje Mountains Days 2-3 Podgorje Day 2 Explore the Low Tatras Days 4-5 Mangartom Days 3-4 Explore the Slovak Karst Day 6 Drive to Örség National Park, Hungary Day 5 Drive to Poprad & flight to UK Day 7 Örség National Park Day 8 Flight to UK

ACCOMMODATION Simple but comfortable mid-range hotels ACCOMMODATION Mid-range hotels & guesthouses with en PRICE FROM £1,195 suite facilities SINGLE SUPP £130 PRICE FROM £1,695 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all SINGLE SUPP £215 meals & guided activities PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all GROUP SIZE 12 meals & guided activities LEADERS Local guide & Barrie Cooper* GROUP SIZE 12 TOUR CODE SLVK1 LEADER Rudi Verovnik *2nd tour leader subject to minimum numbers TOUR CODE SLOV1 32 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays Europe Spain Spain

Wallcreepers & Cranes in Aragón Secret Wilderness of Extremadura Sunday 4 - Saturday 10 December 2016 Saturday 1 - Saturday 8 April 2017 Sunday 3 - Saturday 9 December 2017 Saturday 23 - Saturday 30 September 2017 Join us for a late autumn break to the mountains, steppes and Saturday 23 - Saturday 30 December 2017 wetlands of Northern Spain, with wintering raptors and mountain Saturday 31 March - Saturday 7 April 2018 birds in the Pyrenean foothills, Dupont’s lark on the steppes, and For more than a decade we’ve been running tours to one of our thousands of cranes going to roost at the Laguna de Gallocanta. favourite areas in Europe, the secret wilderness of Extremadura in Starting in the High Pyrenees and reaching down nearly as far as the centre of the Iberian peninsula. Valencia, Aragón has many of the habitat types found throughout The wild and beautiful country of Extremadura holds some of the rest of the country. There are wetlands, rolling dry grassland Europe’s most endangered bird species in their last strongholds. and farmland, rugged forested hills and canyons, and the snow- The Spanish steppes are home to Europe’s strongest remaining capped mountains of the Pyrenees themselves. population of great bustard, together with good numbers of little We visit this area in late autumn when thousands of cranes are bustard, and both pin-tailed and black-bellied sandgrouse. present on one of the lakes, when the sandgrouse form flocks in A spectacular assemblage of raptors includes black vulture, the steppe country, and when high mountain birds such as alpine imperial eagle and black-shouldered kite. accentor and wallcreeper have moved to more accessible lower Throughout the area, with its picturesque villages and huge altitudes. savannah-like landscape, white stork nests can be found. This is a unique, and incredibly distinctive part of Europe, with lovely OUTLINE ITINERARY scenery and absolutely brimming with birds. As well as departures in spring and autumn, you can now also join Day 1 Fly to Barcelona & transfer to Huesca us over Christmas on this trip in the wilds of Spain. Days 2-3 Birding & wildlife excursions around Huesca Day 4 Transfer to Daroca OUTLINE ITINERARY Days 5-6 Birding & wildlife excursions around Daroca Day 7 Flight to UK Day 1 Fly to Madrid & transfer to Trujillo Days 2-7 Birding & wildlife excursions throughout the area Day 8 Flight to UK ACCOMMODATION 16th century ‘palacete’ & country hotel ACCOMMODATION Small country guesthouse with en suite facilities PRICE FROM £1,645 PRICE FROM £1,395 SINGLE SUPP £180 SINGLE SUPP £65 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 7 GROUP SIZE 7 LEADER John Muddeman LEADER John Muddeman TOUR CODE SPAI3 TOUR CODE SPAI5 01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 33 Spain Spain

Iberian Lynx Quest The High Aragón Saturday 22 - Saturday 29 October 2016 Wednesday 7 - Wednesday 14 June 2017 Saturday 28 January - Saturday 4 February 2017 With snow-capped mountains to the north and pine-clad rocky Saturday 21 - Saturday 28 October 2017 hills rising dramatically from the Aragón Valley floor to the south, Saturday 27 January - Saturday 3 February 2018 the Spanish Pyrenees make a truly spectacular setting for a wildlife holiday. Join us to explore some of the most wonderful and wild corners of Andalucia – the vast Doñana National Park and the rugged We stay in the town of Hecho in the central Pyrenees, within easy Andújar Natural Park. These are the last refuges of the rarest cat reach of high mountains to the north, and pine forests and superb in the world – the critically endangered Iberian lynx – as well as pinnacles of Riglos to the south. home to a wealth of other delights. Red and black kite, together with griffon and Egyptian vulture and An expert at slipping through its scrubby habitat unseen, the booted eagle, soar overhead, while short-toed eagle hover over the Iberian lynx is the smallest of the world’s three lynx species. open hillsides searching for snakes and lizards, and golden eagle Although it is one of the hardest European wild cats to see, we hunt amongst the highest peaks. maximise our chances and endeavour to learn about its ecology But for most birdwatchers, one of the major goals of a visit to the and conservation. We spend our time enjoying the diverse Spanish Pyrenees must be to see that most rakish and dashing of mammals and birds within these two, quite different, lynx habitats, vultures, the lammergeier. This is one of the best places in Europe with our base in truly beautiful and typical local villages adding a to see this threatened species, and most years we see individuals magical experience to our journey. on several occasions during our stay.

OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 1 Fly to Seville & transfer to Andújar Day 1 Fly to Bilbao & transfer to Hecho Days 2-3 Explore the hills & mountains of Andújar Natural Park Days 2-7 Birdwatching & wildlife excursions in & around Hecho Day 4 Transfer to El Rocío Day 8 Flight to UK Days 5-7 Explore Coto Doñana Day 8 Flight to UK

ACCOMMODATION Three star hotel & garden cabins. All have ACCOMMODATION Three star hotel with en suite facilities en suite facilities except 2 single cabins PRICE FROM £1,295 PRICE FROM £1,545 SINGLE SUPP £120 SINGLE SUPP £160 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 7 GROUP SIZE 14 LEADER John Muddeman LEADERS John Muddeman & Chris Griffin* TOUR CODE SPAI4 TOUR CODE SPAI2 * 2nd tour leader subject to minimum numbers 34 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays Europe Spain Sweden

Pyrenees & Plains NEW Scandinavian Spring Saturday 6 - Saturday 13 May 2017 Thursday 20 - Sunday 23 April 2017 Saturday 2 - Saturday 9 September 2017 Thursday 19 - Sunday 22 April 2018 Saturday 5 - Saturday 12 May 2018 Enjoy a few days among the many lakes and wild forests of central This tour explores nine distinct habitats in the western corner of the Sweden. Great birds and wonderful hospitality are the ingredients Pyrenees. Raptors are common and we should see red and black for a hugely rewarding short break! kites, griffon and Egyptian vultures, marsh and Montagu’s harriers The forests of Central Sweden are an extension of the great belt and – biggest of all – lammergeier. of taiga forest that stretches between the Arctic tundra and the The plains of Bardenas Reales are home to all the larks - including temperate forests of Eurasia. Dupont’s. The saline lagoon is one of the best spots in Spain for These woodlands are clearly different to anything we have in bittern, and also good for marsh harrier, while the surrounding Britain, and are an echo of the ancient woodland that once covered farmland offers bee-eater, roller, hoopoe and corn bunting. We much of Europe. They are correspondingly rich in fauna, combining continue past rocky massifs to explore the foothills and mountains elements of Arctic with both central European and alpine wildlife. of the Pyrenees. Other specialities include wallcreeper, alpine accentor, alpine chough, citril finch, black redstart and northern Crested tit, osprey, black grouse and both red and black-throated wheatear. divers are found all here, in addition to hazel grouse, nutcracker, black, grey-headed and three-toed woodpeckers. There is also an OUTLINE ITINERARY excellent concentration of owls, with pygmy, Tengmalm’s, Ural, great grey and eagle owl all present.

Day 1 Fly to Bilbao and transfer via Urdaibai to Uncastillo OUTLINE ITINERARY Days 2-3 Explore Bardenas Reales Nature Park Day 4 Visit Agüero and Riglos en route to Berdún Days 5-7 Explore the Pyrenees Day 1 Fly to Stockholm & transfer to Skultuna Day 8 Transfer to Bilbao and fly back to the UK Days 2-3 Birdwatching in & around Svartådalen Day 4 Flight to UK

ACCOMMODATION Small hotel & family-run guesthouse ACCOMMODATION Comfortable mid-range hotel with en PRICE FROM £1,495 suite facilities SINGLE SUPP £140 PRICE FROM £1,795 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all SINGLE SUPP £100 meals & guided activities PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all GROUP SIZE 7 meals & guided activities LEADER Richard Cash GROUP SIZE 7 TOUR CODE SPAI7 LEADER Daniel Green TOUR CODE SWED2

01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 35 Sweden Sweden

Scandinavian Autumn Butterflies & Dragonflies in Friday 1 - Tuesday 5 September 2017 Summer Autumn amongst the lakes and wild forests of central Sweden Saturday 24 June - Friday 30 June 2017 brings tens of thousands of migrating raptors, cranes and geese, a chance of seeing bluethroats and other migrants in the hand, Central Sweden offers a wide variety of butterflies – in fact around plus a selection of northern moths and butterflies, and - with luck 85 of Sweden's 120 species can be seen here, together with an - even rutting elk. interesting combination of dragonflies and damselflies. As the summer draws inexorably to a close, these peaceful forests, At the height of the Nordic summer, when the nights are little lakes and water meadows act as a giant magnet for large numbers more than an hour of twilight, a fascinating collection of unique of migrating birds, as they head south through en Scandinavian species is on the menu. This is the best time to see route to winter in warmer climes. poplar admiral, Baltic grayling, scarce fritillary, Frigga's fritillary and many more. Beside the many expanses of open water, raptors such as white- tailed eagle, osprey, hobby and marsh harrier are all easy to see. We visit some of central Sweden’s richest butterfly sites without the need for any really long drives. Starting with a night on the Baltic In addition to this abundance of migrants, the many resident birds coast opposite Gräsö Island gives us a chance of seeing Glanville are active, busily putting on weight to see them through the snowy fritillary, while on the mainland we hope to find clouded Apollo. months ahead. Mammal sightings are also possible, including belligerent elk bulls which are ready for the autumn rut with an This is also the season for several of Scandinavia’s dragonfly impressive full rack of antlers designed to attract attention. specialities, such as yellow-spotted, lilypad and ruby whiteface, common clubtail, small pincertail and the very rare pygmy damselfly. OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY Day 1 Fly to Stockholm & transfer to Skultuna Day 2 Birdwatching in & around Svartådalen Day 1 Fly to Stockholm & transfer to Öregrund Days 3-4 Örebro Day 2 Visit 'Butterfly Road' & transfer to Svartådalen Day 5 Flight to UK Days 3-6 Butterfly & dragonfly watching in Svartådalen Day 7 Flight to UK

ACCOMMODATION Comfortable mid-range hotel with en ACCOMMODATION Comfortable mid-range hotels with en suite facilities suite facilities PRICE FROM £1,695 PRICE FROM £1,995 SINGLE SUPP £100 SINGLE SUPP £125 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 7 GROUP SIZE 7 LEADER Daniel Green LEADER Niclas Lignell TOUR CODE SWED3 TOUR CODE SWED4 36 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays Africa Botswana, Namibia, Zambia Ethiopia

Endemics & Migrants in NEW Ethiopian Endemics in Winter NEW Kalahari Waterways Thursday 16 February - Saturday 4 March 2017 Saturday 25 February - Sunday 12 March 2017 Thursday 15 February - Saturday 3 March 2018 Saturday 24 February - Sunday 11 March 2018 Ethiopia’s unique habitats boast one of Africa’s richest populations of indigenous birds, plants and wildlife. We focus on the most Botswana’s diverse habitats - from grassland and savannah to salt sought-after of the 800 plus bird species which include 37 pan, wetland and lagoon – are home to over 580 bird species. This endemics. The Rift Valley and its lakes have few endemics, but two-week itinerary combines comfort, wilderness and the finest offers varied and enjoyable savannah and wetland birding for wildlife locations at the peak of the 'green season' – an ideal time resident species, plus a host of migrants. The alpine moorland, for migrants – accompanied by Botswana-based naturalist guide, grassland and lakes of Bale Mountains National Park and the Richard Randall. Sanetti Plateau are home to Ethiopian wolf and many highland Highlights include the near-endemic slaty egret, endangered endemic birds; curiously, there are also a number of species not wattled crane, and rare Pel’s fishing owl in the Okavango, Schalow’s found elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa, while the south of the turaco near Victoria Falls and Caprivi Strip, the colourful carmine country offers superb birding, with much sought-after specials bee-eater and kori bustard in Chobe, while Makgadikgadi Pans such as the endemic Ruspoli’s turaco, white-tailed , offers the spectacle of thousands of greater and lesser flamingos Ethiopian bush crow, and the highly endangered Liben lark. that congregate in its shallow waters to breed! OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY Day 1 Fly overnight to Addis Ababa Day 1 Fly overnight to Maun Days 2-3 Drive to Debre Libanos & return to Addis Day 2 Lake Ngami Days 4-6 Awash National Park Days 3-4 Panhandle, Okavango Delta Days 7-9 Lake Awassa, Great Rift Valley & Wondo Genet Days 5-6 Caprivi Strip, Namibia Days 10-12 Bale Mountains, Sanetti Plateau, Harenna Forest & Days 7-8 Livingstone, Victoria Falls Welman River Falls Days 9-10 Chobe National Park Day 13 Goba & Negele Day 11 Nata Bird Sanctuary & Magkadigkadi Pans Days 14-15 Negele & Lake Langano Days 12-14 Moremi Game Reserve Day 16 Return to Addis & overnight flight Day 15 Overnight flight Day 17 Arrive UK Day 16 Arrive UK ACCOMMODATION Safari lodges & tented camps ACCOMMODATION Simple, yet comfortable accommodation PRICE FROM £4,895 PRICE FROM £4,395 SINGLE SUPP £365 SINGLE SUPP £365 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities, park fees meals & guided activities, park fees GROUP SIZE 9 GROUP SIZE 12 LEADER Richard Randall LEADER Chris Griffin TOUR CODE BOTS3 TOUR CODE ETHI1 38 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays Africa Gambia Gambia

Bird Photography Safari West African Birdwatch Tuesday 13 - Friday 23 December 2016 Friday 4 - Friday 18 November 2016 Tuesday 5 - Friday 15 December 2017 Friday 3 - Friday 17 November 2017 The Gambia has long been a top destination for birdwatchers, Abuko Rainforest Reserve, the huge area of mangroves, freshwater attracted by its huge variety of colourful and approachable pools and savannah at Keur Saloum, Kaur wetlands and the creeks birdlife. Wildlife photographer and West African birding expert of the Gambia River are all on the list of this magnificent West Ashley Grove will be on hand to get us close to some of the African birding safari – only six hours away from the UK. country's iconic species. Parrots, hornbills, rollers, bee-eaters, sunbirds, kingfishers, and This trip travels through a tremendous range of habitats including more than a dozen species of heron can all be found here, together dry savannah, wide rivers, forest and tidal creeks, each home to a with Egyptian plover, crowned cranes and the diminutive white- rich variety of birdlife. faced scops owl. Although there will be photographic opportunities throughout, There is some great wildlife in the area including several particular highlights include Tanji Beach, Katong wetland, Kotu, spectacular butterflies. We hope to see Nile monitor lizard and both and the Gambia River, where we take excursions into the creeks green and red colobus monkey. and intricate waterways with huge mangroves. Whether you are The Gambia makes an ideal introduction to African birdwatching a capable photographer or just starting out, Ashley will be able to coupled, as it is, with comfortable hotels on the coast, and a friendly offer the necessary guidance for your level of experience. welcome from the locals. OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY

Days 1-3 Fly to Banjul, coastal birding Days 1-5 Fly to Banjul, excursions to reserves & wetlands Days 4-5 Kiang West National Park Days 6-7 Keur Saloum Days 6-8 Georgetown Days 8-10 Georgetown Day 9 Kiang West National Park Days 11-12 Kiang West National Park Day 10 Banjul Days 13-14 Banjul Day 11 Flight to UK Day 15 Flight to UK

ACCOMMODATION Comfortable hotels & safari camps ACCOMMODATION Comfortable hotels & safari lodges/camps PRICE FROM £2,695 PRICE FROM £2,895 SINGLE SUPP £160 SINGLE SUPP £250 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 8 GROUP SIZE 14 LEADER Ashley Grove LEADER John Muddeman TOUR CODE GAMB2 TOUR CODE GAMB1 01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 39 Ghana Madagascar

Quest for the Picathartes NEW Land of the Lemur Tuesday 21 February - Saturday 4 March 2017 Thursday 7 - Wednesday 20 September 2017 Wednesday 21 February - Sunday 4 March 2018 Separated from the African continent by just a few hundred With over 760 bird species, more than 1,000 butterfly species, kilometres of sea, but by more than a hundred million years in and an interesting diversity of flora and mammals, Ghana is a time, Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest island and almost a naturalist’s paradise. The aim of our tour is to see the iconic white- continent in its own right. necked picathartes, and we will be one of the first groups to stay It is home to more than half the world’s chameleons and, of course. within walking distance of this prehistoric bird’s nesting site. We lemurs – the most primitive group of primates. They have evolved visit a spectacular range of habitats from Kakum National Park, into a stunning range of species from the howling indri, which where we search for birdlife on the famous canopy walkway greets the dawn in Périnet with its echoing calls, to tiny nocturnal situated 40-metres above the forest floor, to the beautiful Ankasa mouse lemurs. Madagascar will dazzle any wildlife enthusiast with Reserve – Ghana’s only evergreen rainforest. Bird highlights include its birds, mammals and reptiles, many of which are quite simply blue-moustached bee-eater, Congo serpent-eagle, Akun eagle owl, nothing short of bizarre! and black dwarf hornbill. We also visit Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, Shai Hills Reserve and Sakumono Lagoon. OUTLINE ITINERARY Why not extend your stay and visit Mole National Park and Bolgatanga? See website. Day 1 Fly to Antananarivo OUTLINE ITINERARY Days 2-3 Berenty Private Reserve Day 4 Fort Dauphin Day 5 Tulear Day 1 Fly to Accra Day 6 Isalo Days 2-4 Kakum National Park Days 7-8 Ranomafana National Park Days 5-6 Ankasa Reserve Day 9 Antsirabe Day 7 Kakum National Park Days 10-12 Andasibe-Mantadia National Park Day 8 Abrafo Forest Day 13 Overnight flight Day 9 Kumasi Day 14 Arrive UK Day 10 Bobiri Reserve Day 11 Overnight flight arriving Day 12 - or join extension to Mole National Park ACCOMMODATION Hotels, lodges & camps ACCOMMODATION Small hotels & lodges PRICE FROM £2,695 PRICE FROM £4,145 SINGLE SUPP £225 SINGLE SUPP £500 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities, park fees GROUP SIZE 12 GROUP SIZE 14 LEADER Paul Mensah LEADER Barrie Cooper TOUR CODE GHAN1 TOUR CODE MADA2

40 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays Africa Madagascar Morocco

An Island Apart High Atlas, Sahara & Atlantic Tuesday 10 - Monday 30 October 2017 Friday 10 - Monday 20 March 2017 The island’s most famous inhabitants are its lemurs – charming Friday 9 - Monday 19 March 2018 relatives of the primates that have lifestyles as diverse as With a magnificent variety of dramatic landscapes at any time of the forests they live in. Elegant white Verreaux’s sifakas and year, Morocco boasts possibly the richest birdlife of any country in charismatic ring-tailed lemurs live in the arid south, cuddly teddy- North Africa. bear-like indri and gorgeous diademed sifaka live in the lush rainforests, and only after dark do tiny mouse and dwarf lemurs We start in the mountains of the High Atlas, as we look for the become active. endemic Levaillant’s woodpecker, before descending to the northern boundary of the immense Sahara desert. Out in the sand We visit some of the island’s prime sites such as Masoala and dunes at Merzouga we try to locate specialities such as pharaoh Andasibe-Mantadia National Parks, together with less well- eagle owl, desert sparrow and Egyptian nightjar. known but equally spectacular and unusual places like Marojejy National Park and Daraina, accompanied by renowned wildlife In complete contrast, our trip ends at the Atlantic coast, where photographer and Madagascar expert, Nick Garbutt. we explore the broad estuaries of the Souss and Massa rivers for waders, wildfowl, and wetland species that include the threatened OUTLINE ITINERARY bald ibis. OUTLINE ITINERARY Days 1-2 Overnight flight to Antananarivo Day 3 Maroansetra Days 4-6 Masoala National Park Day 1 Fly to Marrakech Days 7-8 Antananarivo Day 2 Ourika, in the Atlas Mountains Day 9 Sambava Days 3-4 Boumalne du Dadès Days 10-12 Marojejy National Park Days 5-6 Derkaoua, near Merzouga Day 13 Vohemar Day 7 Tamnougalt, Draa Valley Days 14-15 Daraina Day 8 Ouled Berhil, near Taroudant Day 16 Antananarivo Days 9-10 Agadir Days 17-19 Andasibe Day 11 Flight to UK Day 20 Depart Antananarivo arriving Day 21

ACCOMMODATION The best available in each location ACCOMMODATION Good mid-range hotels including two permanent field camps PRICE FROM £1,445 PRICE FROM £6,595 SINGLE SUPP £150 SINGLE SUPP £550 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities, park fees GROUP SIZE 12 GROUP SIZE 8 LEADER t.b.a LEADER Nick Garbutt TOUR CODE MORO3 TOUR CODE MADA1 01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 41 Namibia South Africa

Skeleton Coast & Etosha Spring Flowers from Kalahari to Sunday 23 October - Sunday 6 November 2016 the Cape Sunday 22 October - Sunday 5 November 2017 Saturday 12 - Monday 28 August 2017 Namibia has one of Africa’s most bird-rich coastlines and some of This safari visits a multitude of habitats from the blistering deserts the highest and most dramatic dunes in the world. and the wildflower meadows of Namaqualand to the fynbos It is also blessed with rocky highlands, coastal wetlands and Etosha kingdom of the Western Cape. – one of Africa’s finest wildlife reserves. The gigantic skeleton dunes Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is home to huge black-maned lion, of Sossusvlei, the southern part of the Skeleton Coast at Walvis Bay cheetah, leopard, gemsbok and numerous other mammals, as and Swakopmund, and the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park are well as over 200 species of bird, and is one of the world’s last true all integral stops on our route, offering a superb array of mammals wilderness reserves. Add to this Augrabies Falls, dramatic mountain and birds – including a number of avian endemics. scenery, unique fynbos vegetation, the kaleidoscopic colours of the We also take in a visit to the deciduous woodland of the Waterberg world famous Namaqualand in full spring bloom and you have a Plateau Reserve and its surrounding semi-dry acacia forest, where safari packed with plant life as well as wildlife! we will look for rosy-faced lovebird. OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 1 Fly overnight to Cape Town Day 1 Fly overnight to Windhoek Day 2 Cape Town, Cape Peninsula Day 2 Windhoek Days 3-6 Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Day 3 Waterberg Plateau Days 7-8 Augrabies Falls National Park Days 4-7 Etosha National Park Day 9 Goegap Nature Reserve Days 8-9 Damaraland Days 10-12 Namaqua National Park Days 10-11 Swakopmund & Walvis Bay Day 13 Cederberg Mountains Days 12-13 Sossusvlei Days 14-15 Rondevlei Bird Reserve & Hermanus Day 14 Overnight flight Day 16 Overnight flight Day 15 Arrive UK Day 17 Arrive UK

ACCOMMODATION Hotels, guesthouses & safari lodges ACCOMMODATION A mixture of characterful hotels, lodges & PRICE FROM £4,795 national park rest houses SINGLE SUPP £385 PRICE FROM £4,395 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all SINGLE SUPP £320 meals & guided activities, park fees PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all GROUP SIZE 8 meals & guided activities, park fees LEADER Geoff Crane GROUP SIZE 8 TOUR CODE NAMI5 LEADER Geoff Crane TOUR CODE SOUT4 42 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays Africa South Africa South Africa

The Cape & Karoo Flowers & Wildlife of the Cape & Saturday 7 - Sunday 22 January 2017 Garden Route Saturday 6 - Sunday 21 January 2018 Sunday 2 - Sunday 16 October 2016 Starting in Cape Town, we spend time exploring the wonders Sunday 1 - Sunday 15 October 2017 of this beautiful city including the world famous Kirstenbosch From the flowers, whales, birds and stunning scenery of the Cape, National Botanical Gardens, the Cape of Good Hope Nature along the west coast, across to the Karoo, and back along the Reserve, and both Rondevlei and Strandfontein Bird Reserves. beautiful Garden Route, we visit an astoundingly beautiful and We visit the Great Karoo, Mountain Zebra and Addo Elephant varied land, rich in wildlife. National Parks during the summer rains, which makes these areas We start amongst Cape Town’s dramatic mountains and unique much greener and cooler than usual, resulting in great mammal fynbos vegetation, travel up the west coast to Langebaan Lagoon sightings. and then to Lambert’s Bay for the Cape gannet colony. We enjoy January is a great time to visit the Cape, with all the Palaearctic ancient rock art then head for the Karoo, with its drought-adapted and African bird migrants present, and the weather is almost succulent plants and specialised birds, ending in one of the best guaranteed to be hot and sunny. places in the world for shore-based whale-watching.

OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 1 Fly overnight to Cape Town Day 1 Fly overnight to Cape Town Days 2-4 Cape Town Days 2-4 Cape Town Days 5-6 Karoo National Park Days 5-6 Langebaan Lagoon Days 7-8 Mountain Zebra National Park Days 7-8 Bird Island & Cedarberg Days 9-10 Addo Elephant National Park Day 9 Karoo National Botanical Gardens Days 11-13 Garden Route Days 10-11 Garden Route Day 14 Hermanus Days 12-13 Hermanus, whale watching excursions Day 15 Overnight flight Day 14 Overnight flight Day 16 Arrive UK Day 15 Arrive UK

ACCOMMODATION A mixture of small hotels, guesthouses & ACCOMMODATION Comfortable guesthouses, national park national park chalets chalets & small hotels PRICE FROM £3,995 PRICE FROM £4,395 SINGLE SUPP £320 SINGLE SUPP £385 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities , park fees meals & guided activities, park fees GROUP SIZE 8 GROUP SIZE 8 LEADER Geoff Crane LEADER Geoff Crane TOUR CODE SOUT2 TOUR CODE SOUT6 01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 43 South Africa South Africa

Flora & Fauna of Zululand & the Wildlife of Kruger & KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg Sunday 23 October - Sunday 6 November 2016 Tuesday 14 - Tuesday 28 March 2017 Sunday 22 October - Sunday 5 November 2017 Tuesday 13 - Tuesday 27 March 2018 From the big game of Kruger National Park and stunning grassland scenery of Mpumulanga, to the lowland savannah and The dramatic Drakensberg Mountains are a wildlife treasure chest coastal wetlands of KwaZulu-Natal, we visit a land rich in wildlife. with over 2,000 species of flowering plant, 290 bird species and 48 mammal species recorded to date. We start with some birdwatching in Dullstroom before continuing to South Africa's foremost protected area, Kruger National Park – We enjoy leisurely walking, birding and botanising on the many renowned for its range of large mammals and predators. From here trails of the Drakensberg before heading to the Bonamanzi Private we head back up into the Mpumalanga highveld, where the open Game Reserve adjacent to Lake St Lucia and the magnificent grasslands are home to blue and crowned cranes and delightful Hluhluwe River. Here we can relax on a birdwatching boat trip on meerkats. We then continue south-east to KwaZulu-Natal, whose the river, as well as birdwatching and botanical walks in the sand- lowland savannahs and coastal wetlands offer probably the best forest and areas of tall woodland around the main camp. birdwatching South Africa. Our final visit is to the montane grasslands of the Highveld that The trip ends on the coast at St Lucia, where we explore the surround the fabulous wetlands of Wakkerstroom. wetland and adjacent dune-forest, and the possibility of seeing humpback whales. OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY Day 1 Fly overnight to Johannesburg Days 2-4 Golden Gates Highland National Park Day 1 Fly overnight to Johannesburg Days 5-6 Royal Natal National Park Days 2-3 Dullstroom Days 7-8 uKhahlamba National Park, Drakensberg Days 4-7 Kruger National Park Days 9-11 Lake St Lucia Days 8-9 Wakkerstroom Days 12-13 Wakkerstroom Days 10-11 Tembe Elephant Reserve Day 14 Overnight flight Days 12-13 St Lucia wetland Day 15 Arrive UK Day 14 Overnight flight arriving Day 15

ACCOMMODATION A mixture of characterful guesthouse & ACCOMMODATION Small hotels, guesthouses & spacious safari lodges with en suite facilities safari tents PRICE FROM £3,995 PRICE FROM £4,195 SINGLE SUPP £320 SINGLE SUPP £360 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities, park fees meals & guided activities, park fees GROUP SIZE 8 GROUP SIZE 10 LEADER Geoff Crane LEADER Gavin Sims TOUR CODE SOUT3 TOUR CODE SOUT7 44 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays Africa South Africa South Africa

Birds & Big Cats of Kruger Flower Photography in NEW Monday 28 August - Saturday 9 September 2017 Namaqualand We visit South Africa’s north-east corner on this birdwatching and Sunday 20 August - Monday 4 September 2017 wildlife tour, taking in the highveld, Kruger National Park and a superb private game reserve, with unparalleled opportunities to Join award-winning natural history photographer Chris Mattison see lion, leopard, white rhino and other mammals. to capture the glorious bloom of spring flowers in contrasting areas of the Western Cape. The trip includes visits to the Cape South Africa is world-renowned for its incredible biological Winelands, as well as the Cederberg Wilderness – famed for its diversity, and nowhere is this more evident than in the north-east Bushman rock paintings, which are over 1,000 years old. of the country. Within a day’s drive we go from cool grasslands at over 2,000 metres to hot, sub-tropical savannah at no more than The itinerary is designed to maximise the creative opportunities 250 metres above sea level, with various transitional habitats in as Chris takes you through one of his favourite regions in the between. company of a local botanist guide.

For the birder and wildlife enthusiast this translates into a superb OUTLINE ITINERARY range of species that includes bokmakierie, Gurney’s sugarbird, Denham’s bustard, Drakensberg prinia, Cape grassbird, sentinel rock thrush, buff-streaked and ant-eating chat, and secretarybird, Day 1 Fly overnight to Cape Town and makes an ideal introduction to the region’s wildlife. Day 2 Visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens Day 3 Cape Peninsula OUTLINE ITINERARY Day 4 The West Coast Day 5 Flowering bulbs in the highlands Days 6-9 Spring flowers of Namaqualand Day 1 Fly overnight to Johannesburg Day 10 Succulents of The Knersvlakte Days 2-3 Dullstroom Day 11 The Cederberg: Wupperthal & Biedouw Valley Days 4-5 Mount Sheba Days 12-13 Central Cederberg Days 6-9 Kruger National Park Day 14 Through the ‘Cape Fold Mountains’ Days 10-11 Sabi Sand Game Reserve Day 15 False Bay, Harold Porter Botanical Garden, & overnight Day 12 Overnight flight arriving Day 13 flight Day 16 Arrive UK

ACCOMMODATION Characterful guesthouses, national park ACCOMMODATION Characterful guesthouses, national park accommodation & safari lodge accommodation & safari lodge PRICE FROM £4,095 PRICE FROM £4,395 SINGLE SUPP £500 SINGLE SUPP £270 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities, park fees meals & guided activities, park fees GROUP SIZE 10 GROUP SIZE 10 LEADER Gavin Sims LEADER Chris Mattison TOUR CODE SOUT5 TOUR CODE SOUT8 01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 45 Tanzania Uganda

Birding the Serengeti & Beyond NEW Uganda's Great Apes NEW Sunday 7 - Friday 19 May 2017 Thursday 21 September - Tuesday 3 October 2017 Sunday 6 - Friday 18 May 20178 With the world’s highest density of primates, Uganda is a truly Coinciding with the wildebeest migration, our safari to northern spectacular wildlife destination. Join renowned guide Harriet Tanzania focuses on the incredible East African birdlife, and the Kemigisha on this unique safari in Uganda’s best national parks. abundance of mammals roaming the rolling plains. We begin our tour in the enchanting Kibale Forest, home to 13 We begin in Arusha National Park, set between the towering Mount species of primate, to track man’s closest relative – the chimpanzee. Meru and snow-capped Kilimanjaro, to look for black-and-white Continuing to Queen Elizabeth National Park, we look for the colobus monkey, buffalo and giraffe, as well as fantastic birdlife famous tree-climbing lions and a wealth of birdlife including black including bar-tailed trogon, Hartlaub’s turaco, silvery-cheeked bee-eater and up to 11 species of kingfisher. We explore the park hornbill and Baglafecht weaver. on boat trips, game drives and walking safaris. We travel onwards to Tarangire, where amidst acacia bush, baobab Our next stop is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to the trees, plains, swamps and rocky outcrops lies a plethora of wildlife, endangered mountain gorilla. We trek the forested mountainous including large populations of elephant. We also visit Lake Manyara, slopes for a face-to-face encounter with these endearing apes. which supports greater and lesser flamingo, as well as pink and white-backed pelican. Finally, we visit Ngorongoro crater, and the OUTLINE ITINERARY Serengeti plains to see the dramatic migration, while looking for rufous-tailed weaver, Fischer’s lovebird and grey-breasted spur-fowl. Day 1 Fly to Entebbe OUTLINE ITINERARY Day 2 Kampala Days 3-4 Kibale Forest Days 5-7 Queen Elizabeth National Park Day 1 Fly to Kilimanjaro Days 8-10 Bwindi National Park Day 2 Arusha National Park Day 11 Lake Mburo National Park Days 3-4 Tarangire National Park Day 12 Overnight flight arriving Day 13 Days 5-6 Lake Manyara National Park Days 7-8 Ngorongoro Conservation Area Days 9-11 Serengeti National Park Day 12 Overnight flight arriving Day 13

ACCOMMODATION Hotels, guest houses, safari lodges & ACCOMMODATION Hotels, safari lodges & tented camps tented camps PRICE FROM £6,295 PRICE FROM £5,495 SINGLE SUPP £900 SINGLE SUPP £115 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 12 GROUP SIZE 12 LEADER Harriet Kemigisha LEADER James Wolstencroft TOUR CODE UGAN1 TOUR CODE TANZ4 46 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays Africa Zambia Zambia

Birding in South Luangwa Birding in Livingstone's Footsteps Saturday 5 - Sunday 13 November 2016 Sunday 21 May - Saturday 3 June 2017 Saturday 4 - Sunday 12 November 2017 Sunday 20 May - Saturday 2 June 2018 South Luangwa is undoubtedly the jewel among Zambia's Our tour begins in the wildlife-rich South Luangwa National Park parks. The eastern boundary of this unspoiled wilderness is the where we can see Nile crocodile, hippo, lion, leopard and a plethora meandering Luangwa River, whose many regular changes of of birds. course create scenic oxbow lakes. There could hardly be a better A short flight by light aircraft takes us to Mutinondo, where we place for birdwatchers, as Luangwa is blessed with some 400 take a day trip to look for the fascinating shoebill, all-the-while species including 39 raptors and 47 migrant species. looking out for wattled crane, pallid and Montagu’s harrier, yellow- The sun-scorched riverbanks play host to colonies of carmine bee- billed duck and countless other waterbirds, as well as tsessebe and eaters, which – together with numerous raptors, lovebirds, weavers thousands of endemic black lechwe. We head on to Lavushi Manda and kingfishers – lend more than a splash of colour to this beautiful and walk in the foothills before continuing via Kapandalupili Falls destination. and pristine miombo woodland. The beautiful ‘green season’ begins with the arrival of the first rains Our final stop is the remote Kasanka National Park where we in early November. These cleanse the dust and haze that builds take a boat ride in search of Pel’s fishing owl, African finfoot and up during the intense heat of the dry season, giving rise to a white-crowned night heron. Here we see Zambia’s tallest tree wonderful burst of green that adorns the previously parched earth. and perhaps blue duiker, while on the plains we should see puku, Flowering trees and plants come into bloom, and many animals sitatunga and hippo. – including African wild dog – give birth at this time, offering fantastic photographic opportunities. OUTLINE ITINERARY

OUTLINE ITINERARY Day 1 Fly overnight to Mfuwe via Lusaka Days 2-4 South Luangwa National Park Day 1 Fly overnight to Mfuwe via Lusaka Days 5-7 Mutinondo Wilderness Days 2-7 Birdwatching & game-viewing in the Luangwa Valley Days 8-9 Lavushi Manda National Park Day 8 Overnight flight Day 10 Fly to Kasanka via Bangweulu Swamp Day 9 Arrive UK Days 11-12 Kasanka National Park Day 13 Overnight flight arriving on Day 14 ACCOMMODATION Comfortable safari lodge ACCOMMODATION Simple, rustic bush lodges & comfortable PRICE FROM £3,695 safari lodges SINGLE SUPP Nil PRICE FROM £7,695 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all SINGLE SUPP £625 meals & guided activities PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all GROUP SIZE 10 meals & guided activities LEADER Kangachepe Banda GROUP SIZE 8 TOUR CODE ZAMB3 LEADER Frank Willems TOUR CODE ZAMB4 01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 47 North America North America Alaska Canada

Alaskan Wilderness in Summer Grand Manan’s Birds & Whales Friday 16 - Wednesday 28 June 2017 Thursday 17 - Friday 25 August 2017 More than anywhere else in North America, Alaska has retained its The Bay of Fundy is one of the world's great marine wonders. This wild character and ecological integrity, making a visit here simply a amazing ecosystem is powered by the highest tides in the world – ‘must do’ experience. which reach a staggering 14.5 metres. We visit in June when there are almost endless hours of daylight for Charging through submarine canyons, Fundy’s mighty currents exploring. This is an active time for birds and wildlife who feed their create upwellings that result in an abundance of food for marine young during the brief summer season. We look for moose in thick life and produce one of the greatest – and most accessible – spruce forests, circumnavigate islands full of seabirds in the narrow concentrations of whales and seabirds in the North Atlantic. fjords at Kenai, and hike in the magnificent wild surroundings of Denali National Park. Fin, minke, humpback and the rare North Atlantic right whale congregate here in August to feed their young, play and mate. Along the coast we can expect close encounters with humpback whales, orcas, dolphins and Steller’s sea lions, as well as tufted and We enjoy boat trips into the bay for whales and seabirds. Harbour horned puffins, Brünnich's guillemot and red- faced cormorant, porpoise may be seen as we head out to sea, and the likes of plus possibly the rare Kittlitz's murrelet. grey and red-necked phalarope, Atlantic puffins and Arctic and pomarine skua are all regularly observed. The intertidal zone is equally rich in life, attracting thousands of migrating waders – OUTLINE ITINERARY particularly semi-palmated sandpipers, which at this time of year can be in their thousands. Day 1 Fly to Anchorage OUTLINE ITINERARY Day 2 Anchorage Days 3-4 Homer Days 5-6 Seward Day 1 Fly to Halifax & transfer to Bouctouche Day 7 Anchorage Day 2 Bouctouche Days 8-10 Denali National Park Days 3-6 Grand Manan Island Day 11 Anchorage Day 7 Fundy National Park Day 12 Overnight flight Day 8 Mary's Point & overnight flight Day 13 Arrive UK Day 9 Arrive UK

ACCOMMODATION Good mid-range hotels & lodges ACCOMMODATION Good hotels & guesthouses PRICE FROM £6,795 PRICE FROM £3,595 SINGLE SUPP £1,085 SINGLE SUPP £325 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, most PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 9 GROUP SIZE 14 LEADER Greg Smith LEADERS Mike & Liz Read* TOUR CODE ALAS2 TOUR CODE CANA3 * 2nd tour leader subject to minimum numbers 01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 49 USA USA

Land of the Navajo Birding the Rio Grande Valley Monday 11 - Friday 22 September 2017 Sunday 22 January - Sunday 5 February 2017 Join us for a wonderful and unique tour, packed with Saturday 2 - Saturday 16 December 2017 birdwatching, wildlife and Native American history. The jewel in the Rio Grande’s crown is undoubtedly Santa Ana We visit Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion National Parks, plus the National Wildlife Refuge, however there are many other interesting no less spectacular Capitol Reef and Grand Staircase-Escalante sites to visit along the way. The first part of the trip is dominated National Monument. We also take in Antelope Canyon and enjoy a by southern US specialities, such as colourful Altamira orioles and full day boat trip on Lake Powell. green jays, which inhabit the riverine woodlands. Prairie dog, mule deer, elk, Townsend’s solitaire, Clark’s nutcracker, At Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge some 80% of North mountain chickadee, American dipper, black phoebe and greater America’s redheads winter on the shallow coastal lagoon, and roadrunner are all possible sightings, as are groups of migrant ospreys and rare aplomado falcons are also possible. In New Townsend’s and yellow-rumped warblers, as well as both mountain Mexico we visit the high deserts, pine forests and reservoirs of the and western bluebirds. And if the pinyon pines have a good crop of ‘upper’ Rio Grande for grebes, ducks and geese, ending in Bosque cones, we may find flocks of pinyon jays too. del Apache for the spectacle of some 12,000 sandhill cranes and 35,000 snow geese! OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 1 Fly to Salt Lake City Days 2-3 Capitol Reef National Park Day 1 Fly to McAllen Days 4-5 Bryce Canyon National Park Days 2-5 Birding around the Rio Grande Valley Day 6 Lake Powell Day 6 Las Cruces Days 7-8 Grand Canyon National Park Days 7-8 Silver City Days 9-10 Zion National Park Day 9 Truth or Consequences Day 11 Overnight flight Days 10-12 Socorro Day 12 Arrive UK Day 13 Las Cruces Day 14 Overnight flight Day 15 Arrive UK

ACCOMMODATION Comfortable mid-range hotels, inns & ACCOMMODATION Comfortable mid-range hotels, inns & motels motels PRICE FROM £3,995 PRICE FROM £4,995 SINGLE SUPP £845 SINGLE SUPP £630 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, most PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, most meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 14 GROUP SIZE 12 LEADER Pat Lueders LEADER Mike Read TOUR CODE USA4 TOUR CODE USA5 50 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays North America USA OUTLINE ITINERARY Grand Teton & Yellowstone NEW Solar Eclipse Day 1 Fly to Salt Lake City Friday 18 August - Friday 1 September 2017 Days 2-4 Green River & Lander/Riverton This one-off birdwatching bonanza visits scenic Grand Teton Days 5-7 Grand Teton National Park for the eclipse National Park to see the first total solar eclipse visible in the USA Days 8-11 Yellowstone National Park for 26 years, plus the world’s oldest national park – Yellowstone – Days 12-13 Brigham City & Lehi where real conservation was pioneered! Day 14 Overnight flight Day 15 Arrive UK Starting from Salt Lake City, we explore Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake to see the millions of birds that gather on the lakeshore, while Wyoming’s Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge is also a ACCOMMODATION Comfortable mid-range hotels & lodges vital resting place for migrants. The varied habitats of rugged Sinks PRICE FROM £4,995 Canyon State Park, beside the Wind River Mountains, hold an SINGLE SUPP £910 equally wide diversity of birds, wildlife and plants. PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all En route back to Salt Lake City we visit various reserves to see meals & guided activities migrating waterfowl and shorebirds and more views of the Great GROUP SIZE 16 Salt Lake. LEADERS Barrie Cooper & Tim Avery TOUR CODE USA6

01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 51 Latin America Latin America Argentina Argentina

Birding in Northwest Argentina NEW Wildlife & Glaciers of Patagonia Friday 13 - Sunday 29 October 2017 Monday 14 - Thursday 24 November 2016 (11 days) Argentina’s northwestern provinces are overlooked by the lofty Friday 10 - Wednesday 22 November 2017 (13 days) mountains of the Andes – the rugged countryside wrought In the wilds of Patagonia we marvel at penguins in their from rock creates weird and wonderful landscapes studded with thousands, condors soaring above Andean glaciers, southern right flowering cacti. With its mix of dusty indigenous towns, traditional whales and elephant seals in their breeding grounds, and awe- handicrafts, llamas, Inca ruins, and the country’s first colonial inspiring scenery. settlements, the arid plateau of the puna extends into Chile and Bolivia. Our journey begins in the harsh, windswept desert of the Valdes Peninsula, where we watch colourful burrowing parrots, inspect The region contains some of South America’s most spectacular impressive flowering cacti, visit a Magellanic penguin rookery, and landscapes - vineyards, low-lying woodland, cloud forest, shrubby watch offshore for whales. Continuing south to Ushuaia on Tierra desert, Andean foothills, and high meadows with snow-capped del Fuego we explore the shores of the Beagle Channel. peaks - but this variety of habitats guarantees an exceptionally rich and varied birdlife. On our return northward we pause in Calafate, where the great plain of Patagonia reaches the very edge of the Andes, and condors Why not consider our Iguazu or Esteros del Iberá extensions? vie for attention with stunning glaciers and towering peaks. See website Why not consider our Iguazu extension? See website. OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY

Days 1-2 Fly overnight to Buenos Aires Days 3-4 Fly to Tucuman, Tafí del Valle, Cafayate Day 1 Fly overnight to Buenos Aires Days 5-6 Cabra Corral Day 2 Buenos Aires Day 7 San Lorenzo Days 3-5 Fly to Valdes Peninsula Days 8-9 Purmamarca Days 6-8 Fly to Ushuaia; Tierra del Fuego National Park Days 10- 11 Abra Pampa Days 9-10 Fly to Calafate; Los Glaciares National Park Days 12-14 Yavi, Yala & Salta Day 11 Fly to Buenos Aires Days 15-16 Fly to Buenos Aires, overnight flight Day 12 Overnight flight Day 17 Arrive UK Day 13 Arrive UK

ACCOMMODATION Good mid-range hotels & lodges ACCOMMODATION Good mid-range hotels & lodges PRICE FROM £4,695 PRICE FROM £4,595 SINGLE SUPP £495 SINGLE SUPP £500 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 14 GROUP SIZE 14 LEADER Luis Segura LEADER Luis Segura TOUR CODE ARGE3 TOUR CODE ARGE2 01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 53 Bolivia Brazil

Birding in the Heart of South Jaguars & Raptors of the Pantanal America Thursday 6 - Wednesday 19 October 2016 Wednesday 4 - Sunday 15 October 2017 Thursday 5 - Wednesday 18 October 2017 From the dry mountains of the interior – the Cerrado – to the Bolivia is a biological treasure trove, with over 1,300 species of birds; fabulous wetlands of the Pantanal, we explore some of South these include some 40 percent of the species present in South America’s finest wildlife areas, for superb birdwatching and an America, with 20 endemics and another 100 species endemic to array of mammals from giant river otter to jaguar. the ecosystems which Bolivia shares with its neighbours. Hard on the border with Bolivia lies the vast inland swamp that Our tour begins on the wildlife-rich lowlands and foothills of the many people believe to be the world’s finest wetland for birds Andes, before we make our way to an altitude of 4,720 metres, for - the Pantanal. Jaguar, ocelot, tapir, giant otter and maned wolf an introduction to Bolivia's diverse habitats, landscapes and culture. are all possible here, as well as a wonderful variety of exotic birds, Among the birds we should see are hoatzin, southern screamer butterflies and plants. We stay in both the southern and northern and scaly-naped parrot, as well as such endemics as black-hooded Pantanal, allowing us to see the differences between the two. sunbeam, Bolivian warbling finch, Bolivian blackbird, swallow- tailed nightjar and short-winged grebe. In total contrast, the mountains of the Serra das Araras rise above the forests and the floodplain, and offer a possibility of seeing some Why not consider our Trinidad extension to see the of the world’s most spectacular birds of prey. endangered endemic blue-throated macaw? See website. Why not consider extending to Iguazu Falls? See website. OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 1 Fly overnight to Santa Cruz Day 2 Arrive Santa Cruz, visit Botanical Garden Day 1 Fly overnight to São Paulo Day 3 Birding in Lopas de Arena Days 2-4 South Pantanal Days 4-5 Refugio Los Volcanes Days 5-6 Serra das Araras Days 6-7 Comarapa & the Mizque Valley Days 7-8 North Pantanal Day 8 Comarapa & Forest Days 9-11 Porto Jofre Days 9-10 Cochabamba & upper Chaparte Road Day 12 Cuiabá Day 11 Cerro Tunari, fly Santa Cruz & overnight flight Day 13 Overnight flight - or join extension to Iguazu Falls - or join extension to Trinidad. Day 14 Arrive UK Day 12 Arrive UK ACCOMMODATION Hotels & lodges ACCOMMODATION Hotels & lodges PRICE FROM £2,995 PRICE FROM £4,595 SINGLE SUPP £380 SINGLE SUPP £520 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 10 GROUP SIZE 14 LEADER Pablo Petracci LEADER Miguel Castelino TOUR CODE BOLI1 TOUR CODE BRAZ2 54 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays Latin America Costa Rica Falkland Islands

Cloud Forests, Jungles & Volcanoes Falklands Wildlife Photography Saturday 25 February - Friday 10 March 2017 Thursday 24 November - Monday 12 December 2016 Saturday 24 February - Friday 9 March 2018 Thursday 11 - Monday 29 January 2018 Costa Rica is a land of spectacular mountains and active volcanoes, This is a fantastic location if you want to get close to penguins and pristine beaches, lowland rainforest and high cloud forest the islands' other birds and wildlife. We maximise the photographic festooned with orchids and bromeliads, and wonderful tropical potential with visits to colonies of gentoo, southern rockhopper wetlands. and Magellanic penguins at a time of year when the chicks are at their most photogenic. Black-browed albatrosses, elephant seals We aim to visit a representative sample of Costa Rica’s biologically and sealions also make intriguing subjects. rich areas, and provide the best possible experience of this small country. Howler monkey, pecari, agouti and two-toed sloth are all We even take a boat trip to photograph such species as sooty possible mammals, whereas from a bird point of view we should shearwaters and albatrosses skimming over the waves of the see fiery-throated hummingbird, resplendent quetzal, trogons, South Atlantic. There is also a good chance of seeing orca, plus woodpeckers and a bewildering array of flycatchers. Commerson's and Peale's dolphins. In Carara National Park, a Pacific lowland forest, we should see Why not consider our extension to Torres del Paine, Chile? white-faced capuchin and tamandua, and on the coast skimmers, See website. terns, frigatebirds and many wintering waders from North America. OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY Day 1 Fly overnight to Santiago Day 2 Santiago Day 1 Fly to San José Day 3 Fly to Falklands & transfer to Darwin Days 2-3 Sarapiquí Days 4-5 Pebble Island Days 4-5 Arenal highlands Days 6-8 Saunders Island Days 6-7 Cerro de la Muerte Days 9-11 Bleaker Island Days 8-9 Carara National Park Days 12-14 Sea Lion Island Days 10-11 Tempisque River Days 15-16 Stanley Day 12 San José Day 17 Santiago - or join extension to Torres del Paine Day 13 Overnight flight arriving Day 14 Day 18 Overnight flight arriving Day 19

ACCOMMODATION Hotels, lodges (some remote) & cabins ACCOMMODATION Comfortable hotels & island guesthouses PRICE FROM £3,195 PRICE FROM £7,295 SINGLE SUPP £450 SINGLE SUPP £745 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, most meals & guided activities meals (except Santiago) & guided activities GROUP SIZE 12 GROUP SIZE 7 LEADER Alfredo Scott LEADER Mike Read TOUR CODE COST1 TOUR CODE FALK3 01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 55 Falkland Islands Guatemala

Birding the Falklands Quetzal Quest in the Land of Thursday 19 - Monday 30 October 2017 the Maya This short trip takes in tiny Sea Lion – the archipelago's most Saturday 21 January - Friday 3 February 2017 southerly inhabited island – which has sandy beaches, cliffs, Saturday 20 January - Friday 2 February 2018 freshwater ponds, heathland, and a colony of elephant seals. We see gentoo and rockhopper penguins, blackish cinclode, snowy We begin in Antigua, with its fine colonial architecture, visiting sheathbill and brown skua, while land birds include endemic the Central Highlands to look for endemics such as pink- headed Cobb’s wren, short-eared owl, South American snipe, caracaras warbler. On Lake Atitlán, overlooked by a trio of volcanoes, a boat plus rufous-chested dotterel. trip reveals lesser scaup, pied-billed grebe and American coot. Low, flat Bleaker is a national nature reserve with colonies of gentoo The hills of the Pacific slope are home to different species including and Magellanic penguins, plus king cormorant and southern giant azure-rumped tanager and long-tailed manakin, and in the cloud petrel. The eastern end is good for sea-watching, and its ponds forest of the Quetzal Biotope Reserve we should see resplendent attract white-tufted and silvery grebe, black-necked swan and white- quetzal, azure-hooded jay and spotted nightingale-thrush. Our winged coot. Around Stanley we watch for shearwaters and Wilson’s final visit is to the Mayan sites of Tikal and Yaxca for Yucatan howler storm petrel, and may see black-browed or wandering albatrosses. At and spider monkeys, coatimundi and countless birds. Volunteer Point the colonies of gentoo and king penguins are a final highlight. OUTLINE ITINERARY

OUTLINE ITINERARY Day 1 Fly to Guatemala City & transfer to Antigua Day 2 Antigua Day 1 Fly overnight to Santiago Day 3 Santiago Atitlán Day 2 Santiago Days 4-5 Los Tarrales Reserve Day 3 Fly to Falklands & transfer to Darwin Days 6-7 Quetzal Biotope Reserve Days 4-5 Sea Lion Island Day 8 Flores Days 6-7 Bleaker Island Days 9-11 Tikal National Park Days 8-9 Stanley, visit Volunteer Point Day 12 Antigua Day 10 Fly to Santiago Day 13 Overnight flight arriving Day 14 Day 11 Overnight flight arriving Day 12

ACCOMMODATION Comfortable hotels & island guesthouses ACCOMMODATION Comfortable hotels, some quite rustic PRICE FROM £4,795 PRICE FROM £3,695 SINGLE SUPP £655 SINGLE SUPP £390 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, most PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 8 GROUP SIZE 12 LEADER Claudio Vidal LEADERS Benedicto Grijalva & Barrie Cooper* TOUR CODE FALK4 TOUR CODE GUAT1 *2nd tour leader subject to minimum numbers 56 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays Latin America Guyana Mexico

Rainforests, Savannahs & Wetlands Ocean Giants of Baja California Saturday 12 - Thursday 24 November 2016 Friday 7 - Thursday 20 April 2017 Saturday 18 November - Friday 1 December 2017 Saturday 7 - Friday 20 April 2018 Guyana is a tiny country containing pristine rainforest, wonderful Our voyage along the 1,300 kilometre-long Baja Peninsula visits waterfalls, freshwater marshes teeming with birds and mammals, the world’s finest whale-watching location. Guadalupe fur seal, and lekking sites for the spectacular Guianan cock-of-the-rock. California sealion, elephant seal, loggerhead and green turtle, coyote and even a rattleless rattlesnake all occur here, but it is the We visit the coastal plain, sand-belt forest, the rainforests of the whales that steal the show. Hundreds of grey whales come to breed interior, Kaieteur Falls and the Rupununi savannah, travelling by and calve in the sheltered waters of San Ignacio Lagoon. Whale- four-wheel-drive vehicles, motorised dugouts and on foot. watching here is like nothing on earth, as here the whales come to The birdwatching is wonderful with blood-coloured woodpecker, you! rufous crab-hawk, scarlet ibis, oilbird, white-tipped swift and Rounding the peninsula and heading into the deep water of the Amazonian antshrike all possible. Mammals include black spider Sea of Cortez, we enter perhaps the greatest concentration of and red howler monkey, wedge-capped capuchin, banded cetaceans on earth. Humpback, fin, sperm, Bryde’s, dwarf sperm, tamandua, giant river otters and numerous capybara. orca and pygmy killer whale all occur here, but the real prize is blue whale – the largest mammal of all! OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY Day 1 Fly to Georgetown Days 2-3 Georgetown Day 1 Fly to San Diego Days 4-5 Iwokrama River Lodge Day 2 Board m/v Searcher Day 6 Atta Rainforest Lodge Days 3-4 Islas Todos Santos & San Benito Day 7 Surama village Days 5-6 San Ignacio Lagoon Days 8-10 Karanambu Ranch Days 7-8 Magdalena Bay & Cabo San Lucas Day 11 Georgetown Days 9-12 Sea of Cortez Day 12 Overnight flight arriving Day 13 Day 13 Los Cabos, overnight flight arriving Day 14

ACCOMMODATION Good lodges & rustic accommodation ACCOMMODATION Comfortable vessel with 13 compact PRICE FROM £5,695 cabins. Mid-range hotel in San Diego. SINGLE SUPP £525 PRICE FROM £5,195 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all SINGLE SUPP On request meals & guided activities. PRICE INCLUDES Flights, accommodation, most meals & GROUP SIZE 10 guided activities LEADER Gary Swey GROUP SIZE 24 TOUR CODE GUYA1 LEADER Rob Nawojchik TOUR CODE MEXI2 01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 57 Mexico Trinidad & Tobago

Butterfly, Whale & Bird NEW The Asa Wright Experience Migration Thursday 9 - Tuesday 21 February 2017 Wednesday 22 February - Thursday 9 March 2017 Thursday 8 - Tuesday 20 February 2018 Wednesday 21 February - Thursday 8 March 2018 An introduction to the natural riches of the Caribbean, based at the world-famous Asa Wright Nature Centre on Trinidad, together Combine two extraordinary wildlife events whilst enjoying some with Tobago's tropical seabirds and coral reefs. of the finest birdwatching in Mexico; observe millions of monarch butterflies settling in the warmer climate of Michoacán for their The view from the verandah of Asa Wright is superb. Birding here winter hibernation and witness hundreds of inquisitive grey whales – sometimes just a few metres from the hummingbird feeders – is arriving at their breeding grounds in the waters of Baja California. always outstanding. Around the centre, 100 hectares of former coffee-cocoa-citrus plantation are now reverting to secondary Visit San Blas Nayarit, a birders' paradise and considered one of forest, surrounded by impressive rainforest. Here we hope to the best birding location in the Americas, with over 300 species encounter violaceous trogon, channel-billed toucan, white- including 30 endemics such as the rufous-bellied chachalacas, a bearded manakin, ornate hawk-eagle and the stunning white hawk vast number of Neotropical migrants and plenty of wading birds and oilbird. Tobago with its lovely beaches, coral reefs and seabird and parrots. islands, makes a fine conclusion to the trip.

OUTLINE ITINERARY Ideal to combine with our Butterfly, Whale & Bird Migration trip.

Day 1 Fly to Mexico City OUTLINE ITINERARY Days 2-3 Monarch butterfly sanctuaries in Michoacan Day 4 Fly to Los Cabos, Baja California Days 5-6 Sonoran Desert & Cabo Pulmo Day 1 Fly to Port of Spain & transfer to Asa Wright Days 7-8 Sierra de la Laguna & Magdalena Bay Days 2-7 Asa Wright Nature Centre. Excursions to Nariva & Caroni Swamps, Oilbird Cave, Blanchisseuse & Arena Day 9 La Paz coastal birding & ferry to Mazatlan forest Day 10 Scenic drive to San Blas Day 8 Fly to Tobago Days 11-14 San Blas & Puerto Vallarta Days 9-11 Tobago Day 15 Overnight flight arriving Day 16 Day 12 Overnight flight arriving Day 13 ACCOMMODATION Comfortable mid-range hotels, ACCOMMODATION Asa Wright Nature Centre & comfortable guesthouses & ranches hotel in Tobago PRICE FROM £5,695 PRICE FROM £4,395 SINGLE SUPP £745 SINGLE SUPP £955 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 14 GROUP SIZE 12 LEADERS John Muddeman & Greg Homel* LEADER John Muddeman TOUR CODE MEXI3 TOUR CODE TRIN1 *2nd leader subject to minimum number 58 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays Asia Armenia Borneo

Demoiselle Cranes in Autumn Festival of Wildlife Tuesday 29 August - Sunday 10 September 2017 Friday 2 - Sunday 11 June 2017 This tour aims to be the first of its kind in landlocked Armenia, Join a team of renowned wildlife experts that includes TV combining a remarkable diversity of habitats and landscapes with presenters Nick Baker and Nigel Marven, author/photographer Nick something of the country’s rich ancient culture, and a unique Garbutt, macro photography expert Alex Hyde, award-winning opportunity to see demoiselle cranes on their autumn passage. sculptor and artist Nick Mackman, local artist YeeTing Wong, and Borneo’s leading naturalist Dr Arthur Chung, for an exceptional As we are more likely to see migrating cranes at the start of our experience with talks, presentations and workshops. stay, and raptors on passage towards the end, we head first to Yehegnadzor via the wetland of Armash, then visit the central and Wildlife abounds in the Danum Valley, a pristine 43,800-hectare northern parts of the country in an anti-clockwise loop. conservation area where more than 340 bird species have been recorded, along with 124 species of mammals, 72 of reptiles, 56 of This means we visit the country’s largest body of water, Lake Sevan, amphibians, and a staggering 200 plant species per hectare! early in the itinerary and leave the northern areas for migrant raptors until later. On our return to Yerevan we revisit Armash, and Much of the fauna is nocturnal, and is most likely to be seen on a may note a considerable change in even such a short period. night safari, however wild orangutans frequently nest close to the lodge. The nearby canopy walkway provides unimpeded viewing Armash is one of the top birding sites in the Western Palearctic and of the 130-million-year-old forest at eye level with the tree-tops. - as we know from experience - its list of species is mouth-watering! OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY

Days 1-2 Fly overnight to Kota Kinabalu; in Kota Kinabalu Days 1-2 Fly to Yerevan; visit Garni Temple & Geghard Monastery Day 3 Fly to Lahad Datu & transfer to Danum Valley Days 3-5 Yeghegnadzor via Armash Days 4-8 Wildlife activities, talks, presentations, & workshops Day 6 Sevanavank Day 9 Fly to Kota Kinabalu; overnight flight to UK Days 7-8 Vanadzor Day 10 Arrive UK Days 9-10 Gyumri Why not join a pre- or post-Festival extension? Days 11-12 Yerevan; revisit Armash See website. Day 13 Flight to UK ACCOMMODATION Comfortable mid-range hotels ACCOMMODATION Comfortable rainforest lodge & hotel PRICE FROM £2,695 PRICE FROM £5,195 SINGLE SUPP £215 SINGLE SUPP £300 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & full programme of events GROUP SIZE 12 GROUP SIZE 46 (split into intimate groups) LEADER John Muddeman LEADERS Nick Baker, Nigel Marven, Nick Garbutt, TOUR CODE ARME1 Alex Hyde, Nick Mackman, YeeTing Wong & Arthur Chung TOUR CODE BORN2 60 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays Asia India India

Quest for the Snow Leopard Birds & Big Cats Saturday 18 February - Thursday 2 March 2017 Saturday 12 - Saturday 26 November 2016 Saturday 17 February - Thursday 1 March 2018 Saturday 11 - Saturday 25 November 2017 Ladakh in the provides a habitat for some interesting This comprehensive safari visits the parks of Corbett, Bharatpur birds and mammals, but its most famous resident is that most and Ranthambore – each rich with birds and mammals. elusive of cats – the snow leopard. Lying on the Indo-Gangetic plains, Corbett is home to tiger, Hemis National Park in Ladakh has become the most reliable place leopard, sloth bear, rhesus macaque, nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, in the world to see this magnificent predator. Camping here for six sambar, chital and reptiles that include gharial crocodile. nights will maximise our chances of seeing it, and the park guides The birdlife is also excellent here – more than 300 species include will do their utmost to help us locate this king of the mountain. raptors, parakeets, owls, orioles, drongos, kingfishers, bee-eaters, However, snow leopards are secretive animals with a large territory hornbills, warblers and many more. The park’s location at a natural so sightings cannot be guaranteed. crossroads means it is a meeting ground for species from high altitude areas, plains and the eastern and western regions. Other possible sightings include lammergeier, golden eagle, red- billed and yellow-billed chough, Himalayan snowcock, chukar and Ranthambore is best known for its tiger sightings, but is also home Tibetan partridge. In addition, blue sheep, woolly hare and Royle’s to numerous mammal species. Its setting, on a maharajah’s former pika are all found close to the camp. hunting reserve, is quite exquisite.

OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 1 Fly overnight to Delhi Day 1 Fly overnight to Delhi Day 2 Delhi Days 2-3 Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary & Okhla Bird Park Days 3-5 Leh to acclimatise Days 4-7 Corbett National Park Day 6 Hemis National Park - camping Day 8 Corbett to Delhi Days 7-11 Trekking in search of snow leopards Days 9-10 Agra, Taj Mahal & Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary Day 12 Leh Days 11-13 Ranthambore National Park Day 13 Flight to UK Day 14 Delhi Day 15 Flight to UK

ACCOMMODATION City hotels (basic in Leh) & camping ACCOMMODATION Comfortable jungle lodges PRICE FROM £3,095 PRICE FROM £2,995 SINGLE SUPP £275 SINGLE SUPP £1,075 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 10 GROUP SIZE 12 LEADER Barrie Cooper LEADER Varun Narain Mathur TOUR CODE INDI2 TOUR CODE INDI3

01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 61 India Japan

Birding in Central India Japan's Spectacular Winter NEW Friday 25 November - Sunday 11 December 2016 Wildlife Friday 24 November - Sunday 10 December 2017 Saturday 26 November - Saturday 10 December 2016 From the Chambal River and wetlands of Bharatpur, to the Saturday 25 November - Saturday 9 December 2017 legendary Taj Mahal and some little visited parks, this itinerary offers ample opportunity to see the country’s finest species. Covering a range of climatic zones, Japan’s diverse habitats support an abundance of wildlife. More than 600 bird species Openbills, spoonbills, jacanas and the threatened Siberian crane are have been recorded, of which over 250 are known to breed in amongst the bird options in Bharatpur. The Chambal River, a maze Japan. Endemic highlights include Japanese woodpecker, green of intertwining mud cliffs, is one of the last remaining strongholds pheasant - Japan’s national bird - and copper pheasant. On this of the Gangetic river dolphin and boasts an impressive bird list with tour we hope to see large numbers of migrating cranes, swans and over 290 species. geese in Arasaki, which make a fabulous spectacle. A visit to Akan Pench, Satpura and Tadoba are little visited and, in addition to Tancho no Sato should provide views of the stunning and elegant enjoying game drives, we can bird on foot and by boat. Wildlife in red-crowned crane at a riverine roost. the parks is outstanding with opportunities to see sambar, chital, OUTLINE ITINERARY nilgai, fishing cat, Asiatic jackal, hyena, mongoose and tiger.

OUTLINE ITINERARY Days 1-2 Fly overnight to Tokyo, fly to Miyasaki Day 3 Birding at Kadogawa, drive to Mi-ike Day 1 Fly overnight to Delhi Day 4 Lake Mi-ike & Kirishima Day 2 Delhi Day 5 Arasaki & Kogawa Reservoir Day 3 Bharatpur Day 6 Fly to Tokyo, onto Kambayashi Onsen Days 4-6 Chambal Days 7-9 Karuizawa Day 7 Agra, Taj Mahal Days 10-11 Fly to Kushiro, on to Yoroushi, Lake Mashu, Kussharo & Days 8-11 Satpura National Park Yoroushi Valley Days 12-13 Pench National Park Day 12 Notsuke Peninsula, Lake Furen & Nemuro Days 14-15 Tadoba National Park Day 13 Tsurui Day 16 Delhi Day 14 Fly to Tokyo Day 17 Flight to UK Day 15 Flight to UK ACCOMMODATION Comfortable jungle lodges ACCOMMODATION Comfortable, small, mid-range hotels PRICE FROM £3,995 PRICE FROM £8,395 SINGLE SUPP £1,350 SINGLE SUPP £920 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 12 GROUP SIZE 14 LEADER Varun Narain Mathur LEADERS Barrie Cooper & local leader TOUR CODE INDI4 TOUR CODE JAPA1

62 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays Asia Malaysia Maldives

Peninsular Birding Whales, Dolphins & Mantas in theNEW Friday 3 - Sunday 19 March 2017 Indian Ocean Friday 2 - Sunday 18 March 2018 Friday 6 - Sunday 15 October 2017 The central and northern regions of Peninsular Malaysia offer a On this small group tour, we look for whales and dolphins from diverse range of habitats including lowland rainforest, montane aboard our chartered liveaboard vessel and enjoy snorkelling on forest, mangrove, mudflat, wetland and scrubland. Together the colourful coral reefs that are home to rich marine life. If lucky, we states of Selangor, Penang, Perak and Kedah offer a vast expanse of may even have a chance to swim with magnificent manta rays – untouched rainforest, golden beaches and secluded coral islands which some consider to be the wildlife highlight of a lifetime! with fantastic birds. In all, some 640 bird species are found on the mainland, and 11 of the peninsula's 18 Important Bird Areas lie The Maldives possess an incredibly rich diversity of cetacean life, within these four states. and in recent years, an astonishing 23 different species have been observed. Spinner, bottlenose and Risso’s dolphins plus short- The relatively untouched Belum Forest Reserve alone is home to finned pilot whale are frequently seen, along with spotted and some of world’s most threatened mammals, including Malaysian striped dolphins and dwarf sperm whale. tiger, Asiatic elephant, Sumatran rhinoceros, white-handed gibbon, and Malayan sun bear. More than 300 avian species are found here, Other possible sightings include blue and Bryde’s whales and the and it is the only place to see all of Malaysia’s ten species of hornbill: rare Longman’s beaked whale. white-crowned, bushy-crested, wrinkled, wreathed, plain-pouched, black, oriental pied, rhinoceros, great and helmeted. OUTLINE ITINERARY

OUTLINE ITINERARY Day 1 Fly overnight to Malé Day 2 Arrive Malé, transfer to liveaboard Day 1 Fly overnight to Kuala Lumpur Days 3-7 Whale, dolphin & seabird watching around the atolls Days 2-4 Bukit Fraser Day 8 Whale & dolphin watching off Malé atoll Days 5-8 Taman Negara National Park Day 9 Overnight flight Days 9-10 Batu Gajah Day 10 Arrive UK Days 11-12 Taiping Days 13-14 Royal Belum State Park Days 15-16 Penang, then overnight flight to UK arriving Day 17

ACCOMMODATION Good, comfortable, mid-range hotels ACCOMMODATION Comfortable vessel with 10 cabins, each PRICE FROM £4,395 with en suite shower/toilet SINGLE SUPP £1,485 PRICE FROM £3,495 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all SINGLE SUPP £1,215 meals & guided activities PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all GROUP SIZE 10 meals & guided activities LEADER Andrew Sebastian GROUP SIZE 16 TOUR CODE MALA1 LEADER Dr Charles Anderson TOUR CODE MALD2-1 01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 63 Mongolia Sri Lanka

Birding the Land of Genghis Khan Blue Whales & Dolphins Sunday 18 June - Monday 3 July 2017 Saturday 26 November - Friday 9 December 2016 This fabulous birdwatching itinerary visits the majestic mountains Saturday 4 - Friday 17 March 2017 and steppe of Mongolia. Sandwiched between and China, Saturday 25 November - Friday 8 December 2017 this is a vast open grassland, bordered by the Altai Mountains in the Saturday 3 - Friday 16 March 2018 north and west, and the Gobi Desert in the south. At Kalpitiya we should see large numbers of spinner dolphins. From the spectacular Hustai National Park, home of the Przewalski's We then cross the island and head for the south coast, for an horse, to the taiga forests in Terelj National Park, Mongolia has opportunity to see blue whales – the largest mammals on earth – much to offer. Pacific swift, steppe eagle, Pallas's fish-eagle, black and possibly orca, sperm, and beaked whales. En route we visit Sri vulture, upland buzzard, saker and Amur falcon, white-naped Lanka’s premier national parks – Yala and Udawalawe. and demoiselle crane, red-flanked bluetail, Siberian rubythroat, Henderson's ground jay, Altai snowcock and saxaul sparrow are all Yala is acknowledged as one of the best places in the world to possible sightings and among the mammals we hope to see are see leopard, but is also home to water buffalo, elephant, sloth Tarbagan marmot, white-tailed gazelle and grey wolf. bear, sambar, chital, wild boar, marsh mugger crocodile and civet. Birding highlights may include blue-faced malkoha, yellow-wattled OUTLINE ITINERARY lapwing, rufous-winged bush lark, thick-billed flowerpecker, purple sunbird, little , white-rumped shama and black-necked stork. Day 1 Fly overnight to Ulaanbaatar Day 2 Ulaanbaatar OUTLINE ITINERARY Day 3 Hustai National Park Days 4-5 Ugii Lake Day 1 Fly overnight to Colombo Day 6 Kharkhorin Days 2-4 Kalpitiya Day 7 Elsen Tasarkhai Days 5-6 Udawalawe National Park Day 8 Ulaanbaatar Days 7-8 Yala National Park Days 9-10 Yolyn Am Days 9-12 Mirissa Days 11-12 Khongoryn Els Day 13 Katunayaka Day 13 Dalanzadgad Day 14 Flight to UK Days 14-15 Ghorki-Terelj National Park Day 16 Flight to UK ACCOMMODATION Mid-range hotels & tourist 'ger' or yurt ACCOMMODATION Comfortable hotels & resorts camps PRICE FROM £2,795 PRICE FROM £4,095 SINGLE SUPP £625 SINGLE SUPP £415 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation with PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all some evening meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 12 GROUP SIZE 12 LEADER Upul Wickramasinghe or Saman Kumara LEADER Bayanmunkh Dashnyam (Bayanaa) Gamage TOUR CODE MONG1 TOUR CODE SRIL1 64 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays Asia Sri Lanka Taiwan

Birds & Whales of Sri Lanka Endemics & Winter Migrants NEW Saturday 3 - Sunday 18 December 2016 Saturday 12 - Friday 25 November 2016 Friday 17 March - Saturday 1 April 2017 Saturday 11 - Friday 24 November 2017 Saturday 2 - Sunday 17 December 2017 Our tour focuses on Taiwan’s national treasure, its superb endemic Friday 16 March - Saturday 31 March 2018 birds, along with the winter migrants. The combination of highlands, wetlands and northern coastal regions should provide We search for Sri Lanka’s endemic birds among a host of exquisite the greatest diversity of species. Over 500 bird species have been winter visitors and Southern Indian specialities. And, along with recorded on the island, and 24 endemics include the stunning Asian elephant, leopard and possibly sloth bear in Yala National Swinhoe’s pheasant, Taiwan fulvetta, Taiwan blue magpie, Taiwan Park, we also hope to see blue whale offshore. whistling thrush, and the exquisite flamecrest. One of the non- This Indian Ocean paradise is home to more than 30 endemic bird endemic highlights is the graceful and unusual black-faced species. We should see most of them – from Legge’s flowerpecker spoonbill, just one of the many migrants that passes through on and Sri Lankan hanging parrot, to Sri Lankan junglefowl and Sri route between Siberia and tropical Asia between September and Lankan blue magpie, and hopefully Serendib scops owl as well as March. Sri Lankan frogmouth, Malabar trogon, yellow-browed bulbul, and Loten’s and purple-rumped sunbird. OUTLINE ITINERARY OUTLINE ITINERARY Day 1 Fly overnight to Taipei Day 1 Fly overnight to Colombo Day 2 Taipei Days 2-4 Sigiriya & Kandy Day 3 Taipei Botanical Gardens, onto Hualien Days 5-6 Nuwara Eliya Day 4 Aowanda Days 7-8 Kitulgala Day 5 Huisun Days 9-10 Sinharaja Day 6 Puli Days 11-12 Udawalawe National Park Day 7 Alishan, birding at Guanghua Village Day 13 Yala National Park, Tissamaharama Day 8 Augu Wetland Day 14 Bundala National Park, onto Mirissa Days 9-11 Dasyueshan Day 15 Whale watching in Mirissa, drive to Katunayaka Day 12 Taipei Day 16 Flight to UK Day 13 Overnight flight arriving Day 14

ACCOMMODATION Comfortable hotels & resorts ACCOMMODATION Small, basic to mid-range hotels PRICE FROM £2,995 PRICE FROM £3,995 SINGLE SUPP £700 SINGLE SUPP £570 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 12 GROUP SIZE 12 LEADER Saman Kumara Gamage or Wicky LEADERS Barrie Cooper & local leader Wickramasekara TOUR CODE TAIW1 TOUR CODE SRIL3 01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 65 Australasia Australasia Australia Australia

Top End Birding NEW Jewels of the Kimberley NEW Tuesday 29 August - Sunday 10 September 2017 Wednesday 6 - Friday 22 September 2017 The 'Top End' of the Northern Territory is a haven for birdlife and Western Australia has more than 500 bird species including 18 hosts some truly spectacular species such as rainbow bee-eater, endemics. The best birding is in the Kimberley in the tropical Gouldian finch, and the emblematic black-necked stork, as well as far north, where Broome is outstanding for waders, migrants numerous mammals, colourful insects, and an incredible array of and mangrove species, while Kununurra is a hotspot for finches, reptiles including the legendary saltwater crocodile. parrots, honeyeaters and water birds, and Derby has over 200 species. Many near-endemic, migratory and highly sought-after This tour covers all the key locations from the Mary River wetlands species can be found, including purple-crowned fairy wren, white- and Kakadu National Park, to the scenic Katherine Gorge and quilled rock pigeon and grey shrike-thrush. Kununurra in the Kimberley. Ideal to combine with our Top End Birding trip. Why not consider our pre-tour Sacred Arnhem Land Extension? See website. Ideal to combine with our Jewels of the Kimberley OUTLINE ITINERARY trip.

OUTLINE ITINERARY Days 1-2 Fly to Kununurra Day 3 Arrive Kununurra, transfer to Lily Creek Lagoon Day 4 Lake Argyle, Kununurra Days 1-2 Fly to Darwin Day 5 Drive to to El Questro via Parry Lagoon Days 3 Arrive Darwin, visit Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve Day 6 Birdwatching at Emma Gorge Days 4-5 Mary River Wetlands & World Heritage Kakadu Day 7 Drive to Drysdale River Station National Park Days 8-9 Mitchell Plateau Day 6 Drive to Pine Creek, birding activities Day 10 Return to Drysdale River Station, birdwatching Day 7 Katherine Gorge – Nitmiluk National Park Days 11-12 Mount Elizabeth Station Days 8-9 Timber Creek Day 13 Drive to Derby Days 10-11 Drive to Kununurra and explore Lake Argyle Day 14 Drive to Broome via Taylor’s Lagoon & Fitzroy River Day 12 Transfer to Kununurra airport & overnight flight Day 15 Broome: whale watching & birding on the coast – or join Jewels of the Kimberley tour Day 16 Overnight flight Day 13 Arrive UK Day 17 Arrive UK

ACCOMMODATION Wilderness retreats, eco lodges, and rustic ACCOMMODATION Wilderness retreats, comfortable eco hotels in remote locations lodges & rustic hotels PRICE FROM £5,995 PRICE FROM £5,995 SINGLE SUPP £1,000 SINGLE SUPP £1,000 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 10 GROUP SIZE 8 LEADER Luke Paterson LEADER George Swann TOUR CODE AUSI3 TOUR CODE AUSI4 01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 67 Australia New Zealand

Islands, Rivers & Ranges NEW New Zealand's Natural History NEW Saturday 23 September - Saturday 7 October 2017 Saturday 7 - Monday 23 January 2017 With a diversity of habitats from the dry red interior of the outback, Saturday 6 - Monday 22 January 2018 to the wetlands, mangroves and estuaries of the Coorong National A hundred million years of isolation have made New Zealand a Park, we visit the best birding locations South Australia has to offer. world apart in evolutionary terms. The absence of land mammals We begin in the well-known Flinders Ranges, where we follow the has given native birds room to occupy the niches filled elsewhere Samphire Coast to the Eyre Peninsula, before visiting the Murray by mammals. This truly fascinating avifauna includes the nocturnal River, finishing at Gluepot Reserve and the beautiful Kangaroo Island. flightless kiwi, and many other unique and often very tame species. We can expect to see over 200 species of birds, including five species This is the botanical and wildlife trip of a lifetime, covering South of parrot, three species of cockatoo, little penguin, black-eared miner, Island. In search of endemic plants and birds, we find a host of malleefowl, western whipbird, freckled duck, Cape barren goose and seabirds along the coast, and a wealth of botanical treasures a variety of grasswrens, eagles, rails and crakes. Aside from the rich including the famous ‘vegetable sheep’! birdlife, we will also look for endemic mammals such as the short- Why not consider our North Island extension? See website. beaked echidna, koala, three species of kangaroo, the endangered yellow-footed rock wallaby, seals, sealions and cetaceans. OUTLINE ITINERARY

OUTLINE ITINERARY Days 1-2 Fly to Auckland Day 3 Fly to Invercargill, drive to Fjordland Day 1 Fly to Adelaide Day 4 Lake Te Anau & Milford Sound Day 2 Adelaide Days 5-6 Stewart Island Days 3-5 Eyre Peninsula Day 7 Catlins to Dunedin Days 6-7 Flinders Ranges Days 8-9 Lake Ohau & Mount Cook National Park Days 8-9 Murray River Day 10 Arthur’s Pass Day 10 Victor Harbour Day 11 Moa Forest to the Tasman Sea Days 11-12 Kangaroo Island Days 12-13 Kaikoura Day 13 Adelaide Days 14-15 St Arnaud Day 14 Overnight flight arriving Day 15 Day 16 Fly to Auckland and depart for the UK, & overnight flight arriving Day 17 – or join extension to North Island

ACCOMMODATION Hotels, guest houses & lodges with ACCOMMODATION Comfortable mid-range hotels en suite facilities PRICE FROM £5,295 PRICE FROM £4,395 SINGLE SUPP £715 SINGLE SUPP £575 PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, all meals & guided activities meals & guided activities GROUP SIZE 12 GROUP SIZE 12 LEADER Geoff Henderson LEADER Peter Waanders TOUR CODE NEWZ1 TOUR CODE AUSI5 68 Over 30 years experience in birding & wildlife holidays Australasia Papua New Guinea of seeing endemic species such as King of Saxony bird of paradise, Birds of Paradise NEW brown sicklebill and Loria’s satinbird. We return to Port Moresby and Monday 12 June - Friday 23 June 2017 visit nearby Varirata National Park, home to great and slender-billed cuckoo doves, olive flyrobins, and the miniscule bull-faced pygmy Papua New Guinea, with an unparalleled array of natural beauty parrot. and exotic wildlife, is one of the world's last frontiers. Lying just north of Australia, occupying roughly half of the world's second Why not join our extension to Lake Murray? largest island, this is a land of extraordinary contrasts with 4,500 This four-day extension visits Lake Murray, which is home to more metre high mountains, vast expanses of rainforest, huge river than 50% of PNG’s bird population, including pelicans, hornbills systems and pristine coral atolls. and eagles. Many of the area’s 5,000 inhabitants live in stilt houses, With one of the world’s richest and most varied avifaunas, it and use dugout canoes as their primary means of transport, while possesses more than 700 species that include seven endemic fishing provides their main source of food. families, and 38 of the world’s 43 bird of paradise species. There are kingfishers, doves, berrypeckers and fairywrens, and the air is filled OUTLINE ITINERARY with a cacophony of sounds from cuckoo shrikes, cassowaries and fantails. Raptors include the magnificent New Guinea harpy eagle. Day 1 Fly overnight to Singapore The indigenous population is extremely diverse, and more than 700 Day 2 Day transit hotel; fly overnight to Port Moresby languages are spoken. Age-old traditions remain very much at the Days 3-4 Fly to Mt Hagen; stay at Kumul Lodge heart of everyday life, and people share their heritage with genuine Days 5-7 Charter flight to Karawari; explore Sepik River openness. Days 8-9 Charter flight to Mt Hagen; explore Rondon Ridge Scattered wilderness lodges in remote areas provide bases for Day 10 Fly to Port Moresby; visit Varirata NP - or join Lake sampling indigenous culture and witnessing the various ecological Murray extension niches. From Port Moresby, the capital, we fly to Mount Hagen in Day 11 Fly to Singapore & overnight flight the Central Highlands to stay at Kumul Lodge, famed for its bird- Day 12 Arrive UK feeding table where we may see smoky honeyeater, Brehm’s tiger parrot, Belford’s melidectes, brown sicklebill, and ribbon-tailed astrapia among other species, and have an opportunity to learn about the Melpha people. ACCOMMODATION Good city hotels & rustic rainforest lodges Continuing by charter flight to Karawari, we explore the Sepik PRICE FROM £7,095 River and enjoy its jacanas and colourful array of kingfishers. Here SINGLE SUPP £785 we witness a way of life that has only opened to the outside world PRICE INCLUDES Flights, transfers, accommodation, most since the 1930s - local people still live entirely off the land and meals & guided activities perform their ceremonial dances. GROUP SIZE 8 Back at Mount Hagen, our second stay is at Rondon Ridge in high LEADER Barrie Cooper altitude forest. An early morning foray offers an excellent chance TOUR CODE PAPU2

01305 267994 | [email protected] | www.thetravellingnaturalist.com 69 WILDLIFEWORLDWIDE We create outstanding wildlife holidays tailored for you

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Exploring the natural world by boat while being looked after by a crew whose sole objective is your comfort and welfare, allows you the chance to relax and make the most of the wildlife you see along the way - in the company of expert naturalists. Each voyage has its own rhythm and daily shore excursions punctuate ship- board life to provide a fascinating insight into the habitats you visit, and their wildlife, and informal talks and lectures are offered throughout the voyages. From the Arctic and Antarctic, to the Galapagos Islands, Canada, Alaska and Russia, our collection of wildlife cruises offer a spectacular way to witness some of the world’s most exciting wildlife events.

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See our website or talk to one of our expert consultants for more information. 01962 302 055 [email protected] www.wildlifeworldwide.com THE TRAVELLING NATURALIST

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The Travelling Naturalist is part of 01305 267 994 The Natural Travel Collection, a [email protected] small independent travel company specialising in sustainable wildlife and www.thetravellingnaturalist.com birdwatching holidays.

The Travelling Naturalist Capitol House 12–13 Bridge Street Winchester SO23 0HL

Photographs courtesy of: Nick Garbutt, Ashley Grove, Geoff Crane, Chris Mattison, Aziz Ahmed Mohammed, Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne, Alex Hyde, Barrie Cooper, Mike Read, Felix Felger, Frank McClintock, Bob Ford, Martin Steenhaut.

© The Travelling Naturalist 2016 No portion of this brochure may be reproduced without the prior written consent of The Travelling Naturalist.