wildlife worldwide newsletter january 2014

Newsletter | Issue 1 | 2014

W e are now coming to the end of our 21st Anniversary – and we are rather proud of it, because however you look at it, 21 years in

business is quite an achievement! When I began the company in 1992, all reservations were made by telex – a device that my internet-savvy children haven’t even heard of! Since then we have moved from enquiries mostly coming to us by telephone and letter to receiving them almost entirely online.

None of it would have been possible without the incredible team I have been lucky enough to work with over the years. But, we are only half of the success story and we wouldn’t be here at all were it not for those of you that have travelled with us – many of whom have become very good friends.

Our intention remains as it always has – to create and develop the very finest wildlife holidays. We continually strive to improve everything we do and travel the world in search of new, interesting, different and exciting wildlife experiences for you to enjoy...

I have just returned from an extraordinary trip to Liuwa Plain in the far west of Zambia; as flat as a pancake, but with fantastic sightings of wild dog, cheetah and lion – a place I first visited more than 20 years ago. It seems even more beautiful now than it did then.

Before Liuwa, I visited Kasanka to observe one of the most remarkable wildlife events I have ever witnessed. Each evening and morning the skies were darkened by millions (literally) of straw-coloured fruit bats flying to and from their roost to feed. Phenomenal!

To celebrate our 21st anniversary, wildlife photographer Nick Garbutt and I accompanied a small group to British Columbia. We saw more grizzly bears and whales than we could ever have wished for including the rare honey-coloured spirit bear. You can read more about the photography trips we run with Nick at the back of this newsletter.

However, the absolute highlight of my year came when I headed to the Yukon to a tiny lodge in the interior to see grizzly bears at really close quarters at Bear Cave Mountain – have a look at our website or give me a call personally if you would like to know more!

Finally, apologies to those of you who like a brochure but they are now a thing of the past for us. Our website allows us to introduce new trips instantly and is of course rather more environmentally ‘sound’.

Very best wishes,

Chris Breen Founder, Wildlife Worldwide

2

Jaguar Quest

wildlifeworldwide.com 0845 130 6982 You can also visit our Winchester office to plan your trip in person

Brazil, Just Jaguars

This short one-week trip to the northern Pantanal stays on a boat on the Paraguai River in the remote Taiama Ecological Reserve specifically to look for jaguars.

Tailor-made, Jul – Nov 9 days, from £4,495

Brazil, Jaguars of the Pantanal

A spectacular two-week trip that visits the northern Pantanal, the world’s most spectacular wetland, before heading to the rainforest of Cristalino Private Reserve.

Tailor-made, Jan – Dec 15 days, from £5,595

3

The third biggest of the world’s

felines, after the tiger and the lion, and the largest

on the American continent is the only big cat found in the New World. Closely related to the leopard, the jaguar has a number of similar characteristics that include its highly distinctive

markings. This strikingly beautiful creature is legendary

for its power and agility, but despite this – or maybe because

of it – jaguars have been hunted across the ages for their pelts.

Although hunting is now prohibited, the population has declined across

much of its natural range, and jaguars have completely disappeared from a

number of areas.

These large and muscular cats have a sturdier build than a leopard, with a broad head and jaws that are reputed to have the most powerful bite of all the big cats. The tan-coloured coat is dotted with dark markings similar to a leopard’s spots (although the jaguar’s have a dark central spot). These rosettes, as they are known, are unique to each animal in the way that fingerprints are to humans, and afford nigh-perfect camouflage in dappled jungle light. Camouflage is vital for survival, and jaguars that dwell in the rainforest are often darker and smaller than those from more open areas.

The jaguar is indigenous to the Western Hemisphere, where it inhabits the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Although their range once stretched right across the continent and as far north as the southern states of the USA, jaguars are now confined to remote pockets of rainforest such as in the Amazon Basin. They prefer thick, moist jungle that provides cover from where they can ambush their prey. They are invariably found close to water, preferring either permanent swampland or seasonally-flooded forest and, unlike most cats, are excellent swimmers. Habitat loss has affected much of their natural range and they are often killed when their territories encroach on the ever-increasing numbers of cattle ranches.

Our favourite locations for seeing jaguars are both in Brazil. Porto Jofre, at the southern end of the un-tarred Transpantaneira road, that leads from Poconé across the Pantanal to the Cuiabá River and Encontro das Aguas National Park. Here, a hotel that was originally built for Brazilian sports fishermen uses its flotilla of launches of various sizes to seek out jaguars along the riverbanks. The jaguars here are now relatively habituated to humans and not particularly shy, so relatively easy to see.

West of Cuiabá, the main access point for the northern Pantanal, lies Taiama Ecological Reserve. Here there is very little in the way of infrastructure, and the only accommodation is an air-conditioned boat that was built for use as a mobile fishing camp, but is now chartered as a base for jaguar spotting. This area is much quieter and, although the jaguars here are less accustomed to human presence, you are unlikely to see another soul during your entire stay. Sleeping out on the river reduces the time spent travelling backward and forwards to a minimum, and thus allows more time out in the bush, but means that conditions are relatively basic.

Our website features 8 destinations in Latin America, containing over 20 itineraries and 60 locations to tailor-make your itinerary

EXPERTS IN TAILOR-MADE

wildlifeworldwide.com

Mon to Fri 9am – 6pm (all year) and Sat 9am – 1pm (Jan, Feb, Mar) 0845 130 6982 wildlifeworldwide.com

4

Our website features 8 destinations in Latin America, containing over 20 itineraries and more than 60 locations that we can use to tailor-make your perfect itinerary



Galapagos, Luxury on Land

Experience a deeply private Galapagos in complete luxury, at your own pace, with your own base on land, while discovering this wildlife haven by boat, air and on foot.

Tailor-made, Jan – Dec 11 days, from £4,695

Galapagos & Ecuador in Style

Travel in style and combine the biodiversity of the Mashpi Rainforest with the stunning Galapagos Islands aboard a motor-cruiser – two of Latin America’s finest wildlife destinations.

Group departures, Jan – Dec 15 days, from £6,445


5

Galapagos Islands

It is something of a truism in the natural world, but there really is nowhere quite like the Galapagos Islands to see wildlife face-to-face. The absence of predators on this

archipelago of volcanic islands, one thousand kilometres off mainland Ecuador, means they have little cause for fear. So birds and animals that would normally flee at your approach, simply sit where they are and look back at you

– in a remarkable turnaround! This unique behaviour affords an opportunity

to view them from close-up, and like the young Charles Darwin, muse on their origins.

As a naturalist aboard H.M.S. Beagle, Darwin started to formulate the ideas that led to the publication – albeit some 28 years later – of On The Origin of Species – A Theory of Evolution through Natural Selection, which rocked the scientific world. Sailing from Plymouth in December 1831, the voyage that was planned to last for two years in fact took five. For much of that time Darwin collected plants and animals and studied geology on shore, while the ship surveyed and charted the coasts. More than 150 years on, this seminal work is still a pillar of modern genetics.

The variety of the islands – from bleak and barren volcanic outposts to lush mountains – coupled with the engaging nature of birds and animals that are so readily approachable, makes any visit to the Galapagos an eye-opening experience. When coupled with the seductive qualities of the balmy Pacific Ocean, with frequent opportunities to swim and snorkel, plenty of down time while sailing, with a drink to hand, a good book to read, and being waited on hand and foot – it is hard not to enjoy the experience!

Most smaller boats carry around 16 passengers and boats are likely to have a spread of nationalities, which makes mealtimes an educational experience. However the spirit of adventure and discovery – and above all a strong interest in the natural world – brings people together and blows away the barriers of nationality and language (although English is the lingua franca aboard all Galapagos boats).

However to experience the full impact of the Galapagos, you should really do a compare and contrast exercise, so you can fit it into a wider context. The ideal way to do this is to spend a few days before or after in the Ecuadorian jungle exploring Amazon rainforest. Just a short flight from Quito, either Sacha Lodge or Napo Wildlife Centre offer an opportunity to learn about the immense complexity of the tropical rainforest ecosystem.


6

EAST Africa

Kenya, Migration Special

Witness the astonishing natural phenomenon of the Great Migration into Masai Mara, an unforgettable experience and a photographer’s dream.

Tailor-made, Aug – Sep 10 days, from £4,865

Tanzania, Spirit of the North

Take in all the major wildlife highlights and contrasting locations of northern Tanzania on this classic safari, when the blue wildebeest calve, and cheetah cubs and tiny Thompson’s gazelles all start to appear.

Tailor-made, Jan – Mar 10 days, from £3,425

Uganda, Best of Uganda

An incredible biodiversity awaits your discovery on this fly-in safari. View mountain gorilla and explore the Western Rift Valley, home to chimp, elephant, lion and buffalo before relaxing on Lake Albert watching shoebill.

Tailor-made, Apr – Dec 13 days, from £5,295


7

Kenya & TanzaniaLying north and south respectively of the highest point on the African

continent, Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 metres), Kenya and Tanzania are the epitome of East African safari territory.

Linked by such diverse elements as the Kiswahili language, the Great Rift Valley, the Masai people, parallel histories and a remarkable talent for producing long-distance

runners, these two fiercely independent nations are also bound together courtesy of wild animals that recognise neither physical boundary nor political frontier.

Each year the epic migration plays itself out as millions of white bearded wildebeest, with zebra and other plains game in their tow, describe a circular route between the two countries, following the rains in search of

the lush grasses of the new growth, always moving on in search of fresh pasture while attendant predators prowl, ever ready to make an opportunistic kill.

The names that feature in East African itineraries read like a safari Who’s Who, or rather a Where’s Where. Kenya’s Masai Mara, Tsavo, Laikipia, Samburu and Lakes Naivasha and Nakuru and Tanzania’s Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara all have the same familiar ring – whereas the Selous, Ruaha, Katavi and Mahale promise lands much less explored. There is much to do and see in these parts, and still plenty to inspire those who have been before.

Uganda & CongoFurther west, Uganda has some of the same links, however along with its western neighbour Rwanda, its trump card is an outright winner. Mountain gorillas are simply unique – and a trek through their territory to meet them eye to eye is one of life’s defining experiences – humbling, just a bit scary, and highly emotionally charged. These apes are so closely related to homo sapiens that meeting them on their terms, after crashing around on forested mountain slopes, awakens something deep within. Despite the sheer power of a silverback, there is an extraordinary gentleness and compassion about them.

Yet further west again, one of the few links with Congo-Brazzaville, as it is known – to distinguish it from the troubled Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – is the genetic similarity of the lowland gorilla population. Tourism is still very much in its infancy here, but for the last year or so a handful of privileged visitors have been able to visit the bais (seasonally flooded clearings) of the rainforest to see the lowland cousins of the mountain gorillas of Uganda and Rwanda.

Our website has almost 30 locations and over 15 itineraries in East Africa that we can use to tailor-make your own East African safari




8

SouthernAfrica

Botswana, Five Rivers Crossing

Triggered by the rising floodwaters of the Makgadikgadi saltpans, witness the herds of blue wildebeest and Burchell’s zebra arriving at their abundant new pastures throughout green season, on a trip crossing five different rivers and the Okavango Delta.

Tailor-made, Feb – Apr 13 days, from £4,445

Zimbabwe & Zambia, Scenic Wonders of Kafue & Hwange

Combine the best natural wonders and wildlife experiences of these two countries on a rewarding and interesting safari to Kafue and Hwange National Parks, and the breathtaking Victoria Falls.

Tailor-made, May – Nov 12 days, from £3,845


9

Zambia & ZimbabweLying on either side of Victoria Falls – Southern Africa’s major tourist attraction – the two Zs are rich in wildlife – so much so that we run more trips in Zambia than to any other single country in our portfolio! To some extent this is due to supreme destination knowledge – after all, Wildlife Worldwide founder Chris Breen worked there as a guide and lodge manager way back when – but it is also a fair indication of the quantity and

quality of the wildlife, and the diversity of habitat.

As the original home of the walking safari, Zambia is blessed with some of Africa’s

best guides – this knowledge seems to be handed down from one

generation to the next through careful selection and scrupulous training of budding guides. And many of the lodges and camps are still run by their owners with an unmistakably personal touch, and are set up expressly for walking.

Across the Zambezi in Zimbabwe, tourism is making a recovery after years of neglect and a new confidence fills the air. This country that once offered some of the finest wildlife experiences in Africa is once again rising to the challenge. New capital is being invested prudently, and new lodges are springing up while old ones undergo refurbishment.

The country’s largest and foremost national park, Hwange, lies just a couple of hours drive from the falls, so is easy to include

on any itinerary, while there is a natural circuit with the national parks of Matusadona, Mana Pools and

Matobo Hills – each of which offers a very different experience.

Botswana & NamibiaAnother two neighbouring countries that

can work well in combination are Botswana and Namibia. Botswana’s principal draw is

undoubtedly the unique Okavango Delta and adjoining Moremi Game Reserve which – depending on

the exact location of your chosen lodge or camp – offer either water-based or land-based activities. You fly in and out, but to get the most out of your stay we recommend a few nights at two contrasting locations.

On the northern border, elephant-rich Chobe National Park lies close to the crossing point for Livingstone, providing access to the rest of Zambia or Zimbabwe, while the Savuti-Linyanti area rates as one of the best areas to view wildlife in the entire continent. The central region offers a dramatic contrast between the flatness of the Makgadikadi Pans and Nxai Pan, and the rolling aridity of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.

Namibia, on the other hand, has enjoyed unrivalled popularity over the last decade or so due to its astonishing desert landscape, ranging from the towering dunes of Sossusvlei in Namib-Naukluft National Park to the animal-rich waterholes of Etosha National Park, and the wild Skeleton Coast, with the desert-adapted species of Damaraland.

At the northern end of the country the narrow Caprivi Strip, runs 450 kilometres towards the Okavango Delta, lying between Botswana to the south and Angola and Zambia to the north. Bordered by the Okavango, Kwando, Chobe and Zambezi rivers, the Caprivi is lush and green – unlike the rest of Namibia – providing a habitat for over 400 species of bird, the critically endangered African wild dog, and acting as a corridor for elephant moving from Botswana and Namibia into Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Our website features 6 countries, containing over 35 itineraries and over 40 locations across Southern Africa that we can use to tailor-make your own itinerary




10

Just conservation

Country Tour Name Date Duration Price From

Peru Mental About Mantas in Mancora * 27 Mar 2014 17 days £2,865

Madagascar Land of the Lemurs: Conservation in Action 5 Apr 2014 10 days £1,895

South Africa Rhino & Leopard Survey in KwaZulu Natal 18 Apr 2014 11 days £2,195

Namibia Carnivores of Etosha: Human-Animal Conflict 17 May 2014 15 days £3,995

Canada Blue Whale Research on Mingan Island 15 Jun 2014 9 days £2,895

Micronesia Exclusive Manta Study in Yap * 30 Jun 2014 14 days £5,295

Azores Sperm Whale & Dolphin Study in the Azores 20 Jul 2014 6 days £1,340

Tanzania Elephant Conservation in Saadani National Park 1 Aug 2014 9 days £2,595

South Africa Great White Shark Course in False Bay 31 Aug 2014 11 days £3,265

Tanzania Elephant Collaring by Helicopter 13 Sep 2014 9 days £3,895

Madagascar Breeding of the Greater Bamboo Lemur 1 Nov 2014 11 days £1,995

Indonesia Majestic Manta Monitoring in Raja Ampat * 5 Jan 2015 10 days £4,865

South Africa Rhino & Leopard Survey in KwaZulu Natal 18 Jan 2015 11 days £2,195

*Experienced divers onlyAll prices are per person, include flights and are based on two people sharing a twin room


11

Our Just Conservation programme offers you the opportunity to participate in sustainable conservation projects by enabling unrivalled ‘behind-the-scenes’ access to wildlife and

wildlife experts, and making a direct contribution to the on-going study of endangered species.

Hands-on involvementOur Just Conservation trips offer a real hands-on experience and give you the chance to learn a new skill and gain practical knowledge of working in-the-field. Instead of simply spectating you will be able to: collar African elephants, tag marine species, construct community livestock kraals, use GPS devices to track wildlife, set camera traps, identify footprints and observe behavioural patterns. Whichever trip you choose, you will be actively involved in day-to-day wildlife conservation and research.

Conservation for everyoneOur Just Conservation trips are for everyone regardless of age, ability or interest. They bring like minded wildlife enthusiasts together with scientists, to collaborate and improve research findings. Whether you are retired and want a gentle introduction into the world of conservation or have recently graduated and are looking for a more demanding experience, our conservation gradings (which you will find on our website) explain the different roles and physical demands that you can experience.

Enhancing species knowledgeWhether your fascination is for marine life or land mammals, our Just Conservation trips provide a greater scientific understanding of a range of species and the challenges they face. Lectures and workshops will provide previous research findings while your studies of migrations, threats, behaviour and identification, and the impact of the human-wildlife conflicts that exist with local communities, will help scientists gain a comprehensive future understanding of certain threatened species.


12

Remember the family holiday? Those halcyon days when time seemed endless, packed with adventure and discovery, when adults and children enjoyed doing things together? The intensity of the shared experience? The excitement of something new and different every day? Growing together, sharing memories that live on in the family lexicon for ever?

The favourite stories of our children involve animals: the timeless tale of The Jungle Book is a story we have all grown to know and love. Programmes such as Big Cat Diary, Springwatch and Autumnwatch bring the natural world into our living rooms, but there is nothing quite like taking your living room into the wild, experiencing a totally new environment and sharing intimate wildlife experiences, together.

wildlife for

families


13

The flush of excitement at spotting your first lion, the wide eyes and sharp intake of breath at seeing a herd of elephant - rites of passage for children, parents and grandparents alike.

Wildlife holidays bring the generations of a family together, allow the knowledge gained to be passed on and for all to learn and be amazed simultaneously. Travel broadens the mind, but wildlife travel hones all the senses; after all, seeing is believing – and certainly remembering!

Of course the world has opened up considerably, travel has never been easier, and exotic far-off lands that were once the domain of the rich and famous are now open to all. Fuelled by television documentary and the movies, our curiosity has never been greater and, thanks to modern education, previously unheard of topics such as endangered species, conservation, rainforests, deserts, climate change, and cultural differences are now firmly embedded in the national curriculum. So what better way to bring them to life than through a family wildlife holiday?

Many safari lodges and camps have made special provision for families, by designing a dedicated family tent or building a so-called safari house, which offers the space and facilities for a family to live together. Private vehicles and family guides are

invariably included, so you can select your own activities at your own pace to create your own family wildlife experiences and facilities such as a swimming pools are not overlooked either.

We select the destination for a family safari with great care, and temper the pace of the trip so there is not too much travelling. Our recommendations are based on a number of factors: the ease of seeing wildlife, the variety of animals, the quality and ability of guides, the safety of the operation, the comfort of the accommodation, and the support of friendly and experienced staff. And the fact that we specialise in tailor-making holidays means that we can work together on an itinerary until you are satisfied you have exactly what you need.

So, when did you last spend quality time, learning, experiencing and discovering with the children, or your grand-children? Holidays may never be the same hereafter, but they will thank you for it, and that “What I did in the holidays” project may well become the blueprint for the next ‘Jungle Book’...

South Africa, Treasures of Limpopo

A perfect first time safari for all the family in malaria free game reserves. Enjoy an exclusive wildlife experience from the comfort of family friendly lodges located at the heart of the action.

Tailor-made Feb – May, Jul – Aug, Oct & Dec 13 days, from £2,895 (adult) / £1,795 (child)

Kenya, Masai Warriors & Wildlife Galore

Ideal for young explorers, this awe-inspiring journey visits the land of the Masai warriors on a fun family educational programme in some of the best wildlife reserves.

Tailor-made Feb, Jul – Aug, Oct & Dec 11 days, from £4,575 (adult) / £2,995 (child)

Zambia & Malawi, Zambezi Wonders & Wilderness

A family delight with the perfect combination of outstanding natural wonders, unspoilt wilderness, fun activities, incredible wildlife, combining the best of Zambia and Malawi.

Tailor-made Apr – Dec 13 days, from £4,645 (adult) / £2,845 (child)

wildlife for

families

Our website features more than 40 countries and over 240 locations across the world, that we can use to tailor-make your own family wildlife holiday




We know many of the continent’s finest walking guides, so talk to one of our expert consultants about how you can incorporate walking into your safari, or indeed plan an entire walking trip. All our safari trips to Africa offer the possibility of experiencing the continent’s wilderness areas

and wildlife through a combination of game drives, walks and boat trips. However in our opinion, there is simply no better way to see wildlife than on foot. A walking safari offers a completely different experience to a game drive, and allows you to develop a far greater understanding of your surroundings in the bush.

Of course at one time, from the days of the great Victorian explorers onwards, virtually all safaris were on foot, as there were no vehicles. So walking safaris are redolent of another era, when time was a less important commodity. Without the relative comfort and elevation – let alone protection – of a four-wheel-drive safari vehicle, your senses are heightened and you begin to connect with your surroundings in an entirely new way. And encountering animals at their eye-level and on their terms is an exciting, enriching experience.

The distance covered on a walk is almost immaterial, as most of the time you will be looking, listening, smelling – indeed using all your senses – to understand the bush and its inhabitants. A typical walk will be a relaxed affair, lasting anywhere between two and four hours, but this entirely depends on what you see and your level of interest. There may be an opportunity to rendezvous with a vehicle in mid-walk for refreshments, so all you need carry is binoculars and water – a light daysac will suffice.

Depending on which country you are in, you may be accompanied by a lone safari guide, a guide plus a national park ranger or scout, or even two guides. Working together your guide and scout will identify animal tracks and droppings, point out interesting plants and their local uses, and identify birdlife and insects. Using their knowledge they will explain the behaviour and characteristics of individual species, and the often complex relationships that exist within the animal kingdom. They will talk about the habitat in general and, of course, keep a weather eye out for big game. It’s a great way to appreciate the wildlife that you cannot see easily from a vehicle.

Most countries offer safari walks in one form or another – from half-day walks to multi-day walking trips – however there may be considerable differences depending on which national park or reserve, and lodge or camp you are at. Many factors determine this: landscape and vegetation, local regulations, and the likelihood of encountering big game, however the knowledge, experience and training of your guide are the most crucial.

Walking with wildlife This is not walking for the sake of walking, but walking to awaken your senses and your soul.

14 wildlifeworldwide.com 0845 130 6982 You can also visit our Winchester office to plan your trip in person

15

Though Africa is synonymous with walking safaris, new destinations are emerging around the world where it is also possible to experience the thrill and intensity of encountering wildlife on foot...

Zambia, Classic Luangwa Walking

Enjoy this classic, small group safari along the Mupamadzi river of South Luangwa National Park; the quintessential bush experience. An intimate walking safari adventure in style.

Small group departures, Jul – Sep 14 days, from £5,995

Canada, Polar Bear Mothers & Cubs

This is a unique opportunity for a close encounter with these gorgeous creatures, on foot, at a wonderful time to view the intimacy between mother and cub, and their playful approach to life.

Small group departures, Aug – Sep 12 days, from £6,345

India, Walking with Sloth Bears

A gentle and rewarding walking safari in the land of sloth bears and wild dogs, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve.

Tailor-made, Nov – Mar 12 days, from £2,445



Our website features over 30 itineraries in Zambia and Canada, and almost 20 locations in India that we can use to tailor-make your perfect safari


16

Europe

Finland, Brown Bears Explorer

Long evenings and early dawns allow incomparable opportunities to watch and photograph the wildlife of these pristine forests.

Small group departures, Jun – Aug 8 days, from £1,675

Spain, Wild España

Years of wildlife conservation in the national parks and reserves of the Iberian Peninsula has generated some enviable results that make for a fascinating visit.

Small group departures, Mar, May & Oct 9 days, from £1,335

Azores, Sperm Whales & Bottlenose Dolphins

Help a team of researchers and scientists in the Azores with an ongoing study of sperm whales and bottlenose dolphins, and the added possibility to dive with blue sharks.

Small group departures, Jun – Aug 6 days, from £1,340

Romania, Bears in the Carpathians Mountains

This short trip over a long weekend offers the possibility of spotting brown bears and other animals in Piatra Craiului National Park, in the Carpathian Mountains.

Tailor-made, Apr – Oct 4 days, from £1,095


17

By our own admission, Europe is a continent we have largely neglected while favouring more exotic destinations further afield. Yet one trip that has underpinned the company for several years is a one-week summer trip to Finland to see bears. This combines two separate but

contrasting locations deep in the silent taiga forest close to the Russian border in the far north of the country.

Here bears are attracted to purpose-built photographic hides and can be seen and photographed at close quarters in the months before hunting

season starts, and then the bears – who are by no means short of intelligence – head over the border into Russia! During your stay you

can enjoy watching moose and some fine birdlife, and may just have a chance to see wolves and wolverines.

For a great weekend break, we suggest a shorter version of the itinerary, visiting just one location.

Still in Scandinavia, after a short reconnaissance mission earlier in the year, we put together two itineraries in Sweden – both small group photographic trips led by wildlife photographer Nick Garbutt. The first of these is a long weekend in winter to photograph golden eagles in Hälsingland in central Sweden; the second is a one week trip in early summer that starts in the forests and lakes of Västmanland to see moose, bears and beavers, before moving further north to Hälsingland to photograph bears from a dedicated forest hide.

The Carpathian Mountains in Romania is another area that has a healthy population of bears. This expanse of forested mountains is one of Europe’s largest remaining wilderness areas and makes a good long weekend in summertime for bear watching in combination with the fauna, avifauna and flora of Central Europe.

Bears again are one of the attractions in Spain, on a one week small group trip that visits four separate locations across the

length of the Iberian Peninsula for opportunities to see bears, wolves, raptors and Iberian lynx, plus a wealth of other typical

mammals and birdlife. You travel with a naturalist driver-guide, often visiting areas of the national parks and reserves where

access to the general public is restricted.

In complete contrast, if you are interested in cetacean life, the Azores make a fantastic base for boat trips to see all manner of whales and

dolphins – with extremely high success rates. It’s no accident that these Portuguese mid-Atlantic islands were formerly a centre of whaling

activity; the sheer number of whales – let alone the variety – makes this a must-do one-week trip for any budding marine biologist.

Our website features a choice of almost 20 locations in Europe across 9 countries that we can use to tailor-make your itinerary




18

Our website features almost 20 locations in India that we can use to tailor-make your own itinerary



With a dazzling array of 105 national parks, plus a plethora of reserves and sanctuaries, India is a wildlife destination par excellence. With the proliferation of low cost carriers operating domestic flights all over the country, it is easier than ever to get around. Although, if you

have never done one before, doing at least one leg of a journey on an Indian train (best described as a village on wheels) is almost mandatory – a rite of passage.

Of course not all parks are equal and despite what their literature may say, not all offer fantastic opportunities to see wildlife so choose carefully. In the more popular parks, close to major population centres, the presence of numerous visitors may deter serious wildlife enthusiasts. Otherwise, the major determining factors are the choice of accommodation, quality of the guides, and excursions offered – as these may make all the difference between a mediocre experience and an inspiring one.

Keoladeo Ghana, near Bharatpur in Rajasthan, is one of the world’s leading bird reserves – a wetland of staggering richness, and one of the jewels in India’s wildlife crown. However the most iconic of India’s animals is the tiger, which is found in the sanctuaries of Project Tiger all over the subcontinent, but with the largest number in Central India.

Ranthambore in Rajasthan, the former hunting reserve of the Maharajah of Jaipur, remains one of the best places to view tigers in the wild, but is sadly now one of the busiest parks of all. Another former royal hunting preserve in Rajasthan – this time of the Maharajahs of Alwar – is Sariska.

In Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh is famed for tiger – horrendously as many as 111 were once shot here in a single hunt! – and near Khajuraho, Panna, one of the easiest parks to reach, has tiger.

However the current stars of the tiger world are Pench, supposedly the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’, and a relatively late entrant to Project Tiger, while Kanha offers tiger sightings along with some 20 species of mammal and more than 200 bird species. Tadoba is further off the beaten track but also offers fine tiger sightings.

Despite the associations of its name, tiger sightings are rare in Corbett, which is known primarily for its elephant, leopard and some 585 species of birds. Just 70 kilometres south of Agra, Chambal National Sanctuary is the place to see Gangetic river dolphin and crocodiles, as well as birdlife.

In the remote northeastern region of Assam, Kaziranga offers a unique opportunity to see Indian one-horned rhino, in addition to tiger, elephant and leopard, while Manas is a Project Tiger reserve as well as a UNESCO World Heritage site, but is hard to reach. Over on the west side of the subcontinent, the dry and dusty region of Gujarat has a number of specialities up its sleeve: endangered Asiatic lion at Sasan Gir, where numbers are – remarkably – on the increase, Asiatic wild ass, whose future was secured by the establishment of a sanctuary in 1973, and blackbuck at Velavadar.


19

India

Tigers in Luxury

Experience India’s natural jewels of Panna, Bandhavghar, Kanha and Pench; prolific parks and reserves with the most exquisite properties and the finest wildlife to be found in the country.

Tailor-made, Nov – May 15 days, from £4,145

Jungle Trails of Southern India

Discover India’s unspoilt south on a trip that explores the backwaters of Kerala by houseboat, takes you to view elephants at Nagarhole National Park and provides guided walks, game drives and boat tours in Kumarakom bird sanctuary.

Tailor-made, Nov – Mar 16 days, from £3,085


20

Sri Lanka

Blue Whales & Dolphins

This itinerary will first take you in search of spinner dolphins, seen in huge numbers off Kalpitiya in the north-west, then to possibly the best place in the world to see blue whales and sperm whales, the deep waters off the south coast.

Small group departures, Mar & Nov 2014, Mar 2015 14 days, from £2,450

Elephants, Blue Whales & Leopards

A superb wildlife itinerary taking you to see Sri Lanka’s big three; elephant in Udawalawe National Park, the leopard of Yala Reserve, and blue whales off Mirissa, crossing the Bay of Bengal to the Arabian Sea.

Tailor-made, Nov – April 10 days, from £2,345

The teardrop-shaped island off the southern tip of India has had many names during its 3,000 years of documented history – Taprobane, Sinhala, Serendip, Ceylon, and latterly Sri Lanka. It is also known as “the Pearl of the Indian Ocean” due to its outstanding natural beauty.


21

Sri Lanka Our website features almost 10 locations in Sri Lanka and nearly 40 itineraries worldwide that include whale watching that we can use to tailor-make your own itinerary



Lying in the Indian Ocean southwest of the Bay of Bengal, the island is separated from the Indian subcontinent by the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Strait. According to Hindu mythology, a land bridge once stretched between the Indian mainland and

Sri Lanka, however now only a chain of limestone shoals remains above sea level. This was reportedly passable on foot until 1480 AD, when tropical cyclones deepened the channel.

Its strategic location on the sea route to the Far East and its deep harbours explains its importance to all who passed through. Lying at an international crossroads, it is inevitably a diverse place, home to different religions, languages, and ethnic groups that include Sinhalese, Tamils, Moors, Dutch Burghers, Malays and the aboriginal Vedda. It has a rich Buddhist heritage – the first known Buddhist writings were composed here. In recent times the northeast area was ravaged by a long civil war that ended with a decisive but highly controversial military victory in 2009.

In recent years the Kalpitiya Peninsula on the northwest coast has developed an enviable reputation for frequent sightings of spinner dolphins and – increasingly – whales, while Mirissa on the south coast is widely acknowledged as one of the best places in the world to see blue whales within reasonable distance of the shore. Sri Lanka is reckoned to be among the world’s top 25 biodiversity hotspots, but these assets add yet another dimension to the already rich wildlife population.

Either, or indeed both, of these locations can be easily combined with national parks such as Yala, which is renowned for leopard, or Uda Walawe, which is rich with elephant. If you are interested in birdlife, add Sinharaja Forest Reserve, one of the island’s four biosphere reserves, which is home to 26 endemic birds and 20 rainforest species that include the elusive red-faced malkoha, the green-billed coucal and the Sri Lankan blue magpie.

To this end we offer a small group trip with three departures per year during the optimum period for sighting blue whales. Sri Lanka is one of those places where it is very easy to build in a few days R&R at the end of your trip, along the coastline, before returning home.


22

BearFiesta

As children, many of us had a close relationship with a ‘bear’; Winnie-the-Pooh, Rupert, Paddington, Ballou, Yogi and Boo-Boo all remain deeply ingrained in our collective consciousness. While often seen as cute and cuddly cartoon characters, bears are, in fact, highly complex and fascinating creatures that merit our respect.

Found all over the world, bears – like us – walk upright on their heels, which may at least partially explain our empathy for them. Most species possess a large body, relatively short legs, a stumpy tail, small, round ears, and forward-facing

eyes – another way in which they resemble us. Polar bears are almost entirely carnivorous, although in summer on the mainland even they forage on berries and plants, while at the other end of the spectrum the amiable panda lives almost exclusively on bamboo.

Of the eight bear species, three are found in North America, which remains one of the best places to see them in the wild. Black bears are both prolific and widespread with eighteen subspecies in North America alone where, though estimates vary, they may number as many as 750,000. Their diet is varied and they can eat almost anything. Like most bears, they love honey, and are responsible for much damage to commercial apiaries each year. They have short claws and are agile climbers.


No other animal has captured our imagination quite like the brown, or grizzly, bear and we are often seduced by its supposed cuteness, forgetting that it is a wild animal.

The king of the wilderness forest differs from other bears in its distinctive shoulder hump – the result of powerful muscles that are used for digging. It has a curiously dish-like flattened face and long claws on its front paws.

They are more widely distributed and occupy a wider diversity of habitats than any other bear and are found in Europe, Japan, North Asia, and the North American northwest.

Polar bears are quintessential hunters. Possessed with extraordinary powers of patience and endurance, it will sit beside a blow-hole for hours on end, waiting for a seal to surface, then despatch it with a single blow from a powerful forepaw. The harsh conditions of the Arctic north, with temperatures well below freezing for most of the time, mean that this bear needs expert survival skills to survive.

The polar bear is a triumph of nature’s design. Although round, like those of other bears, its ears are smaller and lie closer to its head, which along with its overall shape, and large and slightly webbed paws help to make it a formidable swimmer.

23

Our website has over 20 bear-viewing trips and almost 30 bear locations in Alaska, Canada and across Europe that we can use to tailor-make your itinerary




Canada, Classic Polar Bears

Maximising the opportunity to see bears, this is an awe-inspiring experience with an intensity that creates an unforgettable wildlife encounter.

Group departures, Oct – Nov 7 days, from £4,695

Canada, Orcas, Bears & Totems

Enjoy spotting orcas and watching grizzly bears on this breathtaking trip to British Columbia, in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Group departure, Aug only 10 days, from £4,195

Canada, Polar Bear Mothers & Cubs

Join a small international group at a remote lodge the pristine wilderness of northern Manitoba to see polar bears during their summer stay on the mainland.

Small group departures, Oct – Nov 8 days, from £6,490

Canada, Caribou Migration & Great Bear Adventure

Staying in one of the finest Arctic eco lodges, this is an unmissable journey to Schmok Lake to witness the migration of the Canadian Central Barren Ground caribou and a chance to view black bears and polar bears.

Small group departure, Sep only 10 days, from £8,095

Canada, Beluga Whales & Polar Bears

Explore the Seal River estuary along the Hudson Bay by boat, on foot and from the traditional tundra tracker to view polar bears and beluga whales who congregate here over the summer months.

Small group departures, Jul – Aug 9 days, from £6,985

Canada, Autumn Wildlife in Knight Inlet & Tofino

Join Wildlife Worldwide founder, Chris Breen to celebrate our 22nd anniversary and see brown bears at Knight Inlet and whales off Tofino on Vancouver Island.

Small group departure, Oct only 9 days, from £4,195

wildlifeworldwide.com 0845 130 6982 You can also visit our Winchester office to plan your trip in person24

Expedition cruise vessels are offering increasing variety as their operators devise new routes and destinations to tempt us back to the achingly beautiful polar regions. In the southern hemisphere the classic itinerary takes you to the Antarctic Peninsula, while a slightly longer trip down the peninsula will cross the Polar Circle at 66o⁰35’ South; you can enter the icy

Weddell Sea with its tabular icebergs on the far side of the peninsula, or do a longer trip that includes the Falkland Islands and South Georgia; and instead of sailing from and back to Argentina, a much longer trip will take you across the Ross Sea, starting or ending in New Zealand.

Some trips focus on activities that are available – whether photography, ice camping, kayaking, snowshoeing, ski trekking, mountaineering or ice diving – all accompanied by fully qualified guides. A few trips offer the possibility of skipping the Drake Passage, by flying from Punta Arenas in southern Chile directly to and from King George V Island in the South Shetlands to join your vessel.

In the northern hemisphere you can sail around Spitsbergen, visit Greenland, Iceland, Baffin Island, the Northwest Passage, the Russian Far East, the Kamchatcka Peninsula, Chukotka and Wrangell Island.

All voyages benefit from an experienced expedition crew and expert lecturers who will keep you safe and entertained, and organise shore excursions. But with a wide variety of vessels and itineraries from which to choose, and a sometimes bewildering choice of cabins, it can all get a bit confusing. So call one of our knowledgeable consultants to talk it through and get the best advice.

ExpeditionVoyages

Around Spitsbergen

Sail through a wonderland of mountain and glacial scenery and enjoy spectacular wildlife encounters in this polar bear and birdwatchers paradise.

Group departures, Jul – Aug 10 days, from £3,380 (voyage only)

Polar Circle Fly Sail

Because this itinerary flies over the Drake Passage, it is the quickest way to get as far south as possible and cross the Antarctic Circle.

Group departures, Feb only 9 days, from £4,835 (voyage only)

Classic Antarctica

An incredible voyage visiting prime wildlife sites along the Antarctic Peninsula and in the nearby South Shetland islands. The perfect introduction to Antarctica!

Group departures, Jan – Mar, Nov – Dec 10 days, from £3,445 (voyage only)

25

The Ross SeaAn epic Antarctic voyageThe approach to the Antarctic from the New Zealand side and vice versa involves

crossing the Ross Sea – the planet’s most pristine marine ecosystem. Unlike the rest of the world’s oceans, it has remained remarkably free from pollution,

invasive species, mining and overfishing.

This productive stretch of water is home to an extraordinary array of marine life, much of which is found nowhere else. Teeming with fish, whales,

seals, penguins and other animals, it is effectively a living laboratory that offers a final opportunity to understand the

functioning of a healthy marine ecosystem.

This new trip offers the ultimate chance to explore the southern parts of the Antarctic Peninsula, Peter I Island, the Bellingshausen and Amundsen Seas leading into

the Ross Sea, visiting the huts of Ernest Shackleton and Robert Scott, McMurdo Station, the Dry Valleys and Campbell Island. For these two voyages the

strongest ice-class vessel, mv Ortelius will be equipped with two helicopters to use for ship to shore transfers.

Prepare yourself for high emotion and an unforgettable experience!



Our website has information about 18 Expedition Voyages that visit the Arctic and Antarctic


Vessel Departures (voyage only) Duration Price From

mv Ortelius (capacity 106 passengers in 48 cabins)

9 Jan – 10 Feb 2015 From Ushuia (Argentina) to Bluff for Invercargill (New Zealand)

32 days£16,535 (voyage only)11 Feb – 13 Mar 2015

From Bluff for Invercargill (New Zealand) to Ushuaia (Argentina)

Despite the appearance given by the dates, due to the effect of crossing the International Dateline while sailing, the itineraries above are of identical duration.

26

Although we specialise first and foremost in tailor-made itineraries to fit the precise requirements of our clients, we have always operated a limited selection of small group trips. These allow us to operate in areas where – for reasons of cost or logistical complications – it would be either impossible or simply uneconomic to put together trips for individuals.

Some of these small group trips focus on a wildlife event that takes place only at a particular time of year or at a specific location (or both); others may be accompanied by a personality – even a celebrity – who brings specialist knowledge to enrich the experience. Yet others cater for special interests such as photographic trips that are accompanied by an award- winning photographer who delivers informal group seminars throughout the trip, as well as giving tuition or guidance on an individual basis.

If you are a single traveller, a small group trip gives you an opportunity to travel with other like-minded people, and making it possible to get to places that would otherwise be prohibitively expensive for solo travellers.

Although we started out with only a few group trips, over the years these have proved so successful that the number has gradually grown. For example the recent acclaim that our 21st Anniversary trips have attracted has led us to put together a small selection of 22nd anniversary trips – even though this is not such an obvious milestone to celebrate.

As with the 21st Anniversary trips, these will be led by Wildlife Worldwide’s founder, Chris Breen, or a senior member of staff.

In addition, where we feel entirely confident about the quality of the operation, we sometimes offer the fixed departures of an itinerary run by a local tour operator in the country concerned. In such a case, we are not alone in selling this trip, and the group may be composed of couples and individuals from various countries around the world – although English will always be the language of the group. These can be immense fun!

GroupDepartures


Country Tour Name Departure Dates Duration Price From

Mexico Festival of Whales 20 Feb 2014 (sold out) 26 Feb 2014

10 days £3,095 (exc. flights)

Sri Lanka Blue Whales & Dolphins 8 Mar 2014 29 Nov 2014 7 Mar 2015

14 days £2,450

Spain Wild España 28 Mar 2014 27 May 2014 17 Oct 2014

9 days £1,335 (exc. flights)

Zambia Shoebill Safari (22nd Anniversary) 8 May 2014 11 days £3,995

Finland Brown Bear Explorer 1 Jun 201422 Jun 201413 Jul 20143 Aug 2014

8 days £1,675

Botswana Kalahari or Bust (22nd Anniversary) 12 Jun 2014 (sold out) 12 days £5,995

Canada Autumn Wildlife of Knight Inlet & Tofino (22nd Anniversary) 7 Oct 2014 9 days £4,195

Zambia & Malawi Bats, Rhinos & Reptiles (22nd anniversary) 8 Nov 2014 13 days £5,445

All prices are per person, include flights (unless otherwise stated) and are based on two people sharing a twin room

For our complete range of Group Tours around the world please take a look at our website.

27

Country Tour Name Departure Date Duration Price From

USA Wild West Winter Wonderland 8 Feb 2014 15 days £4,995

Sweden Golden Eagles in Winter 27 Feb 2014 4 days £1,395

Tanzania Serengeti Migration 22 Mar 2014 17 days £6,495

Borneo (Sabah) Rainforests & Rivers 30 Apr 2014 17 days £5,325

Sweden Bears, Moose & Beavers 12 Aug 2014 6 days £1,895

Brazil The Pantanal – Brazil’s Wetland Wonder 18 Sep 2014 18 days £7,725

India Central India & Assam 20 Nov 2014 17 days £4,295

All prices are per person, include flights and are based on two people sharing a twin room

Photography Trips with Nick Garbutt


Join acclaimed prize-winning photographer and long-time friend of Wildlife Worldwide, Nick Garbutt, on dedicated photographic trips to iconic and highly photogenic wildlife locations.

Open to photographers of all abilities, these trips will challenge your skills and open your eyes. Most have a maximum of ten participants (some even fewer), and daily sessions with Nick let you pose the questions you’ve always wanted to ask in situ and hone your photographic talents – so you can see immediate results. These sought-after trips sell out early, so don’t leave it too late...!

Swarovski binoculars reviewed by Chris BreenFor my recent trip to Zambia I was fortunate enough to be lent two pairs of Swarovski binoculars to review. Having a good pair of ‘bins’ makes the difference between a good trip and a great one. There is nothing worse than peering hopefully into the shrubbery while everyone around you is extolling the virtues of a particularly lovely bird or animal, courtesy of their powerful optics.

Buying a good pair of ‘bins’ can be a major investment, but once you’ve bitten the bullet you won’t regret it (promise!). And when you consider the use and enjoyment you’re likely to get from them, it’s worth every penny. After all, there’s a lifetime warranty on the optical components, and a ten year warranty on all other parts, so once you’ve got them, they’ll be with you for a very long time.

© Wildlife WorldwideNo portion of this brochure may be reproduced

without the prior written consent of Wildlife Worldwide.nlww.i1.2014

Talk to our specialist consultants:

0845 130 6982Calls charged at local rate

Overseas tel: +44 (0) 1962 302 086 Email: [email protected]

Web: wildlifeworldwide.com

Capitol House, 12-13 Bridge Street Winchester SO23 0HL, United Kingdom

Photographs courtesy of: Volcanoes Safaris, Robin Pope Safaris, Nick Mackman, Tuningi Safari Lodge, Bernie Reichart, Travel Inn, Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne, Donna L Passero. With our apologies for any omissions.

Dive Worldwide

Superb diving opportunities for the beginner who wants to learn, through to the experienced diver wishing to explore new areas

Tel: 0845 130 6980

Wildlife Worldwide is part of The Natural Travel Collection Ltd, a small independent and privately owned travel company that places a special emphasis on sustainable tailor-made holidays

thenaturaltravelcollection.com

facebook.com/wildlifeworldwide twitter.com/wildlifeww

Win a pair of Swarovski binocularsBook a Wildlife Worldwide holiday in January, February or March 2014 for your chance to win a pair Swarovski 8 x 30 CL Companion binoculars in our New Year prize draw!The winning booking number will be chosen at random. See our website for terms & conditions.

8 x 32 EL binoculars

These guys have to be seen to be believed – or rather, have to be used be believed! They are nothing short of staggering.

If you’re used to getting a pain in the neck from wearing bins for a long time,

or have ever resorted to a neoprene neck strap to relieve the weight of a heavy pair, forget it!

Considering the optics they house, these bins are featherlight – light enough to be used one-handed, yet

solid enough to feel good in the hand – and unbelievably bright in low light conditions. Used at dusk to watch bats in Kasanka, they were brilliant! The focussing ring is light and smooth to the touch, and the quality of the build is superb, meaning that even the most critical user cannot fail to be impressed. I just loved them!

8 x 25 CL Pocket binoculars

Light and compact, yet powerful and bright, these bins pack a powerful punch too.

Inevitably for a pair this size the field of view is a little restricted, but that’s a small price to pay for the weight advantage, and the sheer ease of carrying or packing them.

From a security point of view they are unobtrusive, and don’t attract the wrong type of attention. So, while they wouldn’t be my first choice for a serious birding trip, they make a great pair of bins for general everyday use – particularly if you are travelling. And, having shown them to one of the guests on my recent trip, I didn’t get them back until the very last moments of the safari!

Receive a FREE Swarovski cleaning kit when you buy a pair of Swarovski binoculars and book a Wildlife Worldwide holiday.

wildlife worldwide newsletter january 2014

Documents

wildlife worldwide2jaguar

extraordinary trip

new world

new trips

exciting wildlife experiences

remarkable wildlife

finest wildlife holidays

northern pantanal