Go Wild in 2020 – nine new itineraries join Jules Verne’s collection of wildlife tours

Escorted tour specialist Jules Verne (www.vjv.com) has added nine new itineraries to its collection of small-group wildlife adventures for 2020. Visiting some of the few truly wild places left on earth in Africa, Asia and The Americas, each of these special tours offers an unforgettable insight into why we need to protect these important habitats.

Jules Verne’s NEW Wildlife tours for 2020 are:

In AFRICA:

Wild Masai Mara: Indulge a passion both for wildlife and luxury on this five-night holiday that includes a four-night stay at the iconic Governors’ Camp. Set at the heart of some of the Masai Mara’s best viewing areas, landmark TV series such as BBC One’s ‘Dynasties’ and Animal Planet’s ‘Big Cat Tales’ were filmed on its doorstep. Single travellers keen to join like-minded travellers on this tour without financial penalty can choose from one of several No Single Supplement departures (subject to availability, marked °) as well as a Solo Group departure (19 November), created exclusively for single travellers. Maximum group size is eight. Departing 19 March°, 9 April°, 14 May°, 18 June°, 2 & 30 July, 6 & 20 August, 3 & 17 September, 15 October and 12 & 19 November°, the price is from £2,595 pp*. Optional two-night extension at Lake Naivasha, from £1,095 pp.

Wild South Africa: This immersive 17-night wildlife experience combines Kruger National Park (one of the world’s largest and best managed game reserves, boasting over 700 species of birds, mammals and reptiles) with an exploration of South Africa’s varied game reserves and magnificent natural wonders. Visit iSimangaliso (a great natural wetland, home to wonderful birdlife, hippos and crocodiles), Hluhluwe Umfolozi (the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa, home to Black Rhinos and the world’s largest population of White Rhinos) and much more. Departing 11 July, 15 August, 12 September, 17 October, 14 November & 19 December, the price is from £4,995 pp*. Maximum group size is eight.

Wild Namibia: Explore Namibia’s wildlife from a different perspective on this 15-night tour, travelling to the Caprivi Strip (a less-visited, lush region defined by its major rivers and abundant wildlife) before crossing into Botswana (for a game drive and boat cruise in Chobe National Park) and on to Zimbabwe, for a two-night stay at the five-star Victoria Falls Hotel, a guided tour of the majestic Falls and a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Maximum group size is six. Departing 14 April, 12 May, 16 June, 9 July, 19 August, 8 September, 15 October and 1 November, the price is from £5,295 pp*. Optional three-night extension to Hwange National Park, from £395 pp.

Tanzania’s Secret South: Tanzania’s hidden gems, coastal Saadani National Park, the vast Selous Game Reserve and remote Ruaha National Park all feature in this 13-night ‘off the beaten track’ itinerary, which also offers the option of a post-tour extension on the famous Spice Island of Zanzibar. Maximum group size is eight. Departing 12 June, 17 July, 14 August, 18 September, 16 October, 6 November and 4 December, the price is from £4,995 pp*. Optional four-night extension on Zanzibar, from £695 pp.

Botswana Explorer: Explore Botswana’s rich and unique landscapes, teeming with some of the best wildlife that Africa has to offer, and discover why this is the continent’s safari capital during a ten-night tour that takes in Nxai Pan Camp, the Okavango and Pom Island. A perfect choice for solo travellers keen to pursue their interest in the natural world as part of a companionable small group, Jules Verne offers No Single Supplement places (subject to availability) on the dates marked °. Maximum group size is eight. Departing 1 March°, 15 April°, 11 May°, 8 & 31 July, 31 August, 16 October, 4 November° and 2 December°, the price is from £4,995 pp*. Optional three-night extension to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, from £1,795 pp.

The African Dream: Observe some of Africa’s most astounding animals from the water during a three-night safari-cruise on Lake Kariba (aboard CroisiEurope’s small luxury ship, the African Dream) that features on this 12-night tour. A haven for birdlife, hippos and crocodiles, the lake is also an important water source that attracts elephant, lion, cheetah, antelope and more. This unique voyage also takes you to Matusadona National Park, where thousands of animals were relocated when the lands were flooded by the Kariba Dam in 1958. Visits to Victoria Falls and to Chobe and Hwange National Parks are also highlights. Maximum group size is eight. Departing 16 & 28 March, 30 April, 23 June, 14 July, 22 August, 6 & 30 September, 15 October & 23 November, the price is from £5,995 pp*.

In ASIA:

Wild India: This 14-night tour features Keoladeo National Park (a bird watcher’s paradise), a boat safari on the Chambal River (a natural habitat for gharials, crocodile, river dolphins, turtles and migratory birds) and a jeep safari through the Ravines of Chambal (visiting Machkund Temple, Shergarh Fort and Taleb e Shahi). Track the mighty tiger in Ranthambore National Park, spot leopard in Jawai (renowned for its sightings of this magnificent big cat), Asiatic Lion in Sasan Gir National Park and visit Little Rann of Kutch, the only ‘sanctuary’ in India for the Asiatic Wild Ass, one of the world’s most endangered species. Maximum group size is eight.  Departing 11 April, 10 & 24 October and 7 & 21 November 2020, the price is from £3,895 pp*. Optional four-night extension to Tadoba Tiger Reserve, from £1,195 pp.

In THE AMERICAS:

Wild Colombia: Renowned as one of the most biodiverse countries in world, Colombia is home to practically every type of eco-system on earth, from tropical rainforest and Andean cloud forest to open savannahs and high-altitude moorland. Explore its varied wildlife, birdlife and marine life – including humpback whales at the deserted beaches on the Pacific Coast – during this 11-night tour. Maximum group size is eight. Departing 3 July, 7 August & 18 September, the price is from £3,145 pp*. Optional three-night extension in Cartagena, on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, from £695 pp.

Brazil Explorer: Discover the abundant wildlife and unparalleled biodiversity of the Amazonian rainforest and waterways on this 13-night tour, which also visits the wetlands of the remote Pantanal in search of the jaguar before heading to vibrant Rio de Janeiro and onwards to take in the spectacular Iguassu Falls and surrounding National Park. Maximum group size is 20. Departing 3 May & 6 September the price is from £4,495 pp*.

*Prices are based on two people sharing (unless otherwise stated) and include flights (London), transfers (some tours also include internal flights), accommodation, breakfast daily, other meals and excursions as per the itinerary, park fees (where applicable), and the services of expert naturalist guides and local representatives.

Jules Verne’s nine new tours are included in its first-ever dedicated Wildlife brochure, a copy of which can be viewed, downloaded or ordered online here. They join an established collection of itineraries which also includes Wildlife Cruises: see penguins and whales on The Great White Continent (14 nights from £7,095 pp*), schooling sharks and bright coral in the Maldives (15 nights from £2,995 pp*), or buffalo and birdlife while cruising Assam & the Brahmaputra (11 nights from £2,495 pp*).

Solo wildlife enthusiasts are excellently catered for in the collection, too. In addition to Wild Masai Mara and Botswana Explorer, described above, Jules Verne also offers No Single Supplement places on selected departure dates of tours to Zambia’s premier national park (South Luangwa) combined with Malawi (Robin Pope Safaris, 15 nights from £5,695 pp*) and the Seychelles (eight nights from £2,995 pp). Jules Verne also offers an 11-night Solo Group tour to Botswana. Departing 17 February and 16 November 2020, Victoria Falls to the Okavango costs from £4,295 pp*.

ANIMAL WELFARE POLICY

Jules Verne believes that tourism should work positively towards protecting wildlife; the company wants its customers to have an unforgettable holiday experience but not at the cost of the animals’ welfare. Working with local suppliers, Jules Verne encourages good practice and helps them in making informed choices to better protect animals, their habitats and the communities that live alongside them. Jules Verne customers can travel with peace of mind, knowing that the company strives for an ethical and sustainable approach to animal tourism.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

Jules Verne believes that its impact on the destinations it travels to should be positive and should contribute to the protection of natural beauty, culture and wildlife for future generations of visitors and residents alike. In most cases, Jules Verne works with expert local guides (not only because they are the best informed, but to ensure that local communities derive maximum benefit from the tour) and, where feasible, uses eco-friendly accommodation. Jules Verne has joined forces with Climate Care to enable its clients to offset their CO2 by funding projects around the world (more here).

Booking with the Best:

Jules Verne has over 40 years’ experience of creating extraordinary adventures, pioneering voyages and inspirational journeys worldwide. Fully ABTA and ATOL bonded, and winner of many travel awards, Jules Verne’s experienced team of Personal Travel Experts have genuine first-hand knowledge of the company’s tours and destinations and are on hand throughout to organise every detail of each holiday, ensuring that clients can book in complete confidence. This commitment is further reinforced by Jules Verne’s 100% Price Guarantee; the holiday price is fixed when clients book and will remain so, even if Jules Verne’s costs increase subsequently.

For more information or to book with Jules Verne, call 020 3553 3722 or visit www.vjv.com.

Press: For more information on Jules Verne, including hi-res images, please contact Karen Carpenter at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email k.carpenter@travelpr.co.uk. At Jules Verne, please contact Prini Holmes-Reilly on 020 7633 6783 or email prini.holmes-reilly@vjv.co.uk.