Naturetrek launches new 2015 brochure

A vast array of flora and fauna itineraries across the globe feature, with brand-new trips that include an exploration of Mexico’s intriguing Yucatán peninsula and an epic cruise to Antarctica

Specialist wildlife tour operator Naturetrek has released its 2015 brochure, offering a comprehensive collection of worldwide wildlife itineraries and new tours. The brochure showcases Naturetrek’s unrivalled expertise, gained through almost 30 years’ experience of providing the very best, responsibly created wildlife holidays. As ever, each tour is expertly guided by a leading naturalist, botanist or ornithologist.

New highlights this year include a captivating Turtles & Toucans itinerary in Costa Rica, an unusual trip to observe Burma’s diverse bird species and a thrilling 11-day itinerary in search of Borneo’s rainforest mammals.

The brochure also sees the launch of an exclusive celebratory cruise to Antarctica, to mark Naturetrek’s impressive 30^th anniversary in 2016. The epic expedition cruise, departing in January 2016, is one of the longest Antarctic cruises available, and seeks out penguins, albatrosses, seals, cetaceans and other wildlife that return to the Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula each austral summer to breed.

Says David Mills, Managing Director of Naturetrek: “Our new 2015 brochure is bigger and better than ever before. New tours include a beguiling exploration of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula and its ancient Mayan cities, monkeys and turtles, and a very competitively priced trip to Borneo’s Sabah rainforest, which offers the chance to see Orang-utans in the wild and includes night-time spotlight searches for the enigmatic Leopard Cat, among other mammal highlights.

“I’m also delighted to announce that we are now taking bookings for our unique 30^th anniversary cruise in Antarctica, but spaces are in demand so it is well worth booking early.”

In total, Naturetrek now offers well over 350 tours to nearly every corner of the world. Not all tours have a specific focus: some concentrate generally on the destination-in-question’s flora and fauna, or on a particular season – while others appreciate the overall wildlife of a selected area.

NEW tour highlights for 2015:

Central and South America

Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula – Maya, Monkeys & Turtles, 11 days

A vibrant region extremely rich in wildlife, this varied itinerary combines intriguing Mayan heritage, including a visit to Chichen Itza, with its many Geoffroy’s Spider and Black Howler monkeys, and a memorable chance to swim amid Green Turtles in the warm waters of the Caribbean. The tour is timed to (hopefully) coincide with the gathering of hundreds of fiery orange-red flamingos as they take to the skies and turn the horizon crimson.

Departs 21 March 2015 and costs from £3,295 pp*

Costa Rica – Turtles & Toucans, 14 days

This tiny country contains 5% of the world’s biodiversity and a quarter of Costa Rica is made up of protected reserves and parks, making for excellent wildlife watching opportunities. The variety of birds alone is staggering, and possible sightings include Fiery-throated Hummingbirds, Swallow-tailed Kites, Scarlet Macaw and, of course, many colourful and delightful species of toucan. The trip also coincides with the turtle-nesting season at Tortuguero National Park.

Departs 5 September 2015 and costs from £3,595 pp*

Asia

Burma’s Birds, 12 days

South East Asia’s second-largest nation boasts an intriguing avi-fauna that is still relatively unknown, and should be high on every birder’s travel wish list. In Bagan, along the banks of the Irrawaddy River, it’s possible to see Ruddy Shelduck, River Lapwing and Striated Babbler and, in the Chin Hills, a dramatic southward extension of the eastern Himalaya, you can expect to observe White-browed Nuthatch, Burma’s best-known endemic.

Departs 10 February 2015 and 9 February 2016, and costs from £3,295 pp*

Borneo’s Rainforest Mammals, 11 days

Focusing on the diverse and interesting range of mammals found in the Sabah region, wildlife highlights on this affordable trip should include Orang-utans, Pygmy Elephants and Bornean Gibbons in the wild. There’ll be memorable visits to the Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre and the Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn more about the ongoing efforts to protect these iconic species, and exciting night-time forays in search of nocturnal mammals also feature.

Departs 6 March 2015 and costs from £2,895 pp*

India – Spring Flowers of Sikkim, Darjeeling & Kalimpong, 16 days

Enjoy the superb spring flora of the mountains of northern Sikkim – one of the most plant-rich regions of the Himalayas – and West Bengal on this fascinating itinerary. After sightseeing in Darjeeling, travel onwards to Gangtok before heading high into the Himalayan hills in the footsteps of renowned 19^th century botanist, Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker, to discover Primula species such as P.sikkimensis, P.calderiana, the spectacular Sikkim Rhubarb and rare orchids, growing abundantly in the remote area of Yume-Samdong.

Departs 7 June 2015 and costs from £2,995 pp*

Africa

Botswana’s Highlights, 14 days

Beginning in Victoria Falls, this classic wildlife itinerary in northern Botswana seeks out Elephants, Impala, Zebra, Buffalo, Lions and much more, and includes nine nights in a comfortable mobile tented camp. Three of these are spent in the private Khwai Concession, enabling the group to enjoy night drives in search of Leopards, African Civets, Giant Eagle Owls and the Pennant-winged Nightjar.

Departs 7 October 2015 and costs from £5,695 pp*

Antarctica

Antarctica, the Falklands & South Georgia – 30^th Anniversary Cruise, 22 days (2016)

Join Naturetrek on its exclusive 30^th anniversary wildlife cruise aboard the 116-berth, ice-strengthened MV Ortelius to Antarctica. The expedition voyage will venture to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the South Shetland and South Orkney Islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula. A plethora of wildlife wonders and spectacular scenery awaits, and there will be enough Zodiacs to ensure everyone can leave the ship at the same time.

Departs 20 January 2016 and costs from £10,595 pp*

*All prices are based on two sharing and include flights (London), transport on the tour, comfortable accommodation with all or most meals and expert guiding.

The majority of Naturetrek trips operate in small groups (average 10-12 people; maximum 16); because these groups include many solo travellers, there’s usually a room-sharing option for those who don’t wish to pay a single supplement. Each group is guided by a leading, experienced naturalist, and each tour departs at a carefully chosen time when the wildlife viewing experience will be at its most rewarding.

Nearly all trips are also available (at a different cost) on a tailormade basis too, for clients who cannot make the set departure dates, or who prefer to travel privately.

For more information on any of Naturetrek’s wildlife itineraries or to request a copy of the new 2015 brochure, call 01962 733051 or visit www.naturetrek.co.uk.

Ends

Press: For further information, to discuss a possible press trip, for photography, for more prices, to request a copy of the current brochure (online version here) or to interview MD David Mills, contact Sarah Belcher at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or s.belcher@travelpr.co.uk.

Note to editors: Naturetrek operates the largest selection of expert-led wildlife holidays in the world. From birdwatching and photography to trekking and conservation, Naturetrek can cater to any wildlife-watching wish. All Naturetrek holidays and short breaks are escorted small group tours guided by expert British and local naturalists, ornithologists and botanists.