New natural world tours from wildlife specialist Naturetrek

From husky safaris and the Northern Lights in Swedish Lapland, to Indian Pangolin and elephant gatherings in Sri Lanka…

Wildlife holiday specialist Naturetrek has launched a number of new tours for 2019, several of which have already had extra departure dates added due to high demand. Each of the small group itineraries offers natural world enthusiasts the opportunity to witness some of the world’s most fascinating species in the company of expert naturalist guides.

NEW additions to Naturetrek’s programme of wildlife tours worldwide include:

SWEDISH LAPLAND: Northern Lights & Wildlife

Close your eyes and imagine standing on a frozen lake, surrounded by a thick blanket of snow, sipping hot chocolate while the Northern Lights dance overhead: this is Swedish Lapland in the depths of winter. Spend three nights in the town of Jokkmokk, just inside the Arctic Circle, explore frozen lakes and snowy forests on a husky safari, venture out at night to watch for Aurora Borealis, photograph Moose and wild Reindeer in a snowy landscape, watch for Siberian Jay and Crested Tits, and spend one night glamping in a traditional Sami-style tented camp.
Departing 16 January 2019, this five-day holiday costs from £2,895 pp.*

INDIA: Ladakh’s Snow Leopards (lodge-based)

One of Naturetrek’s most popular tours, ‘Ladakh – A Snow Leopard Quest’ has, until now, involved camping in tents on some nights. On this newly-updated itinerary, guests will be based in comfortable lodge accommodation – a warmer alternative for the slightly less intrepid! This 14-day trip goes in search of the elusive high-altitude predator with the aid of local trackers and guides amid the rocky mountains of trans-Himalayan Ladakh, as well as looking for Blue Sheep, Asiatic Ibex, Golden Eagle and Tibetan Partridge, and exploring ancient Buddhist monasteries and Gompas (Tibetan Buddhist fortifications).
Departing 25 February 2019, this 14-day holiday costs from £3,795 pp.*

SRI LANKA: by Night

Sri Lanka in the dead of the night is a spellbinding place, where fascinating nocturnal species such as the elusive Rusty-spotted Cat, Sambar Deer and Slender Loris slink in the silence, and the sound of rustling in the palm leaves overhead betrays the presence of such creatures as the Brown Fish Owl and Common Palm Civet. Lucky wildlife enthusiasts may even have the chance to spot the critically-endangered Indian Pangolin on this 15-day trip, with time spent in various habitats around this large Indian Ocean island including the Udawalawe National Park, the Kanneliya rainforest and the Minneriya Reserve to witness ‘The Gathering’ of the elephants, as well as exploring magical Buddhist temples.
Departing 30 March 2019, this 15-day holiday costs from £2,995 pp.*

The following NEW tours have had EXTRA DATES added, due to popularity:

CROATIA & SLOVENIA: Go Slow in Istria in Autumn

Take in the wildlife, gastronomy and history of unspoilt Istria on this relaxing tour from Naturetrek’s Go Slow programme, which allows guests to enjoy the natural world at a gentle pace. From a base at a tranquil thermal spa hotel in the Mirna River Valley near the medieval city of Buzet (known as the ‘City of Truffles’), enjoy daily guided walks of the nearby forests, limestone cliffs, rivers and meadows, watching for wintering wildfowl, waders, migrant butterflies and autumn flora. There will also be leisurely visits to historical sites such as the Roman arena in Pula-Pola, as well as an Istrian olive farm, an award-winning winery and charming trattorias, to feast on the traditional Venetian and Balkan-inspired cuisine of the region.
Departing 11 October 2018, this eight-day holiday costs from £1,295 pp.*

FRANCE: Wallcreepers and the Camargue

The enigmatic Wallcreeper, with its stunning crimson wings and dainty flight, is a ‘must-see’ for many naturalists, and this five-day holiday in the Camargue offers a chance to spot this wonderful species as well as enjoying Roman architecture, unique scenery, and classic Provençal cuisine. The group will also go in search of the Camargue white horses and famed black bulls, and witness wintering Common Cranes, Glossy Ibis and Greater Flamingo, which gather in huge numbers on Europe’s well-known but little-explored wetland.
Departing 19 November 2018, this five-day holiday costs from £895 pp.*

SPAIN: Go Slow in Andalucia in Spring

Spend sunlit mornings in the lush rolling hills of southern Spain, welcoming raptors and storks back from their African wintering grounds as they soar across the Straits of Gibraltar on their way north to breed, on this seven-day Go Slow holiday. Staying at the gorgeous rural eco-lodge Huerta Grande, nestled amidst Cork Oak woodland, explore the area’s wildlife at close quarters on gentle walks and boat trips, from Hawfinches and Firecrests to Pilot Whales and Sperm Whales, fuelled by picnics in the sunshine and superb local tapas.
Departing 18 March 2019, this seven-day holiday costs from £1,395 pp.*

ITALY: May 2019 Wildlife Festival in Abruzzo National Park

Forming part of the Apennine Mountain range two hours north of Rome, Abruzzo National Park is the most biodiverse in Italy, home to the rare Marsican Brown Bear, Appenine Wolf, Red and Roe Deer, and Wild Boar. Naturetrek has exclusive use of the charming Albergo Paradiso Hotel for its May 2019 European Wildlife Festival, an eight-day holiday with a team of expert naturalist guides leading the group on wildlife walks, mammal-scanning sessions, moth-trap excursions and delicious picnics in butterfly-filled meadows. The region’s vibrant wild flowers are a highlight of late spring, with 25+ species of orchid amongst the colourful offerings. Evenings will be spent enjoying the host’s fine home cooking and plentiful wine in the company of like-minded nature lovers.
Departing 23 May 2019, this eight-day holiday costs from £1,595 pp.*

*Prices are based on two people sharing and include return flights (London) as well as transport on the tour, hotel or lodge-style accommodation, meals and excursions as per the itinerary, and expert guiding.

To speak to the specialist experts for more information on any of Naturetrek’s wildlife itineraries, or to request a copy of the 2018 brochure, call 01962 733051 or visit www.naturetrek.co.uk.

Press: For further information/photography, to discuss a press trip commission or for immediate comment on wildlife travel issues, please contact Karen Carpenter or Lizzie Cooper at Travel PR on tel: 020 8891 4440 or email: k.carpenter@travelpr.co.uk or l.cooper@travelpr.co.uk.

Note to Editors: Established over 30 years ago, Naturetrek operates the largest selection of escorted birdwatching, botanical and natural history holidays in the world. Naturetrek can cater to any wildlife-watching wish in almost every corner of the globe. Naturetrek holidays and short breaks are small group tours guided by expert British and local naturalists, ornithologists and botanists and there is also a broad range of specialist wildlife charters, as well as trekking and photography options. Tailor-made wildlife trips are also a speciality.