Naturetrek Traveller Reviews

It was exciting to see wildcats at such close quarters. Our guides were excellent at spotting them. Lovely little hotel and great food - we're veggie and we were catered for at least as well as the meat eaters.

The holiday definitely fulfilled its promise - not always easy with nature watching

If you are considering or have booked a wildlife or tailor-made excursion with Naturetrek read this first. If Naturetrek have quoted for, or included any of the following in its offer to you, make sure that you are not being misled! GUIDE SERVICES If you do not have a working knowledge or are reasonably fluent in the language of the country you are visiting, insist that the guide being offered to you is fluent in your own language. A zoom meeting / whatsapp conversation directly with the guide prior to your booking with Naturetrek is recommended. HOTEL SERVICES Make sure that the hotels you are staying at are of a good standard and that the melas/mealtimes fall in line with the itinerary that Naturetrek is proposing. Contact the hotels directly before you confirm / pay your bookings to check this, otherwise you will pay for meals that you will not get. Ensure that the standard is what you believe you are paying for! WILDLIFE SERVICES If you are going on a wildlife trip, make sure that you are properly equipped. Do NOT assume that the guide will have the following: - maps of the areas you are visiting - wildlife, flora, fauna and bird books / literature - any protective shelter or covering for bad weather - campstools or similar t sit on (you may be standing for hours) Also, do NOT assume that the guide will be prepared to walk any distance. The guides that Naturetrek make use of seem to prefer wildlife viewing from main / tarred roads or where the walk to a particular viewing point is minimal. The wildlife experience may be with cars and motorbikes hurtling past you! WILDLIFE VIEWING If your main objective if wildlife viewing (birds, animals), try and make sure that the species are in fact in the areas that Naturetrek is proposing - AT THAT TIME OF THE YEAR! - Bird species may have already migrated elsewhere. - Animal species may have moved to other areas to obtain food / forage Try and obtain a second opinion prior to booking. Naturetrek are trying to sell and profiteer from your trip. Whether you see the wildlife you had hoped for, does not concern them. TRANSPORT SERVICES Make sure in advance that the transport service Naturetrek is offering you is fit for purpose. Ask to see an image of the vehicle that is to transport you. If satisfied, obtain confirmation that it will be used for the duration of the trip. Do NOT assume that Naturetrek will pay much attention to your transport arrangements. CONCLUSION Think twice before booking with Naturetrek. You may be sold a package that could turn out to be very disappointing. AND REMEMBER - the people / guides taking you on tour may well be one-man operators, freelance guides or fly by nights. In other words, second or third parties, far removed from Naturetrek!

As described above

A few days at a lovely hotel near Weston super Mare, with daily visits to nature reserves and other places to search for wildlife,

Ive been on a few trips now and the organisation, excellent guides and great hotels provide an overall fantastic experience

wonderfull organised wildlife experience with lots of Lynx sightings topped with otter, moeflon, ibex and many many birds!

Naturetrek did a very well organised trip with focus on the wildlife

Had a wonderful day. Walks were lovely. Great leader whose knowledge and experience meant we saw an amazing range of birds and not just the 2 new species I'd hoped to see - Hawfinch and Crossbill, but a whole host of favourites including 2 species of woodpeckers, dipper, brambling, siskin and even a Little Egret. Trip was well organised and hassle free. Will be doing more of these day trips.

Trip was straightforward to book and good value. Joining instructions were clear. On the day everything went smoothly.

A week of birding, deer & otters in Mull with 2 excellent guides. All well organised from collection in Glasgow to be dropped off back in Glasgow. Couldn’t have wanted for better, even rainy days went well.

Naturetrek - travelled with them several times in both UK and abroad.

A small group of us spent a December day exploring reserves on the Somerset Levels selected by our expert guide. He had experience of working on the Levels and so was able to guide us to the right places to make the most of the rather gloomy December weather. We saw birds that I would have never found on my own and it was interesting to learn about the management of the reserves from someone who had been directly involved. The day concluded with a starling murmuration happening over and around us. The sight and sounds of thousands of starlings overhead was brilliant and a privilege to behold.

Approachable and efficient, as always.

We set out to try to find the endangered Iberian Lynx as well as looking for eagles, vultures, other birds and mammals. This was a small group of 7 people with an excellent guide who worked tirelessly to help us see out target animal. I didn't have a telescope but our guide ensured that his was available. We had 9 excellent sightings which was really thrilling. And was saw a range of other mammals including Ibex, Mufflon and excellent views of raptors and other birds.

Always available and wiling to help with queries. However this holiday really tested them. Whilst in Spain the UK Government demanded extra PCR (negative) tests to be taken 2 days before leaving Spain. We were in a remote area and our guide worked a miracle in finding a clinic who could do the tests and get them verified prior to our return. We then had to fill in complicated formjust took overs on our mobile phones. Frankly I am not IT competent and our guide really helped me. This extra help is a reflection of the quality of our guide(outstanding) and of Naturetrek as an organization.

Birdwatching day trip with Tom Brereton as guide. Tom is extremely knowledegable about the area, ensuring super sightings of a range of birds. In addition, he ensures everyone can actually get on to the birds. He creates a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere which results in a super day.

Excellent service as ever.

This was a wildlife/birdwatching holiday based in Tobermory.

Our holiday was organised by Naturetrek. All contact from first booking to drop off was excellent.