Naturetrek Traveller Reviews

A magical experience and lifelong dream to visit Yellowstone and Teton National Parks which fulfilled all our expectations. The two guides employed were exceptional and enabled us to get excellent views of all the main species, grizzly and black bears, elk, moose, pronghorn, mule deer, coyote and wolves as well as a great variety of raptors and other birds. Their knowledge of the geology and thermal features, as well as the human history further enhanced our experience.

Very professional, organised company with excellent knowledge of their subject area. They employ very well respected experts to guide each of their tours which enables their clients to get the very best possible opportunities to view the wildlife and natural environment which enhances the enjoyment.

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Quite a challenging itinerary but including birding and site seeing so a good mix for me.

Well organised. Excellent tour leader and local guide.

This safari was an amazing adventure full of excitement from beginning to end. No sooner had we arrived at Elsamere and enjoyed our first delicious lunch on the lawn with the haunting calls of the fish eagles and in the company of a troop of colobus monkeys, we were guided around the extensive grounds along hippo trails, clambering over fallen trees to see spotted owls, love birds and bee-eaters as well as the resident, rescued birds of prey. After a lovely evening meal there were opportunities to watch films about the life of Joy Adamson or browse in the museum before an exciting night watching hippos graze on the lawn outside our rooms. On our full day at Elsamere we had a fabulous boat ride on Lake Naivasha with a superb local guide who pointed out pied kingfishers, giant kingfishers and a wide variety of waterbirds as well as pods of hippos where we watched a baby hippo riding on its mother's back. Fish were thrown to tempt the fish eagles to swoop down so we could watch them in action and just when the critical moment came, a pelican snatched the fish and the fish eagle then dive bombed the pelican and a struggle broke out. Our experiences were not just limited to wildlife activities and during our afternoon excursion to see giraffes, warthogs and flamingos, we were invited to join a group of local people celebrating a baptism in the lake and were enthralled by their beautiful singing. After our massage on the African Highway, we had our first taste of the Maasai Mara, being treated to a meeting with the unusual coalition of five male cheetahs before our arrival at Ilkeliani Camp, which was truly spellbinding as we were greeted so warmly by the friendly staff and with dancing, singing and jumping by the Maasai warriors as we were led through the camp to a champagne reception. Amongst many wonderful wildlife sightings were large families of elephants, prides of lions feasting, a beautiful leopard exploring a gully, fighting topi and buffaloes, baby jackals and the thrill of watching the famous coalition of five cheetahs stalk, chase and bring down a wildebeest right in front of us. Davies and Eustace were outstanding in their ability to predict the behaviour of the animals we watched and we were always in the best position to observe the action whilst allowing the animals the freedom to continue their lives and activities without interference. Another highlight for me was enjoying this safari with friends and having the opportunity to visit the Maasai village to learn more about the traditions of this unique tribe. The choice to take picnic breakfasts on our morning game drives meant that we were able to see as much as possible without the need to rush back to camp, thus we were privileged to watch hyenas running home with their stolen bounty, lions feasting on a buffalo as the vultures crept closer, hippos returning to the river after their night's feeding, a tower of twenty-three giraffes and elephant families strolling along the skyline as hot air balloons floated by at sunrise. Many of these sights would not have been possible without the tremendous generosity of Davies and Eustace who were always willing to give their time to show us that extra surprise whenever the opportunity arose. Asante sana.

This was my first adventure with Naturetrek and I was very impressed with everything I experienced. From the moment that we were met at the airport and transferred to our hotel late in the evening by the welcome team until the final afternoon when we were greeted so warmly and offered tea and excellent day rooms in which we could shower, change and re-pack for our night flight, we were well looked after and received the very finest Kenyan hospitality. Davies and Eustace, the naturalists leading the tour, were absolutely outstanding, both in their knowledge and wildlife expertise and in their caring, friendly and professional attitude towards each guest. They were extremely generous with their time and eager to show us the very best that Lake Naivasha and the Mara had to offer, consequently every moment of the day was full of wonder and excitement. The use of local agents meant that we were in the hands of experts who understood the customs and ways of the local people and appreciated the need to preserve the natural resources and guard against the use of plastic that is so harmful to the wildlife and difficult to dispose of. Each of our vehicles was equipped with a large water container so water was constantly available to each guest but without the need to use single use plastic bottles. The camps chosen for this safari were of the highest standard, in prime positions with excellent food and the most delightful staff who catered for our every need (and more). The itinerary was perfectly arranged to maximise our time in Kenya and to make the most of every precious moment of our holiday. Thank you for a fabulous tour.

Two weeks travelling around the south west of Uganda, seeing unique wildlife, such as the Shoebill, chimpanzees and gorillas.

I stumbled upon Naturetrek a few years ago, and have not really looked elsewhere ever since. The holidays are well organised, the guides are always excellent and the group sizes small.

Wow, what can i say, great holiday. Naturetrek took care of everything. The experience of seeing Jaguar's in the wild was fantastic, the guide could not have been better and great people on the tour

Naturtrek were great, easy to book and everything done as promised.

Organization was excellent. Very good accommodation. We saw all the Wildlife we expected

Naturetrek is an excellent company and we have done many holidays with them. Well organized at all stages with small groups

An amazing experience. The holiday was very well organised with 3 lovely boat trips, hard treking to see gorillas and chimps with lovely lodges to rest and recover in between. The vehicle was ideal for the terrain with an excellent driver/guide and all guests enjoyed a window seat. The guide really went out of his way to fine all the animals and birds and ensured we were all looked after well both in the lodges and throughout the holiday. I was very appreciative as I am an elderly single traveller.

I have been on a few Naturetrek holidays and find them ideal for my kind of holiday,lovely wildlife but not too intense.

This was a once in a lifetime experience and far exceeded my expectations

The local Botswana operator Letaka was perfect. The guide/driver and the camp staff were amazing. We booked through Naturetrek and apart from minor problems in pre-tour information (which are to be corrected) we were very satisfied and will, hopefully, book through the company again.

Nature holiday staying at 3 different lodges in The Pantanal. Had 8 close up jaguar sightings along with lots of other mammals and birds. Excellent guide.

Very professional. Deliver what they promise.

The leader, Alejandro Solano, is unsurpassed as a wildlife guide. His tours run smoothly, and he has great skill at finding and identifying birds and other wildlife.

All our wildlife tours are with Naturetrek. They have great tours, experienced guides, and their customer service from the office is very good. Their tours are well priced and represent good value for money.

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