Naturetrek Traveller Reviews

My 2 week trip to the Galápagos Islands was without doubt one of the highlights of my 4 month tour of Bolivia and Ecuador. I had dreamt of visiting these islands since I was a child and the tour still managed to exceed my expectations. In the 2 weeks we were able to cover the entire archipelago and land on every island where it is possible. Each day brought us something new and the views of the wildlife could hardly have been better. We had the opportunity to explore by land and to take to the water. Snorkelling was offered most days and we also took boat trips close to the shore. This enabled us to get very close to the birds, mammals, iguanas, tortoises, lizards and fish which live there. It was also interesting to consider the geology of the region and note the impact that volcanic activity has on the islands. We even witnessed a volcanic event when a cloud of gas vented off from a fissure close to where we were moored. Our guide, Juan, with 30 years of experience was full of knowledge and this was coupled with his great enthusiasm which was infectious. He ensured that we saw the most that was possible during our stay.

My 2 week trip to the Galápagos Islands completed a 4 month tour of South America. It was the only part of my trip which I booked before leaving the UK. Having wanted to visit these islands since I was a child, it was important to me that my trip was well organised by a company whose focus is wildlife. I decided to go with Naturetrek as I wanted to be in a small group of like minded people. And I wanted to travel on a small boat which was dedicated to this group. It was also very important to me that I have a knowledgeable, naturalist guide. And having used Naturetrek before, I knew that the guides they use are always excellent. I wasn’t disappointed on any of these counts. The itinerary and the guide couldn’t have been any better. There was a major incident prior to our departure where the boat we were intending to use sank while routine maintenance was being carried out. However a replacement was found which gave us the exact same itinerary. Given how popular these islands are, this task can’t have been easy. The pre-departure information and advice I received from Naturetrek was prompt and helpful. I would have no hesitation in using them again.

The wolf-watching holiday in northern Spain was absolutely lovely. It was so well organised, with excellent trips out into the mountains, a really good friendly hotel, and superb food - always a plus for me. It was the first time I’d visited this area but would be very happy to go back. Lovely crisp mornings watching dawn break and scanning for wolves and other wildlife. The area is beautiful, and especially so when covered in snow and ice. The experienced and knowledgeable guides made sure we were in the right places to get the best chance to see wolves, and even though we only had one sighting, this was more than made up for by the sightings of wildcats and other wildlife. I loved the picnics a lunchtime, always including delicious hot soup, and often eaten in a shepherd’s hut with a roaring open fire. Amazing holiday.

Naturetrek were extremely helpful, and were happy to answer any queries and give advice. The tour was very well organised and ran like clockwork. The pre-holiday documentation was excellent and I felt very confident that if there were any issues, these would be dealt with efficiently.

I joined a Naturetrek Group going to the Atlantic Rainforest in Brazil and had a fantastic trip. We stayed at two lodges during the week, only about an hour apart, covering high and low altitude forest, open country, and wetlands. We saw over 250 bird species during our week's trip, not to mention Capybaras, Agoutis, Caymans and numerous moths and insects on the illuminated 'moth wall' The lodges were set in spectacular surroundings, food was nourishing and on time, and the bus was comfortable and very well driven , sometimes up vertiginous tracks. I cant think of any way the holiday could have been bettered

Naturetrek were efficient and informative. Andy our guide was brilliant at enticing the birds out of the rain forest, and ensured whenever possible that everyone in the group saw the bird. The design of holiday ensured we covered several different habitats and there was plenty of time to explore.

We are keen birders & booked a 2 part trip to Bolivia; the Lowlands with a guide/driver joining 2 other birders for the Highland tour with same guide plus a driver. All predeparture arrangements were efficiently & clearly communicated, including a detailed itinarary with birding opportunities identified. The guide was very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and dedicated to birding. He also ensured our general questions were answered, was very good humoured & made himself available to ensure our comfort & safety. The holiday covered a good number of varied habitats enabling us to see 420 species of bird in countryside ranging from 1,200 - 4,300 metres altitude. The road travel was reduced by one internal flight and the guide had chosen the road route to maximise the opportunity to cover both number & rarity of species. It was an excellent dedicated birding holiday which we enjoyed to the full.

All the employees of Naturetrek replied rapidly to our enquiries by email. It was always possible to discuss queries by 'phone when deciding on the choice of holiday. Once we made our booking the holiday information was supplied in detailed and clear instructions. Arrangements were made by Naturetrek staff to purchase a local field guide in Bolivia on our behalf which was appreciated. We have been on many previous Naturetrek birding holidays and have found the customer care and standard of administration to be excellent.

A small amiable group with an excellent very knowledgable and friendly local guide. Very well managed travel through very interesting and diverse habitats with superb wild life - especially birds. Excellent accommodation and delicious food.

Very efficient and easy to deal with.

Gambia in Style lived up to its description- with exotic floating lodges in a mangrove creek but still felt close to nature, being surrounded by forest. The pace was leisurely with morning and afternoon birding - some from a canoe and afternoons free to relax (or not) with a couple of days further afield. We crammed a lot into a week and the Naturetrek tour leader was truly exceptional at bird recognition as well as having an easy going manner with group members. However, the excellence of the local guides was wonderful to experience and their enthusiasm very contagious. It made for a wonderful birthday treat.

Naturetrek answered queries by phone before booking and made us aware of the pros and cons of this holiday. There were no problems with any of the arrangements

I travel extensively. I had also been to the area that was covered by the recent trip. So I can make some comparisons. It was a really good holiday, well planned out. The Naturetrek guides were very good, not only with their natural history knowledge, but on the administration too. It did help that the group saw six Lynx in total.

This was only my second trip with Naturetrek.. What I have found so far is that they are very good. I do have several more holidays in the pipe line.

A well organised holiday with plenty of Lynx seen playing and moving through wonderful landscapes both in the Donana National Park and in the Andujar mountains. Birds from the Spanish Imperial Eagle and Griffon Vultures to the Southern Grey Shrike and water birds, including Glossy Ibis and Spoonbills. In Donana we also saw a wild boar and in the Andujar hills we saw handsome Mouflon, perching Spanish Ibex as well as the Lynxes which we saw every day. Interesting birds like the Andalusian Thin Foot and Iberian magpies were great to see, pointed out by our leaders with their telescope. There were wild flowers everywhere. The accommodation was comfortable and the food was not only interesting but every diet was catered for with great picnics organised by our leaders, Simon and Niki.

This is the second trip we have been on with Naturtrek and both have been fabulous experiences

My wife and I spent a week with Naturetrek at the Anse Chastanet hotel, St Lucia. The purpose of the holiday was mainly bird and animal watching. My aim was mainly to improve my bird photography, something I am pleased to say I and my wife did. There was a small problem with our booking at the hotel but this was resolved thanks to the quick efforts of our guide from Naturetrek. The service from the hotel and staff was otherwise excellent.

I have travelled many times with Naturetrek and found them to be one of the best tour operators around.

A well-structured and well-led programme in pleasant and comfortable surroundings. The main focus was on natural history, with some archaeology included as well. I was able to make some observations relevant to my own interests while also taking part in a most amenable social group activity.

I have travelled with Naturetrek on many occasions. I find them helpful, friendly and very good at the organisational side of their programmes. Their tours are pitched about right for my own interests.