Naturetrek Traveller Reviews

If you want to see whales, this is definitely the trip for you. Soon after we boarded the boat in San Diego we began to see a few whales. But when we reached San Ignacio Lagoon we were able to get really close to dozens of grey whales and after that it never stopped! Pods of pilot whales, mother and calf Sperm whales, Humpbacks doing all sorts of acrobatics and the biggest Blue Whales you ever did see. Add to that elephant seals, bow-wave riding bottlenose dolphins and a mega-pod of a 1000-plus common dolphins and we were quite exhausted with all the marine activity. The whole trip from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas was so well-organised and carried out by Naturetrek and the crew of the Searcher that I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in cetaceans.

The whole tour was very well-arranged and the Naturetrek guide and the naturalist they provided were tireless in spotting wildlife and giving us heaps of information about everything we saw and the places we visited. Brilliant!

We travelled with a group of birdwatchers to Peru on a ten-day break. This short trip included birdwatching in the marshes along the coastline just south of Lima, a boat trip around the harbour at Pucusana, birdwatching in the Santa Eulalia valley near the foothills of the Andes then continuing to the Andes proper to San Mateo, birding the high altitude bogs. After returning briefly to Lima we continued south to Paracas where we took a speedboat excursion to the Ballestas Islands. It was a successful but eventful trip due to landslides and the associated diversions, but our very able drivers managed to ferry us safely throughout the entire tour - including dangerous mountain single track roads with no edges and the chaotic traffic jams in Lima. They also, incidentally, cooked some of our breakfasts and lunches from the back of their vehicles - all of which were superb ! The Peruvian guide - Jose - that Naturetrek provided was excellent, knowing his birds thoroughly, translating continually and generally looking after us and explaining exactly what was going on the entire time. All in all, a brilliant trip.

We have travelled with Naturetrek eighteen times, I believe. This is because they've always shown total professionalism when dealing with any queries or requests we've made, and because they've always delivered great value for money. But not only that, we've always felt safe on their tours, which in today's current climate is of utmost importance.

This was an important 'bucket' trip for my 70th birthday. I was recommended to go with Naturetrek by a friend, as he had been with them before and had a great time. From the initial enquiry through the booking process, and the information provided before we left I was confident that we had chosen the right holiday with the right firm. The Galapagos Islands did not, of course disappoint, and the seamless organisation of transport and transfers, the choice of accommodation and day excursions from Quito did live up to the advertised 'de luxe' description. With a great crowd of like-minded people on board, an excellent crew, delicious food, a dedicated tour guide and blue skies, what was not to like?

The holiday information and advice provided was extensive, detailed, accurate and importantly, updated just before leaving. This gives extra confidence that someone is looking after the important details and communicating with the travellers to ensure they have the latest information, particularly for connections and timings. Combined with emergency contact numbers for several of the Naturetrek staff should problems arise before, or during the trip, this again gives peace of mind that contact with home would be possible if needed.

This trip was an introduction to the wildlife of lowland Nepal and Assam. We flew into Kathmandu to be met at the airport by our guide, who proved to be an expert on the birds and mammals of the area, and vey good company. After a night in Kathmandu we traveled with our guide to chitwan national park, then on to Koshi,( which was probably our favourite) the wild life in both areas was exceptional and the accommodation comfortable. There followed a journey across the Indian border to Darjeeling where we had 2 days of sightseeing then traveled to Kaziranga national park. The accommodation was again good, the wildlife far exceeded our expectations . This trip was superb, we experienced expert guiding, and faultless organisation.

We booked this holiday with Naturetrek. This was the first time that we had booked with Naturetrek, it will certainly not be the last. During the booking process it was always easy to contact the company, and they certainly worked hard to accommodate our needs.

We stayed for 15 nights aboard the beautiful yacht Beluga. The Beluga is a small yacht with 8 double berths. The Captain and crew provided excellent care and service and nothing was too much trouble for them. Having 15 nights gave us enough time to visit most of the Galapagos islands and to fit in deep sea and off the beach snorkels almost every day(sometimes twice daily). The most amazing and spectacular part of the trip was the landings on the islands and the thrill of seeing the mammals, reptiles, birds and sea life so close that can even pick out each hair, feather or scale. The islands are so different that each day offered a new and exciting experience, helped by our very knowledgeable guide. We would not hesitate to recommend this holiday and cannot praise our experience highly enough. This was truly the holiday of a lifetime.

This holiday was arranged through Naturetrek. We have used Naturetrek previously and had such a positive experience that we booked through them again for this trip. Once we arrived in Ecuador the tour operator Enchanted Expeditions provided the tour guides and excursions in Quito and also the Beluga, her staff and guide. We cannot fault the service provided by Naturetrek or Enchanted Expeditions.

WE spent three weeks - two in the Galapagos with a few days in Quito in Ecuador and an add on extension in the Ecuador Amazon rain forest. There was so much of interest and the guide used by our tour operator in the Galapagos was extremely knowledgeable - not just about wildlife but also geology, flora and fauna, evolution of the plants and wildlife ,development of the islands and the sea life. The Amazon extension and the days in Quito were a good contrast to the Galapagos but still with a focus on the natural world.

We have now had two holidays with Naturetrek and in our experience they use agents and guides who will do their utmost to maximise the experience for people interested in the world around them.

Well organised from beginning to end. Professional drivers and leader of group. The group members were a pleasure to be with There was no shortage of animals and birds from dawn to dusk. I still keep seeing the handsome lion with the perfect blond mane. He certainly was the representation of the king in his land. Naturetrek put themselves out to provide the best in the quality of lodges and the visit to an archaeological site and a dream of a coffee farm in Africa. Cannot be improved upon.

Naturetrek is a well organised organisation and made me feel secure and safe during my travel. Full confidence in their staff.

Well organised thoughtful knowledgable guides. Amazing scenery and wildlife

Couldn't be better

Where to begin? Having made our separate ways to our comfy hotel situated in the heart of Wells, right opposite the imposing, floodlit Cathedral, we gathered in the Bar to relax and to make the acquaintance of our Guides and fellow party members.Initial introductions confirmed that we would be spending the next 48 hours amongst like-minded amateur enthusiasts and that we were in fir a treat! After the horrific floods of 2012 which caused so much suffering and devastation to the local farmers and their livestock we were all keen to see How the Levels have been restored and improved to reduce the risks of a repeat disaster in the future. Our Guides had even been personally involved in some of the ecological projects so we had first-hand information which was both fascinating and highly commendable. Our two days were spent in various sites , all conveniently located centrally to maximise our wildlife experience rather than travelling further afield. We saw all the expected winter migrating Ducks, all in vast numbers, some being chased by Marsh Hariers and Peregrine Falcons hoping to pounce on an unsuspecting young bird isolated from the main body. In addition we sighted Large white egret in good numbers, small whites too and tree creepers, woodpeckers, nuthatches, redwing, field fare, an army of tits of most species and so much more. Some particularly sharp eyes spotted roe deer, a fox and a field vole too. The highlight however was the stunning sight of a million+ starlings coming in to roost in the reed beds at dusk and then leaving at dusk before returning the following evening. Despite having seen murmurations on TV nothing could have prepared us for the sheer beauty and marvel of this wonder of nature and the memories will stay with us for the rest of our days. It was simply stunning and we would urge everyone who can to go and see for themselves. Just wrap up warm!

We have travelled with Naturetrek on 3 long-haul holidays and two closer to home. On each occasion the service, attention to detail and professionalism shown by all the Staff has been exemplary. Our guides have been outstanding and their knowledge wide-ranging on all aspects of wildlife as well as the environment.

This holiday is aimed at looking for South African Mammals beyond the Big 5. Target species include Aardvark, Aardwolf, Porcupine and Black-footed Cat, the joint smallest Cat in the world. We were also lucky enough to get Hedgehog. Also for Birders there was a chance to add a few species to their list. There is also a cultural element staying at a lodge run by the San and Meer people in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. I thoroughly enjoyed my holiday to the point that as soon as I came home I arranged my next holiday to South Africa.

Great care was taken was us on this tour. From being escorted through Joburg airport to make a tight connecting flight to having lounge access on the way back when we had a layover. Lodges were carefully picked and as a Brit, I appreciate the Tea/Coffee making facilities in the rooms as well as the good food served. The Local guides were also excellent, with amazing spotting abilities, even helping someone with an interest in reptiles.