Naturetrek Traveller Reviews

It was a week's escorted tour with a small group based in a 'ranch' style hotel, visiting different places around the island to see the birds and wild flowers. We stayed on for an extra week to revisit some of the spots and to relax and experience different aspects of the island

The tour operator was happy to change our flight arrangements to accommodate our additional week on the island. The UK based tour leaders were experienced and made sure everything went smoothly

We stayed near Puerto Pollensa at a resort hotel with loads of facilities and fantastic food and accommodation. We made bird-watching trips to Albufera and Albufereta marshes and up into the mountains and to Formentor. A relaxed pace and friendly knowledgeable guides made this a superb holiday, with over 100 bird species seen.

We find Naturetrek very friendly and helpful and pleasant to deal with. We have had 4 holidays with them now and are planning next year's trip already.

We had an amazing holiday in the French Camargue region with Naturetrek. The organization of the trip could not be faulted and our guides were extremely knowledgeable and nothing was too much trouble. We saw some stunning birds and the guides (Ian and Neil) were always keen to ensure that everyone saw as much as possible. The hotel was great - typical of the region and we were made to feel like friends not customers. We were lucky in the group we were in, all were keen to share and listen to each other and ensure that everyone got the best holiday they could have. We would definitely recommend this holiday and choose another with Naturetrek.

Superb! The brochure and website were both very informative. Our pre-departure information couldn't have been better. It was lovely to find out who are companions would be for the trip so that names were easier to remember. The two guides we had were excellent and could not have done more for us. Not only was their knowledge outstanding but their attention to detail was wonderful - nothing was too much trouble.

Up to the usual high standards we have come to expect from Naturetrek. We have been to Ireland, South Africa, Madeira, Crete and the Swiss Engine with the company. Their organisation is exemplary and the profiency and expertise of the leaders is exceptional. As a former teacher who has organised and lead field and study trips I could not fault the general pattern of the days and their varied itinerary. We will continue to use Naturetrek which is the sign of a successful tour operator.

Good organisation pre-tour. Operators always available at the end of the phone. Helpful to a fault. Good documentation.including a superb annual brochure. Smooth travel arrangements. Provide comfortable accommodation and good food.

We had an action packed week at 2 different bases in Portugal, watching birds and finding wild flowers. The tour was led by 2 excellent leaders, our hotels were good and food delicious.

Very helpful by phone in answering queries and finding regional flights to suit. All arrangements went to plan.

The holiday gave us the perfect opportunity to see a great variety of birds and other wildlife in a wide range of habitats. The leaders were very knowledgeable, considerate and interesting. The holiday exceeded all my expectations.

Good in all respects.

This was a relatively short tour (7 nights) to explore the birding and natural history in and around the Mandina River Lodges in the Makasuto Forest on the River Gambia. Mandina has nine lodges in four different styles. Mine was a floating lodge with a platform jutting out onto the river and with beautiful views. It was rustic in style but very clean and welcoming. Reports from members of our small group indicated that other lodges were equally comfortable. Manager and staff were invariably friendly and helpful. This was not a beach holiday. Our days were spent by exploring the birding and other wildlife of the forest. Full day excursions were taken on two days, one taking in the Abuko Reserve and Tanji fish market and the other birding on the beach at Kartong. These outings involve short bus trips, birding as we progressed. The remaining days were spent on easy walks or canoe trips, late breakfast/lunch, relaxing in the heat of the afternoon and another brief outing before dinner. Food was excellent and mealtimes were adjusted to suit our itinerary. Canoe trips were a feature of the holiday, enabling us to explore a variety of environments. An evening cruise in a motorised launch resulted in spectacular views of sunset on the mangrove-bordered river and the fabulous sight of hundreds of waterbirds returning to their roosting trees as darkness fell. Our birding lived up to expectations and, while west African mammals are not so abundant as those in the east, we were able to enjoy the sight of hundreds of baboons, various monkeys, bats etc in the vicinity of Mandina. A super wildlife break led by excellent Naturetrek and local guides. Recommended.

Naturetrek lived up to its excellent reputation in the area of wildlife exploration. Their staff are always ready to assist in all aspects of travel and their documentation is comprehensive and most helpful. It is inevitable that events outside of the control of the tour operator may interfere with the scheduled programme but reaction of the operator to these events is a measure of their quality. Naturetrek never fail in this respect.

The title of the holiday was 'Carassonne and Cathar Country' and involved visiting historical sites relating to the heterical Cathars and the Albigensian Crusade against them in Langedoc in the 13th century (Queribus, Lagrasse, Minerva, Carcassonne, plus Fontfroide Abbey). But the travel company, Naturetrek, actually specialises in wildlife holidays, and the other half of the time was spent birdwatching in the Languedoc area of southern France. It was a perfect mix of the two strands of history and wildlife. On what other holiday could you see historical sites and Eagle Owls?!

Wonderful itineraries at reasonable prices. They are always ready to answer queries and assist when you book and before you go. They have a great website with lots of information and send you further detailed information with your joining instructions. The tour leaders are excellent: very friendly and extremely knowledgeable.

This was a two week trip and three locations in North East region of Borneo. Only eight of us in the group plus UK guide. Focus was on Mammels in particular the Clouded Leopard. First week spent in boats - safaris both early morning and night. Here we saw Orang Utang, crocodile, probiscus monkeys, langurs, otters and many birds. The second week we moved onto the Deramakot Forest Reserve. We stayed in basic but comfortable accommodation. Each night we would leave around 5.30pm and stay out until 3am in an effort to see Clouded Leopard. Other animals were Owls, Thomases flying squirrels, a variety of civets and leopard cats. On our 4th night we struck gold and had an exceptional view of the clouded leopard walking towards us and reached the front bumper of our truck. She walked round the truck and continued along the road. She was no more that 2 metres away from us.

I have been on several trips with Naturetrek. They go to great lengths to achieve objective of animal sightings. They always supply first glass both UK and local guides. When transport problems ie delayed flights due to bad weather occur they are quick to act. Pre departure information is informative and accurate.

This was principally a bird watching trip in Estonia but we saw other wildlife. It was not a 'leisure' holiday but a wonderful holiday for anybody interested in birding. It was very well organised and we had complete confidence in the local guide and Naturetrek leader. We travelled in two comfortable and well maintained minibuses. The accommodation was excellent, not luxury, but very suitable for the trip. We enjoyed staying in some chalets that had been used by the Russian Cosmonnaughts in the 1960 on the edge of the Baltic Sea. The food was good and we could buy our own drinks at each location. We enjoyed the company of the rest of the group as we shared a common interest.

Naturetrek are a well established and very professional trou operator for those interested in wildlife around the world.