Naturetrek Traveller Reviews

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.

With no guarantees to see either big cat, we were totally overwhelmed with the opportunities to view these magnificent creatures. Sixteen sightings of Jaguar including one three our session where we followed one jaguar down river as it hunted for prey. Plenty of other wildlife to see in the Pantanal including, unexpectedly, the beautiful ocelot. We had fourteen sightings of Puma in Torres del Paine where the scenery is breathtaking. Being a tailormade holiday for the extension to Chile, at little extra cost, we were able to discuss areas of interest with our guides and help with the daily planning, days out and excursions. A long way to go but a holiday filled with terrific memories that will last a lifetime.

Plenty of discussion and advice before finally booking with Naturetrek. We were able to plan our trip with their help and combined a group trip to the Pantanal with a tailormade extension to Chile. The trip followed the itinerary given and met all our expectations given by the operator.

One of the best birding trips ever - great guides (extremely knowledgeable, excellent interpersonal skills, very good drivers and operated as a team) - we saw (and learnt) so much and were able to explore so many different and fascinating landscapes. With such wonderful leaders and a congenial group of guests (and good weather as a bonus, it was a brilliant holiday.

Always very responsive; they run a very efficient organisation and offer a remarkable range of holidays. A very impressive company.

A week of warm sunshine,in excellent accommodation, being taken to amazing scenic areas, seeing birds from Great Bustards to Little Bittern and more than 100 other species, in good company, was the perfect way to spend Christmas.

Our flight from Southampton to Faro was delayed for four hours (by fog), nevertheless we were met on arrival by a taxi arranged by the operator (Naturetrek} and that set the tone for the whole holiday. We were a group of mainly elderly people and nothing was too much trouble for our Tour Leaders. It was a relaxed and hugely enjoyable Christmas in the sunshine.

Well-organised, guides were very knowledgeable and helpful. Accommodation perfectly satisfactory given we were off the tourist beat. Good local food. Saw all the species we expected to see and some we didn't.

Very efficient and knowledgeable.

This holiday exceeded my expectations; two weeks cruising between the beautiful Galápagos Islands, crisis-crossing the equator, snorkeling with hammerhead sharks, sea lions, turtles and too many beautiful fish to list. The Rain Forest has to be experienced to be believed. I found the humidity challenging but will not forget walking across the high tree canopy walkway looking down on monkeys and so many beautiful birds. Truly a trip of a lifetime.

As an older person who travels alone I greatly appreciate the care and excellent organization offered by Naturetrek. I always have confidence that the itinerary they put together will be manageable as they provide considerable pre-booking information, including extensive reports of previous trips on their website.