Naturetrek Traveller Reviews

Four camps in Zambia - South Luanga National Park. Four camps along the rivers Luanga and Loie. Each within walking distance and based around local lion packs. The other key element for the trip was the fact that we could go out at night and the combination of these facts - walking between camps and going out at night - contributed to the most extraordinary trip. We saw so many amazing sights, but it was the alternation between walking and night rides which gave us a new perspective on the African experience. As lifelong vegetarians, what we saw was not always easy watching, but we are ok. The great joy was being able not just to get to see the animals from very close, but also get to know them as individuals. We saw the same pride on a number of times, the same leopards and wild dogs. Boring - no. We got to know individuals and as a result there was a fascinating narrative to the tour.

I was so overwhelmed by the tour and the nature experience that frankly I can't remember anything about the tour operator. The point is that they did the job and I am very grateful for their efforts. I guess they are brilliant if you do notice them

Greatly enjoyed this holiday which was a perfect combination of my two hobbies - birdwatching and learning Spanish. The scenery of the montana palentina was magnificent and very varied, the food excellent, the organisation flawless. Our two guides were outstanding, both for their knowledge of nature and their patience and helpfulness. This was a fantastic way to improve my language skills whilst enjoying watching birds and animals in a wild and traditional part of Spain.

Very good organisation and information provided.

very well organised and being a small group of 10 guests with 2 tour leaders it felt very personal. Overall thoroughly recommended

always kept us informed with pre-departure information and will use them again

A Naturetrek escorted group tour in the Pantanal area of Brazil. It was called Just Jaguars and it certainly lived up to it's name with these big cats seen on seven boat journeys from our base, the Jaguar Flowtel. Sightings of one Jaguar were long and sustained as it walked in full view along the river bank before swimming across to continue hunting on the opposite bank. Exotic bird species were plentiful with about 170 species seen, most of which were new to me with many photographic opportunities.

Excellent contact with the office-based staff at Naturetrek by phone, letter and in person at the Rutland Water Bird Fair. All arrangements as expected. Knowledgeable Brazil-based guide with us all the time and with excellent identification skills.

Just returned from a stunning autumn birding trip in Southern Portugal with Naturetrek. Mainly wanted to see the raptors and saw booted eagles, black kites, various vultures, an Osprey and in the distance an Imperial Eagle. Also saw flamingos in the wild and a black headed weaver. Hotels were good - 3 and 4 star - and with one in the east and one in the west we got to see both parts of the Algarve. We spent all day every day out looking for birds. This did make for long days - 0900-1800 usually - but napping in the transport was possible and we did get to see some stunning sights.

Naturetrek provide an excellent service and once in Portugal all food was provided - hotels are half board and Naturetrek provide salad lunches. The guides they use are knowledgeable and friendly and being a small company they are extremely helpful if there are any queries before you go.

We were met at Lima airport by our guide Jose who welcomed us warmly and escorted us to the waiting mini bus. We drove to our hotel and he talked us through the various stages of the trip and about the parts of Lima we were passing. After a lovely supper and good nights sleep we were up early to head off for our first adventure, a boat trip to visit the Palominos Islands. There was a great deal of wonderful bird watching before we set off with Pelicans, cormorants, gulls and terns galour! On arriving at the islands covered in southern sea lions all making a huge amount of noise we were invited to swim with them. Donning wet suits the three 'girls' in the group slipped into the Pacific and with difficulty due to having to wear life jackets swam with the seals determined not to swallow the sea water as the smell was rather pungent! It was good fun and a good bonding experience for us ladies. We ate a delicious packed lunch before setting off for the Villa Marshes on the shores of the Pacific where we saw a host of birds and arrived back at the hotel tired but satisfied after a full day of activity. Next day was an early start as we flew to Puerto Maldonado where we were hit by the heat and humidity of the jungle. We re-packed our belongings into canvas bags and set off in a mini bus and then by motorised canoe to Posoda Amazon Lodge for one night leaving very early next day to head for Tambopata Research Station. On the way we visited Tres Chimados, an ox bow lake. As the sun rose we were transported over the still water on a catamaran rowed silently by a oarsman. The mist rose and the morning light spread a pink hue over the water. Wonderful birds were seen very closely and then the family of giant river otters appeared and we watched spellbound as they fished and played. It was like being in heaven! Continuing our journey to TBC in the motorised canoe was exciting as the river was quite shallow in places but we arrived safely and were soon enjoying the centres idyllic setting and being introduced to the friendly macaws who patrol the rooms hoping that naive visitors will leave food around which of course we did inadvertently! Next morning dawn start to visit the macaw lick nearby lots of activity but no macaws settled but amazing sighting of a puma, caught on camera by one of the group. A huge herd of white-lipped peccaries passed in the near distance numbering several hundred. More birdwatching in the forest in the afternoon then ready for the next early morning trip to the clay lick when after a while we observed the magnificent sight of the macaws, parrots and parakeets coming to the cliffs. We sadly had to leave and return for breakfast and then out again for another trip with some excellent leisurely bird watching followed by a river journey when we observed howler monkeys also eating clay. We were sad to leave the jungle but next morning we travelled downstream back to Puerto Maldonado and the to Cuzco. On our arrival we immediately went sightseeing with our guide Juan and rather breathlessly hurried around the cathedral trying to take in all the facts about the Incas, luckily there was to be no exam! Next day visits to two other Inca sites which were fascinating, plus bird watching and amazing journeying down the Sacred Valley. We visited an Alpaca farm and were able to purchase some lovely handmade goods. Then back to Cuzco to pack for the trek!!! The journey to km82 was interesting and we stopped several times to birdwatch and stretch our legs. After buying last minute supplies in Ollantaytambo we arrived at Km82 and prepared to set off for a relatively gentle walk to our first camp site in a farmyard with piglets, turkeys, chickens an dogs for company. The first night in a tent was interesting but we slept surprisingly well and after a good breakfast set off for the next stage of the walk. It was wonderful to come across the lunch tent all set up and enjoy a rest whilst the happy band of porters and chef made us so welcome. More walking and climbing till we reached the evening camp site all set up for us with dinner being prepared. Unfortunately one member of the group had to return down the trail next morning as she was unwell. The rest of us pressed on knowing that this day was to be the toughest! We climbed to Dead Woman's Pass at 4200m and then descended the steep steps to our camp site at Pacaymayu where exhausted after an excellent supper we were asleep by 8.15!! Next morning we set off for the supposedly easier day to Phuya Pata Marca but it was still quite tough with steep steps but lovely scenery yet again. It was my birthday and to my surprise at dinner the wonderful chef had made me a birthday cake complete with icing and matches for candles. All the porters came and sang happy birthday in Quechua, a truly memorable occasion. Next day it was our first wet day but we set off for Machu Pichu donned in our ponchos. Luckily the mist cleared and we had some wonderful views and were able to admire the Inca site at Winay Wayna. After an early lunch we sadly said goodbye to our chef and assistant and made our way to Mach Picchu ascending the Killing Steps to the Sun Gate, tired but triumphant. Rather dishevelled we mixed with the day trippers and felt rather smug!! The amazing sight of Machu Picchu was breathtaking especially as the sun was shining. We tried to concentrate whilst we toured the ruins and learnt so much but also found there were so many answers still to be found. After the exciting bus journey down to Aquas Calientas we discovered our luxury hotel, Inkaterra, which was divine. The wonderful lodges in the delightful gardens around them were alive with birds of all colours and types. The dinner was really special, as was breakfast and lunch the next day. After an early morning walk around the hotel grounds and feeling thoroughly spoilt we left for the amazing train journey down the River Urubamba back to get the mini bus to Cuzco. We were treated to a show on board the train but were too full to enjoy the refreshment served! At Cuzco were re-packed and enjoyed a meal in the town. Next day another fairly early start to get to the airport to journey to Lima. Another lovely and interesting lunch followed by a city tour drew our holiday to a close. However, Naturetrek did not let us down and we had the facilities of a lovely hotel to enable us to shower and board the plane home feeling refreshed. The whole trip had been superbly organised and will remain in our memory as the trip of a lifetime'. Thanks to the wonderful guide Jose together with all the other great guides on the trip it seemed as if we had been away for weeks with every minute filled. The group bonded very well and there was much merriment an encouragement. Wher next is the question? ds

Naturetrek are an excellent company organising every minute of the holiday down to the last detail. They listen to comments and respond to questions promptly.

We were based in 2 centres, Simonstown and Hermanus. Our 2 wonderful guides made certain that we enjoyed all aspects of this fascinating part of the world. Fine weather on our arrival meant that within 2 hours of leaving the plane we were standing on Table Mountain wondering at the spectacular views. Visits were made to the Cape of Good Hope, North West National Park and Robben Island. We also braved the seas on a pelagic trip to marvel at stunning Albatross. From Hermanus we visited a variety of bird sites and scanned for Southern Right Whales off shore. Most memorable was the cage diving with Great White Sharks, an experience that will live long in the memory banks.

I have been on several holidays with Naturetrek and have always been rewarded with some fantastic wildlife encounters. The travel, accommodation , itinerary and guides are always of a very high standard.

We had a great stay in Portugal. The itinerary was varied and we saw loads of birds - thanks to the skilled leaders! Weather was glorious and the hotels were comfortable. We all got in really well together and, although it was quite hectic and tiring, we loved every minute of it.

Very helpful from start to finish. Loads of information beforehand and very supportive experts

Good accommodation excellent guides and good company. We went to see a good variety of birds and we did just that. One of the highlights was on the sea in the heart of a dolphin pod. So more than just birds.

Very good attentive and accommodating. Can't fault them.

A chance to spend a week speaking Spanish (to the best of my ability!) in a beautiful untouched part of the Palentina Mountains (I canot find a map for the area!). It was real Spain and we visited many types of terrain spotting flora and fauna, with lovely picnics prepared for us out in the field by our two guides and an evening meal for us from our Spanish guide's wife.

Not much to say really, except that it all went without a hitch.