Naturetrek Traveller Reviews

As always a brilliant nature watching trip at two centres. Close up Bison and Elk were obvious bonuses but the birds did not disappoint either with well over 150 species many of which not found in Britain. Prize spots include Pygmy Owl, Corncrake, Common Rosefinch, Lesser Spotted Eagle amongst others. Beautiful hotel setting in the marshes, with a host of species in hotel grounds and the pretty forest village full of great habitats. Accommodation great with good food and great settings. Very necessary tiring days with satisfied sleep at nine (couldnt stay awake any longer). Up at six to the sound of Thrush Nightingale. What more could we ask

Naturetrek never disappoints with best wildlife destinations and expert knowledgeable leaders. They are always my preferred company

The trip planning was excellent. We were birdwatching from early in the morning visiting numerous habitats in search of our target birds. The guides were friendly and helpful. The hotels were comfortable. The company was of like minded people . We will be holidaying with Naturetrek again -Soon!

Helpful information on website and from people in the booking office. Excellent guide from Uk. knowlegable , friendly local guides and driver.

We had a comfortable coach and an excellent driver. Our UK and local guide were extremely knowledgable and efficient. Our two hotels were very comfortable and ideally situated to give us access to superb habitat. The itinerary was well thought out and gave us good birdwatching. Our 3 hours in the strict part of the Bialowieza forest was magical from 06.00hrs on a beautiful sunny morning. We found the Polish people very friendly and the service, particularly in our first hotel, was excellent. It was lovely to to be in such unspoilt habitat, both marsh and forest, and hear and see so many birds. Long may it remain.

We have had a number of holidays with Naturetrek and have always found them to be efficient, relaxed, and good value for money.

Nothing was too much trouble for our two leaders, who looked after everyone on the journeys out and back, nor for the hotel with its comfortable accommodation (and memorable French cuisine!).Occasional bouts of wind,rain or snow and some steep,slippery,rocky terrain and sobering moments of reflection induced by the memorials to the WW2 partisans were offset by the shoals of brilliantly coloured orchids gleaming in the sun on grassy banks,the sight of a chamois on a pinnacle of rock or of Golden or Short-toed eagles overhead. Delicious,varied picnic lunches each day were prepared by our leaders whilst we sat in grassy woodland glades and even a stop or two for ice-creams added to a memorable holiday.

Naturetrek offers a world-wide spread of tours, varying from long weekends to fortnights or more. Their tour-leaders are always carefully chosen to suit the requirements of each trip and the probable expectations of each group.The dates for each holiday are carefully and knowledgeably worked out, as is the classification of each trip - the expected gradients,length and speed of walks. Moreover,they cater for those who want a single hotel week and others who wish to travel more widely.They deal with a huge range of wildlife and their catalogue, in print or on the internet, is very informative They are also very competent at dealing with minor emergencies(and have been known to organise surprise birthday cakes for guests!)

4 days searching for the unusual wildflowers a most beautiful coastal area of Cornwall. We also stayed in a good hotel with exceptional meals.

All arrangements were made satisfactorily. 0

Stayed at 3 lodges in Ecuador specialising in birdwatching but with excellent food and comfortable accommodation. One had pleasant thermal spring baths also. They were in the highland cloud forests to the East and West of Quito. Included in the holiday was a side-trip to Sacha Lodge in the Amazon lowlands, including boat transportation along the Napo River. This was an all-round jungle experience complete with monkeys, sloth, anaconda and many birds. Despite the remote location the food and accommodation were very good. Naturetrek provided an expert naturalist guide and a driver (except for the Sacha Lodge part - they have their own guides). The guide was a world class expert ornithologist, with detailed knowledge of the 1650 species of birds in Ecuador and their calls and songs.

This was our second trip with Naturetrek. The first was a scheduled group tour of Romania (also excellent). This was our first custom tour, assembled to our requirements and using the expertise of an expat Ecuadorian who now works for Naturetrek in the UK. It was arranged by the custom holiday unit at Naturetrek. All the arrangements went smoothly and the daily schedules were well aligned with our preferences (e.g. lunches were in hostels rather than in the field - we are too old to go birdwatching all day.

A very packed weekend but so absorbing that we couldn't bare to miss any of the optional outings. Before breakfast in the early morning sunlight was delightful and much was added by the expert forestry knowledge of one of the group. The highlight of the day was the sighting of two little stripy boar piglets in full sunshine. That night we didn't spot the boar but we tripped over them on our way back on the second night. Sadly it was really too dark to see them properly. The highlight for me on day two was a basking female adder. Naturally there were lots of birds and I nows know a lot more about flycatchers and other things. The hotel was very good and also central which meant no long journeys in the van. The food was good as was our cottage room though some members had rather small rooms. Service was a bit slow but as they were coping with a wedding that was not surprising. Lastly Marcus John ,our leader,was excellent,always cheerfully encouraging. We left for home exhausted but enthralled

Efficient,helpful,definitely to be recommended. Particularly good on the telephone and the Open Days are inspired.

It was a week travelling in Eastern Polands forests and wetlands seeking (and mainly finding) a numerous amount of bird species rarely seen in the rest of Europe.

Ideal company to go with on such a trip with an expert leader and local guides, whose knowledge made for a thrilling and enjoyable trip.

A wonderful introduction to the Somerset levels which could be quite daunting without a guide.we were based in Wells-a delight in itself and requiring an extra night at The Swan..Our days out were varied and very informative with an enjoyable stop at a local hostelry for lunch -such fun getting to know all the other birders.Then back to the hotel for a frenetic up and trip to the bar for a gin and tonic be fofore an excellent dinner in the dining room.Altogether a wonderful few days.

We have travelled with Naturetrek on many occasions to Austria,Umbria Tunisia France,Spain and others and on every time we have had such good fun.Naturetrek have excellent brochures,booking ,choice of venues,friendly staff, experienced and knowable leaders who take great care that everyone at whatever level gets the best out of the trip..I would not bird with any other group.

Excellent schedule, using a hotel that had real character of place, with tasty local food. Very helpful guides and good company. We saw lots of interesting birds without too much effort - some were right outside the hotel - and the nightingales could be heard inside!

Provided very helpful guides and a good schedule, pre trip information was very good without being overwhelming.