Naturetrek Traveller Reviews

Two weeks in the Pantanal area of Brazil. We saw Jaguars (and saw them well, not just a glimpse through the forest), Giant Otters, Tapir, Caiman and many more. The bird life was wonderful. Scenically the Pantanal itself is not hugely interesting but the last few days spent at Iguazu Falls more than made up for that.

The tour was booked through Naturetrek but was entirely subcontracted to SouthWild in Brazil. Our dealings with Naturetrek itself were always very satisfactory both in terms of materials provided and also responses to numerous pre-trip questions. The in-Brazil arrangements (transport, accommodation, internal flights, guides & etc.) were all at or above our expectations.

The particular holiday was Just Jaguars.... and when you go on a true safari type holiday where the animals are really wild, there is some inevitable scepticism about what is advertised and what you actually see. But that is the nature of wildlife holidays in general. Naturetrek had obviously done their research and found just about the best place in the world to view these stunning big cats and we were not disappointed. In the four days we were at the Jaguar Flotel we had 12 sightings and probably 8 different jaguars. This place was a Garden of Eden; the variety of birds was amazing, with caiman, giant river otters and many other mammal and reptilian species to fill up the day. We stayed at 3 centres overall, all having their own specialities, such as hyancinth macaws, the rare ocelot and even a tapir or two. Our full time guide, Marcos Felix, was simply outstanding in all respects. His knowledge of wildlife in general is vast, and his natural charm and good humour was evident the entire holiday, and even when he had to deal with unplanned events he was very professional. Naturetrek will be wise to keep his services.

Naturetrek and their staff, both office and in the field have been exemplary. Unlike a number of operators we have experinced, they actually care whether you have enjoyed your holiday. They asked for feedback and appreciated the constructive comments we made. My wife and I cannot fault them for organisation and customer service.

Gibbons calling in the early morning mist in the Danum Valley were such a thrilling experience. And we saw all eight types of hornbill to be found in Borneo. Well organised and very professional.

Answered all queries quickly and efficiently

Flagged as a Just Cats safari in South Africa it became so much more. Thanks to the expertise of our tour leader and local guides and trackers we saw virtually everything there was to see in terms of animals and birds. To see the big five virtually every day as well as all the other animals resting, hunting, feeding, mating etc was a real privilege. And they were all so close so views were spectacular. A never to be repeated experience I feel.

Pre-departure information was good and any questions were answered immediately. All transport arrangements ran very smoothly and accommodation was of a good standard. The tour leader's knowledge and enthusiasm could not have been bettered and this was true of the local guides as well. A very professional outfit which I would not hesitate to use again.

Bulgaria was a place I had wanted to visit for ages. Birding is what I do to relax. The two together, was too good to pass up. It was a small group, with excellent guides and a very patient leader! Everything about Bulgaria was novel, from the scenery to the food, and the very friendly and hospitable people. Birds were our focus, but Dave Smallshire, was an enthusiastic all round naturalist, and we were introduced to a variety of inverterbrates, as well. Our companions in the group, became fast friends, and were always willing to share their scopes etc.The size of the group was perfect, and all the arrangements regarding ferrying us to the next place, were seamless.Overall, a great time!

We were kept well informed, all bookings etc, were painless. Documents arrived on time, we were updated as to changes in times etc. Arrangements in Bulgaria, can not have been easy, yet we experienced no major problems.Our tour bus was the right size, we had plenty of room for ourselves and our scopes, packs etc.The group leader was well versed in this region and its birds, as well as having a good relationship with our driver and local guides.

Excellent itinerary to the Pantanal in Brazil. Staying at three locations, one being the brilliant 'Flotel' on the river. More sightings of Jaguar than we could have wished for. We were lucky to see 8 different cats on 14 occasions over the course of the holiday, including a mating pair and a hunt of some capybara. Lodges used were very good, the food plentiful and tasty and the guides brilliant. Thoroughly worth the money paid for the trip, a wonderful wildlife experience.

Excellent pre-booking information that was accurate and honest. Good service to add extension to main trip. Guides were excellent. Itinerary well thought out and paced about right. Vehicles and vessels used very good standard.

A wildlife dream tour to a remarkable area of the World. Not only did we see eight different Jaguars on fourteen different occasions, we saw three different families of Giant Otters, four Brazilian Tapirs, a Giant Anteater and literally hundreds of bird species. Marsh Deer, Coatis, various monkey species dozens of Capybaras, hundreds of Caiman; all were seen and photographed with amazing regularity throughout the tour. I can't speak too highly of the entire Naturetrek experience,from the initial booking to meeting up with our tour leader Nick, who, literally must be the very best anywhere, and that is not any exaggeration. All in all: perfect.

Naturetrek, Very friendly, very knowledgeable, super efficient, nothing is too much trouble. Any problems prior or during the trip always dealt with quickly and cheerfully. I have a very unsophisticated palate ( I blame my mum back in the '60's! ) but it has never been a problem when travelling with Naturetrek. To sum them up, none better. Each tour guide I have been with were complete masters of their craft.

An opportunity to view rare mammals in South Africa starting with the game parks near Kimberley and covering the Trans National Park. It was spring and the Northern Cape had wonderful flowers but the Kalahari was dry and scrubby. We did nighttime and daytime safaris and saw wonderful animals from the blackfooted cat and bateared fox to the honey badger, aardwark, spotted hyena and tiny springbok lambs. All arrangements were taken care of, all meals were provided, transport was roomy and comfortable. Photo opportunities abounded.

Naturetrek are extremely reliable and I have travelled with them many times to many countries. They are generous and do not cut corners but provide more services and treats than expected. A swift changeover at Joberg was accomplished remarkably quickly because they operators to meet us and take us through the formalities. Their guides/leaders are sensible and kind and happy to impart knowledge. The accommodation is decent, sometimes very good.

Whale and bird migration holiday based in an ecolodge near Tarifa. Very full programme but enjoyable. Led by helpful, flexible and knowledgable leaders. Great fun.

Arranged holiday at very short notice (while we were away), flying from a local airport with complete efficiency. All documents etc awaiting us on our return to fly out a couple of days later.

Trip to La Palma in the Canary Islands to see whales, dolphins, birds and butterflies. The boat trips out to sea were great, we saw 3 species of dolphin right by the boat and some beaked whales. The hotel was comfortable with good food and friendly staff in a great location by the cliffs so we could watch for birds and dolphins by the pool.

Nature Trek are a good company to see wildlife, their trips are leisurely for people who enjoy scenery as well as nature. The guides are well informed and enthusiastic and make everyone feel welcome.