AITO: The Association of Independent Tour Operators
Wildlife Trails

Wildlife Trails Traveller Reviews

Reviews of Wildlife Trails

Overall Company Rating
99%
Excellent 163
Good 6
Average 0
Poor 0
Terrible 0
Reviews Submitted: 169
Reviews Accepted: 169
Reviews Rejected: 0
169 reviews
Sort by:
Wildlife Trails by RD&D, 22 Dec 2015
Holiday Rating:

An amazing experience

Great holiday at Kanha and Pench national parks in India. Well organised. Great tiger sittings and plenty of other wildlife. Excellent lodges very close to the parks. Memorable experience and good value.

Great holiday at Kanha and Pench national parks in India. Well organised. Great tiger sittings and plenty of other wildlife. Excellent lodges very close to the parks. Memorable experience and good value.

Rating for tour operator:

Very willing to listen to and understand our requirements. Presented several options and tailor made an itenary to include everything we wanted. The the whole holiday was really well organised. Provided us with a lot of information about the parks and lots of hints and tips. Excellent service before the holiday and during the holiday. The local agents kept in touch with us all throughout the holiday to ensure that everything was ok. The holidays were well researched and It was obvious that Allan and Kirsty were very knowledgeable about the destinations and the accommodation. Will definitely use Wildlife trails again and highly recommend them to anyone who wants to go on a wildlife experience.

Wildlife Trails responded to this review on 22 Dec 2015:

It was an absolute pleasure to organise this bespoke tiger safari in India for Ranji and her friends. They immersed themselves fully in the 'Indian wildlife experience' and enjoyed some fantastic sightings. We look forward to their feedback on their next trip with Wildlife Trails; a bear safari in the Bella Coola valley, Canada, which they have booked for 2016.

Wildlife Trails by BearWatcher, 5 Dec 2015
Holiday Rating:

Everything I could have hoped for

I specifically wanted to see Polar bears with plenty of photo opportunities. I had a 4 night stay in the Frontiers North Tundra Buggy Lodge, with 5 eight hour Tundra Buggy trips. I also stayed in Winnipeg for a couple of nights before and after. The Tundra Buggy people were first class, with driver and guide being very knowledgeable, food was good, both in the Lodge and on board the Buggy. I was a little apprehensive about the long bunk room ...

I specifically wanted to see Polar bears with plenty of photo opportunities. I had a 4 night stay in the Frontiers North Tundra Buggy Lodge, with 5 eight hour Tundra Buggy trips. I also stayed in Winnipeg for a couple of nights before and after. The Tundra Buggy people were first class, with driver and guide being very knowledgeable, food was good, both in the Lodge and on board the Buggy. I was a little apprehensive about the long bunk room with 20 people but the inner and outer curtains provided good privacy and also sound deadening. Highly recommended. You have much more time in the area where the bears congregate that if you have a day trip for Churchill (which takes 2 hours each way to get to the area). In Winnipeg I stayed at Inn at the Forks - a good hotel in a lovely area. Also highly recommended.

Rating for tour operator:

Everything was arrange with detailed consultation and consideration of what I wanted. I had used Wildlife Trails twice before and have always found them excellent.

Wildlife Trails responded to this review on 05 Dec 2015:

We are delighted that Meryl trusted Wildlife Trails with organising this specialist end of season Polar Bear safari in Churchill; a location we have been lucky enough to visit on a couple of occasions ourselves. We are very happy that the trip was such a success and thank Meryl for her superb detailed feedback on her experiences.

Wildlife Trails by Jolly Roger, 18 Nov 2015
Holiday Rating:

Brazil. Pantanal plus City visits.

Three of us had a three week holiday with included visits to Salvador, Rio, Iguasu Falls and Ilhe Grande, fitted in around 13 days in the Pantanal and Cristalino Lodge. We flew, via Lisbon, into Salvador for a three night stay after the trans-Atlantic flight. Three internal flights took us to Alta Floresta for Cristalino River Lodge. The "wildlife" section of the holiday really exceeded our expectations, the Cristalino river was a great place, ...

Three of us had a three week holiday with included visits to Salvador, Rio, Iguasu Falls and Ilhe Grande, fitted in around 13 days in the Pantanal and Cristalino Lodge. We flew, via Lisbon, into Salvador for a three night stay after the trans-Atlantic flight. Three internal flights took us to Alta Floresta for Cristalino River Lodge. The "wildlife" section of the holiday really exceeded our expectations, the Cristalino river was a great place, not only for mammals, but especially for birds. From the lodge you had a selection of river trips, treks and a trip up a 50 metre tower above the forest cover. A flight back to Cuieba allowed us to be collected by our guide who took us all around our Pantanal visit. The Pantanal was shown to us from three different lodges, all of which have different animals and birds, the highlight of these visits were several sightings of Jaguar, plus giant and neotropical otters. We then had flights to get to Iguasu Falls for a two day visit, prior to flying to Rio and Ilha Grande for a few days before flying back to UK, once again via Lisbon.

Rating for tour operator:

This is the fourth time we have used Wildlife Trails to arrange a holiday for us. Once again Allan has come up trumps - the preliminary discussions started almost twelve months in advance to get the best dates to visit the Pantanal for Jaguar sightings, once these had been agreed, provisional bookings were made for the lodges of choice, plus our excellent guide, Tito, was engaged. We then discussed the add-on visits we were considering, which Allan then arranged, including adjusting hotels to suit. Internal and international flights were arranged for our convenience - flying directly into Salvador from Manchester!! Everything was always available to check, and there was always someone to discuss or answer any questions or queries we had. On the actual holiday there were no problems in transfers, or any of the minor nitty gritty parts of the holiday.

Wildlife Trails responded to this review on 19 Nov 2015:

It was an absolute pleasure designing such a diverse and interesting wildlife and cultural tour of Brazil. We are lucky to have clients like Roger, Debbie and Liz who enjoying the planning of such interesting trips, almost as much as the holiday itself. This is really what Wildlife Trails is all about, bringing together diverse elements of complicated wildlife foucsed holidays and ensuring we have the right guides on the ground to maximise our clients experiences.

Grizzly bears Vancouver Island by Strix, 14 Nov 2015
Holiday Rating:

Two weeks whale and bear watching in spectacular surroundings on Vancouver Island

A family (of four) self-drive holiday to Vancouver and Vancouver Island in late August and early September 2015. The holiday lived up to all our expectations. All the arrangements worked like clockwork. The accommodation was well chosen: just the right standard, in convenient and spectacular waterfront locations. The itinerary could not have been better: we enjoyed each location even more than the previous one with the right length of time ...

A family (of four) self-drive holiday to Vancouver and Vancouver Island in late August and early September 2015. The holiday lived up to all our expectations. All the arrangements worked like clockwork. The accommodation was well chosen: just the right standard, in convenient and spectacular waterfront locations. The itinerary could not have been better: we enjoyed each location even more than the previous one with the right length of time at each place. The wildlife and scenery were spectacular: we saw 19 species of mammal, including 3 species of whale, wolf, both grizzly and black bears and c.110 bird species.

Rating for tour operator:

We travelled with Wildlife Trails, a small, family-owned company specialising in tailor-made wildlife holidays. This was our third holiday with Wildlife Trails in four years. The company offers imaginative and exciting itineraries that are excellent value for money. The personal service and ability to understand and fulfil the requirements of their clients sets them apart from other companies we have travelled with.

Wildlife Trails responded to this review on 14 Nov 2015:

Thank you for the wonderful feedback. Organising wildlife focused holidays in both Asia and North America for the Hirons family has been a pleasure. They know what they want to focus on and our job is to make sure they are in the right place at the right time to see as much as possible.They also need accommodation which suits a family of 4 which we hand pick based on our own visits.

Brazil wildlife tour Pantanal by AvJH, 9 Nov 2015
Holiday Rating:

A feast of Pantanal wildlife & hospitality

We have just spent 2 weeks in the South & North Pantanals in Brazil, experiencing all the wonderful wildlife this area has to offer. Our first stop in the south was Pousada Aguape, 3 hours drive from Campo Grande. Here it was possible to see wildlife on foot, on horseback, by jeep & by boat. The lodge was superb with lovely food & accommodation. Our experience was much enhanced by the services of our excellent guide, Rodrigo. His knowledge & ...

We have just spent 2 weeks in the South & North Pantanals in Brazil, experiencing all the wonderful wildlife this area has to offer. Our first stop in the south was Pousada Aguape, 3 hours drive from Campo Grande. Here it was possible to see wildlife on foot, on horseback, by jeep & by boat. The lodge was superb with lovely food & accommodation. Our experience was much enhanced by the services of our excellent guide, Rodrigo. His knowledge & humour were exceptional. In the north we arrived in Cuiaba to visit Pouso Alegre, Porto Jofre & Pousada Araras. Our time in Porto Jofre on the Cuiaba River gave us the unbelievable privilege of many jaguar sightings & time with river otters. Our lovely guide, Bianca, helped us to enjoy & identify numerous, beautiful birds plus the many different mammals & reptiles that all add up to a feast for our eyes & senses. All our accommodation was excellent with good food and comfortable rooms. Our itinerary provided us with such a wide variety of ways to enjoy the world about us in the company of very knowledgeable guides who were a joy to spend time with.

Rating for tour operator:

Wildlife Trails has become our Tour Operator of choice for the past 13 years. Small is good for us as it has allowed us to develop a relationship with Allan & Kirsty Blanchard that enables us to choose destinations & experiences with confidence. Their personal experiences, excellent research & attention to detail ensures that each trip is carefully & jointly planned between us. The resulting holidays are always good & sometimes spectacular. They are always open to suggestions & ideas and willing to advise when we are uncertain or wanting to try something new to us all. Their standards are high so we can be assured that, wherever we go, we will get the best chance of a memorable & well planned holiday, tailor made for us.

Wildlife Trails responded to this review on 09 Nov 2015:

Brian and Avril represent everything that is good about running a specialist wildlife tour and safari company. To plan in great detail, wildlife rich tours and share your passion with like minded clients is one of the great pleasures of our work. The icing on the cake is to see them return from their holiday and almost feel and see their smiles and happiness through the feedback they wholeheartedly provide. We are blessed to have had them as loyal and generous clients for nearly 15 years - we look forward to many more adventures 'together'

Unique bear safari Bella Coola by Bea, 7 Oct 2015
Holiday Rating:

Great experience

I had a wonderful trip to the Bella Coola Valley in BC. Location and accommodation were excellent, the food a real treat especially in the Tweedmuire Park Lodge. Wildlife viewing on the river and the Nature Walks with experience guides made it a very special experience. The Guides and other staff were a pleasure to be with.. The optional Helicopter Hike topped it all.

I had a wonderful trip to the Bella Coola Valley in BC. Location and accommodation were excellent, the food a real treat especially in the Tweedmuire Park Lodge. Wildlife viewing on the river and the Nature Walks with experience guides made it a very special experience. The Guides and other staff were a pleasure to be with.. The optional Helicopter Hike topped it all.

Rating for tour operator:

Excellent and a very personal service. I felt being looked after and supported. No hesitation in recommending Wildlife Trails.

Wildlife Trails responded to this review on 07 Oct 2015:

Bella Coola has been in our hearts since 2003 when we first visited and experienced the magic of the valley and its bears. Designing this tour for you was an absolute pleasure and we are delighted that you had such a wonderful time.

Arctic Cruise for Polar Bears by Gilly B , 20 Sep 2015
Holiday Rating:

Holiday of a lifetime.

Stunning scenery and wildlife. Great crew with extensive experience of the flora and fauna . Nice cabin on a comfortable boat. Excellent trips out on the zodiacs . Saw polar bears, whales, seals, walrus, arctic foxes, various birds,. Food good and the while dining experience friendly and informal. Loved every minute of it .

Stunning scenery and wildlife. Great crew with extensive experience of the flora and fauna . Nice cabin on a comfortable boat. Excellent trips out on the zodiacs . Saw polar bears, whales, seals, walrus, arctic foxes, various birds,. Food good and the while dining experience friendly and informal. Loved every minute of it .

Rating for tour operator:

Friendly , helpful. Excellent standard .

Wildlife Trails responded to this review on 21 Sep 2015:

We are so happy to receive such positive feedback about our Arctic Cruise to Spitsbergen. Having been lucky enough to travel there ourselves, we feel (like you) that our cruise partners have the right balance between comfort, adventure, expert guiding and visiting a great Arctic location for wildlife.

Wildlife Trails by Voyages CD , 21 Aug 2015
Holiday Rating:

Wonderful time in Alaska and Canada

Had a great time on our Wildlife Trails-organised trip to Alaska and W Canada. It was our first trip to that part of the world and our itinerary was great. Saw whales breaching and bears fishing as well as fabulous scenery and some great little towns.

Had a great time on our Wildlife Trails-organised trip to Alaska and W Canada. It was our first trip to that part of the world and our itinerary was great. Saw whales breaching and bears fishing as well as fabulous scenery and some great little towns.

Rating for tour operator:

Wildlife Trails put together a customised itinerary to meet our objectives. It was excellent. They deliver a very helpful and personalised service, which we really appreciated.

Wildlife Trails responded to this review on 21 Aug 2015:

It was a pleasure to organise this very diverse Alaskan and Canadian wildlife adventure for you and we are thrilled with the positive feedback.

Uganda safari with Rwanda ext by JFontana loves Uganda, 14 Jul 2015
Holiday Rating:

Gorilla trekking and safari in Uganda and Rwanda

We had the most AMAZING 15 days in Uganda with a few days in Rwanda on safari, including the usual jeep rides but also hiking, biking, horse back riding, boating and trekking. Uganda is the "sleeper" country for an African visit- not only is it incredibly lush and beautiful with welcoming smiles from those along our path but is free of tourist congestion. Such a pleasure to be on the plains with the animals, completely absorbed by the natural ...

We had the most AMAZING 15 days in Uganda with a few days in Rwanda on safari, including the usual jeep rides but also hiking, biking, horse back riding, boating and trekking. Uganda is the "sleeper" country for an African visit- not only is it incredibly lush and beautiful with welcoming smiles from those along our path but is free of tourist congestion. Such a pleasure to be on the plains with the animals, completely absorbed by the natural beauty without the distractions of other safari vehicles. The collection of wildlife is diverse, fascinating and beautiful. The gorilla trekking was the highlight personally but not far behind was the rest of Uganda!

Rating for tour operator:

Allan arranges a truly memorable trip for us. He was a pleasure to deal with and was quite patient with the many questions and changes to our personalized itinerary. The guide/naturalist he selected, Martin Okot, was PERFECT for us; not only thorough in knowledge over a wide range of subjects from plants, birds, butterflies to primates but also on history and politics. This made for wonderful conversation throughout our time together. Martin managed a few typical travel hiccups, like a delayed bag, slight modifications in the itinerary, flat tires with furor and speed. I really felt that he was fighting for us, providing the most favorable time in Uganda- a great ambassador for Uganda.

Wildlife Trails responded to this review on 14 Jul 2015:

It was a real pleasure to put this very special Uganda and Rwanda safari together for Jeannie and Sandra. Although we only had a month to organise the trip, these well travelled ladies had a good idea of both the structure and accommodation choices they wanted. Our job was to bring it all together and provide them with one of the best guides in Uganda. We are thrilled to receive this beautiful and heartfelt feedback - big smiles on faces time!

Uganda safari with Rwanda ext by wallirut, 9 Jul 2015
Holiday Rating:

Uganda/Rwanda wildlife holiday incl. gorilla trekking

A truly fabulous trip, enhanced by our lovely driver/guide Hassan and many friendly people on our travels whether at our accommodation or any of our daily activities.

A truly fabulous trip, enhanced by our lovely driver/guide Hassan and many friendly people on our travels whether at our accommodation or any of our daily activities.

Rating for tour operator:

Happy with everything booked, lovely accommodation and all activities organised.

Wildlife Trails responded to this review on 09 Jul 2015:

It was an absolute pleasure to organise this very special wildlife tour for the two of you; with gorilla trekking in both Uganda and Rwanda. We would love to organise another very special safari for you in the future and of course you would receive a 5% discount on your second trip with Wildlife Trails.