Naturetrek Traveller Reviews

Lovely places to stay close to the wildlife which was good to see. Well organised itinery and very good Naturetrek guides.

well organised

Probably the most endangered species of cat, the Lynx lives in two areas of Spain. This holiday promised to visit both but, understandably, could not promise sightings of this enigmatic animal. Our two guides, Julian and Laura met us at Seville and calmly and expertly drove us to El Rocio on the edge of the Coto Donana National park. By the end of the evening we had all had clear views of a Lynx! Subsequent tours into the park did not produce more sightings but our guides worked hard to ensure that we all had great views of a variety of mammals and birds. Our guides then drove us to the Sierra Morena, where over the next few early morning and dusk visits we saw a number of Lynx, some at very close range an rewarding us all with amazing photographs. Julian and Laura worked hard to spot a variety of wildlife for us, sometimes communicating with friends who were watching out for the Lynx at different sites. Julian and Laura not only worked hard all day to deliver great wildlife experiences for us all but also carried cases, ordered food, made packed picnics, reviewed the day and sorted any accommodation problems with great humour and patience, these two helped make this an excellent holiday.

Original advertising matched the actual holiday exactly, expectations were managed but were, n the event, exceeded. Pre-holiday information was detailed, complete and accurate. The cost of the holiday was very economical and apart from buying a pre supper drink there was no requirement to spend any money; food and drink in copious amounts was all provided.

First time on a birdwatching holiday to tick a bucket list item: the starling murmuration. The starlings performed beautifully and we were in the right spot thanks to great naturalist leaders. Seems whatever we threw at them (I want to see a bittern, a kingfisher on a perch, a crane....) the guys managed to deliver. Very impressive and a great short break overall.

Naturetrek specialise in wildlife holidays and from this brief first weekend outing, their leaders know their stuff. Delivered on birds we wanted to see, explained habitats and generally made sure the group worked well.

This was a wonderful insight into the world of the Iberian Lynx. Can you imagine all of those big cats living in the National Parks and mountains of Spain? Food and drink were plentiful and the travelling companions to share it with made for excellent meal times. Our tour guides were outstanding in their local knowledge and their attentiveness to traveller needs. I would recommend this holiday to anyone with an interest in wildlife and the natural world - go explore!

Naturetrek's organisation before and during their holidays are second to none in my experience. The office staff are always polite, pleasant and very helpful with any queries. Attention to detail and customer feedback is one of their strengths.

Great holiday led by 2 very knowledgeable and organised tour leaders ho made sure we had an amazingly diverse and interesting holiday..

Every part of the holiday was thought through by Nature trek and delivered by it's guides in LK. Any (minor) problem was sorted out immediately.

Naturetrek does wildlife holidays to iconic destinations and the Galapagos has it all. We spent 14 nights on a topsail schooner, so were able to get where the bigger boats could not. There was a short written guide for each landing site to tell us about the island's geology, wildlife and a lecture each evening with more detail. Everyone was interested in wildlife, but the bird watchers shared their knowledge and we all saw the many finches with a discussion of what made each different. The small group gelled with their shared interests, so the social life was also fun. Meals on a rough crossing had everyone grabbing their beers and laughing as the steward served. There was also time to relax, and read and write up diaries on the spacious decks while keeping a eye out for birds. Wildlife highlights: watching the waved albatros fledglings learning to fly, and almost taking off in the wind; the toitoise by the "stop" sign on the path, so we did; the cute baby sea lions; the pilot whales swimming around and under the boat;

Naturetrek uses the best local boats and guides. The 14 days is twice as long as most tours, so see more of the area visited. The trip was also topped and tailed with some time in mainland Ecuador; Quito for the culture and then a short visit to an ecolodge in the Amazon

My recent trip to The Galapgaos/Sacha Lodge was everything I expected it to be - and more. Two nights in Quito included a comprehensive tour of that fascinating city. Our group(just 16 people)was met at Baltra by our guide, Darwin Alvarez, and our tour of the islands started immediately with a trip to see giant tortoises, followed by a lovely lunch, before boarding the Cachalote, our floating 'home' for the next two weeks. Darwin was just superb and his enthusiasm was infectious; his knowledge added even more to the experience of visiting so many of these very special islands. Nothing was too much trouble for the crew of the Cachalote either, with the captain willingly changing course if something interesting was spotted in the water. The chef catered for all/any special dietary requirements, even making me a glorious chocolate and nut cake for my birthday which occurred halfway through the cruise of the islands, and Richard's cocktails, to celebrate crossing the Equator, were something else! Sacha Lodge was a totally different experience but equally as outstanding. The long and varied journey to even reach it was an adventure in itself and again, nothing was too much trouble for either the staff or the guides who took us out two or three times a day, either on foot or by canoe, to experience this truly magical part of the world. Truly a holiday of a lifetime.

I have enjoyed two holidays with Naturetrek to date. Their careful attention to detail is present before, during and after your holiday and the friendly knowledgeable staff will answer any questions you may have before you travel, no matter how trivial. As soon as you receive their comprehensive brochure, it is obvious that a lot of very careful thought has gone into the planning of their holidays so that we, the travellers, may reap the benefits. Their use of experts who are leaders in their field, terrific itineraries and choice accommodation ensures a truly first class holiday.

An amazing adventure. Any lover of nature should put these places at the top of their agenda. The Amazon basin is somewhere we have all seen on TV but to experience it gives a new perspective. Seeing giant otters, many species of monkey and the varied and magnificent bird life is something worth doing in its own right. However, to accompany such a visit with a tour of the Galapagos raises the experience to a whole new level. I have been to many wonderful places in Africa, America and Australia but I would put the Galapagos top of my list. The combination of islands in all their variety and the sea cruises in between, in waters teeming with marine life is exhilarating. The wildlife is so unafraid of humans that the main problem is to avoid accidentally stepping on sleeping sea lions or nesting birds as you walk along the paths and beaches. Snorkelling with sea lions, feeding turtles, penguins, flightless cormorants, sharks, rays and a variety of tropical fish is a wonderful thing to do. We used a small 16 berth schooner on our Naturetrek holiday and I am pleased that we did. It seemed to put us in touch with our surroundings in a way that the bigger boats we saw wouldn't have done. The group were brilliant and everyone got along, having a common interest in nature. The crew were marvellous, the food great and our guide, Darwin, couldn't have been better. His knowledge and ability to inspire were first class. We were looked after wonderfully and Naturetrek's organisation was impeccable. Every day involves wet and dry landings on the islands, walks to see the wildlife and geology, swimming and snorkelling or simply relaxing on the boat if that's what you felt like. This combination of activities and relaxation made the holiday into far more than a simple passive viewing experience.

Naturetrek's itinerary was perfect. We spent time on most of the accessible Galapagos islands and appreciated their variety and diversity of life. The organisation of the holiday was perfect. Special dietary needs were catered for very well and the whole thing went like clockwork.We normally organise our own holidays and it was great to have all that taken care of and to be whisked painlessly through the airport and other formalities when visiting the Amazon basin and the Galapagos. This contributed greatly to our enjoyment by removing many of the stresses normally associated with travel.

We spent a week in the Camargue over the Christmas period staying in a very friendly hotel in Arles. Out all day from 9-6ish exploring the countryside for birds, roman remains, and a good spot for a picnic lunch or coffee. Excellent weather, if somewhat cold, entertaining companions, excellent guides and the food was very good, too.

Naturetrek has always been very helpful and friendly. The tour guides are specialists happy to share their natural history expertise and equipment. Apart from producing fine dining at picnics they also cope on tour with any setbacks (just occasional transport problems) very well.

For the most part I was quite satisfied with the trip and saw many new birds. I would have liked more options at dinnertime and fewer people in the vans.

Naturetrek is a very good operator with good offerings across the globe. The tour leaders were excellent!