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Naturetrek announces four new tours for 2014

11th July 2013 Print

Naturetrek, UK wildlife tour operator, has added four new trips to its worldwide programme of expert-escorted holidays.

For the first time, the wildlife specialist is venturing deep into the heart of the Congo Rainforest in search of western lowland gorillas and – in response to popular demand – has added two new beginners’ birdwatching tours in the spring. An exhilarating safari through the national parks of northern Tanzania has also been introduced to the 2014 programme.

Naturetrek’s managing director, David Mills, comments: “We’re thrilled to offer a very special tour to the little-explored Republic of Congo, home to the world’s second-largest expanse of tropical rainforest and the highest-known gorilla densities. With ecotourism in its infancy, every visit here is sure to be one of exciting discovery. Our new Tanzania trip will include the vast herds of wildebeest in the southern Serengeti, high on the wish list of many wildlife enthusiasts.

“Finally, introduced last year, our birdwatching tours for beginners have proved extremely popular, and we’re certain that fledgling bird enthusiasts will greatly appreciate an additional Somerset Levels trip in search of hobby and breeding bitterns in the spring. For novices keen to spread their wings a little further, we have introduced a new springtime tour to the wide open steppes of Extremadura, a region of Spain that offers some of the best birding in Europe.”

Naturetrek’s four new tours for 2014:

Africa

Republic of Congo – Gorillas & Rainforest Wildlife

A pioneering 10-day adventure, based at two wonderful tree-top camps set within the spectacular Odzala-Kokoua National Park deep in the Congo rainforest. A total of 11 diurnal primates are found here, including the putty-nosed monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey and guereza colobus, but the undeniable highlight will be the incredible opportunity to track two families of western lowland gorillas on foot. Forest wildlife, such as elephant, buffalo and spotted hyena, will be sought out by boat and night-time explorations may reveal rare nocturnal residents, such as the golden cat and aardvark.

Date: 13-22 May 2014

Cost: £6,495 pp – includes full-board treehouse lodge accommodation, B&B in Paris and Brazzaville, flights (London), most meals, expert local guides and trackers.

The Best of Northern Tanzania

An unforgettable 14-day safari where some of the largest herds of game left on Earth, and their predators, roam unhindered across the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Arusha National Park. The gathering of two million white-bearded wildebeest here creates one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles, and there’s a good chance of spotting prides of lions, spotted hyena, elephants, Masai giraffe and buffalo. Two nights will be spent at the dramatic soda lake of Natron, a refuelling stop for thousands of migrant birds and one of the most important breeding grounds for the lesser flamingo.

Date: 5-18 March 2014

Cost: £5,195 pp – includes lodge accommodation and two nights in a tented camp at Lake Natron, flights (London), all meals, vehicular safaris and an expert guide.

Europe
 
Extremadura in Spring

Warm May sunshine and fantastic hospitality await on this seven-day exploration of the bird-rich steppes of Extremadura. As one of Europe’s foremost birdwatching destinations, beginners can expect to see colourful bee-eaters, hoopoes, rollers, great and little bustards, great spotted cuckoos and plenty of raptors that add a bit of drama to the skies!

Date: 1-7 May 2014

Cost: £1,295 pp – includes return flights (London), hotel accommodation, some meals and an expert guide.

The Somerset Levels in Spring

A two-night, very rewarding sojourn in the scenic Somerset Levels in search of breeding bitterns, hobby and other wildlife. Based in a characterful hotel in the heart of the pretty cathedral city of Wells, this birdwatching break offers a fantastic introduction to birdsong and includes a memorable dawn chorus walk.

Date: 19-21 May 2014

Cost: £295 pp – includes half board hotel accommodation and an expert guide.

Naturetrek operates the largest selection of expert-led wildlife holidays in the world. From birdwatching and photography to trekking and conservation, Naturetrek can cater to any wildlife-watching wish. All Naturetrek holidays and short breaks are escorted small group tours guided by expert British and local naturalists, ornithologists and botanists.

To book, visit naturetrek.co.uk.