Recent highly productive visits to the Cayman Islands, Québec and Iceland have resulted in some exciting new itineraries, while trips to Canada and Borneo have reinforced our determination to find sustainable ways of visiting a particular habitat or ecosystem to appreciate and understand its fauna.

We constantly review what we do and how we do it, and reflect on what makes us different from our competitors. In essence we strive to ensure that we remain at the forefront of conservation-based wildlife travel.

TRAVEL: We offer a simply unparalleled range of opportunities to see the finest wildlife in the world, travelling by air, by expedition vessel, in open four-wheel-drive vehicles, boats, canoes and, of course, on foot. We harness not only the best ways of getting you where you need to be, but also the optimum means of watching wildlife while there.

EXPERIENCE: The quintessential nature of our trips is to provide a meaningful experience and an insight into the environment through which you travel. This depends not only on the guides who accompany you in each location, and who are your eyes, ears and the key to understanding, but also on the locations you visit and the accommodation used. Our clients commonly say that the single most important element of their trip is the guide, whose knowledge and interpretative skills enrich their experience far beyond expectation.

CONSERVE: We are passionate conservationists - this passion percolates every element of our organisation and drives what we do, and how we do it. It affects all our decision-making processes - especially how we select all the components of our trips.

Wildlife tourism has become a highly significant source of employment and income in many developing countries, and we have seen a steady increase in the number of people travelling to enjoy wildlife in its natural habitat. Yet without control, it has the potential to endanger both the wildlife and the environment and, as the leader in the field, we are highly conscious of the role we play in fostering the conservation of wildlife, wilderness and local communities.

We would love to design your wildlife holiday for 2013!

Chris Breen

The last few months have been amongst the busiest we can remember. In addition to designing new and exciting tailor-made holidays we have been out of the office researching opportunities, furthering our destination knowledge and performing quality control.

In this IssueWhales of Sri Lanka................... 2

Whales, Bears and Moose......... 4

Cayman Islands Wildlife Week... 4

Orcas and Northern Lights......... 5

Classic Antarctica Fly-Sail........... 5

Canada - Polar Bears.................. 6

British Columbia........................ 8

Celebrate our 21st Birthday........ 9

Kenya, Uganda, Malawi & Zambia .....................10

Argentina, Brazil, Chile & Ecuador.........................11

Sabah - Trip Report.................. 12

Austrailia’s Kimberley Region...12

Expedition Voyages................. 13

Meet the Team........................ 14

Dive Wordwide........................ 15

Discovery Series....................... 16

Have your Say.......................... 16

Newsletter Issue 1 2013

Talk to an expert on 0845 130 6982 to plan your perfect trip

Next morning, I am alone with the whales as my research team has invoked a family holiday clause and mutinied, staying behind in Trincomalee for a lie-in, leisurely breakfast and swim. Ah, you just can’t get the staff these days!

A few days later I patrol the waters off Kalpitiya Peninsula with friends - on the so-called ‘Sperm Whale Strip’. On successive days we catch the tail-end of a super-pod that numbers at least 50. However this is still less than the super-pod spotted in Trincomalee in March 2012, whose number was estimated at between 100 and 200 individuals.

Sri Lanka has a strong claim to be the best all-round wildlife destination in the world. No other country has so much terrestrial big game and large marine mammals, endemic biodiversity and tourist infrastructure in such a compact and varied landscape. The best way to illustrate this is to continue my tale of a family holiday in April 2012.

These visits to Trincomalee and Kalpitiya, reinforced by conversations with researchers, established beyond doubt for me that Sri Lanka offers the best chance to see a super-pod of sperm whales on a commercial whale watching trip.

A few days later, I take the new Southern Expressway to Mirissa to check out a story, dating from May 2008, which suggests that Sri Lanka is the best place to see blue whales - with a 90% success rate during the season. During our outing blue whales turn up with predictable ease, then during a sudden lull, just as our thoughts are turning towards heading back to shore, it suddenly happens...

A blue whale surfaces within touching distance and side-flukes, dragging a corner of its tail above the water, only to be followed immediately by another. I later learn that this is flank-formation behaviour, with the female out in front. We are treated to some rarely observed courtship behaviour.

A large female sperm whale rockets out of the water in full body breach and splashes back down with a thunderous crash. Another female ‘shark-fin patrols’ close to our boat, dragging a corner of its tail fluke above the surface. Heads pop up around the boat as whales ‘spy hop’ to watch us. Soon they are ‘scrumming’ in a frenzied round of aquabatics, and the water becomes a foaming sheet of froth. My wife takes notes, while my two daughters operate the video and take back-up stills.

© Image courtesy of Mark Carwardine

Talk to an expert on 0845 130 6982 to plan your perfect trip02

In Yala National Park, I face yet another mutiny as my nearest and dearest opt to stay behind to enjoy an easy evening at camp. I return later with tales of a leopard that crawled on its belly behind scanty thorn scrub to stalk a deer. Next day, however, the family get their fair share of leopards and elephants, including a big tusker that intimidates us. I pause to photograph a common Indian crow butterfly, which results in us missing the sloth bear that walks through the camp. Ouch!

At Talangama Wetland, just half an hour from the capital, I photograph endemic dragonflies as purple-faced leaf monkeys issue challenges to rivals. As well as the world’s largest concentration of wild elephants, Sri Lanka has the biggest bird

wave of all in Sinharaja Forest Reserve. Although these didn’t feature in my family holiday, on a dedicated wildlife trip in the right season, you can see most of the island’s wildlife highlights within a 14 day span.

Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne is the author of Bradt Travel Guides’ ‘Sri Lankan Wildlife’, photographic guides to birds and mammals published by New Holland, and the forthcoming ‘Wild Sri Lanka’ by John Beaufoy Publishing.

Sri Lanka - Blue Whales & DolphinsThe teardrop-shaped island at the southern tip of the sub-continent is fast gaining a reputation as the best place in the world to see blue whales. Boat trips from Mirissa, on the south coast, offer virtually guaranteed sightings during the season. Off the northwest coast at Kalpitiya, the continental shelf runs close to the shore and the deep water attracts sperm and humpback whales - as well as amazing numbers of spinner dolphins.On this small group trip to Sri Lanka, you also visit the national parks of Uda Walawe, to see its herds of wild elephant, and Yala, which has long been famed for its leopard population - making an irresistible wildlife cocktail.

Departs: 9 March 2013, 30 November 2013, 8 March 2014Duration: 14 daysMax group size: 10Cost from: £2,415 per person (based on two people travelling together)

Last few spaces available for 2013

& 2014

In addition to the above group departure, we can tailor an itinerary to your individual requirements, combining whale and dolphin watching at Kalpitiya and Mirissa with visits to Yala and Uda Walawe, plus bird watching in Sinharaja Forest Reserve - all with a naturalist guide. Just call our expert team to discuss your preferences…

© Image courtesy of Mark Carwardine

Or visit us on the web at www.wildlifeworldwide.com 03

Newsletter Issue 1 2013

Cayman Islands Wildlife WeekIn the northwestern Caribbean, just 150 kilometres south of Cuba, lies a trio of small reef-fringed islands, each of which has its own unique topography and personality.Primarily renowned as an offshore financial centre and tax haven, or a world-class destination for scuba divers, the low-lying Cayman Islands are, in fact, an absolute riot of wildlife. A one-week stay allows ample time to explore two islands - Grand Cayman and Little Cayman - and get to know their distinctive terrestrial and marine fauna, in the company of accomplished local naturalist guides.

This extends from visiting a remarkably successful initiative to conserve the endemic blue iguana, to taking to the water with stingrays, but also includes snorkelling, a trip by submarine, birdwatching, bat-hunting, sea-kayaking and much more! And if you wish to linger a while longer to relax with a bit of Caribbean-style “limeing”, there are plenty of places from which you can choose…

NEW FOR 20

13 Departs: Daily, throughout the yearDuration: 8 daysCost from: £2,895 per person (based on two people travelling together)

© Don McDougall

This self-drive trip through Canada’s sole French province takes you from the historic fortified city of Québec, out into glorious countryside. Just two hours from the city, the Réserve Faunique des Laurentides is a vast area of lakes, rivers and dense forest - a perfect place to watch and learn about black bears with a wildlife guide, or paddle a canoe to see beaver and moose on the riverbank. In majestic Saguenay Fjord, you can watch beluga whales from the shore at Sainte Marguerite Bay.

At Tadoussac, North America’s first fur trading post, you spend half a day sea-kayaking in the Saint Lawrence River, and take a whale watching excursion by Zodiac inflatable before driving back to Québec. Two extensions are possible: to the Chic Chocs Mountains on the Gaspé Peninsula or to Anticosti Island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence to see bald eagle and white-tailed deer.

Whales, Bears & Moose NEW FOR 20

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Departs: Daily, June to SeptemberDuration: 8 daysCost from: £2,895 per person (based on two people travelling together)

Talk to an expert on 0845 130 6982 to plan your perfect trip04

Cayman Islands Wildlife Week Classic Antarctica Fly-SailTime is - as always - of the essence! Yet if you’re strapped for time, it‘s possible to visit the Antarctic in just over a week. Flying from Punta Arenas in southern Chile to King George Island in the South Shetlands avoids two days sailing each way, and the rough crossing of the Drake Passage - so you can focus entirely on the splendours of the White Continent. Built in Denmark in 1992 to sail Greenland’s ice-choked waters, Ocean Nova carries 68 passengers in comfortable outside cabins with en suite bathrooms. Facilities include an observation lounge and lecture room, spacious dining room, bar and library.

Your voyage through spectacular iceberg-filled fjords in the company of seabirds, penguins, seals and whales spends the same time in the Antarctic as longer expedition cruises. En route to latitude 65° South, you visit magnificent spots such as Livingston Island, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Cuverville and Deception Islands. There are daily landings and cruises in zodiac inflatables, and a full programme of lectures aboard.

Winter is not the most obvious time to visit Iceland, however at this time orcas arrive off the stunning Snaefellsnes Peninsula. This short break is based in the west coast fishing village of Grundarfjordur, amidst lava fields within sight of the distinctive glacier-topped volcano of Snaefellsjokull. Orcas arrive in late December to feed on herring, and stay until April, passing close to the shore. Boat trips allow encounters with the pods that frequent the bay, which are sometimes seen from the beach!

You’ll also have an opportunity to enjoy Iceland’s rugged beauty and see something of its spectacular birdlife on a day trip around the peninsula. This time of year is particularly good for auroral activity - so there is the prospect of seeing the Northern Lights at their most active. On evenings when this remarkable natural phenomenon occurs, you can see it without light pollution. Operated in conjunction with Discover The World

Orcas & Northern Lights NEW FOR 20

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NEW FOR 20

13Departs: Regular departures, December to FebruaryDuration: 8 daysCost from: £7,105 per person, voyage only (based on two people sharing a cabin)

Departs: Regular departures, January to MarchDuration: 5 daysGroup size: Approximately 30Cost from: £598 per person (excluding flights) (based on two people travelling together) final fe

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Or visit us on the web at www.wildlifeworldwide.com05

Newsletter Issue 1 2013

Trip Report

Canada - Polar BearsIn David Attenborough’s Frozen Planet series, few creatures attracted quite as much attention as polar bears - the awesomely powerful apex predators of the Arctic region.Churchill, in northern Manitoba, has long been regarded as the world’s polar bear “capital”, due to the concentration of bears that gathers there to wait for the sea to freeze over each winter. Until recently this was really the only time of year to see them, however it is now possible to see bears during the short summer season, as they forage opportunistically further inland, gradually losing weight until the winter feeding spree begins.

But first, a personal view…

Each winter polar bears converge on Churchill, to wait for Hudson Bay to freeze over, so they can take to the ice floes to hunt seals - their primary source of food. I too converged on Churchill with a group of like-minded enthusiasts, boarded a huge, purpose-built polar rover vehicle and drove for an hour and a half out to the Tundra Lodge. Four bears were hanging around, like a welcome party, flushing out my fellow-travellers’ expensive camera equipment .

These bears were to be our constant companions, as they generally remained close to the lodge. They spent a lot of time resting, to keep cool (the temperature was around 0⁰ C!), but would occasionally approach and stand on their hind legs against the lodge. This was the closest I got to a polar bear - separated by only an inch of steel bars!

Watching bears was hypnotic. I watched them for hours, taking hundreds of photos. When irritated they would fight, and you could feel their immense power, as they clubbed each other with massive paws. However these were never life and death affairs, merely one individual trying to assert dominance, and the tussle often finished quite amicably.

Our routine was straightforward: half the group would go out on a Polar Rover vehicle to spend the morning looking for

bears and other wildlife, while the rest stayed behind to watch “our” bears and enjoy the guides’ lectures. After lunch we changed over. Life on board was simple, with cosy individual sleeping compartments and shared facilities; the food was first class, and the guides extremely knowledgeable. The landscape was bleak and desolate, which added drama. I was fortunate to see several other bears - even one swimming in Hudson Bay - plus snowy owls, ptarmigan, Arctic fox, lots of snow bunting and a gyr falcon.

I feel privileged to have witnessed so many bears in their natural environment. Their future is uncertain - to survive, they need to adapt quickly to a world in which the polar ice

caps are melting at an unprecedented rate. However there are signs that the bears

are already adapting, so - with luck - future generations will be able

to experience these majestic beasts just as I did.

Chris travelled on our Tundra Lodge Adventure in late October, and came back raving about polar

bears - as we anticipated!

Senior Travel Consultant Chris Osborn sees eye to eye with polar bears in Northern Manitoba.

Talk to an expert on 0845 130 6982 to plan your perfect trip06

Classic Polar BearsAlternatively, instead of staying out on the tundra, our Classic Polar Bears trip stays in a small hotel in Churchill town, with daily excursions out to see bears by heated tundra vehicle with a naturalist guide.

Departs: Regular departures, October to NovemberDuration: 7 or 8 daysGroup size: 15Cost from: £4,290 per person (based on two people travelling together)

Tundra Lodge AdventureThis remarkable rolling hotel is positioned on the tundra outside Churchill at the best spot to see bears, so no time is wasted travelling to and fro. Four linked carriages contain individual sleeping compartments, shared showers and toilets, a lounge area, kitchen and dining room.

Departs: Regular departures, October to NovemberDuration: 8 days Group size: 29 Cost from: £5,240 per person (based on two people travelling together)

Canada - Polar Bear Mothers & CubsThis exclusive adventure takes place in late summer when cubs born the previous winter stay close to their mothers, providing a unique and entertaining insight into polar bear family life.Cape Tatnam Wildlife Management Area, on the coast of Hudson Bay, is an area so remote that it has barely changed in thousands of years. After a two hour scheduled flight from Winnipeg north to Gillam, you continue east by light aircraft. Flying over taiga forest, you follow the Nelson River as it crosses plains and tidal flats, with possible sightings of beluga whales near the rivermouth.This is Cree territory, where Canada’s fur trapping trade began in the early 1600s with the arrival of the first Europeans, and at the comfortable lodge where you stay some guides are descendants of those First Nations inhabitants.

Departs: Regular departures, August to SeptemberDuration: 8 days Group size: 12 Cost from: £5,990 per person (based on two people travelling together)

Or visit us on the web at www.wildlifeworldwide.com 07

Newsletter Issue 1 2013

Due to its spectacular scenery, bear population and opportunities for whale-watching, Vancouver Island makes a great destination for nature lovers - especially locations such as Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park. You can explore primeval forests where black bears abound, walk wild beaches, or take boat trips to see cetacean life. Each summer orcas gather in Johnstone Strait and off remote Quadra Island. Telegraph Cove is known for the black bears that roam its beaches, while Steller sealions bask on rocky islets.

The Great Bear Rainforest is one of the world’s largest remaining temperate forests. Tweedsmuir Provincial Park and Knight Inlet are home to puma, wolf, grizzly bear, bald eagle, sea otter, pine marten and mink.

Princess Royal Island is the only place where the rare Kermode or spirit bear is found - due to a recessive gene, some ten per cent of this sub-species have an all-white coat. Here too, the forests are full of 1,000 year old giant red cedars and 90-metre high Sitka spruces, while in summer sightings of humpback whale, orca, Dall’s porpoise and Pacific white-sided dolphin are prolific. Few thrills can match encountering North America’s most impressive residents in the wild and pristine Pacific Northwest!

BC’s roads are good, and there’s no language problem, so self-drive is an option, but distances are huge, so flying from place to place saves precious time - fortunately there’s a good scheduled flight route network. To see the islands or some outlying parts, you may have to travel by ferry, but you can only

reach the most isolated lodges by floatplane. There are few more dramatic ways to travel…

Our selection of holidays ranges from classic self-drive itineraries to tailor-made trips designed to show you the best of BC’s wildlife, staying at some of the region’s finest lodges. Our expert team can tailor an itinerary to ensure you have the best wildlife watching holiday possible.

British ColumbiaCanada is one of the largest countries in the world, so it makes sense to focus on a particular region. British Columbia alone is a huge place, though its forests and deeply indented coastline with many islands offer a host of opportunities to see remarkable wildlife.

The Bear EssentialsA short dedicated stay at a bear lodge allows you to focus on BC’s largest carnivore - the grizzly bear - without any distractions.Most lodges are situated in remote locations that can only be reached by floatplane, which guarantees a real wilderness experience. Depending on which lodge you choose, there may be opportunities to see black bears and spirit bears too.

Departs: Regular departures, May to OctoberDuration: 7 days including 4 nights at a bear lodgeCost from: £3,595 per person (based on two people travelling together)

Talk to an expert on 0845 130 6982 to plan your perfect trip08

Celebrate our 21st AnniversayIn our last newsletter we announced the launch of two special one-off trips to celebrate our twenty-first birthday in 2013. The first, to Liuwa Plain in the far west of Zambia, attracted such interest that we quickly put on an extra departure, and then a third. Two trips are now full, and only a couple of spaces remain for November. Our second trip takes you through the coastal waterways of British Columbia, north of Vancouver Island, aboard a comfortable 21-metre ketch with gourmet meals and fine wines. One berth is still available...By way of recognition of your support over the years, if you book one of the last remaining places one these unique trips we are delighted to be able to offer a discount. 5% if you have travelled on three or more trips with Wildlife Worldwide, or 10% if you have travelled on six or more trips with us.

Way out West Spirit Bears & Wilderness Whales With the onset of the rains in November Africa’s second largest migration spills across the border from Angola, bringing herds of blue wildebeest and zebra in search of fresh pasture.Liuwa’s birdlife is second to none, many antelope species seen here are uncommon elsewhere, and predators include lion and wild dog. While in Liuwa’s open grassland and woodland Robin Pope, one of Africa’s foremost safari guides, will accompany you.You then fly out to Kafue National Park to spend three days exploring from a mobile camp. Although closer to civilisation, Kafue too offers excellent wildlife viewing and bird watching. The trip ends in Livingstone, beside the major crossroads of Victoria Falls, so you can easily extend your stay with some time relaxing on the river, or elsewhere in southern Africa.

A luxury voyage through British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest.On Canada’s west coast, the world’s greatest tract of temperate rainforest is home to 1,000-year-old red cedars, grizzly bears and the rare white spirit bear. Each summer the rivers teem with salmon, and the ocean’s nutrients attract humpback and orca whales, to the offshore sheltered waters. The best way to experience this seasonal bonanza is aboard a comfortable 21-metre ketch that offers gourmet meals and fine wines. Although Island Roamer accommodates 16 passengers, on this trip she will take only 12 to make it an even more special experience. And, together with the superb naturalists on board, you will be accompanied by photographer and wildlife expert Nick Garbutt.

Departs: 24 November 2013Duration: 11 daysGroup size: 6Cost from: £6,295 per person, (based on two people travelling together)

Departs: 29 September 2013Duration: 11 daysGroup size: 12Cost from: £5,995 per person, (based on two people sharing a cabin)

10% loyalty discount

Or visit us on the web at www.wildlifeworldwide.com 09

Newsletter Issue 1 2013

© copywright

Whales.....

Kenya - Elephant Watch Camp Best of Uganda

Malawi - Best of Malawi Shoebills, Lechwe & Luangwa

Would you like to observe endearing elephants at close quarters and learn about their fascinating social structure?This specialist safari offers an ideal opportunity. Based at a stylish eco-camp at Samburu National Park, you explore an area that is home to some of its largest bull elephants and spend

as much time as possible with the elephants. Their hours are pretty social, so it’s only if you want to see lion or leopard that you need to rise early.Game drives and walks offer a chance to see big cats and other wildlife; you also visit the local community and meet zoologists at the Save The Elephants research camp. You’ll come away with a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between the elephants, the Samburu people and the environment.

Newly introduced domestic flights mean it is now possible to avoid the arduous road journeys that marred many people’s enjoyment of this fine safari destination.This innovative itinerary uses top-of-the-range accommodation in three very diverse locations to demonstrate Uganda’s extraordinary contrasts. In

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest a day’s trekking to track a habituated group of mountain gorillas will hopefully bring you face to face with this amiable endangered giant.Further north, Semliki, in the basin of the Western Rift Valley, is one of Africa’s most diverse habitats, and home to a staggering array of flora and fauna. Finally the country’s most isolated national park, the arid Kidepo Valley, along the border with Kenya and Sudan has 77 mammal species and more than 475 bird species.

This trip weaves together three contrasting elements of this welcoming country.Although known more for its birdlife than fauna, Malawi still has much to offer any wildlife enthusiast. After years of destructive poaching, a successful restocking programme has restored Majete Game Reserve to its

former glory, and it now vies with Liwonde National Park, at the southern end of Lake Malawi - famed for its hippos, and large herds of elephant and buffalo - as the country’s foremost wildlife attraction.Finally, the sandy beaches of the lake make an ideal spot to wind down at the end of a safari. And between them, the three locations offer an astonishing variety of avifauna - with more than enough species diversity to keep even the most avid of birders occupied.

Zambia’s Bangweulu wetlands are home to the endemic black lechwe - a staggering 30,000 of them! If you enjoy untouched wilderness, this trip is for you... Bangweulu is home to the extremely distinctive - and highly endangered - shoebill. Your next stop is Kasanka National Park, renowned for its birdlife - more than

400 species have been recorded here - as well as another two less well-known members of the antelope family - tsessebe and sitatunga. The trip ends with a stay in the famed South Luangwa National Park, Zambia’s foremost protected wildlife area and the home of the walking safari. Here you explore the lush landscape of the valley by vehicle and on foot, for a chance to see its most prized resident - wild dog!

Departs: Daily (closed April and November)Duration: we recommend a min stay of 4 nightsCost from: £4,195 per person (based on two people travelling together)

Departs: Daily, throughout the yearDuration: 9 daysCost from: £7,145 per person (based on two people travelling together)

Departs: Daily, throughout the yearDuration: 12 daysCost from: £3,750 per person (based on two people travelling together)

Departs: Regular departures in MayDuration: 11 daysCost from: £4,190 per person (based on two people travelling together)

Africa

Talk to an expert on 0845 130 6982 to plan your perfect trip10

Departs: Daily, March to SeptemberDuration: 14 daysCost from: £3,545 per person (based on two people travelling together)

Departs: Daily, June to NovemberDuration: 9 daysCost from: £4,525 per person (based on two people travelling together)

Departs: Daily, October to AprilDuration: 15 daysCost from: £4,525 per person (based on two people travelling together)

Departs: Daily, throughout the yearDuration: 8 daysCost from: £3,155 per person (based on a twin cabin incl. flights from Quito)

Whales.....

Argentina - The Wild North Brazil - Just Jaguars

Chile - Land of Extremes Ecuador - Galapagos

The large wetland known as the Esteros de Iberá, in northern Argentina’s Corrientes province, covers an area twice as large as Florida’s Everglades.A maze of islands, lagoons, streams and marshes provides a habitat for birds, mammals and reptiles, reminiscent of Brazil’s Pantanal. Black

caiman, boa constrictor and capybara are all commonly seen, but you can also find armadillo, monkeys, deer, anaconda, otter, wildcat and maned wolf. More than 400 bird species range from greater rhea to herons, eagles, parrots and hummingbirds are found here too.Iberá makes an ideal combination with the mighty waterfall of Iguazu and the semitropical rainforest of the surrounding area. The best time to travel is during the southern hemisphere winter.

The lure of the elusive jaguar is a major draw to this backwater of Latin America’s largest country.This new trip uses a comfortable liveaboard boat as a base to explore Taiama Reserve, where jaguar are seen with increasing frequency. Sleeping out on the river avoids wasting precious time travelling to

and fro and so allows maximum possible contact time - resulting in spectacular photographic opportunities.You explore the creeks and channels by small motor boat with a naturalist guide, and as you are in the jaguar’s natural habitat, can time your outings to fit their daily rhythms. Of course both here and at your first stop in the northern Pantanal, there’s a host of other wildlife to see, but the undoubted highlight of this trip is sighting this extremely beautiful but reclusive feline.

Chile’s diverse ecosystems range from the world’s driest desert and high-altitude salt flats, through the 6,000 metre high mountains of the central region, to sparkling lakes, volcanoes, lush temperate forest, windswept tundra and the icefields of Patagonia.Despite such variety, Chile’s isolation

means that relative few of the mammals and large birds that inhabit the rest of South America live here, although there are many small birds. Offshore, the cold Humboldt Current guarantees rich marine fauna that includes several species of penguin, whale and seal.The mainland is full of natural wonders, but is also the perfect jumping off-point for a visit to Easter Island (not included) in mid-Pacific, whose enigmatic giant statutes have long perplexed anthropologists and scientists alike.

The latest additions to our portfolio of Galapagos boats are two stylish classic motor vessels that each offer a choice of two one-week voyages to different parts of the island group.The Grace has a stellar past: built in 1928, she was gifted by Aristotle Onassis to Hollywood star Grace Kelly - after whom she is now named.

Extensively refurbished, she carries 18 passengers in suites and staterooms that offer all the luxury and amenities you would expect of a vessel of her calibre. The charming 32-passenger Evolution has spacious suites and staterooms - with both inside and outside dining - yet is small enough to let you experience nature in an up-close and personal manner. Both vessels offer a comfortable means of visiting the islands whose remarkable wildlife inspired Charles Darwin.

© Stephen Frink

Latin America

Shoebills, Lechwe & Luangwa

Or visit us on the web at www.wildlifeworldwide.com 11

Newsletter Issue 1 2013

Sabah - trip report

The Kimberley aboard the OrionAustralia’s far north-west is a land of dramatic contrasts, known for the age-old culture of its aboriginal inhabitants and their fantastic art. Since its launch in late 2003, Orion has become regarded as the leading expedition cruise vessel in the Asia-Pacific region, offering unique voyages to amazing destinations. Carrying only 100 passengers, Orion can venture into places that larger ships simply cannot reach, yet still offers five-star comfort, service and safety.Destinations for 2013-14 include Australia’s Kimberley region; Papua New Guinea with its primitive cultures; the white continent of Antarctica - from the less-visited New Zealand side; and Kalimantan on Borneo, whose jungles abound with biodiversity. The historic pearling centre of Broome is a frontier town surrounded by red soil, azure seas and dazzling white sand beaches. Further north, the only way to

truly appreciate the rugged canyons, deep inlets, and plunging waterfalls of the intricate coastline is from the sea - an awe-inspiring experience.Wildlife includes nine species of kangaroo and wallaby, big reds are rare, and the region’s most infamous native, the saltwater crocodile, in the estuaries. The Kimberley is renowned for its birdlife - more than 300 species include red-winged parrots, rainbow lorikeets, cockatoos , Australia’s only stork - the jabiru, large flocks of brolgas, and noisy kookaburras.

Departs: Regular departures, April to SeptemberDuration: 10 days from Darwin to Broome or vice versaCost from: £4,575 per person, voyage only (based on two people sharing a cabin)

Product Manager Brian Wood visited Borneo in the wake of Wills and Kate aboard Orion 2.What me, cruise…? Despite my initial doubts, this trip was memorable for a variety of reasons, not least the

island of Borneo itself. Our voyage took us around the northern tip of the Malaysian state of Sabah - from Kota Kinabalu to

Tawau - with a two day trip by small boat up the Kinabatangan River - but the sheer variety of terrestrial and marine wildlife, and birdlife, was utterly amazing.

We alternated a day’s snorkelling (or, in my case, diving) off idyllic tropical islands, with a day in the rainforest. And although everyone’s favourite animal encounter was with the lugubrious-looking orang utangs, the positively weird proboscis monkeys and the graceful sea turtles ran them a close second, while the hornbills were great!

Aboard ship the accommodation and food were outstanding, and the largely Filipino hospitality crew went the extra mile - and way

beyond - to mollycoddle us! The Australian expedition staff had an enviable breadth and depth of knowledge, and pitched their presentations at just the right level. So much for a cruise being leisurely; with all the activities - let alone the meals - at times there was barely an opportunity to grab a breath! But it’s amazing how quickly you can get used to that degree of comfort - consider me a convert to expedition cruising!

Many of my fellow travellers had already sailed the Kimberley, on Australia’s northwest coast, and all of them raved about that trip, predictably it’s now on my wish list…

Talk to an expert on 0845 130 6982 to plan your perfect trip12

Whales.....

Great Antarctic Voyage Spitsbergen - Polar Bear Special

Classic Antarctica The Russian Far East

Exploring Antarctica is the trip of a lifetime so why not join the most comprehensive voyage possible…This 18-day voyage visits the islands of the South Atlantic en route to mainland Antarctica. Sailing from Ushuaia aboard the Akademik Ioffe or Sergey Vavilov, your first port of call is the Falklands, whose warm climate nurtures

abundant fauna including 60 species of migratory bird.South Georgia’s glacier-covered peaks tower over spectacular wildlife: rookeries of king and macaroni penguins, plus several species of seal. En route to the South Shetlands, you may glimpse humpback whales and the mist-shrouded South Orkneys, but nothing matches mainland Antarctica’s haunting beauty. A multitude of icebergs fills the bays, penguins torpedo through the water, and predatory leopard seals stake out ice floes…

Covering an area the size of Ireland - but with a population of roughly 3,000 spread over four settlements, and only 50 kilometres of road, Spitsbergen is Europe’s largest wilderness area.This remote archipelago lies inside the Arctic Circle, some 650 kilometres north of Norway. Although 60% of the land is covered by glacier and is

close enough to the North Pole to suffer extreme winter conditions, in summer the climate along the west coast in particular is remarkably mild - due to the Gulf Stream.Between April and August the sun remains above the horizon for 24 hours a day. This one-week voyage aboard Ortelius or Plancius, makes the most of the long daylight hours to explore the passages and inlets north of Longyearben in search of polar bears, whales, walruses, seals and sea birds.

Antarctica is one of the world’s last untouched destinations. Penguins, seals and whales live in glorious abundance, amidst awe-inspiring scenery.Sailing from her namesake port on Tierra del Fuego, in Argentina, the Ushuaia operates nine or ten-night voyages to the Antarctic. Braving the

two-day Drake Passage crossing, the first landfall is at the South Shetlands, before she continues down the stunning Antarctic Pensinsula, through a wilderness of snow, ice, mountains and waterways. Originally built as a US oceanographic research vessel, the fully refurbished Ushuaia carries 84 passengers in 41 comfortable twin cabins and suites, with a large dining room, observation lounge and bar, conference room with multimedia equipment and a well-stocked library.

Chukotka, in Russia’s far north-east, is about as far from Moscow as you can get - with its own distinct culture, climate, history and wildlife.The Russian Far East has virtually no roads and very little infrastructure, the only practical way to explore is on a meticulously planned expedition voyage.

The Spirit of Enderby carries up to 50 passengers in six different categories of cabin on unique trips to explore the area from the Kuril Islands and Sea of Okhotsk in the south, to Wrangel Island in the north.True pioneers will appreciate the Sea of Okhotsk - the few outsiders to venture into this remote region west of the Kamchatka Peninsula report spectacular sightings of birds and cetaceans.

Departs: Regular departures, Nov to FebruaryDuration: 18 days Cost from: £8,415 per person, voyage only (based on two people sharing a cabin)

Departs: Regular departures, June to AugustDuration: 8 days Cost from: £3,170 per person, voyage only (based on two people sharing a cabin)

Departs: Regular departures, December to MarchDuration: 10 or 11 days, voyage onlyCost from: £3,450 per person, voyage only (based on two people sharing a cabin)

Departs: 5 June 2013Duration: 17 days, voyage only, voyage onlyCost from: £6,185 per person (based on two people sharing a cabin) landing fees £330 per person

Expedition Voyages

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Newsletter Issue 1 2013

Meet the Team...

Senior Wildlife Consultant

“Our planet offers such wonderful wildlife, stunning scenery and magical memories.”A self-confessed, unapologetic Africaphile, Iz cut her teeth by driving an expedition truck all over that continent, and elsewhere. She has - allegedly - almost got over Africa, but only by developing almost as keen an interest in many other far-flung corners of the globe, and the wildlife found there.

Her encyclopaedic knowledge is matched by her zeal in encouraging potential travellers to head off into the wide blue yonder, and her skill in putting together the complex arrangements to enable them to do so.

Product Manager

“Wildlife tourism is crucial to the conservation of endangered species and habitats.”Having set up his own successful travel company in a past life, and worked as a tourism consultant, Brian has long experience of product development and operational management, and is widely travelled.

His principal area of expertise - having lived and worked there for over six years in total - is Latin America, but he also brings considerable knowledge of Africa (where he is a partner in a business in Tanzania), Asia and Europe. As another former tour leader and guide of long standing, with a passion for languages, and his skillset is of great value.

Wildlife Consultant

“The earth’s wildlife is so diverse, beautiful and amazing. Working for Wildlife Worldwide reminds me of this every day.”Amanda rejoined us recently, after taking time off to start a family. She previously worked with Chris and Ozzy in

Croydon, before the company moved office. She loves all animals (though the warthog apparently holds a special place in her heart - we didn’t dare ask!), and spent years leading groups to all parts of the world.

Her extensive knowledge is only surpassed by her knack for focussing on the detail to build imaginative and effective itineraries.

Senior Wildlife Consultant

“I have travelled the world and enjoy nothing more than sharing my knowledge and passion for wildlife.”Having worked with Wildlife Worldwide for longer than anyone other than its founder, Chris (or Ozzy

as he is known to avoid confusion) brings an astonishing wealth of knowledge, and an equally vast experience of planning itineraries to meet the needs and wants of our most demanding clients.

An inveterate wildlife traveller, Ozzy has visited most of the destinations we offer - in some cases on several occasions - but is still keen to extend the boundaries of his knowledge, so seldom passes up an opportunity to get out of the office.

Isabel Ashworth

Brian Wood

Amanda De Simone

Chris Osborn

Our highly skilled and knowledgeable team have travelled the world, managed wildlife lodges, worked as safari guides and tour leaders, and have many years of experience in the travel industry. We have all dedicated a lot of our lives to exploring the wildernesses of the great landmasses and discovering their wildlife, as well as the natural beauty of our expansive oceans.

This is a passion we endeavour to share with our clients. Between us we continue to research, explore and photograph wildlife and wilderness areas all around the world in order to organise better itineraries for our clients. Together with our colleagues overseas, we are committed to offering safe, enjoyable and educational natural history adventures.

Talk to an expert on 0845 130 6982 to plan your perfect trip14

© Tara North

sales@diveworldwide.com

0845 130 6980www.diveworldwide.com

While Wildlife Worldwide focuses on wildlife that can be seen ‘topside’, whether it is on foot, 4-wheel drive, from a small plane or hot air balloon, a boat or a kayak, there is a whole other world waiting to be discovered, underwater.For snorkelling and scuba-diving enthusiasts, or if you are interested in learning to dive, our specialist dive consultants can help you arrange a fantastic diving holiday just about anywhere in the world. Although we offer many destinations close to home, some of the best dive locations are found in more remote places. Over the years, we have built up the knowledge of intricate flight schedules, transfer arrangements, boat owners, quality dive centres and resorts in many worldwide destinations.

Our personal experience and expertise helps you to maximise your time overseas, whether it’s to lesser-known places like the Solomon Islands; to those closer to home like Cape Verde, Oman and Malta; or to the classic locations like Philippines, Indonesia and Micronesia. Our friendly and highly professional team of dive enthusiasts will help you create the itinerary of a lifetime, this means you can spend less time planning travel logistics and more time in the water, enjoying an unforgettable diving experience.Talk to us today about your next diving adventure.

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Newsletter Issue 1 2013

Wildlife Worldwide is fully licensed for your financial protection. We are an ATOL bonded tour operator authorised by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and a member of the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Ltd (ABTOT). So you can book your holiday with us in confidence!

Financial Protection Have your say...

Discovery Series...

Our evenings are free of charge, with plenty of time for discussion with our team. There will be drinks and nibbles on hand too!

The first took place in early November at the London Wetland Centre, Barnes - a remarkable sanctuary in the heart of London belonging to the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. Our redoubtable partner in Costa Rica, Alvaro Argüedas, delivered a comprehensive presentation about the country and its attractions.

The second took place at our Winchester office in early December, when two highly talented wildlife artists - Jonathan Truss and Polly Raynes - joined us for the evening. Jonathan gave a talk and demonstration of his work that enthralled those present, and everyone enjoyed seeing Polly’s work which captured the wildlife’s form and movement so vividly.

We are always interested in hearing from you. We are keen to read your holiday reports, see your photos and videos, and hear your thoughts and ideas on what’s happening in the wildlife world.

Meet the team at key shows, come along to our specialist events and share with us and like-minded folk online. Stay in touch!

Why not take the opportunity to meet some of our team face-to-face at one of our forthcoming Discovery Evenings?

Forthcoming evenings are planned for:

Thursday 24 January - Wildlife Photography, with Nick Garbutt, at Oxford Thames Four Pillars Hotel

Thursday 07 February - Discover Our Oceans, at Edinburgh Zoo

If you’d like to attend, we’d love to know in advance - so that we can plan for numbers. Please let us know which evening is of interest to you, and how many people are in your party, by contacting Sue Noakes on 01962 302080, or emailing her at suen@naturaltravelcollection.com.

We look forward to meeting you on the day!

If you would like us to put together a themed evening just for you and your group, please contact Sue Noakes directly!

Talk to an expert on

0845 130 6982 Overseas +44 (0) 1962 302 086

Email: sales@wildlifeworldwide.com Web: www.wildlifeworldwide.comAddress: Capitol House, 12-13 Bridge Street, Winchester SO23 0HL