Vanishing Wildlife & Ecological Treasures [with Adventure Travel]

Discover some of the world’s most remote wilderness, stunning landscapes, and help preserve endangered animals and their natural habitats on these wildlife journeys with Adventure Travel. Plus why not start 2009 off discovering something new and exciting and take advantage of these amazing discounts off cruising during January and February 2009!

“TIGER!... TIGER!”

The word spreads through the camp like wildfire. Visitors, drivers and guides alike drop everything as everybody rushes to their vehicles to get to the site of the latest tiger sighting just received by our group. A tiger has been spotted not half an hour ago at one of the major river crossings in the park, and as we near our destination my heart races. Will we be on time? Will I get to see this beautiful big cat?  Alas - when we reach the spot only a few tracks left in the muddy bank are all we have to prove that a tiger has passed by at all. The elusive tiger has disappeared back into the camouflage of the jungle.

We are in the tiny hamlet of Tala, deep inside Bandavgarh National Park in Northern India, and with the first rays of the morning sun penetrating the forest floor and the swirling mist rising around us, we are on the road again. Suddenly the signs we were hoping for: fresh pugmarks on the track. ‘It’s a big female’, our guide informs us. Tigers use these soft sand tracks as an easy way of patrolling their territories. I’m starting to feel the excitement brewing again, but will my luck hold? Is this going to be the time I spot my first tiger in the wild?

I can barely sit still in my seat with excitement and the bumping up and down of the jeep along the rugged road is not helping! And then as abruptly as they appeared, the tracks stop. Instantaneously my spirits sink, disappointed that our quarry escaped us. I feel like I’m chasing ghosts – there are plenty of signs that they are there but actually spotting one seems to be a lot harder.

Then just as we turn a curve and slow down to cross a small stream I look up straight into the cold grey eyes of a young male tiger watching us from the opposite bank. Finally! Being so close to this majestic animal is an experience that is hard to put into words. With its big foreboding eyes, beautiful pelt and shear size it’s no surprise this animal has been revered throughout the ages. And then just when I thought the moment couldn’t get any better, I catch a glimpse of a slight movement to my right and there in amongst the high grass is his brother, sitting quietly observing us.

As we drive back to our accommodation all the frustration of the past two days melts away and the time we spend observing these majestic animals suddenly makes it all so worthwhile. That night I drift to sleep deeply contented by the majestic experiences of the day and lulled by the comforting sounds of the jungle.  

Bandhavgarh National Park can be visited as part of a 15 day ‘Tiger Trails & Temples’ small group itinerary from $2,850 per person. [more...]

CRUISE TO ANTARCTICA THIS SUMMER & GET 20% OFF THE RETAIL PRICE!!!

Don’t miss out on this amazing 11 Day Classic Antarctica voyage aboard Clipper Adventurer at 20% off the retail price! From just USD$6,178 pp incl fuel surcharges. Call us for the full detailed itinerary, ship details and prices on return flights to Ushuaia from NZ. Spaces are limited and won’t last so call us today to check on availability and secure your place! [more...]

SUPPORT THE SPCA & HAVE AN AMAZING HOLIDAY OF A LIFETIME AT THE SAME TIME!

Adventure Travel are proud to support the SPCA in co-ordinating their first overseas fund-raising trip: The SPCA Borneo Wildlife Adventure in Borneo! For one departure only, commencing in Kuching on the 22nd of September 2009 for 15 days, the fully inclusive, introductory level adventure covers all the highlights of Malaysian Borneo with a strong focus on wildlife and nature and includes a $1,000 donation to the SPCA.

Register for the Film show and info evening at the SPCA Village in late Feb 2009 to find out more about this once in a lifetime holiday by calling 09 355 9095 or email advakl@hot.co.nz   [more...]

25% OFF GALAPAGOS VOYAGES DEPARTING JAN & FEB 2009!

Cruise the Galapagos aboard the Adventurer IV, complete with all necessary comforts, including outside decks for relaxing, a dining room and a bar. Cabins include WC, shower, hot water and air-conditioning, all meals are provided whilst cruising, a certified naturalist guide is onboard along with an expert bilingual tour guide, ensuring you are in good hands both onboard and on land. For a limited time take advantage of 25% off the retail price of selected Galapagos Voyages departing during Jan and Feb 2009. Prices start from just $1875 pp and spaces are limited, so call us today to secure your place! [more...]

Published 18th Aug 2008

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