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3 Experiencing Wildlife in Nepal
4 Helping Sustain Our Planet's Most
Precious Wildlife Habitats
5 Junior Rangers in Sri Lanka
6 Wildlife on the Yucatán Peninsula
7 Beyond the Big Five and the Great
Migration
8 Meeting the Island Wildlife
9 Wildlife Down Under
10 Frolicking with Falcons and Playing
with Puffins in the UK
11 Adventures with The Torridon
Outdoors Team
12 Wildlife from the Inside Out
13 Exploring England's Green Belt
14 The Royal Wildlife of London
African lion. Photo credit Charles Williams
Experiencing Wild Kingdom Treasures Around The World
Dear Friends,
I am a self-professed animal lover … my fur babies are my children. So, it was with great interest and
pleasure that I read through this month’s wildlife updates from Rebecca Recommends clients around the
world. There is still so much left for me to discover in the animal kingdom, from the garden habitats of
the UK to the wilds of Africa.
A few of my most treasured wildlife encounters:
● Seeing tigers, my favorite animal, up close in Ranthambhore, India, including a kill - a truly unique
experience
● Bird spotting in the Yucatan with Catherwood Travels, as well as in the UK and in Kenya and
Tanzania
● Falconry experiences at Aldourie Castle in Scotland
● Glimpsing the endangered one-horned rhino and a baby in Chitwan National Park, where they do an
excellent job of eradicating poaching
As fortunate as I have been to have had these life-changing moments, there are still countless creatures
I’d love to see. I hope to one day see a leopard in Sri Lanka, as well as wolves, polar bears, orangutans,
pandas and gorillas in their natural habitats.
August, 2019
What do you and your own clients most hope to see in the wild? Read this roundup of wildlife
encounters from our clients - incredible ways to experience the innocent creatures who roam the far
corners of our planet. And please, do share with us your favorite wildlife memories.
Fondly,
A One Horned Rhino in Chitwan National Park
Dwarika’s Resort & Dwarika’s Hotel: Experiencing Wildlife in Nepal
Although a pint-sized nation occupying just 0.03% of the total land area of the world, Nepal has much to
offer. Its territorial deficiency is generously compensated by a natural wealth dispersed across the large
swathes of land. With a wide range of elevation cramped up within its borders, the lowest being 60
meters from sea level and the highest being 8,848 meters from sea level, Nepal offers drastically
different topography and hence, varied biodiversity within its limited territory. In fact, this small
country has all of the “Big Five” — lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo (if you swap tigers for
lions!) and is among the handful of countries that are home to the great one-horned Rhinos and the
Bengal Tigers.
Adding to the magnetism of Nepal as a wildlife tourist destination, the Dwarika’s Resort, Dhulikhel
offers a unique experience to enjoy the luxury of nature. The resort itself is a sanctuary for more than
80 species of birds. Furthermore, the Dwarika’s Group contributes to the preservation of the habitat for
the wildlife in Nepal by ensuring that for every tree chopped within its premises, ten trees are planted
within Nepal.
Explore Satpura National Park with Ventours. Photo credit Shabha Chadda
Ventours: Helping Sustain Our Planet’s Most Precious Wildlife Habitats
For your conservation-minded clients, Ventours can arrange a stay at the small wildlife-focused Forsyth
Lodge, set on 44 acres of reclaimed jungle on the edge of the Satpura Tiger Reserve and within Satpura
National Park. This unique eco-system teems with fauna, from spotted deer to sloth bears, leopards to
tigers. Ventours can also arrange tiger safaris in nearby Bandhavgarh, Kanha and Pench national parks.
Seeking the elusive Bengal tiger? Ask about stays at Limban Resort near Tadoba National Park and
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, aptly called “Land of the Tigers.” Twice-daily gypsy safaris set off at
sunrise and sunset in search of these majestic predators. For more information on these lodges and
others, email us and we’ll put you in touch with our friends at Ventours.
Bringing wildlife to the forefront for kids young and old
Resplendent Ceylon: Junior Rangers in Sri Lanka
What kid doesn’t want to see an elephant or bear in the wild? Wild Coast Tented Lodge’s kids’ program
brings wildlife up close for the little ones at Yala National Park. The Lodge’s Junior Explorer Series is a
collection of experiences to introduce the magic of Sri Lanka’s remarkable nature and wildlife to the
curious minds of young visitors. The program is led by the Lodge’s young and dynamic rangers, who are
passionate about educating, guiding and leading children through fun, informative and interactive
experiences. The team can tailor experiences based on how long a family is staying at the Lodge.
At all three Resplendent Ceylon properties, guided experiences connect guests with Sri Lanka’s wildlife,
headlined by leopards, elephants, whales and bears, as well as a fascinating collection of birds and
smaller critters, habitats and ecologies. Enjoying an unfenced border with Yala National Park –
world-acclaimed for its leopard sightings – Wild Coast Tented Lodge adopts a holistic approach to
wildlife to deliver both an immersive and stylish safari experience. Ceylon Tea Trails supports the
research and conservation of a threatened leopard population in the forests surrounding the resort and
offers visits to the Research Station. And a Cape Weligama, there are half-day, guided ocean safaris to
glimpse blue and sperm whales, as well as visits to the Elephant Transit Home, a rehab center for
orphaned elephant calves who will be reintroduced into the wild.
Pink flamingo along the Yucatán coast
Catherwood Travels: Wildlife on the Yucatán Peninsula
The Yucatán Peninsula is globally known for its beach resorts in Cancun and along the Mayan Riviera,
however, few nature lovers know that just a short road trip away, there are also incredible
opportunities for observing wildlife. For bird-watchers, the Yucatán is without a doubt a treasure chest
as the territory is located along the central migratory flyway. Between November and February,
hundreds of thousands of birds migrate here from northern climates. The region’s proximity to the
Caribbean Sea also means it hosts other island species not seen anywhere else in Mexico.
Around a quarter of the mammal species that exist in Mexico wander through the Yucatán Peninsula. If
lucky, you may be able to observe jaguars, spider and howler monkeys, tapirs, ocelots and pumas hiking
around the forests and the ruins of Mayan cities. Look for crocodiles hiding within the mangroves and
large colonies of pink flamingos thriving at the Yucatán shores. The Great Maya Barrier Reef is home to
a remarkable variety of colorful marine species, such as marine turtles, the redband parrotfish, whale
sharks and the butterflyfish. Although these incredible species can be found around and about the
Peninsula, the best places to spot them are the biosphere reserves of Ria Celestún, Sian Ka’an, Ria
Lagartos, Punta Laguna, Holbox and Calakmul. Come and experience this vast and wonderful wilderness
destination.
A zeal of Zebra seen while on safari with Africa House Safaris. Photo credit Anne Cusic
Africa House Safaris: Beyond the Big Five and the Great Migration
For first-time visitors to East Africa, the Big Five – Africa’s classic line-up of lion, leopard, rhinoceros,
elephant and buffalo – can be high on the wildlife-spotting agenda. So, too, are the Great Migration
crossings, when colossal herds of wildebeest make their perilous journey in search of fresh pastures.
While these spectacles are understandably highly sought after, East Africa has so much more to show
wildlife lovers. From a dazzle of zebras to a flamboyance of flamingos (brilliantly and aptly the genuine
collective nouns for these animals!), an endlessly colorful and diverse abundance of life awaits. There
are majestic mountain gorillas, graceful giraffes and countless other wild and wonderful creatures to
discover. Choosing the right local travel operators unlocks this world and extends your experience
beyond the headline acts to the hidden gems. With true local expertise and a personal touch, this is
where Africa House Safaris can take you. They design and lead safaris that immerse and inspire,
showcasing the continent’s wildlife in all its glory. And you might just find that it’s in the quiet spots,
lesser-known places and unexpected moments that the real magic of Africa unfolds.
Explore the water’s wildlife while staying at Curtain Bluff
Curtain Bluff: Meeting the Island Wildlife
At Curtain Bluff, the friendly staff makes every effort to introduce guests to the local Antiguan wildlife.
The resort’s youngest guests are invited to “adopt” one of the tortoises, iguanas or parrots that live at
the famously fun Ceebee Kids Club right on the beach. Snorkelers of all ages can explore the calm
waters off Bay Beach or join the twice-daily trips out to Cades Reef, teeming with fish in all colors of
the paint palette. Scuba divers, led by PADI-certified instructors, meet the full range of Caribbean
marine life on varied dive sites just a few minutes’ boat ride from the dock. When out sailing, SUPing or
kayaking, it’s not unusual to see a turtle sunbathing on the surface. And when walking the lanes of the
garden-like property, one can’t help but glimpse darting geckos, land crabs and wing-blurred
hummingbirds. At sunset, the evening air grows loud with the chorus of the tree frogs. All activities are
complimentary (part of Curtain Bluff’s famous everything-included room rates), and seasonal specials in
the summer and fall include an additional 20-percent savings.
Animal encounters abound when arranged by Southern Crossings. Photo credit Exceptional Kangaroo Island
Southern Crossings - Wildlife Down Under
The trees and seas across and surrounding Australia and New Zealand are home to an incredible
diversity of wildlife. From the cute and cuddly to the shy and scaly, winged and webbed, feathered and
furry, there is an animal encounter waiting to amaze and inspire.
High on most visitors to Australia’s “must-sees” are some of the nation’s cute and cuddly natives – the
koala and kangaroo perhaps at the top of this list. Southern Crossings can show your clients the secret
places to spot a koala, see a “roo” or two, arrange for swimming with whale sharks on the Ningaloo
Coast, visit the curious quokkas of Rottnest Island and walk with wombats in the Wolgan Valley’s
wildlife conservancy. On Kangaroo Island - often referred to as Australia’s Galapagos, visit with sea
lions, echidnas and kangaroos.
It won’t come as a surprise to visitors to New Zealand that this nation, renowned the world over for its
breathtaking wild nature, is also home to a collection of awe-inspiring wildlife encounters – from the
Bay of Islands to Stewart Island. Monitor the shy and notoriously hard-to-find Kiwi chicks at Cape
Kidnappers, swim with seals in Kaikoura and walk alongside Fiordland Crested Penguins. Combine this
exclusive encounter with a scenic flight over Milford Sound or a glacier heli-hike for the perfect
Queenstown day out.
Having barely scratched the surface of New Zealand’s and Australia’s wildlife encounters, please get in
touch and we’ll connect you with the incredibly knowledgeable experts at Southern Crossings, who can
direct you to the region’s best luxury lodges and animal experiences.
Falconry fun in Dartmoor presented by Original Travel UK
Original Travel UK: Frolicking with Falcons and Playing with Puffins in the UK
From falconry fun in Dartmoor to seal spotting in Norfolk, our friends at Original Travel UK have their
eye on the best wildlife opportunities in their special region of the world. With an expert falconer by
your side in Dartmoor National Park, learn about the lives of some of the most captivating birds of prey,
from the haunting beauty of the barn owl, to the intriguing elegance of the hawk, to the extraordinary
intelligence of the falcon.
In off-the-beaten-path Norfolk, and the picturesque town of Blakeney, visit with the plentiful grey seals
- you’ll get such a kick out of the sight of basking seals on the beach, pups rolling down the dunes and
the adults staring inquisitively back at you. In the Scottish Highlands, fish on some of the best lochs and
rivers in the world, with an expert ghillie showing the ropes.
Along the exquisite Hebridean coastline of Scotland, search for whales and dolphins, porpoises and
basking sharks as you follow the coastal trail. Visit in the spring for the excitement of the returning
traveling whales, or perhaps in the drama of deep winter for a glance at the resident harbor porpoises,
bottlenose dolphins or killer whales. And, in Wales, you can venture to the islands off the coast to find
hundreds of puffins busily feeding their hungry chicks. With their colorful beaks and painted eyes,
visitors can watch them for hours, endlessly amused by their awkward antics and boundless charm.
Keep a look out at The Torridon for the European Pine Marten. Photo credit Steve Carter
The Torridon: Adventures with The Torridon Outdoors Team
The Torridon sits on the edge of Loch Torridon with Beinn Alligin — the mountain of beauty — beyond.
With the rugged Scottish Highlands on its doorstep, guests are intrinsically drawn to the nature outside.
But there’s more than great views to enjoy. On walks in the area, the Torridon Outdoors team regularly
spots deer and pine martens, as well as seals and otters along the shore. Birdwatchers are also spoiled
for choice with the diversity of birdlife in the area and if you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of a
white-tailed eagle.
Other options in the area for alfresco adventures include whale-watching cruises; the Scottish National
Trust property, Interewe Gardens; and the stunning Attadale Gardens, home to 20 acres of old
rhododendrons, woodland walks and exotically planted water gardens.
Deer abound in the Scottish Highlands
Aldourie Castle Estate: Wildlife from the Inside Out
Wildlife is everywhere at Aldourie Castle, a unique Scottish Highlands property available only for private
hire. Starting inside, in their wildlife-themed bathroom, decorated with artist depictions of the animal
life around the estate, guests get a sneak peek of the critters they may meet. Outside, they’re closer
than ever to Scottish wildlife, from the walled kitchen garden abundant in insects busying themselves
from flower to flower, to the arboretum, a sanctuary for birds and red squirrels, to striding through long
grass across wide, open parkland to see rabbits and deer in their private habitats.
Take a woodland walk and follow the line of flight of a bird of prey soaring high above the tall trees.
During a private stay on the shores of Loch Ness, sight some more unusual wildlife, such as the cuckoo
or the pine marten. Roe deer are such gentle, beautiful creatures who bring calm and instant joy to the
watcher. Through Aldourie’s commitment to conservation, the estate encourages wildlife to thrive on
this property for generations to come.
Something you might see flying overhead the organic gardens at Middlethorpe Hall
Middlethorpe Hall: Exploring England’s Green Belt
Middlethorpe Hall & Spa is secluded in 20 acres of private gardens and parkland, just a few minutes
from York City center. It is located in the “green belt” surrounding the City of York and close to the
river Ouse. The Hall is also between three national parks: The North York Moors, The Yorkshire Dales
and The Yorkshire Wolds.
At the Hall itself, the lush organic gardens have been restored to their former glory over the past 40
years by a team of gardeners and volunteers which takes pride in chemical avoidance and planting
insect-friendly plants and flowers. Many “insect hotels” can be found around the walled garden and old
logs are left in the parkland to provide habitat for insects to hibernate over the winter months.
In the parkland, three beehives have been installed together with a barn owl box. A recent study of the
lake water by the National Trust has also shown a wide range of fish and amphibians living there. Guests
can often see a family of deer playing on the South Lawn early in the morning; they come close to the
Hall in winter when the river is high and the fields barren. Want a closer peek? Check out
Middlethorpe’s “wildcam,” situated in the parkland: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mgCxZYhG4yg for deer and https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=yV96lX_QhG0 for fox.
Explore London’s fabulous royal parks while treated like family at The Goring
The Goring: The Royal Wildlife of London
A five-star stay at The Goring not only means luxuriating in the finest accommodation in London, but it
also presents an opportunity to enjoy and explore the city’s beautiful royal parks. These vast green
spaces are home to diverse range of flora and fauna and an incredible array of wildlife. Amongst other
species, Hyde Park is home to songbirds, squirrels and stunning butterflies, which feed off native
wildflowers in the meadow. Walk to St James Park and you’ll likely meet six friendly pelicans. First
introduced to the park in 1664 as a gift from the Russian Ambassador, the individually named pelicans
rarely stray far from the lake, where they love to catch fish. If you venture farther afield to Regents
Park, every type of species imaginable can be found at London Zoo.
Back at The Goring, the hotel has its very own beautiful private garden, which has recently undergone a
complete redesign led by Jekka McVicar, the leading herb expert and RHS Vice President. More than one
hundred different herbs have been planted in the garden, which are incorporated into both dishes and
cocktails in Siren and The Goring Bar. The Goring Garden is quite simply a slice of heaven in the center
of London.
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