Articles in the 'Safari & Wildlife' Category

Travel Briefing: Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, otherwise known as the “Pearl in the Indian Ocean”, may be small but the attractions of this tropical island are vast. With a history dating back as far as the 4th century BC, the country is home to numerous religions and within its varied landscapes can be found a rich array of animal and bird life as well as friendly people and excellent food. When planning a trip to Sri Lanka, the country can easily be divided into four distinct regions and the time spent in each depends on your thirst for culture, scenery, wildlife or time relaxing on the beach.

Belize: More than Just a Reef

Belize is well-known for its superb reefs and sparkling turquoise sea but as I discovered on a recent research trip, there is so much more to the country than the reef alone. It is overflowing with vast expanses of wild untouched rainforest, over 900 fascinating ancient Mayan ruins, raucous wildlife, thriving tropical fruit and cacao plantations, over 500 species of beautiful birds and is a cultural melting pot that makes the very nature of the Belizean people both intriguing and unique.

Botswana: Beyond the Okavango Delta

Nervously we crept forward, using a conveniently located acacia bush as cover. I felt clumsy in comparison with my Bushman guide, who seemed to move so effortlessly and silently. Less than 30 metres away stood two female rhino with a young calf. For a few seconds they sensed our presence, but we were downwind and with their notoriously poor eyesight we were entirely safe. That didn’t stop the adrenalin coursing through my veins as I viewed these majestic animals. It was an absolute privilege to see rhino on foot at such close range and yet another example of why Botswana remains one of Africa’s finest wildlife destinations.

Travel Briefing: Indonesia

The beauty of Indonesia is to be found in its sheer diversity. The country is the world’s largest archipelago, consisting of 17,000 islands with a population of over 245 million. The people practise a vast array of religions and, although
officially a Muslim country, any tour of Indonesia will lead to encounters with Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, Confucians and even Animists.

The sheer breadth of religions reflects the various waves of immigration to the country from many parts of Asia and beyond. This melting pot of cultures, beliefs and traditions makes the country a fascinating place to visit. To compliment this, the country is blessed with the verdant volcanic landscapes of Java; abundant wildlife including the endangered orang-utans of Sumatra and Kalimantan; and the white sand beaches of Bali and Lombok, to name just a few.

Diversity does bring one drawback and that is how to decide on what to see in a country with seemingly limitless options. Here we simplify the process, outlining the main highlights on the larger islands, explaining how these can be combined and highlight some outstanding offers.

Following Frederick

Sir Frederick Selous is an important figure in the history of Tanzania. Bronwen Pearson, one of Audley’s Tanzania specialists, follows in his footsteps and explores the area that was eventually named in his honour - the Selous Game Reserve.

A Natural Selection

Audley’s Mark Garrett answers some common questions about travelling to the Galapagos Islands.

Travel Briefing South Africa

It’s a happy coincidence that many of South Africa’s highlights lie upon a clearly defined, easily navigable route, a coincidence that makes it a great destination for first-time visitors. Here is a bit of an introduction to those highlights and how to stitch them all together.

Ontario Uncovered

Fall is a magical time to visit Canada, and Ontario is no exception. Fiona Pearce’s recent visit started with the iconic Niagara Falls and she then moved on to explore lesser-known parks, wildlife and culture.

Sabah’s Lost World

Threatened on every side by palm oil plantations and logging camps, Borneo’sMaliau Basin is a vital rainforest refuge for 1,800 species of flora and a vast array of wildlife. Nick Ghosh treks into its heart.

Botswana Under Canvas

Botswana is best-known for its luxury safaris but you can still experience its fantastic wildlife by avoiding luxury lodges and staying in mobile tented camps. Victoria Saner finds these get you even closer to nature.

Zambezi Made Easy

Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park is Africa at its most adventurous: canoeing on the river, stalking game on foot and hunting for tiger fish. But it’s also family friendly, as Matt Vlemmiks discovers.

Hot to Trot

Brian Jackman goes to the dogs in the wilds of Tanzania.

Alaska’s Bear Necessities

Untamed expanses, snow-capped mountains, craggy glaciers and roaming wildlife. Aaron Cork finds America’s far north lives up to all his dreams.

African Elders

Age commands respect in Africa, and the Governors’ Safari Camps in the Masai Mara are amongst the longest-established in East Africa. Best-known in the UK as home to the BBC’s ‘Big Cat Diaries’, their relationship with the local community goes back generations. Silver Level Safari Guide Leonard Sadera talks to Sarah Read, Audley’s East Africa Regional Manager, about how Governors’ has helped his family.

Tale of the Tiger

Being immortalised by Kipling hasn’t been enough for the tiger: the king of the jungle no longer lives in a monarchy. Tiger numbers have been dropping fast in India but Harsha Ogale finds that the national parks are now throwing a lifeline to this highly endangered predator.

Madikwe moments

The Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa offers a more personal kind of safari, as Charlotte Mellor discovered.

Life through a lens

Matthew Vlemmiks gets very, very close to the wildlife on a photographic safari in Zambia.

The magic of Laikipia

Alexandra Matts falls under the special spell of Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau.

China’s Top Ten

Chris Moore chooses his top ten experiences in China

Country briefing: Uganda

Katie Fewkes reveales some of the secrets of Uganda’s national parks.

Life in the Desert

Driving around Namibia, James Down discovers a great deal of life in the Namib Desert.

Seychelles Selection

Russell and Mel, our Seychelles specialists, discuss their four favourite islands of this stunning archipelago.

Ocean’s Six

Our specialists highlight the best places to spot dolphins and whales on your travels.

Diving in at the Deep End

Find out what’s involved in learning how to scuba dive. Uncover the treasures within our ocean in some of the best dive sites.

Friends of Conservation

The vital efforts of Friends of Conservation to protect the black rhino in Tanzania

Birds of a Feather

Our specialists reveal their ornithological highlights from around the world.

Call of the Wild

James Butler reveals some of the unique wildlife encounters to be had in Canada, Alaska and the Arctic.

Weird and Wonderful Creatures of Australia

Paul Done introduces you to a few of the more unusual inhabitants of Australia.

Surf Rescue

Rachel Wood invites you to help save the dwindling turtle population of the Western Cape of Australia

The Great Migration

This fascinating annual spectacle is explained by Melissa Hillen.

Chameleons in the Custard Apple Trees

Heather Miller discovers Madagascar’s unique array of wildlife.

South Africa by Numbers

Marilyn Tromp takes an alternative approach to viewing the intriguing wildlife of South Africa.

Africa’s Cat Hotspots

The best places to find Africa’s cats, large and small, identified by our Africa Specialists.

Cats of the Indian Subcontinent

Our specialists familiarise you with some feline inhabitants of the Subcontinent.

In Search of my King

Jonathan Goldsmith encounters the special wildlife of the Falkland Islands

Captivating Costa Rica

High volcanoes, rich forests and beach wildlife in Costa Rica.

Wetlands Magic

Many people automatically think of the Amazon as the place to view wildlife in South America. If you are a wildlife fan then the wetlands of South America are without doubt the most rewarding to visit and there’s no better place that Los Llanos in Venezuela.

The Giant Panda

Ian Mason relates the magic of seeing the giant panda, China’s national symbol.

Japanese Snow Monkeys

Henrietta Preiss reveals the intriguing behaviour of one of Japan’s more quaint inhabitants

On the Wing

Kate Dicks discovers a birdwatcher’s paradise in Thailand’s national parks.

Citizens of the Forest

Malaysia and the less developed islands of Indonesia are home to some of the most elusive and threatened primates in the world. Joanne Poole discusses the various species and where to find them.

Protection of the Asian Elephant

Natalie Lewis discusses the plight of the Asian Elephant.

Underwater World

Our diving experts uncover their most treasured dive spots.

Close Encounters

A Zambian safari is not for the faint-hearted but has significant rewards to offer, as Ruth Milligan explains.

African Adventures

Melissa Hillen discusses her love of the African bush.

A Gentle Encounter

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Katie Fewkes finds there is more than meets the eye for adventure seekers.

Wild India

Harsha Ogale and Rupert Cue reveal the best ways to immerse yourself in the wilder side of India.

The Galapagos Question

We consider the issues surrounding travel to the Galapagos with Graham Watkins of the Charles Darwin Foundation.

Botswana Gem

Cate Mackenzie explains why you might want to save visiting Botswana for a rainy day.

Country Briefing: Gabon

Ruth Milligan’s guide to an African trove of lush tropical forests, deserted beaches and stunning wildlife.

A Year in the Life of the Galapagos

Our specialists take a month-by-month look at the wildlife experiences on offer in the Galapagos Islands.

Coppinger’s Camps

Cate Mackenzie recounts her experiences at some of her favourite bushcamps in Zambia.

Wine and Whales on Walker Bay

Jill Bradley reveals the best places to whale watch whales South African style.

Antarctica: The White Continent

Vicky Nagle takes a cruise to Antarctica.

Elephant Encounter

Elephants are part of life in the Indian Subcontinent.

KwaZulu Natal

South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal province deserves more than a few days of your attention.

Real Australia

Indroducing the Australian continent.

A Corner of Argentina

Exploring the Peninsula Valdés in Argentina.

Truly Wild Africa

Experience the wilderness of Botswana on a mobile camping safari.

The Kruger Experience

Getting to grips with South Africa’s famous wildlife park.

Wild Zambia

Heather Tyrrell introduces this unique and untamed country.

Top Ten Up & Coming

Our specialists have chosen ten destinations that we think deserve attention.

Wild Sage & Paw Prints

Heather Tyrrell explains why the Selinda reserve isher favourite corner of Botswana.

Under African Skies

Exploring Tanzania’s lesser known game reserves.

Greener than Green

Sustainable tourism is thriving in the rainforests of Borneo.

Galapagos Diary

A colourful cruise around this famous archipelago.

On Safari

A run-down of Africa’s most spectacular safari destinations.

Potala and Pandas

The fabulous scenery and timeless charm of the Tibetan Plateau.

Postcard from the Falkland Islands

Stunning landscapes and wonderful wildlife in Britain’s furthest-flung territory.

Not Just Cricket

Charlie Read reports back from his favourite island, Sri Lanka.

Amazon Creatures & Comforts

Carolyn Foreman explores the rainforest in style.

Taking a Walk on the Wild Side

Chris Orme reflects on the spectacular wildlife of Borneo.

Highlights of South America

Our specialists pick out the best bits of South America.

In the Galapagos

Carolyn Foreman gets up close and personal with the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands.

Dispatches from India & Sri Lanka

John Freeman recounts some of his most memorable moments from his trip to India and Sri Lanka.