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.
Articles in the 'Safari & Wildlife' Category
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.
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.
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.
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.
Audley’s Mark Garrett answers some common questions about travelling to the Galapagos Islands.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Brian Jackman goes to the dogs in the wilds of Tanzania.
Untamed expanses, snow-capped mountains, craggy glaciers and roaming wildlife. Aaron Cork finds America’s far north lives up to all his dreams.
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.
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.
The Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa offers a more personal kind of safari, as Charlotte Mellor discovered.
Matthew Vlemmiks gets very, very close to the wildlife on a photographic safari in Zambia.
Alexandra Matts falls under the special spell of Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau.
Chris Moore chooses his top ten experiences in China
Katie Fewkes reveales some of the secrets of Uganda’s national parks.
Driving around Namibia, James Down discovers a great deal of life in the Namib Desert.
Russell and Mel, our Seychelles specialists, discuss their four favourite islands of this stunning archipelago.
Our specialists highlight the best places to spot dolphins and whales on your travels.
Find out what’s involved in learning how to scuba dive. Uncover the treasures within our ocean in some of the best dive sites.
The vital efforts of Friends of Conservation to protect the black rhino in Tanzania
Our specialists reveal their ornithological highlights from around the world.
James Butler reveals some of the unique wildlife encounters to be had in Canada, Alaska and the Arctic.
Paul Done introduces you to a few of the more unusual inhabitants of Australia.
Rachel Wood invites you to help save the dwindling turtle population of the Western Cape of Australia
This fascinating annual spectacle is explained by Melissa Hillen.
Heather Miller discovers Madagascar’s unique array of wildlife.
Marilyn Tromp takes an alternative approach to viewing the intriguing wildlife of South Africa.
The best places to find Africa’s cats, large and small, identified by our Africa Specialists.
Our specialists familiarise you with some feline inhabitants of the Subcontinent.
Jonathan Goldsmith encounters the special wildlife of the Falkland Islands
High volcanoes, rich forests and beach wildlife in Costa Rica.
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.
Ian Mason relates the magic of seeing the giant panda, China’s national symbol.
Henrietta Preiss reveals the intriguing behaviour of one of Japan’s more quaint inhabitants
Kate Dicks discovers a birdwatcher’s paradise in Thailand’s national parks.
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.
Natalie Lewis discusses the plight of the Asian Elephant.
Our diving experts uncover their most treasured dive spots.
A Zambian safari is not for the faint-hearted but has significant rewards to offer, as Ruth Milligan explains.
Melissa Hillen discusses her love of the African bush.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Katie Fewkes finds there is more than meets the eye for adventure seekers.
Harsha Ogale and Rupert Cue reveal the best ways to immerse yourself in the wilder side of India.
We consider the issues surrounding travel to the Galapagos with Graham Watkins of the Charles Darwin Foundation.
Cate Mackenzie explains why you might want to save visiting Botswana for a rainy day.
Ruth Milligan’s guide to an African trove of lush tropical forests, deserted beaches and stunning wildlife.
Our specialists take a month-by-month look at the wildlife experiences on offer in the Galapagos Islands.
Cate Mackenzie recounts her experiences at some of her favourite bushcamps in Zambia.
Jill Bradley reveals the best places to whale watch whales South African style.
Vicky Nagle takes a cruise to Antarctica.
Elephants are part of life in the Indian Subcontinent.
South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal province deserves more than a few days of your attention.
Exploring the Peninsula Valdés in Argentina.
Experience the wilderness of Botswana on a mobile camping safari.
Getting to grips with South Africa’s famous wildlife park.
Heather Tyrrell introduces this unique and untamed country.
Our specialists have chosen ten destinations that we think deserve attention.
Heather Tyrrell explains why the Selinda reserve isher favourite corner of Botswana.
Exploring Tanzania’s lesser known game reserves.
Sustainable tourism is thriving in the rainforests of Borneo.
A colourful cruise around this famous archipelago.
A run-down of Africa’s most spectacular safari destinations.
The fabulous scenery and timeless charm of the Tibetan Plateau.
Stunning landscapes and wonderful wildlife in Britain’s furthest-flung territory.
Charlie Read reports back from his favourite island, Sri Lanka.
Carolyn Foreman explores the rainforest in style.
Chris Orme reflects on the spectacular wildlife of Borneo.
Our specialists pick out the best bits of South America.
Carolyn Foreman gets up close and personal with the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands.
John Freeman recounts some of his most memorable moments from his trip to India and Sri Lanka.
