Wildlife Encounters - Wildlife Encounters - Don't follow the herd - Don't follow the herd - Steppes Travel
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Wildlife Encounters
Don’t follow the herd
Wildlife Encounters
B E YO N D TH E O R D I N A RY
B E Y O Nfollow
Don’t D T H E Othe
R D I Nherd
ARY
P1
Seeing wildlife in its natural habitat is an inspiring 2018 Wildlife Encounters
and uplifting experience. Our Wildlife Group Tours
have three key goals: to give you privileged insight
Calendar & Contents
MONTH AND TOUR PAGE
and access, to give something back and in so doing to
give you an exceptional experience. JANUARY
Kenya Elephants of Samburu with Saba Douglas-Hamilton 04-05
Baja Whale watching with Art Taylor & Jo Ruxton 06-07
We do this through the quality of our guides and
leaders and also through our relationships and FEBRUARY
India On the Trail of Snow Leopards 08
contacts on the ground – travel is about who you
know. MARCH
Mozambique Freediving, Yoga & Dolphins 09
The breadth and range of our wildlife holidays is APRIL
impressive from snow leopards in the Himalayas to Galapagos Darwin’s Galapagos with Jonathan Green 11
cetaceans in Baja California to elephants in Kenya. MAY
Scotland Wildlife & Wilderness 10
I hope you will join us this year on one of our wildlife Galapagos Photographic Cruise with Sue Flood 12-13
tours and in doing so, support wildlife conservation. JUNE
Indonesian Borneo Orangutan Conservation 14
Malaysian Borneo Maliau Basin Expedition 15
Namibia Predator Conservation with AfriCat 16
Justin Wateridge
Managing Director
P2
MONTH AND TOUR PAGE CONTENTS PAGE
JULY Expert-led Cultural tours New for 2018 32-33
South Africa Rhino Conservation Project 17 Pioneering Tours 34
Arctic Expedition Cruise with Monty Halls & Sue Flood 18-19 Antarctica New Charter for 2019 35
The Steppes Difference Beyond the Ordinary 36
AUGUST Bespoke holidays Tailor-made travel 37
Ecuadorian Amazon with Benedict Allen 20-21 Why Steppes 38
Madagascar Photographic Journey with Sue Flood 22-23 Client Testimonials 39
SEPTEMBER
Canada Grizzly Bear Photography Tour with Sue Flood 24
Madagascar Land of the Lemur 25
Tonga Swimming with Humpbacks with Doug Allan 26
OCTOBER
Brazil Jaguar Conservation Safari in the Pantanal 27
Ethiopia Wolves, Primates & Rock-Cut Churches 28
Papua New Guinea Birds of Paradise 29
NOVEMBER
Indonesia Whale Sharks with Doug Allan 30-31
START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.com P3
Meet the Save the Elephants team
Kenya: Elephants of Samburu
WITH SABA DOUGLAS-HAMILTON
Saba Douglas-Hamilton is an award-
winning wildlife filmmaker, TV host and
conservationist. She is a key member of
the Save the Elephants team in Kenya,
where she helped set up a research
station in Samburu that now monitors a
population of over 900 elephants.
She is an accomplished TV presenter
and her best known work is Secret Life
of Elephants and Big Cat Diary.
In the company Elephant safaris with researchers from Stay at the renowned Elephant Watch
of BBC presenter Save The Elephants. Camp.
Saba Douglas-Hamilton.
The contribution made to elephant conservation by the Douglas-Hamiltons is legendary and so to spend a week in their company,
on their home soil of Samburu and Naivasha, is the opportunity of a lifetime. Take walks and game drives in Samburu escorted
by Saba Douglas-Hamilton and Elephant Watch’s Samburu guides. Meet with researchers from Save The Elephants who will
introduce you to the resident elephant herd.
DEPARTURE: 17th - 24th January 2018
8 days from £7,295 PP excluding flights
P4 START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.com
START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.com P5
P6
In partnership with New Scientist
Baja California:
Whale Watching Cruise
WITH JO RUXTON & ART TAYLOR
Voyage with Art Taylor, Sail the rich waters of Jo Ruxton, formerly of the BBC Blue Planet
who has been sailing the the Sea of Cortez where team, has over eighteen years experience of
seas of Baja for over whales and wildlife underwater filming and recently produced a
thirty years. are in abundance. documentary feature ‘A Plastic Ocean’.
A wonderful opportunity to explore this rich marine world with some of the best naturalist guides available.
Art Taylor, owner and captain of the Searcher has been navigating these waters for over thirty years and is hugely
passionate about the wildlife and sharing it with his passengers. His knowledge is unrivalled.
The Searcher is one of the smaller expedition vessels with just 24 passengers, boasting three
pangas of its own so guests can be sure the very best will be made of every sighting opportunity.
You will experience one of the most complete itineraries of the west coast of the peninsula, travelling
south from San Diego to the tip of Baja at Cabo San Lucas and extending into the Sea of Cortez
for further breathtaking wildlife opportunities.
DEPARTURE: 22nd January - 4th February 2018
14 days from £4,895pp
START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.com P7
Snow Leopard Conservancy India
India: On the Trail of
Snow Leopards
WITH DAVID SONAM
Unparalleled insight into the realm of the The best region in the Himalaya for snow Traditional and cosy homestay
snow leopard from David Sonam of the leopard sightings. accommodation for an authentic
Snow Leopard Conservancy, India. experience.
Ulley is in the centre of three interlocking valleys that support between eight and ten snow leopards according to the last census.
Sightings of ‘The Ghost of the Himalaya’ are not unusual here, especially when tracking is handled by Tchewang Norbu and overseen
by David Sonam from the Snow Leopard Conservancy, India.
Explore this less frequented corner of Ladakh, looking for snow leopards, blue sheep, ibex and Ladakhi urial by vehicle and on foot and
then return to the warmth of a traditional homestay.
DEPARTURE: 3rd - 15th February 2018
13 days from £4,495 PP excluding flights
P8 START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.com
In partnership with I AM WATER Foundation
Mozambique: Freediving,
Yoga and Dolphins
WITH HANLI PRINSLOO & PETER MARSHALL
Learn the basics of freediving, under Swim beside the wild dolphins of the Practise yoga and breathing techniques in
the expert tutelage of champion Ponta D’Ouro coast. view of the ocean.
freediver Hanli Prinsloo and underwater
photographer Peter Marshall
Join the I AM WATER team for a week of freediving and yoga off the Mozambican coast. Learn the basics amidst idyllic
tropical surroundings. Spend mornings swimming beside the region’s playful dolphins, before returning ashore for
relaxing yoga, looking out over the beautiful Mozambican waters.
Hanli is an 11-time South African freediving record holder who has taught freediving to over 500 students. The freediving
instructors she leads have taught freediving around the world, working with top athletes, celebrities, and individuals with aquatic
phobias. She is the founder of the I AM WATER Foundation, which focuses on ocean conservation through human experience
and is also a filmmaker and certified yoga instructor.
DEPARTURES: 10th - 17th March 2018 / 19 th - 26th March 2018
8 days from £4,595 PP excluding flights
START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.com P9
The Wildlife of the Highlands
Scotland:
Wildlife & Wilderness
WITH FERGUS BEELEY
Join Fergus Beeley and RSPB’s David Sexton on this adventure into the north-west Highlands of Scotland. From undisclosed
locations, view sea otters, enormous golden eagles on Mull, elusive pine martens of the ancient forests and the black-throated
divers of the enchanted islets of Loch Maree.
Fergus Beeley has spent the last 25 years making wildlife films with Sir David Attenborough, including famous titles for the BBC
such as the ‘Life Of Birds’, ‘Planet Earth – the future’ and ‘The Natural World.’
DEPARTURE: 3rd - 10th May 2018
8 days from £3,995 PP excluding flights
P10 START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.comIn partnership with New Scientist
Galapagos
Cruise
WITH JONATHAN GREEN
Jonathan is a keen wildlife photographer, qualified naturalist guide and dive master,
who has been working in the Galapagos for over 25 years.
He set up the Galapagos Whale Shark Research Project and is a Fellow of the Royal
Geographical Society of London and an elected Member International
of the Explorers’ Club of New York.
Natural Paradise is a 34m elegant motor vessel which provides plenty of space for
just 16 passengers. Relax on the spacious sundeck with loungers, jacuzzi and
covered alfresco dining area. Snorkelling equipment and sea kayak
use are complimentary on this trip.
DEPARTURES: 1st - 11th April 2018 / 8th - 18th April 2018
11 days from £5,775 PP excluding flights
START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.com P11Close-up wildlife encounters
Galapagos
Photographic Cruise
WITH SUE FLOOD
Our private charter visits nine islands including the more remote Genovesa, so there will be plenty of time for photographic
opportunities with Sue’s expert eye to help you take the best footage.
May is the perfect month to see the bizarre courtship displays of blue-footed boobies, sea turtles and marine iguanas hatching
and waved albatrosses starting to lay their eggs.
However you don’t have to be a photographer to join this trip, snorkel with playful sea lions, and learn from the experienced
naturalist guide who will also be accompanying all excursions on land and sea.
Sue Flood
Sharpen up your photographic skills
with Sue, former Associate Producer
on the award-winning BBC series
‘The Blue Planet’ and contributor to
‘Planet Earth.’ Sue is great fun to
be with and while you will doubtless
hone your photographic skills under
her tuition, you are also guaranteed a
rewarding time in her company.
DEPARTURE: 20th - 30th May 2018
11 days from £6,195 PP excluding flights
P12 START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.comP13
In conjunction with Orangutan Foundation
Indonesian Borneo:
Orangutan Conservation
WITH ASHLEY LEIMAN
River trips on board a ‘klotok’ boat to Benefit from the huge knowledge and Access to orangutans at Camp Leakey
access more remote areas. expertise of Ashley Leiman of the and exclusive access to orangutan
Orangutan Foundation. release sites.
Through the expertise of the Orangutan Foundation, understand the importance of the forest and the role of local communities
in securing the orangutans’ future. Visit areas in the region which are only accessible through this unique partnership.
Experience these magnificent creatures in the wildest parts of Indonesian Borneo. Come face-to-face with the orangutans in
their fragile natural environment and spend time at the three feeding sites, including Dr Galdikas’s famous Camp Leakey.
Ashley founded the Orangutan Foundation in 1990 and is one of the leading figures in orangutan conservation. Spending up to a
third of the year in the field, her in-depth knowledge and passion for the region will inspire you long after you return home.
DEPARTURE: 3rd - 12th June 2018
10 days from £3,395 PP excluding flights
P14 START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.comThe Danum Valley
Malaysian Borneo:
Maliau Basin Expedition
WITH ROBIN HANBURY-TENISON
A rare opportunity to trek into the Maliau Led with the authority and experience of Explore the wildife-rich Danum Valley.
Basin - home to many of Asia’s explorer Robin Hanbury-Tenison.
rarest species.
Often termed ‘Sabah’s Lost World’, the Maliau Basin is a land of immense, vine-clad jungles and ancient, giant trees, home to an
extraordinary array of wildlife. It is home to over 270 species of birdlife and more than 80 mammal species. This tour is the perfect
combination of high expedition-style adventure, expert leadership by Robin Hanbury-Tenison, and an opportunity to see the pristine
rainforest of Borneo, following orangutans in their natural habitat.
Robin Hanbury-Tenison OBE is referred to as the ‘greatest explorer’ by the Sunday Times. Conservationist, broadcaster, filmmaker,
author of more than 20 books, lecturer, campaigner, farmer, he is one of the few remaining British explorers to merit the name.
DEPARTURE: 3rd - 14th June 2018
12 days from £4,995 PP excluding flights
START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.com P15In conjunction with AfriCat
Namibia: Predator
Conservation
WITH DONNA HANSSEN & TAMMY HOTH-HANSSEN
Hands-on participation in AfriCat’s Explore Etosha National Park and the Spend time shadowing the lion research
Annual Big Cat Health Examination wildlife of the vast salt pans. of AfriCat North.
at Okonjima.
Working exclusively with AfriCat, Steppes offer a unique conservation tour, with hands-on participation at its core. Gain behind-
the-scenes access to AfriCat’s work at the Okonjima Reserve and the Hobatere Concession, focussing on both cheetahs and
lions. In between, have time to explore Etosha National Park.
The highlight is a day spent with AfriCat’s vets during their Annual Big Cat Health Examination at Okonjima. You will be on hand
throughout, helping the vets to ensure all cheetahs are vaccinated and given a thorough examination.
DEPARTURE: 22nd June - 4th July 2018
13 days from £5,295 PP excluding flights
P16 START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.comHands-on Conservation
South Africa:
Rhino Conservation Project
WITH DR PETER ROGERS
Exclusive hands-on experience of a rhino Guided game drives and walks in the Visit a wildlife rehabilitation centre and a
darting project. Greater Kruger. reptile conservation project.
For wildlife lovers wanting hands-on experience of an authentic conservation project. Accompany chief vet, Dr Peter Rogers, and
rangers from Klaserie Nature Reserve as they locate a rhino and undertake the task of notching and micro-chipping. Expect to be
more than just a spectator, with the group assisting in this vital conservation work. With rhino horn fetching more money than gold,
the stakes have never been higher.
In addition to running a wildlife veterinary practice in Hoedspruit, Dr Peter Rogers is a specialist in wild animal capture and
translocation. He has previously assisted with the capture and aerial translocation of various species, including white rhino, giraffe,
wildebeest, blesbok and cheetah. He is one of South Africa’s leading authorities on rhino conservation.
DEPARTURE: 22nd - 28th July 2018
7 days from £2,295 PP excluding flights
START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.com P17In partnership with Telegraph Tours
Arctic: Expedition Cruise
WITH MONTY HALLS & SUE FLOOD
Sail on-board the The best place Cruise in company of marine
ice-strengthened Akademik Ioffe in the Arctic to see biologist Monty Halls
and access Svalbard’s most polar bears in their & wildlife photographer
spectacular sights. natural habitat. Sue Flood.
Throughout the voyage, you will enjoy private lectures with explorer Monty Halls, who will share
tales from his explorations in the Arctic and accompany you on expeditions to discover the geological
wonders and native species of the region, including polar bears, beluga whales and the Arctic fox.
You will also be joined by professional photographer Sue Flood, a specialist in the region,
who will help you hone your photographic skills so you can capture those precious encounters
with the wild as you sail through this astonishing environment.
DEPARTURE: 7th - 18th July 2018
12 days from £6,450 PP excluding flights
P18 START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.comP19
P20
In partnership with Telegraph Tours
Ecuadorian Amazon
WITH BENEDICT ALLEN
Join explorer Benedict Allen for an in- Meet three indigenous communities - Sail the Napo River, one of the largest
depth insight into the indigenous people of Cofan, Siona and Kichwa. tributaries of the Amazon on-board The
the Amazon. Visit Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve for Anakonda luxury river boat.
unique endemic species.
Cruise along the Napo and Aguarico river deep into the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest. Meet three indigenous communities –
Cofan, Siona and Kichwa, each with their own language and customs. Explore the UNESCO Yasuni National Park, one of the
most biologically diverse spots on Earth, and the remote and little visited Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Explore on foot and by
kayak looking at the species that live in this area such as birds, monkeys, caiman and pink river dolphin.
Benedict Allen is an explorer, author, filmmaker and motivational speaker. One of the world’s leading adventurers, his expeditions
famously achieved not with a phone, GPS or “backup”, but by preparation alone with remote indigenous communities. He is the
first person to have crossed the Amazon Basin at its widest, spending seven and a half months doing this and being immersed
among the indigenous people.
DEPARTURE: 10th - 19 th August 2018
10 days from £4,850 PP excluding flights
START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.com P21Madagascar:
Photographic Journey
WITH SUE FLOOD
©SueFlood
See dancing sifakas, colourful Fly by private charter in country to Benefit from Sue’s expert eye to
chameleons, leaping lemurs, the strange maximise your time spotting wildlife and make the most of all your photo
fossa and other endemic wildlife. see more remote regions. opportunities.
Encounter this island’s incredibly diverse flora and fauna and the various habitats that support myriad unique species.
September is the perfect time when spring brings lemur babies and nesting birds and reptiles begin to be more active.
Fly by private charter to enjoy maximum time taking photographs of numerous endemic wildlife including
chameleons, dancing sifakas, indris, lemurs, and the cat-like fossa.
See the spectacular and iconic Avenue of Baobabs and visit Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, Berenty Reserve,
the dry forests of Kirindy and the coastal Anjajavy.
DEPARTURE: 20th August - 2nd September 2018
14 days from £9,995 PP excluding flights
P22 START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.comSTART YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.com P23 ©SueFlood
Timed for the Salmon Run
Canada: Grizzly Bear
Photography
WITH SUE FLOOD
During the salmon run in British Columbia, grizzly bears are drawn to the rivers to feast on spawning salmon. For the best
opportunity to photograph one of the world’s most exceptional wildlife spectacles, float along the river in specially designed,
non-motorised boats, with Sue Flood on hand to help with capturing the action.
The naturalists at Tweedsmuir Lodge will join the group on all activities, giving insight into the bears’ behaviour and taking guided
walks to see black bears, wolves, cougars, mountain goats and an array of birdlife.
©SueFlood
©SueFlood ©Mike Wigle
DEPARTURE: 7th - 14th September 2018
8 days from £8,995 PP excluding flights
P24 START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.comEa des urre on T
inc e
ch a ll W rus
to on
lu D ati
de don ild t
Great introduction to
T h s er
pa at lif
C
rtu io e
re n
v
Madagascar:
Land of the Lemur
WITH LOCAL GUIDES
A great introduction to Madagascar’s unique fauna and flora, away from the crowds. Explore the island’s jungles, searching for the
various lemur species for which Madagascar is perhaps most famous.
Start in Andasibe-Mantadia Park, where the cry of the indri echoes through the forest. Continue north-east into the little-
explored Pangalanes region, where lagoons cut through littoral forest. Then head west - via the iconic Avenue of Baobabs - to
Kirindy Forest. Here, catch a glimpse of Madagascar’s largest carnivore, the cat-like fossa.
DEPARTURE: 9th - 21st September 2018
13 days from £3,295 PP excluding flights
START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.com P25The ultimate wildlife encounter
Tonga: Swimming
with Humpback Whales
WITH DOUG ALLAN
The privilege and thrill of snorkelling Join Sir David Attenborough’s favourite Experience the breathtaking island
alongside humpback whales. cameraman, Doug Allan. paradise of Tonga.
As wildlife lovers strive for the ultimate encounter with big mammals, the bar is constantly being lifted higher and higher. We
would like to think that we’ve raised the bar another notch. This trip gives you the opportunity to swim with humpback whales
in the warm, crystal-clear waters of the Tongan Pacific, escorted by a BBC cameraman who is famous for some of the most
spectacular underwater footage of humpback whales ever filmed.
Doug Allan is one of the world’s best known and respected wildlife cameramen. He has worked for BBC, Discovery and National
Geographic, filming for series like The Blue Planet, Planet Earth, Life, Frozen Planet and Ocean Giants. He’s filmed whales in
almost all the seas of the world and has twice won the underwater category in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
DEPARTURE: 15th - 26th September 2018
12 days from £5,395 PP excluding flights
P26 START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.comBrazil: Jaguar
Conservation Safari
WITH MARIO HABERFELD
Assist researchers as they study giant Track jaguars in the wild with the Discover the varied wildlife of the
armadillo, anteater and tapir. Oncafari Jaguar Project. Pantanal, the largest wetland on
the planet.
Accompany leading conservationists as they track and study endangered armadillo and jaguar in the southern Pantanal. Home to an
incredible variety of wildlife the vast floodplains of the Pantanal provide refuge to over 650 species of bird including the scarlet and
blue macaw as well as capybara, giant anteater and giant otter.
Having conducted research in the Pantanal since 2002, conservation biologist Arnaud Desbiez set up the giant armadillo project in
2010. Mario Haberfeld is fully committed to preserving the wildlife of his home country and works with the Oncafari Jaguar Project
using groundbreaking techniques to learn about jaguar behaviour in the wild.
DEPARTURE: 3rd - 11th October 2018
9 days from £4,175 PP excluding flights
START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.com P27The Highlands
Ethiopia: Wolves,
Primates & Culture
Spot geladas and other endemic species Track rare and endangered Ethiopian Experience Ethiopian culture and visit the
in the Simien Mountains National Park. wolves in the Bale Mountains with your rock-cut churches of Lalibela.
local expert guide.
Combine Ethiopia’s remarkable landscapes, culture and unusual endemic wildlife with a journey to the highlands of Ethiopia.
In the company of your Ethiopian guide, as well as the local scouts, visit the dramatic Sanetti Plateau, track rare and endangered
Ethiopian wolves and take walks through the high-altitude forest. Here, look out for Bale monkeys, as well as unusual birdlife.
Visit the Simien Mountains National Park, which is home to a number of endemic species. Explore on foot, hiking through this
spectacular landscape, spotting animal and birdlife, and visiting one of the local villages. Within the park, there is a good chance of
seeing geladas – Old World monkeys that are only found in the Ethiopian Highlands – and the endangered walia ibex.
DEPARTURE: 5th - 16th October 2018
12 days from £4,595 PP excluding flights
P28 START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.comRemote & Captivating
Papua New Guinea:
Birds of Paradise
WITH PHIL GREGORY
Guided by leading authority on birds, Visit key birding locations Discover the diverse nature and culture
Phil Gregory, encounter some of the 781 Mount Hagen, Fly River and New Britain of Papua New Guinea’s
exquisite bird species. in search of the 15-20 different people and wildlife.
birds of paradise.
All birds are created equal but some birds are more equal than others. Flamboyant in the extreme, the bird of paradise is one such
bird. This trip travels from the highlands to the coast in search of Papua New Guinea’s most spectacular birds, in the company of
expert birding guides. In Mount Hagen spot the superb, lesser, blue, twelve wired and King-of-Saxony birds of paradise while in the
coastal forests of New Britain, spot blue-eyed cockatoo and red-knobbed imperial pigeon.
Phil Gregory is one of Australia’s leading authorities on birds and has been guiding bird trips in PNG since 1998. He has recently
published a book on the subject entitled ‘Birds of New Guinea’ and is an advisor for the International Ornithological Congress World
Bird List. His special interests are field identification, vocalisations, taxonomy and bird distributions.
DEPARTURE: 7th - 18th October 2018
12 days from £7,875 PP excluding flights
START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.com P29P30 START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.com
Indonesia: Swim with
Whale Sharks
WITH DOUG ALLAN
Snorkel alongside one of the world’s Explore the largest marine parks of Hone your underwater photography skills
largest mammals at Cenderawasih Bay. Indonesia on-board a luxury with BBC cameraman Doug Allan.
private phinisi.
A rare opportunity to sail with the world renowned marine photographer, Doug Allan. Snorkel with whale sharks around the
waters of Raja Ampat, often described as one of the most extraordinary environments on the planet. Based from the luxurious
Tiare, a newly built Indonesian phinisi kitted out with a fully equipped dive station, large camera workstations, six en suite cabins
and a crew, which includes a dive master, chef and dedicated team.
Comfortable – certainly, exploratory – yes, exciting and pioneering – without a doubt.
DEPARTURE: 14th - 24th November 2018
11 days from £6,995 PP excluding flights
START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.com P31Expert-Led Cultural Tours
JOIN ONE OF OUR NEW TOURS FOR 2018
In addition to our wildlife tours, we are recognised as one of the UK’s leading specialists in cultural, historical and archaeological
small group tours. Our aim is to offer a beyond the ordinary experience with an enviable pool of tour experts. Please contact us
for a copy of our Cultural Tours Brochure or see our website for our full portfolio of tours.
IRAN GREECE UZBEKISTAN
LUXURY TRAIN JOURNEY ANCIENT MACEDONIA & THE BEYOND THE OXUS
Traverse Iran by rail and immerse KINGDOM OF ALEXANDER Discover the art, architecture and
yourself in the rich cultural heritage Discover Alexander the Great’s culture of the fabled Silk Road cities.
of this wonderful country. birthplace, explore ancient sacred cities Visit Samarkand’s Registan Square,
Accompanied by Michael Portillo. and visit spectacular royal tombs. the bustling bazaars of Bukhara
8 th - 21st April 2018 and explore Khiva’s citadel.
Accompanied by Carolyn Perry.
From £10,999 PP* 28th April - 5th May 2018 Accompanied by Chris Aslan Alexander.
From £2,795 PP* 28th April - 8th May 2018
From £2,715 PP*
VIEW ALL OF OUR NEW CULTURAL TOURS ONLINE
STEPPESTRAVEL.COM/EXPERT-LED-GROUP-TOURS
FIND OUT MORE: CULTURE@STEPPESTRAVEL.COM
P32 START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.comPERU CHINA ZIMBABWE
PRE-INCA CIVILISATIONS QINGHAI FESTIVAL & TEXTILES GONAREZHOU & THE
Explore the fascinating yet little visited pre- An opportunity to get under the skin
MAHENYE FESTIVAL
Inca archaeological sites of northern Peru of Tibetan culture, visiting an area Experience the captivating Mahenye
combined with the snow-capped mountains in northwest China on the Tibetan Festival, an annual celebration of Shangaan
of the Cordillera Blanca, accompanied plateau, accompanied by textiles and culture. Explore one of Zimbabwe’s
by Peru expert Hugh Thomson. embroidery expert Gina Corrigan. greatest national parks, Gonarezhou.
Accompanied by Hugh Thomson. Accompanied by Gina Corrigan. Accompanied by Clive Stockil.
29th June - 11th July 2018 17th July - 2nd August 2018 17th - 24th September 2018
From £4,495 PP* From £3,495 PP* From £5,595 PP*
RUSSIA INDIA MYANMAR
JEWELS OF ST PETERSBURG CLASSIC RAJASTHAN ON THE TRAIL OF THE
This tour offers a unique opportunity to Travel from Delhi to Mumbai,
ANCESTORS
explore the highlights of St Petersburg encountering all aspects of India’s Follow in the footsteps of Orwell and
and gain a personal insight into the diverse culture from devotional music, Kipling, by river, rail, road and on foot.
country’s fascinating history through palaces, forts and the local cuisine. This tour is designed to reflect and grasp
the Galitzine family experiences. opportunities and go beyond the obvious
Accompanied by Arun Pratap Singh Manohar.
Accompanied by Katya Galitzine. highlights of this charming country.
7th - 18th October 2018
25th - 30th September 2018 From £5,325 PP* Accompanied by Zara Fleming.
From £2,495 PP* 24th November - 9th December 2018
From £4,395 PP*
* excluding flights:
START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.com P33TO W Intrepid & Adventurous
S
NE
UR
Pioneering Tours
Do you have a spirit of adventure? Are you looking for something different?
Then join one of the Steppes team on one of our pioneering tours.
Experience traditional life with indigenous tribes and explore places few have travelled to accompanied by local guides.
GABON ANGOLA CAMEROON ERITREA
WILDLIFE & CULTURE OF DESERT TRIBES & NGUON FESTIVAL INSIDE AFRICA’S
AFRICA’S EDEN HIDDEN LANDSCAPES & LOWLAND GORILLAS FORGOTTEN KINGDOM
Discover the vast Ivindo National Explore Angola’s remote southern Visit the royal Nguon Festival, Explore remarkable Asmara,
Park, home to Langoue Bai. deserts. Meet local tribes, which only happens every two years. rebuilt as Africa’s “Little Rome”
Explore Loango National Park and whose customs and lives remain Trek for newly habituated western by Mussolini. Cruise through the
encounter forest elephants and largely unaffected by western lowland gorillas in Campo Ma’an Dahlak Archipelago, with its coral
trek for lowland gorillas. Experience influences. Travel in the company National Park. Explore Cameroon’s reefs, desert islands and marine life.
an iboga-fuelled Bwiti ceremony, of anthropologist Joan Riera. highlands, forests and coastline. Admire Ottoman buildings, as well
deep within Gabon’s interior. as Aksumite ruins, such as Qohaito.
13th - 22nd July 2018 5th - 16th December 2018
12th - 24th January 2019 From £4,995 PP excluding flights From £3,395 PP excluding flights 18th - 29th October 2018
From £6,395 PP excluding flights From £2,995 PP excluding flights
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST: pioneering@steppestravel.com
P34 START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.comCH NE
AR W
TE
Antarctica, South Georgia R
& Falklands Cruise
WITH SIR RANULPH FIENNES, JONATHAN SHACKLETON AND SUE FLOOD
Sail aboard the RCGS Resolute, the best Explore the wildlife hotspots of the Join Sir Ranulph Fiennes for a private
appointed expedition vessel in Antarctica. Falklands Islands and South Georgia as dinner before setting sail with Jonathan
well as the Antarctic Peninsula. Shackleton and Sue Flood.
Following the success of our exclusive charter to Antarctica in January 2017, we are delighted to offer another opportunity to join
Steppes, along with some of the world’s leading polar experts on a private expedition cruise to Antarctica.
Travelling at the optimum time of the year, the RCGS Resolute offers a luxury platform from which to explore one of the world’s
last truly pristine environments. Experience Antarctica’s epic scale and sense of space on daily excursions, by zodiac, kayak and on
foot. Visit Sir Ernest Shackleton’s grave accompanied by his cousin, Jonathan Shackleton and take tips from Sue Flood on how
best to photograph the 200,000 king penguins that call Salisbury Plain home.
DEPARTURE: 30th January - 17th February 2019
18 days from £14,995 PP excluding flights
START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.com P35The Steppes Difference
GROUP TOURS BEYOND THE ORDINARY
Hand-picked Tour Experts
We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence.
Often they can facilitate private access to sites not typically open to the public.
Benefit from our small group sizes
Our average group size is typically 8-10 people, allowing you to have a more personalised
and relaxed experience, a factor which many of our clients appreciate.
Refer friends and get rewarded
The biggest compliment you can pay us is to recommend us.
Refer a new client to the same group tour and we will give both
you and them a £100 discount when they book.
*All pricing throughout is excluding flights. International flights can be arranged at an additional cost.
P36 START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.comBespoke holidays
BEYOND THE ORDINARY
Tailor-made travel
As well as our wildlife and expert-led cultural tours we create exceptional tailor-made journeys. By
listening to your likes and dislikes we help plan a personalised itinerary tailored around you, finessing
every detail before, during and after your holiday. Your holiday. Your experience. Your way.
Our objective will always be to show you the highlights of a country, but to also take you off the beaten
track to see the lesser known, but equally interesting places not frequented by large numbers of tourists.
Get in touch to see where we can take you.
We hope that you can join those who return to us year after year.
START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.com P37Why Steppes?
Service Protected
1 You can depend on us to deliver to high
standards. We go that extra mile. With over
5 By booking through us you have
the security of a financially
25 years of experience and knowledge we have protected holiday as offered by
built up many long-standing relationships with our ATOL licence (6945).
our partners around the world, ensuring they
deliver the very best service to you.
No wonder then that over 70% of our business is repeat and referral.
Ethical
Trust 6 Being responsible in our travels and operations
2 You will not only be able to contact our partners
both locally and globally is ingrained in all that
we do at Steppes.
throughout your stay abroad but also our office Each time you travel with us, we donate £5 to a
on a dedicated number that is manned 24 hours local charity in the UK and £10 to an international charity.
a day, 7 days a week. We go that extra mile to
give you added security and peace of mind. Each time we travel, we offset our carbon emissions with the World
Land Trust. If you can, we urge you to do the same.
Expertise
Surprising
3 We use our experience to create yours.
7 We love out of the ordinary and relish the
Our Experts travel to the destinations in opportunity to create a truly beyond the
which they specialise up to three times a everyday experience for you, your friends
year, increasing their knowledge and always and family.
experiencing what’s new.
Pricing “
4 Booking through a tour operator may not be as
Right from the first contact it was clear
Chris understood the kind of trip we wanted
and his expert advice ensured we were able
expensive as you think.
to plan and experience the perfect trip. We
We negotiate the best rates with hotels and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Chris and
expert guides, ensuring you always get the best the rest of the Steppes team.
value for money. Often we have access to exclusive offers which are
only available to our clients. Booking through us also ensures you are - Bertie
protected from fluctuations in exchange rates.
”
P38 START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.comClient Testimonials
Don’t just take our word for it
“
Bridget could not have been more
“
Even though we had done a large
helpful in organising all aspects of our trip, amount of research for the trip we found the
she was very knowledgeable about the expertise of Steppes invaluable in comparing
country and was able to select a fantastic accommodation types and obtaining a good
trip which worked well for the whole balance between value and experience. We
family. She always responded promptly to were also pleased that the recommendations
our many enquiries so that when we left given were in line with the budget we had
we felt reassured all would go well. provided and there was no attempt to push
us over the line financially.
- Karen | Zimbabwe
- Joanne | Argentina
“
We were both impressed with your knowledge
“
John put together my trip perfectly as I hadn’t
and with your speedy replies to all questions. a clue about what to see in the time I had!
- Judith | Antarctica - Jillian | Baja California
“
Sue’s in-depth knowledge of
“
Excellent in every way. Particularly
“
We had a very well organised trip
the region and the vessel was liked the document holder and mini given the short notice. You made
invaluable in our preparation itinerary which we received before the trip unforgettable, since we
for the trip and was a strong leaving, it was invaluable throughout our had nothing to worry about except
differentiator when we were trip! Promptness of communication was enjoying the stays. We have been
choosing a travel agent. Talking excellent as was the vast knowledge spoiled in every location and the
with Sue, we quickly got an and expertise of our travel experts. choices of them where outstanding.
honest perspective. - James | Brazil Thank you!
- Fiona | Antarctica - Mikhail | Botswana
START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.com P39WWW.STEPPESTRAVEL.COM
SHARE YOUR JOURNEY WITH US
#MYSTEPPES
P40 START YOUR JOURNEY 03331 309 427 // wildlife@steppestravel.comYou can also read
