Naturetrek Arvostelua 

Following on positive information, and finding that Naturetrek offers a trip close to my requirements. i have been trying to contact them and have a detailed conversation with one of their staff, to decide and, hopefully, book this trip. More than one week later, all i have is a brief email informing me that someone will contact me. A second message pointing out disappointment at not being contacted remains unanswered. This is rather discouraging. i am still interested given the numerous positive reviews, but certainly doubts about the reliability and seriousness of the company are increasing.

Update on 26 july. I have now had a long call with staff at Naturetrek and have booked the trip. There was a mistake with respect of the person who should have called me. I do hope that the experience of the trip allows me to write a new much more positive review later this year.

I have been on holiday with this company on many occasions including Tailormade ones. I have never had any complaints about their service or advice in their pre departure pack. They are upfront, honest and as I have a slight disability advise me whether they think the holiday is suitable for me, unlike some companies who would sell you anything so that they can make a profit. I have personally met most of the staff and have no bad feelings about being told that they don’t think the holiday is viable for me. As far as the one criticism on this sight is concerned all their foreign guides have been superb to the point of arranging for me to be wheelchaired around the Iguazu falls as my legs were not good this was by far in excess of what anyone would expect. I cannot praise this company highly enough for care and attention to detail. Accommodation is always clean and sometimes fairly basic but then considering that it is wildlife orientated one expects that.

In August this year 2023 ,travelled to Naturetrek’s Finland bear watch ,simply fabulous ,lost count how many brown bears we saw from the hides in pine forest
In the past travelled with Naturetrek
In Arctic saw several Polar bears ,Walrus ,Arctic Fox and of course the Nature.
Then Pantanal in Brazil saw many Jaguars ,amazing birds ,Tapir and others
TorresDel Paine ,in Chile saw several Pumas
Naturetrek very reliable and takes the trip arrangements to utmost nifty gritty.
Already booked more trip with Naturetrek.
My impression Naturetrek tour advisors all love nature , animals , birds ,they wish their tourists get the best.
Wish them very best

I have travelled 3 times so far with this company and have 2 more trips booked. Their uK based staff are knowledgeable, efficient and responsive and their on the ground staff are real experts in their field. I've had the most wonderful experiences with the natural world through them.

The trips are all well organised, the accommodation is always of a decent standard and what I also love is that EVERYTHING is included. So unlike many companies you don't find yourself spending a few hundred pounds on meals, excursions etc after the initial sum is paid.

Comprehensive information with all details communicated in advance, queries answered promptly, overall a very good customer experience.

Just arrived back from Botswana Desert and Delta. Wow what an exciting experience living in tents in the bush made some good friends. For a first timer I really enjoyed my time. Will I go again for sure.

Wonderful experience into the wild in Spain. I have seen in 6 days more animals than in many (sigh) years of life !!! I would definitely recommend to travel with them if you want to discover unspoilt places with professional, helpful and nice guides.

If you are considering or have booked a wildlife or tailor-made excursion with Naturetrek read this first.
If Naturetrek have quoted for, or included any of the following in its offer to you, make sure that you are not being misled!
GUIDE SERVICES
If you do not have a working knowledge or are reasonably fluent in the language of the country you are visiting, insist that the guide being offered to you is fluent in your own language.
A zoom meeting / whatsapp conversation directly with the guide prior to your booking with Naturetrek is recommended.
HOTEL SERVICES
Make sure that the hotels you are staying at are of a good standard and that the melas/mealtimes fall in line with the itinerary that Naturetrek is proposing.
Contact the hotels directly before you confirm / pay your bookings to check this, otherwise you will pay for meals that you will not get. Ensure that the standard is what you believe you are paying for!

WILDLIFE SERVICES
If you are going on a wildlife trip, make sure that you are properly equipped.

Do NOT assume that the guide will have the following:
- maps of the areas you are visiting
- wildlife, flora, fauna and bird books / literature
- any protective shelter or covering for bad weather
- campstools or similar t sit on (you may be standing for hours)
Also, do NOT assume that the guide will be prepared to walk any distance. The guides that Naturetrek make use of seem to prefer wildlife viewing from main / tarred roads or where the walk to a particular viewing point is minimal.
The wildlife experience may be with cars and motorbikes hurtling past you!
WILDLIFE VIEWING
If your main objective if wildlife viewing (birds, animals), try and make sure that the species are in fact in the areas that Naturetrek is proposing - AT THAT TIME OF THE YEAR!
- Bird species may have already migrated elsewhere.
- Animal species may have moved to other areas to obtain food / forage
Try and obtain a second opinion prior to booking. Naturetrek are trying to sell and profiteer from your trip. Whether you see the wildlife you had hoped for, does not concern them.
TRANSPORT SERVICES
Make sure in advance that the transport service Naturetrek is offering you is fit for purpose.
Ask to see an image of the vehicle that is to transport you. If satisfied, obtain confirmation that it will be used for the duration of the trip.
Do NOT assume that Naturetrek will pay much attention to your transport arrangements.
CONCLUSION
Think twice before booking with Naturetrek. You may be sold a package that could turn out to be very disappointing.
AND REMEMBER - the people / guides taking you on tour may well be one-man operators, freelance guides or fly by nights. In other words, second or third parties, far removed from Naturetrek!

Absolutely marvellous. I went for a weekend birdwatching in Norfolk with them and had a wonderful time. The guides were very knowledgeable, helpful and supportive going out of their way to make sure you saw all there was to see. I went hoping to see 2 or 3 birds I’d never seen before and came back with a list of 16 but more importantly I was encouraged and given tips on how to make my watching experience better.

As a trekker myself I have to say, I loved every minute of my experience! Oddly it was so relaxing.. I got to admire the wildlife while seeing amazing views and I will never forget it!

We've been on many wildlife holidays worldwide with them over the years, both their standard trips and bespoke, and they are excellent. Well-organised, give useful information on destinations, use local wildlife guides who are very knowledgeable, happy to do the detailed work in organising bespoke trips. I would recommend them to any wildlife traveller.