bird-watching 24 EIGHT GREAT
1,000 bird species – around twice the total for the whole of Europe. This reserve, known for its jaguars and giant otters, spans a cross-section of the country’s habitats, from the high Andes down through montane cloud forest to the steamy Amazon Basin. Birdwatchers explore by mountain track, forest trail and river boat, witnessing avian spectacles such as Andean cock-of-the-rocks displaying at their dawn lek and macaws flocking to riverbank clay licks.
4
PERU Peru’s Manu National Park is home to more than
Toucans, hoatzins and hummingbirds are among the other highlights. SELL IT: Wildlife & Wilderness offers a Complete Birding Tour of Manu, with expert guiding from the Crees Foundation (
crees-manu.org). From £3,295pp, including international and domestic flights, all transfers, B&B accommodation in Lima and Cusco, and an eight-day tour of the park. 01625 838225;
wildlifewilderness.com
This tiny country is the closest Sub-Saharan African destination to the UK and offers an impressive slice of the continent’s birdlife without the need for a major safari. A family holiday opens up a wealth of birding around beach and hotel, while serious birders can head inland to catch even more. Highlights include green-crested turaco and other forest specials of Abuko; the waders and herons of the mangroves; the gonoleks and hornbills of the hotel gardens; and, upriver, the rare Egyptian plover. SELL IT: The Gambia Experience offers seven-night birdwatching tours that include three days with Malick Suso, a guide personally recommended by Chris Packham – who will lead his own tour here in 2015. From £824pp (November 2014), including flights and accommodation. 0845 330 2060;
gambia.co.uk/birdwatching;
5 THE GAMBIA
New Zealand. With no native terrestrial mammals, unique species such as kiwis, takahes, wekas and the critically endangered kakapo evolved a flightless existence on the ground. Some are now largely confined to offshore islands, safe from the invasive species that arrived with humankind. Add to these the endemic songbirds, such as tui, stitchbird and saddleback, the rare black stilt and a rich array of seabirds including penguins, shearwaters and the world’s most northerly royal albatross colony, and you have a birdwatching experience unlike any other.
6
NEW ZEALAND Few places offer a stranger selection of birds than
Main image: Pelicans are found on all continents except Antarctica. Inset images (left to right): the hornbill; macaw; hummingbird; and sunbird
Tailor-made itineraries Wildlife, Walking, Photography, Fishing, Battlefi eld and General Interest.
The longest established tour operator in the Falklands
Individual and group travel Internal fl ights, transfers, accommodation, guided tours and excursions.
Offering a wealth of local knowledge of the Falkland Islands along with a personal, professional and friendly service, every step of the journey.
Photographs by Allan White and Joe Lange
For more information E:
info@falklandislandsholidays.com T: (00500) 22622 - F: (00500) 22623 - W:
falklandislandsholidays.com
www.sellinglonghaul.com
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