Latest News - September, 2007

Jenny Wilsher (Naturetrek tour leader) reports on her trip to The Galapagos Islands this summer:

If there was ever a place where one runs out of superlatives, this is it! The uniqueness of the wildlife is one thing but the opportunity to get up close and personal to most of it just takes your breath away and reduces you to speechlessness and awe. From sea lion pups snuffling at your feet, Blue-footed Booby chicks, balls of white fluff, looking up at you from their grubby nests on the ground, the courtship ritual of the Waved Albatross, or a pair of Humpback Whales, Great and Magnificent Frigate Birds in mixed groups puffing up their bright red throat patches, causing the photographers a huge dilemma as to which really was the best grouping, to amazing aerial displays from these sky pirates, the Galapagos Islands did not disappoint. The intriguing diversity and the magic of ‘adaptive radiation’ of many of the islands flora and fauna, kept us attentive and fascinated, in large part due to the knowledge, passion and dedication of our local naturalist, Juan Manuel Salcedo. Juan was a natural teacher, taking every opportunity to share and explain every aspect of the islands, using the sand as his blackboard and bones, shells and live material as natural teaching aids. His specialist subject was not just the wildlife, but the human history, thankfully brief but none the less destructive, and volcanology, a fundamental key to any understanding of the islands. And then there was marvellous boat crew who looked after us so well, and the locals on the mainland who could not do enough to ensure we enjoyed every moment of our trip. For those who opted for the rainforest extension, more superlatives were called for. The lush, exuberance of the forest, its plants, birds, insects and animals, and the impressive (and thankfully calm) Napo River, were an amazing contrast, both to the islands and to the high altitude habitats at Antisana, Otavalo, Pichincha and Yanacocha. A feast of experiences all in one trip!

Lava Heron by John Wilsher

Our unique 2-week exclusive charters around the Galapagos Islands are filling up quickly for 2008. We're fully booked for cruises in January, February, March and August 2008, leaving spaces on our second August cruise departing on 18th August and also on 8th December. 2009 dates are also now uploaded to the tour page.

Book early to avoid disappointment!

On 1st August 2007 Indian High Commission, London and from 10th September 2007 Consulate General of India, Birmingham and Edinburgh have decided to discontinue the existing practice of receiving applications for Indian Visas by post. In order to enable those desiring to apply for Indian Visas without appearing in person at the High Commission of India, we recommend CIBT Visa Service. 

We suggest the following ways of obtaining your visa:

1. Ideally you should make a personal application (Visa fees is £30 if applied personally) by taking the four items listed below to the Indian High Commission in London or Birmingham or Edinburgh (we have experienced in the past that Consulate General of India, Edinburgh has accepted application only from people living in Scotland). Passport and visa may be collected the same day but please check the current procedure by telephone before taking the application to the relevant office. Please be there in good time as the visa applications will be accepted across the counter against issue of tokens on ‘first come first served’ basis.

2. If you are planning to apply though CIBT then please send the following documents to CIBT, PO Box 51354, London N1 9UW by Special Delivery only with your name & full postal address on the outside of the envelope (the postal applications will take around 20 working days):

• The completed application form
• Two recent passport size photographs. They must be in colour on a plain background
• Payment for visa application including consular fees, handling fees and VAT (see attached documents for fees details). The visa starts from the date of issue and is normally valid for six months
• Your passport (valid for six months beyond the date of your visit)

If you are planning to apply through CITB Visa Service or planning to make your own personal application in London then please use the High Commission of India, London visa form. If you are planning to make your own personal in Birmingham then use Consulate General of India, Birmingham visa form. If you are planning to make your own personal application in Edinburgh then use Consulate General of India, Edinburgh visa form.

The Indian High Commissions and Consulate General of India are found at:

Indian High Commissions, India House, Aldwych, London WC2B 4NA

Tel: 0207 240 1012

Consulate General of India, 17 Rutland Square, Edinburgh EH1 2BB

Tel: 0131 229 2144

Consulate General of India, 20 Augusta Street, Jewellery Quarter, Hockley, Birmingham B18 6JL               

Tel: 0121 212 2782 / 236 1556  

Visa Information (London)

Tel: 0906 8 44 45 44 (Premium Rates apply)

Website: http://www.hcilondon.net

We suggest that a postal (through CIBT) or personal application should be done about 5/6 weeks before departure. Please do not apply too early as visa is issued on receipt of passport and is valid from date of issue and not the date of travel.

If you are travelling to India with Naturetrek please do not hesitate to email Rajan Jolly or phone on 01962 733051

Polar Bear Watching in Canada

In order to guarantee the departure of our Just Polar Bears tour to Churchill in Canada this October, we are looking to fill the last places. If anyone is interested in this unique chance of seeing Polar Bears in their natural environment, please email Debbie Ward or phone on 01962 733051 for further details. Space is limited so do contact us as soon as possible!

Wild Spain - La Montana Palentina

We have one place left on this new tour departing 20th September 2007. For some great walking and wildlife exploration in a beautiful part of Spain based in these cottages, why not join us? £935 pp with all food, wine, transport and excursions included. 

Venezuela - Henri Pittier & Llanos

One male share space available on the tour departing 20th October 2007 at a £100 discount (£1,395) due to an Air Portugal sale with flights to Caracas via Lisbon.