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News in Brief: Baja California, Cyprus, Spain, Iceland & India
March 2026
‘This superb voyage along the Baja California Peninsula offered a rich blend of dramatic landscapes, prolific marine-life and memorable wildlife encounters’ writes tour leader Sara Frost. ‘Boarding our vessel in San Diego and sailing into Mexico, we quickly found ourselves immersed in the wildlife of the Pacific. Days at sea proved exceptionally rewarding, with huge pods of Common Dolphins accompanying our boat and an impressive 35+ Humpback Whales recorded in a single day!
Landing on remote islands provided welcome opportunities to stretch our legs amongst Northern Elephant Seal and Guadalupe Fur Seal colonies, and see such birds as Northern Cardinal, Hooded Oriole, Loggerhead Shrike, California Scrub Jay and Grey Thrasher (endemic), as well as plants thriving in a desert landscape brought to life by recent rains. In San Ignacio Lagoon, we enjoyed watching the Grey Whales (particularly a breaching calf!), as well as birding in the tropical mangroves.
Continuing south, the highlights came thick and fast, including a remarkable day spent in the company of 15+ Blue Whales, with later days providing breaching Humpbacks, frolicking dolphins and circling frigatebirds overhead. Swimming alongside Whale Sharks in the plankton-rich waters off La Paz was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many, enhanced by snorkelling with inquisitive California Sealions the same day, rounded off by a large pod of Common Dolphins in the sunset being followed by a pod of 10 Orca!
Birdlife throughout was equally impressive, from seabirds and waders to desert species. This, combined with calm seas, glowing sunsets and jovial company on board, made for a truly outstanding holiday, filled with unforgettable moments and exceptional wildlife encounters!’
March 2026
‘A magical migration week with birds galore, orchids and other delights, plus an arachnid surprise!’writes tour leader Andy Bunten. ‘This was a wonderful 3-centre holiday starting in Larnaca, where the waterbodies were alive with waders, including three neat little Marsh Sandpipers.
Large numbers of Garganey mingled with Ferruginous Ducks and a few Black-necked Grebes while two fabulous Pallid Harriers circled over their potential dinners. A Quail called, as did a Black Francolin who showed himself on his crowing perch.
At Paphos, Rüppell’s Warblers, Cretzschmar’s Buntings, Red-throated Pipits and four species of Wheatears kept us entertained while Long-legged Buzzards circled overhead. A Trumpeter Finch on the last day was certainly the bird of the trip.
Everywhere there were plants galore, particularly at Smigies where the orchids were lined up for our enjoyment. Throughout all this, we enjoyed some magnificent classic Cypriot food, some gorgeous weather and amazing geology. And the arachnid? A wonderful scorpion looking suitably menacing, if very docile, on a rock below the orchid bank. A holiday to remember.’
March 2026
‘It was Hoopoe heaven on this trip, as just about everywhere we turned we saw these fabulous birds’ writes tour leader Andy Bunten. ‘But there was more, of course. Our first day at the amazing archaeological site saw migrants galore. An Isabelline Shrike showed off first but was overwhelmed by a plethora of wheatears – Black-eared, Northern and Isabelline. A Great Spotted Cuckoo intervened, as did a Blue Rock Thrush, swallows and swifts were everywhere and then a Woodchat Shrike felt obliged to show itself. And this was just day one!
Later in this wonderful tour we found orchids galore, superb Long-legged Buzzards, Red-rumped Swallows, Rock Thrush and beautiful Common Redstarts. A birding highlight was great views of Black Francolin, followed by a breakfast highlight of the freshest fruit and most unctuous yoghurt one could imagine. What a brilliant way to spend an early spring!’
April 2026
‘Cyprus this spring was green and gold due to late rains’ writes leader Pip O’Brien. ‘Swathes of Crown Daisies covered every bit of wasteland, and statuesque Giant Fennel marched round every field. The wild Gladioli added a wave of pink to the barley crops while orchids appeared on every verge.
Naked Man Orchid paraded in battalions down the hillsides while Tongue Orchids eyed us inscrutably. Lesser Whitethroats frolicked in the hedgerows and Wheatears in a range of guises tested our ID skills. Red-rumped Swallows were passing through in numbers on migration. We saw Little Owls perched on the corners of buildings and Rollers perched on wires. A Wryneck entertained us while we were eating our picnic lunch on the tip of the Panhandle. Only donkeys and Scops Owl disturbed the peace at our second hotel, along with the lapping waves on the beach.’
March 2026
‘Soon after our arrival, we were familiarising ourselves with the Greater Flamingoes, Black-winged Stilts and Pied Avocets on the saltpans adjacent to our hotel’ writes tour leader Neil Murphy. ‘The following day at El Clot de Galvany, we were treated to amazing views of White-headed Duck, Red-crested Pochard and Black-necked Grebe; we also found two Ferruginous Ducks, while a Little Bittern flew past. Later, the star species at El Hondo were Red-knobbed Coot, Marbled Duck and Purple Swamphens skulking on the reed edges.
The weather on our boat trip to the island of Tabarca was warm, sunny and still, which meant there were few migrants around but we enjoyed great views of countless Sardinian Warblers and played hide-and-seek with a Eurasian Hoopoe. Eurasian Whimbrel and Ruddy Turnstone were also added to our growing trip list.
The highlight at El Pinet was undoubtedly the huge numbers of Slender-billed Gulls but we also enjoyed Little Stint, Kentish Plover and Eurasian Thick-knee here. Next stop was Torrevieja where we had good views of the small satellite population of Iberian Magpie before heading up to the hills above Crevillent. Here we didn't have to wait long for the pair of Bonelli's Eagles to show, but to have them displaying too was a massive bonus. Other birds seen were Thekla's Lark, Alpine Swift and Red Crossbill.
For the latter part of our tour, we headed north into the hills to our farmhouse hotel just outside Biar, travelling via a ‘barranc’ (dry riverbed), where the highlights were Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush and lots of Crag Martins. A further stop at Ibi Botanic Garden added Red Squirrel and Crested Tit to our list before we arrived at our hotel, where a Firecrest sang and showed very well in the garden.
The local environs produced fantastic views of around three pairs of Firecrests, before we moved on to Barranc del Cint. Here the stars were the colony of Griffon Vultures, with birds constantly in view, soaring on the thermals as we walked through the gorge. Black Redstart, Red-billed Chough, Blue Rock Thrush and Short-toed Treecreeper also kept us entertained. For our final full day, we headed west to steppe country and quickly found one of our main targets, Great Bustard. In fact, we had a flock of 32 together with Calandra Lark and Spanish Sparrow. Nearby we soon located a rather distant Spanish Eagle which gradually drifted closer and then lunch was enjoyed in the company of Lesser Kestrels, Rock Sparrows and another 20 Great Bustards. We moved on to our final location where we were delighted to encounter 52 Pin-tailed Sandgrouse – what a great day!
Our last morning was spent exploring the hillside around the hotel, with Woodlark being the final species added to our very respectable trip list of 130, rounding off an extremely enjoyable and successful holiday.’
Highlights from three tours in March 2026, by tour leader Neil McMahon
Three consecutive winter tours to Iceland in March 2026 delivered a rich blend of dramatic landscapes, shifting weather and memorable wildlife encounters, offering guests a vivid insight into life on the edge of the Arctic.
Across all departures, the ever-changing Icelandic weather played its part – from clear, crisp days to blizzards and heavy cloud – shaping each experience in different ways. On the best nights, the skies came alive with the Northern Lights, with sustained displays of swirling green ribbons and dancing curtains, while at other times cloud cover provided a reminder of how elusive this spectacle can be.
The classic Golden Circle route showcased Iceland’s geological drama, with repeated visits to the erupting Strokkur Geyser, the powerful Gullfoss Waterfall – often partly frozen – and Thingvellir National Park, where guests walked between tectonic plates. Wildlife highlights here included Whooper Swans, Greylag Geese, Goosanders and notable concentrations of Barrow’s Goldeneye on geothermally warmed waters, alongside roadside encounters with Ptarmigan and even Merlin.
The Snaefellsnes Peninsula proved particularly rewarding. Despite challenging conditions at times, guests were treated to close views of Harbour Seals at Ytri Tunga and impressive seabird gatherings along the basalt cliffs of Arnarstapi, including Purple Sandpipers, Black Guillemots and Harlequin Ducks. Offshore, Long-tailed Ducks were a constant presence, while Snow Buntings and Icelandic Redpolls added to the winter birding interest. Scarcer species included a memorable King Eider and a fleeting Arctic Fox.
Cetaceans were a major highlight across the tours. Boat trips and coastal watches produced superb sightings of Orcas – including powerful males and close encounters with bow-riding pods – alongside Humpback Whales, Minke Whales and even the immense Fin Whale, one of the largest animals on Earth. On calmer days, these encounters were truly exceptional; on others, distant sightings from shore still added to the sense of a wild, untamed coastline.
Additional moments included a Gyrfalcon sighting, large gatherings of Glaucous and Iceland Gulls, and exploration of volcanic landscapes around, Grindavík offering a stark reminder of Iceland’s dynamic nature.
Taken together, these three tours captured Iceland in all its winter moods – a land of fire and ice where wildlife endures in harsh conditions and where each day brings a new combination of light, landscape and life.
India – Ranthambhore, Bharatpur & Chambal
February 2026
‘This northern India expedition seamlessly blended premier birding habitats, iconic Tiger landscapes, river ecosystems, and Mughal architectural heritage into one cohesive and rewarding experience’ writes tour leader Vedant Thite. ‘The journey began at Sultanpur National Park, offering excellent wetland birding with Painted Storks, Marsh Harriers, and diverse wintering waterfowl. At Ranthambore National Park, the dramatic dry forest landscape delivered strong Tiger sightings, along with notable encounters with a Leopard and a Sloth Bear – a standout big-mammal segment of the trip. Birding peaked at Keoladeo National Park, with exceptional wetland diversity including Sarus Cranes, pelicans, storks, and numerous passerines. The river safari at National Chambal Sanctuary added a distinctive riverine dimension, highlighting sandbank specialists and raptors.
A cultural interlude in Agra featured guided visits to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, providing historical depth and architectural grandeur. The expedition culminated in Corbett National Park for the post-tour extension, delivering multiple Tiger sightings – including classic riverbed and grassland encounters – alongside memorable Elephant herd observations with a dominant tusker at close range. Bird highlights across Corbett included Great Hornbill, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Crested Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Niltava, and diverse woodland flocks.
Overall, the journey successfully combined high-quality wildlife sightings – Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, and Elephants –with outstanding bird diversity and iconic cultural landmarks, resulting in a well-rounded, professionally executed, and highly satisfying experience for the guests.’
Unknown India – Tadoba & Satpura
February 2026
‘This tour was a resounding success, offering some of the most thrilling wildlife sightings across three diverse national parks: Tadoba, Pench, and Satpura and remarkable encounters featuring Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bears, and over 150 species of birds’ writes tour leader Rishin.
‘True to its reputation, Tadoba provided exceptional Tiger sightings. The group experienced incredible close encounters with these majestic creatures, observing a range of fascinating behaviours. Despite the heat, with temperatures soaring higher than in the other parks, many Tigers were spotted cooling off in their natural pools; it was a truly unique and peaceful sight. The park's birdlife was equally impressive, adding another layer of beauty to the experience.
Known for its varied landscapes, Pench delivered a completely different experience. The park treated the group to stunning views and excellent Leopard sightings, making it a highlight of the journey. The landscapes here offered a new perspective on India’s rich wildlife.
Our final destination turned out to be the group’s favourite. The rugged beauty of Satpura captivated everyone, with remarkable sightings of Tigers, Leopards, and bears. The experience was further enhanced by a boat safari, a scenic breakfast at Lagda Viewpoint, and a visit to the Jhinjhini Mahal Temple, an awe-inspiring structure standing in the middle of the forest. One of the rarest moments came when the group had the privilege of witnessing a big male Tiger from the boat, followed by an unforgettable experience of having high tea with the Tiger!
This tour offered an unparalleled combination of wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and moments of sheer wonder, making it a truly unforgettable journey for all who participated.’
The Wildlife of Satpura – Best of Central India
January 2026
‘This tour was highly successful, featuring five exciting Tiger sightings, including exclusive encounters during both jeep and boat safaris’ writes tour leader Yusuf Rizvi. ‘Guests also enjoyed rare sightings of two Leopards and three Dholes, along with multiple Sloth Bear encounters in Satpura. Birding was exceptional, with 194 species recorded throughout the trip. Memorable moments included a Tiger resting along the Denwa River during a boat safari and repeated sightings of a dominant male Tiger in Kanha. The group also observed hard ground Swamp Deer, Blackbuck, Jungle Cat, Indian Fox, and a wide variety of birdlife. With a mix of walking, jeep, and boat safaris across the beautiful landscapes of Satpura and Kanha, the tour offered a diverse and rewarding wildlife experience.’
January 2026
‘After an early arrival in Nagpur, we left the city behind and drove towards the forests of Pench National Park, watching the landscape transition from quiet farmlands to stretches of teak and grassland alive with bird calls’ writes tour leader Snehaa Sundaram. ‘Our first safaris set the tone for the days ahead – quiet anticipation, sudden alarm calls, and then the reward: a Leopard and her cub resting near a kill, Wild Dogs moving with purpose, and a magnificent male Tiger pausing along the road before melting back into the forest.
From Pench we travelled deeper into central India to the sweeping grasslands and towering sal forests of Kanha National Park. Mornings began in mist-draped meadows where Barasingha grazed in soft golden light. The forest revealed itself slowly – Jungle Cats slipping through the grass, Gaur standing watchfully near waterholes, and Tigers appearing with quiet authority, leaving behind pugmarks and silence long after they disappeared. Evenings were unhurried, filled with warm food, stories from the day, and the steady rhythm of the forest settling into night.
The journey then unfolded into the rugged hills and river valleys of Satpura National Park, where the experience became more intimate and exploratory. Crossing the Denwa River by boat each morning, we entered forests that felt raw and less travelled. Here we tracked wildlife on foot, watched Sloth Bears dig patiently for termites, saw Leopards resting among sunlit rocks, and followed the movement of a dominant male Tiger along a hillside. Boat safaris brought us close to river birds and crocodiles, while quiet walks revealed the smaller details – tracks, calls, and signs that make the forest come alive.
On the final drive towards Bhopal, we stopped at the ancient Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, where prehistoric paintings echo stories of humans and wildlife sharing these landscapes for thousands of years.
Over 11 days, the journey moved through changing habitats and moods of the forest – misty mornings, golden grasslands, river crossings, and long drives through rural India – leaving behind not just sightings but a deeper sense of connection to the wild heart of the country.’
February 2026
‘In the lush surroundings of Pench National Park, a Tigress and her two adorable three-month-old cubs are engaged in playful interactions that showcase their strong bond’ writes tour leader Yusuf Risvi. ‘The cubs, full of curiosity and energy, tumble over each other, their tiny paws batting and chasing as they explore their environment. Their soft roars and purrs fill the air, blending with the sounds of the forest. The mother Tigress watches over them with gentle vigilance, occasionally joining in the fun by nudging and playfully interacting with her cubs. Her majestic presence exudes strength and tenderness, embodying the nurturing instinct of a mother. The cubs, still learning to walk and pounce, mimic their mother’s movements, strengthening their skills for survival. This lively scene in Pench illustrates the beautiful innocence of youth and the vital bond between a mother and her cubs, highlighting the raw beauty of wildlife in its natural habitat.’
India – Tiger Direct! – A Vegetarian/Vegan Tour
February 2026
‘Our vegetarian/vegan tour was a tremendous success, delivering unforgettable wildlife moments and exceeding every guest’s expectations’ writes tour leader Omkar Shelke. ‘Our group was fortunate to encounter eight individual Tigers, three Leopards, and four different packs of Asian Wild Dogs, along with an impressive bird checklist of 130+ species. The major highlight of the tour was that every single guest enjoyed an exclusive, close Tiger sighting away from the crowds – a truly rare and privileged experience in the wild. We witnessed some extraordinary and rare moments including a Tiger bringing down a Spotted Deer, a Leopard carrying a kill up a tree and feeding, and Dholes mating and attempting to hunt Barasingha, along with several rare bird sightings.’
Naturetrek's Wildlife Festival – Kanha National Park
February 2026
‘The Festival of Wildlife tour across Tadoba, Kanha, and Pench unfolded as an incredibly rewarding journey through central India’s most dynamic forest landscapes’ says tour leader Swanand Deshpande. ‘With seamless transitions between destinations and a strong rhythm of safaris, the experience combined thrilling wildlife encounters with immersive moments in nature, keeping the group engaged throughout.
Tadoba set the pace early on with remarkable predator activity, delivering multiple Tiger sightings across different age groups alongside rare and extended Leopard encounters – particularly at a kill site. These were not just fleeting sightings but rich behavioural moments – stalking, feeding, and movement – allowing the group to truly experience the intensity of the forest.
Kanha brought a beautiful contrast, offering a more layered and atmospheric experience. From Barasingha glowing in golden light to unexpected predator encounters and quiet forest drives filled with birdlife, the park revealed itself slowly. The addition of cultural interactions and thoughtfully curated lodge experiences made this leg especially memorable.
Pench provided a fitting and energetic finale, with dynamic predator movement, engaging Wild Dog sightings, and productive wetland birding. Across the entire journey, a total of 244 species were recorded, including 205 bird species and 39 mammal species, a testament to the incredible diversity of habitats explored and the richness of central India’s wildlife.’
Our next festival tour to India will be based at the luxurious Reni Pani Jungle Lodge in Satpura National Park in February 2027. Read more here.
February 2026
‘This journey through Bhadra, Bandipur, Mudumalai, and Wayanad proved to be an extraordinary wildlife experience, highlighted by multiple Leopard sightings, including the elusive Black Panther and a rare mating pair’ writes tour leader Akarsh Suresh. ‘The forests consistently delivered thrilling encounters, from intimate moments with Wild Dogs and their pups to herds of Elephants, Gaur, and rich birdlife. The tour offered exceptional birding, featuring species such as Malabar Trogon, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, White-bellied Woodpecker, and several raptors and owls, showcasing the incredible biodiversity of the Western Ghats.
Blending scenic landscapes, peaceful forest walks, and unforgettable wildlife moments, the journey concluded as a deeply rewarding and memorable experience, leaving everyone with lasting connections to the wild.’
Rajasthan – Wildlife & History
January 2026
‘This tour offered a perfect blend of rich cultural heritage and exceptional wildlife experiences across some of India’s most iconic landscapes’ writes tour leader Harish Sharma. ‘Beginning in Delhi, the journey seamlessly combined birding, desert exploration, historic architecture, and thrilling safaris. The early part of the tour focused on birdlife and desert ecosystems, with excellent sightings at Sultanpur and Bikaner, followed by the spectacular congregation of Demoiselle Cranes at Kheechan. The highlight of the desert experience was the visit to Desert National Park, where the group was rewarded with sightings of the rare Great Indian Bustard and the standout Greater Hoopoe Lark, alongside a variety of desert-adapted species.
Cultural exploration added depth to the journey, with visits to architectural marvels including Jaisalmer Fort, Mehrangarh Fort, and the vibrant city of Jaipur, offering insight into Rajasthan’s royal heritage and craftsmanship.
The wildlife segment in Ranthambhore National Park was particularly rewarding, with multiple sightings of Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bears, and even a rare Striped Hyena, providing thrilling and memorable safari experiences.
The tour concluded with outstanding birding at Bharatpur, known for its incredible avian diversity, before culminating in visits to Fatehpur Sikri and the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra.
Overall, the tour delivered a well-rounded and immersive experience – combining remarkable wildlife sightings, exceptional birding, and unforgettable cultural landmarks – making it a truly enriching and memorable journey for all participants.’
