 |
News |
 |
|
New DevelopmentsHere is a collection of the latest news and developments about the company and the wildlife holidays we arrange. Don’t forget to also check our Special Offers page for all our latest deals. 2009: CELEBRATING REEF AND RAINFOREST’S 20TH ANNIVERSARYHaving started in 1989, this year marks Reef and Rainforest’s twentieth anniversary. The company has grown organically from a one-man band working out of a second floor flat in west London to our current seven staff occupying modern offices by the River Dart in Totnes, part of Devon’s lovely South Hams.
Since 1989 we have witnessed a great many changes within the industry, including the broadening of ATOL licence requirements, the increase in popularity of natural history travel, and the advent of the internet. During that time, we pioneered sustainable wildlife travel to top destinations such as Belize (our first), Costa Rica, Galapagos, Venezuela, Madagascar, Panama and Brazil, keeping our core values throughout: we favour low impact, stimulating programmes which assist host communities and help preserve wildlife and wilderness by offering a viable alternative to clear felling, hunting and agro-business monocultures. OUR NEW RECESSION-BUSTING “BARE NECESSITIES” TOURS
NORTHERN TANZANIA AND THE WILDEBEEST MIGRATION COSTA RICA - BY SELF DRIVE 4X4 ECUADOR AND THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS GUYANA AND TOBAGO NEW SELECTION OF WILDLIFE CRUISES
Reef and Rainforest is proud to present an unparalleled new range of first-rate wildlife cruises on carefully selected small ships and expedition vessels to some of the world’s best natural history destinations. The emphasis is on wildlife, both above and below water, but culture too is a strong draw, especially for countries like Papua New Guinea. None of our ships has more than 150 passengers, and many a good deal fewer, so that pristine natural locations won't be swamped. On most of our cruises, biologists, conservationists and other specialists act as your guides, better to reveal the hidden mysteries of the natural world. Zodiacs or similar are normally used to access smaller landing spots from the mother ship, anchored offshore. Whatever your tastes and interests, we are sure to have a cruise to suit. Please click for full details.
WHICH? MAGAZINE RECOMMENDS REEF AND RAINFOREST
Reef and Rainforest Tours fits all these criteria, and was one of only nine UK-based tour operators recommended by Which? in the article. Our twenty years of specialist operations have taught us the fundamentals for a successful wildlife holiday – from jaguar watching in Brazil’s Pantanal to viewing herds of wild elephant in Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park, we know where to send you to see the animals you desire. And in doing so, we and you help preserve their habitats by showing the land owners and national governments that there is good reason to keep their wilderness intact. See the article. “SOCCER AND SAFARI” FEVER IN SOUTH AFRICA
Reef and Rainforest Tours is delighted to add ever-popular South Africa to our remarkable repertoire of dream destinations. With its diverse natural attractions, the Rainbow Nation works equally well as a stand-alone wildlife destination or in a dream combination with that very different biodiversity paradise, Madagascar. Our first-hand experience and efficient in-country partners are sure to make South Africa a successful choice with our clients, either on its own or with the Big Red Island. Additionally, the FIFA World Cup in South Africa will take place between 11 June and 11 July, 2010, at 10 venues in nine host cities, most within easy access of the country’s fantastic game and marine reserves – the best lodges and resorts are already filling fast.
In anticipation of the rare opportunity to combine ‘soccer and safari’, we obtained allocations at various lodges during this period of high demand and incorporated these into several set departure tour packages which fit around match dates, organised on a private basis (not groups). Details will be added to our website as soon as possible – meanwhile, please do not hesitate to enquire for details. Tailor-made tour itineraries too may be possible at this time but will be heavily subject to the scant availability. We would be delighted to assist in any way we can to fulfil your requirements during the World Cup or any other time you might wish to travel to South Africa. For those who are not fans of the ‘beautiful game’ it is worth considering a visit to South Africa before the focus of the world is upon that beautiful country. With tantalising temptations such as reliable whale-watching, penguins, world-class scuba diving and safari experiences, superb lodges, a fascinating history and a heady mix of cultures - plus the Rand’s favourable exchange rate - South Africa offers exceptional value and quality of experience. Our Southern Africa consultant, Helen Cox, has recently returned from a highly enjoyable recce trip to South Africa (she is also our main expert on Madagascar should that combination appeal). Our tailor-made tours in South Africa can be designed as fly-in, chauffeur driven or self-drive safaris depending on your interests and budget. Helen shall be delighted to discuss the many enticing options with you. NB: The South Africa section of our website is currently under construction. We should be delighted and able to assist with your enquiries in the meantime. PURRRELY PANTANAL
BUY YOUR NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS WITH US
SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY GALAPAGOS FUNDRAISING CRUISE WITH DARWIN’S GREAT, GREAT GRANDSON RANDAL KEYNES2009 marks the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth: it is also 150 years since the publication of "The Origin of Species" and the 50th anniversary of the founding of both the Galapagos National Park and the Charles Darwin Foundation.
EXTRAORDINARY TRAVEL INSURANCE NOW AVAILABLEWe at Reef and Rainforest believe that your safety and enjoyment when travelling overseas with us is very important: so much so that we make it a strict condition of your booking that you take out adequate travel insurance to protect you in the case of certain emergencies including losses, delays, crimes, repatriation and medical expenses. Belize Lodge’s Big Cat ‘Grand Slam’
LAPA RIOS LODGE FINDS TAPIRS The Tapir, Central America´s largest terrestrial mammal, is not the kind of mammal you would think could easily escape attention. However, this elusive creature has been avoiding guests and guides at Costa Rica’s Lapa Rios Lodge for a long time. In the lodge’s 1000-acre private reserve in the Osa Peninsula, footprint are now seen on a daily basis. Recently the maintenance crew had to check the natural spring which supplies the lodge with clean and healthy water. The next morning there were fresh footprints, so fresh they looked like the animal must be just a little ahead in the creek. They all walked slowly and quietly, trying to catch site of this 600 pound elusive animal. They saw a big depression in the mud where it had lain and suddenly they heard a loud noise and felt the earth begin to vibrate. It was a tapir. As it ran up the stream amongst the dense vegetation, it disappeared once again. The luxury lodge is visited as part of our Costa Rica Nature De Luxe itinerary and can be added to any of our tailor-made Costa Rica tours. Metropolitan Touring Ecuador sponsors Tortoise Club for Schools.Metropolitan Touring of Ecuador, the owners of one of our favourite Galapagos family cruise boats, M/Y Eclipse, is sponsoring an inspiring educational project of the Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT), based in the UK, called the Tortoise Club for Schools. The Last Survivors – Gir’s Asiatic Lions
Since then the expanding human population, advent of gunpowder and ‘sport’ hunting thoughout the British Empire led to a comprehensive extermination of lions apart from those in Africa and a small area in Gujarat, India now known as Gir Forest National Park where a current total of 359 Asiatic Lions cling to existance. Although the number of Asiatic Lions has recovered from around 100 at the turn of 1900s, they are still critically endangered. Having largely resisted offers of resettlement, Maldhari people still inhabit the Gir protected area, and although they are vegetarian pastoralists, the habitat destruction caused by cattle grazing and firewood collection has the effect of reducing the lion’s prey numbers (animals such as sambar deer, chital, nilgai, chinkara and wild boar). This environmental pressure is exacerbated further by the attraction of more than 80,000 pilgrims annually to four temples within the protected area. The reduced availablity of natural food encourages lions to hunt domestic animals, and attacks on humans are also known in times of particular hardship such as during drought. This has led to lions being poisoned by people in an attempt to protect their livestock and themselves. Their restricted range means the Asiatic Lions are particularly vulnerable to disease, natural- and man-made disasters – a major event could eliminate the whole subspecies. The protected area, currently standing at 1,412 km² (558 square miles), has little chance of being extended due to the human habitation around the periphery. The increasingly dense lion population and heavy competition for territory means some males are unable to secure a territory and breed. Young male lions, seeking new territory often stray out of the protected area where there is less competition – leading to unwelcome human-lion interaction. Attempts are being made to find a suitable area to translocate some Asiatic Lions from Gir to another area to form a second population. This is seen as the key long term goal to aid population stability, allowing the otherwise non-breeding males to contribute to the genetic diversity of the subspecies making them less vulnerable to catastrophic events. Other threats include 15,000 to 20,000 open wells used by farmers for irrigation which act as traps in which lions drown. Projects are underway to erect walls around the wells to help prevent this. Poaching by local and foreign trophy hunters also continues on a smaller scale than in the past. Efforts to conserve the lion population by the Gujarat Forestry Department include:
A crucial factor is that the existence of a healthy population of lions must be of value to local people. The lions must be seen to benefit the community economically, as well as being a source of local and national pride (pardon the pun). Sensitive tourism initiatives are being developed involving- and giving financial benefits directly to Maldhari people without impacting too greatly on their culture or causing too much environmental disturbance. Guided jeep safaris are now available in a part of the protected area known as the Interpretation Zone, giving visitors an excellent chance to view the lions as well as the myriad other species present in the area such as leopard, hyena, jackal, wild boar, sambar deer, chital, nilgai, chinkara, chousingha (the world’s only four-horned antelope), langur monkey, marsh crocodile and around 300 species of bird. The best currently available accommodation is in air conditioned safari-tents at the Lion Safari Camp near Sasan, with good views over a river frequented by various birdlife. Tourism is in its infancy in Gir and the vehicles and guiding not yet at the highest standard, but the feelings evoked by the emotive rumbling roar of the fearsome yet so vulnerable Asiatic Lion is well worth it, as is knowing one is contributing to the longevity of the last few survivors of this subspecies through ones financial contribution and very presence, allowing local people to realise the internationally-recognised worth of the lions and their own valuable role in keeping them alive. Gir is accessed by a 4-hour drive from Rajkot airport. Best time to visit October-February. Consultant Helen Cox visited Gir in December 2008 should you wish to discuss the incorporation of this reserve into a tailor-made tour to India it also forms part of our India's Rhinos, Lions and Coral Islands itinerary. SRI LANKA BIRDING AND WILDLIFE NEWSELEPHANTS ON THE MOVE - Several reports have come in recently of over a hundred elephants gathering at the shores of the lake in Minneriya National Park. Because the rains of the last North-east Monsoon failed, it appears that The Gathering of Elephants is underway much earlier this year. CETACEANS GALORE - Sri Lanka has now completed its first fully fledged whale watching season. The data confirms that the south of Sri Lanka is the most reliable place in the world in which to see blue whales, Earth’s largest living thing, during the season. In 108 sailings between 08 October 2008 and 13 April 2009, blue whales were encountered 71 per cent of the time. The strike rate was higher during the December to April period, especially January to April. During March and April sightings were almost daily. Total cetacean species recorded during the season included - Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus), Spinner Dolphin (Stenella longirostris), Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus), Bryde’s Whale (Balaenoptera edeni), Risso’s Dolphin (Grampus griseus), Killer Whale (Orcinus orca), False Killer Whale (Pseudorca crassidens), Short-finned Pilot Whale (Globicephala macrorhyncus), Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), Fraser’s Dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei), Pantropical Spotted Dolphin (Stenella attenuata), Rough-toothed Dolphin (Steno bredanensis) and Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba). With the military defeat of the LTTE (Tamil Tigers), whale watching opportunities will arise on the East coast, especially in the area around Trincomalee which was once famous for blue whales. YALA NATIONAL PARK – Many sighting of leopard, sloth bear and jungle cat have been reported at Yala National Park recently (Yala is the best place in South Asia for leopard). Bird species seen lately at Bundala National Park, a wetlands near Yala, include painted and open-billed storks, spoonbills, water hens, kingfishers, herons and egrets, ducks, plovers, lapwings, pheasant tailed jacanas, curlew, white winged terns, pratincole, grey headed fish eagle, yellow and black bitterns. STOP PRESS: Yala, the best location in Sri Lanka for wildlife viewing, has been the subject of a Foreign Office travel advisory for over a year, but has now been taken off their list and so, according to the FCO, is safe again to visit. Please call Alan Godwin on 01803 866965 to arrange your bespoke Sri Lanka tour. OVER 100 JAGUARS IN 2007 AND 2008Lucky Reef and Rainforest clients have been privileged to spot more than 100 jaguars during 2007 and 2008. The vast majority of these sightings were in the northern Pantanal of Brazil, probably the best place in the New World for finding the world’s third largest cat. From their base on the Three Brothers River, a part-safari tent, part-houseboat temporary camp within the Meeting of the Rivers State Park, our clients ventured out along various arteries of the area’s extensive river system in search of the elusive felines. Our director, Alan Godwin, saw two individuals during a three-night stay in August, 2008 (one for over half an hour – see pic) which was an excellent result considering some researchers see no more than that during many years immersed in jaguar habitat. Join us in 2009 on one of our group or tailored tours so that you too can have the chance to experience the rare thrill of coming face to face with the undisputed King of the Pantanal. Kingdom of the Jaguar Tailor-Made Tour TOURISM TO HELP SAVE PERU’S RAINFOREST
In December 2008, the government of Peru announced a wide-ranging plan to reach zero deforestation within 10 years with financial help from Western countries. In an ambitious package of measures to save 54 million hectares which includes sustainable forestry and provision of land for indigenous communities, 5 million hectares is projected to be saved by “eco-tourism”, meaning wildlife tourism. This further served to illustrate our core belief: that our kind of tourism contributes meaningfully to conservation - Preservation Through Visitation.
CHAA CREEK GETS EVEN BETTERFrom the first time our director, Alan Godwin, visited twenty years ago, the lodge at Chaa Creek has been constantly improving, so that now it’s considered one of the top three lodges in Belize. Our old friends Mick and Lucy Fleming, the owners, recently paid a visit to Totnes to apprise us of the latest developments. They have upgraded many of the cottages, reintroduced black howler monkeys to the private forest reserve, make most of their furniture in their own workshop using reclaimed wood, expanded their organic kitchen garden (which supplies the excellent restaurant) and built a stunning new swimming pool. So now there are even more ways to enjoy the lodge, which also offers spa treatments, horse riding, mountain biking, canoeing, nature walks, a butterfly enclosure and natural history museum. Chaa Creek has also won a clutch of travel awards during 2008, including Trip Advisor’s Top Ten International Eco-Escapes. Should you be interested in including Chaa Creek in a tailor-made Belize itinerary, please call Claire on 01803 866965. |
“I must reiterate how good this holiday was. Alan Godwin provided the perfect itinerary for us. Our guide ensured everything was seamless; both he and our driver were pleasant to be with and were acutely aware of likes/wishes in what we wanted to see. There was never any rush. Tsarabanjina was perfect…[Your representatives] were excellent.” Mr J H - West Sussex
|
||
Usually Reef and Rainforest’s tours come with most things included: international flights, nearly all meals, plenty of activities and excursions, and many days’ guide services. However, we realise that some of our clients like to book their own international flights and don’t necessarily wish to do all the included tours and excursions or eat three meals a day.
Building on the success of our Kingdom of the Jaguar tailor-made tour and Quest for the Jaguar group which have revealed over 100 jaguars to Reef and Rainforest clients over the last two years, we are now giving clients the option of removing the rainforest section of these trip to focus entirely on the Pantanal region of Brazil. Clients can opt for a shortened tour or, more commonly, add the Southern Pantanal lodge of Barranco Alto to see species that are hard to see in the north such as giant anteaters, peccaries, rheas and toco toucans. Speak to one of our specialist consultants to design the perfect tailor-made tour itinerary or see our new 
This, the ONLY official fundraising cruise for the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) and the Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT) in 2009, sets sail on October 24th 2009. It is personally hosted by Randal Keynes who is actively involved in the conservation of the Galapagos. 
When one imagines lions, it tends to conjour images of the vast African plains. As such, it may be a surprise to learn that until around 10,000 years ago, the lion was the world’s most widespread large land mammal beside humans, ranging not only through most of Africa but also from Yukon to Peru in the Americas, and Greece to India in Eurasia (lions even roamed Britain c 13000 years ago). 
STOP PRESS – All the above-mentioned sightings were during our summer months, notably August and September, when the Pantanal is dry and hot. However, we have just received a report of a Brazilian TV film crew who, over a span of 8 days during February 2008 when the Pantanal is in flood, saw a total of 17 jaguars in the same area as our lodge. This indicates that sightings are equally as prolific, if not more so, than the dry season, perhaps because the cats congregate on certain scarce dry patches. So it seems that jaguars can be observed practically all year round.
