Page Article 

3  Frolicking with Falcons and Playing 

with Puffins in the UK 

4  Adventures with The Torridon 

Outdoors Team 

5  Wildlife from the Inside Out 

6  Exploring England’s Green Belt 

7  The Royal Wildlife of London 

8  Experiencing Wildlife in Nepal 

9  Helping Sustain Our Planet's Most 

Precious Wildlife Habitats 

10  Junior Rangers in Sri Lanka 

11  Wildlife on the Yucatán Peninsula 

12  Beyond the Big Five and the Great 

Migration 

13  Meeting the Island Wildlife 

14  Wildlife Down Under 

 

 

 

 

 

African lion. Photo credit Charles Williams 

  

Experiencing Wild Kingdom Treasures Around The World 

Dear Friends, 

 

I am a self-professed animal lover … my fur babies are my children. So, it was with great interest and                                       

pleasure that I read through this month’s wildlife updates from Rebecca Recommends clients around the                             

world. There is still so much left for me to discover in the animal kingdom, from the garden habitats of                                       

the UK to the wilds of Africa.  

 

A few of my most treasured wildlife encounters:  

 

● Seeing tigers, my favorite animal, up close in Ranthambhore, India, including a kill - a truly unique                                 

experience 

● Bird spotting in the Yucatan with Catherwood Travels, as well as in the UK and in Kenya and                                   

Tanzania  

● Falconry experiences at Aldourie Castle in Scotland 

● Glimpsing the endangered one-horned rhino and a baby in Chitwan National Park, where they do an                               

excellent job of eradicating poaching 

 

As fortunate as I have been to have had these life-changing moments, there are still countless creatures                                 

I’d love to see. I hope to one day see a leopard in Sri Lanka, as well as wolves, polar bears, orangutans,                                           

pandas and gorillas in their natural habitats.  

 

   

August, 2019

 

What do you and your own clients most hope to see in the wild? Read this roundup of wildlife                                     

encounters from our clients - incredible ways to experience the innocent creatures who roam the far                               

corners of our planet. And please, do share with us your favorite wildlife memories.  

 

Fondly,  

   

 

A One Horned Rhino in Chitwan National Park 

Dwarika’s Resort & Dwarika’s Hotel: Experiencing Wildlife in Nepal  

  

Although a pint-sized nation occupying just 0.03% of the total land area of the world, Nepal has much to                                     

offer. Its territorial deficiency is generously compensated by a natural wealth dispersed across the large                             

swathes of land. With a wide range of elevation cramped up within its borders, the lowest being 60                                   

meters from sea level and the highest being 8,848 meters from sea level, Nepal offers drastically                               

different topography and hence, varied biodiversity within its limited territory. In fact, this small                           

country has all of the “Big Five” — lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo (if you swap tigers for                                     

lions!) and is among the handful of countries that are home to the great one-horned Rhinos and the                                   

Bengal Tigers.   

 

Adding to the magnetism of Nepal as a wildlife tourist destination, the Dwarika’s Resort, Dhulikhel                             

offers a unique experience to enjoy the luxury of nature. The resort itself is a sanctuary for more than                                     

80 species of birds. Furthermore, the Dwarika’s Group contributes to the preservation of the habitat for                               

the wildlife in Nepal by ensuring that for every tree chopped within its premises, ten trees are planted                                   

within Nepal.  

  

 

Explore Satpura National Park with Ventours. Photo credit Shabha Chadda 

 

Ventours: Helping Sustain Our Planet’s Most Precious Wildlife Habitats  

For your conservation-minded clients, Ventours can arrange a stay at the small wildlife-focused Forsyth                           

Lodge, set on 44 acres of reclaimed jungle on the edge of the Satpura Tiger Reserve and within Satpura                                     

National Park. This unique eco-system teems with fauna, from spotted deer to sloth bears, leopards to                               

tigers. Ventours can also arrange tiger safaris in nearby Bandhavgarh, Kanha and Pench national parks.                             

Seeking the elusive Bengal tiger? Ask about stays at Limban Resort near Tadoba National Park and                               

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, aptly called “Land of the Tigers.” Twice-daily gypsy safaris set off at                               

sunrise and sunset in search of these majestic predators. For more information on these lodges and                               

others, email us and we’ll put you in touch with our friends at Ventours.   

 

Bringing wildlife to the forefront for kids young and old 

 

Resplendent Ceylon: Junior Rangers in Sri Lanka 

 

What kid doesn’t want to see an elephant or bear in the wild? Wild Coast Tented Lodge’s kids’ program                                     

brings wildlife up close for the little ones at Yala National Park. The Lodge’s Junior Explorer Series is a                                     

collection of experiences to introduce the magic of Sri Lanka’s remarkable nature and wildlife to the                               

curious minds of young visitors. The program is led by the Lodge’s young and dynamic rangers, who are                                   

passionate about educating, guiding and leading children through fun, informative and interactive                       

experiences. The team can tailor experiences based on how long a family is staying at the Lodge.  

 

At all three Resplendent Ceylon properties, guided experiences connect guests with Sri Lanka’s wildlife,                           

headlined by leopards, elephants, whales and bears, as well as a fascinating collection of birds and                               

smaller critters, habitats and ecologies. Enjoying an unfenced border with Yala National Park –                           

world-acclaimed for its leopard sightings – Wild Coast Tented Lodge adopts a holistic approach to                             

wildlife to deliver both an immersive and stylish safari experience. Ceylon Tea Trails supports the                             

research and conservation of a threatened leopard population in the forests surrounding the resort and                             

offers visits to the Research Station. And a Cape Weligama, there are half-day, guided ocean safaris to                                 

glimpse blue and sperm whales, as well as visits to the Elephant Transit Home, a rehab center for                                   

orphaned elephant calves who will be reintroduced into the wild.  

 

 

Pink flamingo along the Yucatán coast 

Catherwood Travels: Wildlife on the Yucatán Peninsula 

 

The Yucatán Peninsula is globally known for its beach resorts in Cancun and along the Mayan Riviera,                                 

however, few nature lovers know that just a short road trip away, there are also incredible                               

opportunities for observing wildlife. For bird-watchers, the Yucatán is without a doubt a treasure chest                             

as the territory is located along the central migratory flyway. Between November and February,                           

hundreds of thousands of birds migrate here from northern climates. The region’s proximity to the                             

Caribbean Sea also means it hosts other island species not seen anywhere else in Mexico.  

 

Around a quarter of the mammal species that exist in Mexico wander through the Yucatán Peninsula. If                                 

lucky, you may be able to observe jaguars, spider and howler monkeys, tapirs, ocelots and pumas hiking                                 

around the forests and the ruins of Mayan cities. Look for crocodiles hiding within the mangroves and                                 

large colonies of pink flamingos thriving at the Yucatán shores. The Great Maya Barrier Reef is home to                                   

a remarkable variety of colorful marine species, such as marine turtles, the redband parrotfish, whale                             

sharks and the butterflyfish. Although these incredible species can be found around and about the                             

Peninsula, the best places to spot them are the biosphere reserves of Ria Celestún, Sian Ka’an, Ria                                 

Lagartos, Punta Laguna, Holbox and Calakmul. Come and experience this vast and wonderful wilderness                           

destination. 

 

   

 

A zeal of Zebra seen while on safari with Africa House Safaris. Photo credit Anne Cusic 

Africa House Safaris: Beyond the Big Five and the Great Migration 

 

For first-time visitors to East Africa, the Big Five – Africa’s classic line-up of lion, leopard, rhinoceros,                                 

elephant and buffalo – can be high on the wildlife-spotting agenda. So, too, are the Great Migration                                 

crossings, when colossal herds of wildebeest make their perilous journey in search of fresh pastures.                             

While these spectacles are understandably highly sought after, East Africa has so much more to show                               

wildlife lovers. From a dazzle of zebras to a flamboyance of flamingos (brilliantly and aptly the genuine                                 

collective nouns for these animals!), an endlessly colorful and diverse abundance of life awaits. There                             

are majestic mountain gorillas, graceful giraffes and countless other wild and wonderful creatures to                           

discover. Choosing the right local travel operators unlocks this world and extends your experience                           

beyond the headline acts to the hidden gems. With true local expertise and a personal touch, this is                                   

where Africa House Safaris can take you. They design and lead safaris that immerse and inspire,                               

showcasing the continent’s wildlife in all its glory. And you might just find that it’s in the quiet spots,                                     

lesser-known places and unexpected moments that the real magic of Africa unfolds.  

   

 

Explore the water’s wildlife while staying at Curtain Bluff 

Curtain Bluff: Meeting the Island Wildlife 

 

At Curtain Bluff, the friendly staff makes every effort to introduce guests to the local Antiguan wildlife.                                 

The resort’s youngest guests are invited to “adopt” one of the tortoises, iguanas or parrots that live at                                   

the famously fun Ceebee Kids Club right on the beach. Snorkelers of all ages can explore the calm                                   

waters off Bay Beach or join the twice-daily trips out to Cades Reef, teeming with fish in all colors of                                       

the paint palette. Scuba divers, led by PADI-certified instructors, meet the full range of Caribbean                             

marine life on varied dive sites just a few minutes’ boat ride from the dock. When out sailing, SUPing or                                       

kayaking, it’s not unusual to see a turtle sunbathing on the surface. And when walking the lanes of the                                     

garden-like property, one can’t help but glimpse darting geckos, land crabs and wing-blurred                         

hummingbirds. At sunset, the evening air grows loud with the chorus of the tree frogs. All activities are                                   

complimentary (part of Curtain Bluff’s famous everything-included room rates), and seasonal specials in                         

the summer and fall include an additional 20-percent savings. 

 

Animal encounters abound when arranged by Southern Crossings. Photo credit Exceptional Kangaroo Island 

 

Southern Crossings - Wildlife Down Under 

 

The trees and seas across and surrounding Australia and New Zealand are home to an incredible                               

diversity of wildlife. From the cute and cuddly to the shy and scaly, winged and webbed, feathered and                                   

furry, there is an animal encounter waiting to amaze and inspire.   

 

High on most visitors to Australia’s “must-sees” are some of the nation’s cute and cuddly natives – the                                   

koala and kangaroo perhaps at the top of this list. Southern Crossings can show your clients the secret                                   

places to spot a koala, see a “roo” or two, arrange for swimming with whale sharks on the Ningaloo                                     

Coast, visit the curious quokkas of Rottnest Island and walk with wombats in the Wolgan Valley’s                               

wildlife conservancy. On Kangaroo Island - often referred to as Australia’s Galapagos, visit with sea                             

lions, echidnas and kangaroos.  

 

It won’t come as a surprise to visitors to New Zealand that this nation, renowned the world over for its                                       

breathtaking wild nature, is also home to a collection of awe-inspiring wildlife encounters – from the                               

Bay of Islands to Stewart Island. Monitor the shy and notoriously hard-to-find Kiwi chicks at Cape                               

Kidnappers, swim with seals in Kaikoura and walk alongside Fiordland Crested Penguins. Combine this                           

exclusive encounter with a scenic flight over Milford Sound or a glacier heli-hike for the perfect                               

Queenstown day out.   

 

Having barely scratched the surface of New Zealand’s and Australia’s wildlife encounters, please get in                             

touch and we’ll connect you with the incredibly knowledgeable experts at Southern Crossings, who can                             

direct you to the region’s best luxury lodges and animal experiences.   

 

 

Falconry fun in Dartmoor presented by Original Travel UK 

Original Travel UK: Frolicking with Falcons and Playing with Puffins in the UK  

 

From falconry fun in Dartmoor to seal spotting in Norfolk, our friends at Original Travel UK have their                                   

eye on the best wildlife opportunities in their special region of the world. With an expert falconer by                                   

your side in Dartmoor National Park, learn about the lives of some of the most captivating birds of prey,                                     

from the haunting beauty of the barn owl, to the intriguing elegance of the hawk, to the extraordinary                                   

intelligence of the falcon.  

 

In off-the-beaten-path Norfolk, and the picturesque town of Blakeney, visit with the plentiful grey seals                             

- you’ll get such a kick out of the sight of basking seals on the beach, pups rolling down the dunes and                                           

the adults staring inquisitively back at you. In the Scottish Highlands, fish on some of the best lochs and                                     

rivers in the world, with an expert ghillie showing the ropes.  

 

Along the exquisite Hebridean coastline of Scotland, search for whales and dolphins, porpoises and                           

basking sharks as you follow the coastal trail. Visit in the spring for the excitement of the returning                                   

traveling whales, or perhaps in the drama of deep winter for a glance at the resident harbor porpoises,                                   

bottlenose dolphins or killer whales. And, in Wales, you can venture to the islands off the coast to find                                     

hundreds of puffins busily feeding their hungry chicks. With their colorful beaks and painted eyes,                             

visitors can watch them for hours, endlessly amused by their awkward antics and boundless charm. 

 

Keep a look out at The Torridon for the European Pine Marten. Photo credit Steve Carter 

 

 

The Torridon: Adventures with The Torridon Outdoors Team 

 

The Torridon sits on the edge of Loch Torridon with Beinn Alligin — the mountain of beauty — beyond.                                     

With the rugged Scottish Highlands on its doorstep, guests are intrinsically drawn to the nature outside.                               

But there’s more than great views to enjoy. On walks in the area, the Torridon Outdoors team regularly                                   

spots deer and pine martens, as well as seals and otters along the shore. Birdwatchers are also spoiled                                   

for choice with the diversity of birdlife in the area and if you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of a                                         

white-tailed eagle. 

  

Other options in the area for alfresco adventures include whale-watching cruises; the Scottish National                           

Trust property, Interewe Gardens; and the stunning Attadale Gardens, home to 20 acres of old                             

rhododendrons, woodland walks and exotically planted water gardens.  

   

 

Deer abound in the Scottish Highlands 

Aldourie Castle Estate: Wildlife from the Inside Out  

 

Wildlife is everywhere at Aldourie Castle, a unique Scottish Highlands property available only for private                             

hire. Starting inside, in their wildlife-themed bathroom, decorated with artist depictions of the animal                           

life around the estate, guests get a sneak peek of the critters they may meet. Outside, they’re closer                                   

than ever to Scottish wildlife, from the walled kitchen garden abundant in insects busying themselves                             

from flower to flower, to the arboretum, a sanctuary for birds and red squirrels, to striding through long                                   

grass across wide, open parkland to see rabbits and deer in their private habitats. 

 

Take a woodland walk and follow the line of flight of a bird of prey soaring high above the tall trees.                                         

During a private stay on the shores of Loch Ness, sight some more unusual wildlife, such as the cuckoo                                     

or the pine marten. Roe deer are such gentle, beautiful creatures who bring calm and instant joy to the                                     

watcher. Through Aldourie’s commitment to conservation, the estate encourages wildlife to thrive on                         

this property for generations to come. 

 

   

 

Something you might see flying overhead the organic gardens at Middlethorpe Hall 

 

Middlethorpe Hall: Exploring England’s Green Belt 

 

Middlethorpe Hall & Spa is secluded in 20 acres of private gardens and parkland, just a few minutes                                   

from York City center. It is located in the “green belt” surrounding the City of York and close to the                                       

river Ouse. The Hall is also between three national parks: The North York Moors, The Yorkshire Dales                                 

and The Yorkshire Wolds.  

 

At the Hall itself, the lush organic gardens have been restored to their former glory over the past 40                                     

years by a team of gardeners and volunteers which takes pride in chemical avoidance and planting                               

insect-friendly plants and flowers. Many “insect hotels” can be found around the walled garden and old                               

logs are left in the parkland to provide habitat for insects to hibernate over the winter months. 

  

In the parkland, three beehives have been installed together with a barn owl box. A recent study of the                                     

lake water by the National Trust has also shown a wide range of fish and amphibians living there. Guests                                     

can often see a family of deer playing on the South Lawn early in the morning; they come close to the                                         

Hall in winter when the river is high and the fields barren. Want a closer peek? Check out                                   

Middlethorpe’s “wildcam,” situated in the parkland: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mgCxZYhG4yg for            deer and https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=yV96lX_QhG0 for fox.  

 

   

 

 

Explore London’s fabulous royal parks while treated like family at The Goring 

The Goring: The Royal Wildlife of London 

 

A five-star stay at The Goring not only means luxuriating in the finest accommodation in London, but it                                   

also presents an opportunity to enjoy and explore the city’s beautiful royal parks. These vast green                               

spaces are home to diverse range of flora and fauna and an incredible array of wildlife. Amongst other                                   

species, Hyde Park is home to songbirds, squirrels and stunning butterflies, which feed off native                             

wildflowers in the meadow. Walk to St James Park and you’ll likely meet six friendly pelicans. First                                 

introduced to the park in 1664 as a gift from the Russian Ambassador, the individually named pelicans                                 

rarely stray far from the lake, where they love to catch fish. If you venture farther afield to Regents                                     

Park, every type of species imaginable can be found at London Zoo. 

  

Back at The Goring, the hotel has its very own beautiful private garden, which has recently undergone a                                   

complete redesign led by Jekka McVicar, the leading herb expert and RHS Vice President. More than one                                 

hundred different herbs have been planted in the garden, which are incorporated into both dishes and                               

cocktails in Siren and The Goring Bar. The Goring Garden is quite simply a slice of heaven in the center                                       

of London.