New Mongolian snow leopard trip launched

Responsible travel company Natural Habitat has launched a brand new, and exclusive, wildlife trip with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Intrepid independent travellers can now book an incredible expedition to seek the elusive snow leopard in Mongolia.

Mongolian horse men (c) Mark Johnstad‘In Search of the Snow Leopard’ will depart twice this August (2013) for two weeks of trekking and camping in Mongolia. Each trip is led by highly experienced and knowledgeable WWF scientists as travellers track the beautiful, and sadly highly endangered, snow leopard in the remote Yamaat Valley in Mongolia’s Altai Mountains. Natural Habitat Expeditions (part of Natural Habitat Adventures) is the only company offering a wildlife-focused expedition to both the Yamaat Valley and Jargalant Hairhan – two different ecosystems that are both key snow leopard habitats, each of which is exceptionally remote and rarely visited.

What’s involved:

Several days will involve 4-8hrs of tough trekking across mountainous terrain at altitude – therefore, NHE recommend this expedition for those with a good level of fitness (some prior experience of similar trips may also help). Groups will remain small (around 10) to ensure a comfortable experience with minimised impact on the local environment.

The expedition journeys across several of Mongolia’s national parks and protected areas where the group will be able to observe more incredible wildlife including huge flocks of migratory birds and wild Takhi horses. On the trip, trekkers can also meet the traditional nomadic herders who are community partners with the Snow Leopard Trust, WWF’s conservation partner in the region, and learn firsthand about their lifestyle and customs and how they live in harmony with the snow leopard.Yurt accommodation (c) Jan Wigsten

Accommodation: Groups stay in relatively luxurious camps with two people in each traditional Mongolian yurt. A privacy tent and hot-water mobile camp showers will also be on camp.

Recommended for… Those with a thirst for real, expedition-style adventure, and a love of wildlife

Be aware that… They really do mean it when they recommend this for those in good physical condition only!

‘Good’ credentials:

  • Partnered with and led by WWF to ensure conservation and sensitivity to the local environment, wildlife and community are at the forefront of the trip
  • Parent company, Natural Habitat Adventures, is the world’s first 100% carbon-neutral travel company
  • Guaranteed small groups ensure minimal impact on the local environment

 

For more information, including departure dates, intinieries and prices, visit www.nathab.com/expeditions

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Natural Habitat Adventures named world’s best outfitter

US magazine ‘Outside‘ has named wildlife tour specialists Natural Habitat Adventures the ‘World’s Best Outfitter’ in its annual travel awards.

Polar Bears (c) Natural Habitat AdventuresNatural Habitat Adventures (NHA) has been a leader in responsible tourism since 1984, organising world-class tours to some of the most adventurous and wildlife-rich places on earth. Whether it be small-group tours to the Galapogas, trips to view polar bears in Churchill, or secluded safaris in Botswana, NHA ensure their tours are sensitive to the local wildlife and environment (they’re also the world’s first 100% carbon neutral travel company!).

We’re impressed with their partnership with WWF – by sharing the same conservation and education values, the charity’s support ensures that NHA continues to offer the best holidays for tourists while respecting the local wildlife.

On awarding the accolade, Outside magazine explained, “Natural Habitat Adventures rose above the rest…Much of the world’s wildlife is going the way of the brontosaurus, and NHA is making valiant efforts to do something about it: it’s the official travel partner of the World Wildlife Fund, and since 2003 it has donated more than $1.4 million to the non-profit. In 2006, NHA started paying to offset its trips’ carbon emissions.”Wildlife tours (c) Natural Habitat Adventures

Reacting to the win, Ben Bressler, Founder and President of NHA, said, “I am so proud of this award! It means we have been successful in our mission: to share the wild wonders of our planet with travellers who are as passionate about nature as we are, and to do it in the very best way possible — in small groups, led by the world’s best naturalist expedition leaders, in a low-impact manner that helps to protect the planet we all care so much about.

“I believe deeply in the value of travel. And when people travel to see wildlife — whether it’s the polar bears of Churchill, the whales of Baja or India’s threatened tigers — their lives are changed and so too may be the welfare of those animals.”

Worthy winners – congratulations NHA!

To find out more about Natural Habitat Adventures, and the trips on offer, visit www.nathab.com