New Zeland
Best Parks and Pelagic Trips
November 9 to 28, 2011

Endemic Weka or Woodhen

Experience the distinctive wildlife of New Zealand in a wide range of habitats - wetlands, forests, mountains, coastline, and sea. New Zealand is a region rich in seabirds and marine mammals, as well as a number of endemic land birds. Take full advantage of the ocean treasures with some great pelagic trips. Visit Tiritiri Matangi Island, a beautiful native bird and native plant sanctuary. Travel south to Fiordland National Park where an overnight on Milford Sound will allow you to search for the Fiordland Crested Penguins. Explore Stewart Island and enjoy night spotting to look for kiwi, New Zealand's national symbol. Embark on boat trips from Kaikoura and the Hauraki Gulf for spectacular seabirds and marine mammals such as albatross, petrels, dolphins and bachelor Sperm Whales. Leader Karen Baird has led wonderful New Zealand wildlife tours for us since 2001, garnering great praises from our travelers. The spectacular scenery of New Zealand, such as at Mt Cook, is reason enough to travel there and when you consider the havens for endangered species we encounter on this tour that Karen Baird, our guide knows so well, this is truly an amazing journey!

At a Glance

Cost: $6,600 per person, double occupancy, based on exchange rate of US$0.70 = NZ$1. Review cost details.

Leader: Karen Baird.

Size: 8, not including leaders.

Days: 20

Conditions: This is a non-smoking safari for people who are very interested in all wildlife and spending the maximum time in the field.

Update: This itinerary was updated in July 2010. View the plain text version, great for printing!

Synopsis:

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Pelagic Trip Schedule: New Zealand is a region rich in special seabirds and marine mammals. Our itinerary takes full advantage of these ocean treasures with numerous pelagic trips. These short pelagic trips are in protected waters to maximize your enjoyment so seasickness should not be a problem (if you are still hesitant, read our suggestions for coping with seasickness). Of course, pelagic trips may be cancelled or changed due to severe weather. Several ferry rides are also scheduled where you have more opportunities to see pelagic species.

Detailed Itinerary

November 9 - 11, Wednesday - Friday Flights to Auckland on North Island, New Zealand
Choose the flight schedule that is best for you to arrive in Auckland by the evening of November 11. See complete flight information. Note that you will lose a day crossing the International Dateline. If you have time, we suggest that you arrive a day early to tour the city waterfront on your own and stay overnight near the airport at a conveniently located lodge, such as Jet Park Hotel (approximately $110 for a double). It is only a 30-minute trip from the airport into the city. This hotel provides a free 24-hour airport shuttle. Please let us know if you need help arranging your flights and any extra nights.

On the morning of November 11, Karen Baird will meet you, either at the airport or at Jet Park Hotel. The Air New Zealand flight arrives at approximately 7:30 am. Drive north to the Hauraki Gulf via Auckland's dramatic coastline. Stop at the coastal gannet colony at Muriwai Beach looking out on the Hauraki Gulf. The observation platform looking down on the gannet nests is a great location for observing some fascinating Australasian Gannet behavior. The black sand beaches here along the Tasman Sea are spectacular. Further north there will be time to stop at the Waipu Estuary, one of the best places to see the endangered New Zealand Fairy Tern. Overnight three nights at Snells Beach.
Lodging: November 10 (if you arrive early): Jet Park Hotel, November 11: Salty Dog Inn at Snells Beach.

November 12, Saturday: Tiritiri Matangi Island
Today take the ferry to Tiritiri Matangi Island where several endemic endangered species can be seen, including some rare species that are no longer present on the mainland. As well as providing clues to an ancient past, Tiri is an amazing example of habitat restoration with over 200,000 native trees replanted. New Zealanders have adopted extensive conservation measures and this is one of their jewels. Located in Hauraki Gulf, Tiritiri Matangi Island is a predator free haven for some of New Zealand's most endangered wildlife - North Island Saddleback, Stitchbird, North Island Kokako, and Takahe. We will also see Tui, Whitehead, North Island Robin, and Fantail. This is a full day trip to the island returning by late afternoon to Snells Beach for another night at the Salty Dog Inn.
Lodging: Salty Dog Inn at Snells Beach.

November 13, Sunday: Morning Hauraki Gulf pelagic trip for seabirds and marine mammals
Leave early in the morning and drive 30 minutes for a half day pelagic trip out into the Hauraki Gulf and the Tasman Sea looking for seabirds and marine mammals. Orca, Bryde's Whale, and other cetaceans, as well as dolphins are possible. We recommend you wear water-resistant pants and jacket for boat trips. The pelagic birding is fantastic; possibilities include Blue Penguin, Buller's Shearwater, Flesh-footed Shearwater, Fluttering Shearwater, Grey-faced Petrel, Black Petrel, Pycroft's Petrel (very rare), the recently rediscovered New Zealand Storm Petrel, Arctic Skua (also called Parasitc Jaeger), Australasian Gannet, Red-billed Gull, and White-fronted Tern. Karen has worked in this area researching seabirds as well as diving for the New Zealand Department of Conservation on the proposed marine reserve around the Great Barrier Island. After lunch enjoy some land birding back in the local vicinity of the lodge.
Lodging: Salty Dog Inn at Snells Beach.

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November 14, Monday: Miranda, Whangamarino Wetlands and Rotorua
Drive to the Miranda Trust Shorebird Centre, a great place to see seabirds and shorebirds. A special goal today will be to see the Wrybill, a small plover confined to New Zealand and one of the very few bird species with a laterally asymmetrical bill (curves to the right). Its total population is estimated at 5,000. It nests on stony riverbeds in South Island and winters in flocks on wetlands, marshes and expansive tidal flats, with Miranda being its favored area. We will also stop at the Whangamarino Wetlands for bitterns and crakes. Rotorua is our destination this afternoon. Both Red-billed and Black-billed gulls in a single colony nest on thermally heated ground. Rotorua is famous for geysers, bubbling mudpools, and Maori concert (hungi). Enjoy a wonderful Maori hangi cultural evening in Rotorua. It is held in a model village and is a bit touristy, but it is still the best of its type in the country and has been honored with many awards. There is also an opportunity to purchase handmade crafts at the model village.
Lodging: Quality Hotel Geyserland in Rotorua

November 15, Tuesday: Pureora Forest and Tokaanu Wetlands on Lake Taupo
Drive through Pureora Forest Park to see beautiful stands of old growth podocarp forest, a great place for a forest bird walk. Then stop at the Tokaanu Wetlands while skirting the western shores of Lake Taupo (one of the world's largest volcanoes). Cataclysmic eruptions 2000 years ago buried most of the central part of North Island in great sheets of ignimbrite. The glow of eruption was seen in China, according to reports of strange red skies in ancient Chinese literature of same time! Today's driving time will total about 6 hours, but it will be very scenic. Stay two nights at the Skotel in Whakapapa Village within Tongariro National Park, the world's second established national park after Yellowstone. It is also a World Heritage Site for its landscape and cultural values. Our lodge is in an alpine retreat in Tongariro beside Mount Ruapehu.
Lodging: Whakapapa Skotel in Tongariro National Park.

November 16, Wednesday: Tongariro National Park
We will leave very early to explore Tongariro National Park and the volcanic plateau. This is the best day for Blue Ducks along mountain streams, which is their habitat at Ohakune. Walks at Tongariro National Park are magnificent, especially in Kaimanawa Forest Park for forest birds. Driving along the Desert Road landscape is also fascinating. We return to Whakapapa Skotel for dinner and overnight, a total of about three to four hours of driving.
Lodging: Whakapapa Skotel in Tongariro National Park.

November 17, Thursday: Taihape, Foxton Beach, ferry across Cook Strait to Picton
From Whakapapa, drive to Wellington via Taihape (Gumboot capital of the world) and on to Foxton Beach. The ferry crossing over Cook Strait is great seabirding for albatrosses to fairy prions. We disembark at Picton to begin our South Island adventure. Today's driving time is about five hours. Lodging tonight will be in Picton on South Island.
Lodging: Beachcomber Inn in Picton.

November 18, Friday: Marlborough Sounds, Lake Grassmere and Kaikoura
This morning we take a boat from Picton out into Marlborough Sounds for a great opportunity to see the King (or Rough-faced) Shag, endemic to the area. There are opportunities to see marine mammals, such as Dusky and Hector's dolphins as well as seals. Returning to Picton, we drive south to Kaikoura stopping at Lake Grassmere in the Marlborough drylands to scope for shorebirds and waterfowl. Our destination today is the town of Kaikoura, located on a most extraordinary peninsula. Deep offshore canyon systems, similar to Monterey Bay in California, cause nutrient upwelling which attracts a wide variety of marine life in large numbers. Kaikoura has some of the best marine attractions in the world. It is about a three-hour drive from Picton to Kaikoura. We'll spend two nights at the Blue Seas Motel.
Lodging: Blue Seas Motel in Kaikoura.

New Zealand Fur Seal

November 19, Saturday: Kaikoura pelagic trips for seabirds and Sperm Whales
Today will include a spectacular mix of seascapes and mountain backdrops as we take a boat trip, weather permitting, to see the famous and magnificent Sperm Whale bachelors off Kaikoura. The male Sperm Whales remain in these waters feeding until they are up to 27 years of age before they get ready to search for females. They must be large enough to compete with the harem males that accompany the females when one or more female is in estrous. The Sperm Whales are a spectacular sight, especially with the beautiful backdrop of the Kaikoura Mountains. They are a non-breeding group of bachelor males making use of the food resources, probably giant squid, found in deep trenches offshore. Other marine mammals often seen here include New Zealand Fur Seals and several species of dolphins - Hector's, Dusky (often in huge schools numbering thousands), Common, and Bottlenose. Walking along the shores of the Kaikoura Peninsula is also excellent; New Zealand Fur Seals and water birds, such as Reef Heron, can sometimes be seen.

We will not neglect the fabulous pelagic birds at Kaikoura. About 40 species have been recorded in this region with the pelagic company, Oceanwings. Owners Dennis and Lynette Buurman are very keen birders. The same thing that attracts the whales attracts the birds, bringing them close to shore - food! The continental shelf swings in close to shore and upwellings from the seafloor provide a huge base to the food chain. Marine mammals, seabirds, and fish are very abundant. We have seen Blue Shark and Mako Shark as well. We can even expect to see some rarities, such as Hutton's Shearwater and the Westland Black Petrel, both really interesting as they nest on the mainland in isolated places and nowhere else. Because of how the New Zealand marine mammal commercial permitting system works, the pelagic bird trips cannot also look for whales, as they don't have a permit to do it commercially. It is all very well understood there, so they don't transgress the rules. Pelagic Birds in this region include: Southern Royal and Northern Royal albatross, Wandering Albatross (three species now instead of sub-species: Snowy Wandering, Gibson's Wandering, and Antipodean Wandering), Salvin's Mollymawk, White-capped Mollymawk, Chatham Island Mollymawk (now Pacific Albatross), Black-browed Mollymawk, Hutton's Shearwater, White-chinned Petrel, Westland Black Petrel, Common Diving-petrel, Brown Skua, and Arctic Skua (Parasitic Jaeger).
Lodging: Blue Seas Motel in Kaikoura.

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Black-fronted Tern

November 20, Sunday: North Canterbury to Mount Cook National Park
This morning we drive through to the North Canterbury Plains and its braided river systems. Stop for wonderful walks to see wetland and estuary birds. Look for Banded Dotterel and Black-fronted Terns on along the rivers. Walk on the trails at Mt Cook National Park amid giant alpine daisies and enjoy New Zealand's highest peak at 12, 300 feet. The Kea, which is a mountain parrot, will make an appearance here. This bird has a reputation of being very mischievous and because of its powerful beak has been known to pull the rubbers out of car windows and do other amazing pranks. Look for the magnificent Mt Cook Lily, which is not a lily at all, but the biggest buttercup in the world! Listen for the cry of the Kea circling overhead and Rifleman, Grey Warbler, Pied Tit, Dunnock and Yellowhammer amongst the alpine shrubs.
Lodging: MacKenzie Country Inn in Twizel.

November 21, Monday: Twizel, Omarama and the Queenstown area to Arrowtown
Today we will head for the Queenstown area via Omarama. We'll look for the lovely endemic and endangered species, the Black Stilt. Continue through the Queenstown area to Arrowtown, a living historic goldmining town situated on the banks of the Arrow River. This river was once one of the world's richest sources of gold.
Lodging: Shades of Arrowtown.

November 22, Tuesday:Explore the Glenorchy-Routeburn area, then to Te Anau
Drive an hour to the Glenorchy-Routeburn area and the Dart River for a beautiful walk to Double-Barrelled Falls and also along the start of the Routeburn Track through red beech forest. This area is the best place to see Yellowhead, Yellow-crowned Parakeet, and Rifleman. Then drive approximately three hours to Te Anau, the gateway to beautiful Fiordland National Park and famous Milford Sound.
Lodging: Distinction Te Anau Hotel in Te Anau.

Milford Sound

November 23, Wednesday: Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound
The trip from Te Anau to Milford Sound, via northern Fiordland National Park, is about five hours. Weather permitting, enjoy breathtaking views of Mitre Peak and many other dramatic peaks in the large and remote Fiordland National Park, New Zealand's biggest. En route to Milford Sound's Fiordlands, we stop at one of the most beautiful forest localities in New Zealand to enjoy the beautiful forest trails. Visit the alpine valleys to look for Rock Wren and Kea and explore local creeks and lakes, looking also for New Zealand Falcon. Homer Tunnel and Cleddau Canyon are also good locations to look for Rock Wren. The Kea, which is a mountain parrot, will make an appearance at the Hermitage. This bird has a reputation of being very mischievous and because of its powerful beak has been known to pull the rubbers out of car windows and do other amazing pranks. We'll also look for Long-tailed Cuckoo on our scenic walks.

After arriving at Milford Sound, embark on the Milford Mariner for a spectacular overnight cruise on the Sound. The cabins are very comfortable with private baths and the meals are very good! While out on the Sound, there will be an opportunity to kayak from the Milford Mariner for some good fun in a spectacular setting. We'll hope to encounter a Fiordland Crested Penguin this afternoon or in the early morning.
Lodging: Aboard the Milford Mariner in Milford Sound.

November 24, Thursday: From Milford Sound to Stewart Island
Be on deck early to look for the Fiordland Crested Penguin this morning, also perhaps Bottlenose Dolphins, amid a backdrop of waterfalls down the cliffs of this famous fiord. Return to Te Anau and drive to Invercargill via the coastal scenic route, a beautiful trip of about five hours. If time permits, visit the Invercargill Museum for a close encounter with the closest living relative (other than birds) to the dinosaurs, New Zealand's Tuatara. We may also take a walk along a boardwalk constructed through bush and over salt marsh to listen and look for the South Island Fernbird.

Board the ferry (or catch a flight) to Stewart Island, which is New Zealand's third largest island. The island is mustelid free (no introduced weasels), wild and rugged, mostly Conservation Estate with few roads and high numbers of birds, a very exciting place indeed! After checking in at the Bay Motel for our two-night stay, we'll head off for a short walk through the forest at the edge of the village. One evening here we will go by boat to a nearby beach with the resident kiwi expert, Philip Smith, to look for kiwis feeding amongst the kelp. Stewart Island is getting more difficult for Brown Kiwi, but it's still the most reliable place to find them. Brown Kiwis don't like crossing the rocks on the beach to get to the seaweed where their hopping tucker is buried underneath. The Stewart Island Brown Kiwi tours run every other night, so we will be sure of getting on the tour. We have to be flexible about which night we go, but we'll stay two nights on Stewart Island, as there is a lot to see.
Lodging: Bay Motel on Stewart Island.

Kereru or New Zealand Pigeon

November 25, Friday: Stewart Island pelagic trip, Ulva Island, and Brown Kiwi
One highlight on Stewart Island is the opportunity for a half-day pelagic boat trip exploring nearby islands and spectacular coastal scenery. There will be a number of southern species of albatross, mollymawks, shearwaters, petrels, diving petrels, penguins, terns, and skua. The possible species include Wandering and Royal albatross, Buller's Mollymawk, and Sooty Shearwaters. This afternoon we'll be dropped off at little Ulva Island, which will put us into some of the best avian bush walking in New Zealand. Ulva Island is a predator-free haven for a variety of birds, including Weka, Kaka, Kakariki (Red-crowned and Yellow-crowned parakeets), and Kereru (New Zealand pigeon). There is a wonderful craft and nat ure book shop in Halfmoon Bay which sells some of Chris Gaskin's books, as well as many beautiful pots and other crafts.
Lodging: Bay Motel on Stewart Island.

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Yellow-eyed Penguin
© Debbie Thompson

November 26, Saturday: Up through the Catlins to Dunedin
Take an early ferry to Bluff (or flight to Invercargill) on South Island, then continue north through the Catlins area to Dunedin. The Catlins run north along the South Island's southeast coast. Curio Bay is a highlight of the Catlins coast, including a fossil Jurassic forest which is now an extensive wave platform. Curio Bay also has Yellow-eyed Penguins and there is a very good chance to see Hector's Dolphins. Nuggets Point Lighthouse and Roaring Bay end the scenic route through the Catlins in a brilliant setting, home to a big colony of New Zealand Fur Seals and exquisite shags in breeding plumage, especially the Spotted Shag. Walk at Cannibal Bay to see the rare Hookers or New Zealand Sea Lions up close. Males can reach up to 1000 pounds (450 kilograms)!

Pelagic Birds seen in this region include: Yellow-eyed Penguin (breeding colony), Blue Penguin, Spotted Shag (breeding), Stewart Island Shag (breeding), Little Shag, New Zealand Kingfisher, Variable Oystercatcher, South Island Pied Oystercatcher, South Island Robin, South Island Tomtit, and waterfowl. Possible Marine Mammals include: New Zealand Fur Seal, Hooker's Sea Lion, and Hector's Dolphin.

In the late afternoon we arrive in Dunedin for dinner and two nights at the Southern Cross Hotel. South Island's East Coast scenery is strikingly different with Oamaru whitestone buildings and the historic precinct of Otago.
Lodging: Hotel Southern Cross in Dunedin.

November 27, Sunday: Otago Peninsula for Royal Albatross and Yellow-eyed Penguins
Otago Peninsula, with a sheltered harbor on one side and ocean beaches and rugged coastline facing the Pacific Ocean on the other side, offers a great diversity of places to visit for our grand finale. Visit the Otago Museum for the Southern Lands, Southern People exhibition. Chris Gaskin was very involved in the design of the Southern Land, Southern People gallery. It is probably the world's finest collection of New Zealand's extinct fauna. Taiaroa Head and the Southern Royal Albatross colony, the only mainland colony in the world, will be another important stop. Explore the area for other sea birds, including Spotted Shag, Stewart Island Shag, and Little Shag. There are large inlets and beautiful tidal lagoons behind sand spits, which are rich gathering areas for waders and waterfowl, including the Variable Oystercatcher. After lunch, a short boat trip on the Monarch out of Otago Harbor will put us under the dramatic cliffs of Taiaroa Head for a close look at New Zealand Fur Seals, dolphins and seabirds, including albatross flying in to their nesting sites. In the late afternoon, with a bit of a drive and a walk, arrive at Papanui Beach to see Yellow-eyed Penguin coming ashore. This penguin has become very rare but is well protected in the area of Dunedin where intensive predator control is carried out. Possible pelagic birds in this area include: Northern Royal Albatross (breeding), Yellow-eyed Penguin (breeding), Blue Penguin, Spotted Shag, Stewart Island Shag (breeding), Little Shag (breeding colony), Sooty Shearwater, New Zealand Kingfisher, Variable Oystercatcher, South Island Pied Oystercatcher, and waterfowl. Possible marine mammals include: New Zealand Fur Seal, and Hooker's Sea Lion.
Lodging: Hotel Southern Cross in Dunedin.

November 28, Monday: Flights to Auckland and homeward
After breakfast this morning in Dunedin, we will transfer to the airport. Fly this morning from Dunedin to Auckland to connect with your international flights homeward. If your flight schedule allows enough time for some sightseeing in Auckland, we recommend visiting the Antarctica exhibit, located beside the airport. Depart for home from Auckland (see the Flight Information at the end of this itinerary), or extend your stay if you choose. Crossing the International Dateline you gain back the day lost on the way to New Zealand and arrive home the same day.

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Costs

Payments and Cancellations: All reservations require a deposit due at the time of making the reservation. Once we receive your deposit, we will send trip materials and travel insurance information. Until the final payment date, payments are refundable except for a cancellation fee of $150 per person. This fee may go toward another tour if reserved within six months of the departure date of the cancelled trip. There are no refunds given after the final payment due date. We reserve the right to charge for cost increases, including changes in the exchange rate, that occur between now and the date of travel.

Included:

• Our expert guide, Karen Baird, in one vehicle from November 11 through 28.
• Boat trips as listed in the itinerary.
• All meals from lunch on November 11 to breakfast on November 28.
• All lodging beginning on November 11 through the night of November 27.
• Airport transfers on dates listed.

Not Included:

• All international flights and the flight on December 1 from Dunedin to Auckland. International flights in economy class from the West Coast (LA or SFO) to Auckland vary between $1,200 on Air New Zealand and a little higher on Qantas, American Airlines, and United. The one-way Air New Zealand flight from Dunedin to Auckland is approximately $210 (quoted July 2010). See flight schedule details.
• Meals and optional touring in Auckland on November 11 and before, or November 28 and after.
• Dishes that are not on our set menu or buffet.
• Tipping is not customary in New Zealand, but please feel free to tip if you feel it is appropriate.
• Anything listed as "optional" in the itinerary.

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Sign-up

To Make a Reservation: Please contact us to assure space availability and to let us answer your questions. Then, print our reservation form, fill it out, and post it to us in the mail with your deposit. Or fill out our handy online information request and we will send you more information.

Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris
20800 Kittredge Road
Saratoga, CA 95070

Toll Free: (800) 527-5330
Local: (408) 741-5330
Fax: (408) 741-0358
Email: info@cheesemans.com

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Other Details

Karen Baird

Leader: Karen Baird has been leading wildlife-rich adventures for Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris since 2001. To add to her great expertise in guiding, she is a very important professional in New Zealand in the fields of biology, ecology, and ornithology, working to keep New Zealand's fauna vibrant. She has worked in Hauraki Gulf area doing research on seabirds and marine mammals as well as diving for the New Zealand Department of Conservation on the proposed marine reserve around the Great Barrier Island. With Karen as your guide, you will meet many New Zealanders who are working for the protection of nature, as well as seeing and having many opportunities to photograph the amazing marine mammals, seabirds and land birds that Karen know intimately.

Flights: Please let us know if you would like help arranging your international flights and we will put you in contact with our excellent ticketing agent. From the US, there are international flights from LAX or SFO to Auckland (AKL) on Air New Zealand, Qantas, American Airlines, and United. Please let us know if you would like help reserving your flights.

Arrival - Arrive in Auckland (AKL) by the morning of November 11. For most travelers, you will need to depart the evening of November 9, getting you to Auckland on the morning of November 11 since you lose one day crossing the International Dateline.

Departure - Depart from Dunedin (DUD) on the morning of November 28. Booking the one-way Air New Zealand flight from Dunedin (DUD) to Auckland (AKL) with your international flights may save money, particularly if you fly Air New Zealand internationally. Most international flights depart Auckland in the evening and arrive in the US in the morning of the same day as you gain one day crossing the International Dateline. Please contact us about extending your stay or arriving early.

Travel Insurance: Emergency Medical Insurance is optional for this tour. Read about travel insurance and our recommendations and requirements.

Climate: Temperatures vary greatly, cool in the early morning and often warm during the day. Rain can be encountered during any season. Bring good walking shoes with good support for trails. In this season, trails are in good condition and insects are not normally a problem in New Zealand.

Seasickness: Don't let a fear of seasickness prevent you from signing up! Read our suggestions for coping with seasickness.

Non-smoking Policy: We have a strict non-smoking policy - smoking is not permitted at any time during our tours.

Mailing List: If you would like to be on our mailing list or request information, please use our online information request form or contact us to give us your name, address, email address and phone number. Please note we will never share your personal information with anybody!

Responsibility: Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris, Saratoga, California, act only as agents and shall not be responsible or become liable for any delay incurred by any person in connection with any means of transportation, nor for the loss, damage, or injury to person or property by reason of any event beyond the control of the agency or default of such agency suppliers. We reserve the right to cancel the tour prior to departure in which case full refund will constitute full settlement to the passenger. No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour unless arrangements are made at the time of booking. All rates are based on current tariffs, exchange rates and fuel prices and are subject to adjustment in the event of any change therein. By sending your initial deposit, you agree to accept our payment schedule as a contract. If payments are still outstanding two weeks after the due date, your space may be forfeited. Baggage is at the owner's risk.

Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris is registered as California Seller of Travel #2063050-40. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris is a participant in the Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation (TCRC). In event of a client canceling where a refund is applicable in accordance with the schedule above, or in the event that CES needs to cancel the trip, all payments for transportation or travel service not provided to the client shall be promptly refunded, unless the client instructs us otherwise in writing. All client payments are deposited into a trust account in accordance with California law. If for any reason a valid refund is not forthcoming, the client may request reimbursement from the TCRC within six months of the scheduled end of the tour. Please feel free to ask us for more information.

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All material © Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris.
All photos © Doug or Ted Cheeseman, unless otherwise credited.
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