New Zealand
From Albatross and Penguins to Kiwis
November 9 to 29, 2011

| At a Glance | Itinerary | Costs | Sign-up | Other Details | Back to color itinerary |

Experience the distinctive wildlife and scenery of New Zealand in a wide range of habitats – wetlands, forests, mountains, coastline, and sea. New Zealand is a region rich in photographic seabirds and marine mammals, as well as a number of endemic land birds and endangered species. Take full advantage of the ocean treasures with seven breathtaking 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 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. The spectacular scenery of New Zealand's fjords, coastline and snow covered mountains will supply you with iconic photography subjects that you often see in magazines. Biologist Karen Baird will enrich your experience with her in-depth knowledge of the local flora and fauna. She personally put together this unique itinerary after leading many natural history tours that takes you to the best places off the beaten track. Karen will be assisted by Derek Bettesworth who has a broad interest in many areas of natural history. Join us on this amazing comprehensive journey that you can't get on your own!

At a Glance

Cost: $6,795 per person, double occupancy, based on exchange rate of US$0.70 = NZ$1. Review cost details.

Leader: Karen Baird and Derek Bettesworth.

Group Size: 12, not including leaders.

Days: 20, including travel days.

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 on July 2011.

Synopsis:

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*Scheduled Pelagic Trips: New Zealand is rich in special seabirds, marine mammals, and scenic coastline. Our itinerary takes full advantage of these ocean treasures with numerous pelagic trips on many days. These pelagic trips are in protected water that maximizes your enjoyment and minimizes the risk of seasickness (if you are still hesitant, read our suggestions for coping with seasickness). Of course, pelagic trips may be cancelled or changed due to weather.

Detailed Itinerary

November 9 - 10, Wednesday - Thursday Flights to Auckland on North Island, New Zealand
Choose the flight schedule that is best for you to arrive in Auckland by the morning 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.
Suggested Lodging (not included): Jet Park Hotel in Auckland

November 11: Friday: North to Hauraki Gulf
This morning Karen Baird will meet you either at the airport or at the Jet Park Hotel. 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: 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.
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 and on to Tongariro National Park
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. This afternoon drive to Lake Taupo to enjoy a full day tomorrow in Tongariro National Park. Enroute 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! Stay two nights at Creel Lodge, located outside of Turangi at the southern end of Lake Taupo on more than two acres with private access to the Tongariro River. The shy Blue Duck is well protected and quite easily found on the river and native birds like Tui and Bellbirds feed in the native Kowhai trees.
Lodging: Creel Lodge near Lake Taupo.

November 15, Tuesday: Tongariro National Park and a walk in Kaimanawa Forest
This is the best day for the very special endemic species, the Blue Duck, along mountain streams in Tongariro National Park, which is their habitat at Ohakune inside the national park, but we will have an even better chance of finding this beautiful rare duck on the private reserve along the Tongariro River beside our lodge. We will explore Tongariro National Park today and the volcanic plateau. 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 Creel Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Lodging: Creel Lodge near Lake Taupo.

November 16, Wednesday: Fly to Blenheim and drive the scenic road to Kaikoura
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 that attracts a wide variety and number of marine life. Kaikoura has some of the best marine attractions in the world. This morning, depart very early on a drive (approximately 4 hours) to Wellington, stopping en-route at an estuary to enjoy resident waterbirds. Fly from Wellington to Blenheim. The fight departs at 12:40 pm and arrives at 1:05 pm in Blenheim, a very quick flight over the Cook Strait between North and South islands.

Our scenic drive from Blenheim to Kaikoura runs parallel to the sea most of the way. Stop at Oahu Point to photograph the New Zealand Fur Seal colony located very close just below the pulloff. We'll spend three nights at the Blue Seas Lodge to take two boat trips, one for Sperm Whales and another for albatrosses and other seabirds. There will also be time to enjoy walks along the coastline of Kaikoura.

Three nights in Kaikoura gives you enough time to join an optional swim with dolphins. The Dolphin Encounter allows you to swim with Dusky Dolphins in their natural environment, or watch their acrobatic displays from the comfort of a boat. The pod sizes of the resident dusky dolphins range in the hundreds along the Kaikoura coastline and they have an impressive success rate in locating these marine mammals. This optional excursion costs under US$100 and is not included in the cost of the trip.
Lodging: Blue Seas Motel in Kaikoura.

November 17 - 18, Thursday - Friday: Kaikoura boat trips for Sperm Whales and for albatross
During these two days we will include a spectacular mix of seascapes and mountain backdrops as we take two boat trips, one to see the famous and magnificent Sperm Whale bachelors off Kaikoura and another to see albatross and seabirds (weather permitting). 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.

The other boat trip, which we will do the second day, is for albatross and other seabirds, as we will not neglect the fabulous pelagic birds at Kaikoura. About 40 species have been recorded in this region with the pelagic company, "Oceanwings" (http://www.oceanwings.co.nz). 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.

November 19 - 20, Saturday - Sunday: North Canterbury to Mount Cook National Park
Saturday 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. On Sunday we'll have the full day to explore the trails at Mount 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 Mount 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. In the rain shadow of Mount Cook on a braided river below, we'll look for the lovely endemic and endangered species, the Black Stilt.
Lodging: MacKenzie Country Inn in Twizel.

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November 21, Monday: Twizel to Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula
The scenic route from Twizel to Dunedin will allow time for stops, so arrive in Dunedin after lunch and drive out on the Otego Peninsula. Have dinner out on the Otego Peninsula and two nights at the Portobello.
Lodging: The Portobello on the Otago Peninsula.

November 22, Tuesday: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. 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: The Portobello on the Otago Peninsula.

November 23, Wednesday: Queenstown and Arrowtown
This morning enjoy the beautiful Otago Peninusla, then we will head for the Queenstown area, a very popular scenic area for tourism. Continue through Queenstown to Arrowtown, a living historic gold mining 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 on the Arrow River.

November 24, Thursday: 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: Kingsgate Hotel in Te Anau.

November 25, Friday: Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound
The trip from Te Anau to Milford Sound, via northern Fiordland National Park, is very beautiful. 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.

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November 26, Saturday: 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.

Take the ferry 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.

November 27, Sunday: 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 photographic 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 nature bookshop in Halfmoon Bay, which sells some great books by Karen's husband Chris Gaskin, as well as many beautiful pots and other crafts.
Lodging: Bay Motel on Stewart Island.

November 28, Monday: Up through the Catlins to Dunedin
Take an early ferry back to 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 photographic 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.
Lodging: Near the Dunedin Airport.

November 29, Tuesday: Flights to Auckland and homeward
After breakfast this morning, 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 guides from November 11 through the morning of November 29.
• Boat trips as listed in the itinerary.
• All meals from lunch on November 11 to breakfast on November 29.
• All lodging beginning on November 11 through the night of November 28, all with private baths.
• Flight from Wellington to Blenheim on November 16.
• Airport transfers on dates listed.

Not Included:

• All international flights and the flight on November 29 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 $295 (quoted May 2011).
• Jet Park Hotel in Auckland if you arrive on November 10 or before (approximately $110).
• Meals and optional touring in Auckland on November 11 and before, or November 29 and after.
• The Dolphin Encounter boat trip in Kaikoura costing under US$100.
• 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 (there are many methods of contacting us) to assure space availability and to let us answer your questions. Then, print our reservation form, fill out one form per person, 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.

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Other Details

Leaders: Karen Baird , a native of New Zealand, has led wildlife-rich adventures for Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris since 2001. Her good humor and long experience leading tours, including driving the tour van, with add to your enjoyment of our unique itinerary. In addition to her guiding expertise, she is an key professional in biology, ecology, and ornithology. Her past research includes seabirds and marine mammals in the Hauraki Gulf and scuba diving to do underwater research for the New Zealand Department of Conservation for the proposed marine reserve around the Great Barrier Island. Karen will give you many opportunities to know and photograph the amazing marine mammals, seabirds and land birds of this wonderful nation.

Derek Bettesworth has a lifetime interest in natural history and has been leading tours over the last six years. He developed a special interest in seabirds while doing research for his Master's thesis on seabird ecology and rat eradication on an offshore island in the Bay of Plenty. He is a beekeeper and was employed by the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture as a beekeeping advisor. Derek has spent many months over 30-years on the Chatham Islands doing volunteer work for the Department of Conservation with endangered species such as the Taiko (Magenta Petrel) and Chatham Petrel. He is currently involved with seabird studies and conservation work on islands in the Hauraki Gulf. Derek and his partner run a 50-acre farm where they live a self-sufficient lifestyle. Derek's broad interests mean that he has a wide base of information at his fingertips to deepen your knowledge and understanding of New Zealand.

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 USA, there are international flights from LAX or SFO to Auckland (AKL) on Air New Zealand, Qantas, American Airlines, and United. We will arrange the internal flight from Wellington to Blenheim and the cost is included.

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 29. 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.

Lodging: All with private baths.

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 or any place 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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