Steppes Discovery announce new trips to China, Brazil, Namibia and Kenya.

PR Log (Press Release) – Nov 13, 2009 – Steppes Discovery (formerly Discovery Initiatives) has been at the forefront of wildlife and conservation holidays for more than a dozen years, raising in excess of £750,000 for local, regional and international projects.  Now it has launched a whole new raft of groundbreaking wildlife adventures, offering further unforgettable experiences and essential conservation support .  

Below are some of the exciting new wildlife and wilderness tours that Steppes Discovery is introducing to extend its worldwide mission statement ‘To support habitats, species and local communities.’

Giant Panda and Rural Insight Tour, China
Despite being one of the most popular of all animals, the giant panda is rare and elusive with only around 1500 existing in the wild.  This tour to Sichuan and Shaanxi provinces visits their homeland, providing a privileged insight into two panda reserves which up until now have seen very few tourists. The itinerary allows a unique opportunity to track wild pandas in their natural habitat, as well as meeting with the individuals who are fighting to ensure the survival of wilderness in China.
  The 16-day trip costs from £3595 pp on twin-share basis fully inclusive from the UK.  The price includes international and domestic flights, accommodation , guides, interpreters and a panda expert.   The trip was put together after consultation with WWF China and contributes to a fund that supports long term conservation initiatives in the regions visited.
Best time to go: November – April.  
Fixed departure: March 7-22, 2010.  


Jaguar and Wildlife Tour, Brazil
This exhilarating tour is tailor-made for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts keen to get up close to jaguar and other wild animals in their natural habitat. Brazil has a richness of natural wonders unequalled on earth, yet most tourists only visit the Upper Amazon rather than the more interesting Amazon watershed.  This tour also takes in the Pantanal, the world’s largest wetlands which supports an extraordinary array of wildlife.  Accompanied by researchers and experts, the tour visits both wilderness wonderlands and provides an insight into the privately run conservation projects.  
  The trip lasts 11 days and costs from £2695 pp inclusive of  internal flights, local transport and excursions, private transfers, accommodation in twin rooms, and knowledgeable English speaking guides. It also includes a local donation to the guides, and accommodation providers.
Best time to go:  Sept & Oct are best for Pantanal and wildlife.  
Fixed departure Oct 12-22.  There is also an eight-day  photography group tour Sept 1-8.


Desert and Sea Safari, Namibia
This small group tour explores the rich diversity of Namibian landscape and wildlife.  It visits the vast Etosha National Park region, home to over 100 species of mammal including the rare and endangered black rhinoceros and the black-faced impala; remote Kaokoveld, one of Africa’s last wildernesses; the old German town of Swakopmund; and the spectacular Sossusvlei region with its  iconic red dunes. Led throughout by a knowledgeable guide, this mobile safari includes comfortable accommodation and perfectly showcases the wildlife, scenery and people of the country.
   The 10-day trip costs from £2,775 pp inclusive of accommodation, road transfers ,  internal  flight, qualified naturalist driver/guide and local expertise.  Also included are national park fees, scheduled activities, and all drinks (except premium brands) while at Palmwag Lodge, Damaraland Camp and the Sossusvlei camp.  It also includes a contribution to Save the Rhino International.
Best time of year:  May to October when most wild animals congregate around more limited sources of water.  Overall, the most pleasant weather in the interior is experienced during the autumn (April/May) and the spring (August/September), when it tends to be neither too hot nor too cold.  
Fixed departures August-October.


Lion Study Safari, Kenya
This unique predator-study safari allows visitors to get behind the scenes of a big cat research and monitoring project, living alongside the friendly Maasai people, learning about Africa's most iconic animal. This trip provides an intimate education in animal behaviour as well as a unique and privileged insight into the world of the lion and the Maasai community that host the trip who have   lived amongst the wildlife for generations.  
  The 10-day trip costs from £4195 pp inclusive of regional flights,  twin-room accommodation , park fees and exclusive private guiding.  It  also includes a contribution to the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust.
Best time to go:  June to September.  
Fixed departures throughout the year.


Apart from the fixed departure dates, individual  tailor-made tours can also be arranged at other times.  Most meals are provided on these holidays (and in some cases all meals) but this varies with itinerary. All the holidays can be booked through Steppes Discovery:  www.steppesdiscovery.co.uk /  01285 643 333

Press Contact: Amanda Bunn at Paul Gogarty Communications (PGC) 01603 30 90 86 /
amanda.bunn@pgcomms.co.uk



About Steppes Discovery
Steppes Discovery (http://www.steppesdiscovery.co.uk) specialises in arranging tailor made holidays to exotic destinations. All Discovery Initiatives consultants have first hand and in-depth knowledge of all the countries they cover. For further information, please call 01285 643333.

For further information, please contact:

Kieran Murphy
Steppes Discovery
enquiry@steppesdiscovery.co.uk
Tel: 01285 643333