Wildlife and Nature Holidays

When we told people that we were heading off to Iceland we were met with some very puzzled looks. Why, we were asked, were we not spending an August weekend enjoying the summer somewhere in the sun? However, not only is Iceland actually not as cold as its name implies (average max July temp 11C, and winters warmer than New York), but it is also one of the most fascinating countries in the world, with such a wealth of natural wonders, it could be described as the ultimate nature trip.

As there are so many places to see, having only four days to make the most of, it was very difficult to decide which excursions to choose. With the help of Medway Travel who gave us a great selection of tours, we picked the ones we felt would give us the broadest view of the country in the short time we had.

Our first sight of Iceland certainly did not disappoint us - as we flew over the country we could see the huge Vatnajokull glacier spread out beneath us, and then as we came closer to the airport, the landscape changed as miles and miles of eerie lava strewn plains came into view.

We spent our first evening exploring the centre of Reykjavik, which was only a couple of minutes from our comfortable hotel. For such a cosmopolitan city, it has a surprisingly intimate feel, probably as not only is it very small for a capital city, but due to frequent earthquakes (on average once every eight minutes - although they are not big enough to be felt very often) there are no high buildings, The shops were great to browse around - but due to the very high prices, our shopping was more of the window variety!

The high prices extend to all goods, as just about everything is imported. Fortunately we had been warned about the high costs of eating out, and especially about the exorbitant price of alcohol, so it didn't come as too much of a shock! It does make you savour every mouthful though!

A lot of fish is eaten in Iceland, as is lamb, which is extremely tasty since the sheep spend their lives roaming the countryside eating mountain thyme. We tried some of the traditional delicacies too, such as puffin and skyr (a dessert made with skimmed milk), but we would have drawn the line at trying 'rotten shark' had we come across this Icelandic speciality!

On our first full day, we set off for a morning's whale watching trip, which was fantastic. We had a minibus collect us promptly from the hotel and take us to the harbour, where we had time for a short visit to the whale centre, before we set off into the bay. Our guide was excellent and so enthusiastic, and although it was very chilly on the deck, we were able to warm up inside with a drink and sit on the comfortable seats to watch the action from the huge windows. Even though we were told there were no guarantees of sightings, we saw so many minke whales that we stopped counting!

In the evening we went on the 'Golden Circle Tour', driven by a most knowledgeable and interesting guide. This 'must -do' trip for visitors to Reykjavik includes one of the most powerful waterfalls in Iceland, the fissure scarred plain at Pingvellir where the American and European tectonic plates are diverging, and the amazing geyser at Geysir which spouts every seven or eight minutes, so there is no chance for disappointment!

The following day we had booked a trip to Porsmork ('Thors's Forest'), one of Iceland's most spectacular, but inaccessible wilderness areas, surrounded by three glaciers and only possible to reach by oversized 4 wheel drive vehicles. As we held our breath, our driver managed very skilfully to navigate the many rivers we had to cross, as we made our way up the valley, where we were rewarded with fantastic views of the glaciers, fields of wild flowers and icebergs breaking off into a stunning glacial lagoon. Our group, again of only six, enjoyed several walks where we were shown hidden waterfalls and lava strewn ice hills.

Of course, we couldn't have left without experiencing a dip in the mineral rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. As this was situated just a short distance from the airport, we decided to spend our last morning here before catching our flight home. Bathing in the geothermally heated lagoon surrounded by moss covered lava fields was such as surreal experience we felt as though we could have been on a different planet altogether!

Medway Travel was very thorough and helpful in researching and organising the details of the various excursions; without their help we would have spent precious hours of our break investigating the trips available. However, our visit has merely whetted our appetite to return to, and learn more about, this extraordinary land of fire and ice.

One hour and twenty minutes flying from Buenos Aires you will find one of the Wonders of the Modern World. Iguaza Falls is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Iguazu River splits Argentina from Brazil and at points is some 1.5 kilometers wide. The falls line the rim of a crescent-shaped cliff about 2.5 miles long. Around 275 individual cascades and waterfalls plummet up to 269 feet into the gorge below. The thunderous roaring of Iguazu can be heard from miles away.

This stunning natural beauty has to be seen to be believed. Most tours recommend that you visit the Brazilian Side of the Falls first. This gives you a panoramic view of the falls. Your second visit should be on the Argentinean side of the falls where you can get really close to the cascading water. As the locals say 'On the Brazilian side you can see them, on the Argentinean side you feel them'.

After my flight I checked in to the Iguazu Grand Hotel, the only true 5 star hotel in the area. This is a stunning retreat with a triple swimming pool and spa facility. All rooms have either Garden or Pool Views and all have private balconies.

My first day was to visit the Brazilian Side of the falls. I was prepared for a lot of walking and having crossed the border into Brazil arrived at the National Park for the start of my walk. You should also be prepared to get a little wet as the spray from the falls, which creates masses of rainbows along the 2.5mile crescent, does create a bit of a shower in places.

The walking on this side of the falls is quite easy and on the way you will be accompanied by the local wildlife.

The Coati is a hungry and cheeky member of the Racoon family which will quite happily search through your bag for food if you bend down too close. Though not vicious you are advised not to feed them.

From this side the falls are awe inspiring. The cascades seem to go on and on.

There are two hotels on the Brazilian side at the falls, the first is the Sheraton. This is the only hotel to have a view of the falls and as such is expensive. The second hotel here is the Cataras Hotel. Both are four star properties.

It took a morning to see this side of the falls and after taking innumerable photographs returned to my hotel for an afternoon relax by the pool.

My second day was to experience the Argentinean side of the falls. The first stage of this is to take the Green Way through the forest to the train station.

This jungle walk is fascinating and you will find a profusion of birds and butterflies along the way.

The forest train then takes you on a slow journey through the forest to the Devils Throat Station. This is the largest and main part of the falls and is best seen first thing in the morning before the crowds of tourists arrive. From the train station there is a 1.5km walk across the Iguazu River. This you do on metal walkways above the river and these give you a chance to experience the wildlife that abounds in and around the river areas. The whole of the falls area is a genius in engineering with walkways that take you right up and above the falls

La Garganta del Diablo (the Devil's Throat) was made famous in the film 'The Mission' and is truly spectacular. The noise is immense as gallons of water thunder over the rocks into the abyss below.

You have the same walk back to the train station and again a short train journey back before taking the stunning Upper Level Walkway along the tops of the falls. Here you will experience the feel of the immense power of these falls. Butterflies, birds and flowers abound on the walk. Upon completion you take the Lower Level Walk again giving you a fantastic view of the falls as they cascade down onto the rocks below.

From the end of this walk you then have the option to join in the Iguazu Adventure. This is a speedboat ride to the head of the falls, but be warned - you will get wet. Here you are taken up to and into the falls for an original white knuckle ride after which you are whisked down river and eventually driven by truck back through the forest to the main station and restaurant, where you can change into something dry and enjoy a barbeque lunch.

If you wish to spend more time here there are trekking trails and safari rides that you can take into the jungle as well as an adventure camp for the kids.

Myself I felt it time to head back to my hotel and sample the delights of the spa before an enjoyable meal in the restaurant and evening beneath the southern cross and milky way.

Superb.

Stephen Cresswell - Medway Travel

I have just returned from a visit to this marvellous facility courtesy of Wildlife Worldwide and had to write to say what a fascinating and informative visit it was. Having never experienced staying in a Rain Forest before it was with some trepidation that I arrived at Iguazu airport ready for my experience.

After a two hour journey through the forest (this would normally be done by boat when water levels in the Iguazu River allow) I arrived at the Lodge to find a very warm welcome and was immediately taken to my cabin.

All cabins are double or triple occupancy (single occupancy is available on application) and have 24hour hot and cold water and showers. Electricity is available only between the hours of 6.30 to 7.30 in the morning and 6 and 11pm.

Walking down to your cabin you are immediately struck by the beauty of the flora, masses of striking butterflies and irds (tucans, parrots and hummingbirds).

After an excellent lunch, my first afternoon was a walk through the forest with one of the very knowledgeable guides who explained the layering of the forest in between pointing out the various flora and fauna that we encountered. Dinner in the evening was again an excellent experience.

The second day took the form of a float downstream from the lodge in an indian canoe to see the forest from the water. We encountered monkeys, kingfishers and eagles on route finally entering the Iguazu river (some 1.5km wide) and landing at one of the lodges' ports to take a steady walk back through the forest on a different trail, again encountering monkeys and many species of birds.

On my last day we walked down towards the swamp to see the Capybaras rebreeding station. The Capybaras is the biggest rodent in the world and can weigh up to 80 kilos. Although this mammal is not a threatened species, its population in the area has been decreased substantially due to hunting pressure. Finally I planted a Palmito tree as an aid to regenerating the forest.

The accommodation was very comfortable and staff very friendly. The food is prepared by local people and is exceptional - in fact better than many four star hotels.

I would recommend this facility to anyone looking for something a little different, someone interested in environmental issues, bird watchers, or plant enthusiasts. Special Interest groups can be accommodated and activities are flexible and can be organized to suit the requirements for the group.

This would certainly make an excellent add on to a visit to Buenos Aires. (See my reports on Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls )

Stephen Cresswell, Medway Travel