The name Masai Mara is synonomous with the great African savannah and a wealth of wildlife. Featured in the Big Cat Diaries and a major draw for many tourists on safari holidays the Mara remains one of Africa’s best destinations for wildlife holidays . However, detailed research reported this month and supported by the WWF has indicated a marked decline in 7 ungulate prey species over the a 15 year period up until 2003. For example giraffe species have shown a decline in monthly counts since 1989 by up to 95%, with warthogs suffering a reduction of 80%, hartebeest 76% and impalas 67%, topi and waterbuck were also in decline. These dramatic declines had previously been reported in wildebeest, zebra and gazelles which make up the majority of the great Serengeti-Mara migration. Concommitant with the decline in prey species there has been a noted reduction in lion cheetah numbers. The reason behind this is the equally dramatic rise in Masai settlements close to the Mara ecosystem. The once pastoralist and nomadic Masai have settled in rapidly increasing numbers and effectively disrupted the flow of wildlife through the region. Having recognised this efforts are underway to ensure that the pastoralist lifestyle can contine on the borders of the Masai Mara. Hopefully based on this fundamental research and the implementation of initiatives the wildlife of the Mara can recover to ensure an ever-lasting legacy and enable future generations to enjoy the experience of Kenya safari holidays.

Zlotys! Yes, despite the value of the British pound against the Euro and the US Dollar it is remarkably strong against the Polish Zloty which consequently means that our wildlife holidays in Poland are of great value at present. With Spring and Summer coming this is an excellent time to discover Poland. Over 80% of European bird species have been recorded here and from April many return to the Polish landscape to breed after their winter migration. But bird watching in Poland is not the only reason to visit. During the early summer there is a tremendous diversity of butterflies and dragonflies; whilst for those interested in flora a stunning array of orchids will be in bloom. You can also discover little known mammalian species, not found in the UK, such as the rare garden dormouse and spotted sousliks, a ground squirrel of the steppe grasslands. Larger mammals you may see on our wildlife holidays in Poland include wolf, bear, bison, elk, otters and beavers. Ideally, your trip should usually last from 1 to 2 weeks and it will be accompanied by our superb professional guides.

Eastern Poland is a great destination for seeing one of Europe’s largest and rarest predators, the fabled wolf. But where do you head to and how do you get to see them? The wolves in Poland are located as mentioned in the east which is more sparsely populated and more specifically in the Polish national parks. The best chances for wolves in Poland are in Bialowieza, Biebrza and Bieszczady National Parks the former two in the north-east of the country some 3 hours from Warsaw. However, the true nature enthusiast should head down to Bieszczady Mountains, another national park which has the highest concentration of wolves in Europe with around 80 animals present in various packs in a relatively small area. Here the researchers often know of wolf pack locations and the woodlands and mountain top meadows are ideal for tracking this carnivore. We arrange an expert guide for you who will pick up on local news and help you with tracking wolves, the best times for wolf watching being late winter in February or March when the snows are diminishing but still present to show you their spoor and that other wildlife such as European bison, otters, beavers and bears.

The Bieszczady Mountains are around 3 hours from Krakow and accommodation is in comfortable pensions in isolated villages. For further information on wolves in Poland follow this link.