Safari Tours

(By Srilal Miththapala, eTN) Wildlife enthusiasts and tourists the world over are quite familiar with Africa’s “Big 5” the most sought after, highly visible, large, and sometimes dangerous wild animals.

These are – the African Lion (Panthera leo), the African Elephant (Loxodonta africana & Loxodonta cyclotis), Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer), Leopard (Panthera pardus), and African Black and White Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis & Ceratotherium simum). A trip to the African parks is not complete if all these five animals have not been sighted. This has given rise to the brand, “The Big 5 of Africa,” which has now become synonymous with Africa’s wild life and tourism over the years.

Lately, Sri Lanka also has been leveraging its wildlife attractions as value additions to Sri Lankan Tourism promotion. Today, “The Gathering” of elephants at Minneriya National Park from May to October each year, is fast becoming a “must see” on the tourism itinerary. Whale watching off the Mirissa coast is also a popular tourist attraction. The fact that one can see the two largest mammals on this Earth, the elephant and the whale in one and the same place, in Sri Lanka only, is another fact now being promoted.

In similar fashion, there is the possibility for the country to popularize and brand a group of animals that are quite exciting to view in the national parks of Sri Lanka.

They are the –
• Elephant ( Elephas maximus maximus)
• Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus)
• Leopard ( Panthera pardus kotiya)
• Sloth Bear ((Melursus ursinus inornatus)

Just like the African group of special interest animals, these Sri Lankan wild animals also have a certain allure, which makes a close sighting of them in the wild, always an exhilarating experience. Hence, there is no reason why Sri Lanka cannot brand these animals together as a “must see”- “Sri Lanka’s Big 4.”

SRI LANKA’S BIG 4 – THE ELEPHANT
The most popular and abundant of the four (relatively speaking, of course), the Sri Lankan elephant is a distinct subspecies from the mainland Asian elephants of India and Thailand. Although about 10,000 of these majestic creatures roamed most parts of our island at the turn of the century, only some 4,000 (Santiapillai & Jackson 1990) or closer to 5,000 now live in the wild today.

Its sheer size (it is the largest living land animal today in the world) and gentle demeanor have always made the elephant a much-loved wildlife icon the world over. However, it is today classified as an endangered species (IUCN Red List) with about 150-200 elephants dying each year in Sri Lanka primarily due to the “Human Elephant Conflict” (HEC).
Today the HEC situation has reached crisis proportions (there is an alarming increase of fatalities during the last few years with deaths exceeding 200 in a year) and urgently requires a coordinated national effort to solve this issue on a priority basis if we are to save the elephant from extinction in the near future.

Pocketed herds are found in fragmented habitats today. The major wildlife parks all boast of elephant populations, with Uda Walawe perhaps having the largest concentration of both resident and transient elephants.

More of concern is that a good proportion of the wild population range outside the boundaries of the national parks. Considerable research has been done on Sri Lankan elephants and their behavioral patterns, by the likes of Eisenberg and Rudran in the past and more recently by Santiapillai, Prithiviraj Fernando, and a host of others.

Hence there is no shortage of local expertise but what is required is a national focus on the problem.

Of the Big 4, the elephant is the easiest to see, and already there are several established “elephant sighting safaris” available in most of the wildlife parks.

BLUE WHALE
Blue whales are possibly the largest animals that ever lived on Earth growing up to some 33 meters long, weighing up to some 150-180 metric tons. They live individually or in very small pods or groups and frequently swim in pairs.

In Sri Lanka, whale watching was first mooted in the 1980s following the documentation of whale sightings (blue whales and sperm whales) in Trincomalee. Subsequent security restrictions put paid to these initiatives. Today, whale watching has been popularized and the preferred take off spot is Mirissa, deep down south.

It is believed that while some of the blue whales off Dondra Head/Mirissa could be resident whales, others could be migratory ones crossing over to the Arabian Sea from the Bay of Bengal, during January, and then returning back in April (Anderson. C). Whales, and particularly dolphins, are also sighted in the Kalpitiya area on the west coast.

THE LEOPARD
Leopards are the top predators in Sri Lanka and are found in all types of forests: from thorn scrub and dry deciduous forests, to lowland rain forests and montane forests.

Leopards are large cats on average, weighing 37-90 kg for males and 28-60 kg for females. Until 1996, the leopard in Sri Lanka was considered the same as the Indian sub species, but research in 1996 by Dr. Sriyanie Miththapala led to it being classified as a separate sub species.

The mid 1990s saw an increased interest in the island’s top carnivore: Rukshan Jayawardene and Gehan de S. Wijeyeratne have focused on photographing the leopard in Yala Block I, and Jehan Kumara and Dr. Ravi Samarasingha’s BBC documentary “The Leopards of Yala” put the leopard on the map.

While Perera, Kumara, and Samarasingha focused on identifying individual leopards, Andrew Kittle and Anjali Watson began to study the population, behaviour and ecology of leopards in Yala Block I. Kittle and Watson’s study was extended to other parts of the island and showed that leopards were not only in national parks but living at the edge, as well as outside protected areas.

Kittle and Watson’s study revealed that leopard density in Yala Block I is very high, which is why it is relatively easy to see a leopard in Yala. The Wilpattu National Park was also famed for its leopard population. All wildlife enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting their first forays into the park after its recent re-opening to ascertain the status of the leopard there.
Leopards are affected by habitat loss and poaching and are now listed as a threatened species by IUCN (2007).

SLOTH BEAR
The Sri Lankan Sloth Bear is the only species of bear found in Sri Lanka and, like the elephant, is a distinct subspecies to the Indian species. The wild population is little as 1,000 in many isolated areas, although it is only classified as “vulnerable” (IUCN Red List). Destruction of dry-zone natural forest is its main threat. It is found relatively abundantly in the Yala and Wasgomuwa National Park. It was also distributed well in the Wilpattu National Park, where the current status, like in the case of all the animals in Wilpattu, has to be now freshly ascertained with the opening of the park after so many years.

Very little research has been done on Sri Lankan sloth bears. Among some of the main findings from a survey done during one of the few research studies, (Ratnayeke. S et al. 2005) was that sloth bear distribution is closely tied to remaining monsoon forests (also called open forest because of the relatively open canopy) of the dry lowlands in the northeast and southeastern parts of the island. The sloth bear will be perhaps the most elusive of the Big 4 and some organized efforts will have to put in place to popularize the sighting of this very interesting animal on regular game drives in the National Parks.

TIMELY BRANDING
With tourism in Sri Lanka growing in leaps and bounds today (January 2010 arrivals were up 32 percent compared to January 2009) it is important that we do not just sit back and rest on our laurels. What we are seeing is a pent-up demand for the destination, which was effectively “closed” to the tourist world for many years. We need to spruce up our act, add value, refurbish, and upgrade our product offering, and above all, create new niches to expand our markets from the “sun, sand, and sea” segment, if we are going to sustain this momentum.

In this context, Sri Lanka’s Big 4 is, therefore, a timely and useful branding initiative to popularize Sri Lanka’s natural wonders to the world.

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BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £67.35
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

This 4×4 off-road desert safari tour crosses a variety of terrain on the way to Hatta, with spectacular views across undulating desert and rocky mountain passes. You will experience the big sand dunes with powder soft sand and their beauty that’s somewhat unique. Then you will travel into the mountains and the wadi of Hatta, a dried river bed that winds it’s way through the mountains. If there is one bit of advice to give about this day long tour it would be, “do not forget your camera”.

Inclusions:

* Picnic lunch
* Hotel pickup and drop off
* Private 4×4 vehicle transport
* Driver/guide
* Conducted in English

The first stop is at the Hatta Heritage Village where you can learn more about the village which dates back to the 16th century. The town lies on the banks of the Hatta Wadi (dry river beds), which then winds through the mountains revealing lush green oases and refreshing water pools amongst the deep clefts in the rocks.

You may want to take the opportunity to cool off in the refreshing springs before enjoying a delicious picnic lunch under the shade of palm trees.

After lunch the drive continues across the majestic red sand dunes before returning to Dubai.

Schedule

Departure Point: Departs from centrally located Dubai hotels
Departure Time: 9:00am – Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.
Return Details: Returns to original point of departure.

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

COMPARE AND BOOK FROM 360+ HOTEL DEALS IN DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

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BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £108.46
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

This overnight private safari tour is enchanting! Pitch a tent and sleep under 1001 Arabian Stars! You will depart Dubai in the afternoon so you can make the most of the beautiful sunset later. First, you will begin travelling across the desert in your own private 4×4 vehicle on a thrilling sand dune drive to your first destination, the camel farm.

Inclusions:

* Hotel pickup and drop off
* Sleep beneath the star studded sky in tents!
* All equipment provided (tent, mattress and sleeping bag)
* Barbecue dinner and breakfast
* Transportation by air-conditioned 4×4 vehicle (6 seats)
* Driver/guide
* Belly Dancing (except during Ramadan)
* Conducted in English

Next, continue the drive across the desert at sunset. Prepare to be amazed! As you reach the campsite, you can choose to take a camel ride, go sandboarding, or try a henna design on your hands! Please note, the afternoon and evening activities at the camp site may be shared with other travellers.

Next, enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner and a shisha (the famous Arabic water pipe). The evening includes a belly dancer performing her show around the campfire by starlight, before pitching a tent beneath the star studded sky. Perfect!

Return to Dubai the following morning after a light breakfast.

Schedule

Departure Point: Departs from centrally located Dubai hotels
Departure Time: 3:30pm – Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.
Return Details: Returns to original point of departure.

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

COMPARE AND BOOK FROM 360+ HOTEL DEALS IN DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

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BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £95.85
Location: Muscat, Oman

You start your private tour in the morning and drive from Muscat to Fanjah. You will stop at Wadi Fanjah and continue to Birkat Al Mawz. Passing the Fort that once guarded the entrance to Jebel Akhdar, you proceed up the most impressive mountain of Oman, Al Jabal al Akhdar in the heart of the Hajar Mountains.

Inclusions:

* Lunch
* English speaking guide
* Hotel pick up and drop off
* Private 4×4 vehicle transport
* Conducted in English

The villages are scattered on the mountainside with picturesque houses built of stones from Jebel Akhdar and the area is well known for its diverse agriculture. Small terraces with fruit trees, cherry blossom, peach flowers, pomegranate, saffron, garlic and much more create an amazing palette of colours and scents throughout the year. With temperatures being considerably lower than in other parts of Oman, the Saiq plateau is famed for its abundance of roses used for rose water and perfumes.

Return to Muscat late afternoon via Birkat Al Mawz. Do not miss this opportunity to experience the wonders of Oman. Lunch is served in Jebel Akhdar Hotel with wonderful views of the mountains.

Note, we require a copy of your passport. Please allow 2 working days to obtain a road pass for Jebel Akhdar.

Schedule

Departure Point: Tour departs from centrally located Muscat hotels
Departure Time: 8:00am – Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.
Return Details: Returns to original departure point

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

COMPARE AND BOOK FROM 36 HOTEL DEALS IN MUSCAT, OMAN

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BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £460.75
Location: Darwin, Australia

Explore the best highlights of Kakadu on this 3-day 4WD tour from Darwin. Swim at Jim Jim, go crocodile spotting, learn about Aboriginal rock art and enjoy guided walks and talks by local Aboriginal people.

Your guide will show you all this and more while they concentrate on the first priority – making sure you have a great time. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual, but highly professional. You’ll enjoy great Australian food cooked on the campfire and you’re welcomed (but not obliged) to lend a hand.

Inclusions:

PROMO CODE: CONS25

• Transportation by air-conditioned 4WD (Toyota Landcruiser GXL)
• Wine provided with dinner
• Accommodation in twin-share tents at permanent, private campsite
• Yellow Waters Cruise
• Guided “walk and talk” conducted by the local Aboriginal people Murdudjurl
• Meals as per itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
• Use of sleeping bag, towel and pillows
• Australia’s Goods and Services Tax (GST)
• Multi-Day Trip
• All-inclusive tour
• Get off the beaten track in a 4×4
• Travel by boat and see the sights from the water
• Get up-close to native wildlife
• Informative, friendly and professional guide
• Conducted in English

Day 1: Darwin to Kakadu You’ll meet your guide and fellow travellers early as we depart at 7.00am to travel to famous Kakadu National Park taking in some sights along the way including a visit to the aboriginal rock art site at Ubirr with spectacular views over Kakadu. This afternoon you’ll take the Murdudjurl Cultural Tour to learn more about local aboriginal people, Bushtucker and arts & craft. Return to camp for the evening, having dinner around the camp. Camp: Kakadu Permanent Campsite.

Day 2: Kakadu After an early breakfast, depart on our big day out to Gunkurdul (Twin Falls) and Barrkmalam (Jim Jim Falls). These falls are in a remote area of the Park only accessible by four wheel drive vehicle, some 70 kilometres off the sealed road via a dirt track. This is an area of incredible natural beauty, and the waterfalls are rainwater fed, therefore after several months without rain (around August and September) it’s possible they may not be flowing. The rock
pools and surrounds are magnificent year round and well worth the journey. Gunkurdul is only accessible by water therefore we take a short boat ride through the gorge to the beach at the base of the falls. After a picnic lunch on the banks of the river, you’ll take the hike (approximately 1 km) through the rainforest to Barrkmalam and its crystal clear waters. Return to the camp for dinner and overnight. Camp: Kakadu Permanent Campsite – Murdudjurl

Day 3: Kakadu to Darwin After breakfast this morning, we cruise the spectacular Yellow Waters, home to a wide variety of bird life and possibly the lurking Saltwater Crocodile. Next we travel to either the crystal clear rock pool and scenic beauty of Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) or to the amazing rock art site of Nourlangie; depending on the conditions. We then take the Arnhem Highway back to Darwin, arriving at approximately 6.30pm.

Special Offer – Save 25% off the recommended retail price. Special offer valid for travel to November 30, 2009 – BOOK NOW!

Schedule

Departure Point: Tour departs from selected Darwin hotels
Departure Time: 7:00am – Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.
Return Details: Tour concludes in Darwin at approximately 6:30pm on Day 3

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

COMPARE AND BOOK FROM 59 HOTEL DEALS IN DARWIN, AUSTRALIA

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BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £25.60
Location: Hurghada, Egypt
4star based on 4 reviews

This 4×4 adventure safari takes you to the missing parts of Egypt, where you can discover the beauty of Egypt’s oasis and deserts. Meet Bedouin people and learn about their lives then witness an amazing sunset over the Egyptian desert landscape. Later enjoy a BBQ dinner Egyptian style.

Inclusions:

* BBQ dinner
* Hotel pickup and drop off
* Qualified Egyptologist guide
* Transport by modern 4×4 vehicle
* Conducted in English

A one-hour drive by jeep through the desert brings you to the starting point of your tour. After an easy 30-minute walk up a small hill you will be met by your Bedouin hosts and introduced to their way of life.

Settle in for the evening and gaze upon the spectacular desert sunset as you feast on a Bedouin BBQ dinner, before returning to your Hurghada hotel.

Schedule

Departure Point: Tour departs from most Hurghada hotels
Departure Time: 1:00pm
Return Details: Tour returns to original point of departure at approximately 9:00pm

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

The tour was interesting from start to finish. The drive out to the Bedouin camp is about an hour off-road through the desert. We stopped halfway for picture taking. Once out at the camp, we were met with coffee and dates. We saw bread being baked in the sand, took a camel ride, and toured some of the community buildings of the camp. The most memorable part came next – a walk through the desert along a dried-up river bed and down a little hill to see the place where the Bedouins get their water. The tour guide stopped to explain many things along the way – the plants, the rocks. Back at the camp, we ate dinner, which tasted very good, and the atmosphere was very nice. The Bedouins then sang a song, and we left. On the way back, we stopped in the middle of the desert to get out and see the stars. The experience was unforgettable.

Reviewed by: C J, United States of America

COMPARE AND BOOK FROM 125+ HOTEL DEALS IN HURGHADA, EGYPT – HERE!

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BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £72.45
Location: Whistler, Canada

Hold on tight and let the Hummer do the rest. Cruise in the ultimate 4×4 vehicle toward the pique of Whistler’s Blackcomb Mountain to experience the blue ice of the Horstman Glacier. Enjoy the serenity at 7,000 feet as you play in the snow.

Inclusions:

* 2 hour 4×4 Hummer tour
* Professional guide
* Round-trip hotel transfers
* GST tax
* Conducted in English

Whistler’s ultimate legendary Hummer tour! Experience the H1’s unique abilities as you climb up the mountainside into the snow of the Blackcomb glacier. The 4×4 vehicle takes you to new heights in comfort and style. Seek the thrill and adrenalin of the best ride in Whistler!

You’ll be amazed where you end up and how much fun it is!

NOTE: This tour is seasonal and only operates from 15 May through to 31 October.

Schedule

Departure Point: Tours depart from the Reservation Desk in the Carleton Lodge, located next to the Whistler Gondola building, in the main Whistler Village.
Departure Time: 10:00am / 1:00pm
Return Details: This tour returns to the original departure point approximately 2 hours after departure

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

COMPARE AND BOOK FROM 95+ HOTEL DEALS IN WHISTLER, CANADA

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BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £72.50
Location: Gold Coast, Australia
4star based on 5 reviews

Take a 4WD trek into the Hinterland region for your own peek into the ‘Window to the Wilderness’. The day tour from the Gold Coast follows the original pioneer’s track to the volcanic plateau of Tambourine Mountain.

You might encounter a shy koala sleeping the day away in a gum tree or catch a glimpse of a resident wallaby. Who knows what other natural experiences lie ahead as you travel deeper into the bush?

A break for morning tea and chance to check out Gallery Walk on the Mountain. Delicious fresh scones, served with jams, cream, tea and coffee.

It’s time to stretch the legs when guides, who are renowned for their local knowledge and expertise, escort you on a leisurely rainforest walk. Discover lush subtropical rainforests with cascading waterfalls, learn about the forests unique characteristics, how the Aboriginal people gathered food and the animals and birds that call the area home.

Inclusions:

• Instant Confirmation
• Get off the beaten track in a 4×4
• Led by a local guide
• See native wildlife in their natural environment
• Free hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Informative, friendly and professional guide
• Popular choice with kids
• Park and wildlife fees included
• Morning Tea
• BBQ Lunch
• Wine tasting
• Birdseed for bird feeding
• Australian Goods and Services Tax (GST)
• Conducted in English

Lunch time, getting hungry? With all the appeal of ‘The Outback’ yet only a stone’s throw from the Gold coast, our property provides the ideal venue for a delicious BBQ lunch with all the trimmings. Mouth-watering beefsteaks, chicken, fish or vegetarian accompanied by crisp salads and fresh fruit.

Entertainment includes whip cracking and Boomerang throwing and everyone is encouraged to participate. On a hot summer’s day, nearby cool waters and rock pools provide the opportunity for a refreshing swim.

After lunch, the tour continues on into the mountainous regions of Lamington National Park. At O’Reilly’s Plateau, some 3,000 feet above see level, colourful native birds flock around and you can hand fed. The Treetop Boardwalk through the rainforest canopy offers a bird’s eye view of this enchanting area.

On the way home, sightings of kangaroos is common as they emerge form their bush retreats to feed on the lush pastures of the local farmlands.

Travel beyond the beaches to Nature’s Paradise, the World Heritage Listed Rainforests of Lamington National Park and Tambourine Mountain. Sweeping views, cascading waterfalls and some awesome 4WD tracks make this an exciting and unforgettable day.

*The operator of this tour was selected as a finalist in the 2008 Queensland Tourism Awards

Special Offer – Family Special – Children receive a free Aboriginal hand painted boomerang. (Offer applies when minimum two adults book. Maximum 2 boomerangs per family) – BOOK NOW!

Schedule

Departure Point: Tour departs from selected Gold Coast hotels (North of Burleigh only)
Departure Time: 8:00am – Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.
Return Details: Tour concludes on the Gold Coast at approximately 5:00pm – 5:30pm

For additional information and bookings GO HERE!

My wife and I absolutely enjoyed this tour! Our tour guide was excellent, knowledgeable, humorous and made the whole trip really fun! The sights and views from the mountain top was stunning and the breakfast scones and BBQ lunch were really good. We rate this number 1 among the tours we did not that the others were no good – they were great too. Highly recommended! Well worth it!

Reviewed by: Tee Chong L, Singapore

COMPARE AND BOOK FROM 380+ HOTEL DEALS ON THE GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA

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BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £57.48
Location: Curacao, Netherlands

Adventure at its best! What better way to see the fascinating landscapes, exquisite wildlife and spectacular views of Curacao than on a Jeep Safari? Explore one the the world’s most impressive National Parks on this one of a kind picturesque tour. This full day spent on an off-road 4×4 adventure in the Christoffel National Park will leave the whole family with unforgettable memories of Curacao.

Inclusions:

• Hotel pickup and drop off (selected hotels only)
• Professional guide
• Off Road Safari Experience
• Lunch
• Conducted in English

You’ll be picked up at your hotel and be given a briefing and safety instructions by your driver/guide in reference to operating open vehicles, specifically in the ‘wild Curacao’ terrain.

After a short scenic tour of the island, you’ll arrive at Boca Pistol, located on the northern shore of the park. Here, you’ll get the opportunity to witness enormous waves smashing into the rocks, thus producing a loud ‘pistol’ sound. The Boca Table cave is your next stop, before heading west to explore the bare terrain filled with cacti and lizards.

After enjoying lunch at the historic Savonet Plantation, you’ll enter the main park. The Christoffel National Park is a combination of beautiful nature and amazing historical sites dating back to the time of the slave trade. You’ll visit old slave plantations and off road areas filled with orchids, birds of pray and sometimes even deer.

Other highlights of the tour include amazing, panoramic views, some of them more then a 1000 feet (300 meters) above sea level.

*This is a must do adventure when visiting Curacao!

Schedule

Departure Point: Tour departs from most Willemstad hotels
Departure Time: 9:00am

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.

For additional information GO HERE!

COMPARE AND BOOK FROM 22 HOTEL DEALS IN CURACAO, NETHERLANDS ANTILLES

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BOOK THIS TOUR – CLICK HERE!
From £126.56
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
4star based on 3 reviews

Take an exhilarating shake, rattle and roll tour of the Nellis Dunes by dune buggy from Las Vegas. You’ll feel the wind in your face as you traverse dry river beds, soar over sand dunes and experience the desert scenery like never before.

Inclusions:

• Choice of several departures throughout the day
• Free hotel pickup and drop-off included
• 90-minute buggy ride
• All safety gear
• Bottled Water
• Park fee
• Conducted in English

On your dune buggy visit to the Nellis Dunes you will stop at Look Out Dune and Rattle Snake Cliffs. You’ll be able to see the Las Vegas Strip clearly, as well as Lake Mead off in the distance. If you wish, your guide will take you to the Sony Motorstorm course and guide you through a lap.

If you have a nice camera – don’t bring it! A disposable camera is a much better idea!

All buggies are custom built for the rugged Nevada terrain, and come equipped with roll cages, seatbelts, helmets and goggles for your safety. The buggies are similar to your regular car – with a steering wheel, brake pedal, and gas pedal. It’s your responsibility to operate the vehicle safely.

Schedule

Departure Point: Tour departs from Las Vegas hotels
Departure Time:

o 7:00am
o 9:00am
o 11:00am
o 1:00pm
o 3:00pm

Return Details: Returns to original departure point

For additional information GO HERE!

It was awesome!!! This tour is definitely not for the faint at heart. You are moving so fast going up and down hills. The wind is just blowing in your face. I personality did not drive but it was great riding passenger. Some of the hills were so high!!! Over all the tour guides and the trials were awesome. They know the trails like the back of their hand. I would do it again in a heart beat.

Reviewed by: Robin M, United States of America

COMPARE AND BOOK FROM 220 HOTEL DEALS IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

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BOOK THIS TOUR!
From £173.63 (30% off the recommended retail price)
4star based on 766 reviews

Take off from Las Vegas Airport on an exhilarating helicopter flight to the Grand Canyon. You’ll enjoy a 45-minute helicopter flight each way, land deep in the canyon for a champagne picnic, and fly low over the famous Las Vegas neon Strip on your return. This is a half-day tour, leaving you with time in the day free to explore Las Vegas and Nevada at your leisure.

• Choice of several departures throughout the day
• Free hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Enjoy fantastic aerial views
• Likely to Sell Out
• Scenic helicopter flight
• Lunch included
• Excellent value for money
• Recorded commentary by audio headphones
• Conducted in English

This tour is likely to Sell-out! The Grand Canyon All American Helicopter Tour regularly sells out weeks in advance, so book ahead to avoid disappointment!

You’ll discover the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon as your air-conditioned helicopter flies to the West Rim, passing over Lake Las Vegas, Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam en route. Hoover Dam is a spectacular sight from the air, curved between the rock canyon walls. During the flight, you can listen to a recorded commentary about the Grand Canyon and its surrounds via audio headphones.

You’ll land for an unforgettable champagne picnic, 3,200 feet (960 meters) below the rim. While you share a bottle of champagne under an authentic Native American Ramada shelter, your pilot/guide will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the canyon or your helicopter flight.

Your Grand Canyon helicopter scenic flight ends with a low-level pass over the west side of the famous Las Vegas Strip. On landing, your limousine is waiting to whisk you back to your hotel.

Please note, there is a maximum capacity of 6 people per helicopter plus your pilot.

Schedule

Departure Dates: Daily

Departure Point: Tour departs from most Las Vegas hotels

Departure Time:
Early morning: 7:00am – 8:15am
Late morning: 9:45am – 11:00am
Early afternoon: 12:30pm – 1:45pm
Late afternoon: 3:15pm – 4:00pm (April to October only)

All flight times are approximate and subject to change due to weather conditions and weight restrictions.

For more information GO HERE!

Not cheap, but an incredible experience. Our pilot was great, and the whole trip was an absolute joy. I had expected a more personal approach, but you’re one of many passengers at the office. I guess it’s big business and it’s the most efficient way of doing things. As soon as you get in the chopper, it really doesn’t matter. I did expect a little more time on the ground in the canyon, and the lunch was more of a quick sandwich than what I had expected from a champagne lunch. Having said that, these really are minor issues and I would definitely recommend the experience to anyone.
Reviewed by: Bas R, Netherlands, May 2009

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by Beverley Jansz

The wonders of the Yala Safari Beach Hotel, now re-named Yala Safari Game Lodge, derive not only from meeting with nature, but also from an encounter with the values that make a holiday great.

Blissfully located a little less than a kilometre from the Yala Wildlife Sanctuary, teaming with wildlife, bordered by the ocean and blessed with a picturesque lagoon, the Yala Safari Game Lodge sprawls across 14 acres of land, It has been built beside the finest destination in Asia for Leopard watching, Jetwing Hotels Managing Director, Hiran Cooray explained.

The cluster of low, tiled-roof buildings merges into the rustic scrub jungle. Trees grown over the sandy area in the compound, provide shade and privacy. The hotel is not just a matter of meeting wonders of nature, but also wonders of a well run hotel with staff who are eager and obliging, good food, and that overall ambience which makes one reluctant to leave the hotel and its wonders.

The change of name as Yala Safari Game Lodge, according to Gehan de Silva Wijeratne, Director Product Development of Jetwing Hotels, is not a whim, but a sequence of Jetwing’s ambition to be a leading provider of eco-tourism internationally and a re-assessment of its assets.

Wijeratne is of the view that re-naming it as a Game Lodge immediately brings clarity to the product on offer to travel operators and clients.

The name change is symptomatic of a strategic re-positioning the Yala Safari Game Lodge has undertaken. Under the pioneering Jetwing Research Initiative, the hotel began sponsorship of the Leopad Project last year, which attracted wide media interest. The Game Lodge opened an ethnic style ‘Bird Hide’ in January, 2002 modeled on those used in UK. This is probably one of the first purpose built Bird Hides to be constructed by a hotel chain, anywhere in the world. Realising its potential as a base for bird watchers and eco-tourists, the hotel has developed bird benches, introduced a program of nature walks, tree trails and other features. Some of the features such as wildlife news boards, although common in European and North American nature reserves, were unknown in Sri Lanka until Jetwing paved the way with a news board at the Yala Safari Game Lodge.

Veteran hotelier, Lalin de Mel who joined Jetwing Hotels as Director Marketing and Sales is of the opinion that the key to attracting eco-tourists is understanding the needs of this growing market. ‘What we have found is that at times with little capital outlay, you can make a disproportionately high impact in targeting eco-tourists, de Mel said.

Former Assistant Director of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, Chandra Jayawardena who has joined the Yala Safari Game Lodge as the resident naturalist says that the character and assence of this property has always been that of a game lodge.

The Yala National Park being on par with some of the finest privately managed game reserves in Africa, for Leopard watching, gives Sri Lanka a head start. The Yala Safari Game Lodge together with the Jetwing Research Initiative will be the passport to placing Sri Lanka on the international eco-tourism map, de Mel said.

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