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A small group holiday to watch the migration of birds across the Straits of Gibraltar. Well organised with excellent guides. The accommodation and food was first class and we had first rate picnics (with wine) provided every day. As well as seeing a huge variety of birds we also enjoyed a whale watching trip. Naturetrek is a highly efficient tour operator who keep all customers well informed and provide excellent pre trip packs and tour reports. They are also available to answer any questions at any time and suggest alternative travel arrangements.
J.W. West Yorkshire, Mar 23
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Go Slow in Andalucia in Spring
Tour Code: ESP51A 7-day holiday to enjoy the spring bird migration across the Strait of Gibraltar, based at a delightful traditional rural Spanish farmhouse.
7 days
from
£1,995 (Inc flights)
£1,995 (Inc flights)
Land only price
from
£1,795
£1,795
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
Enjoy spring early by heading south to Andalucia with this relaxed, ´Go Slow´, migration appreciation tour. What better way to spend a March morning than sunlit in the lush rolling hills of southern Spain, welcoming raptors and storks back from their African wintering grounds, as they soar across the Strait of Gibraltar on their way north to breed? Accommodated at the delightful Cortijo el Indiviso, a traditional rural Spanish farmhouse between Tarifa and Vejer de la Frontera, you´ll be ideally placed to see the very best of the area´s wildlife and witness the spectacle of migration at close quarters. Each day we´ll make leisurely excursions within easy reach of our base, to explore the variety of habitats close by. There´ll be plenty of time to relax, walk in the grounds at our lodgings, or simply hang out by the bar as migrating birds pass overhead. A leisurely boat trip into the Strait itself will introduce you to its rich variety of marine-life. Long-finned Pilot Whales, Common, Striped, and Bottlenose Dolphins are all resident here, and at this time of year we stand a good chance of encountering migrating Sperm and Fin Whales, not to mention seabirds such as Cory´s, Scopoli´s and Balearic Shearwaters, Great Skuas and European and Wilson’s Storm Petrels.
- Experience thousands of migrating raptors and storks crossing the Strait of Gibraltar
- Explore Los Alcornacales Natural Park, looking for Crested Tits, Firecrests, Hawfinches, Serins, Short-toed Treecreepers and more in Europe´s largest Cork Oak forest
- Enjoy a variety of waders, terns and gulls in the area´s fine inter-tidal and wetland habitats
- Long-finned Pilot Whales and three species of dolphin and maybe even migrating Sperm Whales close by on a boat trip into the Strait
- Comfortable accommodation, where migrating raptors pass right overhead!
- Sample superb local tapas and enjoy our legendary picnics in the sun!
- Led by expert locally-based naturalist guides
This ‘Go Slow’ holiday is timed to coincide with the early spring-time northbound migration. What better way to spend a March morning than in the rolling sunlit hills of southern Spain, welcoming raptors and storks back from their African wintering grounds as they soar across the Straits of Gibraltar on their way north to breed?
Staying at the delightful rural farmhouse of Cortijo el Indiviso, we will be ideally placed to see the very best of the area’s wildlife and witness the spectacle of migration at close quarters, at a time of year when back home most are depending on central heating to ward off the chill of late winter. Each day we will make leisurely excursions, within easy reach of our base, to explore the variety of habitats close by. There will be plenty of time to relax and potter in the extensive grounds of our base, or simply relax by the bar and pool as migrating birds pass overhead.
A leisurely boat trip into the Strait itself will introduce you to its rich variety of cetaceans and marine-life. Long-finned Pilot Whales as well as Common, Striped and Bottlenose Dolphins are resident here, and at this time of year we stand a good chance of encountering migrating Sperm and Fin Whales, not to mention seabirds such as Cory’s, Scopoli’s and Balearic Shearwaters, Great Skua, and European and Wilson’s Storm Petrels.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Fly Gibraltar and transfer to Vejer
Day 2/6
Daily wildlife excursions in the area of the Strait
Day 7
Fly to London
Reviews
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Go Slow holidays are very well tailored to the mature fit person. The leaders were adaptive, knowledgeable and fun. The accommodation was amazing well thought out to meet everyone's needs. The variety of habitats and opportunities to see the birds we went to see was super. Always there to respond to our questions, no matter how trivial.They kept us updated re all the COVID issues and changes related to our holiday and safety needs. They were flexible and consistent.
E.H. West Sussex, Mar 22 -
Have always wanted to see the migration over the straits of Gibraltar and after the nightmare of two years of pandemic incarceration grabbed at the chance to finally get there. Such wonderful sights and knowledge passed on by two great naturalists. I left with a tear in my eye, not wanting to return home - but that's the sign of a great holiday, that you leave with regrets. I'll definitely return - I hear the autumn migration is a sight to see! Have felt for Naturetrek in the dreadful times of the pandemic, would they survive? But survive they did and were enterprising and inventive about how to support themselves and their tour guide partners. I've never yet been disappointed by a Naturetrek holiday.
S.H. Buckinghamshire, Mar 22 -
Excellent location to see the spectacle of thousands of raptors crossing the Straits of Gibraltar. Our guides were very knowledgeable and varied our itinerary to be in the best spots at the best times. Always a very personal feeling that whoever you speak to knows and cares about every detail of your booking.
K.M. Hertfordshire, Mar 22 -
We went to an eco-lodge near Tarifa in Southern Spain to see the spring bird migration. Every day was different, it depended a lot on the wind direction and strength as to where the birds would cross and the tour guides were experts at finding the right place to be. We saw over 100 species as well as interesting butterflies and flowering plants and trees. The accommodation was located in a wooded area which was also full of smaller birds and animals, such a tree frogs and toads. We went with Naturetrek and they were excellent throughout, from booking to the actual holiday. The 2 guides were especially good, very knowledgeable and pleasant to be with, they really made the holiday one to remember.
J.D. Cheshire, Mar 19
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Sun 9th Mar – Sat 15th Mar
FULL
£1,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,795
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£195
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Niki Williamson
Tour Leader: Niki Williamson
Niki was given a YOC membership for her 6th birthday, and has loved nature ever since. She worked and volunteered for the RSPB for 12 years, managing habitats, brandishing power tools with varying levels of success, and honing her birding skills in some of the best wetland, upland and coastal habitats in the UK. She was part of the Eastern England Farmland Advisory team for eight years, working with nature-friendly farmers to make the countryside a better place for wildlife, eventually heading up the team. Niki is particularly passionate about the plight of the Turtle Dove and was part of Operation Turtle Dove, working to ensure a future for this desperately declining bird. As well as the UK, this work took her to West Africa, where she worked closely with Conservation Grade to survey migratory and resident farmland bird species and their habitat needs, to see how local growers could produce peanuts in a way that is fair to nature and of benefit to wintering migrants. Niki now lives in Southern Spain, near Tarifa, where she has worked full time as a wildlife guide for four years, with a focus on showing people the wondrous migration spectacle of the Straits of Gibraltar. She leads tours here for Naturetrek in spring, autumn and summer, and also leads in various other destinations across Spain, including Coto Doñana, Sierra de Morena, Extremadura, Serranía de Ronda, as well as across the straits in Northern Morocco.
Sat 15th Mar – Fri 21st Mar
FULL
£1,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,795
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£195
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Niki Williamson
Tour Leader: Niki Williamson
Niki was given a YOC membership for her 6th birthday, and has loved nature ever since. She worked and volunteered for the RSPB for 12 years, managing habitats, brandishing power tools with varying levels of success, and honing her birding skills in some of the best wetland, upland and coastal habitats in the UK. She was part of the Eastern England Farmland Advisory team for eight years, working with nature-friendly farmers to make the countryside a better place for wildlife, eventually heading up the team. Niki is particularly passionate about the plight of the Turtle Dove and was part of Operation Turtle Dove, working to ensure a future for this desperately declining bird. As well as the UK, this work took her to West Africa, where she worked closely with Conservation Grade to survey migratory and resident farmland bird species and their habitat needs, to see how local growers could produce peanuts in a way that is fair to nature and of benefit to wintering migrants. Niki now lives in Southern Spain, near Tarifa, where she has worked full time as a wildlife guide for four years, with a focus on showing people the wondrous migration spectacle of the Straits of Gibraltar. She leads tours here for Naturetrek in spring, autumn and summer, and also leads in various other destinations across Spain, including Coto Doñana, Sierra de Morena, Extremadura, Serranía de Ronda, as well as across the straits in Northern Morocco.
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The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.
Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours
We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.
The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.
Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:
- Southern Morocco – an exploration of the birdlife in Morocco’s southern deserts, oases and mountains
- The Camargue in Spring – a short break to enjoy the spring birds of the Rhône Delta and Camargue wetland
- Wallcreepers & Cranes in Northern Spain – a 2-centre holiday focusing on Lammergeier, Wallcreepers, raptors, Cranes, bustards, sandgrouse and more!
- Madeira & Desertas Islands – A Seabird Extravaganza! – a short break focusing on special breeding seabirds, including a night on the remote Destertas Islands
- Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu – searches for boobies, macaws and Inca Terns
- Spain & Morocco: Birding on Two Continents! – watch the spectacular spring bird migration from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar
Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection
Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.
Our specialist recommends...
"Try Coto Doñana & Extremadura for an excellent introduction to Europe's wetland and steppe birds. I would recommend our bargain holiday, 'Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour' for those interested in Siberian rarities and Ibisbill, while Costa Rica offers a chance to search for arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal."
Byron Palacios - Tour Leader
Byron Palacios - Tour Leader
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Relaxed Wildlife Holidays
Our programme of Go Slow wildlife holidays allows guests to enjoy the natural world at a more leisurely pace than on one of our conventional wildlife holidays. There will be more time to relax, more time to potter, excursions will be optional and we hope you will return, not only having enjoyed a fascinating mix of birds, plants and other wildlife, but also feeling refreshed and relaxed!
Our Go Slow tours range from week-long holidays that offer warm spring sunshine and gentle natural history excursions in Portugal, the Camargue and Mallorca, to tours which take on a more cultural air each afternoon, such as Go Slow … in Istria in Autumn and Go Slow … in Southern Spain. Our Go Slow holidays in the Swiss Alps and Cyprus both combine the best of the region’s botany and birdlife, or, if you would like to travel a little further afield, why not join us for a leisurely-paced exploration of India’s Tiger Country, Kenya’s Masai Mara, or South Africa’s Western Cape?
What can I expect on a typical Naturetrek Go Slow holiday?
On each Go Slow holiday we aim to offer as many of the following as possible:
- A single-centre holiday
- Direct flights with sociable timings
- Comfortable hotel of high quality (with swimming pool if possible), serving meals of a high standard
- Leisurely paced walks on gentle terrain
- Expert leaders, as ever, with more time for interpretation & explanation
- A maximum of 6 hours in the field each day (9.30am-3.30pm with picnic lunch or two 3-hour excursions)
- Morning and afternoon toilet/comfort stops
- Minimal long drives
- Back in time for afternoon tea
- All excursions optional
- All-inclusive cost (except bar drinks & laundry)
- Time to relax, read, paint, potter, swim or enjoy anything else that you might wish to do!
Our specialist recommends...
"If you’re looking for wonderful wildlife and great hospitality at a slower, more relaxing pace, our Go Slow portfolio could be just right. Why not consider Go Slow … in Extremadura, based at Viña las Torres in the heart of the Extremadura countryside, to enjoy some of Europe’s top birdwatching? Or, for something more exotic, have a look at Go Slow … in Trinidad, which is based at the incomparable Asa Wright Centre.”
Andy Tucker - Operations Manager
Andy Tucker - Operations Manager
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
