Alaska from North to South
Prudhoe Bay, Denali National Park, Prince William Sound, and Katmai National Park
June 13 to July 2, 2013

| At a Glance | Itinerary | Ship | Costs | Sign-up | Other Details |

Prudhoe Bay, Denali National Park, Prince William Sound,
and Katmai National Park

Warning! Brown Bear scratches
©Hugh Rose

Experience the best of pristine Alaska! View the state's famous wildlife surrounded by incredible scenery from colorful tundra to glacier-carved fjords. Under the excellent guidance of Alaska resident and professional photographer Hugh Rose, photograph bears, Caribou, Muskoxen, Moose, plus smaller mammals and many birds from eiders to eagles. Begin in the Arctic plains of Prudhoe Bay in search of the animals that make their home here during the brief summer season. Travel south through the Brooks Range for incredible scenery and wildlife, crossing the Arctic Circle and the mighty Yukon River. Visit Denali National Park for Grizzly Bear, Moose, Gray Wolf, beautiful birds, and wildflowers and enjoy a scenic flight around the highest mountain in North America. Continue your Alaskan immersion with five days exploring the remote corners of Prince William Sound for marine mammals and birds amidst some of the most spectacular glacial scenery in the hemisphere. The grand finale will be in Katmai National Park to watch Brown Bears as they snatch salmon from the river at famous Brooks Falls!

At a Glance

Cost: $9,650 per person, double occupancy, most airfare is not included as described. Review cost details.

Leader: Hugh Rose throughout plus Captain Dean Rand in Prince William Sound.

Group Size: 7 participants, not including leaders.

Number of Days: 20, including travel days. Five days onboard the Discovery.

Transport: Travel in Hugh's private 9-seat van with room to stand and opening windows for photography and viewing, by plane, and aboard the 12-passenger boat MV Discovery. Read more about our transport.

Conditions: This is a non-smoking safari for people who are very interested in all wildlife and spending the maximum time in the field. Please read full conditions.

Itinerary Updated: December 2012.

Synopsis:

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Detailed Itinerary

June 13, Thursday Arrive in Anchorage
Choose the best route to Anchorage, Alaska, to arrive in time to connect with the early afternoon flight to Prudhoe Bay/Deadhorse on June 14. See flight schedule details. We strongly suggest and request that you arrive in Anchorage on June 13 for an overnight in Anchorage (not included). This will guard against travel delays and also in case the afternoon flight to Prudhoe Bay is changed to a morning flight on June 14. Hotel suggestions will be provided with trip materials or upon request. Arriving early will allow time to explore downtown Anchorage and its fine museums, especially the Alaska Public Lands Information Center, which contains exhibits of Alaskan history, culture, geology, flora, and fauna. You may also enjoy the amazing diversity of wildlife in and around the city. Loons, ducks, and Red-necked Grebes are frequently observed on lagoons in parks within the city limits, such as at Westchester Lagoon. Anchorage is the largest community in North America with a population of breeding loons. The loud resonant yodeling call of a loon late in the evening across a still lake is an unforgettable experience, especially in an urban setting. Other avifauna found in the local area include Hudsonian Godwits, Alder Flycatchers, Common Redpolls, Rusty Blackbirds, Boreal and Black-capped chickadees, and several species of warblers.
Lodging: Your own arrangements

Wildflowers on the Arctic Coastal Plain
© Hugh Rose

June 14, Friday Fly to Prudhoe Bay to meet Hugh
Please take the afternoon flight from Anchorage to Deadhorse Airport (SCC) in Prudhoe Bay. The small town of Deadhorse consists of the airport, lodging, and general store that support the oil industry here in the North Slope Borough along the Arctic Ocean. Hugh will meet you at the airport upon arrival to begin this amazing Alaskan adventure in what appears, at first glance, an unlikely place to view wildlife. Check in at the hotel before heading out into the field to seek the mammals and birds that make the Arctic coastal plain their home during the brief summer season. Muskoxen, Caribou, Gray Wolf, Arctic Fox, and many spectacular birds may be found at this time of year. After a welcome dinner, we search the plains and pools around the town for Arctic birds and wildlife. While we do not rejoice over the oil industry's presence here, we will take advantage of the fact that it creates enough residual heat to melt what would normally be frozen ponds, creating freshwater pools that many opportunistic shorebirds use. Be prepared to stay out late for great photographs in the beautiful light of the midnight sun as it dips towards the horizon but never sets.
Lodging: Prudhoe Bay Hotel

June 15, Saturday Search the Arctic Plain for birds and other wildlife
After an early breakfast, we will spend our day searching for birds and mammals in the Arctic Plain. Birding and bird photography are spectacular here. Pacific, Common, and Red-throated loons, all in breeding plumage, are regularly seen. Common Eiders, King Eiders, Baird Sandpipers, Rock Ptarmigan, Long-tailed Jaeger, Arctic Warbler, and 125 other species can be found in this birding paradise. Arctic Fox and the native Red Fox are also common visitors. The Prudhoe Bay oil fields are at the top of the Alaska Pipeline and the north end of the Dalton Highway (Haul Road), which will be our only road for the next few days. A short drive down the highway may afford us looks at Muskoxen, Grizzly Bear, Caribou, and possibly Gray Wolf.
Lodging: Prudhoe Bay Hotel

June 16, Sunday Travel the scenic Dalton Highway through the Arctic Plain and Brooks Range
After breakfast, drive south down the Dalton Highway, the 500-mile-long road that stretches from Deadhorse to Fairbanks. Begin by crossing the Arctic coastal plain to the distant foothills of the Brooks Range. This first 130 miles is often rich with wildlife and takes us through an alien landscape of plains and low rolling hills covered with a brilliant green carpet of tundra vegetation. Animals come to the coastal plain in the summer to partake of the brief but intense bloom of life. Caribou, Moose, and Muskoxen are often seen browsing on willows and sedges, while predators, such as wolves, fox, bear, Golden Eagle, Snowy Owl, and Gyrfalcon, search the tundra for a warm meal.

Ascend the foothills of the Brooks Range and over the Atigun Pass at 5,000 feet, the highest mountain pass on any road in Alaska. We will stop along the way for special wildlife and scenic shots as well as a picnic lunch among the wildflowers. We descend from Atigun Pass onto the south side of the Brooks Range and enter the scenic Koyukuk River Valley and the northern edge of the boreal forest. The next 75 miles passes through the spectacular Koyukuk Valley, past craggy peaks of 400-million-year-old limestone and dense spruce forest. Here we may see Grizzly Bear, Gray Wolf, Moose, and even Lynx. At the end of an unforgettable 250-mile drive, arrive in the small, yet historic gold mining community of Wiseman to overnight at the Arctic Getaway Bed and Breakfast, commonly known as "Igloo #8." The Igloo Club (similar to the Elks Club) originally built this historic lodge, a real log cabin of the true Alaskan wilderness but complete with plenty of creature comforts now. Our hosts Berni and Uta, and their children Julia and Leo, will give us a warm welcome and have a wonderful dinner for us when we arrive.
Lodging: Igloo #8 Arctic Getaway Bed and Breakfast

June 17, Monday Wiseman and the Brooks Range
After breakfast in the comfortable dining room (and former dance hall) of Igloo #8, we will set out for a day of exploring and photography on the south side of the Brooks Range. Take a picnic lunch and eat surrounded by beautiful scenery. We'll take our time to see this part of the Dalton Highway that we didn't have as much time for the previous day, searching for wildlife and spectacular photographic opportunities of all kinds. This afternoon will be an excellent opportunity to explore Wiseman and the historic log cabins that still stand today, housing residents or small businesses such as Igloo #8 and the Wiseman Museum. Settled in 1903, most of the buildings are older than the oldest surviving buildings in Fairbanks. Several old cabins, a general store, and many historic gold mining artifacts can be found within a short walk of Igloo #8 and Leo will be happy to take us on a guided tour.
Lodging: Igloo #8 Arctic Getaway Bed and Breakfast

Crossing the Arctic Circle © Hugh Rose

June 18, Tuesday Cross the Arctic Circle and over the Yukon River to Fairbanks
After an early breakfast, we depart for Fairbanks, located 250 miles south of Wiseman. The drive traverses boreal forest and ascends mountain passes of windswept tundra. A crossing of the Arctic Circle sixty miles south of Wiseman will be celebrated with good cheer and a picnic lunch. Sixty miles further south we cross the mighty Yukon River and continue through the White Mountains to Fairbanks. An afternoon arrival in Fairbanks allows us a chance to relax and enjoy Fairbanks in the summer. Well known for warm summers and cold winters, high temperatures can be up into the 90s this time of year, but the average is 65 to 70°F. After checking in at the River's Edge Resort, dinner is on our own this evening to allow you your choice of cuisine.
Lodging: River's Edge Resort

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June 19, Wednesday Travel to Denali National Park
After a relaxing morning in Fairbanks with time to explore the "Golden Heart City of Interior Alaska," we'll drive south to the entrance of Denali National Park (formally Mount McKinley National Park). Enjoy a bit of the east side of the park before heading to the wonderful Earth Song Lodge in time for dinner. If our timing is good, we may even be treated to a wonderful slide show presentation from the lodge's owner who is an excellent photographer and dogsledder.
Lodging: Earth Song Lodge

White-crowned Sparrow
©Hugh Rose

June 20, Thursday Denali National Park
Depart early to spend the day on a leisurely drive through Denali National Park. Hugh has a special vehicle permit, partly because we will be staying in Kantishna on the other side of the park, so we can go through the park in his private van rather than by park bus. In order to protect wildlife viewing opportunities, the use of non-permitted private vehicles is restricted to the first 15 miles of the 100-mile-long road; only specially sanctioned park shuttle buses and those with special permits are allowed on the remaining road system. The park exemplifies interior Alaska's character as one of the world's last great frontiers; most of Denali remains largely wild and unspoiled. Denali is probably the best park in North America for viewing wildlife and wildflowers from early June through August with a total of 37 species of mammals documented. Moose, Grizzly Bear, Dall Sheep, Caribou, Red Fox, Arctic Ground Squirrel, marmots, and pikas are all seen from this road. Even Wolverine and Gray Wolf are occasionally found. Notable birds include Golden Eagle, Gyrfalcon, Rough-legged Hawk, Long-tailed Jaeger, Rock and Willow ptarmigan, Northern Wheatear, Arctic Warbler, American Golden-Plover, and over 100 other species. One area of interest is the Stony Creek area where 132 species of wildflowers occur, as well as wheatears, nesting shorebirds, Long-tailed Jaeger, and other birds.

Spend all day traversing the gravel road through the center of the park. Hugh knows this area very well from his employment as resident naturalist at Camp Denali. Stop to observe and photograph both large and small wildlife and incredible scenery and wildflowers. Large mammals may be found feeding very close to the road, such as the Denali Grizzly Bear with its beautiful blond fur. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park and arrive at Skyline Lodge in Kantishna for dinner. The lodge has clean, comfortable cabins with shared bathroom and shower facilities in the adjacent dining cabin. The meals are excellent and served buffet style. The privilege of exploring this remote area of Denali National Park on our own schedule makes this rustic accommodation well worth our two-night stay. We have stayed at other lodges but found that the regimented activity schedule did not accommodate our desire to spend as much time in the field as possible.
Lodging: Skyline Lodge

Glacier watching
©Hugh Rose

June 21, Friday Denali National Park scenic flight and Wonder Lake
The Skyline Lodge owners offer scenic flights in single-engine aircraft operated from a small airstrip located at Kantishna. During our stay here, with timing heavily dependent on the weather, you'll have the opportunity for a scenic flight around Denali's peak (included in the cost of the trip). Bring your wide-angle lens! Denali is an Athabaskan word meaning "great one" referring to North America's highest mountain, still often called Mount McKinley. The north face of the 20,320-foot summit is only 20 miles from Kantishna. The vertical relief of this impressive mountain from its base to its summit is 18,000 feet, even greater than that of Mount Everest. Permanent snowfields cover more than 50% of the mountain and feed the many glaciers that surround its base. The mountain makes its own weather and it can be hidden in clouds as much as 60% of the time, especially in the afternoon. Most visitors to Denali National Park do not even see the mountain because of the short time they are in the park. Staying two nights in Kantishna (plus the scenic flight) provide us with excellent chances to have a clear shots of this majestic mountain. Today we'll have the opportunity to explore more of the park from the Kantishna side, including time at Wonder Lake, one of the best places to photograph Moose, if one comes to drink in the afternoon. Wonder Lake is also the place for your iconic photo of Denali reflected in the lake
Lodging: Skyline Lodge

June 22, Saturday Return through Denali National Park and then south to Anchorage
After a hearty breakfast at Skyline Lodge, we depart early for more great wildlife experiences traversing slowly back across the park. We hope for stunning views of Denali since we will be on that side of the park in the morning when the summit is more often visible. Stop at the park entrance to explore this area and eat lunch. Travel south on the George Parks Highway to Anchorage through fertile Matanuska Valley farmlands and across high bridges spanning several Susitna River tributaries. Make a stop at Denali State Park for a chance to photograph the south side of the Alaska Range and Denali from a distance. Arrive in Anchorage and check in at the lovely Susitna Place Bed and Breakfast, just a few blocks from downtown. Dinner is on our own this evening.
Lodging: Susitna Place Bed and Breakfast

June 23, Sunday To the dock in Whittier and board the MV Discovery
After breakfast, we travel to the small port town of Whittier, where we rendezvous with the Discovery. Meet Captain Dean Rand at the harbor for a warm welcome. The Discovery is owned and operated by Dean, a long-time Alaskan, who expertly pilots the boat through Prince William Sound's narrow passages. Our first stop not far from Whittier will be at a colony of Black-legged Kittiwakes, nesting on the cliffs of the fjord next to a splendid waterfall. After that great action we can relax in the cozy lounge and enjoy a specially prepared lunch as we begin our five-day voyage through breath-taking glacial scenery, blue icebergs, and spectacular marine life.
Lodging: Aboard the Discovery

Discovery in Prince William Sound ©Hugh Rose

June 24 - 26, Monday - Wednesday Prince William Sound aboard the MV Discovery
Weather and wildlife will dictate our destinations, but we will head out on a route around Prince William Sound to maximize our marine wildlife and bird viewing and visit some of the most spectacular glacial scenery in the Northern Hemisphere, such as Icy Bay and Harriman Fjord. Observe and listen to glacial calving – an exciting and unpredictable event that is hard to turn away from! Search for Northern Sea Otters swimming or sunbathing on icebergs. This northern subspecies is noticeably larger than the subspecies found along the coast of California. Unlike many other marine mammals, a Sea Otter's primary insulation from the cold Alaskan waters is its thick fur coat, which is among the densest animal coats known. At this time of year we should see many otters with young, often carrying them on their bellies as they swim and making for even more adorable photos.

Prince William Sound is surrounded by the northern-most temperate rainforest in the world. Many land mammals are also present though not always easy to spot. Each day will consist of excursions on shore to hike and view wildlife and wildflowers up close. The Discovery is equipped with Zodiacs, which make shore excursions easy and we'll also have the opportunity for some kayaking for a water-level view of the wonders of the sound. Whale watching will be another exciting and unpredictable experience and there are many Humpback Whales in the region.
Lodging: aboard the Discovery

June 27, Thursday From Prince William Sound to Anchorage
Awake to some of the world's most spectacular scenery with sprawling glaciers and a panoramic skyline of mountain grandeur. Harbor Seals hauled out on the flotillas of icebergs and Bald Eagles perched atop trees watch closely as the Discovery navigates through icy, blue waters. Alaska's lush rainforest vegetation drapes the hillsides in green as streaming waterfalls fall from the rocky cliffs. Listen to the cracks, pops, and thunderous roars of glaciers while the Discovery drifts silently by these actively calving rivers of ice. Enjoy lunch while our boat exits this magical place back to the Whittier Harbor. After disembarking, return to Anchorage and check in at the Susitna Place Bed and Breakfast. Dinner is on our own this evening.
Lodging: Susitna Place Bed and Breakfast

June 28, Friday From Anchorage to Katmai National Park
After breakfast, depart for the Anchorage airport and take the one-hour flight (included in the trip cost) to King Salmon located in Bristol Bay. From King Salmon, take a 20-minute flight on a single-engine floatplane equipped with pontoons to Brooks Lodge in Katmai National Park. The scenic, low-level flight and smooth water takeoff and landing will be a unique experience. Brooks Lodge is situated on a peninsula at the mouth of the Brooks River, which flows from Brooks Lake before emptying into Naknek Lake. Naknek is the largest freshwater lake in the National Park system and is the fourth largest lake in Alaska.

Brown Bear fishing
in Katmai National Park
©Hugh Rose

The opportunity to observe concentrations of Brown Bears fishing for salmon is the primary attraction of this area. Coastal Brown Bears and Grizzly Bears are different subspecies of Brown Bear (Ursus arctos). The coastal Browns can be significantly larger due to their high-protein salmon diet. Mature males may weigh in excess of 1,000 pounds. In late June, as many as 30 bears may be present in the vicinity of Brooks Falls (located mid-way down the river), which acts as a partial migration barrier to salmon. Bears normally begin arriving by the third week of June and begin departing in August to feed on more accessible salmon in adjacent smaller streams. Special observation platforms are available for observing and photographing bears fishing at the river's mouth and at the falls upstream.

The lodge complex, operated by a concessionaire under Park Service permit, consists of cabins, a dining hall with sitting area and bar, and a small trading post. Adjacent Park Service facilities include a small campground and a visitors' center. Delicious buffet options are served at each meal in the dining hall. Due to extremely high demand, Brooks Lodge will allow us only two four-person cabins. Each cabin has two bunk beds and a bathroom and there are public restrooms in another building. With wildlife action this spectacular in this wonderful setting, we make do with less privacy, taking turns dressing if necessary. The porch outside each cabin is great for sitting and bears might even walk by. Moose, Bald Eagle, Osprey and other wildlife may also be seen but the Brown Bears tend to steal the show here. Upon arrival at the lodge, we will receive orientation from Park Rangers about bear behavior and safety rules and precautions
Lodging: Brooks Lodge in Katmai National Park

June 29 - 30, Saturday - Sunday Katmai National for Park Bear Viewing
Most of our time in Katmai will be spent observing and photographing the phenomenal bear activity and salmon jumping (or attempting to jump) the falls. Young bears not yet ready to compete with adults bears may sit along the shore waiting their turn or search downriver for floating fish carcasses. It is also possible to see a wolf in the vicinity of the falls, as they have been seen scavenging for fish remains.

Another option for one day is to travel by bus on a 23-mile gravel road to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes (additional cost paid at Brooks Lodge). After arrival at the lodge and discussion of options, let Hugh know if you'd like to take this day trip and he will make arrangements. This trip offers a view of wilderness sculptured by glaciers, stream erosion and volcanism. After a picnic lunch at the road's end, hike to the valley floor on a steep, but well maintained trail. This is the site of one of the most violent volcanic eruptions in recorded history. Novarupta Volcano, located near Mount Katmai, developed and exploded in June 1912, with blasts of hot, glowing pumice and ash destroying all living things over a large area and covering 40 square miles of lush valley to a depth of 700 feet. The valley floor is composed of a myriad of subtle colors of pumice and ash. Return to the lodge for dinner. Take a short evening hike to observe bears and possibly attend the visitor center program
Lodging: Brooks Lodge in Katmai National Park

July 1, Monday Morning bear viewing then fly back to Anchorage for farewell dinner
Rise early for one last opportunity for bear viewing as the salmon and bear action can differ and possibly increase each day. Depart after lunch on the floatplane back to King Salmon and then on to Anchorage. After arrival at the Anchorage airport, we will transfer to the Susitna Place Bed and Breakfast. Enjoy a farewell dinner together at a local restaurant within walking distance of Susitna Place.
Lodging: Susitna Place Bed and Breakfast

July 2, Tuesday Flights and arrive home or continue on your own
After breakfast, Hugh will provide a transfer to the Anchorage airport for flights home. One group transfer to the airport after breakfast is included in the trip cost. A taxi is easily arranged for later transfers. See flight schedule details. Alternatively, stay longer to explore Alaska on your own.

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Ship, Transportation and Group Size

Travel in Hugh's private, custom-designed van specially adapted for photography, including windows that open on both sides. There will be seven participants throughout the journey so there is plenty of room for photography in Hugh's nine-seater van.

The Discovery in a cloud of
Black-legged Kittiwakes
in Prince William Sound
©Hugh Rose

Five days and four nights will be spent aboard the cozy and comfortable, twelve-passenger Discovery. Additional Discovery guests may join our group for just this portion of the trip on Prince William Sound, however Dean usually caps the occupancy at nine or ten for everyone's comfort. In addition to ship cruising and shore excursions, kayaking will also be an option and is a wonderful way to see the sound. All cabins have bunk beds and shared facilities. The Discovery crew typically includes one to three canine members that are also seasoned veterans of Prince William Sound. The dogs stay on board the vessel when we are in sensitive wildlife habitat and are kept under control so as to not interfere with photographic opportunities. Please contact us if you have any concerns or allergies. Review more ship details including the deckplan.

During the tour, we will take a commercial flight from Anchorage to King Salmon and then board a small float plane for the short flight from King Salmon to Brooks Lodge in Katmai. These internal round-trip flights from Anchorage to Katmai and back will be booked by Hugh Rose and are included in the tour cost. There will also be the opportunity for one or more scenic flights during the trip. The scenic flight in Denali is included and all others can be paid for at the time of the flight. All scenic flights are dependent on weather and pilot/aircraft availability.

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Costs

Costs, Payments and Cancellations: All reservations require a deposit to confirm reservation of your space. Upon receiving your deposit and reservation form, we will send trip materials with additional information to help you prepare for your safari. Until the Final Payment due date, deposits are refundable except for a cancellation fee of $150 per person. This fee may go toward another tour if reserved within six months of the cancelled trip's departure date. There are no refunds given after the Final Payment due date. If you are a single traveler and desire so, we will find a roommate for you: if we cannot find a roommate we may have to charge you the single supplement fee. We reserve the right to charge for cost increases that occur between when we set tour prices and the date of travel, for example, changes due to the cost of lodging and transportation and in the exchange rate. All costs are in US$.

Included:

• All activities, leaders, transport, park entry fees, landing fees and permits, and accommodations as described in the detailed itinerary.
• All lodging as described in the detailed itinerary. Let us know if you would like to book extra hotel nights at an extra cost.
• All meals from dinner on June 14 to breakfast on July 2 except three dinners listed in the Not Included section.
• Round-trip flights from Anchorage to Katmai National Park.
• Scenic flight in Denali National Park.
• Airport transfers only at times and dates specified in the detailed itinerary.
• Complimentary beverages (wine, beer, spirits, sodas, juice) onboard the Discovery.

Not Included:

• Airfare, airport and departure taxes, and excess baggage fees are not included except except the flight from Anchorage to Katmai National Park. Airfare is approximately $900-1,200 from the lower 48, depending on departure point. Fly into Prudhoe Bay/Deadhorse and home from Anchorage.
• Optional scenic flight excursions (possible in Prudhoe Bay, Wiseman, or Katmai, cost to be determined and paid at the time of the flight, subject to weather conditions and availability).
• Overnight(s) and transportation in Anchorage prior to flight to Prudhoe on June 14.
• Separate transfers – Hugh will provide one group transfer on arrival and departure dates as described in itinerary.
• Gratuities: Tipping is, of course, discretionary, however we suggest budgeting a total of $250 per participant to be distributed among all the Discovery crew and to lodge personnel. It is not necessary to tip Hugh Rose, but he will be happy to collect and distribute the gratuity.
• Dinners on June 18 in Fairbanks and June 22 and 27 in Anchorage.
• Travel insurance.
• Items of a personal nature such as laundry (where available), telephone calls, medical costs or hospitalization, room service, alcoholic and other beverages (except on the Discovery), and items not on the regular menu, etc. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your reservation form.

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Sign-up

To Make a Reservation: Please contact us (there are many methods of contacting us) to assure space availability and to let us answer your questions. Then, print our reservation form, fill out one form per person, and post it to us in the mail with your deposit. Or fill out our handy online information request and we will send you more information.

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Other Details

Hugh Rose

Leader: Hugh Rose is an outstanding resident naturalist, geologist, and professional photographer. Hugh has led Alaska trips since 1991, receiving unending praise for his amazing knowledge and attention to every trip detail as well as his expert leadership. He not only has an extensive knowledge of all aspects of Alaskan natural history from bird behavior to geology, he is also a top-notch photographer and will lend his expertise to help you get wonderful photos throughout the trip. He has lived in northern climates most of his life and currently makes his home in Fairbanks, Alaska. Hugh is also part of our Antarctica Expedition Staff.

Captain Dean Rand will lend his expertise while onboard the Discovery. Captain and naturalist Dean Rand and his two adult daughters and black lab Happy live year round aboard the Discovery, based in the little town of Whittier in Western Prince William Sound. Considered by many to be one of the most knowledgeable mariners in Prince William Sound, Dean's extensive involvement with a broad range of scientific research conducted throughout the sound have provided him with a well-rounded background in the region's natural history. Dean is a master shipwright and marine mechanic with more than 30 years of full-time service in the marine trades on the Alaska coast and has spent the last 17 years exclusively in Prince William Sound.

Flight Information: Please let us know if you would like help arranging your flights to/from Alaska and we will put you in contact with our excellent ticketing agent.

You book yourself - Arrive in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska (SCC), also known as Deadhorse, on the afternoon of June 14. Please book the afternoon Alaska Air flight AS 53 from Anchorage (ANC) to Prudhoe Bay (SCC) on June 14. This is the flight that Hugh will arrange the group transfer for. Please note: this flight time could change to the morning, so it is better to arrive in Anchorage on June 13 for an overnight (not included).

Depart from Anchorage (ANC) on the morning of July 2, unless you wish to spend additional time there on your own.

We book for you - The round-trip flights from Anchorage to Katmai National Park are included in the tour cost and will be booked by Hugh Rose for all participants.

Travel Insurance: Emergency Medical Insurance is required for the Tanzanian portion of this safari and is strongly encouraged for the entire safari. Read about travel insurance and our recommendations and requirements.

Trip Materials: Detailed information about your specific tour will be sent to you after you make your reservation with us. These trip materials include information about flights, packing, entry and departure requirements, airport transfers, gratuities, packing, etc. Please take a moment to read this important informtation upon receipt.

Conditions: We have a strict non-smoking policy - smoking is not permitted at any time or any place during our tours. We try to spend as much time in the field as possible, sometimes resulting in long days but giving you a more in-depth experience. Travel to remote places is exciting, but understanding and accepting the risks, both medical and logistical, are important. Minor medical problems can usually be treated, but due to the fact that we often travel to locations far from medical facilities, there can be no expectation for immediate medical treatment or evacuation, even in cases of trauma. Anyone with health problems needing close medical supervision should not consider going on this trip. Bring enough medication for the duration of the trip for any chronic medical needs, since pharmacies are usually not available. When you send your tour deposit and signed reservation form, you certify to us that you do not knowingly have any physical or other conditions that would create a risk for yourself or for other trip participants. For all tours that are ship-based, please note that although we cannot guarantee a request for a specific cabin, we do guarantee that you will be in a cabin of equal or greater value specified in your reservation.

Mailing List: If you would like to be on our mailing list or request information, please use our online information request form or contact us to give us your name, address, email address and phone number. Please note we will never share your personal information with anybody!

Responsibility: Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris, Saratoga, California, act only as agents and shall not be responsible or become liable for any delay incurred by any person in connection with any means of transportation, nor for the loss, damage, or injury to person or property by reason of any event beyond the control of the agency or default of such agency suppliers. We reserve the right to cancel the tour prior to departure in which case full refund will constitute full settlement to the passenger. No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour unless arrangements are made at the time of booking. All rates are based on current tariffs, exchange rates and fuel prices and are subject to adjustment in the event of any change therein. By sending your initial deposit, you agree to accept our payment schedule as a contract. If payments are still outstanding two weeks after the due date, your space may be forfeited. Baggage is at the owner's risk.

Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris is registered as California Seller of Travel #2063050-40. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris is a participant in the Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation (TCRC). In event of a client canceling where a refund is applicable in accordance with the schedule above, or in the event that CES needs to cancel the trip, all payments for transportation or travel service not provided to the client shall be promptly refunded, unless the client instructs us otherwise in writing. All client payments are deposited into a trust account in accordance with California law. If for any reason a valid refund is not forthcoming, the client may request reimbursement from the TCRC within six months of the scheduled end of the tour. Please feel free to ask us for more information.

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All material © Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris.
All photos © Doug or Ted Cheeseman, unless otherwise credited.
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