Bhutan
Crane Festival Time
November 4 to 23, 2010

The Black-necked Crane in the Phobjikha Valley and the Crane Festival in November are true highlights of this exceptional Bhutanese immersion. Bhutan is one of the world's top ten biodiversity hotspots. Enjoy spectacular birds, stunning Himalayan scenery, and over a dozen species of fascinating mammals, including the endemic Golden Langur. Join our leader, Hishey Tshering, over the prayerflag-laden passes of Bhutan following roads that look out onto beautiful vistas in all directions. This shining Buddhist gem is a scenic paradise in November during the clear skies of autumn. Bhutan's altitudinal variations from lowlands to high passes will keep you guessing about the next surprise around the corner. Photogenic mammals and both resident and migrant birds will be encountered in these beautiful landscapes particularly with Hishey's expertise. The photography is superb. Also the Buddhist culture is more than a religion, integrated into all aspects of life in Bhutan, "the land of the peaceful dragon."

Black-necked Cranes ©Dean Schuler

At a Glance

Cost: $5,880 per person, double occupancy, not including airfare. Review cost details.

Leader: Hishey Tshering plus an assistant guide and an experienced driver, driving an spacious modern bus.

Size: Eight participants, not including leaders and staff.

Conditions: A non-smoking safari for people who are very interested in wildlife (mammals, birds and reptiles) and spending the maximum time in the field.

Update: This itinerary was updated in April 2010. View the plain text version, great for printing!

Synopsis:
Note: 'La' means pass, 'chu' means river, 'ka' or 'kha' means valley.

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About Bhutan

The Kingdom of Bhutan is the size of Switzerland, nestled between Tibet and India, and is truly one of Earth's most remote countries. Over 60 percent of the country is still forested, despite many farms dotting the countryside, especially in eastern Bhutan. The Buddhist philosophy of respect for all living things along with a progressive governmental approach to preservation of the environment and the promotion of Bhutan's unique culture and traditions have maintained a healthy environment, where wildlife flourishes. Bhutan lies in an area designated as one of the world's ten biodiversity hotspots. There are over 600 species of birds including some of the most exotic and rare species in the eastern Himalayas. Bhutan is also home to at least 165 species of mammals, including Golden Langur, Leopard, Rhinoceros, and Elephant in the lowlands; Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bear, and Musk Deer in the middle-elevation forests; and Takin grazing on grasses in alpine meadows along mountainsides. Tiger tracks might be found from the bases of the foothills to above tree line, although this predator is very seldom seen. All the mammals are elusive and encountering them is difficult, but you're bound see the beautiful Golden Langur, a rare primate found only in Bhutan, as well as other langurs and the Assamese Macaque.

Geographical Map of Bhutan

Throughout the trip, occasionally stop to visit the impressive goembas (monasteries), dzongs (the monastery/fortresses that serve as Bhutan's administrative and religious centers), lhakhangs (temples), and chortens (stupas) that are important features of Bhutan's past and present religion and culture. The Buddhist culture in Bhutan is more than a religion, integrated into all aspects of daily life in this "land of the peaceful dragon". There will be opportunities to examine traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts, which represent an exciting and vital aspect of Bhutan's living heritage, and reflect Bhutan's spiritual and intellectual life. Surrounding you at every turn from the moment you land at the airport in Paro will be the appealing Bhutanese architecture with its traditional shapes, colorful patterns, outrageous "motifs", and an unmatched combination of engineering skill and beauty.

Golden Langur

Until recently, Bhutan's remoteness, steep terrain, and tightly controlled tourism have ensured that its incredible beauty and fascinating people remained quiet known only to a few. Bhutan was closed to outsiders until 1960; its first roads were built in 1961; no tourists were officially permitted until 1974. You will encounter red-robed monks and herders with their cows or yaks on the road, as well as vehicles. Two centuries co-exist, as Bhutan is a developing country, yet its unique agrarian Buddhist culture is very much intact. With development flourishing, do expect to encounter the 21st century in this remote mountainous land. Towns are expanding and new hotels are being built. The Kingdom celebrated 100 years of monarchy, which was established in 1907. A general election was held in 2008. It was the vision of the 4th King to usher in democractic changes in times of peace. He at only 51 years old abdicated in favor of his son, who is now the 5th King. The capital, Thimphu, is growing very quickly, as it attracts sons and daughters to settle there where they can make a better living than staying on the family farmland. Other towns are also attracting many new residents, where homes, apartments and hotels are in construction, always in the wonderful Bhutanese architectural style. Nepalese and Indians work alongside the roads for Indian construction companies, maintaining the winding thoroughfares.

Bhutan has 20 peaks over 23,000 feet, a wonderful place to photograph stunning mountain scenery at this season, while also seeing spectacular birds and charming mammals. We will travel easterly, dropping south to the Phobjikha Valley for the Black-necked Cranes and Crane Festival, then down to the southern lowlands in the district of Zhemgang, adding new species and absorbing the culture. We'll return west from Trongsa to Paro, discovering new scenery. Then enjoy a grand finale up on Chelila Pass, one of the best places for Satyr Tragopan, Monal Pheasant and the Kalij Pheasant.

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Detailed Itinerary

November 4 - 6, Thursday - Saturday: Fly to Bangkok for overnight on November 6
Depart on November 4 or 5 to arrive in Bangkok by the evening of November 6 at the latest for an overnight at the Novotel near the Bangkok Airport. One night at the Novotel, either at the beginning or end of the trip, is included in the trip cost, depending on what fits your flight schedule best. Extra nights at the Novotel are approximately $175 per room, depending on the exchange rate. This lovely hotel was newly built when the airport opened a few years ago. Review flight details.
Lodging: Night on Nov 6 at Novotel in Bangkok (unless hotel night at end of trip is preferred)

November 7, Sunday: Fly to Paro for fascinating culture and birds
Depart Bangkok early on the morning of November 7 for Paro, Bhutan. Our leader, Hishey Tshering, will obtain your airline tickets on Druk Air, the national airline and will also arrange for your Bhutan visas. Arrive at the Paro airport at about 11 am where Hishey will be waiting, then drive to the Janka Resort, very close to the Pachu River in Paro for a two-night stay. The meals on this tour will be excellent, a combination of Indian, Chinese, and Bhutanese. After a great lunch, enjoy the beautiful valley of Paro. Enjoy birding along the river to experience your first Ibisbill, a very special large Himalayan shore bird. It is both rare and well camouflaged, so it may take a bit of searching. White Wagtails and two species of redstarts, the Plumbeous and White-capped, are nearly always present along the river. Hishey may also locate the elusive Black-tailed Crake as well as the Common Snipe.

The valley of Paro is mainly Blue Pine forests, which does not have quite the diversity of bird life found in the many broadleaf habitats to the east, but the woodlands around the Drukgyel Dzong area provide a hint of the great variety that is to come. Some of the bird species that can be seen in this area include Black-faced Laughingthrush, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, Brown Parrotbill, Chestnut-tailed Minla, Common Kestrel, White-collored Blackbird, and Grey-backed Shrike. Hishey's experienced driver will also pull over on the road edge whenever you are inspired to take photos, as all the scenery will be very impressive.
Lodging: Janka Resort in Paro

November 8 - 9, Monday - Tuesday: Jigme Dorji NP and Thimphu, Bhutan's capital
In the morning, drive from Paro to Thimphu following the river valley between the two towns through Blue Pine and some alpine slopes. Sometimes, especially in the morning, Grey Langurs are active along the shrub covered rock cliffs beside the road. Like the Paro Valley, the Thimphu Valley is relatively dry and is surrounded by Blue Pine forests.

Drive north through the religious Cheri Valley to Bhutan's largest park, Jigme Dorji National Park, where the vegetation is mainly evergreen oak forest with bamboo. The concept of a national park in Bhutan reflects sustainable use for people, as well as the fauna and flora, to flourish. People own private land within the national park and are assisted by the Department of Agriculture to maintain small herds and allow the forests and wildlife to flourish. Perhaps we will encounter Assamese Macaques, Grey Langurs, and even Ghoral (a small native goat), as well as birds, such as the Crested Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, and Spotted Nutcracker. If time permits, stop at a place with rock-bee hives hanging from a cliff to look out for the rare Yellow-rumped Honeyguide feeding on the honeycomb. If not found here, there will be several other opportunities to stop at rock-bee hives where the road follows cliffs. This honeyguide is one of the globally threatened birds relatively easy to find in Bhutan.

In the afternoon, after returning to Thimphu for lunch, you'll have the opportunity to buy stamps, post cards, and maps at Thimphu's post office. Possibly visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Tradional Crafts) and stop for a close-up view of the national mammal, the Takin, protected in a green area on the edge of town.
Lodging: Two nights at Hotel Yeedzin in Thimphu

Female Ward's Trogon

November 10 - 11, Wednesday - Thursday: Over two passes to the Crane Festival in Phobjikha
Depart early for some delightful birding at the 10,000-foot pass called Dochu La. We will visit here again with more time later in the trip on the return trip to Paro. Watch for high elevation, mixed evergreen, and cool broadleaf forest birds, including Fire-tailed Myzornis, Red-tailed Minla, Mrs. Gould's Sunbird, and Green-tailed Sunbird. At this scenic pass, enjoy the spectacular sight of 108 chortens (108 being an auspicious number) built early in this century to commemorate the victory of the 4th King over the Assamese insurgents trying to invade Bhutan. Then look west to the many splendid peaks all along the horizon, a great place for scenic photos during this season with crisp clear blue skies.

Such a contrast! While descending to the town of Wandi, the temperate broadleaved forest habitat soon gives way to a semi-tropical zone. Here look for niltava species, Eurasian Jay, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Plain-backed Thrush, Great Barbet, and perhaps even the rare Ward's Trogon. The sudden appearance of low elevation species, such as Red-vented Bulbul and Common Myna, is a reminder of the astonishing diversity of Bhutan within such short distances. The vegetation includes Chirpine, a lower elevation conifer, instead of Blue Pine.

Witness another amazing contrast heading to Pelala Pass and again up into the sub-alpine paradise. The recent Bhutanese film "Travelers and Magicians" was shot along this road. From the conifers and bamboo of Pele La, start down the road south to Phobjikha (Phobji Ka). The drive down from the pass into the valley is full of great surprises, such as Spotted Laughing-thrushes and brilliant sunbirds feeding among unique larches endemic to the Himalayas. Along the drive to Phobji, three species of parrotbills (Black-throated, Brown, and Great) may be encountered, plus Brown and Red-headed bullfinch, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Black-eared Shrike-babbler, Fired-tailed Myzornis, and Kalij and Monal pheasants. At 10,000 feet, Phobjikha is a glacial valley and is the biggest wetland in Bhutan. It is the winter home of about 350 Black-necked Cranes that arrive in late October and start migrating back to Tibet by early March. Because of the presence of the cranes, Phobjikha is one of the most important wildlife preserves in the Kingdom. Arrive in the village and check into the cozy Phuntsocholing Guesthouse with shared baths.

The town will be decked out for the Crane Festival. During the full day on Friday, enjoy not only the merriment of the Crane Festival, but also walk a trail across the marshes to get a closer look at the cranes while keeping an eye out for cranes flying overheard. There will be plenty of time to spend at the Crane Festival here in Phobjikha. Festivals in Bhutan are not formal religious affairs, but occasions to get together, renew acquaintances, and make merry. The atsaras (traditional clowns of the Tshechu) add color to the festival by their bawdy antics. Tshechus attract crowds traveling in from the remotest of villages. In a swirl of color and noise, the gods and demons of Buddhist mythology come to life. Masked and sword dances and other rituals are performed during festivals. Each dance has its own significance and is performed by monks and villagers. Immerse yourself in the excitement of the Crane Festival and enjoy wonderful and endless photo opportunities.
Lodging: Two nights at Phuntsocholing Guesthouse

Phobjikha Valley ©Dean Schuler

November 12, Friday: Spectacular Pelala Pass to Trongsa with night at Yangkill Resort
This morning, drive north back through the Phobji Valley and then turn east over beautiful Pele La towards Trongsa, a district with a very narrow river valley and a very big dzong. Before reaching it on the winding road, the first glimpse of the Trongsa Dzong across the breathtaking Mangde Chu Gorge is fantastic. Stop to walk to the dzong from the lookout through the forest down into the valley below, across a wooden cantilevered bridge, and up to the dzong on the other side. This is beside a huge forest reserve, where Leopards have been observed. Built atop the crest of a narrow ridge, Trongsa Dzong is without doubt the most spectacularly sited dzong in all of Bhutan. It's perched far enough above the river that the clouds frequently float below it.

We will take time to visit the Trongsa Ta Dzong Museum. Situated strategically above the Trongsa Dzong, the Ta Dzong served as the watchtower for centuries. It now houses the newly inaugurated beautiful museum that focuses on the history of the monarchy, which had its cradle in Trongsa. Overnight at the Yangkhil Resort built in the wonderful Bhutanese style of architecture. It is also situated in a superb location, overlooking the town of Trongsa at 7,000 feet. The lodge is surrounded by beautiful grounds laid out with a prayer wheel powered by water as well as prayer wheels powered by hand.
Lodging: Yangkhil Resort in Trongsa

Crane Festival ©Dean Schuler

November 13 - 15, Saturday - Monday: Zhemgang's unique lowland birds and Golden Langurs
From Trongsa, drive south of the Zhemgang District lowlands on a road with beautiful waterfalls and ferns to the bottom of the valley, then again ascend to an elevation of about 6,500 feet at Wangdigang. Drive through a big agricultural area where the open farmland is impressive, with amazing rice terraces on the steep hillsides. Crested Bunting can be seen perched on shrubs along the road, defending their territories. Then bird in the more diverse forest habitats, including huge moss-laden trees, perfect for the incomparable Beautiful Nuthatch and the Sultan Tit.

During the three days in the Zhemgang District, enjoy birding along the Zhemgang-Tingtibi Road, plus side roads and trails. Specialties include the Fire-tailed Myzornis, the Cutia, the Sultan Tit, Yellow-cheeked Tit, several species of fulvettas and laughingthrushes, Rufous-breasted Bush-Robin, Orange-flanked Bush-Robin, White-browed, Black-eared, Green and Black-headed shrike babblers, Golden Babbler, Rusty-fronted Barwing, Gray Peacock Pheasant, Red-headed Trogon, several species of cuckoos, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Pintailed Green Pigeon, White-browed and Speckled piculet, and Scarlet Finch. Rufous-necked Hornbill and Great Hornbill close enough to photograph are distinct possibilities. The Golden Langur, one of Bhutan's special endemic mammals, is also common in the lowlands, so we will spend time with these primates whenever we encounter them. They are beloved by the Bhutanese who consider sighting them an omen of good luck. We also should encounter the Black Giant Squirrel and the Yellow-necked Marten, two other very special mammals. The private campsite is located near a beautiful river. The weather in November is generally very pleasant with no rain. It should be warm enough to go in for a swim in a big clear pool along the river if you would like to bring your bathing suit.

The camp staff will take care of all camp set-up, meals, and arrangements to allow you to fully enjoy your experience. Read more about camping.
Camping: Three nights at mobile tented camp in the Tingtibi area of Zhemgang

November 16, Tuesday: To Trongsa with stops for langurs, other mammals and great birds
Enjoy an amazing day of superb scenery and wildlife, as we retrace the road back north to the highlands of Trongsa for overnight at the same Yangkhil Resort. The photography will again be spectacular from the lodge overlooking the Trongsa Dzong and surrounding valley.
Lodging: Yangkhil Resort in Trongsa

November 17 - 18, Wednesday - Thursday: Punakha's beautiful dzong and birding along the rivers
Drive west, back over Pele La at 11,200 feet. Monal Pheasants, Satyr Trogopan, and the Great Parrotbill are distinct possibilities here. Then turn north up the valley to Punakha, where you would not want to miss visiting the majestic Punakha Dzong. Before the capital moved from Punakha to Thimphu, Punakha Dzong was the seat for the kings and lamas. It was strategically built in 1637 at the confluence of the Pho Chuu and Mo Chuu (meaning male and female rivers) that flow into the Puna Tsang Chu. In the late afternoon drive along the mighty Puna Tsang Chu.

This will be the best chance to see the extremely rare White-bellied Heron. Another exciting rare bird we may encounter while looking for the White-bellied Heron is the Pallas' Fish Eagle, plus there will be many species of ducks. Hishey has been responsible for initiating and maintaining the survey of this endangered heron. Since 2002, at least one nest has been monitored, the first since 1929. Though very rare elsewhere, pairs have been regularly located along both the Puna Tsang Chu and Pho Chu (also sometimes spelled Po Chu or Pho Chuu). Note: Dzongkha and the other Bhutanese languages are all based on oral tradition. Therefore you will frequently find more than one-way to spell names, such as Zhemgang or Shemgang.
Two nights at Meri Phuensum Resort in Punakha

November 19 - 20, Friday - Saturday: Return to Paro via Dochula and Thimphu
Explore the Dochu La area this morning in the midst of 108 chorten, colorful birds and glorious Himalayan scenery, then drive to Thimphu for lunch and back to Paro. With three nights in Paro, there will be time to visit the outstanding National Museum and the Paro Dzong. If you would like to hike to the famous Tiger's Nest monastery, it is a strenuous but scenic hike up to the beautiful and historic monastery high on the cliff. The hike takes most of the day. Alternately, you can do more birding at other locations in and around Paro.
Lodging: Two nights at Janka Hotel in Paro

November 21, Sunday: Depart very early to Chelila Pass and return to Paro for special evening
Depart before dawn for the 90-minute trip to Chelila Pass, perhaps spotting a Grey Nightjar or even a Leopard Cat, a small cat that is nocturnal and sometimes sighted before dawn on this road. The road winds upward through the Blue Pine, which slowly changes to higher elevation conifers, such as spruce, hemlock, fir, and juniper. At the summit, the vegetation is mainly dwarf rhododendrons and open alpine meadows. With the pass located at close to 13,000 feet, this is the highest road in Bhutan. If skies are clear, you'll have a fantastic view of sacred Mt. Jhomolhari and adjacent Mt. Jichu Drake, both over 20,000 feet. This pass offers a breathtaking view of the Haa and Paro valleys. The quest for the day will be the majestic Monal Pheasant. Other specialties include Blood Pheasants, Spotted Laughingthrushes, Himlayan Griffon, White-browed Rosefinch, and White-throated Redstarts. Collared Grosbeaks may respond to our recorded calls. After a breakfast in the field of hot rice porridge and other goodies cooked by our staff, descend to lower elevations, where resident birds include species of tits, Red Crossbills, Kalij Pheasants, and Yellow-billed Blue Magpies. Return to Paro for lunch and a free afternoon to pursue your interests. Later this evening, gather for dinner and a farewell celebration.
Lodging: Janka Resort in Paro

November 22 - 23, Monday - Tuesday: To Bangkok to connect home or overnight
After breakfast on November 22, take the morning flight from Paro to arrive in Bangkok by approximately 4 pm to connect with your flight homeward tonight or in the morning. Some flights may require an overnight in Bangkok, let us know if you would like an extra hotel night at the Novotel. Arrive home on November 22 or 23, depending on departure. Gain back one day crossing the International Dateline. Review flight details.

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Costs

Costs, Payments and Cancellations: Upon receiving your deposit, we will send complete trip materials. 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. Trip options, if any, and singles are extra.

Included:

• All specified activities, leaders, transport, park entry fees, and accommodations.
• Meals from lunch on November 7 through breakfast on November 22.
• Tips to lodge personnel.
• Drinking water.
• Airport transfers, unless making a separate transfer on a different day.

Not Included:

• All flights and airport or departure taxes. Flights to Bangkok are approximately $1,650 from US, depending on departure point. Bangkok-Paro round trip flights will be booked by our leader with the cost added to your final payment, approximately $954 in business class (quoted April 2010).
• Extra nights at the Novotel near the Bangkok Airport are approximately $175 for single or double, depending on exchange rate.
• Personal items, toiletries, and any bottled drinks at accommodations other than water.
• Gratuities: Tipping is, of course, discretionary, however we suggest budgeting $15 to $16 per day per participant (a total of $225 to $240 per participant) to be distributed among all the resident naturalists, drivers, camp staff and porters. The gratuity will be collected at the end of the tour.

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To Make a Reservation: Please contact us to assure space availability and to let us answer your questions. Then, print our reservation form, fill it out, 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.

Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris
20800 Kittredge Road
Saratoga, CA 95070

Toll Free: (800) 527-5330
Local: (408) 741-5330
Fax: (408) 741-0358
Email: info@cheesemans.com

Other Details

Hishey Tshering

Our Leader: Hishey Tshering, our excellent guide who has designed this wonderful itinerary, lives in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, with his wife and family. Hishey began guiding wildlife tours in 1999 after working with the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature and with George Archibald, the co-founder of the International Crane Foundation. The Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN) is the only environmental NGO in Bhutan and Hishey is currently a member of the RSPN board. He also continues to work very closely with the International Crane Foundation. In 1998, he assisted the Crane Foundation in the first ever color banding and radio collaring program of the Black-necked Cranes to study their migratory route. He is also the President of the Druk Stars Football Club (US soccer). His attention to detail is amazing and his knowledge of Bhutan is second to none. Hishey keeps his focus on quality and personal service. He believes in the concept of Gross National Happiness, which he exudes from the moment he meets you in Paro until the time you depart.

Flights: Contact us if you would like help in booking your international flights from our ticketing agent. Bangkok-Paro round trip flights will be booked by our leader with the cost added to your final payment.

Arrival: Arrive in Bangkok by the evening of November 6, at the latest, for an overnight at the Novotel in Bangkok. The flight from Bangkok to Paro is very early, normally before 6:30 am, on November 7.

Departure: We will take the morning flight on November 22 from Paro that arrives in Bangkok at approximately 4 pm. Depart for home that same evening or the next morning on a flight of your choice from Bangkok. Some flights may require an overnight in Bangkok.

Transportation, Lodging, and Camping: Travel in a modern bus with Hishey, plus an outstanding driver and assistant guide. Enjoy excellent lodging and meals, plus carefree mobile camping for three nights only off the beaten track in the tropical lowlands where lodging is not yet available. Your full camp staff for the three nights will travel by truck to set-up your comfortable campsite before your arrival. They will erect your tents and arrange your sleeping cots, blankets, and pillows; erect a dining tent; prepare and serve all meals; port your luggage; erect a shower tent and heat hot shower water upon request. If you are a coffee aficionado, we suggest you bring your own. The tents are approximately 9x9 feet with a roof high enough to allow you to stand. Several pit toilets will be newly dug at each campsite for your convenience and will be surrounded by an enclosure. There will be no electricity at campsites, but you will be able to recharge your batteries from the vehicles. A battery-operated lantern will be available in each tent, but you should bring a good flashlight and headlamp, with spare batteries. Bring your own towel.

Climate: Temperatures vary at this season from cold at high elevations to very comfortable, depending on the time of day. It will be very cool in the early morning and in the evening. Insects are not normally a problem in Bhutan. There will not be rain in the Zhemgang area and generally in November the skies are very blue.

Travel Insurance: Emergency Medical Insurance is optional, but encouraged, for this tour. Read about travel insurance and our recommendations and requirements.

Non-smoking Policy: We have a strict non-smoking policy - smoking is not permitted at any time during our tours.

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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