01 Feb 2028 - 10 Feb 2028 (10 days)
From USD4,395
SPACES AVAILABLE
(**Prices can vary depending upon the cabin of choice and time of booking**)
Tour Leader: André Bernon
Tour Leader: Quinton Paul Josop
Tour Price (Per person): (GBP3,335 * ZAR71,512 * CAD6,223 * AUD6,258)
Single Supplement: (GBP2,273 * ZAR48,732 * CAD4,241 * AUD4,265)
From the forested hills of eastern Bangladesh to the vast tidal wilderness of the Sundarbans, this compact yet highly rewarding tour explores some of the country’s finest and most atmospheric birding habitats. Dense tropical forests, quiet rivers, sprawling wetlands and an immense maze of mangrove-lined waterways provide refuge for a superb selection of South Asian specialities, including several species that are difficult to see anywhere else.
Foremost among our targets is the Critically Endangered Masked Finfoot, one of Asia’s rarest and most enigmatic birds, for which the Bangladeshi Sundarbans remain the world’s most important stronghold. Other mouth-watering possibilities include the elusive White-eared Night Heron, magnificent Brown-winged Kingfisher, Mangrove Pitta, Buffy Fish Owl, range-restricted Cachar Bulbul, secretive White-cheeked Partridge, Blue-naped Pitta, Red-headed Trogon and Great Slaty Woodpecker, alongside a colourful supporting cast of hornbills, barbets, woodpeckers, pittas, babblers and kingfishers.
Our time aboard a comfortable houseboat in the Sundarbans adds an adventurous dimension to the tour as we explore narrow creeks and tidal channels by small boat in search of birds and other wildlife. Ganges River and Irrawaddy Dolphins, Asian Small-clawed Otter, Leopard Cat and Fishing Cat are all possible, while the ever-present chance, however remote, of encountering a Bengal Tiger adds further excitement. Join us for a fascinating birding journey through one of South Asia’s most underrated and rewarding destinations.
White-cheeked Partridge; Red Junglefowl; Grey Peacock-pheasant; Masked Finfoot; Grey-headed Lapwing; White-eared NIght Heron; Buffy Fish Owl; Indochinese Roller; up to 6 Kingfisher species; Great Slaty Woodpecker; Blossom-headed Parakeet; Blue-naped & Mangrove Pittas; Cachar Bulbul; Orange-headed Thrush; Siberian Rubythroat; Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker.
South Asian River & Irrawaddy Dolphins; Asian Small-clawed Otter; Leopard & Fishing Cats; Western Hooloick Gibbon; Phayre's Leaf Monkey; Capped Langur; outside chance of Bengal Tiger
Extensive mangroves, estuaries, coastal mudflats, coastal forest, tropical forest
Hot and humid with chance for rain.
Up to 12 with 2 Tour Leaders
MODERATE TO CHALLENGING: This tour requires a good level of fitness, stamina, and overall health. It’s best suited for experienced birders who are comfortable with a more active itinerary. Please note that it may not be ideal for avid photographers, new birders, or those with mobility or health concerns.
Moderate, though target focussed. Suitable for most birding and wildlife interest levels.
Comfortable. Several nights spent on a live-aboard houseboat with basic facilities.
Moderate
150-170 speices
Sundarbans (Asia's most extensive mangrove forests). The tour is specifically concentrated to see the Critically Endangered Masked Finfoot, a species that is unlikely to be seen outside of this remote area of Bangladesh.
Good to very good
The guides continued their superb and tireless efforts to find bird species during the extension to the main tour.
What a great experience! Everything was as you told us in the pre-departure literature, so we were well-prepared. Rob was an excellent tour leader. His vast experience in conservation, core knowledge of birds and bird behavior, and his enthusiasm was generously shared with the group. He modeled proper trail behavior and made sure that everyone “saw the bird”. The local guides were top-notch and took good care of the group. I also learned so much from the better birders in the group. Highly recommended!
The trip was run superbly from start to finish. The logistics, despite some difficulties imposed by weather conditions and countrywide fuel shortages, were impeccable and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Stephan did a superb job in ensuring that we all saw as many of the species as possible. He is an accomplished guide and I enjoy traveling with him.
Great lead
This tour group was very eclectic but really worked well together. The leaders including the van driver did an exceptional job.
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