Wolves & Wildlife of Yellowstone

 

Jackson Hole	Red Lion Wyoming Inn	2 nights
Yellowstone National Park	Old Faithful Snow Lodge	1 night
Cooke City	Alpine Inn	2 nights
Bozeman	Western Heritage Inn	1 night

In the pale light of sunrise, a wolf pack emerges from the forest into the open expanse of Yellowstone National Park’s Lamar Valley. They yelp and cavort, energized by the awakening day, oblivious to your still presence. A large male halts and sniffs the frozen air. As you watch from a distance, you sense the mystical aura of this beast of legend. Elegant predators, wolves are thriving in Yellowstone’s environs where abundant elk, moose and other prey provide sustenance. Winter’s white mantle offers a pristine backdrop against which you view these wild creatures on a rare western safari away from summer crowds.

DAY 1 – Arrival in Jackson Hole.

On arrival in Jackson you will be met and taken to your hotel to join up with your fellow guests who will be participating in this unique small group adventure (group size - approximately 14 passengers). Recommended flight: United Airlines from London Heathrow via Denver (see below). If you wish to enjoy the welcome dinner that is scheduled for this evening you would need to fly out a day earlier and spend an additional night in Jackson.

DAY 2 – Jackson Hole. National Elk Refuge.

Our winter safari begins this following morning as you venture into Jackson Hole in search of bighorn sheep, bald and golden eagles, coyotes, bison, mule deer, moose and elk. Later, visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson. Then, by horse-drawn sleigh you will glide across the snows blanketing the National Elk Refuge for close-up photos of the massive herd that winters there, with thousands of animals roaming the valley floor.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 3 – Yellowstone National Park. Old Faithful.

A traverse of Buffalo Valley offers a panorama of the Tetons rising above the Snake River en route to Yellowstone National Park. An enclosed, heated snowcoach conveys you into the park’s silent winter splendour. Since access to the resort is limited to snow vehicles, you will find your group in peaceful seclusion, experiencing the magic of Old Faithful erupting in winter’s crystalline veil.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 4 – Hot Springs, Lamar Valley wolves.

Back aboard the snowcoach you will head northward through the park’s geyser basins to the silver terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, where you may see many elk. The evening destination is Cooke City, Montana, where you’ll spend two nights at the Alpine Inn, a rustic western lodge in the Beartooth Mountains. As dusk descends, an evening drive through the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone’s far northeast corner offers the first chance to see wolves.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch.

DAY 5 – Lamar Valley wolves.

A full day to look for wolves in the best place in North America to view these magnetic animals. Reintroduced to Yellowstone in the 1990s amid much controversy, wolves were returned to this native ecosystem after a 70-year absence following their government-sanctioned eradication. Now they are flourishing, supported by bountiful prey including a multitude of elk. You may see an entire pack as they test the elk herd for a weak or sick animal, or spot lonely individuals who forage on their own.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 6 – Lamar Valley wolves. Drive to Bozeman.

As dawn illumines the Lamar Valley’s snowy meadows, you will return once more in search of wolves. When they are far off, the on-board telescopes help you to observe their activities from a distance without disturbing their natural behaviour. You may even experience the thrill of a close-up encounter. Many of the Expedition Leaders have worked for years with the onsite scientists who track these wolves daily, and together they provide every opportunity for the group to see these elusive creatures in their natural surroundings. Returning to Mammoth Hot Springs, leave Yellowstone’s wintry quiet and continue to the university town of Bozeman for your final night.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 7 – Depart for UK.

Take a taxi (not included) to the airport for your homeward flight.
Meals included: Full breakfast.

DAY 8 - Arrive UK.

Arrive in London in the morning.

International Flights.

There are no direct flights to Jackson or Bozeman from the UK. We recommend the services of United Airlines from London Heathrow via Denver. Current timings (subject to possible change) are as follows:
Heathrow/Denver. Depart at 12.40; arrive Denver at 16.13
Denver/Jackson. Depart at 20.40; arrive Jackson at 22.50
Bozeman/Denver. Depart at 12.55; arrive Denver at 14.32
Denver/Heathrow (with plane change at Chicago). Depart at 15.30; arrive Heathrow at 11.25 (next day)

Wolves & Wildlife of Yellowstone (Tour Reference: WDAM001)
2010/2011 Departures
Price per person based on a minimum of two persons travelling together:

Departures on Saturdays	Price
2010
2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Jan; 6, 13, 20, 27 Feb	£2430
2011 (subject to change)
1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Jan; 5, 12, 19, 26 Feb	Not available

Single Room Supplement: £245.

The price includes:

• Hotel and lodge accommodation as listed above in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities
• 6 full breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners as shown in the itinerary
• Transfer on arrival
• All transportation and sightseeing as shown, including entrance fees
• The services of an Expedition Tour Leader for the included sightseeing and activities.

Not included in the price:

• International flights (see our recommendation above). We are happy to discuss the flights with you and give you further guidance
• International airport taxes
• Departure transfer
• Tipping.
• US Visa.  Visa applications are now required to be made online a minimum of 72 hours prior to departure.  Visit https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov for details.
  

A deposit of £250 per person is required at the time of booking. The balance of the price for your travel arrangements must be paid at least 8 weeks before your departure date.