|
|
 |
News to Use
by Michele Shelburne
President, LADATCO TOURS
The August issue of National Geographic Traveler has an eight page feature article on the Falkland Islands: "Wild Falklands: The Next Galapagos?".
I have had the privilege to spend a week in the Falklands. The islands are as magical as the Galapagos where animals have little fear of man. They are off-the-beaten track and therefore pristine. They are virtually undiscovered and therefore crowdless. They offer a wildlife experience on a par with the Galapagos and African safaris.
Probably the only time you have heard of the Falklands is as a port of call on an Antarctica cruise. This article is going to change that. The islands will become the reason for a trip. They will be the destination, not a part of something else.
Here are the basics:
How to get there? Flights go from Santiago, Chile, only on Saturdays. They leave too early to connect from the States and come back too late to connect to evening flights to the States. Therefore a night in Santiago is required before and after the week in the islands.
Why go? Animals, animals, animals. Five species of penguins (Magellanic, Rockhoppers, Macaroni, Gentoo and King), Southern sea lions, elephant seals, Orcas, dolphins and 67 species of birds including the rare striated caracara. The islands are home to the world's largest breeding colony of the Black Browed Albatross.
When to go? October through March, with January and February the choice times as babies are becoming juveniles and the lands are alive with flora.
Weather? Get rid of the idea that these are frigid islands. They are only as far south from the equator as London is north of the equator and has much the same weather as London, except with less rain and more wind. And of course, seasons are opposite.
Who should go? Wildlife lovers of course. Birdwatchers, history and maritime history buffs, photographers, car enthusiasts.
This article is a great read and appetite wetter.
Click below for more detailed information on the islands and a selection of land based programs covering all the highlights.
|
