Scotland: Highland Wildlife Safari 4656
Scotland: Highland Wildlife Safari 4656
Scotland: Highland Wildlife Safari 4656
4 Days Starting and ending in Scotland
Visiting: Aviemore, Inverness, Loch Maree, Abernethy National Nature Reserve
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BHWS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 25
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Please contact Brightwater with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Boat/Cruise Excursion, Dolphin Watching, Sightseeing, Walking
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Scotland's breathtaking Highlands with the "Scotland: Highland Wildlife Safari 4656" tour. This wildlife adventure offers a unique opportunity to witness the majestic ospreys at Loch Garten and Loch of the Lowes, and the playful Moray Firth dolphins from the water. Explore the rugged beauty of Ben Eighe and marvel at the diverse plant life at Inverewe Gardens. Discover the elusive beaver and wildcat at the House of Aigas. Enjoy comfortable coach travel, professional guidance, and delightful accommodations at the Carrbridge Hotel. With all visits included as per the itinerary, this tour promises an immersive experience into Scotland's natural wonders, perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Please note that international travel and gratuities are not included.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Aviemore
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Carrbridge Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
We will depart from our designated departure points and head up the A9, stopping for refreshments, to the Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve, near Dunkeld. Loch of the Lowes covers 98 hectares and from early April to late August the star attraction is a pair of breeding ospreys. Their nest is situated within 150 metres of the observation hide, allowing osprey family life to be observed through binoculars, telescopes and closed-circuit television. From the hide you can also spot fallow and roe deer, otters, red squirrel and common woodland birds, including tree creepers and great-spotted woodpeckers.
We will continue to the Highland Wildlife Park near Aviemore, which has an extensive collection of both native and exotic animals and birds. Native species include capercaillie, red deer, red squirrels and the rare and endangered Scottish Wildcat and among the non-native animals are the Amur Tiger, Snow Leopard, Red Panda and the very popular Polar Bear, including the cub Hamish, who was born in late 2017.
We later continue our journey by coach to our accommodation at the Carrbridge Hotel, where dinner will be served in the evening.
Day 2
Location: Inverness
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Carrbridge Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
After our Scottish breakfast we will make our way to Inverness, capital of the Highlands, where we will leave for our Dolphin Cruise and head out onto the Moray Firth. Though nothing is ever guaranteed where wildlife is concerned, we have an excellent chance of seeing some of the bottlenose dolphins at close quarters, plus common seals, grey seals and porpoise. There is also a wide variety of bird life such as terns, gannets, fulmars, razorbills, kittiwakes, red kites and ospreys, and a variety of wading birds on the shoreline.
Following our cruise we depart for the House of Aigas Field Centre near Beauly. Here we will enjoy lunch using produce from the estate (included) before embarking on a guided walk around the estate to view the beaver dam, Scottish Wildcat project and other native wildlife such as red squirrels.
If time allows and conditions are favourable, we will stop to observe the dolphins that can sometimes come to within a few metres of the shore.
We will return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 3
Location: Loch Maree
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Carrbridge Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast we travel through some glorious mountain scenery to Kinlochewe at the head of Loch Maree. Here we visit the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, located on the loch’s southern shore beneath the mighty 3000ft face of Slioch. It is the oldest nature reserve in Britain comprising 10,500 acres and it was established in 1951. The reason for its designation is the 500-acre remnant of the Western Caledonian Pine forest which is carefully protected, the whole reserve having been fenced and sheep removed to allow natural regeneration to take place. Now the short nature trail through the ancient woodland of Scots Pine, Birch, Juniper and Heather gives a wonderful impression of the Wild Wood of Caledon as it once was, now hopefully preserved forever.
After our Woodland Walk, we will continue for an afternoon visit to Inverewe Gardens, unquestionably recognised as one of the most outstanding gardens in the country with a host of botanical specimens both native and exotic. The balmy Gulf Stream Drift Climate promotes luxuriant growth and today it is a jungle of mature trees and shrubs laced with winding walks, rising and falling, giving sudden glimpses of shimmering water through the foliage.
We will return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 4
Location: Abernethy National Nature Reserve
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we will check out of the hotel and travel south to visit the Abernethy National Nature Reserve at Loch Garten. In this remnant of the Caledonian Pine Forest we hope to see a number of different bird species, including the crested tit, crossbills (three species) and more ospreys, which have been nesting here since the 1950s and can be seen from the comfort of the Osprey centre.
Continuing south, our final stop is at the RSPB Reserve at Insh Marshes, near Kingussie. The marshes, part of the River Spey floodplain, are home to large populations of breeding waders, including Curlews, Lapwings, Redshanks and Snipes.
We will depart for home in the early afternoon and return to your original pick-up point in the evening.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Accommodation is included as part of the tour package.
-
Services of a professional tour manager
The services of a professional tour manager are included throughout the tour.
-
Comfortable coach travel throughout
Comfortable coach travel is provided throughout the tour.
-
Meals - as per the itinerary
Meals are included as per the itinerary.
-
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
All visits outlined in the itinerary are included in the tour package.
What's Not Included
-
Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the tour package.
-
International Travel
International travel to and from the tour starting point is not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably throughout the tour with coach transportation, ensuring a relaxed journey as you explore the stunning landscapes and wildlife of Scotland.
Accommodation
Stay at the Carrbridge Hotel, offering comfortable accommodations with dinner included, providing a cozy retreat after a day of exploring the Scottish Highlands.
Check out our Q&As
-
What wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?
During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including ospreys, fallow and roe deer, otters, red squirrels, and common woodland birds at Loch of the Lowes. At the Highland Wildlife Park, you may see native species like capercaillie, red deer, and the endangered Scottish Wildcat, as well as non-native animals such as the Amur Tiger, Snow Leopard, Red Panda, and Polar Bear. On the Dolphin Cruise at Moray Firth, there is a good chance of seeing bottlenose dolphins, common seals, grey seals, and porpoises, along with a variety of birdlife. At the House of Aigas, you can view the beaver dam and other native wildlife. The Abernethy National Nature Reserve offers sightings of crested tits, crossbills, and more ospreys.
-
What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve to observe ospreys and other wildlife, a visit to the Highland Wildlife Park to see a range of native and exotic animals, a Dolphin Cruise on the Moray Firth, a guided walk at the House of Aigas Field Centre, a Woodland Walk at Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, and a visit to Inverewe Gardens. Additionally, there is a visit to the Abernethy National Nature Reserve and the RSPB Reserve at Insh Marshes.
-
What is the accommodation like during the tour?
The accommodation during the tour is at the Carrbridge Hotel, where you will stay for the duration of the tour. Dinner is provided at the hotel each evening.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
Meals are included as per the itinerary. Breakfast is provided each morning, and dinner is served at the Carrbridge Hotel in the evenings. Lunch is included during the visit to the House of Aigas Field Centre.
-
Is there a chance to see dolphins during the tour?
Yes, there is an excellent chance to see bottlenose dolphins during the Dolphin Cruise on the Moray Firth. While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, the area is known for its dolphin population.
-
Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
-
What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
-
Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
-
Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
-
Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
-
How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
-
Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
-
What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
-
Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
-
What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
-
What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
-
Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
-
How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
-
Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
-
How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
-
Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Wednesday - Saturday
Jun 25, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.
At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.