Asia has always been one of my favorite destinations, so when my dear friend Bouke Lolkema suggested me to go on a trip together to Nepal I took little time to accept his offer. The trip consisted of two distinct parts; first we went to the Southwest of the country, to the Bardia National Park and from there we head towards the Annapurna Conservation Area.
In Bardia National Park we spent two intense and unforgettable weeks looking for the great Bengal Tiger, the Asian Rhinoceros and the Asian Elephant, the great stars of the park, along with crocodiles, deers, monkeys, large snakes, otters and a huge variety of birds .
The perfect organization and logistics of Bouke, as well as the work of excellent, friendly and experienced guides allowed us to obtain good photos of the great diversity of fauna and landscapes of the Bardia National Park. Riding it in an SUV or walking in search of tigers, rhinos and elephants is a really exciting experience that I advise any lover of Nature and Photography. Unforgettable moments such as the always exciting appearance of the Bengal Tiger, the peaceful bath in a pond of a great male of Rhino, the slow but intense moment when a great Serpent Python coils in its shelter or the happy run of a small Rhino with his relentless and enthusiastic come and go around his mother, among many others, are memories that will not only remain engraved on a memory card.
Wonderful experiences that coupled with the great friendliness of the Nepali people made my stay in Bardia National Park something really difficult to forget.
With regard to the organization of the trip by Bouke could only say good things. His knowledge and great experience in this wonderful country is a great guarantee of success. Everything was perfect from start to finish, from the choice of accommodation, the management of transfers, routes, guides and schedules to his constant concern for our safety and well-being at all times. I have no doubt that it would not have been the same without Bouke's involvement and organization. To this should be added the brief but pleasant moments of rest in which I could enjoy the company and the great human value of Bouke Lolkema.
Alberto Carrera
Wildlife-Travel Photographer
www.albertocarrera.com www.albertocarrera.es
Travel and nature, preferably combined, are my passion. I can't imagine better times, hiking through rough nature, wherever in the world, and merging into the environment. Enjoying landscapes, animals, sounds, scents and the weather. Over and over again I welcome this as a great gift and a unique feeling that I'm beeing allowed to do so. I very much would like to share this feeling with others.
Whether it's a tiger crossing a small river, a joyfully running baby rhino, a herd of deer in the light of the setting sun, fishing otters or a very rare bird you still have on you 'wish list': we will actively look for them and will do our utmost to find them.
It's very likely to spot the Bengal Tiger in Bardia National Park! Just as spotting the Indian Rhino, Indian Elephants and pythons is. In addition you will be sure to spot several kinds of deer, rhesus macaques and langur monkeys and much more!
In the middle of a jungle, on a very, very small chair, I'm spending many hours looking at a small slow-running river. Every now and then a Indian rhino is taken a bath; a croc is lying dead silent, just in front of me, taking a sunbath with its mouth wide open.......
