Destinations in 2010-11 | Leader Bios | Frequently Asked Questions
Yellowstone | South Texas | Tanzania | Costa Rica | West Texas

“Traveling with a nature expert is a wonderful experience. ANS trip leaders are incredibly patient and easy-going. Their first concern is always for your safety and welfare.” ~ B. Gordon, Frederick, Maryland

2010-11 Destinations

Tanzania: The World’s Most Celebrated Wildlife Region
February 28-March 12, 2011
Optional Extension to March 17
Leaders: Mark Garland & Augustine Minja
We return to the magnificent wildlife areas of northern Tanzania. The basic trip visits Arusha National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai Gorge, and two different lodges within the vast Serengeti Plains. An optional extension extends the explorations to Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park. What will we see? Lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, leopards, spotted hyenas, gazells, and many other mammals are likely to be observed, along with about 300 species of birds. Cost of the basic tour is $6800 per person, double occupancy, for members of ANS. Call (301) 652-9188 x11 and ask for the information packet.

West Texas: Birds of the Wide Open Spaces
April 12 - 23, 2011
Leaders: Mark Garland & John Bjerke

Two primary destinations highlight our trip: the Edwards Plateau and Big Bend National Park.  The Edwards Plateau is a limestone region featuring rolling hills, swift clear streams, and luxurious forests.  It's "east meets west" in terms of wildlife, supporting a rich diversity of birds and other creatures.  Big Bend is clearly part of the West, its rugged mountains bisected with rocky canyons and the lowlands preserving our nation's most extensive unspoiled Chihuahuan Desert habitats.  Explore it all in early spring, searching for birds and learning how these ecosystems work.  Call Beth Cranmer for details, 301-652-9188 x11.
Detailed Itinerary & Leaders | Cost Sheet | Registration Form 

Where the Wild Things Roam: FULL!
Yellowstone National Park
September 9 - 19, 2010
Leaders: Rob Gibbs & Stephanie Mason

Yellowstone is truly one of the world's greatest natural areas, America's first National Park and honored by the United Nations as a World Heritage Site. After Labor Day the crowds are gone, large mammals are returning to the valleys, and a great assortment of songbirds, water birds, and raptors are migrating. Enjoy the Park's geysers and other geothermal features while searching for birds, mammals, and other wildlife. With luck we could see wolves, bears, Swainson's Hawks, Baird's Sandpipers, and much, much more. Members' cost is $2700, double occupancy from Bozeman, Montana. This trip is full, but call to have your name put on the waiting list.
Detailed Itinerary | Leaders | Cost Sheet | Registration Form

South Texas: Subtropical Birds & Butterflies FULL!
November 13 - 20, 2010
Leaders: Mark England & Hal Wierenga

South Texas is known as the country’s best birding areas. More butterflies also occur here than anywhere else in the US. This week-long trip is based at a single motel in McAllen, TX, so settle in and head off each day on another nature-study excursion. Naturalists will be rewarded with a long list of sightings and experiences! ANS members’ cost is $1500, double occupancy from McAllen.
Detailed Itinerary | Leaders
Cost Sheet | Registration form

Costa Rica: Natural Wonders of the Neotropics   FULL!
**WE ARE HOPING TO SCHEDULE A SECOND DEPARTURE, SO
CALL TO PUT YOUR NAME ON A WAITLIST AT NO COST**
February 14-27, 2011
Leaders: Stephanie Mason & Carlos “Charlie” Gómez

Costa Rica has long been considered one of the world's top ecotourism destinations with its rich diversity of ecosystems to explore. Our trips always compare several different habitats as we search for birds and other wildlife. Lessons about tropical ecology and conservation surround us every day. This year's itinerary highlights areas in the north, including classic lowland rainforest, the wondrous mountain lodge of Bosque de Paz, and the vibrant wetlands of Cano Negro and Palo Verde. Members' cost is $3400 per person, double occupancy from San Jose, Costa Rica, and includes most meals. Call (301) 652-9188 x11 and ask for the information packet.
Detailed Itinerary | Leaders | Cost Sheet | Registration Form

We currently offer about seven Nature Escapes each year, but there are dozens of great nature destinations we consider. Help us choose!
Call 301-652-9188 x11 or
email Beth Cranmer with your selection, and if we choose that destination you’ll receive advanced notice and have an opportunity to register early. Current candidate destinations include:
• West Texas
• Panama
• Alaska
• Galapagos Islands
• Kenya
• Quebec
• Southwestern deserts of Arizona and California