At NaturesLens, we believe that honest communication, transparency & realistic expectations are the foundation of every great wildlife photography holiday. Below you’ll find grouped answers to the most common questions we’re asked – covering everything from solo travel & group sizes to cancellation terms, insurance & what to expect in the field.

At a Glance – Key Facts

• Flights: International & internal flights are generally not included, though very occasionally we may include a chartered flight when logistics require it.
• Group Size: Small groups of 6–7 photographers per trip for a more personal, focused experience.
• Accommodation: Comfortable, single-occupancy rooms are included as standard – no single supplement.
• Cancellation & Flexibility: If we must cancel, you’ll receive a full refund or the option to transfer your booking; we also prepare contingency plans for all trips.
• Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance (medical, cancellation & equipment) is required for all participants.

At NaturesLens, we believe in honest communication, transparency & realistic expectations. Below, we’ve grouped answers to the most common questions we receive – covering everything from accommodation & ethics to photographic guidance, cancellations & what guests can expect in the field.

About Our Wildlife Photography Holidays

• What makes a NaturesLens wildlife photography holiday different?

  Every NaturesLens tour is designed by photographers, for photographers. We select the finest wildlife locations worldwide, plan around seasonal behaviour & work closely with trusted local guides. Each itinerary offers small group sizes, single-occupancy accommodation as standard & experienced photographic guidance. Whether guests join us in Africa, Asia, Europe or South America, every experience is relaxed, immersive & focused on capturing remarkable wildlife images.

• Who leads our tours?

  Every NaturesLens wildlife photography holiday is led or co-led by a member of our core team – most often David or Pui Hang Miles – who personally guide more than 75% of our trips. Each holiday benefits from their years of experience, creative guidance & commitment to helping every guest capture their best images. The remaining tours are led by trusted members of our guiding team, all of whom share our values & photographic expertise. In select destinations, we collaborate with exceptional local specialists – such as Bence Máté in Hungary, Augustin in Costa Rica or Jackson in Kenya – combining international photographic experience with deep local knowledge for an unforgettable wildlife photography experience.

• Are flights included?

  International & internal flights are generally not included in our tour prices, as many guests prefer to use air miles or specific carriers. However, on rare occasions when we charter an aircraft exclusively for a group – for example, between remote destinations – this may be included & will always be clearly noted in the holiday description. Once a booking is confirmed, we provide detailed guidance on recommended flights, arrival times & meeting points. We’re also happy to advise on suitable options & routes.

• Do we help with flights & travel arrangements?

  Yes – we provide detailed flight suggestions for each trip, including recommended arrival & departure times. While we don’t sell flights directly, we help guests choose the best routing options so that travel aligns smoothly with the group transfer schedule.

• Can guests travel alone?

  Absolutely. Around 70% of our travellers join solo, which is why single occupancy is included as standard. Each group quickly becomes a friendly community of like-minded wildlife photographers – many of whom reconnect on future adventures year after year.

• Do we offer custom or private trips?

  Yes. We can arrange private or bespoke departures for individuals, couples, friends or camera clubs. These trips can be tailored to preferred dates, target species & destinations. Contact us to discuss the possibilities.

Group Size, Experience Level & Photographic Guidance

• What’s the group size on a typical NaturesLens holiday?

  Most of our wildlife photography holidays run with between 4 & 7 participants. We prefer small, friendly groups so every photographer has space to work, time for questions & the flexibility to adjust compositions without disturbance. Smaller groups also mean more comfort, better hide etiquette & stronger group camaraderie.

• Do guests need to be experienced photographers?

  Not at all. We welcome photographers of every level – from complete beginners learning manual settings to experienced photographers refining their skills. Our leaders provide guidance at a pace that suits each guest, helping with everything from exposure & autofocus to fieldcraft & composition. Learning happens naturally, in inspiring real-world conditions.

• What photographic guidance do we offer?

  We don’t run classroom sessions – instead, our tours are led by photographers who teach in the field. Guests can expect plenty of practical advice during sessions, constructive feedback on images when there’s time, & constant opportunities to improve through experience. Those wanting to experiment with techniques such as multi-flash hummingbird setups or slow-shutter panning receive hands-on support to master them safely & confidently.

• Do we provide backup gear or support if equipment fails?

  While we don’t supply full backup camera gear, we do everything possible to help if something goes wrong. Our leaders carry small tools, spare plates & accessories, & can often assist with troubleshooting. We also advise on local rental options where available. We recommend bringing a backup camera body, plenty of batteries & memory cards to stay shooting confidently throughout the trip.

Inclusions, Accommodation & Travel Standards

• What kind of accommodation is included?

  Single-occupancy accommodation is included as standard on almost all our trips. We believe every guest deserves their own comfortable space to unwind, edit images & rest. The lodges, guesthouses & hotels we select are chosen for comfort, convenience & proximity to key photography sites, with a preference for locally owned properties that deliver genuine hospitality.

• What’s included in the price?

  Each trip page lists exact inclusions, but typically accommodation, ground transport, internal transfers, meals (as specified) & photographic guidance are all included. Flights to & from the destination are usually not included, allowing flexibility to choose preferred airlines or use miles. We’re always happy to advise on flight routes & timings when guests book.

• Are meals & drinks included?

  Yes, unless stated otherwise. Most tours include breakfast & either lunch or dinner each day. In remote areas, packed lunches are often provided to maximise time in hides or on location. Special dietary requirements can always be catered for – we just ask to be informed in advance.

• Are there hidden or extra costs?

  No – transparency is at the heart of how we operate. Tour prices always include major expenses such as accommodation, ground transport, guiding & photography sessions. Any optional extras, like alcoholic drinks, single-night extensions or additional hide sessions, are clearly stated before booking. For examples, see the inclusions on Birds of Colombia or Wildlife of Panama.

Wildlife Sightings, Weather & Ethics

• Do we guarantee wildlife sightings?

  No – & no ethical wildlife operator should. Wildlife is unpredictable, & that’s part of what makes these experiences so special. What we do guarantee is that each trip is timed for the best possible chance of sightings, based on our years of experience & advice from trusted local guides.

  We only run trips during the seasons when our target species are most active or most visible. Whether it’s the wintering eagles of Japan, the puffins of Iceland or the brown bears of Finland, we know when & where to give guests the greatest opportunity for success.

• What happens if weather or light conditions change?

  We’re flexible – always. Wildlife photography depends on weather & light, so our itineraries are built with contingency in mind. If conditions shift, we adjust timings, swap locations or extend sessions as needed. Our team & local partners are experienced at reading conditions & adapting quickly to keep guests in the best position for photography.

• Do we follow a code of ethics for wildlife photography?

  Yes. We adhere to a strict ethical policy ensuring wildlife welfare always comes first. We never bait or harass animals, & we work only with responsible local partners. Our full Wildlife Commitment explains how we uphold the highest standards of ethical photography.

Cancellations, Financial Protection & Support

• What happens if a guest needs to cancel?

  If a booking is cancelled, our standard terms apply. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering cancellation, medical emergencies & equipment. We can provide any documentation needed for insurance claims.

• Is every booking financially protected?

  Absolutely. All payments made to NaturesLens are securely held in a trust account until the trip takes place. This ensures funds remain safe & fully protected at every stage. In the unlikely event of a tour being cancelled, guests receive a full refund. Details about our financial protection are available here.

• What if something goes wrong while guests are abroad?

  We’re available 24/7 during every tour. Our leaders carry local contact numbers, our partners are on hand for support & our UK office monitors each group while travelling. Should anything unexpected occur – from lost luggage to missed flights – we work quickly to resolve issues & keep the experience running smoothly.

• How safe are our tours?

  Safety is always our top priority. We work with long-established local teams, maintain contingency plans for every destination & ensure medical support is accessible wherever possible. All tours are led by experienced photographers familiar with each region’s environment & challenges. Before departure, guests receive comprehensive information on health, climate & travel.

Insurance, Booking & Next Steps

• What insurance is required?

  All guests must hold comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical cover, cancellation protection & photography equipment. NaturesLens carries its own public liability insurance, but individual travel insurance remains essential. We’re happy to advise on suitable policies when bookings are made.

• How to book a place

  Booking is simple. Guests can complete the booking form on their chosen tour page or email us directly. Once we receive the form & deposit, the place is confirmed & fully protected. A detailed pre-departure pack follows, containing everything needed to prepare for the adventure ahead.

• When should guests book?

  Many of our wildlife photography holidays sell out 12–18 months in advance due to small group sizes & specialist destinations. Booking early secures preferred dates & access to early-bird or loyalty discounts when available.

• Can guests speak with past participants?

  We’re proud of the community built around NaturesLens & encourage potential guests to read independent reviews on our reviews page or actually on Trustpilot. We can also connect guests with past participants who are happy to share their honest experiences first-hand.

If a question isn’t covered here, we invite you to get in touch – we’ll be delighted to help plan the next unforgettable wildlife photography adventure.