Nature tour to China: in search of the mythical giant panda

The giant panda, one of the most captivating animals on our planet. For many years, it has been the very symbol of nature conservation and is extremely rare to spot in the wild. Tracking down extremely rare species is precisely the speciality of guide Jan Kelchtermans. During this intensive expedition, we will traverse the unspoilt bamboo forests of Sichuan, with that single goal in mind. Naturally, we’ll also be paying attention to the other flora and fauna around us along the way, as the area is home to a wide variety of unique animal species that you’ll find almost nowhere else. This isn’t just any trip; it’s an expedition, a once-in-a-lifetime, an unforgettable experience that will (hopefully) take you to nature heaven.

→ THIS TOUR HAS NEVER BEEN OFFERED IN THE BENELUX BEFORE. OUR GUIDE, JAN, SCOUTED THIS TOUR IN 2024 AND IS ONE OF THE FEW BELGIANS TO HAVE OBSERVED GIANT PANDAS IN THE WILD. HIS KNOWLEDGE OF THE SPECIES IS A HUGE ASSET TO THIS TRIP.

→ FOR AN IDEAL ROOMING ARRANGEMENT, THE LAST TWO AVAILABLE PLACES ARE INTENDED FOR A MALE PARTICIPANT WILLING TO SHARE A ROOM WITH ANOTHER MALE PARTICIPANT AND SOMEONE WHO WANTS A SINGLE OPTION. IF THIS DOES NOT MATCH YOUR PROFILE, PLEASE CONTACT US BEFORE REGISTERING.

An exceptional concept

This is not a typical nature tour, but a genuine expedition. We explore remote and rarely visited areas where pandas still roam freely. By walking through their habitat every day, we increase our chances of spotting them. The conditions can be challenging at times: long days, rugged terrain and cold temperatures are all part of the experience. But that is precisely what makes this experience so unique and intense. Anyone who spots a giant panda here knows they have witnessed something truly extraordinary.

Sichuan Province is one of Asia’s most important biodiversity hotspots. Alongside the giant panda, red pandas, the rare golden snub-nosed monkey and other remarkable mammals such as the serow, goral and Asian black bear also live here. This area also has much to offer birdwatchers, including various species of pheasant and hardy woodland birds. Yet the focus remains clear: tracking down pandas in their natural habitat.

Flexibility and an authentic nature experience

As we are working with wild animals, flexibility remains essential. The itinerary is constantly adapted to recent sightings and the pandas’ movements. If we have early success, we can explore other areas. This approach ensures we make the most of our opportunities whilst enjoying an in-depth nature experience. A fixed route is not set in advance, allowing us to respond flexibly to recent sightings and conditions.

The panda as a symbol of hope

The panda became an endangered species at an early stage, mainly because its habitat in China’s bamboo forests was shrinking. As this problem was clear and understandable, the panda became a kind of ‘figurehead’ for broader environmental issues such as deforestation and loss of biodiversity.

One key reason for the panda’s fame as a symbol is that the WWF chose it as its logo in 1961. Since then, the panda has been associated with nature conservation worldwide. Moreover, the conservation of the panda is a success story: the population has grown and the species is no longer critically endangered but vulnerable. This demonstrates that nature conservation can work, which makes the panda an even stronger symbol of hope and recovery.