Two weeks in "Wild Persia" with Greentours (01298 83563) in November costs just under pounds 2,000, while its 15-day "Tigers of the Raj" tour is just over pounds 2,000.CAN I COMBINE WILDLIFE WATCHING WITH OTHER HOLIDAY PASTIMES?There are packages to suit all tastes, though clubbers might want to give these holidays a miss; lights can go out pretty early Several companies offer combination packages. Adventure holiday firm Explore Worldwide (01252 319 448) offers a 17-day Tanzania safari visiting the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater for around pounds 1,500, 17 days in Namibia for just under pounds 2,000, or a 21-day Borneo trip to see turtles, birds and orang-utans for just over pounds 1,000. The Travelling Naturalist (01305 267994), for example, runs trips of 10 to 17 days to the Andes, the Amazon, or the Galapagos for just under pounds 3,000, whale-watching in Newfoundland for pounds 1,775, eight days in the Orkneys for pounds 725 or four days in the New Forest for pounds 375. That said, do check for hidden costs such as airport taxes and insurance.

Some quotes are exclusive of flights, and if you are booking gorilla trips you may have to pay locally (around pounds 180) for permits.There is a huge range of trips at a wide range of prices, so shop around. Most companies set out their ethical views and what support they give to conservation bodies in their brochures. Greentours (01298 83563), for example, claims to donate 50 per cent of profits from its Kazakhstan holiday to the wildlife reserve its tours visit.DO NATURE HOLIDAYS COST THE EARTH?Organised wildlife holidays can be pretty steep, but this isn't your average two weeks in the sun. Costs are often fully inclusive so you're only going to need pocket money for drinks, postcards and souvenirs. Small group tours are less destructive than mass tourism and, hopefully, put something back into the conservation pot. Animals often keep unsocial hours and don't always jump to command, so pack lots of patience as well as a field guide.WILL I BE DISTURBING THE ANIMALS?Yes.

Any sort of tourism, however green, is going to make some impact on the animals and their habitat. But don't rely on the experts if you want to get the most from your holiday. Read up beforehand about the animals you're likely to see and try to pick up a little fieldcraft. Guides will often give you a quick lesson in "turds and tracks", for example, so that you can follow an animal through the bush from the tell-tale signs it leaves behind.

Ask trip organisers how often and how well they tend to see promised species before you book. Your guide should ensure your safety, particularly where dangerous animals like elephants, buffaloes and hippos are concerned However, most firms insist on you having insurance. Check your policy covers this type of holiday and make sure you have adequate cover for expensive equipment such as binoculars, scopes and cameras. Having said all that, wildlife holidays are generally safe and you'll probably find the insects are more of a problem than the big game.WILL I NEED A WILDLIFE FILM CREW TO HELP ME FIND FAUNA?The advantage of a specialist package is that you don't need a zoology degree to find the local fauna and flora Most operators employ expert tour leaders. Rare, endangered or elusive animals may only afford you a fleeting glimpse, but if an animal is fairly well protected and reasonably habituated to humans you may get very close indeed.