The European Commission has announced that from July next year, horses, donkeys and mules in the EU will require passports and be electronically tagged. However, the regulation does not affect imports of equine animals from countries outside the EU, or those left to roam wild. To see Asiatic Wild Ass running wild, tag and bureaucracy-free in their last remaining home at Little Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary, join Wildlife Worldwide on a 14-day The Wilds of Gujarat holiday in Gandhi's home state. Tours depart London daily from 1st November 08.On arrival in Mumbai, transfer to Bhavnagar in Gujarat for 3-nights at Nilambagh Palace, originally built in 1859 as the residence of the crown prince. From here, visit Velavadar National Park (Blackbuck NP) comprising 35km² of savannah home to thousands of India's endemic Blackbuck. In the days of the Maharajas of Bhavnagar Blackbuck were protected, the preserve of occasional royal hunting trips. Highlights include the endangered India Wolf, Jungle Cat and Wild Pig, along with extensive birdlife, including the endangered Houbara Bustard, Sarus White Stork and White Pelican. Travel by road to Sansangir NP where 4-nights are spent at Lion Safari Camp, beautifully situated in a private Mango Orchard overlooking the Hiran River. Sansangir (widely known as Gir) is a large park in the Gujarat Peninsula, characterised by an arid, rugged terrain with low hills and mixed vegetation including stands of teak, acacia and dhak trees interspersed with grassy plains. The park's main aim is to preserve the last healthy population of critically endangered Asiatic Lion. As well as approximately 300 Lions, other smaller members of the cat family include Desert Cat and the Rusty Spotted Cat and Leopard. Next, head off to Gondal to enjoy bird-rich lakes and nearby Maharaja's private grasslands to see Guar and Blackbuck. On to the Little Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary, India's largest at a staggering 4,954km² consisting of desert plains, arid grasslands, rocky and thorny scrublands, lakes and marshes. This is the last remaining home of the Asiatic Wild Ass and represents a conservation success story, as a population of only 800 in the 1960's has grown to over 2,000 currently. Finally, head for Ahmedabad and a flight to Mumbai where a final night is spent at the 5-star Leela Kempinski Hotel before homeward flights next day.
The holiday costs from £2,495 p/p including scheduled flights, transfers, hotel and lodge accommodation, most meals, expertly guided wildlife viewing.
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