Adventure Bulgaria Nature Wildlife Brown Bear Viewing

Arrival at Sofia Airport and transfer to the lodge in Rodopi Mountains (about 2,5 hrs drive).

The program includes attempts for watching Brown Bear until the first successful one but at least 2 tries for the short and 3 tries for the longer program. We use hides that are specially arranged for watching Brown Bears, which can accommodate up to 3 people. This is where we spend few hours after sunset or a whole night waiting for the bear to appear, keeping silence all the time. If lucky enough we may enjoy a mother with cubs or solitary males and other nocturnal wildlife too. The bears are usually seen from 15 to 30 meters.

However a close-up view is not excluded and this is really something that remains for life. Attempts for watching Balkan Chamois are also made until we see them. As the search of Brown Bear is done best at dusk or at dawn, daytime could be spent on many other activities depending on your wish: birdwatching (target species in the area are Black, White-backed and Three-toed Woodpeckers, Nutcracker, Hazel Grouse or we can make sessions for listening Tengmalm's Owl or if lucky even Pygmy Owl; one-day trips along Maritsa River for Long-legged Buzzard, Levant Sparrowhawk, Roler, Masked Shrike, Black-headed Bunting, Woodchat Shrike, Calandra Lark, Isabelline Wheatear, Golden Oriole etc.).

Hiking (Rodopi Mountains with their rounded hills and loads of trails are perfect for walking excursions); sightseeing (there are numerous cultural and historical sites in the area of the Rodopi Mountains that could be visited as daily trips); horse-riding with local breed horses etc. But as the original package is only concentrated on viewing of Brown Bear and Balkan Chamois, birdwatching, horse-riding, sightseeing or Caperacillie daily tours are to be paid on the spot in accordance with a standard price list. However if you wish to explore the area by yourself on foot the English-speaking guide will be at your disposal at no additional charge.

Transfer to Sofia Airport for departure.

Accommodation: We stay in a lodge in double rooms. WC/shower is available on the floor. Fullboard is included (three meals per day; lunches can be made as picnics when outside in the woods). The food will be prepared by the local cook and will include tasty local delicacies.