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Bulgaria
Bulgaria holds one of the most stable populations of Brown Bear in Europe. About 800 animals inhabit the mountains in the central and south western parts of the country. This exciting tour focuses on Brown Bear watching in the remote areas of the Western Rhodopes Mountains
We have about a 90% chance of seeing at least one bear on this trip.
The bird diversity in the Western Rhodopes is amazing with nearly 150 breeding species. The Western Rhodopes hold the biggest breeding population of the Capercaillie in Bulgaria and they are one of the most valuable areas in the country for the conservation of the Hazel Grouse, Honey Buzzard, Black Woodpecker, White-backed Woodpecker, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Tengmalm's Owl, Pygmy Owl, European Nightjar, Spotted Nutcracker and Ring Ouzel.
Itinerary – Bulgaria, Bears of the Western Rhodopes
Day 1: After our arrival at Sofia Airport we will drive for two to two and a half hours to the core of one of the game reserves in the Western Rhodopes, where we will be based in a lodge for the next 4 nights. We’ll meet some of the local rangers (guides), who are very familiar with the behaviour and distribution of Brown Bears and other big mammals in the area. We’ll learn about the Bear's status, behaviour and habits and the signs to look for when bear tracking and viewing in the area.
Days 2-4: Day walks in Brown Bear habitats, where we will look at Bear tracks and markings and may, with some luck, see a bear in daylight. The surest way to see bears, however, is to stay in a hide in front of a feeding station for Red Deer and Wild Boars, which is also frequented by bears. With a little good fortune we may be able to watch them from about 20-30 meters. We have to enter the hide about two hours before darkness and, although one may leave at any time, it is preferable to stay there until the morning in order to increase our chances of seeing a bear/s. We provide night vision equipment. If you wish, you can spend all three nights in the observation hides, regardless of whether you have seen bears the previous nights. Another target mammal of this trip is the Balkan Chamois, which is comparatively easy both to watch and photograph. From the hides and/or during the walks in the game reserve we shall also have the opportunity to see Wild Boar, Red Deer, Roe Deer, Badger, Brown Hare, Stone Marten and European Wildcat. Wolves also thrive here, though the chances of seeing them are very slight. In the less forested eastern part of the Rhodopes they are easier to find. (See our Wolves and Vultures tour). From late March to early May it is also possible to observe and photograph displaying male Capercaillies at their leking grounds.
Whilst most of the bear-watching will be done by night we shall use the day-time for other activities, such as birdwatching, photography, horse-riding (optional extra – see below), sightseeing, etc.
The target bird species in the area of the game reserve include the Hazel Grouse, Honey Buzzard, Black Woodpecker, White-backed Woodpecker, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Middle-spotted Woodpecker, Lesser-spotted Woodpecker, Spotted Nutcracker, Tengmalm's Owl, Tawny Owl, Ring Ouzel, Semi-collared Flycatcher, Willow Tit and Rock Bunting.
On some of the days we may go birdwatching out of the game reserve - in the foothills of the Rhodopes and along the Maritca river, looking for Eastern Imperial Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Levant Sparrowhawk, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Syrian Woodpecker, European Bee-eater, European Roller, Tawny Pipit, Isabelline Wheatear, Calandra Lark, Greater Short-toed Lark, Blue and Rufous-tailed Rock Trushes, Woodchat and Lesser Grey Shrike, Black-headed Bunting and many others.
Day 5: Transfer to Sofia for departure
Optional extras
Birding outside the reserve: 25-40 Euros per person per day depending on the group size Horse Riding: 30 Euros per person Sightseeing: Can be arranged
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