Brown bears and wolves, Bulgaria

A 5-days holiday in search of Brown bears and other mammals in the mountains of Bulgaria.

Brown bears in the Balkan

Monday 9th - Friday 13th April 2012

 

Bulgaria boasts one of the healthiest populations of the Brown Bear in Europe – about 700 bears roam the mountains here. Our tour will bring you to the hearth of the Balkans, where you will have the option to see, hear and even smell this shy and delicate giant from the absolutely safe hide. During the days you will learn about the biology of the bears, their past, present, future and conservation in Bulgaria.

ITINERARY

Day 1

Arrival at Sofia airport and transfer to game state reserve Mazalat, situated at the northern slopes of the Balkans, right next to the Central Balkan National Park. Accommodation and dinner.

Days 2 to 4

These three days will be spent in the primeval bear’s habitat. In the evenings we will stay in the hide waiting for the bears. We have the option to stay here between 17.00 and 22.30, then go back to the hotel, or better to stay the whole night in the hide, as the early morning is also very good time to see a bear. The hides are supplied with small chemical toilets. At least one of the days we will explore the surrounding territory for bear’s track and signs, marking trees etc. Other animals which we may see are Wild Boar, Red Deer, Roe Deer, Chamois, Badger and Wildcat.

In fact the area provides excellent options for birding and in case there is an interest in it we can spend some time looking for Golden Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Short-toed Eagle, Goshawk, Hoopoe, Isabelline Wheatear, Grey-headed, White-backed, Black, Syrian and Lesser Spotted woodpeckers and many other birds.

Other option during the day will be a visit to the unique Thracian tumulus (one of them is listed in UNESCO World Heritage List) situated nearby.

Day 5

Return to Sofia for you departure flight. Option for sightseeing in the city, or birding on the way, depending on the time.

Brown Bear

   Brown Bear cub. Photo Dobromir Domuschiev.

Doormouse

   Doormouse by Emil Enchev.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

   Lesser Spotted Woodpecker by Dobromir Domuschiev.