Step into the wilderness of the Carpathian mountains, the last stronghold of the large carnivores populations from Europe. Then observe the majestic brown bear in its natural habitat and other Carpathian wildlife
Carpathian Wildlife Tour – 4 Days
There is little human impact on the forests at the foothills of the Carpathians and a low degree of habitat fragmentation. Therefore, the existence in the Carpathians of around 6300 brown bears, almost 3000 wolves and around 1800 lynx was made possible. As a result, these numbers represent over half of the population of large carnivores in Europe, except Russia.
Given the above, the bear hides, located in the depths of Transylvania’s extensive forests, offer us the opportunity to track, observe and photograph the Brown Bear, without disturbing it with our presence. We might even have the chance of spotting other Carpathian wildlife like wild boar, fox, roe deer and if we are really lucky also the shy wolf.
This Carpathian wildlife tour is a short but intense experience concentrated around bear observations but includes birding and botany as well.
Visits
- 2 different bear hides
- LiBearty Bear Sanctuary
- Kingstone Mountain National Park: Zarnesti Gorges
- Bran Castle known as Dracula Castle or Rasnov Castle
Program
Day 1: Transfer from the airport to the area of Kingstone Mountain National Park, well known for its richness in large carnivores like bears, wolves and lynx.
Dinner and accommodation in Zarnesti/Vulcan or Măgura.
Day 2: A short hike in Zarnesti Gorges will potentially reward us with bird observations like Wall creepers, Alpine Swifts, Nutcrackers, Three-toed Woodpecker and Honey Buzzards. Afterwards we’ll enter the forest to search for bear and wolf tracks. After enjoying a packed lunch we will make a car transfer to an even deeper and wilder forest to reach the bear hide. Here we might have the chance to observe other species of mammals and birds, besides the much-awaited brown bears.
Dinner and accommodation in Zarnesti/Vulcan or Măgura.
Day 3: After breakfast, we will visit the Bear Sanctuary, a place that rescued over 80 bears from captivity and offers them close to natural conditions. Then, we will visit one of the medieval castles from Transylvania: Bran Castle known as Dracula Castle or Rasnov Castle built by the Teutonic Knights. In the afternoon we will continue our bear tracking and birdwatching hike in Kingstone Mountain National Park. Afterwards, in the evening, we will make another visit to another bear hide.
Dinner and accommodation in Zarnesti/Vulcan or Măgura
Day 4: Transfer back to the airport. If time allows, on our way to the airport we can visit one of our medieval castles from the area: Bran Castle known as Dracula Castle, Rasnov Citadel built by the Teutonic Knights or Peles Castle in Sinaia.
Extended tour
Extensions are possible.
Check out our other tours in the area of Sibiu and Brasov. Extra days and activities can be added to this tour.
It can also be extended by combining it with tours in other areas
Difficulty level
Short hikes and walks with many wildlife observation stops.
Reservations
This tour is recommended to be booked at least one week in advance.
Prices
The final price is influenced by many factors that not all depend on us.
Please contact us to get your detailed customized program and offer.
The price includes all tour expenses starting with your arrival in the country. Meaning:
- accommodation in 3 or 4* guesthouse
- meals – full board (except beverages), breakfast and dinner, we will have packed lunch, received from the guesthouses)
- transfers and transportation (car/ bus),
- permits for accessing nature reserves, bear hides and entries at the visits included in the program,
- wildlife specialized multi-lingual tour guide.
The offer you will receive can be adjusted if you choose to modify some of the details.
Extra Info
Other transfers are also possible if you intend to stay longer after our tour together.
