Let’s venture into the labyrinth of narrow channels of the Danube Delta to witness an impressive birdlife paradise. The Danube delta is definitely the best place for birdwatching in Romania and maybe even Europe.
No wonder it’s being considered the best-preserved natural biosphere in Europe, a real natural sanctuary for the birdlife and nature altogether. The Danube Delta is truly a unique place in Europe. Both in regards to landscape and cultural mix but especially in regards to birdwatching.
It comprises a vast complex of floating reed beds, poplar and willow forests, and wetland, crossed by an intricate network of channels, a perfect home for a vast number of bird species. Birdwatching in the Danube delta will definitely satisfy even the most ambitious and experimented birdwatcher.
”Romania hosts the world’s largest population of the “Globally Threatened” Pygmy Cormorant with over 7000 pairs, and most are here in the Delta. There’s also Europe’s largest population of Eurasian White Pelican (3500 pairs), crucial numbers of Dalmatian Pelican and the core European population of Ferruginous Duck. Many Locustella and Acrocephalus warblers (Savi’s, Sedge, Paddyfield, Moustached, Marsh, Reed, Great Reed) have their largest European breeding populations in Romania.”
The remaining two days in Dobrogea region, will complete the birdwatching expectations with species we didn’t see in the Danube Delta. Birds like Long-legged Buzzard, Lesser Spotted Eagle and Booted Eagle can be seen here. We’ll walk through some forests where we have chances to see: Levant Sparrowhawk, Middle, Syrian, Grey-headed and Black Woodpeckers, Hawfinches, Sombre Tits, Ortolan Buntings etc.
In Dobrogea, big numbers of European Ground Squirrels can be seen on the steppe plains. In those open spaces, our birdwatching continues with species like Pied Wheatear, Woodchat Shrike, Barred Warbler.
The hilly steppe areas offer great birding occasions as well. We can spot birds like Tawny Pipit, Skylarks, Calandra Larks, Short-toed Larks, Imperial Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Isabelline Wheatear, Balkan yellow wagtail, some waders etc.
Visits
- Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve
- Letea – virgin forest on the sand dunes
- Macin Mountains National Park
- the Black Sea coast and beach
- Histria, the ruins of a 7th Century BC greek colony
- the Dobrogea Gorges
Program
Day1: Transfer Bucharest – Tulcea. Dinner and accommodation at 3*/4* Guesthouse/Houseboat in Tulcea.
Birdwatching in the Danube delta
Day2 – 4: For the following three days we will be birdwatching while exploring the delta with the floating hotel and the small excursion boat. The Danube delta is definitely the best place for birding in Romania and maybe even Europe.
On one day we’ll reach the virgin forest of Letea, a habitat unmodified by human presence that allowed the growth of huge oaks, some older than 800 years.
Dinner and accommodation on the floating hotel in several locations of the delta.
Birdwatching in Dobrogea
Day 5: Birdwatching in Dobrogea region in short hikes or walks. We’ll reach some higher hills rights near the Danube where we will have a great view over the Delta. We can expect bird migration depending on the season and weather.
The Macin Mountains area hosts some interesting species like Isabelline Wheatear, Rock Thrush, Corn Bunting, Hoopoe, etc. In addition, the scenery here is wonderful, these mountains being the oldest in Europe.
Dinner and accommodation at Guesthouse 3*/4* in Tulcea.
Day 6: After breakfast we’ll travel southwards, passing through small villages. On our way we will make a stop at Deniz Tepe Hill, often a good area for birdwatching.
Further on, the Sinoe-Razelm lake complex lies to the south of the Danube Delta. An extensive sand spit has isolated the area from the Black Sea and has left behind a series of shallow, brackish lakes, which are extremely rich in birds.
Our main stop, for lunch as well, will be at Histria. Here are the ruins of a 7th Century BC greek colony and near them, there is a large salt marsh containing scattered pools. This is another great spot for birdwatching. Herons and ducks can be seen in large numbers as well as Warblers and a considerable number of Dalmatian pelicans. We will have time to walk across the marsh to the ancient Greek-Roman port of Histria.
Today we’ll also reach the Black sea Coast at Vadu. And on our way back we will visit the Dobrogea Gorges, an old relict of the Caledonian orogeny with a lovely landscape.
Accommodation at Guesthouse 3*/4* in Tulcea.
Day 7: Leaving early in the morning, we will make the transfer from Tulcea to Bucharest (4 – 4.5 hours drive with coffee stop).
Extended Tour
Extensions are possible.
Check out our other tours in the area. 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
Very easy. Just short walks or hikes.
Reservations
This tour is recommended to be booked at least 2 weeks 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 usually includes all tour expenses starting with your arrival in the country. Meaning:
- Wildlife specialized guides
- 6 nights accommodation
- 6 dinners, 6 breakfasts
- Lunches will be served as picnics or sandwiches, fruits, nuts, snacks
- Luggage transfer between accommodations
- Car and boat transfers
- Entry fees and admittance to the national park and biosphere reserve
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.
