Description
This is a wonderful trip of unusual bird photography in one of Europe’s least explored and most unspoilt countries. Our exciting 8 day tour will visit 2 distinct locations to see and photograph a rich diversity of birdlife plus other wildlife and beautiful scenery. The trip is fully escorted by a UK Wild Arena photographer as well as expert local guides from the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB).
After arriving at Sofiaairport we will make the 4 hour drive south to the majestic and unspoilt Eastern Rhodope Mountains. Here we will stay at the Madzharovo visitor centre for 4 nights as the guests of the BSPB. This area lies close to the border with Greece and holds a very high density of raptors and vultures. The spectacular high and rugged terrain
provides a safe refuge for many species including the amazing Griffon, Egyptian & Black vultures. We may also see Imperial Eagles, White Tailed Eagle and Black Kites visiting the hide feeding stations so there should be a wide variety of picture opportunities. We will visit 2 distinct hide locations to maximise our chances of capturing these impressive species and the local guides will be working hard to get the best possible opportunities for us at the right times of the day. We hope that by visiting the hides very early in the day we can capture these amazing birds with the light low in the sky. The Vultures should be possible to photograph both feeding on the ground and taking off and landing from the feeding station. This wonderful area will also provide good opportunities for macro and landscape shots in between our sessions in the hides with trips out in vehicles to try and capture some of the smaller birds such as Red backed and Woodchat Shrikes, Black-headed and Cirl Buntings.
We will then move to the Sakar Hill area for an opportunity to capture images of the wonderful European Bee Eaters. These beautiful, colourful birds live in small colonies than can either be photograph from vehicles or portable tent hides.
Our final photographic destination will be Bourgas on the southern coast and the beautiful wetland and lake ecosystem. The drive from the Rhodope Mountains to Bourgas should give us some good chances to photography European Roller, Hoopoe and Montague’s Harrier. The main focus at Bourgas will be the White Pelicans resident in the area, plus Dalmatian Pelicans, herons, egrets and waders. From the BSPB hide we should get excellent chances to photograph these birds as well as the possibility of encountering more unusual species such as Night & Purple Herons, Little Egrets, Kingfisher and warblers. There is also the chance of us seeing Golden Jackal and Otter in the surrounding shallow lagoons where they visit to feed. There should also be an option to get out on the water on a small boat to see the Pelicans feeding at first light. The large groups of birds on the water make an impressive picture opportunity and we can even try our hand at some actions shots as the birds take off and land.
The trip promises to offer a great mix of bird photography, landscapes and nature in the as yet, unspoilt wild areas of eastern Bulgaria. The UK Wild Arena guide will be with the group for the duration of the trip offering advice on the best techniques and equipment to use for the various photographic opportunities and also to liaise with the expert local team that are there to support us. Transfers between locations will be by modern minibus driven by local guides/drivers and escorted by our BSPB guide.
It should also possible to combine this trip with our ‘Bulgaria; Nature in Close Up’ tour which runs consecutively. Please contact us for further details.
NB: This trip does not include international flights.
NB: The price is an estimate based on current exchange rates and guests should note the final balance may vary based on the prevailing exchange rates at the time of settlement.
- Fitness Level
This trip is suitable for guest with average levels of fitness but does involve short walks both in and out of the hides some days over rough paths.
- Photography Level
This trip is suited to those photographers of most levels of experience although to get the best from the opportunities, SLR cameras equipped with lenses of 400mm plus would be ideal.
- Disability Access
This tour involves access to hides on foot over rough terrain. It is sadly therefore likely to be unsuitable for guests with disabilities but we suggest you contact us directly if you have specific needs or questions.
- Group Size
The maximum group size for this tour is only 4 guests.
Itinerary
Day 1 (D)
After arrival at SofiaAirport we will be met by our guides. Minibus transfer to the Eastern Rhodope Mountains (approximately 4 hours) with some scenic stops along the way. Accommodation will be at Madzharovo for 4 nights as the guests of the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds. The Group will meet for an evening meal at the centre and a chance to discuss the next 3 days of photography with the guides.
Day 2 (B, L, D)
The first day of bird photography from the two fixed hides, which are good for vultures (Griffon Vulture, Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture) and other birds of prey like the Eastern Imperial Eagle, White-tailed Eagle and Black Kite. An occasional Wolf or Red Fox may turn up at the feeding table too. After coming out of the hides by early afternoon there is usually time to look for some landscapes shots and small birds and other nature before an evening meal for the group back at the centre.
(We may alternate the use of the 2 hides so there everyone gets good opportunities at both locations over the following 3 days and we hope to have sessions in both early morning and late evening light.)
Day 3 (B, L, D)
As per day 2. Another day in the mountains, you can again use both the hides or do photography in open areas – scenery, macro, forest birds (like the Middle-spotted Woodpecker, Sombre Tit, etc). Again an evening meal for the group at the centre.
Day 4 (B, L,D)
As per day 2&3.
Day 5 (B, L, D)
Drive to Sakar Hills with good chances to photography Bee Eaters, European Roller, Hoopoe. Accommodation for 1 night in a small hotel in Sakar. Evening meal for the group.
Day 6 (B, L, D)
In the morning - another chance for Bee Eaters in the Sakar area before driving to Bourgas in the afternoon. We may try to photograph shorebirds, herons and other wading birds in the shallow lagoons around, by using tent-hides and camouflage covers. Accommodation for 1 nights in a small hotel in Bourgas and an evening meal will be arranged for the group.
Day 7 (B, L, D)
Bird photography from the hides and boat in Bourgas lake - White Pelicans, various heron species, spoonbills, other water birds, also with chances to photograph an Otter and a Golden Jackal and then transfer to Sofiafor an overnight stay and evening meal.
Day 8 (B)
Sofia airport for departure.
Please note:
- The itinerary is provisional and subject to change depending on local conditions
- Not all wildlife mentioned can be seen well at all times of the year & some activities mentioned may not always be available
- Meals included are as shown - B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Venue
Bulgaria Lakes and Mountains
Our fantastic 8 day tour to Bulgariais hosted by expert local guides working in conjunction with the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB). We will be based around 3 locations in this lovely country, The Eastern Rhodope Mountains, the Sakar Hills and Bourgas Lake. Accommodation will be provided on a twin sharing basis in both small hotels and the BSPB centre at Madzharovo.
All meals, transfers, guiding and park fees are included in the trip cost. Single supplement pricing may be available on request.
Arrival and departure will be via international flights into Sofia airport
Summary
Duration
8 Days
Single supplement
Subject to availability. If you are a single person booking this holiday you do not have to pay single supplements, if you are happy to share. If you are travelling by yourself you will be paired with another single client of the same gender. However your booking is accepted only on the understanding that if no roommate is available then you accept a single supplement may be levied. Single supplements are payable if you specifically request to have a room to yourself. If you have requested single accommodation we will do our best to secure this although this may not always be possible.
Deposit
£200
Travel insurance
You must be covered by insurance, which must include adequate cover for baggage, medical expenses and the cost of repatriation should you become too ill to continue, including air ambulance. Details of an appropriate insurance scheme will be supplied on request.
Group size
4
Cost includes
Airport transfers, hide use, UK photographic guide, local guide, meals (as specified) and accommodation
Cost
excludes: Flights and alcohol
