Egyptian Vulture, ©Svetoslav Spasov
Hide Photography Tour in Bulgaria
08 - 16 September 2011
3 places are still available for this tour.
Maximum group size: 6 persons
Duration: 9 days (8 overnights)
Tour description:
This is a 9-day tour, focusing on the rich bird diversity and the beautiful scenery of the Eastern Rhodope Mountains, Sakar Hills and the Bourgas wetlands, which is intended for individual photographers and small groups (up to 6 persons).
Griffon Vulture, ©Colin Bradshaw
Grifon Vultures, ©Svetoslav Spassovk
Black Vulture & Griffon Vulture
We will start from the Eastern Rhodopes Mountains, located in southern Bulgaria near the state border with Greece. The region hosts exceptional biodiversity - a result of the impact of the Mediterranean and continental climates.
The main photography targets here will be the birds of prey coming to feed on the carcass at the feeding places, which we manage together with the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BirdLife Bulgaria). You stay in hides, in front of which you can get three species of vultures - Griffon Vulture, Black Vulture and Egyptian Vulture, and occasionally some 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. We offer two hides - one holding up to 5 persons and based at the main vulture feeding place in the Eastern Rhodopes, and a second one for two photographers, located near Madzharovo and established especially for photographing Egyptian Vultures.
For the second part of the trip we will drive to the southern Bulgarian Black Sea coast, with a stop in the Sakar Hills. If leave the Eastern Rhodopes earlier (~ 5 a.m.) we could have a morning photo-session in Sakar using our fixed hide with drinking pool for passerines, as well as we could photograph the Isabelline Wheatear and European Souslik from tent-hides. Flight-shots of Imperial Eagles hunting at the Souslik colonies are possible too.
The main focus in the area of the Bourgas wetlands will be the White Pelicans resident in the area, plus herons, egrets, other waders and shore-birds. From our hides we will have excellent opportunities to "shoot" the White Pelican, Squacco Heron, Purple Heron, Little Egret, Eurasian Spoonbill. In the shallow lagoons around we will have good chances for taking pictures of shorebirds like the Marsh, Broad-billed and Curlew Sandpipers, herons and other wading birds by using tent-hides and camouflage covers.
White Pelicans, ©Mladen Vasilev
Broad-billed Sandpiper, ©Mladen Vasilev
Itinerary:
| Day 1 |
Arrival at Sofia Airport and transfer to the Eastern Rhodopes. It will take about 4 hours driving with stops for refreshment. Accommodation for 4 nights in the lodge of our Visitor Center in Madzharovo. |
| Days 2, 3 & 4 |
Bird photography from our hides in the Eastern Rhodopes |
| Day 5 |
Drive to Bourgas on the southern Bulgarian coast, via the Sakar Hills. 4 nights stay in the area of the city of Bourgas. |
| Days 6, 7 & 8 |
Bird photography from hides in the Bourgas wetlands |
| Day 9 |
Four hours drive to Sofia for departure |
Costs per person:
2-3 persons: € 940
4-6 persons: € 780
The price includes:
- The ground transport by van or minibus, depending on the group-size. The transfers from / to Sofia Airport are included;
- Accommodation in middle-standard 2/3* lodges and hotels in twin bedded en-suite rooms;
- All meals, as some of the breakfasts and lunches will be picnic-type ones, depending on the day program;
- English speaking expert guide during the whole trip;
- Entrance fees in the protected areas;
- The use of hides.
The price excludes: Flights and travel insurance
Single room supplement: € 100
If you are interested in this tour please contact us
