Two-day Birding Trip: The Eastern Rhodopes & Sakar

A birding tour that will take you to the beautiful Rhodope Mountain in the southern part of Bulgaria to see and enjoy the majestic “European Condors” – Eurasian Griffon and Eurasian Black Vultures – plus many more: Egyptian Vulture, Eastern Imperial Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, etc.

Best time: May - September

Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to the town of Krumovgrad in the Eastern Rhodope Mountains

Stop At: Sakar Mountain, 6533, Bulgaria
We start from your accommodation at 8.30 a.m. and drive to the the Eastern Rhodope Mountains. On the way we stop in the Sakar Mountain to search for Eastern Imperial Eagle, Long-legged Buzard, Levant Sparrowhawk, Masked Shrike (May-July only), Olive-tree Warbler (May-July only), Eastern Orphean Warbler (May-June only), Calandra Lark, Isabeline Wheatear, Sombre Tit, etc.
The Sakar is an area of rounded hills and open valleys, where most of the lowland is step-like grassland with scattered trees, bushes and agricultural plots. It is Bulgaria’s Eastern Imperial Eagles stronghold. The endless chain of mild crests and folding wood-covered tops provide shelter to the Booted Eagle, the Masked Shrike, the Olive-tree Warbler, the Semi-collared Flycatcher, etc. European Rollers, European Bee-eaters, Eurasian Hoopoes and Black-headed Buntings are everywhere along the roads.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Krumovgrad, Krumovgrad, Kardzhali Province
We arrive in the town of Krumovgrad in the afternoon (~ 4.00-5.00 p.m.) and do some birding in the area; There is an option for after-dinner watching of Eurasian Scops Owls in the town parks.
Duration: 3 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in the town of Krumovgrad, in twin-bedded en-suite rooms in a middle-standard hotel/lodge

Day 2: Studen Kladenets, Bulgaria

Stop At: Rhodope Region, Rhodope Region, East Macedonia and Thrace
The Eastern part of the Rhodope Mountains is locked between the valleys of the big rivers Arda and Maritsa in southern Bulgaria, near the border with Greece. This area hosts exceptional biodiversity – a result of the mixture of Mediterranean and continental climate. It is a landscape of jagged peaks, towering cliffs and sparsely vegetated, boulder-strewn slopes,where the most spectacular birds are the Eurasian Griffon Vultures. Eurasian Black Vultures, Egyptian Vultures, White-tailed Eagles, Eastern Imperial Eagles are also frequent visitors of the feeding tables. We will see many Black Storks nesting on the cliffs. Chukars often stand sentinel on rocky hillsides. The shrill whistles of Western Rock Nuthatches and the song of the Ortolan Bunting can be heard everywhere around.
In the morning we will visit one of the vulture feeding sites in the area. In the afternoon we will do some more birding there and will leave back to the coast (or your starting point is) at 3.00 – 4.00 p.m.
Duration: 9 hours

Meals included:
•
No accommodation included on this day.

Informacion Adicional
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"Children must be accompanied by an adult"
"Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately"
"Not recommended for travelers with back problems"
"Not recommended for pregnant travelers"
"No heart problems or other serious medical conditions"
"Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level"
"This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate"
"Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability"



Start Time: 08:30 AM
Duration: 2 Days
Start location: 1: Varna, Varna, Varna Province
2: Burgas, Bulgaria
3: Sofia, Bulgaria
Traveler pickup is offered
Hotels, Vacation rentals, Meeting point

Cancellations and refunds: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.

Included

• Bottled water
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Use of binoculars (on request)
• B&B accommodation
• Accommodation included: 1 night
• 1x Breakfast

Not Included

• Food and drinks
• Entrance fees

Facilities