Private Brown Bear Watching Experience near Odorheiu Secuiesc
Experience the Carpathian wilderness, and see wild brown bears in their natural habitat from the security of one of the many wildlife hides operating in the area. Your guide, an experienced local ranger, will take you with his 4wd car deep into the forests of the Eastern Carpathians, which has one of the largest population concentrations of brown bears in the Carpathian Mountains. Follows an easy to moderate 500m walk from the car to a specially-designed observation hide where you will wait quietly for wildlife. The private experience will last 3-4 hours.
Your Carpathian brown bear experience starts in the small Szekler town of Cristuru Secuiesc (22km from Sighisoara) where your guide awaits you to set off in his 4wd car into the forests at the foothills of the Harghita Mountains. In recent years, it has become a popular destination for wildlife watching as the population is most dense in Harghita, Covasna, Vrancea, and Brasov counties. After a 20- to 45-minute drive (depending on which spot has the greatest chances for watching on that day) you will be safely escorted down a roughly 500m long trail.
Occupy your place in the hide, stay quiet, listen to the forest wildlife sounds, and enjoy the excitement of waiting for the bears to come. There is usually success in seeing bears, but as there are wild animals involved, nothing is guaranteed. If you are lucky, you may observe bears feeding, playing together, courting, and mating. You may even see other species like wild boars, roe deer and red deer, foxes, badgers, and some game birds. In the past a few sightings of lynxes and wolves were had as well, but these animals, although in great numbers in the Carpathians, are very secretive and rarely seen.
After approximately 3 hours of watching, head back to the car accompanied by your guide and ride back to Cristuru Secuiesc. The entire trip takes 4 to 5 hours and watching from the hide can be complemented with following the animals footprints in the forest upon request. Be prepared by wearing hiking boots and weatherproof clothing, and bring binoculars, a camera, an extra battery, and a memory card to record this unique experience.
Wildlife watching tours in the Carpathians allow wildlife to be viewed in close proximity without being disruptive, and generates revenue for local rewilding efforts.
Please note:
• Your forest ranger guide accompanying you may carry a handgun for your protection in extreme situations.
• The tour usually ends around 9:30-10:00pm, so please plan your dinner time accordingly.There are high chances (statistically more than 75%) to spot the Carpathian brown bear, sometimes a female with cubs, sometimes a larger male bear. As a bonus, your guide can share some of the stories about the Communist dictator Ceausescu's hunting in the area.
Informacion Adicional
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"Generally, children should be around 8 years old to participate and understand the importance of the environment we operate in"
"Children must be accompanied by an adult"
"Near public transportation"
"Dress warmly: sturdy, waterproof footwear and warm clothing recommended"
"A maximum of 9 people per booking"
"There are no bathroom facilities in the hide"
"Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather and less chances to spot bears, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund"
"Most travelers can participate"
"Be prepared by wearing hiking boots and weatherproof clothing."
"Please avoid wearing perfume, it may scare away the wild animals from the hide."
"Departure between 4.30-6.00pm depending on sunset time. The exact departure time will be confirmed after booking."
"This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund"
"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:
05:00 PM
Duration: 3 To 4 Hours
Start location: Farkaslaka, 537165 Lupeni, Romania
Traveler pickup is offered
Pick-up from your accommodation in Odorheiu Secuiesc, Corund, Praid or Cristuru Secuiesc (20 km from Sighisoara) are included in the price of the tour free of charge.
Cancellations and refunds:
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
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