Extended Wildlife Tour: Nature unbound – Wildlife encounters in the Carpathians
Embark on an immersive wildlife journey through the heart of the Carpathian Mountains, where nature thrives in its purest form. This trip offers a unique opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Făgăraș Mountains while directly supporting vital conservation efforts led by the Foundation Conservation Carpathia to protect one of Europe’s last great wilderness areas.
Throughout this adventure, you experience close encounters with the region’s rich biodiversity. From observing beavers at dawn and tracking the recently reintroduced European bison, to hiking among ancient trees in UNESCO-listed virgin forests, each day unveils new ways to connect with the wild. Evenings spent in rustic camps and secluded wildlife hides offer quiet moments to witness elusive creatures like brown bears, red deer, wild boar, foxes and with a lot of luck even wildcats, or wolves. Guided hikes reveal vibrant birdlife, lush meadows, and the intricate balance of the mountain ecosystem.
This seasonal programme aligns with nature’s rhythms, highlighting different species and natural phenomena throughout the year.
Day 1: Equus Silvania
Upon arrival at the airport, your guide welcomes you before embarking on a scenic two-hour drive to the foothills of the Transylvanian Carpathians. Your first night will be spent in the traditional village of Șinca Nouă, home to the Equus Silvania wilderness and horse-riding centre. After checking in and taking a moment to relax, you explore the farm with your guide, soaking in the tranquil surroundings.
Day 2: Equus Silvania
Today we start the day with an early visit to beaver dams nearby, and in the quiet morning hours we might see beavers as they move about. After breakfast your guide takes you on a walk in the surroundings learning about the local landscape and exploring the various hidden gems of nature. Red-backed shrike, bee-eaters, black woodpecker or lesser spotted eagles are commonly sighted, and the area has an incredible richness of flowers of all colours.
Driving Distance
From Bucharest airport approx. 180 km (approx. 3,5 h)
Accomodation
Guesthouse Equus Silvania 3*** (single rooms available upon request and availability).
Meal plan
Dinner
Hikes
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Upon return, after a light lunch, we drive up a forest road to the virgin forest of Strâmba Valley (UNESCO World Heritage Site). We hike for about two hours, see these ancient giant beech and fir trees (amongst them the tallest known tree of Europe), and learn about the ecosystem of the mixed mountain forests of the Carpathians. Before returning to the guesthouse for dinner, we visit a local bear hide with high chances of spotting the furry mammals.
Driving Distance
Equus Silvania – primeval forest – Equus Silvania by car – 45 minutes one-way
Accomodation
Equus Silvania Guesthouse 3*** (single rooms available upon request and availability).
Meal plan
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hikes
Primeval forest hike – 3 km round trip, 200 m ascent, 200 m descent, about 2 h
Day 3: Poiana Tămaș Wilderness Camp
Today you have anew the option to start the day with an early visit to the beaver dams, and in the quiet morning hours catch a glimpse of the famous architects of nature. Turtle doves, lesser grey shrike, hoopoe, Ural owl, as well as the green woodpecker can be sighted in this area. For those wishing to stay a bit longer in bed, the group reunites over late breakfast with hot steaming coffee and tea. Travelling further to the Făgăraș Mountains through the stunning mountainous landscape, we approach the largest undisturbed wilderness area of Romania where brown bears, deer, wild boar, wolves, lynx and numerous other wild animals still roam free.
Day 4: Poiana Tămaș
The area of Poiana Tămaș (Tămaș Meadow) is known to be the home of a herd of bison, which were recently reintroduced to the Făgăraș Mountains by Foundation Conservation Carpathia. The friendly giants are thriving in their newfound home. We try to pay them a visit by following their tracks and signs. As they are wild and free, we follow them on unmarked paths through the rugged terrain of the Carpathians and, if we are lucky, find them amidst the lush green of the forest.
Following the drive we stretch our legs on the way to the Poiana Tămaș Wilderness Camp, which is situated at the eastern end of the Făgăraș Mountains ridge, that spans over 100 km in length. Looking for wildlife signs and tracks, we might even encounter red or roe deer crossing the way, while listening for the calls of woodpeckers, including the Black Woodpecker, the Grey-headed woodpecker, or the White-backed woodpecker, or be accompanied by the sound of singing warblers. With a refurbished traditional shepherd’s hut and glamping style tents overlooking three mountain ranges, the camp offers a comfy retreat away from the noisy and hectic rhythm of city life. A warm campfire paired with local organic wines, or a fresh beverage accompany the last hours of the day.
Driving Distance
Equus Silvania – Richita (80 km – approx. 2 h)
Accomodation
Poiana Tămaș Wilderness Camp Glamping style tents 2.5 m high, 4-5 m diameter, beds and bedding provided, shared facilities, poor signal, no electricity. (Two people per tent, single tents available upon request and availability).
Meal plan
breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Hikes
Richita (980 m) – Poiana Tămaș (1420 m), 5 km, approx. 500 m ascent, wide forest path, mainly through forest with occasional viewpoints over the mountains.
To respect their space and allow them their wild character we always keep a safe distance and keep quiet in their presence. We’ll keep our eyes open for wildlife signs, as well as the Capercaillie or Hazel Grouse. We end the day’s adventure with an open campfire dinner at the refurbished shepherd’s hut.
Driving Distance
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Accomodation
Poiana Tămaș Wilderness Camp Glamping style tents 2.5 m high, 4-5 m diameter, beds and bedding provided, shared facilities, poor signal, no electricity. (Two people per tent, single tents available upon request and availability).
Meal plan
breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Hikes
TBD based on location of bison herd
Day 5: Bunea
Following breakfast with an unforgettable view in the fresh mountain air, we descend from the camp on foot. We are picked up for a short off-road drive to Pecineagu Lake, where we embark on an electric raft (weather permitting). Upon reaching the other shore, we follow the path through an old beech forest leading up to the Bunea Hide. Checking camera traps on the way, we can see who’s been passing by possibly just minutes before.
Day 6: Valea Vladului
Early birds have anew the chance to spot their wild neighbours before the sun is up and shining. This day we follow the path around Pecineagu lake, looking for wildlife tracks in the muddy lakebed, the perfect track trap! We enjoy a picnic lunch on the lakeside, letting the sun soak us in its warmth. Walking further towards Valea Vladului chalet, we are accompanied by the soft murmur of the river as we move deeper into the mountains.
Located at the intersection of forest paths overlooking a small meadow, Bunea is the ideal observation point for wildlife in their natural habitat. Dusk time may reveal curious neighbours out for stroll, such as the famous brown bear, red or roe deer, bison, wild boar, and even shy creatures such as the elusive wild cat, wolves, or even lynx if you are very lucky.
Driving Distance
Richita – Pecineagu Dam (4 km, approx.15 min, forest road by 4×4 vehicle)
Accomodation
Bunea hide (accomodates 6 people in 1 double bed & 2 bunk beds, shared facilities, towels and bedding are provided, no electricity, no signal)
Meal plan
breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Hikes
Poiana Tămaș (1420 m) – Richita (980 m) – 5 km, approx. 500 m descent, wide forest path,mainly through forest with occasional viewpoints over the mountains
Keen eyes might spot a variety of birds along the way, including the collared and the red-breasted Flycatcher among others. At dusk time you can wander to one of two local hides, where you can enjoy wildlife watching opportunities from a secluded space. In the evening, you can gather around the fireplace in the heart of the chalet. You can unplug and engage with your companions in the soothing glow of the fire, perhaps while enjoying one of the many board games we have waiting for you to pick up – a perfect way to share moments of laughter and connection.
Driving Distance
End of lake – Valea Vladului Chalet: 5 km, approx. 20 min on forest road
Accomodation
Valea Vladului wilderness Lodge 1* – double rooms, beds and bedding provided (single rooms available upon request and availability), two shared bathrooms.
Meal plan
breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Hikes
Bunea – Valea Vladului Chalet: 9 km, approx. 360 m ascent, 250m descent, approx. 3.5h, mainly on forest paths through the valley.
Day 7: Departure
Today we say farewell. After breakfast we drive back to the airport.
2.135€ / person
112€ Single room supplement
Maximum 6 participants.
12th to 18th May
26th May to 1st June
9th to 15th June
14th to 20th September
29th September to 5th October
Important information
Please arrive in Bucharest before 15:00 on the first day, so that we can proceed with the programme as planned. The exact pick-up time at the airport will be communicated to you prior to arrival based on the collective arrival times. On your departure day please choose a flight from Bucharest no earlier than 16:00, as otherwise due to traffic conditions departure to the airport will have to be very early in the morning. Transfers outside of collective option are available upon request and an additional cost.
Tour leader specialised in nature & wildlife, English speaking.
All meals and drinks according to the itinerary outlined above. *
Transport to and from the airport, as well as between locations.
Accommodation.
Main luggage transfer in between locations.
Entry fees.
Visits to UNESCO world heritage sites.
* Dietary restrictions of any kind can be catered for upon prior request. Table wine and beer are included, while our special wine selection and other beverages from the bar are available at an additional cost.
Flights
Travel Insurance
Transfers outside of collective transfer options
Mountain weather is always variable, with cloud and rain always a possibility, especially in the afternoons. However, during summertime the weather should be becoming settled, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15ºC to 30ºC (depending on altitude), and plenty of clear sunny weather. However, at high altitudes, overcast conditions can rapidly reduce temperatures, and here waterproofs and a warm jacket should always be carried. We will provide you with a full equipment list necessary for this tour prior to your arrival.
You will be accompanied by a certified mountain and wildlife guide throughout your journey, who is equipped with bear spray in case of wildlife encounters in the wild. However, such encounters are very rare, as truly wild animals are shy creatures who creep away from human presence. The tented camp is surrounded by an electric fence.