Wildlife Tours of Romania - Wildlife, Beavers & Rural life

The Carpathian Mountains are the largest intact ecosystem of its kind in Europe. More than one third of all wolves, bears, and lynx roam through the unspoilt forests of this spectacular mountain range.

Carpathian Nature Tours, a German-Romanian tour operator, offers you a unique hiking and learning experience on the traces of the “big three”, wolf, bear and lynx in co-operation with the National Park Piatra Craiului, and introduces you to the 10 years research activites of the Carpathian Large Carnivore Project, the former largest research and conservation project about large carnivores in Europe.

This eco-tourism programme is amongst the most successful programmes in Europe and has gained international recognition by a number of prominent conservation organisations such as WWF International.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Măgura
The mountain village of Mâgura is located on 1040 m above sea level within the boundaries of Piatra Craiului national park. Although it is only 35 kms away from the busy city of Brasov, you immediately feel the relaxing atmosphere of this remote area. Your final destination is a comfortable, family-run guesthouse with modern facilities and splendid views to the mountains of Piatra Craiului (2240 m) and Bucegi (2550 m).

Day 2: The Kalibash villages and the bats cave
A day walk to visit the unique villages of Magura and Pestera, where the houses are built along mountain ridges separated by deep ravines and valley. Both settlements are located on a hilly plateau between Piatra Craiului- and Bucegi massifs. Because of their seclusion the inhabitants, the Kalibashs, could keep their traditional way of life for a long time.

Most of the villagers live on livestock breeding. We will see traditional farmhouses and ancient farming techniques and learn about the history of the settlements. On our way we will go into a cave, where at least three species of bats live. You will need a good torch.

Day 3: Zărneşti Canyon
Depart for Prapestile Zarnestilor canyon at the east side of Piatra Craiului. After a walk through this spectacular canyon, this was carved through the limestone in Jurassic times. If we are lucky we will see some rare birds like the wallcreeper nesting here. We will continue towards Curmatura cabin, passing a shepherd camp to see how cheese is made in the traditional way. Of course we will taste these local specialities.

From May to September the flocks of sheep and goats and herds of cows graze in the alpine pastures. The shepherds and their crowd of fierce dogs are the only protection against the predator’s wolf and bear. On a good day and if fitness allows it is possible to climb Piatra Craiului Mica from where we have a spectacular view over Birza valley.

Day 4: Wolves and Birza Valley
We begin the day with a short walk into the valley from where we set out on a horse-drawn cart into Birza Valley to the “wolf cabin”. The Carpathian Large Carnivore Project (clcp), Europe’s biggest conservation project on wolves, bears and lynx until 2003 had its field research station there. Now it is still home to the two hand-raised wolves Poiana and Crai.

There you will hear more about the work of the project, and then we will go on a hike in the forests around Piatra Craiului and look for traces especially of large carnivores. Here we enjoy the beautiful views over Birza Valley and see the astonishing variety of plants in the meadows still scythed by hand. Depending on the season there are orchids, gentians and a lot of flowers nowadays rare in Western Europe.

In the evening there is the opportunity to hear more about Transylvania’s nature and cultural attractions.

Day 5: Dracula’s Castle
Are you afraid of Prince Dracula? Today we will walk to Bran Castle, which is better known as Dracula’s Castle. Beyond the medieval legend, Bran Castle was donated to Romania’s royal family in 1920 and Queen Mary, granddaughter to Queen Victoria, succumbed to the charms of this castle. In her will she even determined that her heart was to be buried in a rock near the castle. Our walk leads us across the hills and through forests with a high chance to see wildlife. After the visit of the castle we will hike back on a different route to Magura.

Day 6: Beaver Day
In the morning we meet members of staff of the European Beaver Reintroduction Programme. In 1997 the first beavers were released in the river Olt after 200 years of extinction. The beaver reintroduction programme is led by ICAS (the Romanian Wildlife Institute) and is part of a European beaver reintroduction scheme.

The beavers have built colonies and live in an area also highly used for agriculture. In a meadow on the banks of the river Olt we have a lunch break. Perhaps we can hear the oriole sing. Then we explore the domes which the beavers have built along the river. In the evening we will have dinner in a traditional restaurant with folk music.

Day 7: Braşov and Vulcan
In the morning, we drive to Brasov (35 kms). Since its foundation in 1220 until today the city has always been the most important economic centre of the region. In the middle ages the guilds traded as far as Vienna and Turkey. This is why we find the biggest collection of Anatolian tapestry outside Turkey in the black church- The merchants gave the most valuable pieces as a donation for their safe return and successful business. The medieval town with the market place, the black church and the school still show the wealth of the city.

The organ of the black church has 4,000 pipes and is one of the few preserved masterpieces of the Berlin organ builder, Buchholz. From Brasov we head towards Vulcan, one of the typical Transylvanian villages, founded in the 13th century. Nowadays many of the villages are famous for their fortified peasant churches, which gave refuge in the times of Turkish and Tatar invasions. Coffee and home-made pastry will be served. Then we start a hike over the hills through parkland to Zarnesti. This area gives good opportunity to watch birds, e.g. shrikes, larks, and buzzards. From Zarnesti we will drive with minibuses up to Magura.

In the evening we enjoy the b-b-q with local meat specialities and a campfire.

Day 8: Farewell
Time to say good-bye! Transfer back to Bucharest and take the flight back home.

One evening, there may be the chance to visit a bear observation point in the forest. Approx. price per person: 35Euro.

Services included:

Please call for further and specific information on this tour.

Price Per Person

Departure Dates for 2006

Regular departure dates throughout 2006.

Please call for availability and pricing. 0800 132 973