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Brown bear conservation project in the remote Rodopi Mountains
Setting off from Sofia airport we begin a long but interesting 4-hour transfer to the Rodopi Mountains. Our destination is the remote mountain village of Yagodina, where we will be based for the next 6 nights. During dinner, our leader will give an opening briefing about the week ahead and the work of the local NGO ‘Wild Rodopi’ whose Brown bear research and conservation project you will be assisting. Hotel Yagodina or similar
After breakfast, we start the day with a visit to the nearby Yagodinska Peshtera to discover the rich variety of cave formations and cave life that are found within, including some rare cave invertebrates, several species of bat, and a family of Fat (or Edible) dormice. Part of the cave system was once utilized as a prehistoric dwelling, so provides the ideal place to discuss the evolution of bears and their relationship with early Man.Returning to the village, we then set off on our first bear tracking walk, which will lead us into the surrounding forests searching for, recording and interpreting evidence of Brown bear activity such as scats, prints and various feeding signs. During the walk, there will be an introduction to safe bear/human interaction and behaviour. In the evening, half the group will have their first visit to the bear hide. Visiting the hide usually necessitates having an early dinner so that we can be in position before darkness falls. Bears are attracted to the hide by the presence of corn but are not dependant on this for their diet. Depending on the amount of activity in the clearing we may stay until around 11 pm, or with permission of the group earlier or later. Hotel Yagodina or similar
Distance in Km: 10
Distance in Miles: 6
Activity Hours: 2.5
Altitude Gain: 450
Altitude Loss: 450
After breakfast, a short drive brings us to the trailhead for the start of a beautifully varied walk in a little-visited part of the region. Having forded a shallow stream, we then follow a series of old forestry tracks that are also used as a convenient network of trails by Brown bears. This area is not only rich in butterflies and birds, but is also of great historical interest. During our walk, we will visit a site which, according to some historians and archaeologists, was the place where Orpheus was torn to pieces by the wild Maenads, the female followers of Dionysus. It certainly seems a suitably mystical and atmospheric spot that fits in well with Ovid’s poetic description of these dramatic events. After dinner, the second half of the group will have its first visit to the bear hide.Hotel Yagodina or similar
Distance in Km: 14
Distance in Miles: 8
Activity Hours: 3.5
Altitude Gain: 635
Altitude Loss: 635
Setting off on foot from our hotel, we make a steep, steady climb up the stony flank of the mountain ridge above the village. Here in spring and early summer, there are several interesting species of orchid to be found, as well as numerous butterflies. On reaching the ridgeback, we climb up to the highest peak where we are rewarded with a wonderful cliff-top viewpoint. The rocks here are home to several typical cliff-dwelling species of bird including the beautiful wallcreeper, Peregrine falcon, Rock thrush, Crag martin and Alpine swift. It is also possible to spot other raptors gliding over, such as Golden eagle, Short-toed eagle, Booted eagle, Long-legged buzzard, Eurasian hobby and Common kestrel. The wonderful views remain with us throughout the day as we continue our walk, zig-zagging steeply down into the depths of the Buynovsko Gorge on a rough and stony path that leads through a favoured feeding region for both Brown bear and Balkan chamois. This evening, the first half of the group will have their second visit to the bear hide.Hotel Yagodina or similar
Distance in Km: 10
Distance in Miles: 6
Activity Hours: 3.5
Altitude Gain: 560
Altitude Loss: 725
Having made our way out of the village on foot and crossed an area of rolling open pastures, we begin a steady climb into the forest, following a route that is frequently used by both wolves and bears. The further we climb, the wilder the landscape feels, and in places, the forests are punctuated with clearings and meadows that are often grazed by Roe deer and Wild boar, and where in early summer a variety of rare flowers and butterflies can be seen. Later in the day, we drop into the dappled shade of a river valley, a favoured place for bears, and also a suitable habitat for more interesting plants and butterflies. After supper, there will be another visit to the bear hide for the second half of the group.Hotel Yagodina or similar
Distance in Km: 16
Distance in Miles: 10
Activity Hours: 4
Altitude Gain: 620
Altitude Loss: 565
After breakfast we set off from the hotel on foot, beginning a strenuous but highly rewarding bear tracking walk. Having left the village pastures behind, we begin a long steep climb that sees us enter a densely forested region that is roamed not only by several Brown bears, but as our camera traps have shown, a variety of other carnivores including Wildcat, Grey wolf, Red fox, European badger, Pine marten and Stone marten. Especially exciting is the fact that Balkan lynx, a species considered extinct in Bulgaria for almost a century, has very recently been recorded here again! The forests here also harbour many secretive birds such as Hazel grouse, Black woodpecker and Crested tit. The midpoint of our trail brings us out onto some wonderful rock outcrops from where there are stunning views towards Greece, across waves of forested ridges that make a perfect trans-border corridor by which the large carnivore populations of Bulgaria and Greece can intermix. Our descent then leads us down through more silent forest, and what is the heart of core Brown bear habitat. Here we should see plenty of signs of bear activity, including several trees that they have bitten, scratched and rubbed, giving us a chance to learn more about other fascinating aspects of Brown bear behaviour.Hotel Yagodina or similar
Distance in Km: 12
Distance in Miles: 7
Activity Hours: 3.5
Altitude Gain: 750
Altitude Loss: 750
Leaving Yagodina on foot, we start the day with a short walk along a beautiful forest path, which in spring and early summer is renowned for its exceptional variety of orchids. Formerly an ancient Thracian packhorse route, this path is often used by bears when feeding in the surrounding forests on beech mast and ants. After meeting our bus, a 45-minute drive brings us to the beautiful valley of the Devinska Reka, where we will spend a couple of hours walking a delightful riverside trail. As well as being home to Eurasian otter and a variety of typical riverine birds such as Dipper and Grey wagtail, the valley also forms the heart of a specially designated Prime Butterfly Area and provides the perfect habitat for many rare and beautiful butterfly species. Having enjoyed a picnic lunch beside the river, we then complete the transfer (3 hours 30 minutes) back to Sofia.Hotel Hill or similar
Distance in Km: 10
Distance in Miles: 6
Activity Hours: 3
Altitude Gain: 215
Altitude Loss: 315
7 nights hotel, all rooms en suiteTravel by private minibus, 4WD and on foot6
days centre-based bear tracking walksNormally 5 to 12, plus leader. Min age
16 years
Hotel ‘Yagodina’ is renowned for its delicious traditional local cuisine,
offering generous sized servings of hearty, healthy food, much of it made
from home-produced or locally sourced products. Typical meals whilst in the
mountains will comprise of:Breakfast: tea, coffee and milk, with bread, jam,
honey and cheese, supplemented in Yagodina by fresh home-made yoghurt and
traditional local specialities such as thick pancakes known as 'katmi' and a
rice-based dish called 'rodopski klin'.Lunch: picnic lunches will be eaten in
the mountains and typically comprise bread, cheese, salami, salad, a
chocolate bar and fruit. Many guests also like to take with them an extra
portion of the local speciality that was served up for them at
breakfast.Dinner: will be taken in our hotel restaurant, and will normally
include three courses comprising either a salad or vegetarian soup, followed
by a main course, and a dessert of fruit, ice cream, or cake/pudding. The
cuisine reflects a mixture of Bulgarian, Greek, Turkish and Slavonic
influences. We sample many traditional local specialities including
'smilyanski fasul', a delicious bean soup, and 'patatnik', a local delicacy
made with grated potatoes, onions, and cheese, then seasoned with mint and
other herbs. Jugs of tap water will be provided on the table with the evening
meal. Bottled mineral water, soft drinks and alcohol are not included but can
be purchased.There are several Bulgarian wines that you may wish to try,
including an excellent red 'Mavrud' from vineyards on the northern slopes of
the Rodopi Mountains.Vegetarians and Vegans: Bulgaria is famed for its fresh
vegetables and fruit, so vegetarians are usually well catered for, although
in the mountains the variety may sometimes by limited to what is seasonally
available. 'Vegans need to be aware that eggs and dairy produce, especially
cheese, form the staple part of the diet in the Rodopi region, and occur in
the vast majority of traditional meals, so they may find their daily menu
somewhat more restricted and less varied. Likewise special gluten-free
products are not available, so those clients with wheat/gluten intolerance
should, if needed, bring with them something to replace the local bread and
pastries that make up the breakfasts and picnic lunches.
7 nights hotel, all rooms en suiteTravel by private minibus, 4WD and on foot6
days centre-based bear tracking walksNormally 5 to 12, plus leader. Min age
16 years
The trip is Activity Level 3 (moderate) and has a Safari Rating of 4.This
exciting holiday is focused in core Brown bear habitat, dominated by remote
forested ridges and gorges, studded by glades and some stunning rocky karst
terrain. It offers a unique opportunity for those wanting not only to observe
truly wild Brown bears but also to discover more about the daily life of
these secretive animals whilst at the same time contributing to their
conservation. Guided throughout by Julian Perry, a bear researcher from the
local NGO ‘Wild Rodopi’, you will learn how to find, identify, interpret
and record signs of bear presence and activity, including footprints, scats,
rub trees and feeding signs, helping to gather vital data about their ecology
and behaviour as part of an on-going conservation project.Our daily bear
tracking activities and wildlife observation will involve exploring the
mountains on foot. Although the pace of walking will be mostly relaxed and
leisurely, allowing time to search for and record signs of Brown bear
activity, and provide opportunities to observe and photograph any other
wildlife we may encounter, the holiday also involves some strenuous walking
in fairly rugged mountainous terrain, where trails are rarely flat, and
typically rough and stony. To get the full enjoyment out of this holiday,
therefore, you should be prepared for some long steady ascents as we climb
over ridges, and in particular confident and comfortable in your ability to
make steep descents over rocky paths as we drop down into deep valleys and
gorges. The reward for this effort is a unique chance to venture into remote
bear habitats and observe a wonderful variety of rare European wildlife,
including secretive mammals, elusive birds, beautiful butterflies, unusual
reptiles and amphibians, plus many endemic plants, including several scarce
orchids. Needless to say, the flora and fauna varies from season to season,
and it is impossible to guarantee what wildlife observations one will be
lucky enough to make on any day or week.Furthermore, although Brown bears and
other wildlife are regularly seen at the bear hide, it is important to
remember that these are truly wild animals foraging freely in their natural
habitat, and in no way reliant on the small quantities of maize put out as a
supplementary snack for them, so there may be occasions when they do not
show. However, our guide for this holiday will enthusiastically pass on
skills and knowledge not only about the bears but also the other flora and
fauna of the region, thus ensuring a highly rewarding, memorable and
informative wildlife experience.
Hotel Our base for six nights will be the village of Yagodina, a traditional rural
settlement famed for its self-sufficiency and the hospitality of its
inhabitants. The village lies isolated and tucked away in the Trigrad Karst
region, one of the most remote parts of the Rodopi Mountains. Here we stay in
the ‘Yagodina’ Family Hotel, a small village hotel offering comfortable
twin and single rooms with en-suite facilities and Wifi. The hotel is owned
and run by a local family and most of the food (including milk, cheese,
butter, jam, honey etc.) is either home produced or locally sourced. Our
final night will be at Hotel ‘Hill’, a conveniently located 4-star hotel
in the Bulgarian capital Sofia.
The holiday is scheduled to be led by Julian Perry, founder and research
director of the NGO ‘Wild Rodopi’. Julian is a member of the
International Association for Bear Research and Management and an expert on
Brown bear ecology and behaviour.
Hotel ‘Yagodina’ is renowned for its delicious traditional local cuisine,
offering generous sized servings of hearty, healthy food, much of it made
from home-produced or locally sourced products. Typical meals whilst in the
mountains will comprise of:Breakfast: tea, coffee and milk, with bread, jam,
honey and cheese, supplemented in Yagodina by fresh home-made yoghurt and
traditional local specialities such as thick pancakes known as 'katmi' and a
rice-based dish called 'rodopski klin'.Lunch: picnic lunches will be eaten in
the mountains and typically comprise bread, cheese, salami, salad, a
chocolate bar and fruit. Many guests also like to take with them an extra
portion of the local speciality that was served up for them at
breakfast.Dinner: will be taken in our hotel restaurant, and will normally
include three courses comprising either a salad or vegetarian soup, followed
by a main course, and a dessert of fruit, ice cream, or cake/pudding. The
cuisine reflects a mixture of Bulgarian, Greek, Turkish and Slavonic
influences. We sample many traditional local specialities including
'smilyanski fasul', a delicious bean soup, and 'patatnik', a local delicacy
made with grated potatoes, onions, and cheese, then seasoned with mint and
other herbs. Jugs of tap water will be provided on the table with the evening
meal. Bottled mineral water, soft drinks and alcohol are not included but can
be purchased.There are several Bulgarian wines that you may wish to try,
including an excellent red 'Mavrud' from vineyards on the northern slopes of
the Rodopi Mountains.Vegetarians and Vegans: Bulgaria is famed for its fresh
vegetables and fruit, so vegetarians are usually well catered for, although
in the mountains the variety may sometimes by limited to what is seasonally
available. 'Vegans need to be aware that eggs and dairy produce, especially
cheese, form the staple part of the diet in the Rodopi region, and occur in
the vast majority of traditional meals, so they may find their daily menu
somewhat more restricted and less varied. Likewise special gluten-free
products are not available, so those clients with wheat/gluten intolerance
should, if needed, bring with them something to replace the local bread and
pastries that make up the breakfasts and picnic lunches.
A private minibus with dedicated driver will be at our disposal throughout
the holiday for transfers to and from the mountains, and as and when needed
at the start or end of daily walks. To access the bear hide in the evenings,
we will make use of locally provided jeeps and off-road vehicles, the only
vehicles capable of coping with the often rough and muddy forestry tracks.
Travelling flight inclusive from London: 8 daysThe group flight from London
is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the itinerary.Flights from London
We normally use the scheduled services of Bulgaria Air (depending on
availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend
you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm
up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and
cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.Travelling
land only: 8 days starting and ending in SofiaThe start point for this trip
is difficult to reach on your own, as our hotel is approximately 3.5hrs drive
from the airport and is impossible to reach by public transport. The only
option would be to order a taxi to Hotel 'Yagodina' from the 'O.K.
Supertrans' taxi booking stand in the airport arrivals hall. A taxi will cost
approx €200. The hotel is situated in the centre of village of
Yagodina, please make staff aware that you are part of the Exodus group on
arrival. With this in mind we strongly advise you to join the group at the
airport in Sofia, please note that this must be arranged with our office in
advance. Group flights this year are with Bulgaria Air, they fly into
Terminal 2, as do BA and other national airlines. Low cost airlines normally
fly into Terminal 1, so if you fly with one of these carriers you will have
to transfer to Terminal 2 in order to join the group. There is a free airport
shuttle bus connecting the two terminals which departs every 30 minutes.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it. If you require airport transfers, you may (by
prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are
arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight ‐ please
check the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take
this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point
at your own expense.
In normal years, Brown bears are active in the region from mid-March until
the end of December. Rain does not normally interrupt bear activity and in
fact can make finding footprints more likely, so our bear tracking walks are
not usually adversely affected by bad weather unless it is very severe, in
which case routes may be shortened or amended. Patches of late-lying snow at
the end of April and beginning of May also offer a good substrate on which to
find prints. During late spring and early summer, wildflowers in the Rodopi
Mountains reach their peak, the meadows a patchwork of colours, and the edges
of forest paths often holding a selection of rare and beautiful orchids. This
is also the time when the variety of butterflies on the wing becomes most
striking, and at the height of the nesting period, many of the birds become
most conspicuous. With the onset of autumn, the deciduous trees start to
change colour and the mountain landscapes are at their most picturesque and
photogenic, especially after a frosty night and with the typically golden
morning sun. The forests and scrubs are full of wild fruits and nuts at this
time of year, with the bears busily feeding on them, fattening up for the
winter, as are many of the resident birds, especially thrushes and finches.
If one is lucky, autumn is also the time when one may catch a glimpse of an
unusual raptor migrating south along one of the gorges. Many attractive fungi
also start to appear on the forest floor and are harvested not just by the
locals, but also by Roe deer, Balkan chamois, Wild boar, Red squirrels and
many other smaller rodents.
Spring and summer days are usually warm and sunny, with a refreshing mountain
breeze that moderates temperatures; but please note that changeable weather
and cold temperatures can be encountered at any time in the mountains.
Occasionally during spring and summer, there are sudden short violent storms,
which require that suitable waterproof clothing is always carried on all
walks, and which may force minor amendments to the itinerary; however, after
such storms, there is often a prolonged period of settled weather. Later in
autumn, overnight frosts and misty dawns typically give way to beautiful
sunny days, but it is always worth keeping a pair of gloves and a spare warm
layer in the pack for shadier paths or when picnicking on breezy rock
outcrops.
Rucksack (25-30 litres capacity)Comfortable walking boots with good soles and
support, as trails are often rough and rocky, and sometimes become muddy
after rain.WaterproofsSunhat & SunglassesWater bottleBinoculars (a good pair
greatly enhances wildlife observations from the bear hide)Torch
Walking poles can be very useful especially when negotiating some of the
steeper and stonier trails.Water sources in the Bulgaria are generally very
good, but those who wish to purify their water should bring their own supply
of purification tablets.Plastic sandwich boxes are useful for picnic lunches
and are much more environmentally responsible than simply putting food into
new plastic bags every day.Please note, bathrooms in Bulgaria are typically
'wet rooms' without shower cabins, thus their floors often remain damp making
a pair of flip-flops very useful to have in your room.For the nights when you
are not visiting the bear hide, those staying back at that hotel may like to
bring some reading material or other forms of after dinner entertainment.
However, when the weather is fine, many clients enjoy taking an evening
stroll to the meadows and pastures at the edge of the village, where Roe
deer, Red fox, Northern white-breasted Hedgehog and a variety of bats are
sometimes seen.
You may wish to exchange approximately £65 into local Bulgarian currency to
cover the entrances to caves, purchase of drinks with meals, plus traditional
handicrafts and local produce (such as honey, jams, herb teas, dried
mushrooms) as souvenirs.
If you receive good service it is customary to tip staff in Bulgaria in
appreciation of their help and friendliness, although this is in no way
compulsory.Most clients wish to leave a tip for the driver and the local
staff at Hotel ‘Yagodina’. For the staff at the hotel we recommend
you budget approx. 10-15 EUR per person for the week, and for the driver 10
EUR per person for the week.Tipping of leaders is entirely at your own
discretion; however, if you wish to show your appreciation for his/her
efforts a tip of around 40 EUR per person for the week is suggested.
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