Bring your best camera and choose your wildlife photo hide. We offer you 4 photo hides with great locations and affordable prices. No matter if you are on a business trip in Sofia or just looking for a relaxed birdwatching and photo-shooting adventure, we would be happy to organize one unforgettable birding photo-safari for you. Read on to learn the specifics of each photo hide we have:
1. GOLDEN EAGLE HIDE
This Golden Eagle photo hide is one of the most comfortable hides in Bulgaria. It is made of wood and stone measuring 4×4 meters on the floor and is 2 meters high. The inner space is divided into two parts – a section with a kitchenette and a toilet, and another one from the photo sessions is carried out.
The hide is located about 1 300 meters asl in the Western Balkan Mountains, an about 1.5-hour drive from the city of Sofia (or Sofia Airport).
Golden Eagle Photography: In many nations and cultures, the Golden Eagle is a symbol of strength, majesty and freedom. The reasons for this could easily be understood when you are photo-shooting these birds in the wild. Observing the flight of Golden eagles from a long distance is always great enjoyment, but seeing and photographing the birds from a close distance is an awe-inspiring and truly unforgettable experience. Let us prove it to you!
Best season: November, December, January, February and March.
Max. capacity: 4 persons.
Possible species: Golden Eagle, Red Fox, Raven, Hooded Crow, Magpie, Cinereous Vulture, Griffon Vulture (rare), Common Buzzard (rare), Golden Jackal (rare), Wolf (rare), Wild Cat (rare).
Access: The transfer from Sofia to the village of Iskrets is an 1,5 hours. From there our on-site assistant will drive you with a 4×4 vehicle to the hide. He will be transferring you back as well. We recommend hiring the photo hide for minimum full 2 days.
Regulation: Entering before sunrise, exit – in sunset/night; every time with local manager of the hide. Smoking is forbidden, no sudden lens movement.
Comfort and accessories: Chairs, gas heather, 4 beds, toilet with sink, electricity, Wi-Fi, small kitchenette, tableware.
Recommended focal length: > 300 mm
Hide’s photography direction: North
2. VULTURES AND GOLDEN EAGLES HIDE
Оne of the most successful and busy wildlife photography hides in Bulgaria for taking photos of birds of prey. Book much in advance to secure your rent and photography experience.
It is situated in Eastern Rhodopes, an area dubbed the Vulture Realm in the Balkans. Only here you can photograph 3 species of vultures in one day. About 100 pairs of Griffon Vultures and 20 pairs of Egyptian Vultures (the Balkan population comes down to about 50 pairs) breed in the area every year. Black Vultures are also frequently seen and photographed in the Bulgarian Eastern Rhodopi, because they are often coming from the near Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest National park in Greece. Other birds of prey such as Lesser Spotted Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Black Kite, Golden Eagle and White-tailed Eagle also breed and forage in this region.
It fits comfortably six people to shoot at the same time from six viewing holes. The hide is entered obligatory early in the morning (before dawn) and has to leave it after sunset. In summer, it is possible to leave the hide earlier. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the hide from the town of Madzharovo via an off-road vehicle. The hide orientation is to the North and is between 27 and 41 meters distance from where the birds typically land. The best lense focal length to use is 300-800 mm with the closest background being at least a kilometer away. The species that can be photographed are: Egyptian Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Black Kite, Raven, Fox, Jackal, Golden Eagle, White-tailed Eagle.
Best season: All year round, best period for raptors is 1st Nov-30th Mar.
Max. capacity: 6 persons
Possible species: Griffon Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Golden Eagle, Wolf, Red Fox, Black Kite (summer), Golden Jackal, Raven, White-tailed Eagle (rare winter visitor), Black Vulture (rare).
Access: The hide is 10 km from the town of Madzharovo. Transport with off-road vehicle to and from the hide is secured by our local hide manager.
Regulations: It is obligatory to enter before sunrise and exit after sunset, with minimum disturbance during the day. No smoking, no sudden lens movement and please, don’t leave any liiter in or out of the hide.
Comfort and accessories: Chair, gas heather in winter, toilet, two bunk beds.
Recommended focal length: >300 mm; shooting is thorough embrasures.
Hide’s photography direction: North
3. LESSER KESTREL HIDE
This is the first Bulgarian photo hide built chiefly for Lesser kestrels (Falco naumanni) photography. It is located in a breeding colony of these charismatic falcons, in the rich of wildlife gentle-hilled Sakar Mountains. These beautiful birds are quite sociable and easy to photograph without disturbing their everyday activities. This is an excellent opportunity to try and master different photographic skills.
The Sakar Mountain is also famous as the paradise of raptors and Mediterranean species. Interesting species such as Masked Shrike, Red-backed and Woodchat shrikes, Imperial Eagle, Booted Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Black Kite, Long-legged Buzzard, Orphean Warbler, Isabelline Wheatear, Golden Jackal, Ground Squirrel, and many more can be on your tour agenda.
In the second half of the 20th century, due to many reasons, including heavy use of pesticides, the Lesser Kestrel disappeared as a species from the territory of Bulgaria. It took years of work and a lot of expertise for the Green Balkans NGO to restore the Sakar Lesser Kestrel colony, where the hide is situated. This is one of the Bulgarian conservation success stories. By renting the hide you will be also helping and financing the Green Balkans’ noble mission.
The hide is located in the village of Levka, close to the town of Svilengrad and offers only the rent of the hide (2 pers is the max. capacity), plus transportation, accommodation and the photo hide rental. For birdwatching and wildlife photography tours tailored to your interests, please send us an enquiry.
Best season: 15 April – 15 August.
Max. capacity: 2 persons
Possible species: Lesser Kestrel, Spanish Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Domestic Sparrow, Common Starling.
Access: Asphalt road.
Regulations: You may enter and leave at your convenience, however, we recommend you not doing it during the day and without the permission of your guide. The hide is in a open terrain and may get very hot/cold during the summer/winter. Smoking is forbidden.
Comfort and accessories: Chair, no toilet, no electricity.
Recommended focal length: >400 mm; shooting is thorough embrasures.
Hide’s photography direction: West
4. EGYPTIAN VULTURE AND OTHER RAPTORS
The wildlife photo hide is in a site designed for supplementary feeding of the globally threatened Egyptian vulture. There are only a few pairs of this rare species breeding in Northern Bulgaria and two of them are regularly visiting the feeding site in front of the hide.
As of April 2023, this is the newest wildlife photo hide in Bulgaria. It is located only 35 km from Varna, right on the Via Pontica flyway and in a biodiversity hotspot. Besides the Egyptian vultures, the feeding site is frequented by other raptors such as Common Buzzard, Long-legged Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, and Lesser Spotted Eagle. There are chances for mammal photography as well, as Golden jackals and Red foxes visit the site as well.
The design of the hide gives you perfect opportunities to make fantastic pictures in different backgrounds and situations. The usual distance between the photographer and the birds is about 30 meters.
The hide is located near the village of Avren, close to the city of Varna. We can offer you birdwatching and photography tours to the wetlands near Varna. Photography at the wetlands will be from the ground while camouflaged with a camo net. Expected species: Black-winged Stilt, Common Lapwing, other waders, ducks and even songbirds.
Best season: All year round
Max. Capacity: 3 persons
Possible species: Egyptian vulture (apr-aug), Common Buzzard, Long-legged Buzzard, Lesser Spotted Eagle (migration period), Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier (winter), Raven, Magpie, Red Fox, Golden Jackal, European Hare.
Access: Stable dirty road around 3 km long.
Regulation: Entering before sunrise, exit – after sunset. Be preprared to stay in for several hours. Bring enough water and drinks. Smoking is forbidden. The hide is in a open terrain, thus may get very hot/cold during the summer/winter.
Comfort and accessories: Chair, table, no toilet, no electricity.
Recommended focal length: >400 mm; shooting is thorough photo window or embrasures.
Hide’s photography direction: North
PRICES:
1. GOLDEN EAGLE HIDE: 1 person – 120 Euro per person/day; 2-4 persons – 95 Euro/person/day;
The price includes: One day rent of the photography hide; Bait for the raptors and the carnivorous animals; Transport with 4×4 vehicle from the village of Iskrets to the hide and back;
The price does not include: Private transfer from Sofia Airport to the village of Iskrets or vice versa (distance 80 km); Our offer is 65 euros per station wagon car (comfortable for 3 photographers); 120 euros per 8-seater minibus; Accommodation – send us an inquiry for booking or just recommendations for accommodation. Kindly note that there is an option to sleep at the hide; Meals and drinks; Local guide (if needed);
2. VULTURES AND GOLDEN EAGLES HIDE: 1 person – 150 Euro per person/day; 2-4 persons – 120 Euro/person/day; 5-6 persons – 110 Euro/person/day;
The price includes: One day rent of the photo hide; Bait for the vultures and the other raptors; Transport from the town of Madzharovo (or a nearby settlement) to the hide before sunset and back after sundown;
The price does not include: Private transfer from Sofia Airport to the town of Mаdzharovo or vice versa (distance 300 km); Our offer is 150 euros per station wagon car (comfortable for 3 photographers); 180 euros per 8-seater minibus; Accommodation – send us an inquiry for booking or just recommendations for accommodation. Kindly note that there are two cots at the hide, which you can use; Meals and drinks; Local guide (if needed). We are offering a guided photo tour in the Eastern Rhodopi;
3. LESSER KESTREL HIDE: 1 person – 90 Euro per person/day; 2 persons – 60 Euro per person/day;
The price includes: Rent of the hide for a whole day;
The price does not include: Private transfer from any point in Bulgaria and Northern Greece to the village of Levka can be arranged (not included in the price); Kindly note that there are no options to sleep in the hide. There is a whole spectrum of accommodation options in the town of Svilengrad; Meals and drinks; English-speaking guide (please, enquire if needed);
4. EGYPTIAN VULTURE AND OTHER RAPTORS: 1 person – 190 Euro; 2-3 persons – 120 Euro/person
The price includes: Rent of the hide for a whole day;
The price does not include: Private transfer from Varna Airport to the village of Avren can be arranged (not included in the price; Kindly note that there are no options to sleep in the hide. There is a whole spectrum of accommodation options in the city of Varna; Meals and drinks; English-speaking guide (please, enquire if needed); You may consider also renting the Forest Mirror pool hide;
