3-day guided birdwatching tour from Sofia
Spend a long weekend discovering two of Bulgaria’s finest raptor strongholds — the rolling hills of Sakar Mountain and the dramatic volcanic cliffs of the Eastern Rhodopes. Within just a few kilometers, the scenery shifts from open steppe to rugged canyons, creating one of the richest birding regions in Bulgaria and the Balkans.
Timed for the peak of the breeding and migration season, this tour offers excellent chances to see over 20 species of raptors, including Eastern Imperial Eagle, Golden Eagle, Cinereous Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Montagu’s Harrier, Lesser Kestrel, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Short-toed Snake-Eagle, Levant Sparrowhawk, and more. We’ll also look for regional specialties such as Masked Shrike, Rock Nuthatch, Chukar, Black-headed Bunting, and Eastern Orphean Warbler.
With expert guidance and carefully chosen sites, you’ll experience the full diversity of southern Bulgaria’s birdlife — from steppe to forest to canyon. Perfect for keen birders and nature lovers seeking a short but unforgettable escape into the wild.
ITINERARY
Day 1 — Sofia – Sakar Mountain (Oreshnik)
Depart from Sofia in the morning and travel southeast to the lesser-known but wildlife-rich Sakar Mountain. We’ll spend the day exploring the lower slopes, looking for raptors such as Eastern Imperial Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Montagu’s Harrier, Hobby, Long-legged Buzzard, Short-toed Snake-Eagle, Booted Eagle, and Levant Sparrowhawk. Other highlights may include European Roller, Common Bee-eater, Ortolan and Black-headed Buntings, Orphean, Olive-tree and Eastern Olivaceous Warblers, Isabelline Wheatear, Red-backed Shrike, Black Stork, Golden Oriole, Hoopoe, Syrian and Middle Spotted Woodpeckers. Orchids are in bloom at this time of year. Overnight in a guest house in Oreshnik, where evenings bring the calls of Scops, Little and Barn Owls, and the howls of Golden Jackals.
Day 2 — Oreshnik birding circuit – Levka – Transfer to Madzharovo
Today we’ll revisit key sites in Sakar Mountain and explore new areas to look for any species we may have missed yesterday. In the late afternoon, we’ll visit the Conservation Centre in the village of Levka, run by the Green Balkans NGO, to learn about local efforts to protect species such as the Eastern Imperial Eagle and Lesser Kestrel. We’ll also have time to observe Lesser Kestrels, Hoopoe, Green Woodpecker, Little Owl, Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, and more. Around 19:00, we transfer to the Eastern Rhodopes and settle in Madzharovo, where vultures await us the next morning.
Day 3 — Madzharovo: Vultures, cliffs, and canyon species – Return to Sofia
Explore the volcanic landscapes around Madzharovo, home to Griffon and Egyptian Vultures, the rare Cinereous Vulture, and other cliff-dwelling species. We’ll watch for Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Nuthatch, Black Stork, Chukar, and Cirl Bunting. After a final rewarding morning of birding, we return to Sofia in the late afternoon.
Price:
1 person – €1330
2 people – €720 per person
3 people – €525 per person
4 people – € 445 per person
5 people – € 420 per person
6 people – € 350 per person
7 people – € 310 per person
Group size: 1-7 people
The price includes: private transfers (transportation with a modern vehicle, parking and road taxes are included in the price), accommodation in a 3-star hotel on a B&B basis (en-suite double rooms), pick up/drop off at any location in Sofia, English-speaking driver/guide, fuel and all road taxes
The price does not include: other meals and drinks, personal expenses, tips
Interested in wildlife photography? Check out our dedicated to photography of birds and mammals website: https://www.wildlifephototrips.com/
Disclaimer:
> Traventuria is not liable for any personal accident and or injury during the tour.
> Traventuria is not liable for any loss and/or damage to personal items/equipment during the tour.
Best period: 15 April – 15 July
