3-days BEARS and BIRDS from hides, in Transylvania
This 3-day adventure combines the thrill of photographing wild brown bears in the Carpathian Mountains with the opportunity to capture stunning bird species from two different professional hides. Led by an expert wildlife guide, this tour is designed for photographers and nature lovers who want an immersive experience in Transylvania’s untouched wilderness.
Tour Details
- Duration: 3 Days, about 8h per day
- Group Size: Max. 6 guests + guide
- Pick-up / Drop-off: Odorheiu Secuiesc
- Season: April 20 – September 15
Tour Highlights
- Exclusive access to two professional wildlife photography hides for bears and one for birds.
- Close encounters with wild brown bears in their natural habitat.
- Stunning bird photography opportunities from a drinking pool hide.
- Expert guidance from a biologist and professional photographer.
- Small group size for an intimate and immersive experience.
This 3-day version of our tour is perfect for those seeking a balanced mix of bear and bird photography while experiencing Transylvania’s wild beauty.
The price is:
400 euro/pers
The price is per person per tour and it is in euro (EUR).
Click on BOOKING REQUEST button and fill up the form. Our agents will process the request and answer to you (usually in less then 24h).
Bookings
Bookings are based on a 30% deposit of the price of the program.
The rest of the payment have to be done 30 days before the tour start. If the tour is booked less then 30 days before departure, the full price will be paid.
Included in this price:
- GUIDE (EN / HU / RO) – specialized assistance (during the tour);
- 3 evenings in bears hide (2 hides);
- 2 mornings in birds hide, with drinking pool
- Transportation during the tour.
The price does not include:
- Accommodation and food;
- Drinks;
- Insurance of any kind (travel, goods, etc.);
- Flights fare;
- Personal expenses.
Children policy:
- Minimum age to participate is 12
- Children over 12 years are charged as adults
- Responsibility of children’s supervision during trip belong to parent.
Cancellation policy:
- More then 90 days before the program you can postpone the trip (you will receive a voucher available 2 years).
- Less then 90 days before the trip, the deposit is non refundable.
Itinerary:
Day 1 – Arrival & Bear Hide Introduction
- Pick-up from your hotel in Odorheiu Secuiesc or Băile Homorod, at agreed hour.
- Briefing with your guide about photography techniques, wildlife behavior and ethical practices.
- Transfer to the bear hide and preparation for your session.
- Afternoon/evening photography session in the hide, observing and capturing incredible moments with Brown Bears.
- Return to your hotel in the evening.
Days 2 and 3 – Bear and Birds Hide Photography Sessions
- Morning pick-up from your hotel and transfer to the bird hide. The species you expect to the birds hide are common forest species, in perfect light and setup. Greenfinch; Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers; Blue, Great, Willow, Crested and Coal Tits; Common Finch, Nuthatch etc.can come to the hide.
- Afternoon pick-up from your hotel and transfer to the bear hide.
- Second afternoon/evening photography session in the hide.
- Return to your hotel in the evening.
- End of the tour (day 3)
Accommodation:
Accommodation is NOT included in this tour. You are required to book your stay in Odorheiu Secuiesc or Băile Homorod. The guide will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel each day. We recommend selecting comfortable lodging to ensure a restful experience between photography sessions.
Meals:
Meals are not included in this package. For safety reasons, we kindly ask that you do NOT bring food to the bear hide, as the scent can attract bears and alter their natural behavior. You can dine at local restaurants in town after your sessions. Please read our blog post carefully for important guidelines on what is allowed (scroll down for the link).
Your Guide
Our guide is a biologist specializing in wild animal behavior and bear ecology. Having grown up in the Carpathian forests, he has spent his life studying wildlife and their habitats. As a professional photographer, he knows exactly where to position you for the best lighting and compositions. He is also an active conservationist, working with local communities to protect the region’s rich biodiversity.
What to Bring
To ensure a comfortable and successful photography experience, we recommend bringing the following items:
- Camera Gear: DSLR or mirrorless camera with telephoto and wide-angle lenses, extra batteries, memory cards, and a sturdy tripod.
- Clothing: Layered clothing suitable for early mornings and evenings, waterproof jacket, hat, and gloves.
- Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots for trekking.
- Accessories: Binoculars, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle.
- Other Essentials: A small backpack and personal medication.
Conservation Focus
This experience is rooted in conservation. The hide was built with a specific goal: to reduce conflict between humans and bears. By feeding bears in this controlled environment, they are deterred from descending into villages, ensuring the safety of both locals and wildlife.
By participating in this tour, you directly support these efforts and contribute to preserving Romania’s unique natural heritage.
Destination
Harghita Mountains, Romania.
Up to1000m elevation in this tour.
Climate
Autumn temperature vary from -2 to +20 Celsius degrees.
Warnings
Morning can be chill, please bring proper clothes and footwear.
Outdoor
Outdoor activity, please make sure you have all recommended gear.
To ensure a comfortable and successful nature experience, we recommend bringing the following items:
- Camera Gear: DSLR or mirrorless camera with telephoto and wide-angle lenses, extra batteries, memory cards, and a sturdy tripod.
- Clothing: Layered clothing suitable for early morning and late evening chills, waterproof jacket, hat, and gloves for cooler temperatures.
- Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots for trekking.
- Accessories: Binoculars for spotting distant wildlife, insect repellent, sunscreen and a refillable water bottle.
- Other Essentials: A small backpack for daily excursions and any personal medication you may need.
Contact
Email: office@ilgotours.com
Phone: (Voice, SMS, WatsApp):
+40 740 357 073
* For bookings or requests, we always prefer to communicate by email. Thank you!
