Vultures and Jackals Photo Tour in Bulgaria, from Hide - Private
A Balkan Hideout Experience
Deep in the Balkan Mountains of Bulgaria, a raw and untamed drama unfolds, far from highways, far from crowds. It’s not staged. It’s nature, exactly as it is. Towering vultures descend from the sky, while cunning jackals emerge from the shadows, drawn to the same stage: the ancient battlefield of survival.
And we’re inviting you behind the curtain.
Season: October to April
One or Two Full Days in Hide
This isn’t a casual stroll with a camera. This is immersive, patient, pulse-quickening wildlife photography. You’ll spend one or two full days in a professional hide, strategically placed in a remote valley where Cinereous Vultures, Griffon Vultures and Golden Jackals are the main cast.
Early morning light cuts through the mist. Wings stretch wide above the cliffs. Down below, amber eyes flicker from the edge of the forest. You wait. You focus. You capture.
From Bucharest to the Wild, Seamlessly
We’ll pick you up in Bucharest and drive you straight into the heart of Bulgaria’s vulture country (and back, of course). Comfortable, smooth, scenic, no logistical headaches, just pure adventure.
Sleep Like a Monarch (Because You’ll Wake up Like a Photographer)
After a day in the hide, you’ll retreat to premium accommodation, a warm, quiet mountain guesthouse where comfort meets charm. En-suite rooms, hearty local meals and maybe a glass of Bulgarian rakia by the fire if the stories start flowing.
Why This Tour Rocks (Harder Than the Balkan Mountains)
- Ethical wildlife photography with minimal disturbance
- Supporting conservation: part of your fee supports FWFF’s (Green Balkans) vulture conservation work
- Small group, big moments: perfect for photographers who value space, silence and sharp focus
- Expert coordination: professional photographer guide, with deep knowledge in hide photography, to share with you.
The price is:
| No of persons | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Hide |
| 4d/3n | 2600 | 1400 | 1150 | 950 | 2 days |
| 5d/3n | 3200 | 1700 | 1450 | 1200 | 3 days |
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:
- ENGLISH guidance – specialized assistance (during the tour);
- 2 or 3 days in hide, by your option, with local guide;
- Accommodation in double room, bathroom en suite, for the number of nights you choose;
- Food in hide (packed food);
- Dinners
- Transport from/to Bucharest;
- Transport to/from hide.
Single supplement:
- 4d/3n – 120 euro/room/program
- 5d/4n – 80 euro/room/program
*For 1 and 3 pers in group, a single room is included.
The price does not include:
- Drinks
- Other meals then described as included
- 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 parents.
Conservation Concern
This tour is more than just photography – it’s also about conservation. We’ve partnered with FWFF (Fund for Wild Flora and Fauna), the organization managing the Green Balkan Vulture Conservation Project in the area. A part of tour fee directly supports their efforts to protect and restore vulture populations in the region.
If you want to make an even bigger impact, you can donate directly to the Green Balkan Vulture Conservation Project managed by FWFF. Your contribution helps fund vulture rehabilitation, rewilding efforts and anti-poaching initiatives in the Balkans.
👉 Donate here: FWFF.ORG
Every donation, big or small, helps ensure a future for these incredible birds! ❤️
Itinerary – Day by Day Adventure
Day 1 – Arrival & Ascent into the Wild
Bucharest → Balkan Mountains, Bulgaria
We meet in Bucharest and hit the road south, crossing the Danube into Bulgaria. The drive takes around 5 hours, with a scenic climb into the Balkan Mountains toward our hidden retreat. Along the way, we’ll talk about vultures, jackals and camera settings, or just enjoy the view.
Upon arrival, you’ll check into your premium accommodation, cozy rooms, warm welcome. Then we’ll have a short briefing about the next day(s) in the hide and set up our gear for the early morning start.
Days 2 – 3 (and 4) – Into the Hide: Wings & Whispers
Full Day in the Wildlife Hide
Before sunrise, we head silently to the hide, designed for comfort and top-quality shooting conditions.
And then… nature takes over. Griffons appear first, often in large groups. The majestic Cinereous Vultures might drop in next. Then the jackals arrive, always alert and unpredictable.
Expect a full day of action, drama, stillness and surprises. We leave only after the sunset.
Day 4 (or 5) – Goodbye, Wild Ones
Balkan Mountains → Bucharest
After a relaxed breakfast, pack up and say goodbye to the mountains. With memory cards full and hearts fuller, we head back to Bucharest, arriving in the afternoon.
Destination
Balkan Mountains, Bulgaria.
700m elevation. Rocky mountains.
Climate
Winter temperature vary from -5 to +15 Celsius degrees.
Warnings
Morning can be chill, please bring proper clothes and footwear.
Hide
Hide activity. Make sure you have all you need for all day.
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. The tripod is a MUST.
- Clothing: Layered clothing suitable for early morning and late evening chills, hat and gloves for cooler temperatures.
- Footwear: Warm boots for waiting long in hide.
- Accessories: Binoculars for spotting distant wildlife, insect repellent, sunscreen and a refillable water bottle.
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!
