Eastern Europe Tours

Europe is not a destination synonymous with wildlife but Poland stands out as a remarkable exception. Wildlife extinct or rare in much of Europe still survives in healthy numbers in vast tracts of Polish wilderness. This “ultimate mammal voyage” takes us back to a prehistoric era where packs of Gray Wolves, Brown Bear, European Beaver, European Bison and Eurasian Lynx, still roam wild. We have carefully planned this tour to take place over the European Autumn, the sparse vegetation improving visibility, light snow making tracking easier and bear activity at it’s busiest as they fatten up in preparation for the frigid winter. With trees shrouded in autumn shades the scenery is set to be absolutely breathtaking.

Our expedition will be co-led by Gerard Gorman, renowned author of the Bradt guide to Central and Eastern European Wildlife. Gerard’s notable experience in Europe will be complemented by that of an Indri guide with extensive big game tracking skills. While our focus will be on finding large mammals such as Gray Wolf, Brown Bear, Eurasian Lynx, Chamois and European Bison we will also take time to enjoy the smaller species including European Otter, Pine and Beech Marten, Alpine Marmot, European Beaver and Red Squirrel. On our travels through this fascinating country, we will furthermore be treated to a rich avifauna with specials including White-tailed Eagle, Eurasian Pygmy and Ural Owl, Hazel Grouse and White-backed and Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker. Gerard has also authored numerous bird books and his excellent knowledge and passion for these avian delights will certainly add value to our wildlife experience.

On this unique voyage we will explore Bialowieza Primaeval Forest , the lofty peaks of the Tatra Mountains and the remote “Polish Wild East” now known as Bieszczady National Park . These three parks cover an extensive area of varying habitat offering us the best opportunities at finding a large number of mammal species. All three parks are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and each is home to Gray Wolf and Eurasian Lynx, with the Tatras and Bieszczady also supporting Brown Bear!

We begin our journey in Bialowieza, Europe’s last remaining virgin forest. This National Park is truly magnificent with thousands of ancient Oaks reaching impressive heights of over 130 feet. We will search for packs of Wolves and the immense European Bison, here represented in their largest concentrations. We also stand excellent chances for Red Deer, Wild Boar and other iconic European mammals. The rolling hills, peaks and grassy meadows of Bieszczady are sparsely populated, making this the best place in Poland for Wolf, Brown Bear and the elusive Eurasian Lynx. In order to improve our chances of seeing these predators we will take advantage of local expertise as trackers familiar with the regular haunts of these animals assist us with our goal. Whilst tracking is an essential skill in locating the varied wildlife in the dense Carpathian beech forests it is also important to stay quiet and listen - the bellowing of rutting Red Deer, the tapping of woodpeckers or perhaps the howling of a Wolf may lead us to our quarry. Observing these large predators, many of them deeply embedded in our psyche as Medieval monsters of the night, can result in some of the most thrilling wildlife encounters possible!

The magnificent Tatra Mountains, sporting Poland’s highest peaks, are clothed in forests of beech, fir, spruce, dwarf pine and alpine meadows. Our search for wildlife will steer us into high meadows were we will take time to appreciate distant scenery and scout for agile Chamois perched on the very tips of precipitous crags. Alpine Marmots inhabit these lofty peaks and it will be a treat to observe the antics of these, the largest of all squirrel species.

Join us on this “ultimate mammal voyage” where we will take in scenic Polish countryside rich in folklore and culture as well as some of Europe’s last remaining natural wilderness areas.

tour name and dates Customized private tours available on request

tour cost to be advised

maximum group size 10 participants and 2 Indri guides

habitats covered temperate forest, alpine meadow, wetlands

climate mild to cold

tour pace & walking relaxed

accommodation comfortable

ease of mammal viewing challenging

top mammals Brown Bear, Gray Wolf, Eurasian Lynx, European Bison

top birds White-tailed Eagle, Eurasian Pygmy & Ural Owls, Hazel Grouse, White-backed and Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker

other attractions Tatra Mountains, oldest intact forest in Europe, Polish culture and cuisine

photographic opportunities excellent