Wildlife Encounters in Romania’s Făgăraș Mountains

Day 1 – Arrival

Upon arrival at the airport, your guide welcomes you before embarking on a scenic two-hour drive to the foothills of the Transylvanian Carpathians. Your first night will be spent in the traditional village of Șinca Nouă, home to the Equus Silvania wilderness and horse-riding centre. After checking in and taking a moment to relax, you explore the farm with your guide, soaking in the tranquil surroundings. Before dark settles in, you visit a beaver dam and might be able to observe them as they start their busy day as nature’s architects.

Day 2 – Wildflowers, virgin forest, and brown bears.

Following breakfast, you join your guide on a walk in the surroundings, learning about the local landscape and exploring the various hidden gems of nature. Red-backed shrike, bee-eaters, black woodpecker or lesser spotted eagles are commonly sighted, and the area has an incredible richness of flowers of all colours. Upon return, after a light lunch, we drive up a forest road to the famous virgin forest of Strâmba Valley (UNESCO World Heritage Site). We hike for about two hours, see these ancient giant beech and fir trees (amongst them the tallest known tree of Europe), and learn about the ecosystem of the mixed mountain forests of the Carpathians. Before returning to the guesthouse for a delectable dinner, we visit a local bear hide with high chances of spotting the furry mammals.

Day 3 – Entering the wilderness.

The day starts with an early bird watching opportunity. Turtle doves, lesser grey shrike, hoopoe, Ural owl, as well as the green woodpecker can be sighted in this area. For those wishing to stay a bit longer in bed, the group reunites over late breakfast with hot steaming coffee and tea. Travelling further to the Făgăraș Mountains through the stunning mountainous landscape, we approach the largest undisturbed wilderness area of Romania where brown bears, deer, wild boar, wolves, lynx and numerous other wild animals still roam free. Following the drive, we stretch our legs on the way to the Poiana Tămaș Wilderness Camp, which is situated at the eastern end of the Făgăraș Mountains ridge, that spans over 100 km in length. Looking for wildlife signs and tracks, we might even encounter red or roe deer crossing the way, while listening for the calls of woodpeckers, including the Black Woodpecker, the Grey-headed woodpecker, or the White-backed woodpecker, or be accompanied by the sound of singing warblers. With a refurbished traditional shepherd’s hut and glamping style tents overlooking three mountain ranges, the camp offers a comfy retreat away from the noisy and hectic rhythm of city life. A warm campfire paired with local organic wines, or a fresh beverage accompany the last hours of the day.

Day 4 – Following the footsteps of bison.

The area of Poiana Tămaș (Tămaș Meadow) is known to be the home of a herd of bison, which were recently reintroduced to the Făgăraș Mountains by Foundation Conservation Carpathia. The friendly giants are thriving in their newfound home and on this day, we try and pay them a visit by following their tracks and signs. As they are wild and free, we follow them on unmarked paths through the rugged terrain of the Carpathians and if we are lucky, find them amidst the lush green of the forest. To respect their space and allow them their wild character, we always keep a safe distance and keep quiet in their presence. We’ll keep our eyes out for wildlife signs, as well as the Capercaillie or Hazel Grouse. We end the day’s adventure with an open campfire dinner at the refurbished shepherd’s hut.

Day 5 – Meet your wild neighbours.

Following breakfast with an unforgettable view in the fresh mountain air, we descend from the camp on foot. We are picked up for a short off-road drive to Pecineagu Lake, where we embark on an electric raft (weather permitting) and leave civilisation behind. Upon reaching the other shore, we follow the path through an old beech forest leading up to the Bunea Hide. Checking camera traps on the way, we can see who’s been passing by possibly just minutes before. Located at the intersection of forest paths overlooking a small meadow, Bunea is the ideal observation point for wildlife in their natural habitat. Dusk time may reveal curious neighbours out for stroll, such as the famous brown bear, red or roe deer, bison, wild boar, and even shy creatures such as the elusive wild cat, wolves, or even lynx if you are very lucky.

Day 6 – Deeper into the mountains.

Early birds have the chance to spot their wild neighbours before the sun is up and shining. This day we follow the path around Pecineagu lake, looking for wildlife tracks in the muddy lakebed, the perfect track trap! We enjoy a picnic lunch on the lakeside, letting the sun soak us in its warmth. We are accompanied by the soft murmur of the river as we move deeper into the mountains. Keen eyes might spot a variety of birds along the way, including the collared and the red-breasted Flycatcher among others. We return to Bunea hide in the afternoon.

Day 7 – Return to civilisation.

After breakfast, descend from Bunea hide and take the electric raft across Pecineagu lake. Transfer to Bucharest, or option to prolong your stay.