what if you could make europe wilder€¦ · mountains page 18 western apennines iberia page 22...

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What if you could make Europe WILDER

simply by taking a HOLIDAY?

Toernooiveld 16525 ED NijmegenThe Netherlands

[email protected] www.europeansafaricompany.comwww.facebook.com/europeansafaricompany

© 2019 Text: Simon Collier, Aukje van Gerven© 2019 Photographs: Bruno D’Amicis, Staffan Widstrand, Nino Salkic, Fernando Romeao, Juan Carlos Munoz, Carl-Johan Utsi, Visit GoodPlace, Marjan Atnark, Cornelia Dörr, Florian Möllers, Uist Forest Retreat, SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, Linden Tree Retreat&Ranch, Yellow Snow Husky safaris, Sorbyn Lodge, Gutshof Stolpe, Hotel Am Peenetal, Abenteuer Flusslandschaft, Boavista Eco-Luxury House, Gabi ToursCover photo: Bogdan ComanescuEditor: Daniel AllenGraphic design: Kristjan Jung

The European Safari Company is an initiative of Rewilding Europe to support the development of nature-based economies in the regions where we work, and beyond. The ESC is part of Rewilding Europe B.V., a limited liability company that is established for this purpose, and which is fully owned by the Rewilding Europe charitable foundation.

Born from a desire to show people the beauty and drama of

Rewilding Europe’s operational areas, the European Safari

Company specialises in experiential nature-based travel. While

the word “safari” has long been synonymous with Africa, we offer

equally wild adventures right here in Europe, from the frozen Arctic

north, to the sweeping forests of eastern Europe, to the rugged

coast of the Mediterranean.

We offer unique experiences that directly support wild nature and

wildlife comeback in some of Europe’s most special places. Places

that often suffer from rural depopulation, land abandonment and

economic downturn, where rewilding can breath new life and

prosperity into these landscapes.

Travellers with the European Safari Company not only experience

some of Europe’s finest nature, but directly learn about and

contribute to rewilding and support local communities. Dedicated

levies from each booking support rewilding initiatives, while local

nature-based businesses benefit from income, job creation and

developmental support from Rewilding Europe.

European Safari Company

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D E S T I N AT I O N S O F T H E E U R O P E A N S A F A R I C O M P A N Y

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Living in Europe, nature is often much closer

than we think. Less than two hours’ drive from

the cafes and colonnades of Rome is a land

that is both wild and wondrous. With craggy

peaks topping out at nearly 3000 meters,

ancient beach forests inhabited by bears,

wolves and wild boar, and skies patrolled by

golden eagles and griffon vultures, the Central

Apennines truly are Italy’s “wild heart”.

Boasting several world class national

parks, the Central Apennines are a nature

lover’s playground. A complex system of

mountain ridges and vast tablelands, this

great topographic knot is the final refuge

of many animals and plants that were once

widespread across all of Italy’s mountainous

areas. These include the endemic Apennine

Chamois and the iconic Marsican brown bear.

Dotted with picturesque medieval towns

and villages, the Central Apennine region

is also home to a captivating local culture.

With a heavy reliance on local nature, many

residents practice “transhumance” sheep

farming, beekeeping and fruit or nut farming.

It is this unique combination of nature and

culture that makes the Central Apennines

a thrilling destination ripe for exploration.

Experiences offered by the European Safari

Company focus not only on wildlife and

nature, but also on local people who still live

and work amongst bears and wolves.

R E W I L D I N G E F F O R T S

There are currently around 60 Marsican

brown bears (including newborns) roaming

the Central Apennines, making their situation

precarious. Today rewilding efforts focus on

the development of a number of “coexistence

corridors”, which enable these animals to

move safely between the area’s network

of national parks and nature reserves,

diversifying genetics and boosting bear

numbers.

Central Apennines Bears, wolves and beautiful landscapes in Italy’s wild heart

ITALY

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E X P L O R E T H E C E N T R A L A P E N N I N E S During this four-day, privately guided experience you will

witness the intimate relationship between wild nature and local

communities. This is a really good way to understand the beneficial

impact of rewilding, and the importance of using wildlife corridors

to connect protected areas, thereby supporting the comeback of

iconic species such as the Marsican brown bear.

The wild and dramatic landscape here is home to chamois, deer,

wolves and golden eagles, as well as the rare Marsican brown bear.

In addition to wildlife, you will encounter the region’s ever hospitable

people and their colourful and authentic culture.

Led by highly skilled nature guides, and sustained by some of the

finest local food and wine, a journey into the Central Apennines is

truly is an exploration of Italy’s “wild heart”.

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E X P E R I E N C E O V E R V I E W Wildlife and tracking

Secluded mountain settings

4 nights / 5 days all inclusive

2+ guests

Privately guided

2345 euros per person, sharing

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Located on the Baltic coast of Poland

and Germany, the exciting Oder Delta is

a unique and wild region boasting a rich

mosaic of terrestrial, marine and freshwater

ecosystems. Like the Rhodope Mountains,

it is strategically located at one of Europe’s

great ecological crossroads.

The Oder Delta “big seven” charismatic

species – the white-tailed eagle, European

bison, beaver, elk, wolf, Atlantic sturgeon

and grey seal – are some of the main

attractions for guests. A new wilder

landscape is beginning to take shape in the

delta, with ever more diverse and abundant

wildlife playing its ecological role with

minimum human intervention.

The flooding of former polders along

the Peene River on the German side has

created exciting stretches of new wild

nature - now discoverable on foot or by

solar boat and canoe. The immense

natural value of the area can be seen in the

fact that two-thirds of all land and water

are set aside for nature conservation and

rewilding.


As a result of ongoing rewilding actions –

carried out by Rewilding Oder Delta and a

range of other organisations – today wildlife

has begun to thrive in more natural densities

in the Oder Delta, with uncontrolled natural

processes reshaping the environment. Much

of the work of the Rewilding Oder Delta

team has so far focused on restoring fish

migration – with the presence of healthy fish

populations vital to local food chains – as

well as developing nature-based tourism and

supporting wildlife comeback, and wetland

restoration.

Oder Delta Journey through the Amazon of the North

GERMANY / POLAND

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E X P L O R E T H E O D E R D E LTA Travel the Oder Delta at your own pace, equipped with the best gear

and backed by our comprehensive support. Two half-day excursions

into nature give you the best chance to experience the region’s amazing

wildlife, both on foot and on water.

In the tranquility of the delta’s unspoiled nature you will come across

storks, herons, white-tailed eagles, as well as otters and beavers (with

luck!). The remains of Slavic castles, village churches and monasteries

also wait to be discovered.

E X P E R I E N C E O V E R V I E W Accommodation for two nights

Guided tour through Anklam Stadbruch

Canoeing and sunrise boat tour

Spring to autumn

2 - 8 people

Two half-day excursions

From 940 euros per person

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The Rhodope Mountains are an active

nature lover's dream. A strategic

location at the crossroads of Europe

and Asia, coupled with the influence of

the Mediterranean and a low human

population density, mean the area's

stunning landscapes and diverse habitats

are a birdwatcher's paradise.

The entire region is a Bulgarian stronghold

for the wolf, golden jackal, souslik and otter,

while the brown bear has begun to return in

recent years, with bear watching becoming

an increasingly popular activity.

This natural hotspot is also a great

destination for hiking, biking and kayaking.

The opportunity to combine outdoor

activities with birdwatching, nature

photography and animal tracking, all set

against the backdrop of a hospitable local

culture and rich cuisine, make this an epic

eastern European travel destination.

Based on such rich natural resources,

nature-based tourism is now on the rise in

the Rhodope Mountains. With enthusiastic

hikers and birding fanatics pioneering

the area's tourism experiences, offerings

now include a range of welcoming guest

houses, homestays and upmarket B&Bs.


While the sight of a soaring squadron of

vultures is one of Europe’s great natural

spectacles, today these magnificent birds

are threatened across much of the continent.

Focusing on the Rhodope Mountains

rewilding area in Bulgaria, as well as a section

of the Rhodope Mountains in northern Greece,

the Rewilding Rhodopes foundation and

partners are working to support the recovery

and further expansion of the black and griffon

vulture populations, mainly by improving

natural prey availability, and by reducing

mortality through factors such as poaching,

poisoning and collisons with power lines.

Rhodope MountainsWild nature and active pursuits at the crossroads of Europe

BULGARIA

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S E V E N D AY S I N T H E R H O D O P E S Enjoy a fantastic range of experiences as you explore this magical

region with a personal guide. With a focus on the area's wildlife-rich

wilderness, activities include hiking, kayaking, bird watching and wildlife

photography, complemented by great local food and comfortable

accommodation.

E X P E R I E N C E O V E R V I E W Accommodation for six nights

Fully guided

Includes all activities and meals

April - October

2 - 6 people

From 1450 euros per person, subject to numbers

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Fascinating indigenous culture. World-class

river fishing. Close-up encounters with

brown bear, moose and wolverine. Nights

out under the Northern Lights. Log cabins,

saunas and warming shots of aquavit. If

this sounds like the holiday of a lifetime,

you might want to consider the north of

Sweden for your next vacation.

For lovers of the great outdoors, it’s hard

to think of a more enticing European

destination than Swedish Lapland. One of

the continent’s last true wildernesses –

frequently referred to as “Europe’s Alaska”

– this unique region is characterized by

great swathes of pine, spruce and fir, berry-

carpeted tundra, whitewater rivers teeming

with salmon, and rustic lakeside villages.

In winter the entire frozen landscape is

washed by the ethereal light of the aurora

borealis, while iconic species such as

Arctic fox, European beaver, Eurasian

otter, wolverine and golden eagle take the

opportunity to raise young in the summer

months.

Sami communities have been living here for

millennia, navigating the pristine landscapes

with their migrating reindeer herds. Ever

hospitable, today they offer visitors a warm

welcome and an opportunity to learn about

a very different way of life.

Swedish Lapland is a captivating

destination regardless of the season. Here

on the edge of northern Europe, going wild

is always an unforgettable experience.


Criss-crossed by countless waterways,

Swedish Lapland is defined as much by

its rivers and lakes as it is by its sprawling

forests. Working in collaboration with local

fishing associations, Rewilding Sweden

is now working to boost fish migration,

through activities such as spawning ground

restoration and the removal of artificial

obstacles. It is also exploring new nature-

based business opportunities, providing

support to enterprises involved in catch and

release fishing and wildlife watching.

Swedish Lapland Take a voyage through Europe’s Alaska

SWEDEN

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H U S K Y S L E D D I N G I N A W I N T E R W O N D E R L A N D During this four-day adventure you will experience Lapland in its truest

form. You will go on a two-day dogsledding trip where you will sleep in

a basic but comfortable wilderness cabin. You can enjoy being totally

disconnected from everyday life and experience the very basics of being

active in nature, team spirit with their own dog team, a crackling fire,

quality time with friends and family, and delicious food together with the

sled team and their friendly huskies.

To be out with the dogs in winter is a truly surreal experience. Travel

through a white wonderland, witness the strength and the joy of the

huskies, and learn everything about them.

The other nights you will sleep in Sörbyn Lodge, where you will enjoy

local hospitality and a visit to the Sami people. We are located one hour

north of the city of Luleå, meaning you can enjoy the combination of

great accessibility and adventures in a remote wilderness.

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E X P E R I E N C E O V E R V I E W Mushing and sledding through nature

Wonderful wildlife and dramatic landscapes

December - mid April, dependent on snow

Intrepid and exclusive experiences

Four-day experiences start from 1925 euros per person

Included: warm gear for husky sledding, three nights at Sörbyn

Lodge including breakfast and dinner, one night in a wilderness

cabin with the huskies, a Sami visit, and transfers

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Imagine starting the day gliding over the

clear waters of the Adriatic in search of

rare dolphins, lunching on a turquoise sea,

and then venturing into rugged mountains

in search of brown bears at sunset. Your

day of adventure finishes around a camp

fire, sharing stories and enjoying local

hospitality and cuisine. This is all possible

in Croatia’s Velebit Mountains.

Stretching from the edge of the Adriatic

Sea to peaks of 1750 metres, the stunning

Velebit region is covered by beech and pine

forests, underground canyons, caves and

waterfalls. These habitats are home to some

of Europe’s most rare and elusive wildlife,

including Balkan chamois, red deer, brown

bear, wolf and lynx. Over 100 bird species

will keep most enthusiasts happy too,

including golden eagles, peregrine falcon,

capercaillie and white-backed woodpecker.

Explore the Velebit’s vast landscapes on

foot or horseback, by boat or kayak, on

a mountain bike or in a 4x4. New wildlife

watching hides offer travellers the chance

to see some of the remote mountain

animals like bear, wolf, deer or wild boar

in their natural environment. Travel here

and discover some of Croatia’s most

beautiful, undiscovered and fascinating

areas.


The 145-kilometre long Velebit massif is

one of the most biodiverse areas in the

Balkans with a range of unique habitats.

With many areas of this beautiful region

now characterised by land abandonment,

rural exodus and fading cultural tradition,

Rewilding Europe is working with local

partners to transform these challenges

into opportunities. This has seen the

establishment of the 17,000-hectare Velebit

Nature Reserve, where rewilding is offering

a fresh approach to wildlife management

and underpinning the development of a local

nature-based economy.

Velebit Mountains Revel in the beauty of the Balkans

CROATIA

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B A C K T O N AT U R E I N T H E B A L K A N S A four-night bespoke guided experience through the Velebit mountains,

both on horseback and on foot. This is a unique exploration of the area,

its wildlife and the impact of rewilding.

Take days out to explore the area on horseback, enjoying delicious local

cuisine and hospitality while discovering the area and its captivating

wild nature. Comfortable accommodation, all your activities and expert

hosting are provided within a ranch-style setting. All this is rounded

off by an opportunity to see bears from a photography hide in the

mountains.

E X P E R I E N C E O V E R V I E W Delicious food in Megi’ Michelin recommended restaurant

Privately guided on horseback and by foot

Support rewilding through bear tourism

May - October (bear watching included)

Nov - April (wildlife and wolf tracking included)

Local logistics, accommodation, meals included

From 1450 euros per person, sharing

4 nights / 5 days guided throughout

A bespoke travel experience at Linden Tree

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Located between the Douro River to

the north and the Serra da Malcata in

the south, Portugal’s Côa Valley is a

spectacular mix of riverine gorges, oak

forests, rocky heathlands and former

cropland returning to nature. New

sustainable travel here combines the

finest natural and cultural experiences in

the area, supporting local people and new

independent nature reserves.

Western Iberia is home to griffon and

Egyptian vultures, golden and Bonelli’s

eagles, and endangered species such

as black vulture, Spanish imperial eagle

and black stork. The rabbit is perhaps the

most important mammal species, a vital

source of prey not only for the birds but

also for carnivores such as mongoose,

civets, martens, polecats and elusive wild

cats. Rabbits rely larger on herbivores to

clear large shrubs and roe deer are making

a welcomed comeback together with

species of wild horse and cattle are grazing

freely in the Faia Brava Nature Reserve.

Quite recently and for the first time Iberian

wolves were spotted here, and it is hoped

the Iberian lynx will soon be reintroduced.

Complementing this incredible wildlife,

Western Iberia also has a rich human

heritage. The Prehistoric Rock Art Sites

in the Côa Valley are a UNESCO World

Heritage Site, with thousands of animal,

human and abstract figures carved into

rock faces, some of which date back over

20,000 years. Together they make up the

largest open-air collection of prehistory

art in Europe. All this is complemented

by delicious local cuisine and some of

Portugal’s finest wines, sourced from the

renowned Douro Valley.

There are many ways to discover Western

Iberia, from a relaxing long weekend to

a journey through the entire Côa Valley

along the 200-kilometre Grande Route,

on foot, by mountain bike or even on

horseback. We can tailor your itinerary

based on your interests, with your ideal

combination of wildlife and culture, using

expert guides and staying in handpicked

accommodation. New and unique safari-

style accommodation in Star Camp in

Faia Brava and Miles Away fly camp bring

you closer to nature in remote, dramatic

settings.


Focusing on the Greater Côa Valley, these are

exciting times for rewilding in Western Iberia,

with new funding allowing efforts to be scaled

up from the beginning of 2019. Rewilding

Europe is working with local partners to

shape the valley through the development of

a 120,000-hectare wildlife corridor, restoring

natural processes and trophic chains,

encouraging wildlife combeack and driving

the development of nature-based tourism.

Western Iberia Experience the compelling Côa Valley

PORTUGAL

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P O R T U G A L I N S I D E A N D O U T Spend your first few nights at the exquisite Casa da Cisterna guest house,

built in amongst the old ruins of Castelo Rodrigo. This magical boutique

hotel is owned and run by a passionate local family who have steeped

history in the area and a strong tie to nature spanning back decades. The

quaint hotel offers very comfortable en suite rooms, delicious in-house

dining and an amazing view from the infinity pool.

Explore the nearby nature reserve of Faia Brava, under the guidance of

Fernando Romao – guide and wildlife photographer. A 4x4 safari, picnic

lunch and vulture hide experience are all highlights in the area during the

day, and as the sun sets a dramatic backdrop of stars set the scene for a

visit to the ancient rock engravings and art in the Côa Valley.

A private tour to a famed local vineyard will fill evoke fascination in this

famous port region, before you dine out under the stars at the one-of-

a-kind Fly Camp, overlooking the dramatic Côa and Douro rivers. The

setting is enhanced by a five-course meal with wine pairing, before you

rest your head in this traditional, “Hemingway-style” camp. .

With all these adventures under your belt, a day exploring the city of

Porto. Dinner out on the town before getting ready to head back to reality.

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E X P E R I E N C E O V E R V I E W Back to nature

Luxury, cuisine and culture

People and diversity

May - October

Ideal for couples or small groups

Sense of adventure in the summer

Five nights start from 1425 euros per person, sharing

Includes all accommodation, four dinners, all breakfasts, wine

tastings, 4x4 safari and photo experience, Fly Camp and privately

guided activities

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Along the southern end of Romania’s

arcing Carpathian Mountains, some of the

continent’s largest wilderness landscapes

are the perfect setting for a true European

safari, boasting diverse wildlife, memorable

experiences and the chance to connect

with nature. Rugged mountain chains,

mixed forest and beautiful rivers provide

a magnificent playground for intrepid

travellers.

Plopu Valley – near the village of Armenis

– represents the border between wild

nature and the cultivated lands of local

communities. Plopu is frequented by bears

in search of the spring harvest, as well

as bison grazing in the meadows. Track

free-roaming bison and other wildlife

with a local guide, before spending each

night sitting around the campfire listing to

ancient ales and legends.

Now a rewilding stronghold, this area

has seen over 100 bison returned to the

wild – free to roam the Țarcu Mountains.

If wildlife tracking isn’t the only activity

on your wish list, the area also has great

hiking, mountain biking and photographic

opportunities.

Local communities have developed small

tourism offerings over the last few years,

and now these are flourishing. Every

guest travelling to the region helps these

small community businesses and directly

supports rewilding.


Once widespread across Europe, wild

European bison were driven to extinction in the

early twentieth century by hunting and habitat

loss. Starting in 2014, the ongoing Rewilding

Europe / WWF Romania bison reintroduction

programme is the largest ever attempted in

the Southern Carpathians, where bison had

previously been absent for 200 years. From

a socio-economic perspective, the goal of

Rewilding Europe and WWF Romania is to

use wild nature – with a particular focus

on the reintroduced bison – to promote

the development of Southern Carpathian

communities. This will lead to a large,

interconnected wild landscape across several

protected areas and their corridors, with the

European bison as the flagship species.

Southern Carpathians On the trail of bewitching bovines

ROMANIA

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B I S O N , B E A R S A N D B E A U T I F U L L A N D S C A P E S At the southern end of Romania’s arcing Carpathian Mountains some

of Europe’s largest wilderness landscapes are now being created. This

is the perfect place to experience a true European safari, with rugged

landscapes, fast flowing rivers, diverse wildlife experiences and the

opportunity to really connect with nature. Led by expert guides, bison

tracking experiences will give you a unique insight into the behaviour

and ecological importance of these magnificent creatures.

Since 2013, Rewilding Europe, WWF Romania and the local association

AMZA have been working together in the Southern Carpathians

rewilding area to bring the European bison back into the wild. The first

bison releases took place in 2014 and 2015.

In June 2016, the third bison release took place, now part of the “LIFE

Bison” project funded by the European Commission. During the next four

years, annual releases of at least another 80 bison in total will take place

in cooperation with the local community.

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E X P E R I E N C E O V E R V I E W Hiking and tracking bison

4-night experience, including a sleep out

Privately guided throughout

Available on request

2 - 6 people

Rates include all listed experiences, accommodation and guides

Starting from 1,470 euros per person, sharing

Hands on rewilding experience

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Rewilding is now on the rise in Scotland,

with lands returning to nature and nature-

based tourism developing rapidly. Whether

your interest stems from hiking and

exploring the highlands, or venturing out

onto the inner seas in search of dolphins,

Scotland has it all. A rich heritage steeped

in tradition and covering a vast array of

scenery, this cultural melting pot is waiting

to be discovered.

The Cairngorms National Park is one of

the most recognised and well-known

parks to visit and explore, but there is

much more beneath Scotland’s surface

waiting to be discovered. Partnering with

SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, the European

Safari Company is helping focus attention

on special experience programmes,

guided and led to showcase the rewilding

movement.

In contrast to the mainland, heading off to

the Outer Hebrides by ferry brings dramatic

coastal and island landscapes. Exploring

Uist will bring you closer to the raw beauty

of the area, its rich Gaelic culture and the

amazing wildlife to be seen and discovered.

Dolphin watching by kayak or boat, hiking

trails and sea tours will fill your days and

warm hospitality paired with delicious

meals keep you coming back for more.


While the activities of man have taken their

toll, the rise of rewilding in Scotland now

offers hope that the wild nature for which the

country is rightly renowned can be restored.

From Cairngorms Connect to the Coigach

& Assynt Living Landscape initiative, today

a growing number of inspirational rewilding

projects are demonstrating how rewilding can

benefit both people and wildlife.

Scotland Dramatic landscape waiting for rewilding

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U I S T I S L A N D E X P E R I E N C E A three-night stay for two at Uist Forest Retreat, exploring the dramatic

island landscapes, including an outing in search of otters. Hiking,

beautiful coast lines and amazing seafood on your doorstep. The retreat

offers stunning self-catering accommodation on North Uist. The

uniquely designed treehouse cabins are nestled amongst the forest with

views out to long sandy beaches, Vallay Island and the hills of Harris in

the distance. Relax by the wood burning stove or soak in the views from

the freestanding bath. This is an ideal retreat for couples wishing to truly

“get away from it all” and unwind in the exceptionally scenic landscape of

the Outer Hebrides.

Both circular self-catering cabins are based on the prehistoric

wheelhouse design of the Iron Age, the remains of which can be seen

in many places throughout Uist. All the timber is UK sourced and the

sedum roof a stonecrop and wildflower mix to create a little wildlife

habitat. Both cabins are raised of the ground in the style of a treehouse,

to leave the ground below untouched and to give the best opportunity

to admire the unrivalled sea views along the coastline.

E X P E R I E N C E O V E R V I E W Magnificent views and setting

Secluded forest setting, with a touch of class

Amazing hospitality and location

Open all year

Only three treehouse cabins – ideal for couples / singles

Off the grid (no internet!)

Rates start from 685 euros for 2 people

Three nights

Includes an otter watching trip

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Nestled between the Adriatic Sea and the

Alps, Slovenia is a destination not to be

missed. Known for its diverse summer and

winter activities, the country is earning a

reputation as one of Europe’s newest and

finest green destinations. More than half of

this diverse country’s surface is forested,

providing a rich natural landscape ripe for

exploration.

The people of Slovenia are warm and

friendly. The development of nature-

based tourism is a priority, encouraging

communities to take a more sustainable

path for both wild nature and people.

Brown bears, wolves, lynx and many other

dynamic species inhabit natural areas –

with the onset of nature-based tourism

these key species are being accepted

more, fostering better human-wildlife

relationships.

Partnerships with forestry departments

and local associations are encouraging

nature-based tourism development. In

the last few years extensive research by

Discover Dinarics has been conducted to

understand bear populations across both

Slovenia and Croatia.

With vast rivers and mountains, Slovenia’s

southern section is an undeniably

exciting destination. Combine mountain

explorations with old forest hikes, wildlife

watching with river rafting and add in a

stopover in the country’s capital – Ljubljana.

Accessible from a number of surrounding

airports, the best option is flying in directly

to Ljubljana and after a short twenty-

minute transfer, arrive in the capital. The

well-developed city centre provides diverse

tourism offerings. Great hotels, apartments

and other accommodations will suit varied

tastes and styles, but be sure to keep an eye

open for recognised green destinations.


By adding Slovenia-based offerings to its

growing portfolio, the European Safari

Company is contributing to bear conservation

and drive nature-based tourism development

in the country’s Kočevje region. While bears

remain a heavily managed species in Europe,

the increase in bear numbers in Slovenia

is underpinning a new trend towards “bear

tourism”, with the LIFE DINALP BEAR project

(a member of Rewilding Rurope’s European

Rewilding Network) working to change local

mindsets and engaging stakeholders such

as local hunting associations, the forestry

industry and a range of European tourism

partners in the planning and implementation

of a bear tourism model.

Slovenia Discover Europe’s new green oasis

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B E S T O F SLOVENIA Slovenia is one of the few European countries where three large carnivore

species can be spotted in their natural habitat - brown bears, wolves

and Eurasian lynx. Our partners developed this unique programme in

collaboration with the Life DinAlp Bear project and the Biotechnical

Faculty of the University of Ljubljana, according to sustainable tourism

standards and with the smallest possible impact on the environment,

especially wildlife.

Day 1: In the morning you will arrive at Ljubljana Airport, and be

transferred downtown. This medieval city is a must see, and in the

afternoon, you will have a sightseeing tour with your guide, followed by

dinner in the old castle overlooking the city. You will spend the night in

a family owned hotel in a central location, where you will also enjoy a

leisurely breakfast the next morning.

Day 2: The day’s adventure, which takes place in the region of Kočevska,

includes parts of the Roška pešpot hiking trail. In the evening – in

partnership with a local hunting association – a guided observation

of bears will be organised at a hunting observatory. The best time to

observe bears is late in the afternoon, just before dusk. Since bears follow

more or less the same routine every day and are used to frequenting the

area around the station, they almost always appear for visitors. Dinner

is included in the package. This experience is part of an outreach and

development program engaging local associations to develop a more

sustainable partnership with nature.

Day 3: After a hearty breakfast, prepared with locally grown ingredients,

you will trek the Roska Trail and possibly visit the Željna Caves, where

people have been searching for shelter for over 20,000 years. After

lunch, you are transported back to Ljubljana Airport where your

experience ends.

E X P E R I E N C E O V E R V I E W A chance to see bears in the wild

Culture, wild nature and activities

Fully guided by local experts

May - August

2 - 8 people

Includes listed meals and activities, local transfers and guides

Starting from 1295 euros per person, sharing

Tailored experiences or packages can be arranged

iv

w w w . e u r o p e a n s a f a r i c o m p a n y . c o m

D I S C O V E R T H E W I L D O N Y O U R D O O R S T E P

Every trip taken with the European Safari Company helps to

raise awareness of wild nature in Europe, supports wildlife

comeback, boosts nature-based tourism and enhances that

essential connection between wildlife, wild places and people.

Go wild and experience the wild heart of Europe!

what if you could make europe wilder€¦ · mountains page 18 western apennines iberia page 22...

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