In the Heart of the Wild: Carpathian Safari

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.

Driving distance: From Bucharest airport approx. 180 km (approx. 3,5 h)

Meals: dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse Equus Silvania 

Today we start the day with an early visit to beaver dams nearby, and in the quiet morning hours we might see beavers as they move about. Following breakfast you can 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.

Driving distance: Equus Silvania – primeval forest – Equus Silvania (20km – approx. 40min).; by car through the virgin forest – 45 minutes one-way
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hikes: primeval forest hike – 3 km round trip, 200 m altitude difference, about 2 h

Overnight at Guesthouse Equus Silvania 

Today, you have a new option to start the day with an early visit to the beaver dams and, in the quiet morning hours, catch a glimpse of the famous architects of nature. Turtle doves, lesser grey shrike, hoopoe, Ural owl, and the green woodpecker can be sighted in this area. The group reunites over late breakfast with hot steaming coffee and tea for those wishing to stay longer in bed. Travelling further to the Făgăraș Mountains through the stunning mountainous landscape, we approach Romania’s largest undisturbed wilderness area where brown bears, deer, wild boar, wolves, lynx, and 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, which 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. The camp offers a comfy retreat away from city life’s noisy and hectic rhythm with a refurbished traditional shepherd’s hut and glamping-style tents overlooking three mountain ranges. A warm campfire paired with local organic wines or a fresh beverage accompanies the last hours of the day.

Driving distance: Equus Silvania – Richita (80 km – approx. 2 h)

Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Hikes: Richita (980 m) – Poiana Tămaș (1420 m), 5 km, approx. 500 m ascent, 20 m descent, wide forest path, mainly through forest with occasional viewpoints over the mountains.

​Overnight at Poiana Tămaș Wilderness Camp – Glamping style tents

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 to 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 forest’s lush green. 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 and the Capercaillie or Hazel Grouse. We end the day’s adventure with an open campfire dinner at the refurbished shepherd’s hut.

Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Hikes: TBD based on location of bison herd

Overnight at Poiana Tămaș Wilderness Camp – Glamping style tents

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 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 a 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 fortunate.

Driving distance: Richita – Pecineagu Dam (4 km, approx.15 min, forest road by 4×4 vehicle)

Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Hikes: Poiana Tămaș (1420 m) – Richita (980 m) – 5 km, approx. 500 m descent, 20 m ascent, wide forest path, mainly through forest with occasional viewpoints over the mountains

Overnight at Bunea Hide

Early birds have anew 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. Walking further towards Valea Vladului chalet, 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. At dusk time you can wander to one of two local hides, where you can enjoy wildlife watching opportunities from a secluded space. In the evening, you can gather around the fireplace in the heart of the chalet. You can unplug and engage with your companions in the soothing glow of the fire, perhaps while enjoying one of the many board games we have waiting for you to pick up – a perfect way to share moments of laughter and connection.

Driving distance: End of lake – Valea Vladului Chalet: 5 km, approx. 20 min on forest road

Meals: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Hikes: Bunea – Valea Vladului Chalet: 9 km, approx. 360 m ascent, 250m descent, approx. 3.5h, mainly on forest paths through the valley.

Overnight at Valea Vladului Wilderness Lodge

Transfer to the airport after breakfast.

Safe travels, and we can not wait to welcome you back to Romania in the future!

Driving distance: Bucharest airport approx. 190 km (approx. 4,5 h: 26 km off-road)

Meal plan: breakfast