For our Vulture Photography Tours we use a fixed photo hide in the Eastern Rhodope Mountains in south-eastern Bulgaria. This is a range of rolling hills alternating with a rugged landscape of jagged peaks, towering cliffs and sparsely vegetated, boulder-strewn slopes. Exceptional biodiversity – a result of the influence of the Mediterranean and continental climates – is concentrated in a small area.

The region is home to the only wild populations of the Eurasian Griffon Vulture and the Cinereous (Eurasian Black) Vulture in Bulgaria. About 3/4 of the fragile Balkan population of the Egyptian Vulture also breeds in the Eastern Rhodopes. Here we support the local vulture populations by regularly bringing carcasses to a feeding site. The vulture photo hide is set up in front of the feeding site.

Description of the hide:

Floor space:          8 x 3 m

Internal height:   2 – 2,5 m

Distance to the birds and mammals to be photographed:  from about 10 to 80  m

Recommended focal length: 300 – 500 mm

Tripod: Essential

Orientation / Photography direction:  North

Facilities:  Proper WC, 2 beds, WiFi, heating in winter

Photographic approach:  The photo hide has six holes, 65 x 40 cm each, covered with special sleeve-type curtains for the photo-lenses to go through. There are one-way glasses around the holes to watch the situation in front of the hide, not for photography though.

The photo hide must be entered by the photographers before dawn (~ 5 am to 6 am depending on the season) and may be left at dusk. The hide can be reached by a 4WD transport from the lodge for about 15-20 min.

Chances/probability for photographing different species of birds and mammals, based on the last five years of experience:

Since the photographers have to enter the photo hide very early in the morning, we offer a package service including full-board accommodation.

Costs per person, in EUR:

* The costs include the 4 WD transport to the hide, providing carcass in front of the photo hide,  assistance by an English speaking guide, accommodation in en-suite double/ twin bedded room, dinner, packed breakfast and packed lunch for the hide.

Single room supplement: 40 EUR per night

Extra night full-board accommodation:

– in en-suite single room: 95 EUR pp

– in en-suite double/twin-bedded room: 70 EUR pp

We provide transfers from any part of Bulgaria and Greece to the hide. The costs for one-way transfers from the main airports and cities in the region are as following: