Poland's Mammals: In Search of the Eurasian Lynx!

Tour Code: POL05

An exciting, action-packed, 8-day holiday in search of some of Europe’s most sought-after mammals, including Wolf, European Bison and European Brown Bear, with the ultimate target being the Eurasian Lynx!

8 days from
£2,395
Land only price from
£2,245
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

This action-packed tour will be split between two centres, with three nights in the heart of Bieszczady National Park and four nights in prime mammal habitat just outside. We will explore the region on foot, spend time scanning from suitable vantage points and spotlight from our vehicle after dark. We will look for the park’s iconic mammals, including Bison, Wolf and the elusive Eurasian Lynx. Although mammals are the primary focus of our visit, there are some special birds here too such as Hazel Grouse, Nutcracker and an array of owls and woodpeckers. In order to maximise our chance of good sightings, our tour is timed to give us the best chance of seeing the park’s elusive mammals, we have access to the best areas and superb local guides.

  • Search for some of Europe’s most iconic species
  • Look for Wolf, European Bison, Brown Bear & Beavers
  • Eurasian Lynx is seen regularly in Bieszczady National Park
  • Tengmalm’s, Ural & Pygmy Owls are all possible
  • White-backed, Black & Grey-headed Woodpeckers among the avian highlights
  • Special permits will allow us access to the best areas
  • Max. group size of 5
  • Led by expert naturalist guides

Grading

Grade A/B. Easy to moderate walks, some long days and optional night drives.

The little-known Bieszczady National Park is a wild and remote wilderness, home to a mouth-watering array of exciting wildlife. Located in the extreme south-eastern corner of Poland, the park lies within the UNESCO East Carpathian Biosphere Reserve which covers over 2,000 square kilometres. Sparsely populated and clothed in a patchwork of mixed woodlands, rolling hills and colourful meadows, this little-visited region of Eastern Europe still offers sanctuary to some of the continent’s rarest wildlife, and has become one of Europe’s last refuges for a near complete natural assemblage of large predatory mammals including Wolf, European Brown Bear and Eurasian Lynx. These rare and elusive denizens of the forest are the primary focus of this tour!

We begin our holiday with a short flight to the historic city of Krakow in southern Poland, before driving south-east to the Bieszczady National Park. We will stop en route to stretch our legs, and as we pass through the region’s rolling countryside we may come across small flocks of White Stork feeding in roadside fields, perhaps a Great Grey Shrike perched on a fence-line or even an early Lesser-spotted Eagle soaring overhead. Red Fox, Roe and Red Deer are also often seen.

For our first three nights we will be based within the Bieszczady National Park itself, staying in a comfortable guesthouse. Since mammals are the primary focus of this tour, we will make full use of the early morning and late evening hours when our target species will be at their most active. We will also head out after dark throughout the week, spotlighting for eye-shine from our vehicle. Although regular early mornings and late nights will be the norm on this holiday, this is the only way to maximise our chances of finding these elusive creatures, in particular Wolf, Brown Bear, Wildcat and Lynx. Fortunately, the reserve’s Wolf population is thriving and from known vantage points we will scan the open meadows and mountain-sides, watching for this iconic mammal to emerge from the forests. European Brown Bears also thrive in the park and can show up almost anywhere. With our network of experienced foresters and local contacts to call upon, we will be in an excellent position to react to any news we may receive of a recent sighting or camera trap recovery.

At the forefront of our minds, however, will be the possibility of an encounter with the rare Eurasian Lynx. This notoriously elusive feline, the ‘phantom of the forest’, can be seen here with some regularity, though, of course, we will still need plenty of good fortune, patience and determination to strike lucky! Spotlighting after dark will be an important part of our strategy in our quest for this ultimate predator prize!

During the middle of each day, when most mammals become inactive, we will find time to relax or turn our attention to the region’s varied birdlife. Woodpeckers are very well represented in the Bieszczady National Park with White-backed, Black and Greyheaded being amongst our particular targets. Three-toed is also a possibility. Hazel Grouse, Willow Tit and Nutcracker are also likely, whilst, if fortunate, we may even find a Pygmy, Tengmalm’s or Ural Owl. For our final four nights we will stay in a charming family-run lodge which lies just outside the national park, again perfectly located with superb views over the forest and surrounded by exciting wildlife. Here we will stay in wooden chalets called ‘Domkis’, each of which have their own wood burner. The magnificent European Bison will be one of our key targets during this second half of the tour, which are more regularly seen here than anywhere else in Europe! In the early spring these impressive mammals often break the cover of the forests to feed on the first fresh grass of the season. Indeed, Bison can often be seen very close to our lodge and visits to the nearby River San regularly produce superb sightings. At dusk we will also watch for European Beavers tending to their lodges and dams, and we have a good chance of finding Wildcat which hunt in the nearby meadows after dark.

This 2-centre holiday provides an excellent opportunity to search for Europe’s most sought-after mammals, and every effort has been made to maximize our chances of success. Not only have we arranged special permits to allow access to the best areas, and timed the tour for the early spring when these animals are at their most active, but we have teamed up with researchers and local guides who have spent many hours in the field and know the reserve and its wildlife intimately. A small group is also important on such a tour, so spaces are limited to just six participants. Early booking is therefore essential!

DETAILED INFORMATION
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Fly Krakow and transfer to Bieszczady National Park
Day 2/3
Mammal-viewing and birdwatching excursions in Bieszczady National Park
Day 4
Transfer to second base
Day 5/7
Mammal-viewing and birdwatching excursions just outside Bieszczady National Park
Day 8
Transfer Krakow fly London
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What's Included

What's Included?

  • Flights
  • Accommodation:

    A 2-centre holiday, staying in a comfortable guesthouse and a cosy family-run lodge. All rooms with
    private facilities.

  • Food:

    All included in the cost

Reviews
Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Fri 21st Mar – Fri 28th Mar FULL £2,395
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,245
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£195
Sat 29th Mar – Sat 5th Apr FULL £2,395
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,245
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£195
Sun 6th Apr – Sun 13th Apr FULL £2,395
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,245
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£195
Mon 14th Apr – Mon 21st Apr FULL £2,395
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,245
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£195
Tue 22nd Apr – Tue 29th Apr FULL £2,395
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,245
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£195

2026

Departures Availability Cost
Fri 20th Mar – Fri 27th Mar FULL £2,495
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,345
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£245
Sat 28th Mar – Sat 4th Apr 2 £2,495
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,345
Room sharing options:
If a customer on this departure has already expressed an interest in sharing a room it will be flagged here. We will identify if there are sharing options for male, female or both.
Male sharing available
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£245
Sun 5th Apr – Sun 12th Apr 1 £2,495
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,345
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£245
Mon 13th Apr – Mon 20th Apr FULL £2,495
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,345
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£245
Tue 21st Apr – Tue 28th Apr 1 £2,495
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,345
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£245

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

Enquire
Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!