Overview
This birding trip will bring you to explore the birdlife in a great variety of habitats around Sofia, the Bulgarian capital, including the conifer and broad-leaved forests in the Vitosha mountain, high mountain meadows, marshlands, steppe and Karst areas.
The key species of birds to be seen during the trip include the Great Bittern, Little Bittern, Purple Heron, Great White Egret, Ferruginous Duck, Garganey, Long-legged Buzzard, Short-toed Eagle, Little Crake, Corncrake, Water Rail, European Bee-eater, Eurasian Hoopoe, White-backed Woodpecker (ssp. lilfordi), Black Woodpecker, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Syrian Woodpecker, Calandra Lark, Tawny Pipit, Water Pipit, Black-headed Yellow Wagtail, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Semi-collared Flycatcher, Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush, Ring Ouzel (ssp. alpestris), Isabelline Wheatear, Sombre Tit, Black-headed Bunting, Ortolan Bunting, Rock Bunting and many others.
Best time: mid-April - July
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Use of binoculars (on request)
In-vehicle air conditioning
Food and drinks
Lunch
Entrance fees
Meeting and pickup
Pickup is offered for all travelers.
What to expect
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Vitosha Mountain
3 hours
We start from your accommodation in Sofia about 8.00 a.m. and drive to the Vitosha Mountain. It is the oldest nature park on the Balkan Peninsula and its gorgeous silhouette is visible from almost all positions in the city and is inseparable part of Sofia’ image. The mountain is home of a diversity of bigger and smaller mammals, birds, insects, reptiles and amphibians. In the different seasons 200 bird species can be observed there, of them 120 species breeding within the park’s territory. Typical inhabitants of the spruce forests are the Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes), Coal Tit (Parus ater), Common Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra), etc.
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Dragoman
3 hours
The other bird-rich area we are going to visit in the vicinity of Sofia is the Dragoman marsh, which is the biggest natural karst wetland in Bulgaria. It is situated only 35 km north-west from Sofia and covers a valley between two limestone hills.
With over 200 bird species recorded there, the wetland is a protected sanctuary for birds. The ones we may expect to find there include the Great Bittern, Little Bittern, Purple Heron, Great White Egret, Ferruginous Duck, Garganey, Long-legged Buzzard, Short-toed Eagle, Little Crake, Corncrake, Water Rail, European Bee-eater, Eurasian Hoopoe and more.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/Sofia).
Additional Information
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 7 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about One-day Birding Around Sofia
Can I cancel One-day Birding Around Sofia for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 8–10 hours.
Is pickup offered?
Pickup is offered for all travelers.
What's included?
- Use of binoculars (on request)
- In-vehicle air conditioning
What's not included?
- Food and drinks
- Lunch
- Entrance fees
Which places does it visit?
It visits Vitosha Mountain, Dragoman.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Neophron Tours
