Day 1: After your arrival at Sofia Airport we will drive (~ 2- 2,5 hours) to the core of one of the game reserves in the Western Rhodopes, where we will be based in a lodge for the next 4 nights. You will be introduced to the local rangers (guides), who are very familiar with the behavior and local distribution of the Brown Bear and the other big mammals in the area. You will learn about the Bear's status, behavior and habits and the conditions for bear tracking and viewing in the area. Depending on the time of arrival we can take a short walk.

Days 2-4: Day walks in the Brown Bear habitats, where we will look at Bear tracks and markings and by a lucky chance see a bear in day time. The main approach for observing bears, however, is to stay in a hide in front of a feeding place for Red Deer and Wild Boars frequented by Bears and, if lucky, watch them from about 20-30 meters. We have to enter the hide about two hours before darkness. We can stay in the hide as long as you wish, although it is preferable to stay there until the morning in order to increase your chances to see a Bear and other mammals. If you wish, you can spend all three nights in observation hides, regardless of whether you have seen bears the previous nights. We usually reach the hides by jeeps, but some of them are at a walking distance. The hides are raised above ground and completely safe, made of concrete or wood, with a bed and chairs inside, normally hosting three persons.

Another target mammal of this trip is the Balkan Chamois, which is comparatively easy both to watch and photograph. While in the hides and/or during the walks in the game reserve you will have chances to see Wild Boar, Red Deer, Roe Deer, Badger, Brown Hare, Stone Marten, European Wildcat.

The target bird species in the area of the game reserve include the Hazel Grouse, Honey Buzzard, Black Woodpecker, White-backed Woodpecker, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Middle-spotted Woodpecker, Lesser-spotted Woodpecker, Spotted Nutcracker, Tengmalm's Owl, Tawny Owl, Ring Ouzel, Semi-collared Flycatcher, Willow Tit, Rock Bunting, etc. Depending on the weather conditions earlier in the spring you can still have some chance of observing Capercaillies at their lekking grounds. If you wish to do so, please be prepared for early morning outings and walks in the snow.

If you wish, in some of the days we may go birdwatching out of the game reserve - in the foot of the Rhodopes and along Maritca river for Eastern Imperial Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Levant Sparrowhawk, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Syrian Woodpecker, European Bee-eater, European Roller, Tawny Pipit, Isabelline Wheatear, Calandra Lark, Greater Short-toed Lark, Blue and Rufous-tailed Rock Trushes, Woodchat and Lesser Grey Shrike, Black-headed Bunting and many others.

Day 5: Transfer to Sofia for departure

Chances of observing Brown Bear:	~ 90 % to see a Bear (Bears)
	100 % to see Bear tracks