Early Spring Wildlife Tour

The Early Spring Wildlife Tour in Bialowieza Forest and Biebrza Marshes, set over 7 days, focuses on Poland’s “Big Five” (wolves, lynx, bison, elk and beaver) and early spring birds. It’s the prime time to observe rare birds like the Pygmy Owl and Hazel Grouse, as well as engaging in wolf tracking and mammal watching. This tour offers a unique opportunity to see up to 8 woodpecker species, among other wildlife, in their natural habitats, with the added experience of visiting the Strict Protection Area of Bialowieza National Park, a UNESCO site.

Tour itinerary:

Day 1 – transfer from Warsaw to Bialowieza Forest

By 13:00 at the latest, we will arrange for your pickup from Warsaw Airport or any hotel in Warsaw, followed by a transfer to the Bialowieza Forest. The journey to Bialowieza village, where we will stay in a cozy guesthouse or hotel, takes about 4 hours. Upon arrival and after enjoying a traditional Polish dinner, your guide will brief you on the area and our upcoming activities. Over the next three days, we’ll delve into the wonders of the Bialowieza Forest and its environs. Additionally, if time permits, an introductory evening walk on the first day may allow for an early glimpse into the local wildlife.

Dworek Gawra guesthouse or similar

Meals included: lunch en route, dinner

Day 2 – Bison Safari and birdwatching in Bialowieza

We’ll embark on early morning and late evening ventures to closely observe wild European Bison, leveraging our extensive local knowledge to locate them in their natural habitat. Our journey involves minibuses through the forest, brief walks, and visits to various lookout points, adopting a safari-like approach. You’ll potentially witness solitary bulls, youthful groups, or large herds with calves. Our expeditions have consistently encountered bison, often at close range, particularly in the spring and autumn. Midday excursions will explore deeper into the forest, showcasing diverse ecosystems and the chance to spot rare wildlife, including unique bird species and possibly even wolves or lynx.

Dworek Gawra guesthouse or similar

Meals included: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 3 – Lynx & Wolf tracking, UNESCO Site

We’ll start early our day, aiming to enter the territories of predators like wolves and lynx at sunrise. Our expertise and knowledge of the area help us track these elusive animals, though sightings are rare. Our previous experiences have shown that effort can lead to success. During midday, we’ll guide you through the National Park’s Strict Protection Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a unique view into an ancient, biodiverse forest. This tour feels like stepping into a wildlife documentary, complete with sightings of rare birds and expert insights from seasoned birdwatchers.

Dworek Gawra guesthouse or similar

Meals included: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 4 – Wolf & Lynx tracking, birdwatching

We’ll continue tracking large mammals in the Primeval Forest, adapting our plans based on previous observations and signs. Our search will primarily focus on wolves and lynx, though we may also encounter European bison, red deer, and pine martens. Additionally, there will be opportunities to observe various bird species and amphibians, including woodpeckers, the Pygmy Owl, Hazel Grouse, and the Nutcracker, which are particularly noteworthy during this season.

Dworek Gawra guesthouse or similar

Meals included: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 5 – Bison, Wolf & Lynx tracking, transfer to the Biebrza Marshes

In the morning, we’ll venture into the forest to track bison, wolves, and lynx, also focusing on spotting woodpeckers and owls to maximize our time. Post-lunch at a local eatery, we’ll head towards the Biebrza Marshes, passing traditional wooden architecture and possibly stopping in vibrant villages for a quick exploration of eastern Poland. We aim to reach our Biebrza guesthouse in time for dinner, followed by a brief discussion on the upcoming days’ itinerary.

Dwor Dobarz guesthouse or similar

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6 – Elk & Beaver Safari in the Biebrza Marshes

In the early morning, we embark on an Elk safari through their winter habitats, including willow shrubs and extensive fens, possibly visiting a wooden hide for marsh views. Our knowledgeable guides, familiar with the area’s over 1000 Elks, often facilitate close encounters, especially in spring. Post-breakfast, we explore Biebrza’s seasonal highlights, from bog alder forests for woodpecker sightings to marshes for observing migratory birds. The day ends with a Beaver safari at sunset, cruising down the river in a flat-bottomed boat for potential Beaver sightings, a consistently successful and popular aspect of our tours.

Dwor Dobarz guesthouse or similar

Meals included: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 7 – Elk (Moose) Safari, transfer to Warsaw

At dawn, we’ll embark on another Elk safari, hoping to observe these splendid creatures as the sun rises, along with the potential to see Red Deer, Red Fox, Cranes, Geese, White-tailed Eagles, and more. Following a hearty breakfast, we’ll commence our approximately 3-hour return trip to Warsaw, planning a lunch stop en route and aiming to arrive by 16:00. The tour concludes upon arrival in Warsaw, either at the hotel or at the airport.

Hotel: not included

Meals included: breakfast, lunch

Price: from 7450 PLN per person

More details – please contact us