Brown Bear Watching in the Wild

Description Brown Bear Watching in the Wild

We offer you the opportunity to see and admire the brown bears in their own habitat from a specially designed observation hide in the Transylvanian forest.

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Rates:

• 62 euro/person (minimum 2 people, for 1 person the rate is as for 2 people)

Departure dates:

• daily between April - September

The package includes:

• transfer from Brasov to the bear hide and back
• access into the restricted wildilfe area
• services of a Forest Ranger to accompany you to the bear hide and back, also for your protection, the forest ranger could carry a gun for extreme situations
• photo tax - only for personal use

Not included:

• photo tax - for professional use; available for extra price
• any meal
• tips / gratuities
• drop off at your location in Brasov

Group Size: min. 2 people. This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers.

Minimum age: 12 years old.

Meeting point: In front of Biblioteca Județeană "George Barițiu", Bulevardul Eroilor 33-35. The starting time is between 16:00 - 18:00, depending of the month! You will be advised on the exact starting time with 2-3 days before the tour. Driving time to the spot: about 40 minutes.

Important: You have to make the booking 1 day in advance until 8 PM!

Duration 3 - 4 hours.

Brown bears (Ursus arctos) have a large global distribution which reflects their ability to adapt to a variety of habitats. The brown bear's principal range includes parts of Russia, India, China, Canada, the United States (mostly Alaska), Scandinavia and the Carpathian region (especially Romania). There are estimated to be more than 200.000 brown bears worldwide, with approximately 5.500 individuals in the Carpathian region of Romania. They are amongst the largest living carnivores and can grow to an enormous size, males up to 350kg, and females to 200kg. Adult males tend to be on average 8 to 10% larger than females. They have good hearing, an excellent sense of smell and can live for up to 30 years.

We offer you the opportunity to see and admire the brown bears in their own habitat from a specially designed observation hide in the Transylvanian forest.

The forest ranger takes you in the forest, on a mountain path, walking for a few hundred meters to the hide where you wait quietly for wildlife watching (walking time aprox. 20 minutes). There are high chances (statistically around 70%) to spot the Carpathian Brown Bear, sometimes a female with her cubs, sometimes a larger male bear, but you can also spot the wildboar, roe deer and red dear, wolves and even some birds.

Notes:

• We cannot guarantee 100% that you will be able to see any of the wildlife listed above. Do not forget that wildlife have their own way of living and we, humans, try to approach them as much as possible in their natural habitat.
• Please use normal clothing - do not dress up with bright colors.
• Do NOT use any parfume.
• Do NOT bring any food with you.

Important Information

• Your local contact is Active Travel Day Tours on 0040728804952.
• Please be ready at least 10 minutes prior to departure time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the meeting point? Can I be picked up from my hotel or dropped off at a different location?

The main meeting point is in front of Biblioteca Județeană "George Barițiu" at Bulevardul Eroilor 33-35. We completely understand that convenience matters. If you have a specific drop-off location in mind, we are happy to assist with that for a small additional fee. Just let us know 24 hours in advance, and we will make the necessary arrangements.

Is this tour only available in English? Are there guides who speak other languages?

Currently, we offer the tour in English. However, we fully understand that language preferences vary. If you require a guide who speaks another language, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We will do our utmost to accommodate your request, depending on the availability of our guides.

Is it safe to be near wild bears?

Absolutely! You will be accompanied by a professional forest ranger who is dedicated to ensuring your safety. The observation hide is designed to be secure. While the ranger may carry a gun, rest assured that this is only for extreme situations that are highly unlikely to occur.

What if we don’t see any bears?

We understand how important it is to see bears during this experience. While we can’t guarantee sightings due to the unpredictable nature of wildlife, the chances are around 70%. Even if you don’t see any bears, we hope you find the experience of being in their natural habitat to be truly unforgettable.

How difficult is the walk to the observation hide?

The walk to the hide is a short one, taking about 20 minutes along a forest road. Most guests find it manageable, but if you have any concerns or specific needs, please let us know, and we’ll be happy to discuss them with you.

What happens if the weather is bad?

We recognize that weather can be unpredictable, and your comfort and safety are our top priorities. We continually monitor the weather conditions and will inform you if we feel that it is unsuitable. Light rain usually does not interfere, but we’re here to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

How many people will be in the group?

We keep our group sizes small, with a maximum of 12 people. This allows for a more intimate experience and a better opportunity to spot wildlife. We want everyone to feel connected to nature and to each other.

Is this tour ethical and respectful to the bears?

Yes, we take great pride in our ethical practices. The observation hide is designed to minimize human impact, and we strictly follow guidelines that respect both the wildlife and their natural environment.

Can I bring food or wear perfume?

To ensure both your safety and the well-being of wildlife, we kindly ask that you refrain from bringing food or wearing strong scents. Wearing neutral, quiet clothing will also help enhance your experience in nature.

What if I’m traveling alone?

We warmly welcome solo travelers! Please note that the rate remains the same as for two people, as we do have a minimum group size, but we’re happy to have you join us! We want everyone to feel included and have a memorable experience. In case we have other clients, we refund the difference you paid as solo traveler, after the tour.

What if I still have questions?

We completely understand that you might have some concerns, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us anytime:

Simply call us or send us a WhatsApp message at +40 728 804 952.

By email: Feel free to send your questions to marian@activetravel.ro.

Your comfort and satisfaction are really important to us. We’re more than happy to provide any additional information or clarify any uncertainties you may have. We want you to feel confident and excited about joining our tour!

Map of visited POI's:

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