A trip for naturalists and photographers.
AUTUMN IN WILD SPAIN
A real adventure through Extremadura and Andalusia to discover the area and the Spanish fauna; observe and photograph wildlife during the most romantic season when you can listen to the deer rutting.
DURATION: 7 days
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: min 6 – max 8 PAX
WHEN: 8-14 October / 15-21 October (It is possible to register UP TO 20 days from the departure date)
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel, Rural lodgings
TRANSPORTATION: skua van, offroad cars
MEALS: Restaurants – Hotel – Picnic
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy – support from guides expert about the area and photography – mild temperatures
INFORMATION: SKUA headquarters: info@skuanature.com – +39 0141 918349
The trips will be accompanied exclusively by SKUA coordinators
ALWAYS CHECK “VIAGGIARE SICURI” WEBSITE: http://www.viaggiaresicuri.it/
VISAS AND VACCINATIONS: Not required. Check current health regulations: https://www.viaggiavventurenelmondo.it/info/covid
A journey to discover the wild side of Spain, a complete immersion in the typical landscapes of the “dehesa” and Mediterranean scrub that characterize the rural areas of the Iberian Peninsula. Spain has always been an important stop for all nature lovers, as it is one of the main transit points for European birdlife on their migration routes.
In autumn you can observe many migratory birds, some of which are very rare. In September, when the first rains soften the summer temperatures, the mammals are more active, and the majestic deer show themselves in all their magnificence during the mating rituals. We approach the Iberian fauna in a respectful way, observing and photographing the wildlife with the help of experienced guides.
Thanks to special photo hides reserved for us in the reserves, we will be able to take spectacular close-ups of eagles, vultures, deer, beech martens, genets, and many other specimens of the local fauna. An exciting experience for all nature lovers!
BASIC FEE: 1.645€
SUPPLEMENT (addictional flight): 335€
KITTY: 190€
SUPPLEMENT (addictional flight): 335€
KITTY: 190€
- all transfers
- accommodations
- medical insurance
- assistance from Europassistance
- expert guide of environment and photography
- access to professional photo hides
- all transfers
- use of 4×4 vehicles, van and boat with team driver/pilot
- Meals
- tips
- any additional activities not described in the report and itinerary
- approaching wildlife
- professional photographic hides
- support by expert naturalistic and photographic staff
Itinerary in brief
Italy – Madrid – Adamuz – Serrejon – Madrid – Italy
Day 1
Once we land in Madrid, we will head south until we reach Andalusia. In the first days we will visit Alpasin Natural Reserve in the hills of Sierra Morena, where we will be able to observe at close range some of the most representative species of this trip.
After spending the night in the hotel, we will visit the first photo hides to observe and photograph the deer bellowing, with the large males engaging in rituals in the clearings between the trees at sunset. We will spend the night in the village of Adamuz in the hills of the province of Córdoba.
Days 2-3
These days we will explore the Alpasin Reserve. Thanks to the latest generation hides, we will photograph deer from different perspectives and in different lighting conditions, golden eagles, Spanish imperial eagles, Bonelli’s eagles and the Iberian lynx, one of the rarest predatory cats in the world, drinking in the puddles in front of our photo hides. The Iberian lynx once populated the entire peninsula but has suffered a steady population decline over the centuries due to human pressure and the gradual decline of wild rabbits in rural areas, its preferred prey.
At the beginning of 2000, there were less than 100 specimens in the wild and only thanks to the great efforts of conservation organizations and local communities was it possible to reverse this trend, restore the number of specimens and remove this species from the “critically endangered” category. The area of Adamuz, where the reserve is located, includes a great variety of landscapes with mountainous and wild areas.
Exploring these landscapes and staying in a typical rural village allows us to observe at close distance the life of rural Spain, marked by the rhythm of the sun and the seasons.
Day 4
We will use the first hours of the day for a last photo session in the reserve, choosing between the different possibilities offered by nature and the season. Then we will leave Andalusia towards the north and dive into the majestic cork oaks of the dehesa Extremeña. We will pass small villages and vast pastures where flocks of sheep and the famous Pata Negra pigs live, stopping often to photograph the magnificent landscapes.
In the afternoon we will arrive in La Parrilla Reserve in Monfragüe National Park, where we will spend the next few days. The reserve, located on the hills overlooking the Tagus River, will allow us a total immersion in nature. We will be the only guests in the rural houses located in the center of the reserve. The structure, built with traditional materials, will allow us to comfortably observe colonies of vultures from the courtyard, listen to the song of the Eurasian eagle-owl at night and watch beautiful sunrises over the riverbed. Once we will be settled in our accommodation, we will take photos at night in the specially designed photo hides.
Thanks to the special lighting we will be able observe and photograph the beech marten and genet, two magnificent mammals characteristic of this area.
Day 5
We will spend the day in La Parrilla, where with the help of an expert guide we will observe and photograph the deer bellowing in the magical environment of the dehesa. We will then enjoy the landscapes of the reserve, which offers valuable shots of the Monfragüe National Park, an area protected since 1979 for its great diversity of flora and fauna.
Framed by the rivers Tajo and Tietar, this park is a paradise for nature lovers and one of the best places in Europe for stargazing, since there is almost no light pollution. In the afternoon, nature photography lovers will have access to the hides equipped with watering holes in the reserve to photograph the hawfinch, blue rock thrush, Iberian magpie, and many other specimens.
In the evening we will take some shots from the nocturnal hides.
Day 6
This day we will visit Las Viñas Reserve in the municipality of Acehuche, surrounded by beautiful orchards, olive groves and vineyards. In the morning we will visit the “muladar” of the reserve, a special area frequented mainly by raptors and scavenging birds.
Here we will be able observe and photograph black kites, griffon vultures, cinereous vultures and Egyptian vultures in flight or at close range from two special hides. In the afternoon we will visit the drinking stations of the reserve to photograph dozens of different species.
In the evening we will return to La Parrilla, where we will have the opportunity to make more nocturnal observations and take pictures.
Day 7
In the morning we can spend some more time in La Parrilla Reserve and use other hides. In the late morning we will leave for Madrid. We will arrive at the airport around noon and say goodbye until our next adventures.
Hide – Professional photo hides
The hide or photo hides are special structures for observing wildlife, perfectly integrated into the environment and able to comfortably accommodate 1 to 6 people, depending on their size. They are in strategic points to increase the possibility of observing wildlife at close range, and to guarantee participants discreet comfort and optimal photo conditions.
There are hides made of different materials, shapes, and features, but all have the goal of approaching animals without disturbing them and minimizing the impact on the area. In these structures, wildlife never come into contact with observers and photographers: visitors remain hidden behind special glass windows or camouflage nets. In this way, the animals do not get used to the presence of people and do not change their natural behavior.
The wild nature of the animals is respected, and they can continue to visit their usual areas undisturbed.