Romania Birds and Bears Photo Workshop
- 11 Days
From $7,995 - Interests
- Birds, Wildlife
- Activity Level
- Moderate
- Group Size
- 4
Migratory birds in the Danube Delta And Macin National Park, and brown bears in the Carpathian Mountains.
The Danube Delta and Macin National Park are a bird photographer’s paradise, especially in the spring and early summer. With their network of channels, reed beds, wetlands, and rocky hills, these areas burst into life as migratory and resident bird species appear in their vibrant breeding plumage. From the graceful flight of pelicans, birds of prey, and herons to the vivid hues of bee-eaters, Eurasian Hoopoes, and kingfishers, these areas offer an unparalleled opportunity to capture one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world.
To end this trip, we will visit the Carpathian Basin, one of Europe’s last strongholds for Carpathian brown bears. Wildflowers bloom in late May and early June, providing a stunning backdrop for capturing these mammals in various lighting conditions.
Join us for this wildlife photo workshop with two experienced photography guides in the heart of Europe’s largest and best-preserved wildlife areas.
You should also check out our Romania Winter Wildlife Workshop.
Highlights
- Expert guidance: Benefit from the knowledge and experience of a seasoned wildlife and photography guide and one local guide passionate about sharing Romania’s birds and wildlife.
- Prime locations: Explore top birding hotspots we have scouted before your arrival and add to your life list of birds.
- Comfortable accommodations: Enjoy stays that offer comfort and proximity to the best photography locations in the areas we will be photographing.
- Small-group experience: Our small group sizes ensure personalized attention and a more intimate wildlife-viewing experience. You will not have to work around other photographers trying to photograph the same species as you do in larger groups.
- Well-planned itinerary: Maximize your photography opportunities with an itinerary that covers a diverse range of habitats and species.
- Numerous bird species: The 2026 workshop had us photographing over 75 bird species.
What You'll Learn
- Master Bird-in-Flight Photography – Improve autofocus tracking, shutter speed, exposure and panning techniques for pelicans, raptors, herons and other fast-moving birds.
- Photograph Birds from Boats and Hides – Learn how to work quietly in confined spaces, choose the right camera settings and react quickly when wildlife appears.
- Create Stronger Wildlife Compositions – Use backgrounds, reflections, behavior and changing light to produce images that go beyond simple identification photographs.
- Capture Wildlife Behavior – Anticipate feeding, courtship, flight, interaction and other moments that bring photographs of birds and bears to life.
- Adapt to Different Species and Habitats – Learn how to adjust your approach while photographing colorful woodland birds, wetland species, birds of prey and Carpathian brown bears.
- See what the 2026 workshop was like by reading our trip report.
Your Guides
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Zoltan Nagy
May 26–Jun 5, 2027Jun 2–12, 2028
Activity Level
The birding portion of the tour involves primarily easy walking, with just one moderate climb required to reach the Rock Thrush Hide. This walk takes approximately 15 minutes. If needed, our guide can assist in carrying your photo equipment.
The walking effort during our bear photography is minimal. You only have to walk uphill for about 300 meters to reach the bear hides. Depending on your pace, this walk typically takes 10 to 20 minutes.
The weather is generally warm to hot in May and June, ranging from 27 to 33 degrees Celsius (80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit). However, our photography sessions are scheduled for the early morning and late afternoon, ensuring a more comfortable experience.
This tour has an activity level of Moderate. Read more about the Activity Levels for our trips.
Itinerary
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This tour offers opportunities to photograph wildlife. We'll maximize our chances of encountering wildlife, but we want to remind you that we don't control wildlife and cannot guarantee encounters with particular species. Itineraries for wildlife trips are subject to change based on wildlife activity.
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Day 1: Arrive in Bucharest
Arrive at Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) before 3:00 PM on this day. Air travel delays are possible, so please consider arriving early, possibly the day prior. We don't want you to miss out on trip activities. Airport transfer is included on arrival.
Arrive at your leisure. You will be staying at the Hilton Garden Inn at the Bucharest Airport tonight so you are ready when your guide picks you up tomorrow.
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Day 2–5: Danube Delta
Today, Zoltan will be picking you up at noon. He will meet you in the lobby of the Hilton Garden Inn. We will transfer to the Danube Delta, where we will spend the next three days in boats, hides, and various land areas photographing numerous species of birds.
We will explore several prime birding sites in this region. While the best locations vary each year, we’ll have ample time to visit the top spots because we will have scouted the area before you arrive. Our time here is a springtime haven for a variety of migratory and resident species of birds. We may encounter migrating Red-throated Pipits, various forms of Yellow Wagtails, Red-footed Falcons, and displaying Calandra and Short-toed Larks. You will also observe small groups of Dalmatian Pelicans.
Other species can include breeding Collared Pratincoles and possible sightings of the rare Paddyfield Warbler. We’ll venture into steppe habitats and gorges to find breeding Pied, Isabelline, and Eastern Black-eared Wheatears, as well as raptors like Marsh and Montagu Harriers, Eurasian Honey Buzzards, Booted Eagles, Short-toed Eagles, Long-legged Buzzards, Red-footed Falcons, and hopefully, Levant Sparrowhawk. We’ll also visit small woodlands or bushy areas in the steppe, hosting breeding passerines, Barred Warblers, rollers, Golden Orioles, and Eurasian Hoopoes.
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Day 6: Danube Delta and Macin Mountain National Park
After spending the morning in the Danube Delta, we will proceed to Macin Mountain National Park for some late afternoon birding. The national park is home to many breeding wheatears and raptors. Isabelline Wheatears breed in the grassy foothills, while Pied and Northern Wheatears inhabit the higher, rocky slopes. Overhead, Long-legged Buzzards, Short-toed Snake Eagles, Booted Eagles, and Levant Sparrowhawks hunt for sousliks, lizards, and snakes. We also might be fortunate to spot the rare Eastern Imperial Eagle or Saker Falcon. Other notable birds in the area include Red-rumped Swallow, Common Rock Thrush, Sombre Tit, and Ortolan Bunting.
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Day 7: Macin Mountain National Park
We will spend today in Macin National Park, visiting the birding areas we scouted before your arrival to maximize your time and success.
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Day 8: Depart for Harghita
After a final morning photo session in Macin National Park, we will transfer to Harghita. With its diverse habitats, the Carpathian Basin is one of the last strongholds for bears in Europe, boasting an estimated population of around 5,000 to 8,000 individuals.
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Day 9–10: Harghita
Our morning photography sessions during these two days will focus mainly on Eurasian Hoopoes in areas we will have chosen before you arrive. In the afternoon and evenings, we will photograph brown bears from different blind positions to give you a mix of landscapes and lighting conditions.
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Day 11: Departure Day
After a morning photo session, we will transfer you to Bucharest to make your international flights home.
Departure from Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP). Book your departing flight no earlier than 4:00 PM on this day. Airport transfer is included on departure.
Why Travel With Us
Our small-group trips are designed for photographers, with guides who know the best locations and offer instruction to help improve your photography. Read more about why you should travel with us.
Testimonials
What I love about Akari Photo Tours is I’ve gotten to go on unique photo tours that aren’t something everyone offers. They find the best local guides that provide not just fantastic photographic opportunities, but opportunities to get to know the culture and people of the area(s) visited. The “two Kevins” are some of my favorite people to photograph with, and I learn something each and every time,,, all while giving us a good laugh in the process!
Akari’s level of performance is outstanding. From identifying unique locations, securing ideal venues and providing precise advice to maximize the unique experience is the hallmark of Akari’s work.
Dates & Prices
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May 26–Jun 5, 2027$7,995 USD Per PersonDouble Occupancy$500 USDSingle SupplementRegister2 Spots LeftGuides: Zoltan NagyGroup Size: 4Payment Terms: Deposit: $2,000 USDBalance Due: Jan 26, 2027
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Jun 2–12, 2028$7,995 USD Per PersonDouble Occupancy$500 USDSingle SupplementGuides: Zoltan NagyGroup Size: 4Payment Terms: Deposit: $2,000 USDBalance Due: Feb 3, 2028
All of our standard Terms & Conditions apply. Be sure to read our Cancellation Policy.
What's Included
- Double occupancy lodging. Single lodging is available with payment of a single supplement fee.
- All transportation during the tour.
- Airport transfers at arrival/departure.
- All meals, soft drinks, water, and snacks during the tour.
- English-speaking local guides.
- All permits and entry fees.
- Instruction, guidance, and image reviews from our expert photography guides.
- Personal pre-trip phone consultation.
What's Not Included
- Airfare to and from destination, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees.
- Passport and visa fees, if applicable.
- Travel medical & evacuation insurance (required).
- Trip cancellation insurance (optional but recommended).
- Gratuities for local guides & crew.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Any accommodations or meals before or after the tour dates.
- Items of a personal nature.
Prepare for Your Trip
Please review our photography travel resources, including know your camera and our camera gear list, to help you plan your trip. Before your trip, we’ll contact you with more detailed gear recommendations specific to your trip.
Also, get a head start on your workshop learning experience with our wildlife photography tutorials.