What if you could make Europe WILDER simply by taking a HOLIDAY? i Toernooiveld 1 6525 ED Nijmegen The Netherlands [email protected] www.europeansafaricompany.com www.facebook.com/europeansafaricompany © 2019 Text: Simon Collier, Aukje van Gerven © 2019 Photographs: Bruno D’Amicis, Staffan Widstrand, Nino Salkic, Fernando Romeao, Juan Carlos Munoz, Carl-Johan Utsi, Visit GoodPlace, The European Safari Company is an initiative Marjan Atnark, Cornelia Dörr, Florian Möllers, Uist Forest Retreat, of Rewilding Europe to support the SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, Linden Tree Retreat&Ranch, Yellow Snow development of nature-based economies Husky safaris, Sorbyn Lodge, Gutshof Stolpe, Hotel Am Peenetal, in the regions where we work, and beyond. Abenteuer Flusslandschaft, Boavista Eco-Luxury House, Gabi Tours The ESC is part of Rewilding Europe B.V., Cover photo: Bogdan Comanescu a limited liability company that is established Editor: Daniel Allen for this purpose, and which is fully owned by Graphic design: Kristjan Jung the Rewilding Europe charitable foundation. European Safari Company Born from a desire to show people the beauty and drama of DESTINATIONS Rewilding Europe’s operational areas, the European Safari OF THE EUROPEAN Company specialises in experiential nature-based travel. While SAFARI COMPANY the word “safari” has long been synonymous with Africa, we offer SWEDISH equally wild adventures right here in Europe, from the frozen Arctic LAPLAND page 14 north, to the sweeping forests of eastern Europe, to the rugged coast of the Mediterranean. We offer unique experiences that directly support wild nature and wildlife comeback in some of Europe’s most special places. Places that often suffer from rural depopulation, land abandonment and economic downturn, where rewilding can breath new life and SCOTLAND page 30 prosperity into these landscapes. ODER DELTA page 6 Travellers with the European Safari Company not only experience some of Europe’s finest nature, but directly learn about and contribute to rewilding and support local communities. Dedicated SLOVENIA page 34 SOUTHERN VELEBIT CARPATHIANS levies from each booking support rewilding initiatives, while local MOUNTAINS page 26 page 18 nature-based businesses benefit from income, job creation and developmental support from Rewilding Europe. CENTRAL RHODOPE WESTERN APENNINES MOUNTAINS IBERIA page 2 page 10 page 22 Central Apennines Bears, wolves and beautiful landscapes in Italy’s wild heart ITALY Living in Europe, nature is often much closer With a heavy reliance on local nature, many than we think. Less than two hours’ drive from residents practice “transhumance” sheep the cafes and colonnades of Rome is a land farming, beekeeping and fruit or nut farming. that is both wild and wondrous. With craggy peaks topping out at nearly 3000 meters, It is this unique combination of nature and ancient beach forests inhabited by bears, culture that makes the Central Apennines wolves and wild boar, and skies patrolled by a thrilling destination ripe for exploration. golden eagles and griffon vultures, the Central Experiences offered by the European Safari Apennines truly are Italy’s “wild heart”. Company focus not only on wildlife and nature, but also on local people who still live Boasting several world class national and work amongst bears and wolves. parks, the Central Apennines are a nature lover’s playground. A complex system of REWILDING EFFORTS mountain ridges and vast tablelands, this There are currently around 60 Marsican great topographic knot is the final refuge brown bears (including newborns) roaming of many animals and plants that were once the Central Apennines, making their situation widespread across all of Italy’s mountainous precarious. Today rewilding efforts focus on areas. These include the endemic Apennine the development of a number of “coexistence Chamois and the iconic Marsican brown bear. corridors”, which enable these animals to move safely between the area’s network Dotted with picturesque medieval towns of national parks and nature reserves, and villages, the Central Apennine region diversifying genetics and boosting bear is also home to a captivating local culture. numbers. 2 3 E X P LO R E THE CENTRAL APENNINES During this four-day, privately guided experience you will witness the intimate relationship between wild nature and local communities. This is a really good way to understand the beneficial impact of rewilding, and the importance of using wildlife corridors to connect protected areas, thereby supporting the comeback of iconic species such as the Marsican brown bear. The wild and dramatic landscape here is home to chamois, deer, wolves and golden eagles, as well as the rare Marsican brown bear. In addition to wildlife, you will encounter the region’s ever hospitable people and their colourful and authentic culture. Led by highly skilled nature guides, and sustained by some of the finest local food and wine, a journey into the Central Apennines is truly is an exploration of Italy’s “wild heart”. 4 EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW Wildlife and tracking Secluded mountain settings 4 nights / 5 days all inclusive 2+ guests Privately guided 2345 euros per person, sharing 5 Oder Delta Journey through the Amazon of the North GERMANY / POLAND Located on the Baltic coast of Poland nature - now discoverable on foot or by and Germany, the exciting Oder Delta is solar boat and canoe. The immense a unique and wild region boasting a rich natural value of the area can be seen in the mosaic of terrestrial, marine and freshwater fact that two-thirds of all land and water ecosystems. Like the Rhodope Mountains, are set aside for nature conservation and it is strategically located at one of Europe’s rewilding. great ecological crossroads. REWILDING EFFORTS The Oder Delta “big seven” charismatic As a result of ongoing rewilding actions – species – the white-tailed eagle, European carried out by Rewilding Oder Delta and a bison, beaver, elk, wolf, Atlantic sturgeon range of other organisations – today wildlife and grey seal – are some of the main has begun to thrive in more natural densities attractions for guests. A new wilder in the Oder Delta, with uncontrolled natural landscape is beginning to take shape in the processes reshaping the environment. Much delta, with ever more diverse and abundant of the work of the Rewilding Oder Delta wildlife playing its ecological role with team has so far focused on restoring fish minimum human intervention. migration – with the presence of healthy fish populations vital to local food chains – as The flooding of former polders along well as developing nature-based tourism and the Peene River on the German side has supporting wildlife comeback, and wetland created exciting stretches of new wild restoration. 6 7 E X P LO R E THE ODER DELTA Travel the Oder Delta at your own pace, equipped with the best gear and backed by our comprehensive support. Two half-day excursions into nature give you the best chance to experience the region’s amazing wildlife, both on foot and on water. In the tranquility of the delta’s unspoiled nature you will come across storks, herons, white-tailed eagles, as well as otters and beavers (with luck!). The remains of Slavic castles, village churches and monasteries also wait to be discovered. EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW Accommodation for two nights Guided tour through Anklam Stadbruch Canoeing and sunrise boat tour Spring to autumn 2 - 8 people Two half-day excursions From 940 euros per person 8 9 Rhodope Mountains Wild nature and active pursuits at the crossroads of Europe BULGARIA The Rhodope Mountains are an active Based on such rich natural resources, nature lover's dream. A strategic nature-based tourism is now on the rise in location at the crossroads of Europe the Rhodope Mountains. With enthusiastic and Asia, coupled with the influence of hikers and birding fanatics pioneering the Mediterranean and a low human the area's tourism experiences, offerings population density, mean the area's now include a range of welcoming guest stunning landscapes and diverse habitats houses, homestays and upmarket B&Bs. are a birdwatcher's paradise. REWILDING EFFORTS The entire region is a Bulgarian stronghold While the sight of a soaring squadron of for the wolf, golden jackal, souslik and otter, vultures is one of Europe’s great natural while the brown bear has begun to return in spectacles, today these magnificent birds recent years, with bear watching becoming are threatened across much of the continent. an increasingly popular activity. Focusing on the Rhodope Mountains rewilding area in Bulgaria, as well as a section This natural hotspot is also a great of the Rhodope Mountains in northern Greece, destination for hiking, biking and kayaking. the Rewilding Rhodopes foundation and The opportunity to combine outdoor partners are working to support the recovery activities with birdwatching, nature and further expansion of the black and griffon photography and animal tracking, all set vulture populations, mainly by improving against the backdrop of a hospitable local natural prey availability, and by reducing culture and rich cuisine, make this an epic mortality through factors such as poaching, eastern European travel destination. poisoning and collisons with power lines. 10 11 SEVEN DAYS IN THE RHODOPES Enjoy a fantastic range of experiences as you explore this magical region with a personal guide. With a focus on the area's wildlife-rich wilderness, activities include hiking, kayaking, bird watching and wildlife photography, complemented by great local food and comfortable accommodation. EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW Accommodation for six nights Fully guided Includes all activities and meals April - October 2 - 6 people From 1450 euros per person, subject to numbers 12 13 Swedish Lapland Take a voyage through Europe’s Alaska SWEDEN Fascinating indigenous culture. World-class Sami communities have been living here for river fishing. Close-up encounters with millennia, navigating the pristine landscapes brown bear, moose and wolverine. Nights with their migrating reindeer herds. Ever out under the Northern Lights.