Discover the Wild Heart of Greece and Macedonia
The European Nature Trust and conservation partners Macedonian Ecological Society (MES) and Callisto invite you to one of Europe’s most unknown conservation landscapes – the wild Balkans. This is our newest wildlife watching Coexistence Adventure, spotlighting inspiring conservation efforts and unveiling hidden, mountainous gems – introducing the Wild Balkans Adventure.
This 8-night, cross-border adventure takes you into one of Europe’s most ecologically rich and lesser-known regions, including some of the most unique wildlife travel destinations. Take the leap into nature, journey across the wilds of North Macedonia, discover the rugged beauty of Greece’s Pindus Mountains, and release your wild side with this stunning adventure.
Why This Wild Balkans Wildlife Adventure?
A biodiverse wilderness of beech, fir and black pine forests, steep ravines, and remote plateaus. Discover the wild heart of Macedonia, before venturing to the stunning region of northern Greece.
The landscapes of these two countries form one of Europe’s true hidden gems, providing vital corridors for one of the largest brown bear populations in southern Europe. On this wildlife watching, landscape and cultural trip, we will try to observe bears, wolves, wildcat, otters and a vast array of birdlife, including pelicans. This adventure includes a UNESCO-recognised ecosystem at Prespa lake, a visit to the historic city of Ohrid, and Greece’s stunning Pindus Mountains.
Our partners, MES and Callisto, work to safeguard Balkan wildlife and biodiversity through science-led, cross-border conservation. Their core focus is on the protection of critical habitats and the ecological connectivity that allows wildlife to move freely across the Pindos–Prespa landscape. On this adventure, you’ll be guided biologists and conservationists from MES and Callisto as you travel across North Macedonia and Greece, enjoying authentic local culture, as well as the region’s wildlife.
Join us on this adventure, with 50% of your total cost a direct donation to support the conservation of the Balkan’s wild heart.
Wildlife and Landscapes in the Wild Balkans Adventure
Your Conservation Impact
Conserving Wildlife Corridors Across the Balkans
The Pindos-Prespa region – a landscape linking the Prespa region of north Macedonia with the rugged Pindus Mountains in northern Greece – is ecologically crucial for wildlife movement in Europe. It is home to significant populations of large carnivores, including brown bears,wolves and jackal.
There’s also rich birdlife, including golden eagles and the endangered Egyptian vulture, two species of pelican, otters, and other iconic species.
However, human activity has fragmented parts of this landscape, reducing its ecological connectivity and placing greater need on conservation efforts.
How This Adventure Supports Conservation
Our partners at MES and Callisto are working to research and protect these landscapes while supporting local communities to live alongside bears and wolves. 50% of your total trip cost goes directly to MES and Callisto. This funding contributes to vital field research, including wildlife monitoring, conflict prevention initiatives, habitat restoration and much more to be discovered on the journey.
50% of Your Trip Cost is a Donation to two foundations
Your participation helps fund:
• Wildlife monitoring
• Habitat and forest restoration
• Effective bear and lynx population monitoring
• Establishment of wildlife corridors across borders
• Community engagement and education
• Carnivore damages and conflict prevention
Meet The Conservation Partners & Guides
Our Conservation Partner
Macedonian Ecological Society (MES)
The Macedonian Ecological Society has been a leading authority on ecology and environmental protection in Macedonia for over 40 years. They are the official Macedonian partner of the Balkan Lynx Recovery Programme, launched in 2006. The Balkan lynx is one of Europe’s rarest wild cats, with fewer than 50 remaining across North Macedonia, Albania, and Kosovo. The subspecies faces severe threats from habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching, and declining prey populations. Today, genetic diversity of Balkan lynx is low due to a small and isolated population size. Conservation work includes camera-trap monitoring, GPS collaring, and habitat and prey management. It also includes anti-poaching measures, policy advocacy, expansion of protected areas, and critically, community engagement.
In North Macedonia, you will be welcomed by Dime Melovski, the Executive Director of MES. Dime’s deep local knowledge offers a unique introduction to the landscape and its wildlife. And throughout your adventure, Dime and field biologists from MES will guide you on hikes and wildlife tracking experiences. As a result, you’ll benefit from years of field expertise to position you in the best possible locations for sightings.
Callisto
Callisto is a leading wildlife conservation organisation working to protect Greece’s natural heritage, with a particular focus on large carnivores. Working closely with local communities, they help people live alongside wildlife, introducing protection measures such as electric fencing, bear-proof waste systems, and livestock protection dogs. Through research and monitoring, they help protect species that keep ecosystems healthy – like bears, wolves and lynx – while also promoting human-wildlife coexistence.
As you cross into Greece, you’ll be joined by Callisto’s team of large mammal conservation experts, who will offer an exclusive insight into their work on the ground. With ample time in the field, you will gain behind-the-scenes access to conservation efforts in stunning landscapes.
Your Journey through the Wild Balkans
Day 1 – 2 | Mavrovo Lake & National Park
Your journey begins in North Macedonia, with a scenic drive to your first accommodation and Mavrovo National Park. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed by expert guides from the Macedonian Ecological Society, who will lead the first wildlife observation. We will begin with an evening visit to Mavrovo National Park. Here, the landscape is cast in warm amber light, and birdlife becomes most active.
Day 2 begins with an early morning wildlife watching opportunity with ecologists from MES, searching for bears, wolves, otters, and red deer. You’ll also look for signs of the rare Balkan lynx, understanding how this species can be conserved. Mavrovo National Park is one of only three remaining strongholds for this elusive and critically endangered species, with a permanent population of just 18 individuals.
Day 3 – 5 | Agios Germanos & Prespa
Day 3 sees you journey south into Greece, with a scenic drive through forested mountain regions. Along the way, we will visit Lake Ohrid, one of the world’s oldest and most biodiverse lakes surrounded by historic monasteries and terracotta‑roofed houses.
You’ll arrive in the village of Agios Germanos, overlooking the Great Prespa Lakes. One of the most beautiful and traditional settlements in the region, the village has preserved its distinctive architecture. Set at an altitude of 1,100 metres on the slopes of Mount Varnountas, it commands sweeping views across the lakes below. Staying at the stone-walled and charming Agios Germanos Hotel, we’ll enjoy a relaxed evening and dinner.
Days 4 & 5 will begin with early morning bear watching opportunities led by local experts. Enjoy sweeping viewpoints across rolling hills, glassy lakes, and traditional towns from Lefkonas to Agios Achillios. Along the trail, take in the distinctive Mediterranean atmosphere of the Prespa juniper forests, one of the region’s most important habitats. This landscape supports an exceptional concentration of biodiversity, where more than half of Greece’s bird, amphibian, and mammal species can be found.
Heading out on foot towards the Cape Roti hillsides, you’ll search for large mammals as they move through areas rich in freshwater sources. We then head for a stunning boat trip across Prespa Lake where we will look for Dalmatian pelicans, with a lunch stop by the waterfront.
Day 6 | Grammos Mountains
Day 6 takes you into the Grammos Mountains, one of Greece’s highest and most remote ranges, bordering Albania. The day’s two hour hike ascends mountain trails into a landscape of pine and beech forests, opening into vast sub-alpine meadows. This is one of Europe’s most rewarding trekking environments, defined by space, silence, and scale. The route ultimately leads to the remote Grammos Mountain Lodge at 1,400 metres, set deep within true wilderness, far from any settlement.
Day 7 – 9 | Zagori
Day 7 begins with early wildlife watching and departure south. The journey follows the Sarantaporos River, a tributary of the Vjosa, Europe’s longest free-flowing river and the first to ever have National Park status declared along its length. We’ll continue through ancient black pine forest for a guided hike along the river corridor. A stop in Gannadio provides time for lunch before continuing into the Zagori region, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape in the Pindus Mountains. And by evening, you arrive at our final authentic and charming accommodation, Mikro Papigo Hotel and Spa.
Your final day begins with an iconic trekking route from Mikro Papingo to Kokkino Lithari, offering sweeping views of the Astraka Towers and the Vikos Gorge – the world’s deepest canyon, relative to its width. In the evening, return for a farewell dinner, marking the close of the journey.
The following morning, we’ll depart after breakfast for travel to the Ioannina national airport for onward travel in Greece; or continue onto Corfu for your direct flight home or extended island stay.
Wild Balkans Adventure Accommodation
Hotel Neda or similar
Our first stay is at Hotel Neda, a traditional mountain guest house set in the stunning backdrop of forested mountains and the historic village of Galičnik, North Macedonia. Stay in comfortable and traditionally styled rooms with a terrace overlooking scenic mountain views.
Agios Germanos Hotel
The beautiful, stone-walled Agios Germanos Hotel exudes authenticity and charm. This 4-star property is set near Lake Prespa, providing a peaceful base for wildlife watching excursions. You will stay in comfortable, traditionally decorated private rooms, each with an en suite bathroom and shower facilities.
Grammos Lodge
Grammos Lodge is a traditional alpine-style mountain chalet set at 1,400 metres in the Pindos mountain range. This fully equipped, handcrafted log cabin features a cosy fireplace, modern kitchen facilities, and a spacious outdoor veranda with sweeping panoramic mountain views. You’ll also benefit from fast Wi-Fi and a seasonal outdoor jacuzzi. Booked exclusively for the group, the lodge offers comfortable accommodation with a mix of double beds and single bunks. There are also shared bathroom facilities.
Mikro Papigo 1700 Hotel and Spa
Mikro Papigo 1700 Hotel and Spa is a charming stone-built retreat nestled in the heart of the Zagori region, surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of the Vikos Gorge. Combining traditional architecture with contemporary comfort, the hotel offers elegantly designed rooms with en suite facilities.
Guests can unwind in the hotel’s spa, which features an indoor pool and wellness facilities, or enjoy locally inspired cuisine. This makes it a relaxing base after days spent exploring the surrounding mountains and wildlife-rich landscapes.
Meet Your Hosts
Throughout the adventure, you’ll be accompanied by representatives from The European Nature Trust. You’ll also be joined by local conservation experts and wildlife guides from the Macedonian Ecological Society and Callisto.
Together they will provide insight into the wildlife, landscapes, and conservation projects encountered throughout the journey, while helping to create a welcoming and engaging experience for all guests.
Paul Lister
Founder & Trustee, The European Nature Trust
Dime Melovski
Executive Director, Macedonian Ecological Society
Vangelis Theodosiadis
Wildlife Biologist, Callisto
Wild Balkans Adventure FAQs
While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, the locations visited on this adventure have healthy populations of large carnivores. Accompanied by local guides, carnivore experts, and conservationists from MES and Callisto, who know these landscapes intimately, your chances of sightings are significantly increased.
This adventure requires participants to be able to walk for up to 2 hours in mountainous terrain. We do not recommend the experience for anyone with especially low fitness or underlying medical conditions.
Absolutely, many guests join independently and enjoy meeting like-minded conservation supporters and wildlife enthusiasts.
Yes, the combination of wildlife, landscapes, and expert local guidance makes this a rewarding experience for photographers of all abilities.
Full booking information, alongside the terms and conditions of your booking, will be provided upon enquiry. In addition, we require a 20% deposit payment per person to 100% confirm your place on the adventure. Full balance payment will then be due 90 days before departure.
Book Your Place.
Make An Impact
Whether you’re hoping to see any of Europe’s most remarkable carnivores, or experience a cross-boundary wildlife conservation holiday through remarkable and diverse lesser-known European landscapes, we’d love to hear from you.
Complete the enquiry form, and a member of the TENT team will be in touch to discuss availability and next steps for your booking.
