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Andy Smith had patience and willingness, not just to identify birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects, but also to explain in a manner that was interesting to both beginner and expert. This was our third European trip with Naturetrek and by far the best.
N.C. Rutland
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Hungary in Spring
Tour Code: HUN03An 8-day birdwatching tour exploring the hills, plains and wetlands of Hungary.
8 days
from
£2,695
£2,695
Land only price
from
£2,495
£2,495
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
We begin our holiday in the forested hills of Bükk National Park, where we search the broad-leaved woodlands for Ural Owl and up to nine species of Woodpecker, including the secretive White-backed Woodpecker. We then head to the expansive plains of the northern part of Kiskunság National Park, home to Great Bustards, Saker Falcon and Roller. We end the tour on the central eastern part of the Kiskunság with three nights close to the River Tisza. Here we split our time between a range of hides, including in amongst both a Red-footed Falcon and European Bee-eater colony, as well as birding the nearby 'puszta' where a wide variety of raptors hunt, whilst the reed-fringed fishponds are a magnet for migrating waders, terns and waterfowl, plus passerines such as Penduline Tit, Bluethroat and the rare Moustached Warbler also make an appearance.
- Opportunity for close quarter views of a variety of woodland and grassland species in a series of hides
- Chance to see Great Bustard in Kiskunság National Park, which might still be displaying
- Raptors including Imperial & Lesser Spotted Eagles, Saker & Red-footed Falcons
- Explore the forested hills of Bükk National Park for White-backed Woodpecker, Ural Owl & Collared Flycatcher
- Colourful European Bee-eaters, Hoopoes & Rollers
- Warblers including Savi's, Moustached, Marsh, River & Barred
- Opportunity to extend your tour in Budapest
- Led by expert naturalist guides
Hungary is a scenic land of wooded hills and endless flat plains, dotted with reed-fringed lakes and intersected by one of Europe’s great rivers, the mighty Danube. With such a variety of landscapes and habitats on offer it is not surprising to learn that Hungary is also one of Europe’s very best wildlife destinations, in particular for its abundant and varied birdlife. Late April to early May is an exciting time in Hungary’s avian calendar, as resident species are joined by migrating waders, warblers and raptors on their way north, filling the woods with choruses of birdsong. During this tour we will journey through of some the country’s most picturesque ‘Magyar’ landscapes, from the forested Bükk National Park in the east, to the lowland steppe, grassland and farmlands of Kiskunság National Park. Aside from its avifauna, Hungary also has much to offer in terms of butterflies and other wildlife. Not only a spectacular country rich in nature, culturally Hungary boasts a wealth of folklore, as well as being famed for its full-bodied wines and hearty food. With all this on offer throughout the tour we will sample authentic Hungarian cuisine!
Having flown to Budapest, the capital of Hungary split in two by the Danube, our first destination is Bükk National Park for the first 2 nights. The Bükk is characterised by dense broad-leaved forests, traditionally farmed fields, flowering meadows and vineyards. This is the best area in the country for Ural and Eagle Owls, and no less than nine species of woodpecker are present for potential sightings, including the rare White-backed Woodpecker. It is also facilitates the breeding of bountiful birds of prey including Goshawk, Eastern Imperial, Short-toed and Lesser Spotted Eagles. There will be many conspicuous birds to enjoy such as Woodlark, Red-backed Shrike, Black Redstart and Barred Warbler to name but a few.
We then head to the northern part of Kiskunság National Park for the next 2 nights. This tranquil lowland region of steppe, sandy dunes, farmland and wooded copses is one of Hungary’s most important areas for the Great Bustard, which we will hope to see in full display! Collared Pratincoles also breed here, whilst ponds and gravel pits attract all three marsh terns, plus Red-crested Pochard and Ferruginous Duck. Fringing reedbeds are home to Moustached, Savi’s and Great Reed Warblers, whilst overhead there are hunting Montagu’s Harrier, Saker Falcon and Red-footed Falcon. European Roller and Lesser Grey Shrike dot the roadside wires and we can also expect to see Hoopoes, Golden Oriole and Bluethroat here as well.
We then head to the centre of Kiskunság National Park for the final 3 nights of the tour, where we will split our time between hides and birding the nearby ponds and wetlands. Arguably the hides will be the highlight of the tour, as we will have access to a series of them that afford incredibly close views of many species including colonies of Red-footed Falcon and European Bee-eater. Whilst we will not be there in the early morning and evening for the best light, the opportunities for photography at close range will be available, or to simply spend the time quietly watching the birds going about their business. Species that either nest within the vicinity or regularly come into the feeders and baths include European Roller, Hoopoe, Middle Spotted and Black Woodpecker, Turtle Dove, Yellow Wagtail, and Nightingale as well as more common woodland and grassland species). In the wetlands we can expect to see raptors such as Eastern Imperial and White-tailed Eagle, herons, egrets, terns, warblers singing in the reedbeds and waterfowl.
With our holiday at an end we will return to Budapest. From here you can either complete your journey home or perhaps consider extending your stay with a couple of nights in Hungary’s attractive and vibrant capital.
This is not a photography focussed holiday, but rather a great opportunity to see many of the key Eastern European species that Hungary has to offer, with the likelihood of some great images for those that wish to bring a camera.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Fly Budapest and transfer to Bükk National Park
Day 2
Bükk National Park
Day 3
Bükk NP and northern Kiskunság National Park
Day 4
Northern Kiskunság National Park
Day 5
Northern & Central Kiskunság NP
Day 6/7
Central Kiskunság NP
Day 8
Fly London
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation: Comfortable hotels throughout, all with private facilities.
- Food: All included in the price.
Reviews
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The driver, and especially the local guide, gladly gave us the benefit of their great ornithological expertise.
F. & B.I. London -
The local leader was excellent - a good leader and with great knowledge of local birds.
C.K. Tyne & Wear -
The trip was considered a success by us all. We saw so many birds, flora and amphibians. The guides were outstandingly helpful. The whole party got on extremely well.
E.H. Somerset -
Hungary has so much wildlife in the spring and has so many excellent wildlife sites that 8 days proved far too short.
N & M. Dorset -
The driver was brilliant and took great care of his passengers at all times.
J.B. Cheshire -
Tim's [Melling] knowledge and enthusiasm was terrific.
C.N. Surrey -
In 37 years of birding I have never come across a more skilled birder - his eyes and ears, as well as his knowledge of Hungary’s birds, are wonderful.
P.S. Kent -
I have rated both trip leaders as excellent but in fact they were outstanding, not only for their knowledge of the plumage, song and other calls of nearly every bird in Europe. I am not a twitcher or even a birder like the rest of the party but just someone who enjoys watching birds. The others, however, were eager to give me help and advice and this added greatly to my enjoyment of the holiday.
J.S. Nottinghamshire -
I thought this was an excellent holiday and I will be travelling both to Hungary, and with Naturetrek, again. Keep up the good quality.
M.N. Wiltshire
Dates & Prices
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Wed 22nd Apr – Wed 29th Apr
SPACES
£2,695
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£315
2027
Departures
Availability
Cost
Wed 21st Apr – Wed 28th Apr
SPACES
£2,695
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£315
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
Enquire
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
