Montenegro in Spring

Tour Code: MNE01

A 9 day tour exploring this rarely visited country in search of migrating and native birds, as well as other wildlife, including time spent at the scenic Lake Skadar and within the dramatic mountains of Durmitor National Park.

We hope to run this tour in the future, but have not yet finalised dates and prices. To be added to a waiting list and be informed when details are confirmed, please click on the register interest button, or phone 01962 733051.
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

Montenegro is a fantastic little country, rich in history and with stunning scenery. From beaches, sand dunes and salt pans along its coast to the dramatic interior mountains there is a wide range of habitat for wildlife, providing vital stopover points for many migrating birds. Timed to coincide with the spring migration, this tour will focus primarily on birds, although there will also be plenty of plants, amphibians, reptiles and insects to be found. Montenegro is not (yet!) on the main Mediterranean tourist trail, but with its stunning and diverse scenery, we expect to enjoy an outstanding week of birding in this beautiful, welcoming and compact country!

  • Unspoilt forest in dramatic Durmitor National Park
  • Dalmatian Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant & Herons on Skadar Lake
  • Spring migrants including Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Yellow Wagtail & Woodchat Shrike
  • Waders and Gulls in the coastal and wetland habitats
  • Woodpecker & Raptors, including Black & Three-toed Woodpecker 
  • Stunning scenery

Grading

Easy to moderate day walks only

Nestled in the heart of the Balkans, the small country of Montenegro is a ‘hidden jewel’ that lies on the Adriatic coast and boasts some spectacular scenery. In the spring Montenegro plays host to a wide variety of waders and small songbirds such as Subalpine Warbler, Collared Flycatcher and Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler as they return north for the breeding season, joining the country’s native birds, making this an excellent (and relatively unexplored) destination for the keen naturalist.

The holiday will begin with a flight to the Albanian city of Tirana. From here we drive north into Montenegro, to Virpazar, on the north-west shore of Lake Skadar, where we’ll be based for four days. Lake Skadar is home to the most westerly breeding population of Dalmatian Pelicans as well as thousands of Pygmy Cormorants. During our stay in Virpazar, we’ll explore the lake along with the nearby saltpans, sand dunes and wetlands, in search of an exciting variety of sought-after species such as Stone Curlew, Collared Pratincole, Calandra Lark, Levant Sparrowhawk, European Bee-eater, Tawny Pipit, Woodchat Shrike, Savi’s Warbler, Black-necked Grebe as well as various waders, gulls and terns. We'll also visit Lovcen National Park and Tivat Saltpans, journeying past the magnificent Bay of Kotor. 

Next, we will head inland to the forests and jagged (black) mountains of Montenegro’s Durmitor National Park, in search of raptors including Goshawk, Golden Eagle and Short-toed Eagle, plus Grey-headed Woodpecker, Common Crossbill, Firecrest, Crested Tit, Sombre Tit, Crag Martin, Rock Bunting and Blue Rock Thrush. Finally, we conclude our holiday in northern Albania, visiting more coastal wetlands in search of Moustached Warbler and Semi-collared Flycatcher.

DETAILED INFORMATION
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Fly Tirana and transfer to hotel
Day 2/4
Daily excursions from Vizpazar
Day 5/7
Durmitor National Park
Day 8
Northern Albania
Day 9
Fly London
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What's Included

What's Included?

  • Flights
  • Accommodation:

    A mix of hotels, with comfortable accommodation and en-suite rooms.

  • Food: All meals are included in the tour cost.
Why Naturetrek?

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!