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I can not praise too much Enerit Sacdanaku, a brilliant and diligent guide who was very attentive to the needs of all participants and had the patience of a saint. Worked his socks off as a guide and ensuring hotel stops went smoothly and ensuring we were very well fed (the food was of an excellent quality and choice). The loggerhead turtle on the last morning was a wonderful surprise addition. He made the holiday for me, together with a great group of participants who gelled really well.
G.W, Hampshire, June '23
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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The Reptiles & Amphibians of Albania
Tour Code: ALB02An 8-day holiday through the stunning landscapes of Albania, searching for the numerous reptiles and amphibians of this Balkan country, a hidden gem of the Mediterranean region.
8 days
from
£2,095 (Inc flights)
£2,095 (Inc flights)
Land only price
from
£1,945
£1,945
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
An exploration of the Republic of Albania is a tantalizing prospect for the naturalist and indeed especially for anyone with an interest in seeing Europe’s reptile and amphibian species. On this exciting 8-day holiday we will travel through Albania's most stunning scenery to explore a variety of species-rich habitats, staying at lovely 3* and 4* hotels throughout, in search of the wildlife of this little-known, picturesque, Balkan country. Intact habitats and a Mediterranean climate provide paradise for reptile- and amphibian-life, and in Albania they can be encountered with rare abundance for a European country, and a diversity of over 40 species. On an itinerary carefully prepared by herpetologists and biologists of the University of Tirana, we will go in search of such special species as Greek Meadow Viper (Vipera graeca), Meadow Viper (Vipera ursinii) and Albanian Pool Frog (Pelophylax shqipericus) – 3 endangered species – alongside a plethora of over 55 species which includes all three species of European tortoise, two species of terrapin, Fire Salamander and an impressive range of frog, lizard, and snake species.
The group size for this holiday is limited to just seven participants as we seek to find and photograph some of Europe's special reptile- and amphibian-life. For further detail, please download the tour's itinerary above.
- Enjoy a standout area for reptile and amphibian abundance in all of Europe
- Breathtaking scenery
- A chance to see all three European tortoise species; Hermann's, Marginated and Spur-thighed
- Explore pristine freshwater habitats for beautiful Balkan Terrapin
- Search for the country's two endangered meadow vipers, Leopard Snake and the highly sought Shkodra Lake (Lake Scutari) locale of Nose-horned Viper
- Survey for the regions’ amphibians including the near-endemic and rare Albanian Pool Frog
- Visit Maligrad Island (Snake Island) known for its high densities of snakes and other reptiles
- The range of special lizards include such species as Dalmatian Algyroides, Balkan Green Lizard, Erhard’s Wall Lizard, Glass Lizard and Snake-eyed Skink
This exciting tour is part of our portfolio of herpetology holidays.
Grading
On a typical day on our herpetology tours we’ll begin searching in the field after breakfast, when the sun has warmed the substrates and landscapes, often getting into the vehicles at 9am and, after stopping for approximately one hour for lunch (which is often a continental-style picnic eaten in situ), we’ll continue into early-evening when we will stop for a rest and dinner. Most evenings it will be possible to do excursions in search of nocturnal species, which will on average be for three hours after dinner. With an equal percentage of the target reptile and amphibian species likely to be nocturnal, these night searches are an important part of the tour but are optional, with some participants preferring to rest on some of the days. On average, 5-8 miles are walked per day.
We’ll focus our time in the field on building an enviable list of reptile and amphibian species seen. Whilst searching, there is no doubt we’ll come across a huge variety of amazing fauna and flora, which we’ll also take time to enjoy, but reptiles and amphibians will strongly remain our focus. Sensitively checking under stones, logs and other refugia is an effective way of finding many species. Some of the target reptile or amphibian species may require longer field hours to locate and therefore this tour is suitable, and most enjoyable, for experienced herpetologists or naturalists who, aside from wishing to see the region’s rarely-seen reptiles and amphibians, relish being in the field searching for and identifying the vast array of birds, butterflies, invertebrates, orchids and other wildlife which can be found sharing the wonderful habitats that we’ll explore on the tour.
In summary, Naturetrek herpetology holidays are suitable, and offer tremendous value, for those who spend most of their holiday time in wildlife habitats and for whom seeing some of the world’s superb reptiles and amphibians is the focus of their time away.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Fly Corfu/Tirana
Day 2
Butrint National Park
Day 3
Nemercke Mountain
Day 4
Prespa National Park
Day 5
Maligrad Island and Peshkopi
Day 6
Korab Mountain
Day 7
Shkodra Lake (Lake Scutari)
Day 8
Inbound flights from Tirana
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
Comfortable 4* and 3* en suite accommodation throughout
- Food:
All meals including mineral water, starting with dinner on Day 1 and finishing with breakfast on Day 8.
Reviews
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The tour leader, Enerit, was brilliant. He literally left no stone unturned in showing us the reptiles and amphibians of his home country. He was extremely knowledgeable, a good communicator and had a great sense of humour. He was supportive of all of the group and especially one member who had medical issues as well as being less mobile. If there are any awards for best tour leader at Naturetrek, he should be nominated!
H.G, London, June '23 -
We could not have wished for a more diligent tour leader. Enerit was totally attentive to our needs and proved an ideal companion for our week. We saw brilliant landscapes, some great wildlife and with Albania, a fascinating mix of cultures and architectural styles. All absorbing. The mountain landscapes in the evening light were a special joy.
R.H, Kent, May '23 -
Tour leader Enerit's knowledge was incredible and we saw what we came to see. Perhaps the best tour leader I have ever had. He fully explained everything. It was excellent and I would do the same tour again.
R.C, USA, May '23 -
We would like to express our appreciation and thanks to tour leaders Dan Lay and Enerit Sacdanaku. Both made “The Reptiles & Amphibians of Albania” a fantastic expedition. Their enthusiasm, drive, willingness to adjust based on circumstances, their knowledge and input in the identification of amphibians and reptiles, and other observations, their skills as drivers both on asphalt and off-road etc… From the first meeting we felt a connection. This was confirmed day-after-day by the dynamics that made us ‘one team’. A joke, a laugh, a good conversation, etc… it was part of enjoying every day and saying goodbye, which in itself was harder than expected. Superlatives cannot express how fantastic the “The Reptiles & Amphibians of Albania” tour was and how we will remember it as a beautiful, special experience, all with the common goal of enjoying and protecting nature.
A.VH. Belgium, June 2022
Dates & Prices
2024
Departures
Availability
Cost
Thu 16th May – Thu 23rd May
FULL
£2,095
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
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,945
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£205
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Enerit Sacdanaku
Tour Leader: Enerit Sacdanaku
Dr. Enerit Sacdanaku is a passionate Albanian herpetologist who is heavily involved in research initiatives and projects on the amphibians and reptiles of Albania. After his graduation in 2010, Enerit worked as a lecturer at the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Vlora in Albania until 2015 when he moved to the National Research Center on Flora and Fauna of Albania. In 2017, he was awarded the title Doctor of Sciences, thanks to his research carried out on the biology of marine and freshwater turtles. Enerit has published a number of scientific papers on the fauna of Albania and has a particular interest in being involved in the conservation of its herpetofauna through sustainable tourism and he greatly enjoys guiding visitors.
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!
