Birding in Southern Albania: Spring and Autumn

From EUR1,300.00

Trip Type

Birding
Activities

Birding
Group Size

2 Min - 6 Max
Reviews

0 Reviews
Locations

All Destinations , Balkans Tours
Trip Duration

8 Day(s) 7 Night(s)

Keywords Birding , Greece , Narta , Prespa , South Albania , Wildlife

Trip code WT-CODE 3905

Birding in Southern Albania

Explore the rich natural treasures of Albania and the Prespa region of Greece on this 8-day biodiversity tour. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, this journey takes you from ancient lakes and alpine landscapes to coastal lagoons and breathtaking mountains, offering unforgettable encounters with diverse wildlife and spectacular scenery.

The tour begins with your arrival at Tirana International Airport, followed by a scenic transfer to the tranquil shores of Lake Ohrid. On the second day, explore the biodiversity of Ohrid and Prespa National Parks, encountering endemic fish, nesting waterbirds, and reed-dwelling passerines, and enjoy a boat trip to Maligrad Island to observe pelicans, snakes, and lizards. Day three takes you to the Prespa Alpine areas for a day immersed in birdwatching, butterfly spotting, and discovering rare endemic plants. On day four, cross into Greece to witness the world's largest Dalmatian Pelican colony and explore the Greek side of Prespa Lake. The fifth day highlights the Valamara Mountains, home to the Balkan Lynx and other elusive mammals, along with diverse birdlife. Day six offers a journey through the stunning southern landscapes of Albania, focusing on raptors like the Egyptian Vulture. Conclude your wildlife adventure on day seven at the Vjosë-Nartë Wetlands, Albania’s top birdwatching site, before returning home on day eight with unforgettable memories of Albania’s incredible natural wonders.

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Itineraries

Day 1

Arrivals

Arrivals at Tirana International Airport and drive (for around 2.5 hour) towards the city of Pogradec, situated along the shoreline of Ohrid Lake and check in to the hotel.

Day 2

Ohrid and Prespa National Park

Ohrid Lake is one of the oldest lakes in Europe of over 2 million years. It is a Protected Area at National Level and recognized as a biodiversity hotspot at International Level. Ohrid Lake is recognized for its endemic fish species such as the Ohrid Belvica (Salmo ohridanus) and the Brown Trout (Salmo letnica) that will be seen in this journey. In addition, this lake is recognized at international level as an Important Bird Area. In the breeding season the water birds that are mostly nesting in the area are the Great Crested Grebe, Goosander, Common Coot, etc. On the other hand, presence of Pygmy Cormorants in groups is always present in the lake. The reed beds of the lake are nesting habitat for a number of passerine birds such as Bearded Tit, Great Reed Warbler, Reed Warbler, Reed Bunting etc.

After making several stops on the way and take lunch in Ohrid Lake we will drive further to south to the National Park of Prespa Lakes. Upon arrival, the group will make a boat visit at Maligrad Island or the Snake Island. Here we will see commonly both species of water snakes that are found there: Grass Snake and Dice Snake. Several Lizard species, such as the Balkan Wall Lizard etc. In addition to that both species of pelicans that are found in Albania: the Dalmatian Pelican and the Great White Pelican and many other species of water birds will be observed in this part of the trip.

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Pass the night at nice hotel closed to the shore of Ohrid Lake.

Day 3

Alpines of Prespa

Start the day around 8:00 and drive for around 1.5 hours towards the amazing Alpines of Prespa and spend the whole day watching birds, butterflies and flowers. Here we will be able to see a great number of interesting birds such as the Rock Thrush, Blue Rock Thrush, Northern Wheatear, Black-eared Wheatear, Ortolan Bunting, Tawny Pipit, Skylark, Woodlark, the very rare species (for Albania) of the Horned Lark, Montagu’s Harrier, Long-Legged Buzzard, and many other species of birds.

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In addition, the area of Prespa is well-known for the endemic and sub endemic plants counting a number or around 20 plants holding this status. It can be mentioned here: Astragalus mayeri, Centaurea galicicae, Centaurea prespana, Edraianthus horvatii, Festuca Galicicae and Lessermeria kosaninii.

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In the same day a good number of butterflies and fritillaries will be observed.

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Day 4

Greek Prespa

Visit the largest colony in the World of the Dalmatian Pelican in the Greek Part of Prespa Lake and carry out birding along the whole day, accompanied by our local guide. Explore the eastern landscapes of Prespa Also.

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Day 5

Valamara the Lynx Land

The mountainous area of Valamara, represents one of the most important biodiversity hotspot in Albania, holding a very rich number of species of both Flora and Fauna. Here is the 2^nd place in Albania where the Critically Endangered Balkan Lynx has been proven to breed. Balkan Lynx is one of the rarest carnivores in the world counting only around 50 individuals.

We will be able to see here, possibly feces of Balkan Lynx, feces and tracks of Brown Bear, Grey Wolf and other mammals found in the area.

In addition, the area holds a good number of birds, such as the Rock Partridge, Black-Woodpecker, Golden Eagle and many other species.

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Day 6

Prespa to Kurvelesh

Depart Early from Prespa and make few stops on the way. It will be a long driving day but simply amazing with the spring landscapes and wildlife. The day will be dedicated to Egyptian Vulture and many other bird species that are found in the area. The area offers the most amazing mountainous landscapes of the whole southern Albania.

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Day 7

Vjose-Narte

Protected Landscape Vjosë-Nartë represents the most interesting site for bird watching among the wetlands in Albania. The site is unique as it includes a large Salinas where plenty of waders breed, including the Little Tern, the Black-winged Stilt, Pied Avocet, Collared Pratincole, Stone Curlew etc. Land birds such as larks are also common in the site.

[caption id="attachment_3911" align="alignnone" width="1429"] © Birding Albania[/caption]
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