May 2 - 9 Sun - Sun
Group Size: 7
Starting Point: Minsk
Based: Buda Clupinsky 3 nights (shared facilities), Dobroplesy 4 nights (en suite facilities)
Walking: Easy to moderate
Description :
Situated near the Ukraine border, 280 km. south of the capital Minsk, Pripiatsky National Park ranks among Europe's top wildlife destinations. Annual spring flooding of the great Pripiat River is the main essence of the region, promoting characteristic land/waterscapes, extensive raised bogs and unique wetland oak forests.
The sheer volume of birdlife on and around the river is quite staggering, including numerous Terek Sandpipers (highest breeding populations in Europe) and the greatest concentrations of displaying Ruffs to be seen anywhere (up to 150,000 pass through). A Great Snipe lek is located at the edge of the floodplain.
All species of European forest grouse, marsh terns, woodpeckers and harriers occur, plus Eagle, Great Grey and Pygmy Owls, Cranes, Collared and Red-breasted Flycatchers, Bluethroats, Thrush Nightingales and the exquisite Azure Tit - which we never fail to find.
A significant list of mammals includes Eastern Hedgehog, European Beaver, Wild Boar, Elk, European Bison, Raccoon Dog, European Mink, Wolf and Lynx.
Among the diversity of other wildlife we encounter a great many amphibians (unforgettable evening chorus), Raft Spiders, butterflies including Swallowtail and Camberwell Beauty, while Pasque Flower, Yellow Anemone, Bulbous Corydalis, Spring Pea, Bog Rosemary, Labrador Tea, Leatherleaf, Lungwort, Toothwort, May Lily and Bog Arum are among wildflowers.
On the wildlife scene every branch of interest is well catered for.But the Belarus experience features so much more than wildlife. Rural villages will leave us with unforgettable memories. We are welcomed by local peasant folk who delight at our presence, and witness a way of life unimaginable in the west.
Itinerary
Day 1 Sun...Midday Rendezvous: We fly out to the capital Minsk to be met by our escort and interpreter, then travel by minibus (4 hours) to Pripiatsky.
Days 2 - 7 Mon - Sat: Daily walks through a variety of forest and riparian habitats; riverboat excursions exploring the main river channel together with outlying lagoons; visits to rural villages. Evening excursions take place to look for owls and watch beavers.
Day 8 Sun...08:00 Departure: Return to Minsk for the midday flight to London
Cost: £1030...includes: Seven nights dinner, b&b in twin rooms; lunches days 2-7; all excursions plus transfers in Belarus; tips (if tour is fully subscribed).
Excludes: Air travel; visa (£63); tips; bar items etc..
Deposit: £150
No Single Room Supplement
Flight cost from London Gatwick to Minsk: circa £250.
See 'About Us' for statement about flights.
