April 19 – 29 Sat - Tue
Group Size: 7
Starting Point: Moscow
Based: Prioksko-Terrasny and Astrakhan each 1 night
Astrakhansky Reserve and Kalmykia Steppes each 4 nights
Walking: Easy
Description :
The Volga, longest river in Europe, terminates at its outflow into the greatest enclosed body of water on Earth - the Caspian Sea - which has an even larger area than that of the American Great Lakes or Lake Victoria in East Africa. The river outflow culminates in the huge Volga Delta, which is a central feature of this exciting new exploratory tour to Southern Russia.
Extensive meadows are fissured by broad waterways and fast-flowing streams, which promote well-developed floodplain forests featuring extensive stands of willows, poplars and alders.
The area is an intersection of migration routes for numerous waterfowl, waders and small passerines, with over 230 species of nesting birds having been recorded. It is a significant meeting zone between east and west. Species of particular interest to us include Dalmatian Pelican, White-tailed Eagle, Great Black-headed Gull and Caspian Tern. There are of course a great many more, but a comprehensive list would be too exhaustive for this brief description - suffice to say that the final checklist tally will be quite considerable.
European Beaver, Muskrat, Otter and Wild Boar are among mammals; reptiles include European Pond Terrapin plus several snakes, and inevitably there are huge quantities of amphibians. The area in botanically rich, the Lotus Nelumbo nucifera occurring nowhere else in Russia.
West of the delta we explore an area of immense steppes and lakes. Here the elegant Demoiselle Crane and Black-winged Pratincole are common breeding birds, together with colonies of Red-footed Falcons. The steppes are also haunts of Steppe Eagle, Saker Falcon, bustards, larks and plovers, plus the intriguing Saiga Antelope.
Timing of the tour coincides with the last part of the spring migration, when most breeding birds have returned - and the mosquitos which later plague the area are not significantly active. Daytime temperatures should be around 18 - 20ºC.
A more comprehensive description of the areas visited, together with reference to wildlife that may be encountered, is under preparation and will be available in due course - let us know if you would like to receive a copy.
Itinerary
Day 1 Sat...Midday Rendezvous:
From London Heathrow we fly out to Moscow where we are met by our escort and interpreter, then drive by minibus (100kms.) to our accommodation in Prioksko-Terrasny Reserve, near the town of Serpukhov south of the capital. Here we have opportunity to observe some of the birdlife of Central Russia.
Day 2 Sun:
After a morning of birdwatching in the reserve we travel to Domodedovo Airport, 22 kms. south-east of Moscow, for a late afternoon flight to Astrakhan (2 hrs. 30 mins.), spending a night in the city.
Day 3 - 6 Mon - Thu:
We transfer to our accommodation base in Astrakhansky Biosphere Reserve in The Volga Delta, from where we explore and wildlife-watch an extensive range of habitats by way of easy walks and boat excursions.
Day 7 - 10 Fri - Mon:
Morning transfer to the Kalmykia Steppe region, immediately west of Astrakhan, where lakes are checked for waterfowl and waders, while Steppe Eagles, Demoiselle Cranes and Black-winged Pratincoles are seen on their breeding grounds in the steppe, and Saiga Antelope is observed.
Day11 Tue:
Following an early breakfast we travel directly to Astrakhan to catch the morning flight back to Moscow, with an early afternoon connecting flight to London Heathrow.
Cost: £1465...includes:
Ten nights dinner, b&b in twin rooms (en suite days 1 & 2 only); lunches days 2-10; all excursions and transfers; tips (if tour is fully subscribed).
Excludes:
Air travel, visa (£40).
Deposit: £150
Single Room Supplement: £150
Flight cost from London Gatwick to Astrakhan via Moscow: circa £350.
See 'About Us' for statement about flights.