Magnificent pelicans and mighty vultures in northern Greece and Bulgaria
Vultures and Pelicans
Fokus Fotoresor
Overview
This trip focuses primarily on large birds, and we travel during the best time.
The trip is divided into two parts.
We drive to Lake Kerkini in northern Greece where it teems with waterfowl. The magnificent Dalmatian pelicans are now in the middle of mating season and at their most colorful. The otherwise yellowish bill now glows in bright saturated red color. The wingspan of a Dalmatian pelican can be up to three meters and the body as long as a human, the bill is up to 80 cm long. This is the world's largest pelican, threatened globally but not here specifically. Ten years ago, the total population was counted at barely 10,000 individuals. There are also some white pelicans here that take on a pink tone during mating season.
In shallow parts of the lake, hundreds of flamingos can stand. We go out on the lake in boats and feed the pelicans with fish, the Dalmatian giants often land on the boat's railing so everything from wide-angle to telephoto works here.
After two full days and a morning with colorful, magnificent pelicans, we continue to southeastern Bulgaria, and to the Rhodope Mountains. Here we focus on vultures, mainly griffon vultures, and we photograph from hides. At the feeding, there are also other birds such as quarrelsome ravens that are always fun to photograph.
In the area there are plenty of deer and with a bit of luck a red fox might also come by. Nearby there is an enclosure with wisent, these are part of a project to rewild Europe and they are gradually released into the wild.
In Bulgaria there will be three intensive photo days - of which two days in the vulture hide - before we head back to the airport in Sofia for the journey home.
Changes may occur depending on weather and other circumstances beyond our control. Changes are made to optimize conditions for good images.
Click on the images below to see them large. All photos © Frode Wendelbo.
Two and a half intensive days photographing the world's largest pelican, the Dalmatian pelican. Boat trips where we use everything from wide-angle to long telephoto lenses.
We go to Lake Kerkini when the Dalmatian pelican is at its most colorful with its almost glowing red bill during mating season, which can become almost a meter long.
Guaranteed action.
Frode has visited the areas several times and provides advice and tips.
Two full days in vulture hides in the Bulgarian mountains, with a chance of snow.
Lots of other birds and animals and fantastic landscapes in the background.
Price
Early bird price
2,330 EUR
per person
Normally 2,570 EUR
Valid until 25 March 2026
10 days left
Then 2,330 EUR t.o.m. 25 March 2026
Secure your spot — registration fee
470 EUR
Travel guarantee included
Small groups, personal experience
Planned for light, timing and photo opportunities
Photo gallery
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Sofia by 1:30 PM at the latest. Meeting for departure by 2:45 PM at the latest. We travel by minibus to Lake Kerkini or to the Rhodope Mountains, whichever comes first. Before booking flights, make sure we have sent out current information or check with Frode.
Day 2-3
Lake Kerkini. After breakfast we go out by boat before the sun rises. The pelicans know what's up and surround us almost immediately. Fish is thrown from the boat and often there's a fight for food. Here shorter focal lengths apply. For portraits, a 70-200 or similar can be good. Also longer focal lengths for incoming or passing birds. There are also plenty of other waterfowl and flamingos. After a few hours in the boat there's lunch and a few hours of rest before we go out by boat again for an evening session.
Day 4
After morning photography, transport to the Rhodope Mountains.
Day 5 - 6
Rhodope Mountains. Here we sit two days in hides up on a mountain with wide views. First come corvids and when the vultures consider the coast clear they drop down. Here it's full days in the hide. Deer and fox can come by and with great luck a golden jackal might appear. We get both sunrise and sunset. There may be snow but we can't expect it. The hide is heated but warm clothes are needed. In the hide a telephoto lens is good but no extreme focal lengths are needed. Griffon vultures are just like pelicans, large birds.
Day 7
Transport to Sofia airport for departure. We are expected to arrive at 11:00 AM. No return flights with departure times earlier than 1:45 PM. Before booking flights, make sure we have sent out current information or check with Frode.
Activities may be rearranged slightly, depending on weather and other conditions.
Practical information
Included in the price
- Accommodation, share of double room.
Not included
- Travel to and from Sofia
- Alcoholic beverages
Guides
Practical information
Number of participants:
Min 5 / Max 6
Equipment:
Camera equipment: really it's as always otherwise: everything or below.
From wide-angle 16-24 mm to long telephoto lens, equivalent to at least 300-400 mm full frame. Fast lenses are an advantage, but with today's modern cameras, high ISOs are no problem. A zoom with aperture 5.6-6.3 also works.
Tripod with detachable tripod head.
Laptop for downloading images and to be able to work with the images.
Clothing: sturdy clothes, boots that can handle some moisture, possibly rain gear. Headlamp.
Allergies etc.:
For special food allergies or similar, please write this down in the box for additional information already in the booking form. And check with us well in advance of the workshop.
Transport on location:
All transport included. There are rarely longer distances to walk.
Arrival at Sofia airport by 1:30 PM at the latest on the first day, before booking flights, check with Frode (phone number and email address will come). Departure from Sofia: earliest 1:30 PM on the final day.
Payment terms:
The payment terms deviate from our general travel conditions. The registration fee is paid via invoice in connection with registration.
The registration fee is 4,000 SEK. This is not refunded upon cancellation.
By November 1, 2025 at the latest, an additional 4,000 SEK is paid, and the remainder is paid 60 days before the trip begins. For later cancellation than November 1, 2025, Fokus retains both the booking fee and the 4,000 paid by November 1 at the latest. If payment is late but cancellation occurs after November 1, Fokus has the right to demand the delayed payment on the then due amount.
For later cancellation than 60 days before the workshop, the full price is charged even if everything has not been paid on time.
Our price is calculated based on a euro rate of 10.90 SEK (March 8, 2025).
Extra travel conditions for this trip:
Our price is calculated based on at least 5 participants. With fewer participants than five, the price is increased by 1,800 kr per booked traveler with four participants, and by 2,800 kr per traveler with only three participants. This is part of the booking rules for this trip. Applies regardless of the price at which the trip was booked. (On the other hand, it means that Fokus does everything not to cancel the trip.)
Information about central rights under directive (EU) 2015/2302
Travel conditions (read more here)
Payment terms deviate for this workshop, see above.
Good to know
Plan early for the best light windows
Early decisions improve flight options, logistics, and access to peak photo opportunities.
See current availability and prices in the booking form above