Velebit is the largest nature-protected area in Croatia, home to a variety of wildlife, and one of the best preserved areas of nature in the Mediterranean. It is also a place of connection – it is a 140-kilometre-long and 10 to 30-kilometre-wide mountain range situated right next to the Adriatic sea to the west, and a forested area to the east. Thanks to it, three climates meet there – moderate, mountainous and Mediterranean. It is a vast area of 220,000 hectares, rich in forests, including old-growth forests, encompassing also alpine meadows, canyons, rivers, cliffs, ridges facing the sea, mountain tops, etc. 🐻 Velebit is one of the few areas where all three big beasts live side by side – grey wolf, Eurasian lynx, and the brown bear. The Balkan chamois are often seen sun-bathing on barren ridges, whereas red deer and roe deer roam the rich forests and meadows. Wild boar herds dig dirt in search of food, as red foxes silently move in the shadows of centuries-old trees. As many as 257 species of birds have been recorded in Velebit, including griffon vultures, as well as the eagle-owl, peregrine falcon, short-toed eagle, golden eagle, woodpecker, and Eurasian hoopoe. It is a breeding ground for pygmy owl, Tengmalm’s owl, white-backed woodpecker, ortolan bunting, and a home to one of the few remaining capercaillie leks. Set deep in the Velebit wilderness, wildlife watching hides offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in abundant nature, far away from populated areas. Surrounded by forests, distant from humans, it is a chance to experience the authenticity and richness of preserved nature. 🦌 A day- or a night-stay in modern and simple recently-built hides, including beds and a toilet, is possible, hosting up to four people. Isolated from the surroundings, the hides are equipped with audio systems, giving the opportunity to closely listen to the sounds of the wild. You might also see a bear looking for berries, a wolf and a lynx on the hunt for their prey, as well as deer, wild boar, a badger or a fox, as well as various birds. With a view of the sea in the background, you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of griffon vultures feeding.

Programme

📍Your adventure begins with a convenient pick-up at the agreed location, where your guide welcomes you and sets the stage for the day. On the way to the wildlife hide, the guide will share fascinating insights about Velebit, its role as a vital wildlife corridor, and the essential guidelines to ensure a respectful and safe stay. 🕐 For day visits, guests enjoy a delicious lunch before heading to the hide. For overnight stays, your guide provides lunch boxes and refreshing drinks to take along. After your immersive experience in nature, the guide will accompany you back to your original meeting point, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey from start to finish.

What's Included?

- An all-terrain vehicle with a driver​/​guide, who will usher guests to the hide, and pick them up to drive them back. - A day-stay or a night-stay in the hide is possible. - Lunch box with a drink. 👉🏼 PRICES: The experience is offered at a fixed group rate of €390. ☀️ Day Stay: Up to 4 people can enjoy a day experience in the wildlife hide for €390. 🌙Overnight Stay: Each hide accommodates 2 people. An overnight stay for 2 people is €390. For 4 people, two hides are required, making the total €780. This simple structure ensures flexibility for both small and larger groups, while keeping the base price always the same: €390.

How your experience helps rewilding efforts

🐻 Wildlife watching hides are providing a shift in the local economy, offering a nature-based, sustainable alternative to traditional economic models. As it helps lower the hunting pressure, this transformation increases the abundance of wildlife, opening numerous opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

Group size

From 2 to 8 people.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Meeting point - location agreed before the experience with the guide. - Duration: Day stay & overnight stay - Overnight stay (max 2 people) in the hide is from 17:00 hours to 09:00 next morning. Daystay (max 4 people) in the hide is from 14:00 hours till 21:00 hours. - Tourists spend time on their own in the hide (guide is not present during their stay)