The staff of Professional Team are specialists
in Carpathian Large Carnivore observation. We have been
taking foreign visitors to watch bears at special observatories,
and trekking on mountain paths that offer excellent wildlife
viewing, for a number of years. We are often able to
observe red deer in the rutting season (15 September
- 15 October), capercaillie during their mating season
(April - May), and chamois on the high ridges of the
Carpathian Mountains.
Because bears can be dangerous at close quarters,
we will be accompanied by a Ranger at bear watching locations.
In order to minimise the impact on the wildlife we require a minimum
of three persons and maximum of eight persons per evening. We will
leave the bear watching hide to return to the guesthouse before
sunset. These bears are truly wild and we have a 70 - 75% chance
of seeing them at the hides. However we cannot guarantee sightings!
When hiking on unmarked paths we will be accompanied
by Rangers from the Piatra Craiului National Park.
The trainers of the Professional Team Company
are members of the Zarnesti Mountain Rescue Team and Romanian Ski-Climbing
Federation. We are professionals certified by the Romanian Mountain
Guides Associations and we have considerable experience in training
teenagers.
We are authorised by the Romanian Ministry of
Tourism - National Tourism Authority as “Local Guides” (certificate
no. 2295/2005) and “Mountain Guide” (certificate no.
2467/2005). At all times during our adventure activities special
attention is given to safety aspects and procedures.
Essential equipment and clothing needed
Besides ordinary travelling clothes you will also need: a small backpack, comfortable
walking boots with good ankle support, water bottle, waterproof jacket and
warm sweater, sunglasses, sunscreen and sun hat.
Medical and Health Requirements
To the best of our knowledge the Romanian Government does not currently require
you to have any special vaccinations. Please consult your family doctor (G.P.)
before your visit to Romania. All our activities imply physical effort, walking
long distances at medium and high altitudes and possibly climbing. Please
check with your doctor if your health allows you to participate! Participants
must be at least 10 years old. Participants under
age must have parents’ written agreement.
You must have travel insurance which must include:
- Accident and medical treatment
- Medical repatriation
- Loss of or theft of baggage, personal belongings, money, credit cards, etc.
- Cancellation, curtailment or change to programme
You must ensure that your insurance is suitable
for adventure activities such as: climbing, abseiling, horse riding,
skiing, high altitude hiking, or any other activity as specified
in the programme itinerary.
"WILDLIFE" THREE DAY ITINERARY
If you have more time available to spend in nature and around
wildlife, we offer you a new experience in the Piatra Craiului
National Park. We are specialised in wildlife observation. You
have a good chance of seeing large carnivores but we make no guarantees!
In order to minimise the impact on wildlife, groups will be between
3 and 8 people.
First day:
- meet at guesthouse in Zarnesti / Magura area
- gentle acclimatisation hike through hay meadows to Coltii Chiliilor
monastery
Second day:
08.30 - hiking on the trail of Carpathian large carnivores
11.30 - visit traditional sheepfold at Curmatura
12.00 - picnic
13.00 - enter the domain of the chamois around Piatra
Craiului ridge
14.30 - ascend the rocky northern slopes of Piatra Craiului
17.30 - hike back down to guesthouse
Third day:
08.30 - meet at guesthouse
09.20 - follow trails of large carnivores in the virgin
forests of the Piatra Craiului National Park. Picnic
lunch on route
17.00 - drive to bear watching hide
22.30 - return to Zarnesti
23.00 - departure
Price: 247 EURO per person
Includes: specialised wildlife and mountain guiding,
full-board accommodation in a luxury guesthouse for two nights,
and use of bear watching hide. These bears are truly wild and we
have a 70 - 75% chance of seeing them at the hides. We cannot guarantee
sightings!
