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 eighteen 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.
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 in wild-life observations.
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!
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.
"THREE DAYS IN WILD NATURE" WINTER ITINERARY
It can be quite easy to get near to wildlife in
winter. We will travel by cross-country ski or snow-shoes, exploring
areas frequented by wild animals at this time of the year. Skis
and snow-shoes are essential in winter in the Piatra Craiului area
as we usually have deep snow. For wildlife conservation reasons,
groups must be a minimum of three persons and maximum of eighteen
during the day.
First day:
- meet at guesthouse
- visit Zarnesti and Coltii Chiliilor monastery
Second day:
08.30 - meet at guesthouse
10.00 - hike to Sirnea village. Picnic lunch on route
17.30 - return to guesthouse
18.00 - dinner
Third day:
09.00 - meet at guesthouse
09.30 - exploring a large carnivore area around Prapastiile
Zarnestului. Picnic lunch on route
17.00 - return to guesthouse
18.00 - depart
Includes: specialised wildlife and mountain guides,
all local transport, all fees charged for walking in the forest
to make wildlife observations. Also included is full-board accommodation
at a three star guesthouse for two nights. Not included are hire
fees for cross-country skis or snow shoes. If you don’t have
your own, we can provide these for hire. All persons in the team
should have similar equipment.