The majority of our itineraries spend time in the High Tatras or other mountainous areas.
Therefore the text below mainly relates to these areas, other areas are less extreme and generally involve less strenuous walking.
The High Tatras is the highest mountain range in Central Europe outside of the Alps.
There is also a high density of bears in the region. The unique terrain makes it possible to have a good chance of seeing bears
at certain times of the year without the need to use Hides. The reason for this is because of the steep slopes
and the occurrence of avalanches in the winter these clear tracks down the mountains which are full of the grasses
and berries that the bears eat in the spring and autumn.
We look for bears in two ways. Firstly by moving along the bottom of the valleys it is possible to look up and see bears eating.
These initial sightings are often at quite a distance, we use optical equipment to 'bring' the bears closer.
After watching the bears from a distance, depending on terrain and time we will endeavour to get closer on foot.
The second method we use is to walk into areas that we know, from experience, are well-used haunts of bears.
In these cases we will often get closer than by the previous method.
Although the sightings are not as close as the sightings from a hide these are sightings that do not alter the behaviour
of the bears virtually all hides in Romania, Bulgaria and the rest of Europe use bait to attract the bears.
This gives good chances of seeing the bears from a close distance but it alters their natural behaviour considerably.
Baiting animals has been stopped in Africa and Asia (tigers and leopards) but for some reason it is still
considered acceptable in Europe we disagree we believe that this should be the future for bear watching in Europe.
We believe that we are the only bear watching outfit that can offer non-hide based trips with a virtually guaranteed
chance of sightings.
The chances of seeing bears is very high here, in fact apart from the great salmon runs in North America,
this area gives clients the best chance possible to see Brown bears in their natural habitat in the world.
In May/June and September/October the chances of seeing a bear are above 90% (based on three days in the mountains).
With regard to other wildlife, there are virtually guaranteed chances of seeing the Tatra Chamois and the Tatra Marmot,
both unique subspecies to the region. In addition there are good chances of seeing red deer, roe deer and foxes as well
as many birds such as the Golden Eagle and different types of grouse. There are also wild boar, lynx and wolves in the
mountains however these are extremely difficult to see however each time we go into the mountains we increase our
knowledge and hence the chances of seeing these animals. We will almost certainly see wolf tracks and wolf spoor,
and we can also show you picture of wolves and lynx from our camera traps.
All walks are accompanied by an English-speaking Stunning Slovakia wildlife and walking guide.
On some days you will also be accompanied by a National Park Ranger.
You will only need to carry a day pack whilst walking. On some days you might have to carry overnight gear but these
are few and you will be prewarned. Your other belongings will be transported to your destination by vehicle.
Accommodation
Whilst in the mountains we generally stay in Ranger cottages, our clients are the only tourists that can officially
use these cottages. Due to the variable size and conditions of the cottages there are no hard and fast rules.
Generally it has to be expected that you will be sleeping in small dormitory style rooms (4 bed).
We will allocate rooms dependent on sex of client therefore it may be that we have to split couples up to do this.
We do try to accommodate everyone in the fairest possible way. As described in the accommodation section we try to use
cottages that have internal toilets and washing facilities, sometimes however this is not possible.
In these cases we will provide a chemical toilet. Although they sound rustic the cottages, due to their remoteness
and traquility, are often a highlight of each person's trip.
The Walking and Fitness Required
The unique partnership between Projekt Medved' and TANAP (High Tatras National Park Authorities) allows our clients access
to non-tourist trails. These trails are obviously much quieter than regular tourist trails and therefore present much higher
chances of seeing wildlife.
The waymarked mountain trails we sometimes follow are very well maintained and are comparable (if not better)
than trails in Snowdonia, the Lake District and the Scottish Highlands. Conditions underfoot are usually rough and rocky.
The non-tourist trails are less predictable however the expert guiding will pick the best routes to ascent and descent.
Again this walking can be compared to some of the tougher walking in the aforementioned UK walking areas.
This is a mountainous area so there are naturally ascents and descents. The majority of these are relatively
straightforward however there are occasional steeper sections. The steepest sections are usually no longer than
45 minutes and obviously you are rewarded with either great views at the top or access to some very wildlife rich areas.
Whilst the attraction of walking with bears is naturally of great romantic appeal, we must stress that this remains
quite a challenging walking holiday, therefore you will need to be in good shape physically.
The maximum altitude achieved will be below 2500m. You must be capable of walking 7-9hrs per day continuously
in mountainous terrain - however hopefully much of this time will be spent sitting watching wildlife.
Some days are less focussed on walking, these start with a game drive in the valley floor, often, after having seen
something from the vehicle; we will then walk to track it - these walks are shorter but often the steepest.
Equipment required
With regard to what you should bring, this is a mountain environment so the weather can change quickly and dramatically.
Therefore we suggest waterproof jackets and trousers, warm clothes, hats, gloves.
However it can be quite hot if the sun comes out so shorts and t-shirts should also be suggested.
We highly recommend that people bring binoculars.
CLOTHING:
Walking boots and spare laces
Trainers/approach shoes
Trekking Pants
Short trousers
Light fleece
Thick fleece
Thermal Baselayer shirt
Waterproof jacket with hood
Waterproof trousers
Warm Gloves
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
EQUIPMENT:
Daypack/rucksack (size 40-50 litre capacity)
Water bottle (1 litre - you can fill this up in mountain springs that have very clean water)
Torch (and spare bulb and batteries)
Camera & accessories
Binoculars
Sunglasses
Washing/Shaving kit
Insect Repellent
Small personal First Aid kit (see section above)
Anti-Bacterial Handwash
Sun Cream & lip salve
Blister plasters i.e. Compeed
