Endangered Lynx
Guided safaris for optimum encounters with lynx in their wild habitat.
This in-depth eight-day itinerary allows for a greater understanding of the Iberian lynx and those working tirelessly to protect it. With time given to explore Granada, the biggest thrill of this holiday is the opportunity to uncover little known pockets of rural Spain – its wildlife, food and culture.
With birds, otters, bison, wild boar and red deer to be spotted, this exploration of Spain’s dehesa offers fabulous natural and cultural experiences. A donation to CBD – Habitat is included in the price of the trip. This is not an off-the-shelf itinerary. It has been careful curated by the wildlife travel team at Steppes in conjunction with wildlife and conservation experts at The European Nature Trust. The itinerary can easily be changed to meet with your individual needs while still keeping the essential ingredients of privileged access and insight into the work of The European Nature Trust.
Guided safaris for optimum encounters with lynx in their wild habitat.
Feast on local honey, golden olive oils and famous Iberian hams.
Wander the peaceful streets of Zafra and take a private tour of the Alhambra Palace.
Spot birds from vultures to kingfishers and bonellis eagles to azure winged magpies.
Day 1
Seville - Zafra
Day 2
Zafra
Day 3
Zafra - Sierra Morena
Days 4 & 5
Sierra Morena
Day 6
Sierra Morena - Granada
Day 7
Granada
Day 8
Granada
Day 1
Seville - Zafra
Arrive into Seville and drive to Zafra. Evening presentation by CBD Habitat with drinks and dinner.
Day 2
Zafra
After breakfast set off with CBD in search of the Iberian lynx. Following lunch explore the authentic town of Zafra. Late afternoon look for the many regional raptors including the Spanish Imperial eagle. Local dinner with wine and olive oil tasting.
Day 3
Zafra - Sierra Morena
Up for sunrise for a final morning with CBD Habitat. As the morning warms up giant cinereous vultures may be spotted overhead. After breakfast drive to Andalucia with lunch en route. Late this afternoon arrive in the heart of Sierra Morena for sunset drinks after a tour of the stunning finca, your home for the next three nights and its extensive grounds.
Days 4 & 5
Sierra Morena
Two days based in the Sierra Morena. Wake with the chorus of red legged partridge and little owls for your first wildlife walk, where there is the opportunity to observe bison, deer, wild boar and of course the lynx. After a local lunch travel up to the Virgen de la Cabeza, a Marian apparition and statue of the Madonna and Child. Spend a relaxed afternoon before an evening reserve drive followed by dinner at the Finca.
Day 6
Sierra Morena - Granada
Bid farewell to the land of the Iberian lynx and head to the ancient city of Granada via Cazorla Natural Park, home to magnificent bearded vulture. Spend the evening in Granada.
Day 7
Granada
Embark on a morning private tour of the Alhambra Palace before lunch and a free afternoon to explore the city.
Day 8
Granada
Depart Granada for your onward journey.
CBD – Habitat works tirelessly to protect the Iberian lynx and its habitats. Their aims are to foster a respect and understanding of the environment, working in partnership with local landowners to avoid lynx and human conflict. These efforts have seen the lynx grow from the 100 found in 2001 to the current 500 individuals believed to inhabit the region today.
You will spend three days in search of the lynx among the rolling hills of the Sierra Morena. This range stretches for more of 400 kilometres across southern Spain, creating a natural barrier between Extremadura and Andalucía. Few tourists visit these pine and oak clad hills giving a sense of space and remoteness, perfect for peaceful wildlife exploration.
Expert nature guides will be on hand to ensure the best possible wildlife sightings. Our partners have an intimate knowledge of this region and an uncanny knack of being in the right place at the right time. When available, guests will be joined by Luke Massey, an award-winning wildlife photographer and cameraman, described by Chris Packham as “an exceptional young man”. Together with his photography work Luke is an established nature guide.
Stay in charming boutique hotels, offering a genuine sense of place, local hospitality and great food. While in Sierra Morena time will be spent on a private reserve where the family are working to sustain lynx habitats. This country property lies within one of the largest lynx populations.
It all starts here
Let’s put that once-in-a-lifetime trip in your hands. Get in touch with the team and we will work with you at every step to make sure that it’s extraordinary.
01285 880 980Get in touch with our travel experts to start
creating your tailor-made holiday.
The below price is based on a group of six people and includes a donation to TENT’s conservation projects in the region. Contact our team for an individual quote.
The prime time to see lynx is from late October until early May, however from December to May is the best time for travel throughout Southern Spain. From February onward temperatures begin to increase and the female lynx have kittens making viewings very challenging.
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?