OFF-GRID | MOUNTAINS | FOREST | BROWN BEARS
Creating the Yellowstone
of Europe
EXPERIENCE
Helicopter flight over the Făgăraș Mountains
hike in the ancient beech pastures of Nucșoara
Bear & bird walking tours
horseback riding in the Strâmba Valley
Starlit glamping with a private chef & wine tasting
INCLUDED
OVERNIGHT IN Sibiu
TOUR OF Sibiu
WILDLIFE TRACKING
DAILY TREKS WITH NATURALIST GUIDE
ACCOMMODATION & transfers
ENGAGEMENT WITH BREEDING PROGRAMME
FULL BOARD THROUGHOUT
DEDICATED HOSTING
WHAT TO EXPECT
Carpathia is Europe’s most ambitious nature restoration project, to date. Barbara and Christoph Promberger, alongside their experienced team of wildlife scientists, naturalists and botanical specialists, have a vision to restore the deep valleys, soaring mountains and rebounding forest to its wild and prosperous state. This journey is an expedition deep into the wilderness, tracking lynx, boar, eagles and European brown bear whilst, alongside naturalist guides, learning about the extraordinary diversity of endemic plants and wildflowers that pattern and enrich this unique landscape.
ACCOMMODATION
This journey incorporates a range of accommodation from modern hotels, to traditional guesthouses, to private glamping under the stars. As we are venturing into the wilderness, luxury amenities may not be available at all locations, but we favour smaller, locally-run properties with an essence of the place. All of the meals in the journey are included as is a 24/7 concierge throughout.
PERFECT FOR
This trip is an expedition deep into the wilderness of the Făgăraș Mountains. It is perfect for intrepid travellers or inquisitive minds who are interested in deepening their knowledge of nature. The journey includes hiking on uneven terrain – the longest hike is 2 hours – so a good level of mobility and fitness is recommended. There are UTVs available for anyone who finds it challenging so this should not be a deterrent.
CONSERVATION IMPACT
Over the past 20 years, many parts of the Carpathian forests went from nationalised to privately managed, resulting in thousands of hectares being illegally logged, as well as many large carnivores being hunted. In 2009, a group of 12 philanthropists and conservationists founded the Foundation Conservation Carpathia (FCC), with the mission to protect the integrity of the precious Carpathian ecosystem by forming a National Park. FCC’s vision is a world-class, emblematic wilderness reserve and non destructive economy around the Făgăraș Mountains with the ultimate goal to create a thriving biodiverse and socio-economic ecosystem.
YOUR HOSTS
MEET YOUR HOSTS:
CHRISTOPH AND BARBARA PROMBERGER
Actively working to conserve large carnivores in Romania since 1993
Established the world-renowned Carpathian Large Carnivore Project (CLCP)
Founders of Equus Silvania equestrian centre and guesthouse in the Transylvanian Carpathians
Christoph and Barbara Promberger
Christoph and Barbara Promberger have dedicated their careers to protecting large carnivores, conserving biodiversity, and fighting illegal logging in Europe’s last remaining virgin forests.
Christoph and Barbara first came to Romania in 1993 as biologists working on a project to study and protect the large carnivores in the Carpathian forests. When this project ended in 2003, the couple were so encaptivated by the Carpathians’ incredible wilderness that they decided to stay in the region and set up Equus Silvania, an equestrian centre and small guest house near the national park.
After witnessing the devastating destruction of illegal logging on a hike through the forest in 2007, the Prombergers then started their passionate mission to protect and conserve the biodiversity of Europe’s last remaining virgin forest wilderness. By 2009, the Prombergers had founded Foundation Conservation Carpathia (FCC) together with a group of 12 philanthropists and conservationists.
A GLOBALLY UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE
ON CONSERVATION IN ACTION
Frequently Asked Questions:
Journey to Romania
What is the climate like in Romania in June?
June is a wonderful time to visit Romania - temperatures are warm and rainfall is relatively low. Colourful wild flowers adorn the mountainside in the Carpathian Mountains making it one of the best months for hiking and spotting incredible flora and fauna. Temperatures can fluctuate in the mountains ranging from 12-25℃ (54-77℉) and there can be occasional rain showers.
Can you organise an extension to this Hosted Journey?
Absolutely! We would be delighted to put together a bespoke itinerary for you should you wish to extend your stay in Romania or visit another country before or after this journey. Whether you would like to spend more time in Romania’s historic capital Bucharest or visit one of its European neighbours, please contact Katya ([email protected]) to start curating your bespoke itinerary.
What kind of activities will we be doing?
You will immerse yourself in nature during hikes or horseback rides, discover flora and fauna during botanical, bird and bear watching tours, visit local conservation projects and listen to inspiring talks from local experts. Most days will round off with a sundowner in your idyllic surroundings, before enjoying a dinner of traditional Romanian fare and local wine with your fellow guests.
Where will we be staying?
This journey incorporates a range of accommodation from modern hotels, to traditional guesthouses, to private glamping under the stars. As you are venturing into the wilderness, luxury amenities may not be available at all locations, but we have carefully selected the accommodation to ensure it will be a comfortable journey with access to everything you need.
What happens after I book?
Once you have booked your trip the journey begins! Prior to departure, our team will share your personalised itinerary via the Safari Portal App which will contain all of the information about your journey. We will share reading and watching recommendations and updates from the field, so that you can begin your learning journey from home. In the days prior to your trip, you will be connected with your hosts and fellow guests on a whatsapp group as the excitement builds! The JWP team will be on hand in the lead up to and during your journey to assist with any questions you may have.
What is the best international airport to arrive at and depart from?
International flights are not included and are to be booked separately. The best airport for you to arrive at is Sibui International Airport. And the best airport for you to depart from is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport.
Who looks after us during our journey?
You will be joined on this journey by a JWP host, Katya Payne. She will be on hand to assist with any questions or requests prior to or during your journey.
Can this journey be organised for a private group?
This journey to Romania from 15th-23rd June 2024 has been designed to bring together a small group of curious and likeminded people who want to deepen their understanding of and engagement with one of the most ambitious conservation projects in Europe. However, if you are unable to join the journey in June or would like to organise a transformative impact experience in Romania (or elsewhere) with a private group, our Journey Planners would be delighted to organise this for you. Please reach out to the JWP team on [email protected] to begin creating your unique impact journey.
Journeys to champion the
wild and celebrate conservation
Where will your impact journey take you?
As a mission-led business our journeys are designed to be transformative, on the traveller and on the people and places you engage with. When you book a journey with us you become part of our growing community of changemakers – the curious, the intrepid, those looking to engage with the natural world on a deeper level. To learn, exchange and realise change.
A journey starts with a discovery call with our expert team. These journeys are personal – they offer connection and insights into cultures, wildlife and landscapes in wild corners of the world – for an experience that has a positive impact, long after you return home.