BOSWELL WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
Where deep knowledge meets wild places
Spectacular Bird Photography Tour in Hungary
Experience the finest bird photography in Hungary.
This 8-day tour features purpose-built photography hides across Kiskunság, Hortobágy, and Bükk National Parks, providing photographic opportunities for over 150 species of birds in spectacular surroundings.
Trip Details
Duration: 7 nights.
7 - 14 May 2027.
Group Size: 7
Skill Level: All levels welcome – whether you're a seasoned pro or enthusiastic beginner
Price: £3500.
All inclusive
Photography Hides & Locations
In May there are 25 -30 hides and locations available, depending on bird activity and weather conditions.
Hide Types
Purpose-Built Permanent Hides: Designed for 2+ photographers with optimal viewing angles, distance, and lighting for target species
Pop-Up Hides: Used for specific opportunities such as woodpecker nests, Bee-eater colonies, and Wryneck nestboxes
Lying Hides: At wetland locations, photographers lie on provided mattresses and shoot from beanbags or groundpods
There is also the opportunity Safari Stalking: Morning vehicle-based photography for landscapes, Roe Deer, Brown Hare, and songbirds
Hide Features & Comfort
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Most hides equipped with comfortable chairs
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Purpose-built for optimal photography conditions
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Positioned for best light, angles, and proximity to birds
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Typically accommodate 2 photographers per hide for personalized experience
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New hides available each session throughout your week (unless you wish to repeat a favorite location)
Kiskunság National Park
Home to one of Europe's largest Great Bustard populations. Alkaline lakes and seasonally flooded grasslands attract numerous ducks and waders including Ferruginous Duck, White-winged Tern, Kentish Plover, Stone Curlew, Collared Pratincole, and Moustached Warbler. Common sightings in May include Roller, Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Golden Oriole, Red-backed Shrike, and Lesser Grey Shrike.
Hortobágy National Park
The famous Eurasian steppe preserving Hungary's grassland heritage. Marshes and fishponds host Pygmy Cormorant, Ferruginous Duck, Garganey, Squacco Heron, White-winged and Whiskered Tern. Large Red-footed Falcon colonies offer spectacular hunting displays. Steppe grasslands attract Saker, Long-legged Buzzard, and Montague's Harrier. Aquatic Warbler breeds here in its only Hungarian colonies. Reedbeds host Bittern, Bearded Tit, and Penduline Tit.
Bükk Hills
Ancient beech and oak forests with limestone karst formations. Raptors soar above valleys while woodlands provide habitat for Ural Owl, Black Woodpecker, White-backed Woodpecker, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Middle Spotted Woodpecker, Collared Flycatcher, Red-breasted Flycatcher, River Warbler, Hawfinch, and Rock Bunting.
Arrival Day Orientation
After settling into your room, we gather in the dining room for coffee and tea while we cover:
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Overview of available photography hides and target species
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Current bird activity and seasonal considerations
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Recommended photography equipment and techniques
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Daily schedule and logistics (meals, hide transfers, etc.)
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Appropriate clothing and health & safety information
If time permits on arrival day, we'll take you out for a session. Otherwise, we'll enjoy a short pre-dinner walk around the Lodge.
Daily Photography Schedule
Morning Session
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Departure approximately 1 hour before sunrise to capture the best morning light
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Transport to hides in 2 off-road vehicles (5 seats each, maximum 8 clients)
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Travel time to hides: 5-40 minutes (closest hide 500m, furthest 13km)
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Photography sessions typically 9:00-9:30 AM
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Return to lodge followed by hearty brunch at 10:30 AM
Afternoon Session
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Free time after brunch until afternoon departure
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Afternoon sessions start around 3:00 PM
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Sessions finish around 7:00-7:30 PM depending on hide location
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Return to lodge by 8:00 PM
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Dinner at local restaurant (7-minute walk)
Meals & Catering
Breakfast & Snacks: Self-service access to lodge kitchen and refrigerator. Prepare your own packed breakfast or daytime snacks from available provisions including muesli bars, fruits, biscuits, and sandwich ingredients.
Brunch: Hearty mid-morning meal served at 10:30 AM at the lodge.
Dinner: 2-3 course dinner at local restaurant (550m from lodge). Begins with soup or salad, followed by main course and dessert. All dietary requirements are accommodated
Price Includes:
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Collective pick-up from Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport with a 9-seater van. Approximately 1.5-hour drive to Oriole Lodge, Tiszaalpár.
We will lease with you to try to synchronise flight times, so we can meet at the airport.
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All local transportation throughout the tour
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7 nights accommodation at Oriole Lodge (en-suite rooms)
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All meals (self-service breakfast, brunch, and restaurant dinners)
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Expert guiding by István Bártol and team
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2 photography sessions per day
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Access to all photography hides and locations
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All permits and national park fees
Price Excludes:
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International flights to Budapest
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Evening drinks at restaurant
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Travel insurance
European Bee Eater
Red Footed Falcon
Great Bustard
3 Species Sandpiper
Long Eared Owl
Marsh Harrier
Eastern Imperial Eagle
Black Woodpecker
White Backed Woodpecker
Finches - Haw, Green, Gold, Chaffinch
White Winged, Whiskered, Black Tern
3 -5 Warbler Species
Goshawk
Pygmy Cormorant
Seasonal Possibilities
Recommended Equipment
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Camera body suitable for bird photography (fast autofocus)
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400mm+ telephoto lens (600mm or 800mm ideal)
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Tripod or gimbal head for stability
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Multiple memory cards and spare batteries
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Beanbag or groundpod for lying hides
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Wellies (Wellington boots) highly recommended for wetlands - spare pairs available at lodge
What to Bring
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Comfortable outdoor clothing in layers (weather can vary)
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Waterproof jacket and trousers
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Sturdy walking shoes and wellies
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Sun hat and sunscreen
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Insect repellent
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Binoculars (optional but helpful)
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Personal medications and toiletries
Booking & Payment Information
The total price for this Spectacular Bird Photography Trip is £3500
A £500 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking.
The remaining balance due by 12 February 2027
We also offer the option to pay the balance by monthly direct debit.
To book or for further information get in touch here and please let us know which trip you wish to book