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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.

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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

Pair of European Bee Eaters
European Roller with fly
Hoopoe feeding young in nest
European Bee Eater
Eurasian Penduline Tit

Photography Hides & Locations

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In May there are 25 -30  hides and locations available, depending on bird activity and weather conditions.

 

Hide Types

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Purpose-Built Permanent Hides: Designed for 2+ photographers with optimal viewing angles, distance, and lighting for target species

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Pop-Up Hides: Used for specific opportunities such as woodpecker nests, Bee-eater colonies, and Wryneck nestboxes

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Lying Hides: At wetland locations, photographers lie on provided mattresses and shoot from beanbags or groundpods

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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

  • Purpose-built for optimal photography conditions

  • Positioned for best light, angles, and proximity to birds

  • Typically accommodate 2 photographers per hide for personalized experience

  • New hides available each session throughout your week (unless you wish to repeat a favorite location)

Kiskunság National Park

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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​

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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

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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.

Long Eared Owl
Black-necked Grebe
Garganey
Red Legged Falcon
Common Buzzard
Pair of Long Eared Owls
Northern Pintail

Arrival Day Orientation

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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

  • Current bird activity and seasonal considerations

  • Recommended photography equipment and techniques

  • Daily schedule and logistics (meals, hide transfers, etc.)

  • Appropriate clothing and health & safety information

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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

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Morning Session

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  • Departure approximately 1 hour before sunrise to capture the best morning light

  • Transport to hides in 2 off-road vehicles (5 seats each, maximum 8 clients)

  • Travel time to hides: 5-40 minutes (closest hide 500m, furthest 13km)

  • Photography sessions typically 9:00-9:30 AM

  • Return to lodge followed by hearty brunch at 10:30 AM

 

Afternoon Session

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  • Free time after brunch until afternoon departure

  • Afternoon sessions start around 3:00 PM

  • Sessions finish around 7:00-7:30 PM depending on hide location

  • Return to lodge by 8:00 PM

  • Dinner at local restaurant (7-minute walk)

Meals & Catering

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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.

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Brunch: Hearty mid-morning meal served at 10:30 AM at the lodge.

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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.

  • All local transportation throughout the tour

  • 7 nights accommodation at Oriole Lodge (en-suite rooms)

  • All meals (self-service breakfast, brunch, and restaurant dinners)

  • Expert guiding by István Bártol and team

  • 2 photography sessions per day

  • Access to all photography hides and locations

  • All permits and national park fees

 

Price Excludes:

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  • International flights to Budapest

  • Evening drinks at restaurant

  • Travel insurance

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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)

  • 400mm+ telephoto lens (600mm or 800mm ideal)

  • Tripod or gimbal head for stability

  • Multiple memory cards and spare batteries

  • Beanbag or groundpod for lying hides

  • 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)

  • Waterproof jacket and trousers

  • Sturdy walking shoes and wellies

  • Sun hat and sunscreen

  • Insect repellent

  • Binoculars (optional but helpful)

  • Personal medications and toiletries

Booking & Payment Information​

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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.​

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To book or for further information get in touch here​​​​​​ and please let us know which trip you wish to book

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