Small group max 7 – Bears Safari on Top Gear -Transfgran

A close encounter with Romania’s wildlife, dramatic mountain roads, and historical sights—this small-group Bears Safari on the Transfagarasan is a truly memorable day trip. With a maximum of just 7 travelers, it promises a more intimate, personalized experience compared to larger coach tours bursting at the seams. The tour guarantees sightings of wild Brown Bears from June to mid-October, along with visits to iconic landmarks like Poenari Fortress and Bâlea Lake.

What we love most about this tour is the opportunity to see wildlife in their natural environment, combined with the stunning scenery of the Fagaraș Mountains and the engineering marvel of Vidraru Dam. The small group size means more flexibility, better spotting chances for wildlife, and a chance to ask plenty of questions.

One aspect to consider is the long day—12 hours of traveling, sightseeing, and mountain air. While the pace is well-organized, it might be tiring for travelers who prefer shorter excursions or are sensitive to long drives. That said, for those craving a genuine adventure, this tour hits the right notes, especially for lovers of nature, history, and scenic drives. It’s a perfect fit for curious travelers who want a deeper connection to Romania’s wilderness without the crowds of bigger bus tours.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures a more personal, flexible experience.
• Wild bear sightings are guaranteed from June to mid-October, providing a rare wildlife encounter.
• The itinerary includes history, engineering marvels, and natural beauty, blending culture with landscapes.
• Scenic routes and stops offer plenty of photo opportunities and awe-inspiring views.
• The guides are highly praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to share interesting stories.
• The tour offers great value for money considering the diverse stops, wildlife sightings, and expert guidance.

The Experience in Detail

This tour by Wild Bears Safari takes you on a 12-hour journey through some of Romania’s most stunning landscapes, combined with a good dose of history and wildlife encounters. Starting from Bucharest at a convenient meeting point, the adventure begins early, with a 7:45 am pickup. The small group size means you’ll travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, which is a big plus for long days behind the wheel.

Poenari Fortress: The Dracula Connection

Your first stop is the legendary Poenari Castle, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the mountains. While you won’t go inside—this is a quick stop with a guided overview—you’ll enjoy impressive views and learn about its role as one of Vlad the Impaler’s fortresses. The site is steeped in history and adds a touch of legend to your journey, especially for fans of Dracula lore. One reviewer notes, “The castle; viewpoints and bears are all magical,” which captures the sense of adventure and authenticity this stop offers.

Vidraru Dam and Lake: Engineering Marvels and Scenic Vistas

Next is Vidraru Dam, a true engineering marvel and one of the highest dams in Europe at 166 meters. Here, you’ll get a chance to walk across the dam, enjoy sweeping mountain views, and snap photos of the sparkling Vidraru Lake below. The dam’s impressive scale and the lush surroundings make this a photographer’s paradise. One guest highlighted the experience, saying, “The drive along the dam and lake reflects the mountains perfectly, making it a highlight of the trip.”

Transfagarasan Highway: The Scenic Route of Romania

The core of this tour is the Transfagarasan Highway, often called one of the most spectacular mountain roads in the world. Over roughly three hours, you’ll traverse this winding road, stopping at scenic viewpoints—each offering a different perspective of the mountains, forests, and valleys. Reviewers consistently mention the “breathtaking views” and “amazing photo ops,” making this part of the trip a true highlight.

Capra Waterfall: Nature’s Cascading Beauty

Leaving the highway, your next stop is Capra Waterfall. This impressive cascade is a favorite for natural beauty lovers. Surrounded by rugged terrain and alpine meadows, the waterfall creates a perfect backdrop for photos. The area’s natural ruggedness and mountain vistas impress visitors, with one reviewer describing it as “a scenic highlight with a rugged, wild feel.”

Bâlea Lake: The Jewel of the Fagaras

The trip then takes you to Bâlea Lake, situated at about 2,034 meters (6,677 feet). Open from June to mid-November, this glacial lake is an iconic feature of the region, with stunning surroundings and mountain reflections. Visitors have praised the scenic views, the guided visit, and the opportunity for free time to explore or take photographs. One reviewer called it “absolutely beautiful, a true mountain jewel,” emphasizing how much the location immerses you in the high-altitude wilderness.

Wildlife Encounters: Bears in Their Natural Habitat

The raison d’être for many travelers on this tour is the chance to spot wild Brown Bears. Guides are experienced at maximizing your chances, and the reviews reveal that sightings are common, even in less-than-ideal weather. One guest states, “Despite rain, we saw plenty of bears,” highlighting that unpredictability is part of the adventure. Guides like Sebastian and Roxana are praised for their patience, knowledge, and ability to spot bears—sometimes very close to the road, making for memorable viewing.

Important note: The guide emphasizes not bringing food into the vehicle to avoid attracting bears, which showcases their commitment to safe wildlife viewing. Several reviewers mention that the guides are friendly, humorous, and very knowledgeable, making the wildlife sightings even more enjoyable.

The Practicalities

Transportation and Group Size

Traveling in a small, air-conditioned vehicle enhances the comfort of this long day. The small group size—limited to 7 people—means you get more personalized attention, better chances for wildlife sightings, and more flexibility to explore stops at your own pace. Many reviewers mention how their guides, such as Sebastian and Roxana, went above and beyond, sharing stories, answering questions, and even taking photos.

Itinerary and Timing

The tour starts early and wraps up around 8:30 pm, which seems long but is well-paced considering the number of stops and activities. The stops are timed to balance sightseeing, wildlife viewing, and rest. The long drive is a consideration—if you’re not used to extensive bus trips, this might be tiring. However, most reviews confirm the value of the extensive scenery and wildlife experiences.

Value for Money

At $140 per person, this tour offers a well-rounded package. It includes pick-up and drop-off from central Bucharest (Fântâna de la Universitate), a professional English-speaking guide, and all transportation costs. Lunch isn’t included, but there are plenty of opportunities to buy food along the route, including at Bâlea Lake and local stalls.

Given the diversity of stops, the chance to see wild bears, and the personalized approach, many see this as good value. Reviewers frequently comment that it’s “more enjoyable and insightful than larger coach tours” and that the experience is worth the price, especially considering the scenic drives, wildlife encounters, and expert guidance.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and anyone eager to see Romania’s wilderness up close. If you’re interested in mountain scenery, historical sights, and wildlife, this trip checks all those boxes. It’s also suited for travelers who prefer a small, more intimate group over large coach excursions, ensuring more interaction and a relaxed pace.

However, it’s not suitable for young children under 7 or those who struggle with long hours in a vehicle. The tour’s focus on wildlife spotting means patience is key, and weather can influence how many bears you see—so a flexible, adventurous spirit helps.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, pick-up and drop-off from ‘Fântâna de la Universitate’ are included, in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.

How many people are in the group?
The tour is limited to 7 participants, providing a more personal experience.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, water, and cash are recommended. Remember, no food or drinks in the vehicle to avoid attracting bears.

Can I see bears?
While sightings are not guaranteed, from June to mid-October, many guests report seeing bears in the wild, sometimes surprisingly close.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch isn’t included. There are stops where you can purchase food and snacks.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 12 hours, starting early morning and returning around 8:30 pm.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviewers like Sebastian and Roxana are praised for their friendly, engaging, and informative approach.

Is this suitable for children?
Not for children under 7. The tour involves a lot of driving and outdoor walking.

What is the best time to go?
The tour guarantees bear sightings from June to mid-October, when the weather is best for wildlife activity and mountain conditions.

Wrapping It Up

For those craving a deep dive into Romania’s wild heart, this small-group Bears Safari on the Transfagarasan is a fantastic choice. It blends wildlife sightings with scenic mountain drives, historic sites, and natural beauty—all delivered with personalized attention and expert guides.

You’ll love the chance to see bears in the wild, explore the legendary Poenari Fortress, and marvel at the engineering feats of Vidraru Dam. The route along the Transfagarasan Highway offers some of Romania’s most breathtaking views, making every stop Instagram-worthy. The small group size and enthusiastic guides ensure a more authentic, relaxed experience than larger tours.

This trip is perfect for travelers who want to go beyond the typical Bucharest attractions, embracing Romania’s rugged nature, fascinating history, and wildlife. If you’re happy with a full day of adventure and scenic surprises, this tour promises images, stories, and memories that will stick with you long after you return home.