What better way to discover rewilding than by living it directly?

Join us on a unique adventure in search of the wild horses of the Eastern Rhodopes — the only place in Bulgaria where you can encounter the descendants of the ancient Eurasian wild horse, the Tarpan (Equus ferus). Although the original Tarpan horses disappeared from our fauna long ago, its genetics have survived in various domestic horse breeds. Through careful selection of these related breeds, conservationists in Europe succeeded in restoring a modern Tarpan-type horse. Historically, tarpans once roamed from Spain to Scandinavia and across Eastern Europe, and written sources indicate that they also lived on Bulgarian lands. The species’ modern story in Bulgaria began in 2011, when the first 12 Konik horses were brought from the Netherlands as part of the Bulgarian–Dutch project “New Thracian Gold.” Today, the reintroduction is considered a complete success: by 2016, around 70 horses were already living freely in the wild in the Eastern Rhodopes. These animals survive entirely on their own, sharing their habitat with wolves. Their monitoring is supported by our partners at Friends of the Rhodope Cows and the Rewilding Rhodopes Foundation. Currently, two separate herds live in different parts of the region — reaching them is a true adventure. The tracking tour takes approximately 5 hours round trip. The starting point can be either near Madzharovo or Dolno Cherkovishte (“Perpera” complex). After about an hour of travel by car or bus, the rest of the journey continues on foot. Along the way, we introduce you to the fascinating geology, wildlife, and natural history of the area. For groups of up to 5 participants, we can provide transport with a 4WD vehicle, which shortens the walking distance. Seeing wild horses roaming freely in the rugged Rhodope landscape is an unforgettable experience. You will learn about their behavior, social structure, survival strategies in wolf territory, and their ecological role in shaping the natural environment.

Program

The program combines wild horse tracking with birdwatching, geological interpretation, and gemstone exploration. During the spring season, it also includes botanical observations, offering a rich and diverse nature experience that highlights the unique landscapes and biodiversity of the Eastern Rhodopes.

What's Included?

Wild horse tracking with birdwatching, geological interpretation, and gemstone exploration. During the spring season, it also includes botanical observations, offering a rich and diverse nature experience that highlights the unique landscapes and biodiversity of the Eastern Rhodopes.

How your experience helps rewilding efforts

It showcases the uinque biodiversity and rewilding efforts in the Eastern Rhodopes

Rewilding landscape

Rewilding vision

Rhodope Mountains | Bulgaria

Located at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, the Rhodope Mountains in southwestern Bulgaria are a true biodiversity hotspot. Boasting rugged peaks, sweeping forests, lush meadows, and steep gorges, the area is a stronghold for vultures and other raptors. Carnivores such as wolves and golden jackals roam the landscape, brown bears are recolonising the area, and an array of reptiles, amphibians, and rare plants also thrive here

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Seasonal Availability

This experience involves

• Hiking
• Wildlife tracking
• Wildlife photography
• Birdwatching
• Educational experience
• 4x4 experience

Wildlife in this landscapePlease note that the presence of wildlife doesn’t guarantee sightings — these animals live freely and may remain out of view.

Location