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

If you’re dreaming of spotting wild brown bears in their natural habitat while also soaking in some of Romania’s most stunning scenery, this small-group Bears Safari might just be your perfect adventure. With a maximum of 7 travelers, the tour promises an intimate experience that’s far more personalized than the typical large bus excursions. From ancient castles to breathtaking mountain passes, this trip offers a well-rounded mix of history, nature, and wildlife—at a price that’s surprisingly good value.

What we love about this experience? First, it’s the chance to see wild bears up close in a safe and responsible way. Second, the scenic stops like Poenari Fortress and Bâlea Lake are beautifully curated for photography and sightseeing. Last, the small group size makes for a relaxed, engaging atmosphere and the opportunity to ask lots of questions.

One potential consideration is the weather—rain and cold can impact visibility and comfort, but experienced guides are quick to adapt the itinerary. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a blend of wildlife viewing, cultural sights, and breathtaking mountain drives, especially those who appreciate small-group intimacy and expert guiding.

Key Points

• Small Group Experience: Limited to 7 travelers, ensuring personalized attention
• Guaranteed Bear Sightings: From June to mid-October, you’ll have a high chance of spotting wild brown bears
• Diverse Highlights: Castles, waterfalls, dams, and alpine lakes all in one day
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Roxana, Sebastian, George, and Valeric make all the difference
• Value for Money: At $147 per person, the tour offers a lot of memorable experiences
• Weather Considerations: Rain or cold may affect visibility and comfort, so pack accordingly

This tour packs in a lot of scenery and wildlife in a single day, making it an appealing choice for travelers eager to see Romania beyond its cities. The day begins early with a pickup at Fântâna de la Universitate in Bucharest, setting the tone for an adventure that balances history, engineering marvels, and natural beauty.

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Poenari Fortress: The Real-Life Dracula Connection

Your journey kicks off with a stop at Poenari Citadel, perched dramatically on a cliffside. While you’ll not go inside, the views from below are impressive, and the history behind Vlad the Impaler—thought to be the inspiration for Dracula—is captivating. Reviewers like Saska De mention that George, the guide, was passionate about the history, which adds richness to the experience. Our guides are known for their enthusiasm and deep knowledge, which helps bring the stories of Vlad and the fortress alive.

Vidraru Dam and Lake: Engineering Meets Nature

Next, it’s time to admire Vidraru Dam, a towering arch dam that’s 166 meters high, considered one of Europe’s tallest. Walking along the dam, you’ll get sweeping views of the sparkling Vidraru Lake, a mirror of the surrounding mountains. Several reviews highlight how the vistas are outstanding, and that the dam is a true engineering feat. The reflection of mountains on the water is a photograph’s dream.

Exploring the Fagaras Mountains National Park

Entering the Fagaras Mountains, the scenery shifts to lush forests, alpine meadows, and rugged terrain. This land is a haven for wildlife—I mean, you’re here to see bears, after all. The natural environment here is unspoiled, and guides emphasize respecting the wild animals. “The bears are wild animals, not pets, so no feeding or tempting them,” advises one reviewer, which is a good point to keep in mind.

Capra Waterfall: Mountain’s Hidden Gem

A highlight for many is Capra Waterfall, known for its impressive height and dramatic setting. Expect rugged terrain and plenty of natural beauty around this spot. Reviewers mention it’s a “picturesque setting,” and a perfect place for nature lovers to pause and soak in the crisp mountain air. It’s a peaceful contrast to the more engineered sites earlier in the day.

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Bâlea Lake: The Glacial Wonder

The journey culminates at Bâlea Glacial Lake, a stunning alpine lake at over 2,000 meters altitude. The road leading to it, the famous Transfagarasan Highway, is a highlight in itself—an engineering marvel and one of the most breathtaking drives in the world. The lake is only open from June to November, making this trip ideal during summer and autumn. Several reviews rave about the spectacular views, and mention that the scenery is even more beautiful than photos can capture.

The core of this tour? Spotting wild brown bears. Guides like Roxana and Sebastian are praised for their expertise and dedication, often going above and beyond to ensure guests see bears—sometimes in close proximity.

Bears are unpredictable animals, so while sightings are guaranteed from June to mid-October, the guides are clear that they can’t control nature. Multiple reviews mention seeing anywhere from 8 to 20 bears in a single day. For example, Sebastian’s group reported seeing up to 23 bears and even a fox, with bears resting on the roadside or in the woods.

To maximize sightings, the guides do things like carefully cleaning the vehicle windows to improve visibility and keep food out of the car—bears are attracted to smells. Several reviewers highlight how the guides are respectful of the wildlife, ensuring that the animals are observed safely and without disturbance.

The Experience of Seeing Bears

Many guests comment on how seeing bears so close feels surreal. Lynn describes it as “amazing” and Megan says that despite the rain, “we saw plenty of bears”. It’s a chance to witness these majestic creatures in their natural environment, not a zoo. Remember, these bears are wild, and the guides emphasize safety and respect—no feeding or enticing them.

Transportation & Group Size: The tour uses a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle suited for small groups, with a maximum of 7 travelers. This means a more intimate experience and the chance to chat with your guide, unlike large coach tours.

Timing & Duration: Starting early from Bucharest (pick-up at 7:45 am) and returning around 8:30 pm, the tour is a long but rewarding day. The schedule is tight but well-managed, with stops at key points for sightseeing, photos, and wildlife viewing.

Cost & Value: Priced at $147 per person, the tour offers a lot for the money—covering transportation, a professional guide, and multiple scenic stops plus guaranteed bear sightings. Reviewers frequently mention it’s “worth every penny”, especially given the small group aspect and expert guiding.

What to Bring: Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are essential, as mountain weather can be variable. Pack water and cash for snacks or souvenirs. Important: no food or drinks in the vehicle to avoid attracting bears.

Accessibility & Suitability: Not suitable for children under 7 due to the nature of wildlife viewing and mountain terrain. The experience is best suited for those comfortable with long drives and outdoor conditions.

Flexibility & Cancellations: You can reserve your spot with the option to pay later, and cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Guides like Roxana and Sebastian receive high praise for their friendly demeanor, knowledge, and enthusiasm. Roxana, for example, was described as “amazing,” with the ability to share fascinating stories and Romanian history. Sebastian is lauded for his humor, attentiveness, and being an excellent driver, especially on tricky mountain roads.

Guests highlight how guides often go the extra mile—such as cleaning windows for better bear viewing or adjusting plans when weather or safety become concerns. Several reviews mention how guides kept everyone entertained and informed, making the long day enjoyable and educational.

The sense of adventure is heightened by sightings of bears in their natural habitat, sometimes just feet from the vehicle, with mothers, cubs, and even old bears resting on the roadside. The guides’ respectful approach ensures that wildlife remains undisturbed, which adds to the authenticity of the experience.

This small-group Bears Safari on the Transfagarasan combines the thrill of wildlife sightings with Romania’s most iconic landscapes. The expert guides, like Roxana and Sebastian, create a friendly, informative atmosphere that transforms a long day into an enriching journey. The stops—Poenari Fortress, Vidraru Dam, Capra Waterfall, and Bâlea Lake—offer a varied mix of history, engineering marvels, and natural beauty that will satisfy any traveler eager to explore Romania beyond Bucharest.

The chance to see wild bears in their environment is undeniably the highlight, making this tour perfect for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those craving a small-group adventure. While the weather can influence visibility, the overall experience, value, and professionalism make it a highly recommended choice.

This trip is best for travelers who want a balanced mix of scenery, wildlife, and cultural sights without the chaos of large tour buses. If you’re comfortable spending a full day on the road and want expert guidance to enhance your chances of spotting bears, this tour is a fantastic pick.

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is not recommended for children under 7 due to the outdoor nature and mountain terrain.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, water, and cash are advised. Be sure to pack layers for mountain weather and remember no food or drinks in the vehicle.

How guaranteed are the bear sightings?
While sightings are guaranteed from June to mid-October, the guides note that bears are wild animals and sightings cannot be 100% assured. However, many guests report seeing multiple bears on their trips.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 7 people, offering a more personalized and relaxed experience compared to large bus tours.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserving is flexible with a “book now, pay later” option.

What is the main highlight of this tour?
Besides the stunning mountain scenery and historic sites, the primary draw is the chance to see wild brown bears in their natural environment, a rare and memorable experience.

This Romanian adventure offers a genuine blend of history, nature, and wildlife, perfect for those looking to escape the city and embrace the wild.

You can check availability for your dates here: