Venture to the Andújar Natural Park in southern Spain in search of intriguing wildlife and bird species. The highlight though is the possibility of spotting the elusive Iberian lynx.
The densely wooded Andújar Natural Park in Andalucia lies in the central part of the extensive Sierra Morena range, whose rocky hills ranging from 500 to 1,290 metres in altitude. It is also one of the last two refuges in Spain of the elusive and endangered Iberian lynx, whose population in this location is estimated at around 80 adults, which produce some 35 cubs a year. This five-day itinerary is the perfect opportunity to explore one of the most wonderful and wild corners of Spain.
However, there is more to see here than just the Iberian lynx. In this quiet and relatively unpopulated region, several of Spain’s other wild animals also thrive, such as wild boar, mouflon, red, fallow and roe deer, Egyptian mongoose and otter. The mountains hold a large population of griffon vultures, as well as good numbers of other raptors, including the rare black vulture and Spanish imperial eagle.
Red-billed chough, azure-winged magpie, golden oriole and nightingale are just some of the other birds to see here. The area’s watercourses are home to common chiffchaff, warblers, grey and purple herons, little grebe, coot, and the ubiquitous mallard. Overall, Andújar Natural Park provides an enthralling and rewarding wildlife experience, especially if you’re lucky enough to spot the Iberian lynx – one of the world’s rarest cats.
Suggested Itinerary
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Day 1:
Fly to Malaga & transfer to Andújar
On arrival in Malaga, you will be met and transferred to your rural accommodation on the edge of the Andújar Natural Park, a journey of around two hours, arriving late afternoon in time for dinner.
Accommodation: La Caracola Alojamiento Rural, 4-nights
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Days 2-4
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Explore Andújar Natural Park
For the next three full days, you explore this incredible area of Spain with your experienced local naturalist guide by four-wheel drive vehicle. Searching the area’s varied habitats slowly, you keep an eye out for the wildlife and birds as well as for the tracks and any other signs of lynx. Most of the searching and watching, particularly for the lynx, is done from known vantage points that have produced sightings in the past – with your guide you take up position and scan the terrain with binoculars in the hope of spotting a lynx.
The other wildlife here is more frequently seen, such as wild boar, mouflon, roe deer, Egyptian mongoose and sometimes otter as well. In the skies, you may also see the rare Spanish imperial eagle and black vulture circling as they catch the thermals.
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Day 5:
Transfer to Malaga & fly back to the UK
In the morning, there is time for breakfast and one more excursion into the Andújar Natural Park before being transferred back to Malaga, in time to take your flight back to the UK.
Please note: You can fly from alternative regional airports in the UK, as well as different airports in southern Spain. Please speak to your travel consultant to discuss the flight option that will be the most suitable for you and your itinerary.
