Iberian Lynx and Raptors Tour

Overview

This 8-day Iberian Lynx Tour takes us through some of southern Spain’s most iconic natural areas in search of one of the world’s rarest and most charismatic wild cats, endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. Our route follows the tracks of this elusive predator across the oak woodlands and Mediterranean scrub of Doñana and Sierra Morena, where the species has made a remarkable recovery in recent years.

While the lynx will be our main focus, the birdlife along the way is equally captivating. We’ll explore a variety of habitats — from the marshes and lagoons of Andalucía to the rolling dehesas and open plains of Extremadura — home to an outstanding array of raptors including Spanish Imperial, Golden, and Bonelli’s Eagles, Black-winged Kite, Red Kite, Griffon and Cinereous Vultures. In the wide steppe landscapes, we’ll also look for Great and Little Bustards, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, and other open-country specialists that thrive in these vast plains.

This tour is particularly focused and offers the best chances to observe both the Iberian Lynx and southern Spain’s most emblematic bird species, particularly big raptors. All while immersing ourselves in the wild beauty of one of Europe’s richest natural regions.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Seville and transfer to Doñana

We’ll begin our Iberian Lynx Tour at Seville Airport and transfer to Villamanrique de la Condesa, on the northern edge of Doñana National Park. After checking in at our countryside lodge, we’ll make our first attempt to spot the elusive Iberian Lynx in areas of open holm oak woodland and Mediterranean scrub. If conditions allow, we’ll also enjoy a short evening walk near the lodge to listen and watch for wildlife activity.

Overnight in Villamanrique de la Condesa.

Day 2 – Doñana National Park

We’ll start early with a search for Iberian Lynx around El Rocío, followed by birding in northern Doñana, adjusting our route to take advantage of the best water conditions. Seasonal lagoons and marshes host a wealth of species including Greater Flamingo, Glossy Ibis, Western Swamphen, Eurasian Spoonbill, and numerous ducks and shorebirds.

In the afternoon, we’ll return to Iberian Lynx territory for another attempt, as the light softens over the dehesa.

Overnight in Villamanrique de la Condesa.

Day 3 – From Doñana to Extremadura

After a final morning in Doñana, we’ll drive north toward Llerena, on the southern edge of Extremadura. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Llera, where we’ll search for Spanish Imperial Eagle, Golden Eagle, and Cinereous Vulture. The Iberian Lynx is also present in this area, so there will be a lot to look for here!

Overnight in Llerena.

Day 4 – Birding the Heart of Southern Extremadura

We’ll spend a full day exploring the mosaic of habitats around Llera, including Hornachos and Campos de Llerena. In Hornachos, cliffs and rocky slopes host Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, and Rock Bunting. Bonelli’s Eagle is also possible!

In the Campos de Llerena and Alto Guadiato areas, we’ll look for raptors and steppe birds such as Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Calandra Lark, and Iberian Grey Shrike, while keeping an eye out for Red Kite and Spanish Imperial Eagle.

Scenic viewpoints offer excellent opportunities for photography and appreciation of the wide Extremadura landscapes.

Overnight in Llerena.

Day 5 – Toward Sierra de Andújar

Today we’ll continue east across the rolling plains into the wooded hills of Sierra Morena, arriving at Andújar, one of the best places in the world to see the Iberian Lynx in its natural habitat. Depending on our arrival time, we may enjoy a first afternoon session in the field looking for this rare and beautiful cat.

Overnight in Andújar.

Days 6–7 – Sierra de Andújar: In the Realm of the Iberian Lynx

We’ll dedicate two full days to exploring Sierra de Andújar, the stronghold of the Iberian Lynx. One of the days we’ll visit a private estate where observation and photography of Iberian Lynx chances is areas known for regular sightings, spending long but rewarding sessions scanning the dehesa and valleys.

Between lynx searches, we’ll enjoy superb birding, with chances to see Spanish Imperial Eagle, Eurasian Goshawk, Iberian Green Woodpecker, Iberian Magpie, Crested Tit, and Dartford Warbler.

Two nights in Andújar.

Day 8 – Return to Seville

Depending on flight times, we may fit in a final early-morning field session before returning to Seville Airport, where our Iberian Lynx Tour concludes around midday.

Top Birds

BIRDS

• White-headed Duck
• Marbled Duck
• Red Crested Pochard
• Red-legged Partridge
• Great Bustard
• Little Bustard
• Pin-tailed Sandgrouse
• Black-bellied Sandgrouse
• Red-knobbed Coot
• Northern Lapwing
• Ruff
• Common Crane
• Greater Flamingo
• Glossy Ibis
• Squacco Heron
• Black Stork
• Black-winged Kite
• Eurasian Griffon
• Cinereous Vulture
• Spanish Imperial Eagle
• Golden Eagle
• Bonelli’s Eagle
• Eurasian Sparrowhawk
• Eurasian Goshawk
• Western Marsh Harrier
• Hen Harrier
• Red Kite
• Common Buzzard
• Little Owl
• Eurasian Kestrel
• Peregrine Falcon
• Iberian Gray Shrike
• Iberian Magpie
• Blue Rock Thrush
• Black Wheatear
• Dartford Warbler
• Sardinian Warbler
• Bluethroat
• Spanish Sparrow

MAMMALS

• Iberian Lynx
• Red Deer
• Fallow Deer
• Spanish Ibex
• Mouflon
• Wild boar
• Red Fox
• Egyptian Mongoose
• European Rabbit
• Iberian Hare

What’s included

The price of this tour includes:

• All accommodation from day 1 until day 8 (7 nights).
• All meals, starting with lunch on Day 1 until breakfast on Day 8. This includes 1 drink with every meal and water during the whole duration of the trip.
• Transportation in a comfortable vehicle for 6pax.
• Programmed entrance fees as in the itinerary.
• A specialised birding guide fluent in English with extensive experience.
• Welcome package with itinerary, travel information and checklist of the birds of the region.

Items not included in the price:

• Flights.
• Extra drinks.
• Tips in hotels, service and guides.
• Personal travel insurance.
• Personal items.

For further details on bookings and cancellations, you can check out our general Terms and Conditions.

If at any time you have questions about this trip, payments, or other related topics please feel free to contact us.