Hortobágy: Crane-watching at Dusk & Visit to the Puszta Park

Spend an enchanting day in the Hortobágy, where you can discover the essence of Puszta life, the natural wildlife and the traditional livestock as well as the unique gastronomy of the region. Amidst a picturesque sunset, on our off-road safari, you will be able to get as close as possible to the masses of cranes returning from their feeding grounds to their night resting places, listen to their concert and, of course, meet not only them but many other interesting bird species. The Hortobágy is the largest and oldest national park in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entire area of the national park is a biosphere reserve, and its aquatic habitats are internationally protected. Participants of the evening birdwatching tour have the opportunity to visit the Puszta Park, which brings the authentic Puszta atmosphere to life. Established in 1997, the park presents our old Hungarian domestic animals and promotes the conservation and popularization of these breeds. Here, you'll encounter animals like Transylvanian bald-necked hens, parlag goats, racka sheep, mangalica pigs, Hutsul horses, and Hungarian grey cattle. Children can meet sheep, goat kids, and donkeys in the petting zoo. For lunch (at 13.00 in October, 12.00 in November) enjoy a traditional Puszta shepherds' dish, “slambuc,” made from local ingredients. This meal, cooked in a kettle over open fire, offers an authentic taste of the Hajdú-Bihar region. After lunch, learn about the bird life of the Hortobágy, especially the cranes during an introductory presentation. Our expert guides will share their extensive knowledge and experiences. We'll then take jeeps to follow the cranes, visiting their feeding grounds and watching them fly at sunset. Each vehicle is equipped with high magnification telescopes and binoculars for guests. Cranes, regular migrants in Hungary, typically coming to us from their breeding grounds in Finland, rest here from early October to mid-November on their journey to Africa. Around 250,000 individuals visit the Hortobágy area at this time of year, with between 25,000 and 30,000 of them gathering at night at their usual resting places. Once a regular breeder in the Carpathian Basin, now a protected species, this big but very light bird (~120 cm tall, with a wingspan of around 2m, but only weighing ~5 kg) was an icon in Hungarian folklore and cultural history, appearing on the coats of arms of many settlements and noble families. A symbol of vigilance, tame cranes were also kept as domestic guardians, and a crane feather pinned to a hat was once a status symbol. We will be following the evening program of these majestic and fabulous birds until dusk. Seeing tens of thousands of cranes in one place, in the dreamlike Hortobágy sunset, and listening to their loud concert is an experience that many say is a miracle that leaves a lifelong impression.