Join a spring birding and wildlife photography tour to Lake Kerkini and the Axios Delta, two of the most important wetland hotspots in Northern Greece. Located near the Bulgarian border and the Aegean coast, this region offers outstanding biodiversity and exceptional birding opportunities in a Mediterranean setting.
In spring, Lake Kerkini comes alive with migration and breeding activity. Large numbers of Dalmatian and Great White Pelicans, herons, storks, raptors and passerines gather around the lake and surrounding hills, creating ideal conditions for observation and photography.
Following K’Nature’s ethical approach, our boat excursions are conducted without baiting, allowing wildlife to behave naturally. The combination of intense bird activity and soft spring light makes this season perfect for both birdwatching and photography.
Beyond the lake, we explore nearby forests and hills for woodland species and, with some luck, Mammals such as Golden Jackal and Wildcat, as well as active Reptiles and Amphibians. The tour also includes a visit to the Axios Delta, one of Greece’s most important wetlands for waterbirds, and a short cultural stop in Thessaloniki, adding a local flavour to the experience.
- Lake Kerkini: Created by damming the Struma River in 1932, Lake Kerkini is today one of Northern Greece’s most important spring birding sites. Shallow waters, reedbeds and flooded areas host an impressive diversity of birds, including large breeding concentrations of Dalmatian and Great White Pelicans. The rich mosaic of habitats also makes the area ideal for observing Mediterranean reptiles, amphibians and mammals alongside an outstanding avifauna.
- Axios Delta: Located on the western shores of the Thermaic Gulf, the Axios Delta is one of Greece’s key coastal wetland systems. We will explore river channels, coastal lagoons and brackish habitats that are crucial for both migratory and breeding birds. The area supports colonies of Greater Flamingos, Pygmy Cormorants, and a wide range of waders, raptors and passerines, offering a striking contrast to the inland landscapes of Kerkini.
- Thessaloniki: Greece’s second-largest city, Thessaloniki is a vibrant cultural crossroads overlooking the Aegean Sea. A short visit introduces its rich Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman heritage, adding a cultural dimension that perfectly complements the wildlife-focused part of the tour and offers insight into the history of Greek Macedonia.
The area around Lake Kerkini and the Axios Delta hosts an outstanding diversity of Birds, with a strong focus on Mediterranean and Eastern European specialties that are rarely encountered in northern Europe. Among the most iconic species are Dalmatian and Great White Pelicans, present in impressive numbers during the early breeding season, alongside wetland specialists such as Pygmy Cormorant, Greater Flamingo and Spur-winged Lapwing.
Raptors are a major highlight of the tour, with regular chances to observe White-tailed Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard and Levant Sparrowhawk, as well as spring migrants such as Red-footed Falcon moving through the area. The surrounding hills, farmland and woodland edges are particularly rich in passerines typical of the eastern Mediterranean, including European Bee-eater, Masked Shrike, Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin, Syrian Woodpecker, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Sombre Tit, Western Rock Nuthatch, and warblers such as Eastern Olivaceous, Olive-tree and Eastern Orphean Warbler.
Beyond birds, Lake Kerkini and its wetlands also offer opportunities to encounter some of the region’s most characteristic Mammals, with occasional sightings of Eurasian Otter, Golden Jackal and European Wildcat.
For those with a deeper interest in herpetofauna, optional daytime and nocturnal herping sessions are planned, targeting a rich assemblage of Balkan and Eastern Mediterranean Reptiles and Amphibians, including: Pelophylax kurtmuelleri, Hyla arborea, Pelobates balcanicus, Rana graeca, Triturus ivanbureschi, Mauremys rivulata, Ablepharus kitaibelii, Podarcis tauricus, Mediodactylus kotschyi, Lacerta viridis, Lacerta trilineata, Pseudopus apodus, Vipera ammodytes, Teloscopus fallax, Dolichophis caspius, Platyceps najadum, Malpolon insignitus, Xerotyphlops vermicularis.
DAY 1: Meeting at Thessaloniki Airport. Transfer to Kerkini Lake National Park. Birdwatching activities. Dinner and overnight stay in Kerkini.
DAY 2: Full day dedicated to birdwatching and exploration of the lakeshores and surrounding hills. Photographic boat excursion on Lake Kerkini. Dinner and overnight stay in Kerkini.
DAY 3: Photographic boat excursion on Lake Kerkini. Birdwatching along the lakeshore before transferring to the Axios Delta. Exploration of the eastern section of Axios Delta National Park. Return to Thessaloniki. Dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 4: Free time to explore Thessaloniki. Transfer to the airport.
For more information contact the organizers.
What is included:
- Accommodation (shared rooms in Kerkini).
- Meals throughout the tour (breakfasts, packed lunches, dinners – drinks not included).
- All ground transportation, including fuel, tolls and parking fees.
- Two boat excursions on Lake Kerkini.
- Expert wildlife guiding by a professional zoologist for the entire tour, including the use of field equipment for observations (binoculars, spotting scope, field guides, etc.).
What’s not included:
- Flights.
- International travel insurance.
- Tips to local guides.
- Everything not mentioned in the previous item.
At Lake Kerkini, accommodation is provided in a nature-based lodge located just a short distance from the lake shores. The property consists of independent cottage-style units, built in stone and wood and carefully integrated into the surrounding landscape.
Rooms and small apartments all feature private bathrooms and are arranged to accommodate multiple guests, with a mix of single and double beds. Depending on group size, participants may share a cottage unit, while still enjoying comfortable living space and privacy. The lodge also offers outdoor areas and green spaces, creating a peaceful setting ideally suited to a wildlife-focused and photography-oriented tour.
Penalties in the event of cancellation: In the event of unmotivated withdrawal of the contract by the consumer, the penalties are equal to 100% of the entire participation fee, in addition to non-refundable insurance premiums.
Number of participants: Minimum 4
If the minimum group is not reached or if the organization cancels due to force majeure, the entire amount paid will be refunded.
Reservations within 30 days from departure.
Information regarding rates and payment methods will be communicated by email after completing the request form.
Can’t find the experience you’re looking for?
Dreaming of observing a specific species or exploring a particular natural area?
We can design a tailor-made tour just for you.
