The Reptiles & Amphibians of Albania

Tour Code: ALB02

An 8-day holiday through the stunning landscapes of Albania, searching for the numerous reptiles and amphibians of this Balkan country, a hidden gem of the Mediterranean region.

We hope to run this tour in the future, but have not yet finalised dates and prices. To be added to a waiting list and be informed when details are confirmed, please click on the register interest button, or phone 01962 733051.
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

An exploration of the Republic of Albania is a tantalizing prospect for the naturalist and indeed especially for anyone with an interest in seeing Europe’s reptile and amphibian species. On this exciting 8-day holiday we will travel through Albania's most stunning scenery to explore a variety of species-rich habitats, staying at lovely 3* and 4* hotels throughout, in search of the wildlife of this little-known, picturesque, Balkan country. Intact habitats and a Mediterranean climate provide paradise for reptile- and amphibian-life, and in Albania they can be encountered with rare abundance for a European country, and a diversity of over 40 species. On an itinerary carefully prepared by herpetologists and biologists of the University of Tirana, we will go in search of such special species as Greek Meadow Viper (Vipera graeca), Meadow Viper (Vipera ursinii) and Albanian Pool Frog (Pelophylax shqipericus) – 3 endangered species – alongside a plethora of over 55 species which includes all three species of European tortoise, two species of terrapin, Fire Salamander and an impressive range of frog, lizard, and snake species.

The group size for this holiday is limited to just seven participants as we seek to find and photograph some of Europe's special reptile- and amphibian-life. For further detail, please download the tour's itinerary above.

  • Enjoy a standout area for reptile and amphibian abundance in all of Europe
  • Breathtaking scenery
  • A chance to see all three European tortoise species; Hermann's, Marginated and Spur-thighed
  • Explore pristine freshwater habitats for beautiful Balkan Terrapin
  • Search for the country's two endangered meadow vipers, Leopard Snake and the highly sought Shkodra Lake (Lake Scutari) locale of Nose-horned Viper
  • Survey for the regions’ amphibians including the near-endemic and rare Albanian Pool Frog
  • Visit Maligrad Island (Snake Island) known for its high densities of snakes and other reptiles
  • The range of special lizards include such species as Dalmatian Algyroides, Balkan Green Lizard, Erhard’s Wall Lizard, Glass Lizard and Snake-eyed Skink

This exciting tour is part of our portfolio of herpetology holidays.

Grading

On a typical day on our herpetology tours we’ll begin searching in the field after breakfast, when the sun has warmed the substrates and landscapes, often getting into the vehicles at 9am and, after stopping for approximately one hour for lunch (which is often a continental-style picnic eaten in situ), we’ll continue into early-evening when we will stop for a rest and dinner. Most evenings it will be possible to do excursions in search of nocturnal species, which will on average be for three hours after dinner. With an equal percentage of the target reptile and amphibian species likely to be nocturnal, these night searches are an important part of the tour but are optional, with some participants preferring to rest on some of the days. On average, 5-8 miles are walked per day.

We’ll focus our time in the field on building an enviable list of reptile and amphibian species seen. Whilst searching, there is no doubt we’ll come across a huge variety of amazing fauna and flora, which we’ll also take time to enjoy, but reptiles and amphibians will strongly remain our focus. Sensitively checking under stones, logs and other refugia is an effective way of finding many species. Some of the target reptile or amphibian species may require longer field hours to locate and therefore this tour is suitable, and most enjoyable, for experienced herpetologists or naturalists who, aside from wishing to see the region’s rarely-seen reptiles and amphibians, relish being in the field searching for and identifying the vast array of birds, butterflies, invertebrates, orchids and other wildlife which can be found sharing the wonderful habitats that we’ll explore on the tour.

In summary, Naturetrek herpetology holidays are suitable, and offer tremendous value, for those who spend most of their holiday time in wildlife habitats and for whom seeing some of the world’s superb reptiles and amphibians is the focus of their time away.

Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Fly Corfu/Tirana
Day 2
Butrint National Park
Day 3
Nemercke Mountain
Day 4
Prespa National Park
Day 5
Maligrad Island and Peshkopi
Day 6
Korab Mountain
Day 7
Shkodra Lake (Lake Scutari)
Day 8
Inbound flights from Tirana
cloud_downloadDownload Full Itinerary
What's Included

What's Included?

  • Flights
  • Accommodation:

    Comfortable 4* and 3* en suite accommodation throughout

  • Food:

    All meals including mineral water, starting with dinner on Day 1 and finishing with breakfast on Day 8.

     

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Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!